Letterboxd — Your life in film

I just have a tremendously good time watching this.

Still one of the best - the right level of mythologising that doesn’t overwhelm the audience with too much information. Luke’s growth feels natural, although he’s still outmatched, not only by Vader’s strength, but his cunning and experience. 

Watched it for the first time with Hannah, aged five, who ate a lot of popcorn throughout, but she went very quiet towards the end of the big fight. The revelation seemed to carry a smaller impact, but maybe that’ll change in the future, maybe not.

Excellent documentary - a great overview of a band that deserves as much, if not more, attention than they currently get. 

Going to spend the start of 2022 doing a big deep dive into Sparks.

First time watching Phantom of the Opera, and I had a very good time indeed. 

All elements were great - the music, staging, costumes and the beautiful lips of the Phantom.

One of the best action films of all time - it delivers on every level, consistently. 

Who gives a fuck about the Christmassy nature of the film - it’s a gem no matter when you watch it.

Bursting with character, a cracking action film for the festive period. Some of the best one-liners in Shane Black’s career.

A modern fable that, instead of trying to manipulate the audience with cheap and unearned sorrow, delivers its best blows by filling the screen with joy.

It’s like the Metallica documentary How to make a Monster, except I love the lads here and can’t stand the Metallica boys. 

This humanises the Beatles more than a million interviews ever could - we see them be a little petty, a little insecure, and pretty bored at times. 

You also get to see their genuine bond with each other, and their love for the music. 

Also Ringo does what must’ve been a terrible fart.

Every action hero that’s followed can’t hold a candle to Jack Burton - handsome, athletic, thick as pig shit in the neck of a bottle. I love him.

Just a lovely time.

Second viewing, this time with my Dad (who also loved it). 

I’m impressed that a major blockbuster allows enough space for the audience to explore the story and motivations of the characters without just gently spooning it into our brains. 

Paul’s visions are a great example - throughout the film we interpret them along with him, leading to a moment of revelation where he meets a guide who will open up a new world of knowledge, but on a path that Paul does not want to tread. 

Could easily have watched Dune for another hour, and my mouth is shaped for more in 2023.