Relentless

 Waves (2019)

Directed by Trey Edward Shults this film stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Taylor Russell, Sterling K. Brown and Renee Elise Goldsberry. A teenage boy struggles under the expectations of his father while his sister feels abandoned following her brother's actions.

I really enjoyed this moody look at teenage life and tragedy. There is a great combination of two coming of age stories rooted in real human characters. Well worth seeking out if you are in the mood for something with real emotions in it.

4/5

Twists and turns to make a point

 The Turning Point (1952)

Directed by William Dieterle this film stars William Holden, Edmond O'Brien and Alexis Smith. A district attorney and a reporter both seek to take down a crime syndicate.

As thrillers go this one packs a decent amount into the 90 minute run time. The plot is solid and filled with plenty of conflict thanks to some good dialogue. Not more than the sum of its parts but still a decent watch.

3/5

Too little humanity, too much divinity

 Harriet (2019)

Directed by Kasi Lemmons this film based on real events stars Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Joe Alwyn. A young woman escapes from slavery and then helps rescue others.

No doubt about it Harriet Tubman is an inspirational individual who deserves to have her story told but this film does not do the job in my opinion. What I find most distasteful about the film is the deserve to take away human bravery and instead credit the supernatural. If you can get part the Jesus parts this is a serviceable biopic at best.

2/5

Just too familiar

 Just Mercy (2019)

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton this film based on real events stars Micheal B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson. In 1989 an idealistic young African American lawyer heads to Alabama to offer legal aid to inmates on death row.

Unfortunately there is nothing surprising or new about this tale of injustice, racism and the death penalty. Enjoyable as this film is it is sadly just another in a long line of films on similar topics. Well made but just another reminder of how unfair the system is.

3/5

Shook

 A Hand Shake (1892)

Directed by William K. L. Dickson this film features the director and William Heise. Two men shake hands.

The image quality on this one is pretty poor as is the handshake which is barely complete. No doubt an important experiment on the path to cinema but not worth watching on its own. There are better early films out there.

1/5

When the French try to steal your space station

 3022 (2019)

Directed by John Suits this film stars Omar Epps, Kate Walsh and Angus Macfadyen. In 2190 the crew of a space station witness the destruction of Earth and realise they have nowhere to go.

It is obvious that this film was made on a low budget but it is pretty decent plot wise for the restrictions placed upon the film. Where I have problems with the film is the large amount of smoking through out and the ten years term the characters are supposedly hired for, both of which seem unrealistic. In the end this is neither the best or the most thought provoking sci-fi film you will see.

2/5

Barely two seconds

 Fencing (1892)

Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. Two men a captured fencing.

Running at just two seconds this film was no doubt a technical achievement but there is not a lot to it. For those of us looking for entertainment there is not a huge amount here. One of those early films you can skip without missing anything.

2/5