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Movie Review #68 - Justice League Justice League brings together some of DC biggest hero’s in an attempt to save the world of an other worldly being. With some returning characters and some new, Zach Snyder adds another superhero movie to his DC collection. Ben Affleck returns as Batman and following the events of Superman vs Batman, he sets about creating a group of hero’s to set up in Superman’s (Henry Cavill) absence. Already known, Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) and newcomers Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Flash (Ezra Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) join the group. Together they must beet a God who was captured by an army long ago. This has a nice little nod to current characters of Wonder Woman and Aquaman. Ok, where do I start? Now I know I’m a self confessed Marvel finatic, and by all means I enjoy DC too, but this DC Extended Universe is just lacking. With this movie, I can see Joss Whedon’s influence. Which is a good thing and might have been the only thing saving this movie. I didn’t fully understand the plot, I still didn’t really learn anything about the antagonist apart from he was once wanted to destroy the world, and still does! I feel that what Marvel do well is it integrates Movie and TV really well, whether that be character or storyline. While DC have a massively successful and popular TV universe, they neglect its existence with these movies. Newcomers Momoa, Miller and Fisher are great actors, I’m sure! But for me Fisher’s portrayal didn’t leave an impression, Miller had some big shoes to fill but did well, and Momoa was probably the most memorable. He got a little more airtime and I assume this is because he has his solo outing coming up. Veterans Affleck, Cavill and Gadot are a welcome return. I loved Christian Bales Batman and when I first saw Affleck as the caped crusader I wasn’t a fan, however he won me over in this instalment. Gadot is fantastic as Wonder Woman, and I enjoyed her solo outing. Cavill does his best with Superman. I haven’t been a fan, but I think he had more to work with this time and it was a good performance. Just watch out for the weird CGI footage of his face - it can’t be missed! My request to DC? Raise the bar!

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Movie Review #68 - Fifty Shades Freed And here it is - the final instalment of the Fifty Shades franchise to hit the big screen. Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan return as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. The movie opens with the wedding of Ana to Christian and it seems the shy girl has tamed the beast. They fully embrace there new life together in a lavish way with there friends and family. However some sinister events take place and jeopardises their newfound happiness. So this instalment I thought had a little bit more of a storyline to it, yet I still thought it was a little rushed. There’s a lot to pack into the 2 hours airtime and not everything from the book (or even the trailer) makes the cut. We do get to see the main stories play out and get to see Christian’s doubts and fears drawn out. Which is nice to see as he seems to be always in control of everything! The mileage clocked up on the private plane is far and wide and we see some beautiful settings as a backdrop to some of the drama. There’s also the usual s-exepedes... of course I mean we are watching Fifty Shades right?! This trilogy is the first books I read before the movies came along - and I don’t think I’ll be doing it again. If you’ve stuck with the first two movies... you gotta watch this one. #girlintheredcoatreviews #fiftyshadesfreed #jamiedornan #dakotajohnson #christiangrey #anastasiasteele #fiftyshadesmovie #moviereview

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And the Oscar for Best Actor goes to... Movie Review #67 - Darkest Hour One that is sweeping the awards season is Darkest Hour, a marvalous retelling of Winston Churchill’s (Gary Oldman) first few weeks in power as British Prime Minister in what is considered the most testing time for Great Britain. He must decide whether to negotiate peace with Nazi Germany or fight back for his nations pride. With his own party and King plotting against him, he must rally his nation in a fight that will change history. I must say, and maybe it’s the Brit in me, but I just love these retelling of historical figures... of course Winston Churchill was way before my time, but you do not grow up without known who he was! He was the Prime Minister that changed the course of history and when the British public needed a voice, when it mattered the most, he was that voice! Gary Oldman deserves everything and more for this portrayal! Absolutely fantastic, he looks like Churchill - hats of to the make up department! He sounds like Churchill and has his mannerisms down to a tee! Excellent performance! His supporting cast are also great. Lily James I thought shines through as Churchill’s personal secretary. Also, Kristen Scott Thomas as Churchill’s wife, Clementine. I’m sure they had a remarkable relationship, and the chemistry on screen between Oldman and Scott Thomas is wonderful and natural. The movie got me thinking, if the Government had of entered a peace treaty with Nazi Germany how would life be different? It even had me a bit teary during Churchill’s address to Parliament - the British pride I guess. A fantastic watch and a beautiful, inspiring true story! “Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill #girlintheredcoatreviews #darkesthour #garyoldman #lilyjames #kristenscottthomas #winstonchurchill #moviereview

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#TheOscarsSpecial Movie Review #66 - I, Tonya Margot Robbie brings us her first leading role is this biographical film. Tonya Harding (Robbie) was famous in the early nineties for performing an ice-skating jump that no other American woman had achieved. However with her “white trash” background, Tonya found it difficult to progress professionally. With years of abuse from her Mother (Allison Janney) and her Husband (Sebastian Stan), Tonya’s world spirals our of control when she’s involved in a conspiracy to injure fellow Olympian Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver). Robbie always surprises me - I remember watching her in Neighbours and when she left for “Hollywood” I thought she’d be another one that didn’t succeed. But she continuely goes from strength to strength and good for her. Tonya Harding is very different to her other roles and she shines through this one. However Janney is is the real star, and I can see why she has won the awards for her portrayal of LaVona Harding. Her brutal views of motherhood are shocking, but compelling to watch. The source of Tonya’s downfall, her Husband Jeff Gillooly (Stan) and his friend Shawn Eckhardt (Paul Walter Hauser) are great on screen together. Hauser is especially good at capturing the mental capability of Eckhardt (if real-life interviews are to go on). Robbie and Stans chemistry of the young lovers that seem so engrossed in each other is great to see on screen. When Tonya leaves Jeff, she always seems to go back to him... it was certainly an explosive relationship. Now I didn’t know anything about this story, but I found it very interesting. Especially the way this movie is set up in a mockumentary kind of way. It added a little something different to your normal way of movie viewing. It’s definitely worth a watch, even if you’re not familiar with the story. #girlintheredcoatreviews #itonya #margotrobbie #sebastianstan #allisonjanney #paulwalterhauser #caitlincarver #moviereview #theoscars #academyawards #bestactress

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Movie Review #65 - Maze Runner: The Death Cure Wed Ball bring us the third and final instalment if The Maze Runner adventures. Dylan O’Brien returns as leader of the resistance, Thomas, who is on a mission to save his friend from the dreaded WCKD. Now the first movie, Thomas and Co were breaking it out of The Maze. The second movie took them on a labyrinth journey in a post apocalyptic world looking for safety and security from WCKD. This operation sees the group breaking into the Last City to save their friend Minho. Along the journey, they meet old foes, lose allies and seek the cure for the Flare. Thomas is special and we’ve been told this from the very first movie. No spoilers, but you finally see why he is so special. Also returning are the core members of the group Thomas Brodie Sangster (Newt), Kaya Scodelario (Teresa) and Ki Hong Lee (Minho). We also see the return of a character thought long gone. The movie picks up one year after the events of the Scorch Trails, where Minho was taking by WCKD. The opening scene sets the pace for the movie in a daring rescue attempt. Ball keeps throwing curveballs and obstacles at our heroes and they keep knocking them back. It seemed like the movie wen on forever, however it was average length. Very pact full of adventure and suspense. You can see the relationship develop deeper between the 3 boys (Thomas, Newt and Minho) into a strong bond and with the help of Brenda (Rosa Salazar) and Jorge (Giancarlo Esposito)  - trusty allies – you really get a sense of rebellion and triumph. I’ve read the first book, started the second and the movies are so different! Sure the premise is the same, but I think the movie simplifies the crazy world James Dashner created. Although I do think there were a few things that weren’t translated on screen very well, but I guess that happens with most “Novel to Movie” creations. It’s a definite must for all you diehard Dylan O’Brien fans out there and a fitting end to the franchise. Even watch it for the action and remember... WCKD is GOOD! #girlintheredcoatreviews #mazerunner #thedeathcure #dylanobrien #thomasbrodiesangster #kayascodelario #kihonglee #rosasalazar #willpoulter

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Movie Review #64 - Black Panther Marvels latest installer sees the Black Panther take centre stage. After the events of Captain America: Civil War and the death of his father, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to Wakanda as King and Black Panther - protector of Wakanda. As the newfound King finds his throne tested by a new threat, he must work with his allies to release the full strength of the Black Panther and return as King for the safety of his people. Now as much as I’m a Marvel fanatic, I wasn’t really fussed about this - I thought it would be the same vibe a Dr Strange - however Black Panther does not disappoint. During Civil War, there really wasn’t much background to T’Challa and to be honest I didn’t like his character. However, his own lead movie is just what we needed! Boseman can lead an excellent cast including Michael B. Jordan, Danai Gurira, Forest Whittaker, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis and Martin Freeman. But the real standout for me was Letitia Wright as Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister. The chemistry the two have on screen is excellent and the way they bounce of each other seems so natural! Love this relationship! It was great to see Martin Freeman reprise his role as Everett Ross - also previously seen in Civil War and not portrayed a nice person either. He is definitely able to redeem himself in this movie. It was also great to see Bilbo and Gollum on screen together again (and if you haven’t watched The Hobbit yet - Get on it)! Speaking of, Andy Serkis (Klaw) is fantastic in this. He plays one crazy nutbag and he plays him well. I also liked Michael B.Jordans portrayal of Killmonger, he gives a great performance as the antagonist. I will also mention there are some great political references and parallels of today and I think they are well conveyed on screen. This is definitely a must see, and as always stay for the after credits scenes... you won’t be disappointed! Wakanda forever!!!! #girlintheredcoatreviews #blackpanther #marvelcinematicuniverse #moviereview

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#Winterolympicsspecial Movie Review #63 - Eddie the Eagle (2016) In honour of the Winter Olympics, I re-watched one of the best movies I’ve seen in recent years. Eddie the Eagle tells the extraordinary tale of how one man fights against all odds to live out his dream at competing at the Winter Olympics. I remember going to a Movie Mystery night, not known what movie i was going to watch. That movie was Eddie the Eagle. Initially I was a bit on the off side, not really knowing who Eddie was (before my time). I stayed because Hugh Jackman gives a decent performance as the hard nosed former ski jumper Bronson Peary. I also stayed because I knew I recognised Eddie from somewhere. It took me about half of the movie to realise it was Taron Egerton (known from Kingsman - a very different role indeed). There are also plenty of great British actors popping up, with a special mention to Keith Allen as Eddies Father. The movie depicts the typical up being of a young boy in the 1970s; grow up and get a real job, the olympics is for dreamers, a none supportive Dad. But Eddies ambitious nature shines through and every hurdle that is thrown at him, he overcomes with optimism. A fantastic little movie that seemed to have surpassed a lot of people by, a great watch! #girlintheredcoatreviews #eddietheeagle #taronegerton #hughjackman #keithallen #johartley #christopherwalken #moviereview #winterolympics #special

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After a longer than anticipated hiatus, I’m back! Yay! Some recent movie reviews coming soon, but tomorrow I’ll be posting a #specialwinterolympics movie review. #girlintheredcoatreviews #moviereview #hiatusisover

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Movie Review #62 - The Hitman’s Bodyguard Ryan Reynolds stars as down and out protection agent Michael Bryce, hired to escort the worlds most notorious assassin to his court case. Things don’t start off well when he finds out the assassin is his mortal enemy Darius Kincaid (Samuel L Jackson). The men have to find a way to survive and make it to court in order for Kincaid to testify against a merciless dictator (Gary Oldman) who has been untouchable, until now. I love Ryan Reynolds, I think he’s extremely funny and can hold a viewer captive with his charisma and Whitby comments. Samuel L Jackson is the same, he just captures the screen and is a very funny man. The two feed of each other’s chemistry and while they portray a hate relationship, you can tell by the end there’s mutual respect for the other. The support cast is good, however Salma Hayek really stands out as Kincaid’s estranged wife who herself is imprisoned. She is hilarious! She brings her natural Mexican sass to her character and delivers with so much passion that you’d expect from a South American. It’s hard to believe that most of the movie takes place over 24 hours. There’s a lot that gets jam packed in to the two hour slot. Lots of gun fights, lots of car chases, lots of laughs. Do give it a go, it’s probably not the best comedy out there but you’ll get a few laughs. #girlintheredcoatreviews #hitmansbodyguard #ryanreynolds #samuelljackson #garyoldman #salmahayek #moviereview

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Movie Review #61 - Rough night Scarlett Johansson heads a comic cast through a Rough Night. Jess (Johansson), an engaged politician, is preparing for a Hens Party with her old college friends. While the night starts off well, things take a turn when their male stripper dies in their beach house. So ensues hilarious attempts to cover it up. Joining Johansson are some big names is comedy; Jillian Bell, Kate McKinnon, Ilana Glazer and Zoe Kravitz. Fantastic cast as the main girls, they each bring a little something different. I think Bell can do no wrong, I’ve mentioned this before but I think she’s the next Mellisa McCarthy! I also love McKinnon, she’s always striving for something different and I’ve never seen her play the same character across any of her movies. What I did find odd is that she’s an Aussie in this one, just seemed a little strange... but a cracking accent nonetheless. I must also mention the supporting cast of Demi Moore and Ty Burrell as the quirky sex crazed couple living next door are hilarious! Some of the plots to get rid of the body are bit out there and very unrealistic but still very humorous. The contrast between Jess’ Hens night and her fiancés Bucks night are very different, yet you get the hint that they are perfect for each other. Overall, probably one of the better comedies out this year. Definitely not for the young but a right laugh for a night in with the girls. #girlintheredcoatreviews #roughnight #scarlettjohansson #katemckinnon #jillanbell #zoekravitz #ilanaglazer #demimoore #tyburrell #moviereview

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#christmasmoviespecial Movie Review #60 - Elf (2003) Probably one of the best modern day Christmas movies, Elf (Will Ferrell) follows Buddy - a human who thinks he’s an Elf. Buddy finds out he’s not an Elf and travels to New York City to find his real Dad. What he finds is not what he imagines. Businessman Walter Hobbs (James Cann), is a hard hitting cynical old man. When Buddy shows up, he’s reluctant to start a father/son relationship with him, hilarity and chaotic events ensue. I’m not usually a big fan of Ferrell, but I love him in this! His portrayal of Buddy - a grown man with childlike views - is heartwarming. Such a contrast to Canns grumpy and prickly Children’s Book Publisher. It’s not just Buddy’s relationship with his biological father that is new, Buddy comes across more people in his life that teach him and who he teaches great life lessons. Zooey Deschanel plays Jovie, an unenthusiastic work colleague of Buddy’s and also his live interest. It’s interesting to see the dynamic between the two - Jovie can be seen as cynical. Buddy is too naive to be cynical. At the end of the day Buddys innocence just brings joy to everyone. I do love Christmas so much and a good Christmas movie can make you laugh, cry and feel damn right emotional! Buddy’s odd ways make you laugh, and his innocence sometimes makes you cry. At the end of the day Buddy just wants to feel like he belongs, and his journey to feel accepted is really beautiful. Merry Christmas Everyone! #girlintheredcoatreviews #elf #willferrell #jamescann #zooeydeschanel #christmas #christmasmovie #moviereview

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It’s been radio silence lately, but the build up to Christmas is always super busy! I’ll be posting a #christmasspecial on Christmas Eve, and cramming in a few more reviews from movies this year but New Years Eve. Peace and love to all! #moviereviews #girlintheredcoatreviews #merrychristmas

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Movie Review #59 - Pilgrimage Set in the 13th century, a group of Irish monks are st the task of taking a holy relic to Rome. Their journey becomes dangerous when they trek through ravaged land and meet barbaric communities. They soon begin to feel the weight of carrying such an important item when the voyage turns bloody. Tom Holland stars as Brother Diarmuid, a young impressionable monk, he's tasks along with his brothers to guard the relic. They take a mute (Jon Bernthal) along with him who has a secret past. His past comes in handy when he is tasked to defend the monks lives. Along the way they believe they have found allies in the Norman soldiers when their leader (Richard Armitage) agrees to protect the monks on their journey. I actually enjoyed this, it's something different. Firstly the dialogue in this movies switches between English, Irish and French (possibly Latin? Is that even a language now?). Secondly, it's violent! Like gory violence, especially during the fight scenes. And thirdly, the story. It may seem like it could be boring, but it kept my attention. Jon Bernthal is fantastic in this! He speaks one word in the entire movie but kept me drawn to his character. There is a lot of mystery surrounding him and I think his parts are acted perfectly. His "Punisher" skills really came in handy for this film. Frère Geraldus (Stanley Webber), the Brother from Rome who has tasked the monks to bring the relic, I did not like! The portrayal of him came across as a typical 13th century monk - out for themselves and their cause. I don't know why the monks from those kind of centuries seem to be always portrayed like this. I just didn't like this character. Tom Holland was really good in this. His portrayal of the young monk shows promise for his future. He is loyal to his faith, but he plays no fool. If you like these early century mysterious movies, then this is for you. #girlintheredcoatreviews #pilgrimage #tomholland #jonbernthal #richardarmitage #stanleywebber #moviereview

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Movie Review #57 - Kingsman: The Golden Circle Matthew Vaughn brings us the sequel to the spy comedy Kingsman: The Secret Service. After the events of the first movie, we see Eggsy (Taron Egerton) settling in nicely to the Secret Service. He has fulfilled the role left open by his former mentor Harry (Colin Firth), and seems to be happy with life. That’s until an old foe returns to destroy the Kingsman, starting with headquarters. Eggsy and Merlin (Mark Strong) being the only survivors, must look to their counterparts across the pond to help save the day. Again, same as the first movie, this has quite a strong cast. Colin Firth and Mark Strong returning with Taron Egerton seeming to have more fame this time round. They are joined by some big names in the world of showbiz, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry and Julianne Moore. I guess the introduction of the US spy organisation known as Statesman, would need some pretty big names to hold it strong. Is it an introduction we needed? I’m just not sure. For such a recognised actor as Channing Tatum, he isn’t in it much - but I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing. The main story has always been about Eggsy, a young lad from South London trying to find himself. I think if Channing Tatum had of had a bigger role it might have taken away the British vibe you get from these movies. Julianna Moore is the devious Poppy Adams. Living on a secluded island and plotting to making the drug business legal, she’s quite the crazy persona. Moore certainly doesn’t drop the act, she’s great! I must also mention the appearances Elton John makes are fantastic! Worth seeing the movie just for him! With a few nods to the first instalment, a little twists here and there, great cast, action, humour and some sad parts that tug at the heart, I think this was a great movie. Maybe not as good as the first, but definitely worth a watch. #girlintheredcoatreviews #kingsmanthegoldencircle #taronegerton #colinfirth #juliannemoore #channingtatum #jeffbridges #markstrong #halleberry #pedropascal #moviereview #michaelvaughn

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Movie Review #56 - #tbt Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) Colin Firth leads a star cast in this funky British Spy Comedy. Chav-tastic Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is brought into the world of spy’s when a former friend of his father recognises potential in him and recruits him as a trainee into The Secret Service. During the training, Eggsy must use his streetwise cunning to complete life or death tasks. Whilst he lost his father from a young age, he finds a father figure in Harry Hart (Colin Firth). Meanwhile, super villain Valentine (Samuel L Jackson) is plotting to save the world by using violence. The comparison between upbringings is clear. You have Eggsy, who was brought up on a council estate and most certainly looks like he’s heading for a life of crime. Then we have Harry, the ever dapper, ever cool character. Always thinking ahead and cool as a cucumber. A huge difference, yet the characters entwine beautifully and you get a great onscreen relationship between the two. The story is a good one and has a little bit of everything... comedy, drama, action, yet it just seems to drag a little. At just over two hours, it seems a long movie for this kind of story. But I say stick with it! Produced by Matthew Vaughn, you get to see that British humour shining through. You can see the piss take of your typical spy movies, and that’s funny! Each actor brings something special and I wouldn’t say any character is a waste. However the stand out is JB the dog! Cracking little pup with a loveable face - what’s not to love! Dogs aside,there movie has a fantastic supporting cast; Mark Strong, Michael Caine and Sofia Boutella to name a few. A nice quirky movie, stick with it and you’ll be pleasantly surprised. #girlintheredcoatreviews #kingsmanthesecretservice #colinfirth #taronegerton #samuelljackson #michaelcaine #sofiaboutella #markstrong #moviereview #spymovie

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Movie Review #56 - American Assassin Based on the novel by Vince Flynn, American Assassin is bright to the big screen by Michael Cuesta. Mitch Rapp (Dylan O'Brien) is a young man in love, until a radical terrorist group attacks a beach full of civilians where he witnesses the untimely death of his girlfriend. Hellbent on revenge, Rapp trains himself and infiltrates the cell responsible. Having caught the attention of the CIA, Rapp finds himself recruited into a black operations unit headed by Stan Hurley (Michael Keaton). Now having been a fan of Dylan O'Brien since Teen Wolf, I will admit I watched this movie for him. I didn't really know what to expect other than there'd be a few fight scenes and maybe some sassy dialogue... It was so much more than that! Yes, there were fight scenes, and yes there was sassy dialogue, but this story is very confronting - especially in this day and age. The opening scene is so realistic and frightening, it really hit home. The movie moves at a reasonable pace, O'Brien is strong as the lead and the character is very different to what we have seen from him in the past. But Keaton really brings the movie together. Hurley doesn't like time wasters and headstrong youngsters. He clashes with Rapp and numerous occasions. But when he sees the error of his ways, in the form of Taylor Kitsch, Hurley must accept the help of a stubborn Rapp. I forgot how much I like Michael Keaton, he fell off my radar for a long time. But with two of the most hyped movies in 2017 under his belt he is well and truely back for me! Not for the faint hearted, American Assassin is raw, brutal and frighteningly realistic! There are several books from Vince Flynn, so I'm excited to see if this movie gets a sequel - it would certainly seem so, but I guess we'll have to wait and see! #girlintheredcoatreviews #americanassassin #dylanobrien #michaelkeaton #vinceflynn #taylorkitsch #moviereview

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Movie Review #55 - Gifted Yes! After waiting months, I finally got to see Gifted! Having raised his niece Mary (McKenna Grace), after his sisters untimely death, Frank (Chris Evans) wants to give her a normal life and enrols her into public school. Mary, being a child prodigy has trouble fitting in and makes quite the impression. When Franks Mother (Lindsay Duncan) finds out about Mary's abilities, he must fight her to keep Mary and give her the normal life she craves. I really like Chris Evans, and that's mostly due to Captain America. But I find his other smaller projects, like this movie, really shine out. This is a beautiful story. I think Evans is just playing heros now. Not that he dressed up in spandex for this one, but Frank was definitely a hero to Mary! Grace is fantastic at portraying the young mathematician. The vulnerability in her character really shines though and your heart goes out to her. The relationship between Evans and Grace is charming, you can really see the respect between each other. Frank and Mary's neighbour Roberta (Octavia Spencer) adds a little sass to the story, and you see a great friendship between her and Mary and a kind of mother figure to Frank. Speaking of Mothers, Duncan's portrayal of the cold Mother is... well cold! She's great, and British, so naturally has that cold demeanour - and I can say that because I'm British! The movie made me smile, cry, laugh... I was happy, I was sad... then I cried some more... what more can you ask for in a movie! #girlintheredcoatreviews #GiftedMovie #chrisevans #mckennagrace #octaviaspencer #lindsayduncan #jennyslate #moviereview