TheBlackfordBookClub

“The past is just a story we tell ourselves”. Alexa — Please show me a dystopian future! Following his previous collaborations with Charlie Kaufman and Dave Eggers, Her was Spike Jonze’s first solo screenplay and one which earned him his first Oscar success in 2014 for Best Original Screenplay. Her is certainly original in every sense and equally highly prescient in the overriding themes it tackles of an ever increasing technologically connected world but one in which human beings are more and more disconnected from ourselves, each other and of the day to day reality of the real world, and of our “marriage” to laptops, computers and smart phones that despite the great advantages these pieces of technology provide, also erect tangible barriers that these technological advances also create. But despite our, and the film’s, over dependency on the technology that surrounds and envelops us, Her has a real human story at it’s heart, two brilliant central performances set amid vivid and crystal clear cinematography from Director of Photography Hoyte Van Hoytema and a beautiful accompanying musical soundtrack from Canadian Indie rock band Arcade Fire. The film is set in a near future world but rather than flying cars being the overall signifier of a said near future it is technologically driven and rather than today’s fast becoming obsolete practice of interacting with busy fingers on a laptop or smart phone screen, everything is voice activated with audio directly into the ears via a smart ear bud. Life in Her is seemingly familiar to today, however in Spike Jonze’s view of a near future many people have invested in a brand new, all purpose “O/S” or “Operating System” that they remain connected to throughout the day. Thus people of the near future seem to be constantly talking to themselves however they’re connected to, and interacting with, their O/S which, the developers are keen to reinforce in their advertisements, is “not just an Operating System, but a consciousness”. The O/S actively develops and evolves with human interaction and experience, quickly becoming more and more human like while blurring the lines between flesh and blood human beings and a complex computer operating system. The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Her" penned and published nearly a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 21st December 2022 and which can also be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and the link immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/her-2013-d061b1706e03 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Only available currently in e-book form, each exhaustive volume of spoiler free film reviews is £4.99 however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 7 Volume Collection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe and comment should you wish! Thank you.

“We used to look up into the stars and wonder”. Well the wait is finally over! Two interminably long years since wrapping “his” Batman trilogy, Christopher Nolan has finally gone into space and off world via the unexplainable scientific mediums of the space time continuum, wormholes and black holes. Co-written with his brother Jonathan, Nolan also served as Producer as well as helming this latest cinematic wonder and a wonder it is, lest it has numerous minor flaws. Watching from the dark confines of your local picture house is the only place to see Interstellar, and on the biggest screen possible for it is a magnificent, immersive and an almost operatic achievement. However it’s the first Christopher Nolan film that I haven’t instantly fallen in love with but I do greatly admire the astounding cinematic achievement in yet again producing a film that continues to break boundaries and expand the sense of what is possible as well as challenging an audience, filling it full of wonder, adventure and dreams whilst juxtaposing these themes with frustration, isolation, desolation and the eerie silence of outer space. There are clearly nods to M Night Shyamalan’s mysterious Signs, Robert Zemeckis’ Contact and huge inspiration has been taken from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey but Nolan has also referenced back to his own incredible film of four years previously, Inception, with it’s continuous time shifts whilst challenging the possibility of time itself, it’s constituents and it’s limitations. Interstellar is far more than a simple dying earth/outer space story as Nolan again leans on many of the themes he’s employed in his previous films as he explores the concepts of reality, time and the Machiavellian principle of the end justifying the means. But above all it’s another Nolan film with human beings and the human spirit at the core of his film, of a Father’s love for his family and his determination for their continued survival. #interstellar #interstellarmovie #christophernolan #matthewmcconaughey #movies #moviereview #cinema #film #filmfan #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #blog #blogger #blogging #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my very first opus film blog article on the entire career of Christopher Nolan which I originally penned and published over a decade ago, added to with his releases of "Dunkirk" and "Tenet" and which was transferred to my Medium blog site on 27th January 2023 and can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below. I have also linked my original opus blog article on the entire career of the London born filmmaker here too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/interstellar-2014-14c3836b9767 https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/christopher-nolan-and-his-entire-cinematic-catalogue-ed5c07e44a67 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book, each volume is priced at £4.99 however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume containing numerous spoiler free film reviews for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and please consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“The world doesn’t just disappear when you close your eyes”. Based on the short story “Memento Mori” by his brother Jonathan, this is a cinematic triumph in every way for Christopher Nolan. Director of Photography Wally Pfister deserves early praise for the immersive lighting of the black and white scenes and a distinctly different and more gritty, real life feel to the standard colour scenes. This was to be Pfister’s first of numerous collaborations as DP on a Christopher Nolan film. Editor Dody Dorn also deserves early praise, as does David Julyan who returns to provide another subtle and haunting “electronic hum” of a soundtrack. He also provided a similar score to Nolan’s earlier film Following and also re-teams with the Director on his next two films. As a music fan, the score is a particular favourite of mine reminiscent as it is of the 1980’s style of synthesised score, simple yet mournful and brooding. As a Radiohead fan it pleases me that Director Nolan originally wanted their eponymous track “Paranoid Android” to play over the closing credits but due to rights issues David Bowie’s “Something in the Air” is used. Even as a Radiohead fan, the use of Paranoid Android wouldn’t have fitted the film at all. #memento #mementomori #christophernolan #guypearce #carrieannemoss #joepantoliano #movies #moviereview #cinema #film #filmfan #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #blog #blogger #blogging #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my very first opus film blog article on the entire career of Christopher Nolan which I originally penned and published over a decade ago, have added to with his releases of "Dunkirk" and "Tenet" and which was transferred to my Medium blog site on 27th December 2022 and can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below. I have also linked my original opus blog article on the entire career of the London born filmmaker here too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/memento-2000-1c74a4a91dd5 https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/christopher-nolan-and-his-entire-cinematic-catalogue-ed5c07e44a67 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book, each volume is priced at £4.99 however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume containing numerous spoiler free film reviews for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and please consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“I don’t know where to put things, you know? I really do have love to give! I just don’t know where to put it”. Seen on far too many occasions for me to admit. OK, the old joke is I watch this once a month just to keep my hand in, and there’s a little truth to the joke. But where to start with this modern classic? Vague and bizarre weather reports? CHECK. Raining frogs? CHECK. Bizarre, interwoven but seemingly unconnected historical events? CHECK. Tom Cruise acting his arse off? CHECK. Melora Walters providing an acting master class of immense proportions? CHECK. A beautiful yet haunting musical score from Jon Brion? CHECK. I could go on (Philip Seymour Hoffman is incredible) but I am exceedingly biased and simply blown away every time I watch this. However, in the fairness of balance(?) some have criticised this as way too melancholic, confusing, upsetting and a plodding over long drama. To those I retort, it is uplifting beyond measure and with a screenplay from director Anderson that resonates through every character and central performances that astound me every time. This is but the tip of a very deep iceberg, again covering relationships, human frailty, desperation, loneliness, despair, but intermingled with joy, redemption, recovery and the triumph of the human spirit. Whenever you’re settled into the film, a seemingly unconnected “event” is interwoven into the narrative to make you question the event and it’s relevance. Oh, and there’s 7/8 interweaving stories from rich, seemingly unconnected characters all taking place at the same time, in the same city, which slowly and deliberately come together to produce a sublime piece of cinema. The DVD “extras” has a feature length documentary on the making of this masterpiece which is as essential a watch as the film itself. I can’t possibly do this film justice, it truly is a masterpiece, and the starting point for my cinematic love for Paul Thomas Anderson. #magnolia #paulthomasanderson #tomcruise #movies #moviereview #filmreview #film #musings #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #substack #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #ebooks The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Magnolia" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 22nd January 2023 and which can be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/magnolia-1999-5d508944ca84 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volume series of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available in e-book form, each substantial volume of numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“Wait. Who’s subconscious are we going through exactly?”. Beginning at the end of the film, or does it? Is it all a dream? Is it limbo? Confused already? Well you should be! Yet another Christopher Nolan film that is difficult to describe without giving away plot spoilers and yet another Nolan film with a twisted time line. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this is also another of his films based on an original idea (dream stealing) he wrote as a treatment and sketchy outline many years before it was actually made, and I for one am eternally grateful it was. It’s an astonishing film which when seen on the big screen is a treat and so immersive but remains a true joy when re-watching. A film of many themes but the obvious opening one is that of dream stealing and being in a state of lucid dreaming, of being aware you are dreaming yet your dreams take bizarre and surreal circumstances. Which raises the question: what is Inception? It’s the planting of an idea into someone to think/believe they actually thought of the idea themselves. The cast is both a stellar collection of the finest character actors around, and also a truly international one. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt all take centre stage, ably supported by cameo roles from Michael Caine, Tom Berenger and Pete Postlethwaite. Long time Director of Photography Wally Pfister is again on board, but Hans Zimmer providing the musical score this time, a majestic one and highly recommended at that, and to great effect. The immersive musical score is again an electronic “hum”, dense and melancholic and a real treat. Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smith’s guests on guitar and the beautiful “Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien” from Edith Piaf is used continually throughout. This is another Christopher Nolan film to garner several Oscar nominations (8) and winning in four categories, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing and Best Cinematography, thereby securing Wally Pfister’s first Oscar after being nominated on all three previous Nolan films. #inception #christophernolan #leonardodicaprio #movies #moviereview #cinema #film #filmfan #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #blog #blogger #blogging #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my very first opus film blog article on the entire career of Christopher Nolan which I originally penned and published over a decade ago, added to with his releases of "Dunkirk" and "Tenet" and which was transferred to my Medium blog site on 26th January 2023 and can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below. I have also linked my original opus blog article on the entire career of the London born filmmaker here too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/inception-2010-3085dd9acf51 https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/christopher-nolan-and-his-entire-cinematic-catalogue-ed5c07e44a67 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book, each volume is priced at £4.99 however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume containing numerous spoiler free film reviews for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and please consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“We called him Mother Superior on account of the length of his habit”. Those of you hardy souls that read my blog articles will already be aware of what a voluminous “Favourite Films of all time” list I have. And Trainspotting is very near the summit and the highest possible praise I can give this masterpiece of a film. But this leaves me, as it often does, in somewhat of a quandary as to how to appraise or review this masterpiece without delving into spoilers or spoil through my own exuberance for a film I have grown up with, lived with and adored for over two decades. Trainspotting truly was a seminal film that spawned it’s own culture and a cottage industry of books, t-shirts, slogans and allowed many inferior films to ride on it’s coat tails. It reignited and/or gave new light into the careers of Iggy Pop and Lou Reed (to name just two) and as with Shallow Grave, propelled relative unknown actors into the stratosphere and onto glittering acting careers. #trainspotting #dannyboyle #ewanmcgregor #robertcarlyle #iggypop #loureed #perfectday #lustforlife #chooselife #masterpiece #cinema #moviereview #filmreview #film #reading #readalong #readaloud #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Trainspotting" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 10th January 2023 and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and my original and updated article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/trainspotting-1996-eca57dcb0aee This spoiler free review is also integral to my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available via e-book, each volume of exhaustive and numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

With a slightly different take on this overlooked classic in the cannon of Michael Mann, I’m going to appraise the first twenty minutes of this breath taking and sublime movie: With no opening credits we are straight into the film and a casual collision between “Vincent” (Tom Cruise) and “Airport Man” (Jason Statham) whereby briefcases are exchanged. Quickly cut to our second main character “Max” (Jamie Foxx) awaiting repairs on his taxi. More quick cutting between Vincent and Max sets the scene for the film, of differing people, differing lives and differing motivations. Vincent is seemingly cool and in control, well dressed and appearing to be travelling to a business meeting, whereby Max is casually dressed and more pressed, pressured and wanting to go about his day and earn a living. Foxx as Max dominates the opening fifteen minutes, often staring at his postcard of a Maldives beach and taking a few seconds before driving to his next pick up. With two dashboard cameras, one directly on the face of Max and one on Max and the back seat customer, you are immediately immersed in his world and of his reactions to his customers telephone conversations and observations. Picking up “Annie” (Jada Pinkett Smith), Max visibly softens and their interplay builds to a gentle teasing and flirting, backed by the brilliant “Hands of Time” by Groove Armada, and as Annie departs, Max hands her the postcard of the beach and receives her telephone number in exchange. #collateral #tomcruise #jamiefoxx #jasonstatham #michaelmann #cinema #moviereview #filmreview #film #reading #readalong #readaloud #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Collateral" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 14th January 2023 and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and my original and updated article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/collateral-2004-796e3a00cace This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 1 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available via e-book, each volume of exhaustive and numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HHDL56 All 7 Volume Series https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

Set between 1977 and the early 1980’s, this stunning film follows “Dirk Diggler” and his rather large appendage making it, erm, big in the porn industry! Mark Wahlberg, an underrated actor of his generation plays Dirk and takes centre stage alongside a stunning performance from cigar chomping Burt Reynolds as “Jack Horner”. In the opening scenes you are introduced to virtually every character, and very early on you detect their human frailties and the vacuous superficiality of their lives and the industry in which they work. Except one, the fresh faced, eager and motivated Dirk Diggler. The early scenes really set the table for the movie, from Paul Thomas Anderson’s amazing swooping camera work and full screen shots really immersing you directly into the film. Together with the human frailties and broken characters, you get a sense of a brooding intensity building and building, until the eventual release (my sexual references here aren’t intentional!) at the end of Act Two. #boogienights #paulthomasanderson #movies #moviereview #filmreview #film #musings #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #substack #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #ebooks The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Boogie Nights" penned and published over a decade ago and transferred to my Medium blog site on 3rd January 2022 and which can be read in full and for free via my original article linked immediately below: https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/paul-thomas-anderson-an-appreciation-b628d083509e This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 1 of my 7 volume series of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available in e-book form, each substantial volume of numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 1 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HHDL56 All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“Two weeks to go, buddy!”. Duncan Jones’ feature film debut contains a cast of just ten actors, many of whom you only fleetingly see and is contained almost entirely within the confines of one space station. Claustrophobic, intense and bizarre at times, and with a central performance from Sam Rockwell that simply astounds you every time you re-watch. And I’ve re-watched this classic debut film from Jones on many occasions, each time finding something new and intriguing or another piece of the puzzle. Duncan is also credited as writing the story and shares writing credits with Nathan Parker, but the story they’ve both created is a truly intriguing one that nods to spirituality, religion, of a dying earth raped by big business for it’s own profitable gains and to the natural resources that surround our planet that are rarely used but seemingly only when a profit can be turned from them. More on this in my concluding paragraph, but first, a brief take on one of my favourite actors of our generation, Mr Sam Rockwell. “Sam Bell” (Sam Rockwell) Two weeks to go of a three year contract mining for minerals on the dark side of the moon, Sam’s tortuous decline as the rescue date approaches is brilliantly portrayed by Rockwell. With only a mechanical robot for company named “Gerty” (voiced by Kevin Spacey), it’s a truly wonderful and awe inspiring virtuoso performance. Captivating throughout the 97 minute running time, the disintegration of his mind and body (no spoiler — see opening 10 minute scenes breakdown that follows) is painfully brought to life by Rockwell. Every little nuance and look gains more credence on re watches, but that isn’t to say you won’t be captivated on your first watching of this gem. You will be. The telephone call home may well break your heart too. Welcome to Collinwood, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (unbelievable performance), The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and a recent star turn in Seven Psychopaths. Sam Rockwell, one of the greatest character actors of our generation. #moon #duncanjones #davidbowie #samrockwell #movies #moviereview #filmreview #film #musings #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #substack #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #ebooks The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Moon" penned and published nearly a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 3rd December 2021 and which can be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/duncan-jones-moon-and-source-code-ec7a0f3beff9 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volume series of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available in e-book form, each substantial volume of numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“You put this kid behind the wheel, there’s nothing he can’t do”. I love this wonderful film to almost obsessive Magnolia/Paul Thomas Anderson type levels and it is a very high watermark in the burgeoning cinematic career of Nicolas Winding Refn. Why? Who can’t love a film that so dramatically and indeed so violently, change gears so unexpectedly? Who can’t fall in love with the film’s core, a beautiful and heart rending love story between a shy coffee shop waitress and a movie stuntman driver? Who can’t but admire the stellar cast of actors who play against their perceived character type? Who won’t fall in love with the 1980’s tinged synthesiser soundtrack complimenting the crystal clear visuals? And who amongst you aren’t heartbroken by the film’s denouement as justice may be done, though the heavens may still fall? Based on the book by James Sallis with a screenplay from Hossein Amini, Drive is very much a Nicolas Winding Refn film containing many of his accomplished touchstones: jolting and unexpected graphic violence, brilliantly captured slow motion segments heightening the build up to significant scenes, thorough and nuanced characters that shine from the screen through to a sublime soundtrack that is a very distinctive character all of it’s own. Throw in beautiful wide city scape shots reminiscent of Michael Mann’s crystal clear visions in Heat, driving sequences that take your breath away and a beautiful love story at the film’s core and you have a truly outstanding and wonderful film. The 1980’s tinged soundtrack from regular collaborator Cliff Martinez is a real joy and is supplemented superbly by individual songs such as “Tick of the Clock” by Chromatics and particularly “A Real Hero” by College (Feat Electric Youth). This track compliments a drive through a dry underpass perfectly, encapsulating the mood of the film and is one of the many stand out scenes. Director of Photography Newton Thomas Sigel deserves immense credit for bringing Refn’s vision for the film to life, from the wide city scape shots through to the simple use of mirrors and reflections, and the angles captured during the multiple car chase scenes. The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Drive" penned and published nearly a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 25th December 2022 and which can also be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and the link immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/drive-2011-c472ddf2dc96 This spoiler free review is also integral to my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection" and can be found within Volume 2. Only available currently in e-book form, each exhaustive volume of spoiler free film reviews is £4.99 however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4J1S1TL All 7 volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe and comment should you wish! Thank you.

Darren Aronofsky’s fourth film, written by Robert D Siegel, was his most critically acclaimed before Black Swan, with two rightly acclaimed and Oscar nominated performances from his leads. However, and going against perceived wisdom, this is for me the weakest of his six films to date and the least stylised with his own directorial imprint. That’s not to say it’s a bad film just the least Aronofsky styled film to date. The film follows a standard linear timeline following glossy opening credits recounting the glory days of wrestling in the 1980’s, of headlining Madison Square Garden to huge adoring crowds and a sport reaching it’s zenith in popularity. “20 Years Later” we find “Randy ‘The Ram’ Robinson” (Mickey Rourke) for the first time. Hunched over in pain in a small dressing room we never see his face, just his broken or at near breaking point body. We still don’t see his face or a clear view of The Ram (he insists upon being called Ram or Randy and always a nod toward his professional persona) as he signs autographs for ardent fans awaiting his departure. But the scene around him encapsulates his professional life, a small municipal gymnasium doubling for a wrestling arena, a few sparse chairs being tidied away diligently by effusive organisers and fans, and an old wrestling superstar walking gingerly away, wheeling his small luggage behind him. #thewrestler #darrenaronofsky #mickeyrourke #wrestling #movies #moviereview #filmreview #film #musings #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #substack #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #ebooks The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "The Wrestler" penned and published nearly a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 27th January 2022 and which can be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-wrestler-2008-165d6fd9d540 This spoiler free review is also integral to my 7 volume series of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available in e-book form, each substantial volume of numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“Introduce a little anarchy. Upset the established order, and everything becomes chaos. I’m an agent of chaos”. “The Joker” (Heath Ledger) Whilst a Batman film, Heath Ledger’s performance is so astonishing as to steal the film completely in much the same way as Jack Nicholson did so brilliantly in Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman. Both times the Batman characterisations are excellent, both here from a returning and brilliant again Christian Bale and Michael Keaton’s underrated portrayal in 1989. Here though is Ledger’s stage and his take on a favourite character of many people’s youth, but twisted and adapted for the 21st Century. His psychopathy is balanced unevenly with his regular turns of phrase and cutting gags which are interspersed with brutal violence and a complete detachment from the situation. The drivers for his psychopathy are immediately evident yet as the film and performance progresses these can be disregarded as The Joker wants one thing, and one thing only. Batman takes second billing to a phenomenal tour de force performance from Heath Ledger which is astonishing and his portrayal without equal. Every head tilt, his languid style, poise and presence is perfection, and his use of the screenplay and his particular cryptic language is superb. Every scene that Ledger is in (though less than you would imagine if you haven’t seen this film) you are drawn to his performance, and every second he is on screen he is mesmerising. A real loss to film and a loss to life itself, this is both The Joker’s finest moment, and Heath Ledger’s cinematic legacy. #thedarkknight #thedarkknighttrilogy #batman #heathledger #christianbale #christophernolan #movies #moviereview #film #cinema #filmreview #blog #blogging #blogger #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook The above paragraphs are taken from my very first written blog from over a decade ago and first opus blog on the entire career of a director and namely, Christopher Nolan. The original blog article containing the entire career of Christopher Nolan, from "Following" in 1998 through to "Tenet" in 2020 is linked below and can be read in full and for free: https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/christopher-nolan-and-his-entire-cinematic-catalogue-ed5c07e44a67 This spoiler free review is also integral to my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book, each huge volume of multiple film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and please consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

In essence: the film, and a running time of just 106 minutes, is split across three distinct, yet interweaving time(s) and narrative(s) entitled “1. THE MOLE (One Week)”, “2. THE SEA (One Day)” and “3. THE AIR (One Hour)”. “The Mole” is by far the largest unravelling of the cast of characters here and as per the picture above it takes place primarily in the town of Dunkirk and the beachhead from which the thousands of British soldiers await their fate as they take cover from the strafing German aeroplanes, building portable ramps into the sea and trying to negate the vicious tides or simply awaiting a high tide to sweep their makeshift vessel out to sea. Vastly more incidents are thrust upon “Alex” (Harry Styles), “Gibson” (Aneurin Barnard) “French Soldier” (Damien Bonnard) “Tommy” (Fionn Whitehead) and all the way up the ranking order to an always perplexed looking Kenneth Branagh as “Commander Bolton” as everyone desperately awaits either their fate or an impossible mission, and their rescue via a huge flotilla of personal boats, ships and cruisers leaving England. #dunkirk #christophernolan #movies #moviereview #cinema #film #filmfan #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #blog #blogger #blogging #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my very first opus film blog article on the entire career of Christopher Nolan which I originally penned and published over a decade ago, added to with his releases of "Dunkirk" here and "Tenet" and which was transferred to my Medium blog site on 14th January 2023 and can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below. I have also linked my original opus blog article on the entire career of the London born filmmaker here too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/dunkirk-2017-c2c230e94298 https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/christopher-nolan-and-his-entire-cinematic-catalogue-ed5c07e44a67 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 2 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book, each volume is priced at £4.99 however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume containing numerous spoiler free film reviews for free: Volume 2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4J1S1TL All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and please consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“Have no attachments. Allow nothing to be in your life that you cannot walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you spot the heat around the corner”. With typical Michael Mann understated and minimal opening credits, it’s interesting to immediately note that both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino are noted jointly as top billing, and rightly so. However, it’s De Niro who enters the screen first after another typical Mann style opening, gentle, stylised and glossy as a train passes the camera and into the station. “Neil McCauley” (Robert De Niro) is introduced via a slow motion panning camera shot, however this is quickly replaced as we follow his frenetic edited walk through a hospital to his ultimate goal, to steal an ambulance. We’re briefly introduced to “Lieutenant Vincent Hanna” (Al Pacino) however this is brief and we’re back to McCauley’s “tight crew” of robbers. Val Kilmer is excellent, if a little underused, as “Chris Shiherlis”, Tom Sizemore similarly as “Michael Cheritto” and cameos from Danny Trejo as “Trejo” and Kevin Gage as “Waingro” make up McCauley’s team. Donning hockey masks we follow their pursuit of their first target, a bank securities vehicle carrying valuable bearer bonds. A brutal and bloody heist later, and the first of many, welcomes you to Michael Mann’s Heat. With a tight screenplay again penned by Mann himself and his regular partnership with Director of Photography Dante Spinotti intact, this all time classic is a brilliantly layered piece of cinematic history. Far more than a genre shoot out/heist film, familial breakdowns, intrigue, suspense and friendship are all on show, and showcased by acting talents at the very peak of their careers. My favourite Michael Mann film which all these years since it’s initial release has not aged a day and is a true master class in film making. #heat #michaelmann #alpacino #robertdeniro #movies #masterpiece #cinema #moviereview #filmreview #film #reading #readalong #readaloud #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Heat" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 21st January 2023 and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and my original and updated article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/heat-1995-fa6c57bc1558 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available via e-book, each volume of exhaustive and numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volume Series https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“I feel the need. The need for Speed!”. For those unfamiliar with this eponymous mid 1980’s blockbuster, a very brief premise: Top Gun is a flight school for the USA Navy, the “best of the best”, “the elite”, a tough training school for ACM (Air Combat Manoeuvres) or air combat dog fighting. The front line of attack and defence for the USA Navy. A stereotypical 1980’s film production from Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, this second film from Tony Scott remains a personal favourite from my teenage childhood. A film I still love and a film that never fails to make me smile 26 years since it’s original release, it has dated a little but to associate a film of this age as dating a little is barely a criticism. It’s not perfect by any means, with the main criticism residing in a stale, sometimes lame screenplay which, when viewed now retrospectively, stunts some of the performances. A film definitely of it’s time, but one that still holds it’s own and a benchmark of the 1980’s blockbuster genre. Backed by the excellent musical score from Harold Faltermeyer, the soundtrack of which is highly recommended for those of a 40 years old plus vintage! Spawning numerous hits, the two most famous of which litter the film in varying guises. The film opens with “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and this is splintered throughout the film, as is both an instrumental version and full version of Berlin’s eponymous hit “Take my Breath Away”. The soundtrack as a whole is superb, with two further world famous songs noted below. In addition to the soundtrack is a stellar cast, the majority of whom have become household acting names since release. But none more so than Tom Cruise, who plays “Maverick”. His duel and indeed dual scenes with Val Kilmer’s “Ice Man” is the centre of the film, two ace pilots determined to outdo the other, to prove they’re the “best of the best”, one of the film’s many taglines. Anthony Edwards is on star form as “Goose” Maverick’s co-pilot, similarly Rick Rossovich as “Slider” co-pilot to Ice Man. Michael Ironside plays “Jester” brilliantly, as does Tom Skerritt, in a stand out performance as the older, more experienced and looked up to leader “Viper”. I could mention many more performances but will end by confirming a small cameo role for Tim Robbins as “Merlin”. #topgun #topgunmaverick #tomcruise #tonyscott #movies #moviereview #filmreview #film #musings #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #substack #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #ebooks The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Top Gun" penned and published nearly a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site on 23rd December 2022 and which can be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/top-gun-1986-774f1595ef19 This spoiler free review is also integral to my 7 volume series of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available in e-book form, each substantial volume of numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“Let me drive. I won’t make a fool out of you”. Although released in 1990 this is very much a 1980’s inspired Blockbuster period genre film, with Tony Scott again teaming up with Producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. Simpson actually plays a small cameo in his own produced film, as race car driver “Aldo Bennedetti”. Personally speaking, I’m not a fan of motor sport or indeed Nascar as this film depicts, but that shouldn’t put you off watching this classic as it remains a personal favourite of my teenage years, but more importantly remains a tight, well told story with brilliantly depicted racing scenes and a fun overall film that has aged very little in the 22 years since release. An all star stellar cast of Tom Cruise (who’s also a credited writer), Robert Duvall, Randy Quaid, Cary Elwes, Nicole Kidman, Michael Rooker and John C Reilly combine with brilliant direction from Tony Scott and his Director of Photography Ward Russell, who replaces regular collaborator Jeffrey Kimball here. With a sublime, if incidental musical score from Hans Zimmer, the entire film is wrapped in love and affection and you can clearly see this seeping through the entire movie with passion from all involved. I have minor criticisms: The second act is too baggy and lame in places and yes, the film follows the stereotypical early Tom Cruise career script model of raw recruit becomes a superstar, to losing his star status along with the girl he has won, then lost. Easy criticisms to make, but in this writer’s mind, the film still stands the test of time and remains a fun, if stereotypical romp. #daysofthunder #tonyscott #tomcruise #movies #moviereview #filmreview #film #musings #reading #readalong #readaloud #audiobook #substack #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #ebooks The above paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Days of Thunder" penned and published over a decade ago and transferred to my Medium blog site on 30th December 2021 and which can be read in full and for free via my original article linked immediately below: https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/tony-scott-1944-2012-a-cinematic-legend-b1c33c6a6580 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 2 of my 7 volume series of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available in e-book form, each substantial volume of numerous film reviews are priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 2 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4J1S1TL All 7 Volumes https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

Where do you start when describing Pulp Fiction, especially with as few spoilers as possible? Three distinct stories spread across seven interweaving narratives. A fractured time line connecting some of the finest created characters of our age. A neo noir or American Noir, with some of the most quotable and indeed quoted dialogue in film history. A story of gangsters, small time criminals, a boxer, a drug dealer and an all important watch. Some criticised the film’s bloody violence and aggression on release, similar to that of it’s predecessor. Major criticism was reserved for it’s open and graphic showing of continual drug taking. Thankfully sense prevailed early on, and it’s rightfully taken it’s place in the hallowed halls of the “Greatest films of all time”. Like all Quentin Tarantino films, I love this film to obsessive levels! 18 years on this shows no signs of abating, indeed on re watching specifically for this blog it took me way beyond the two and a half hour run time. Rather than provide a brief premise for the film, I’m going to appraise both the opening scene and the closing scene. Will this not break my “minimum spoilers” edict? Actually no, as it’ll provide roughly 5–10% of the film’s content, and it’s a continuation scene of sorts. Tarantino is meticulous with every scene he shoots and I hope to convey this here. I also hope to convey how it makes me and/or the audience feel or react. Prologue: The Diner Beginning with “Pumpkin” (Tim Roth) and “Honey Bunny” (Amanda Plummer) and a wide shot of them which is beautifully lit next to the Diner window and one of only four main camera angles used in the Prologue. With a close up on Plummer, similar close up on Roth, and a zoom close up on Roth, he launches into a tirade against immigrant shop owners who have the temerity to fight back during any robbery. This is preceded by playful, sexual banter, edited quickly between the two close up angle shots, building the tension as the topic of conversation settles on their next robbery. Losing eye contact with each other just once to be corrected that “Garcon” in fact means “Boy”, the split second interlude breaks the tension and is the film’s first amusing aside. #pulpfiction #quentintarantino #samuelljackson #johntravolta #brucewillis #stevebuscemi #timroth #umathurman #harveykeitel #christopherwalken #movies #moviescenes #moviereview #cinema #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #writing #writingcommunity #blogger #blogging #amazonkindle #unlimited The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Pulp Fiction" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred and updated on my Medium blog site and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original article linked immediately below. I've also added my opus blog article on the entire cinematic career of Quentin Tarantino below too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/pulp-fiction-through-the-eyes-of-an-18-year-old-1fbf1e374c76 https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-7d8df84138ee This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 4 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available via e-book on Amazon, each volume is priced at £4.99 however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package, you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 4 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4MG435K All 7 Volume Collection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“The smarter we get, the more dangerous our world becomes”. Slightly different appraisal for this, the second remake/re imaging in Tim Burton’s catalogue. Firstly, I love the 1968 original of the same name. I grew up with this and distinctly remember how blown away I was by the ending of the original (late night/early morning watching on television when I was still a young boy). The 1968 original still sets the standard although the recent 2011 Rise of the Planet of the Apes by Rupert Wyatt is a fantastic film and highly recommended if you haven’t seen it. Far more stylised and updated than either the original or here, the Tim Burton remake. But I also like Tim Burton’s 2001 re-imaging! There are many faults, the ending borders on farce and some of the apes are far too human like they become too disconcerting after a while. If that isn’t a paradox in and of itself! It’s also the least Tim Burton film of all of his vast cannon of work. While a huge fan of Burton (as you may have noticed), this film is all the better for being less, well, Burtonesque! A brief premise: 2029 on the space station Oberon, “Captain Leo Davidson” (Mark Wahlberg) receives a video postcard from home during which a power failure alerts the crew of a huge vortex/electrical storm heading their way. After seeing his favourite chimpanzee sent to investigate and subsequently disappear, against orders, Captain Davidson sets off to investigate. Sucked into the vortex, the instrument panels state he’s journeying into the future. But is he? #planetoftheapes #timburton #markwahlberg #movies #moviereview #film #filmreview #audiobook #ebook #reading #readalong #readaloud #blogger #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited The above opening paragraphs are taken from my spoiler free review of "Planet of the Apes" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and which can now be read in full and for free via my career long and huge opus blog article on the films of Tim Burton below: https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/the-magic-of-tim-burton-680403373369 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 4 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as e-books on Amazon and priced at £4.99 per volume however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every exhaustive volume of numerous spoiler free film reviews for free. Volume 4 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4MG435K All 7 Volume Series https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Oozing with myopic love, not spoilers. As was now custom (Django Unchained and The Hateful Eight), “Brother Andy” and I saw Once Upon a Time in Hollywood on opening night together and when the cinema lights were raised, accompanying the old school “Batman” theme that begins the closing credits of the film we were in love with QT’s latest creation, but we weren’t quite sure why. I returned the following day to watch it all over again and saw it in back to back showings. This completed the jigsaw. I’d already understood the general themes of the film as well as it being a love letter to a place, a vibe, a creation, a life, and an industry with which Quentin has been thoroughly ensconced within since his earliest years. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was also yet another of Quentin’s re-writing of history (see Django Unchained and Inglorious Basterds), but here it’s arguable, when compared to the horrific events he reverses, more subtle, personal, heart warming, human and indeed glorious. The final piece of the jigsaw for me was perhaps the second to last scripted line of the entire film. There’s one follow up line and partially inaudible dialogue shortly after, but when our supposed hero here states “Hey! You’re a good friend, Cliff” it really does summarise and gather together all that is truly magnificent of this, Quentin Tarantino’s ninth film. For it is a film about 1969, the height of the “Summer of Love” and what some writers then declared to be the end of innocence with the grisly Hollywood murders by anything but a self proclaimed “Family” who followed Charles Manson. It’s a love affair with a Hollywood and film industry pre the dirty and grimy Grindhouse cinemas of the late 1970’s, the excess of the 1980’s and the tiptoeing into an early 1990’s Quentin himself would dominate. It’s part Western (and part of his trilogy of westerns) and it’s also brilliantly part horror film for a twenty minute segment midway through. As the opening bars of that old school “Batman” theme begin you also have a catharsis, which is as rare in a QT film as the obvious strands of every relationship being tied up and neatly arranged, not left hanging or referring to a scene in the film an hour and a half ago. The beautiful ending juxtaposes with the visceral violence that precedes it, but whilst horribly graphic it is but a pinprick in time compared to the outrageously brilliant film that comes before it. And then you have that line about being a good friend, and the overarching theme of friendships is pleasingly magnified. #onceuponatimeinhollywood #quentintarantino #bradpitt #leonardodicaprio #alpacino #margotrobbie #kurtrussell #sharontate #charlesmanson #movies #moviescenes #moviereview #cinema #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #writing #writingcommunity #blogger #amazonkindle #unlimited #ebook #friends #friendship The above opening paragraphs are taken from my spoiler free review of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" originally penned and published in 2019, transferred to my Medium blog site on 2nd May 2022 and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original updated article linked immediately below. I've also linked my career opus blog article on Quentin Tarantino too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-7d8df84138ee https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-vol-2-a4b299a510c0 This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 4 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as individual e-books on Amazon and priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free: Volume 4 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4MG435K All 7 Volume Series https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“What’s the Rumpus?”. An immediate favourite film of the Coen Brothers, every re-watch is a joy as a stellar all time cast comprising of Gabriel Byrne, John Turturro, Albert Finney, Marcia Gay Harden, Jon Polito and Steve Buscemi conspire to bring the Brothers brilliant screenplay to life. A noir gangster film set in a 1920’s/1930’s American town, the conflict between various warring factions is brutally depicted, as are the varying dualities of the wonderful characters brought to life. Each seemingly has a duality, an unnerving side to them and all main characters are richly layered. This joy of a film is cast from the very outset: Opening with a long scene of “Leo” (Albert Finney), a local Mafia crime Boss determined to show his latest adversary “Caspar” (Jon Polito) who really runs and controls the town. Aided on each side by loyal Lieutenants “Tom” (Gabriel Byrne), a Consiglieri to Mafia Boss Leo, and “Dane” (JE Freeman) loyal to Caspar, beautifully shot by returning Director of Photography Barry Sonnenfeld, the scene is well and truly set. Cutting to the opening credits against the beautiful and iconic Miller’s Crossing theme from Carter Burwell, this ends with yet another iconic shot of a black hat blowing on the wind through secluded woods. #millerscrossing #coenbrothers #movies #moviereview #film #filmreview #audiobook #ebook #reading #readalong #readaloud #blogger #writing #writingcommunity #amazonkindle #unlimited The above opening paragraphs are taken from my spoiler free review of "Miller's Crossing" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and my original and updated article linked immediately below. I have also linked my career long and huge opus blog article on the films of the Coen Brothers below too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/millers-crossing-1990-61ffc5d59452 https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/the-world-according-to-the-coen-brothers-f033b11d957d This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 4 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as e-books on Amazon and priced at £4.99 per volume however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every exhaustive volume of numerous spoiler free film reviews for free. Volume 4 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4MG435K All 7 Volume Series https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“Hello Kiddo”. Opening in Black and White but no references to “Shaw Scope” or crackly 70’s “Our Feature Presentation” slides this time. Kill Bill Volume 2 was always mooted as being Quentin Tarantino’s Spaghetti Western and this is very much his homage to the genre. The opening titles themselves are noir styled and fade into a repeat of The Bride’s apparent slaying at her wedding of the first film. The opening monologue closes at the end of a noir saturated drive, one camera and The Bride never taking her eyes from the screen as she narrates her intention to “Kill Bill”. #killbill #quentintarantino #umathurman #movies #moviereview #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity #blogger The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Kill Bill Volume 2" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and now available to read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original, updated article linked immediately below. Also linked below are my opus blog articles and love-in appreciation of the entire career of Quentin Tarantino https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/kill-bill-volume-2-2004-822f2da31ed https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-7d8df84138ee https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-vol-2-a4b299a510c0 All of these spoiler free reviews are contained within my "essential film reviews collection" with "Jackie Brown" specifically contained within volume 3. All 7 volumes are individually priced at £4.99 and only currently available as e-books via Amazon, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volume Collection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“This woman deserves her revenge. And we, deserve to die”. Originally planned as a single film but after a final cut was over 4 hours long, together with producers The Weinstein Brothers, it was decided that “The Bride” deserved two outings, and two chances to Kill Bill. With characters developed jointly by “Q & U” (Quentin and Uma for those unfamiliar with Tarantino films) and a mix of live action, Japanese anime’, iconic actors with further parts written specifically for them and a fractured non linear time line, this fourth Tarantino film seemingly has everything and by the time you’ve watched Chapter Five, you’ll see what I mean! My appraisal of Kill Bill Volume 1 will be to very briefly outline the opening prologue and four of the five distinct Chapters. For any Tarantino purists out there, yes I have deliberately left out certain scenes of the brief outlines for each of the four chapters. In the remaining Chapter I aim to dissect this, scene by scene with as few spoilers as possible, but with as much texture and Tarantino love as I can muster. Opening Prologue: Opening with a distinctive nod to his inspirations of Japanese and Hong Kong Cinema and martial arts films, “Shaw Scope” is quickly replaced by a 1970’s style “Our Feature Presentation” slide, amid crackling and sound distortion. #killbill #quentintarantino #umathurman #movies #moviereview #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity #blogger The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Kill Bill Volume 1" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and now available to read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original, updated article linked immediately below. Also linked below are my opus blog articles and love-in appreciation of the entire career of Quentin Tarantino https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/kill-bill-volume-1-2003-1d70d5a901fd https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-7d8df84138ee https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-vol-2-a4b299a510c0 All of these spoiler free reviews are contained within my "essential film reviews collection" with "Jackie Brown" specifically contained within volume 3. All 7 volumes are individually priced at £4.99 and only currently available as e-books via Amazon, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volume Collection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

My favourite Quentin Tarantino movie! Don't let her go Max!!!!! Based on Elmore Leonard’s “Rum Punch” (although Tarantino wrote the screenplay), this is very much his homage to 1970’s cinema and blaxploitation films in particular. As he’s noted several times, these were the films he grew up on, sneaking into dirty Grindhouse cinemas to watch Pam Grier (also referenced in Reservoir Dogs) a firm teenage favourite. The first Tarantino film to use a standard linear time line, this remains my personal favourite and considering the love I have for all Tarantino films, this is high praise indeed. It’s my favourite purely because everything is subtle, the comedy is very black, but subtly done in so many distinct ways, the touches and flourishes of Tarantino are very evident, as are the flashbacks and the first split screen narrative. Suffice to say, the characters are rich and detailed and the screenplay is a joy. And although a homage, it’s not overly so, and even subtle in this way too. As with all Tarantino films, the soundtrack from his personal collection is a joy, eclectic, yet often more tender than his previous (and future) films. The first scene and set up magnifies all these, and much more. The film is bookended by “Across 110th Street” by Bobby Womack, and is played in full both times. Firstly, it accompanies a rolling shot of “Jackie Brown” (Pam Grier) as she makes her way hurriedly to an airport departure gate. Early opening credits are rolled with a nod and homage to Blaxploitation Cinema and as with previous films, the upcoming segments and narratives are titled, such as “Hermosa Beach, California”, “The City of Carson” and “LA International Airport”. By the third of these narratives, all main characters have been introduced and that’s where we’ll start. #jackiebrown #quentintarantino #rumpunch #elmoreleonard #pamgrier #michaelkeaton #samuelljackson #robertdeniro #chrisrock #bridgetfonda #movies #moviereview #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity #blogger The above opening paragraphs are taken from my original spoiler free review of "Jackie Brown" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and now available to read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original, updated article linked immediately below. Also linked below are my opus blog articles and love-in appreciation of the entire career of Quentin Tarantino https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/jackie-brown-1997-52709999649d https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-7d8df84138ee https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-vol-2-a4b299a510c0 All of these spoiler free reviews are contained within my "essential film reviews collection" with Jackie Brown specifically contained within volume 3. All 7 volumes are individually priced at £4.99 and only currently available as e-books via Amazon, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volume Collection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

The title of Inside Llewyn Davis may refer to us as the audience being within the confines of this frustrated singer and experiencing his inner torment, but similarly it can be seen as slightly ironic as Llewyn is anything but inside but very much outside and struggling to find his rightful place in the burgeoning folk rock scene of the 1960’s. The film is set in 1961 and pre Bob Dylan however the film is inexplicably linked to Dylan in so many ways. Dave Van Ronk and Bob Dylan were on/off friends for many years and both pioneers of the folk scene. One received universal acclaim as one of the greatest singer songwriters of our age, whilst the other was marginally less successful! But history aside the film is soaked through with a Dylanesque tone and sepia colouring, right through to feeling like his famous album cover for “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan”. It may just be me (OK, it is just me!) but seeing Llewyn trudging, head down through the Chicago snow is vaguely reminiscent of this album cover and Dylan himself appears in the finale’. #insidellewyndavis #coenbrothers #oscarissac #careymulligan #justintimberlake #movies #moviescenes #moviereview #filmreview #film #reading #readaloud #readalong #audiobook #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #blogger #writingcommunity #ebook The above paragraph is taken from my original spoiler free review of "Inside Llewyn Davis" penned and published a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and which can now be read in full and for free via my Substack blog site and original updated article linked immediately below. Also linked below is my original opus blog article on the cinematic career of the Coen Brothers. https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/inside-llewyn-davis-2013-dccc6642dc38 https://medium.com/@stephenblackford561/the-world-according-to-the-coen-brothers-f033b11d957d This spoiler free review is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book on Amazon, all 7 volumes are priced at £4.99 each however, should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every exhaustive volume full of spoiler free reviews for free: Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volume Series https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.

“That’s a Bingo!”. Eagerly anticipated, I saw this gem three times at the Cinema in it’s opening week and loved it every time. The opening scene is a masterpiece, so many subtleties and nuances and also a very little touch from Tarantino. He lets the screenplay and actors breathe. The middle third is darkly comedic, spilling into the last Chapter which is Tarantino at his very best again. But in my opinion this is Tarantino’s least stylistic. Of course there are numerous trademarks, close ups, bizarre character creations, screeching left turns into bizarre flashbacks and sometimes parody. The joy of this film for me is the lightness of touch throughout from Tarantino, letting his character creations flourish and develop to tell a very compelling tale. Tarantino’s Tale: 5 interweaving narratives across a four year period of World War II. An alternative history as some have called it, which is plain bizarre, but perhaps indeed apt for the film. Assassination plots and revenge, all backed by a sublime soundtrack that is highly recommended. The A-list cast provide superb performances: Brad Pitt (Aldo Raine), Diane Kruger (Bridget von Hammersmark), August Diehl (Major Hellstrom), Slyvester Groth (Joseph Goebbels) and Melanie Laurent (Shoshanna), with eclectic supporting cameos from Eli Roth (Donny Donowitz), Mike Myers (General Ed Fenech) and Martin Wuttke (Hitler). #ingloriousbasterds #quentintarantino #bradpitt #christophwaltz #michaelfassbender #mikemyers #movies #moviescenes #moviereview #cinema #film #filmreview #reading #readalong #readaloud #ebook #amazonkindle #unlimited #writing #writingcommunity #blogger The above opening paragraphs are taken from spoiler free review of "Inglourious Basterds" penned and published over a decade ago, transferred to my Medium blog site and which can now be read for free and in full via my Substack blog site and updated original article linked immediately below. I've also linked my opus blog articles on the cinematic career of Quentin Tarantino below too: https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/inglourious-basterds-2009-fa70fc95d7f4 https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-7d8df84138ee https://ramblingmusings666.substack.com/p/the-genius-of-quentin-tarantino-vol-2-a4b299a510c0 This spoiler free review and love-in appreciation is also integral to volume 3 of my 7 volumes of "essential film reviews collection". Currently only available as an e-book on Amazon and priced at £4.99 per volume, however should you have an Amazon Kindle "Unlimited" package you can read each and every volume for free Volume 3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4JTLRY1 All 7 Volume Collection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C4HZSTTH?binding=kindle_edition&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn https://www.patreon.com/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.paypal.me/TheBlackfordBookClub https://www.buymeacoffee.com/steveblackford Thanks for watching! Please "like", subscribe, comment and perhaps consider supporting your favourite independent writer via the links above! Thank you.