Children of Men - 4/5

The main draw from this movie is certainly the cintematography, with breathtakingly long takes and jawdropping visual trickery that doesn’t distract from the story but supports and enhances it. The premise is pretty novel and the story plods along interestingly enough, building tension on the brink of despair then shining enough of a light to keep the audience watching and hoping. The violence has a passive realism that focuses on the human impact more than the uncomforatable psychology of it, but both are present to a degree. Sill, if you like dystopian sci-fi and difficult film-making, it’s a must-watch.

Closest comparison: It’s like 1984 by way of Birdman.

Setting: Dystopian Sci-Fi
Plot: On-The-Run
Tone: Bleak Survival

Angel Has Fallen - 3/5

This movie is a solid addition to the series. It’s more of a thriller than either of the previous films, with the action taking slightly more of a back seat to the scrappy resourcefulness the main character uses to fight the chaos that comes against him. The action here is often too dark or shaky to see well, but feels more like it’s trying to convey the characters’ state of mind more than just not knowing how to make an action scene. Sure, there are some things that don’t make a whole lot of sense, but they’re easy to overlook and just go along for a fun ride.

Closest comparison: It’s like The Fugitive (1993) or Clear and Present Danger (1994) by way of Jack Reacher.

Setting: Political Thriller
Plot: On-The-Run Action
Tone: Thriller

Stan & Ollie - 3/5

This movie is a heartwarming tragedy about the life and times of the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. For those interested in their history and behind-the-scenes interactions, this is a good run-down of the later part of their lives. Instead of focusing on how they meet it goes through their disagreements and struggles to get an audience even after coming to fame. Steve Coogan is very good as Stan Laurel, but John C. Reilly in full costume is the spitting image of Oliver Hardy and their chemistry is palpable on screen.

Closest comparison: It’s a standard biopic, a la Chaplin (1992) or The King’s Speech.

Setting: Drama
Plot: Biopic
Tone: Tragedy