Watchmen: Director's Cut
Now that I've seen the film three times and read the comic twice, I'm really beginning to appreciate it. I like the presentation which is halfway between live action and computer animation. The complexity of the story and the characters don't necessary translate well to a three hour movie, but it is perfect for re-watches, giving the themes and the reactions time to percolate and be analyzed. I think I'll be putting this in my top 300, if not my top 100.
4.5/5
Holy Motors
So is this the life of a Netflix performer? Forced to perform character scenes at a high level, driving around Paris all day?
There's still a lot in this film to consider and ruminate over. But it feels more disjointed, without a cohesive whole, as if someone had a number of pieces and decided to just throw them together, like the recent Coen Bros project. On the other hand, the jarring jumps from performance within the film to being unsure if it is performance or the actor's real life is marvelous. Still makes me think, still a keeper.
4/5
The Favourite
Placed in the growing group of "savage costume dramas", which is becoming a favorite of mine, although my wife would never care for it. Unlikable people placed in sympathetic situations where they claw their way to freedom or prison. The direction, writing and performances are perfectly in line to present an ugly, but realistic portrayal that is more I, Claudius than The Madness of King George. Out of the main three performances, I'd give my award to Olivia Coleman for Queen Anne who is in turns childish, horror-inducing, sympathetic and wise, all remaining completely in character. Weisz is my second choice who remains noble in every syllable and movement, despite facing hell. I really enjoyed my time, but it won't become a favourite of mine.
4/5
Fantastic Beasts: Crimes
I'm taking this one to the spoiler thread.