Not so lonely?

Lonely Boy (1962)

Directed by Wolf Koenig and Roman Kroitor this is a short documentary. We see what it is like to be a teen idol as the cameras follow pop star Paul Anka.

As documentaries go I would not say this one is especially insightful due to its brief nature. Very much a surface level look at the subject matter there is still some interesting stuff here. I would have preferred the questions put to the subject had a little more push to them.

3/5

How to play nicely with others

Western (2017)

Written & directed by Valeska Grisebach this film stars Meinhard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek, Syuleyman Alilov Letifov and Vyara Borisova. German construction workers head to rural Bulgaria to build a hydroelectric plant but only one of them really tries to fit in with the locals.

As a study of relationships between Germany and poorer countries in the EU this is certainly an interesting film. The minimalist, realism of the film might not be to everyone's taste but I certainly enjoyed the slow burn nature of the film. Well made and with some stunning scenery this is a good watch.

4/5

Kids, booze and prejudice

Bomb City (2017)

Directed by Jameson Brooks this film based on real events stars Dave Davis, Glenn Morshower, Logan Huffman and Lorelei Linklater. Tensions between the punk and jock communities in Amarillo Texas rise to tragic consequences.

I really enjoyed this film, the way it contrasted the two cultural subtypes, how they are treated and the way it obscures the climax for those unfamiliar with the events. Certainly this film leaves the viewer with plenty to think about. Well made and largely well acted this film is well worth a watch.

4/5

Consider my daisy unpulled

Pull My Daisy (1959)

Directed by Robert Frank and Alfred Leslie this film has narration from writer Jack Kerouac. We are told the story of a railway brakeman's wife inviting a bishop to dinner.

To be honest I found this film a little hard to follow and difficult to get to the point. The style is that of Beat poetry but was not really to my taste. I am sure some will find this an interesting experiment but sadly I did not.

2/5

A poor man's Tennessee Williams

Wonder Wheel (2017)

Written & directed by Woody Allen this film stars Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Juno Temple and Justin Timberlake. During a 1950s summer on Coney Island a married woman starts an affair while her step daughter is on the run from the mob.

It is clear the style that Allen is going for here but that seems more fitting of a play at times and some of the dialogue/performances are a bit obvious. At least the plot offers a bit of variety compared to the usual Allen film of a neurotic older man chasing a younger woman. The most interesting thing here is the striking use of coloured lighting in some of the scenes.

3/5

Flim flam and hogwash

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Directed by Michael Gracey this musical based on real events stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya. A poor man aspures to become rich by entertaining the public.

Despite all the hype I found this to be a very bland musical with little plot or respect for history. The musical numbers are the generic modern pop songs and I doubt will stand the test of time. Clearly there is a lot of production value that has gone into the film but everything else seems to have been an after thought.

2/5

Life, growth and others

Lady Bird (2017)

Written & directed by Greta Gerwig this film stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts and Beanie Feldstein. In her final year of high school in 2002 a Sacramento teen regularly clashes with her mother.

Covering plenty of familiar ground this is still a very good coming of age drama. Despite being slightly over hyped by critics this is still a really interesting look at the usual themes but from the less seen female perspective. Well made and constructed it is very easy to recommend this film.

4/5