Wednesday 21 February 2018

Film Reviews: The Phantom Thread and Black Panther

The Phantom Thread
20 February 2018
130 mins
R
Paul Thomas Anderson (Director)
Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville
Drama

Set in 1950's London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.
(IMDB Synopsis)



 The Phantom Thread is a fascinating film on many levels. The story offers an intriguing drama that you think is going to go one way but which ends up heading in a different direction. Then there are the stunning performances, especially from Daniel Day-Lewis, who manages to make Woodcock both irritating and yet completely compelling, to the point where I could see myself falling for him, too, if caught in his sphere. The pacing does get a tad slow once or twice, but the plot is captivating enough to keep your attention during those times. I loved the soundtrack, which lent just the right feel to the piece--romantic, but with a sense of unease--and the cinematography was excellent, making the film a visual treat too. This is one to see if you like deep drama with a psychological twist.



Black Panther
20 February 2018
134 mins
PG-13
Ryan Coogler (Director)
Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Fantasy/Action

T'Challa, the King of Wakanda, rises to the throne in the isolated, technologically advanced African nation, but his claim is challenged by a vengeful outsider who was a childhood victim of T'Challa's father's mistake. (IMDB Synopsis)


Anyone who knows me already knows that I am a huge MCU fangirl, so I went in to this movie with high expectations. I wasn't disappointed, as this was a fun and engaging fantasy-action film, with great VFX, an excellent cast, a pumping soundtrack, and a compelling plot. Chadwick Boseman gives an outstanding performance in the lead, and I loved seeing Martin Freeman's Agent Ross play a more active role. Do I think it's Marvel's best movie (taking each as standalone films)? No, for me, Thor: Ragnarok still holds that position. However, that doesn't mean this isn't a wonderful piece of cinema. While it may not be my personal fave, Black Panther is one of MCU's top movies to date. After ten years, they keep moving from strength to strength with these films, and I cannot wait until Avengers: Infinity War opens in a few weeks time.

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