Gravity:
What's it about?
Alfonso Cuarón's awards-gobbling sci-fi about an astronaut stranded in space after a deadly encounter when space debris destroys their shuttle.
Who would I recognise in it?
Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris (voice).
Great/Good/Alright/Shite?
Cuarón is known for his long takes, and Gravity is certainly a pinnacle of this approach. The opening shot is roughly twelve minutes long and goes from the calm tranquillity of space to a chaotic disaster with such sure-footed direction that it's hard to comprehend the sheer effort that went into producing it. Films have a usual pattern of editing - you expect the film to cut to a different angle sooner or later and at regular intervals, and so there's a sense of safety and artifice there for the viewer. However, when a take lasts longer than expecting without cutting - and continues on, and on, and on - the viewer begins to believe the events are real and get wrapped-up in them. As such, Gravity is one of the scariest thrill rides out there - a proper bum clencher - it's sweaty palms time in a big way. Visually the film is stunning, but the dialogue can be a bit too functional and plain at times, however the story itself is well realised, combining edge-of-your-seat action and peril, with broader themes of birth, life, death, and re-birth. Great.
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Someone Marry Barry:
What's it about?
Gross-out romcom in which the titular bugger-up, the one friend who, in every group of friends, is a constant source of agony, is forced to find love so his chums can at long last get shot of him.
Who would I recognise in it?
Tyler Labine, Lucy Punch, Damon Wayans Jr, Ed Helms.
Great/Good/Alright/Shite?
Sure to be a distasteful exercise in foul-mouthed excess for some, but for others it's an enjoyable indie comedy. Traditionally the buffoon friend is a side character, a bit-part, but in this flick he's the central character. Fans of Labine's work (such as Tucker & Dale vs Evil) will have plenty to cackle at, likewise for Lucy Punch who's more than game to make herself look equally grotesque beside her co-star. Not for those with a more delicate palate, it's a fun time while it lasts and elicits its fair share of grotty little laughs. Good.
The Hangover III:
What's it about?
Closing chapter in the now 'trilogy' of sleazy comedies. The Wolf Pack get back together one more time to track down and deliver the horrendous gangster Chow to one of his rivals.
Who would I recognise in it?
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, John Goodman, Melissa McCarthy, Jeffrey Tambor, Heather Graham, Mike Epps.
Great/Good/Alright/Shite?
Forgetting to include jokes throughout the majority of the film, it instead turns into more of a gangster/heist/kidnap movie with an inflated sense of importance. The surprise comedic punch of the first film - which felt fresh and enjoyable - is long gone, but at least they didn't just repeat the first movie like they did with Part II. What it lacks in laughs it mostly makes up for with a decent plot and a few entertaining set pieces, but with so much shocking excess crammed into the first two movies, there's not many places left to go for this third outing. It wraps things up for the characters, and in spite of the flashy show it makes of itself, it's a pale imitation of the first - and best - movie. Thankfully it's not quite as aggressive, or grotty, as the second flick. Alright.
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