Weekend Reviews Episode #11

By Adam Ray Palmer

This feature does exactly what it says in the title. Some reviews of films, from over the weekend – basically.
 
No matter the genre, nor the year… I basically watch a streaming service, or a DVD, and do a little bite-sized reviews for you to agree or disagree to.

Out of the three, let me know which film you prefer!

THOR: THE DARK WORLD
Following critical and box office success from the 2011 outing for Thor, shock horror, Marvel did a sequel. This time, two years later in 2013, the mood was a lot darker. For me, I prefer the Marvel productions that dance with darkness as it gives the narrative an additional adult feel to what sometimes screams ridiculousness. In this instalment, the Dark Elves attempt to plunge the universe into darkness, and so Thor must embark on a perilous and personal journey that will reunite him with doctor Jane Foster.
 
With Alan Taylor in the director’s chair, a man behind several Game of Thrones episodes, you know what Marvel Studios were aiming for. This route for me is welcomed, but the execution alongside the plot was extremely meek for me. This film is the definition of heading in a right direction, but the narrative was too mild. It’s a relatively short film and not a huge amount happens. It was the perfect Thor movie that preceded the might that is Ragnarok.
 
Cineroom’s rating: 3 stars

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE
First Class and Days of Future Past were epic, and so the expectation for Apocalypse was enormous for me. Did it live up to my personal hype? Not quite, but it was a barrel of fun for sure. I don’t know what it is about X-Men, but I just love this bunch. It is probably helped that I adore Lawrence, McAvoy, Fassbender and Hoult – and I’d watch anything they are in.
 
This instalment is set in the 1980s when the X-Men must defeat an ancient all-powerful mutant, En Sabah Nur, who intends to thrive through bringing destruction to the world. There’s a lot that happens in this one, and we meet a lot of new mutants for going forwards in the franchise. To best describe this film would be a stepping stone for bigger things, but it’s actually a decent one. Sometimes they can fall flat, but this did have a strong narrative whilst building a bigger picture. An enjoyable watch.
 
Cineroom’s rating: 3.5 stars

SPLIT
Director and writer M. Night Shyamalan has always been an interesting character when it comes to filmmaking. He loves a sci-fi feel to his thrillers and his 2016 movie, Split, is no different. I remember catching this film in the cinema, and being wowed at so many things. The performances from James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy were astonishing, the character arcs of both of them too and also how the narrative developed. It kept you guessing for the entirety.
 
Split follows three girls who are kidnapped by a man (McAvoy) with a diagnosed 23 distinct personalities. They must try to escape before the apparent emergence of a frightful new 24th. Split is a dark film, but with small moments of humour. It’s those slightly comical scenes though that enhance the unease throughout. You just don’t know what’s going to happen next. Take a bow, M. Night Shyamalan… a great weekend film.
 
Cineroom’s rating: 4.5 stars