★★★★
It seems apt that a film about American politics should prove so polarising these days. Of all the contenders in this year’s awards conversation, Vice is the one you will most likely love or loathe. Not only is this the story of the controversial, power-hungry ogre of a man – or political giant with admirable conviction, depending on your persuasion – but it is an Adam McKay film and thus comes with a degree of laconic self-assurance so strong that Dick Cheney himself would approve.
★★★
Combining the memoirs of father and son never quite rewards in the case of Beautiful Boy. The film is the English language debut of Belgian director Felix van Groeningen and takes its story from individual accounts written by David and Nic Sheff, concerning the latter’s battle with drug addiction. Though Van Groeningen’s script, co-written with Luke Davies, does well to capture the true to life frustrations of recovery and relapse, its delivery lacks a needed sense of emotional involvement and feels long at two hours.
★★★★
What with this and Paul McGuigan’s recent Gloria Grahame biopic, British cinema seems to be retconning itself a reputation for killing off Hollywood’s hall of fame greats. Very much like with Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, Stan & Ollie boasts a pair of career best performances, delightful wit and heartbreaking pathos. I preferred the former but it’s a close call.
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