Our movie guy, John McCann, went along to see ‘The Dark Tower’ this week…he wishes he hadn’t…

Based on the Stephen King novel series of the same name, ‘The Dark Tower’ sees the last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (played by Idris Elba), locked in an eternal battle with Walter O’Dim (Matthew McConaughey), also known as the Man in Black, and determined to prevent him from toppling the Dark Tower, which holds the universe together.

With the fate of the world at stake, good and evil will collide in the ultimate battle as only Roland (with the help of his sidekick Jake) can defend the Tower from the Man in Black.

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Combining Stephen King source material with two talented and reliable lead actors, under the tutelage of a promising screenwriter and director in the shape of Nikolaj Arcel and backed by a sizable budget and marketing campaign, this should normally be enough to guarantee critical and commercial success in the highly competitive market of big budget blockbusters.

If, however, you try and squeeze eight volumes (more than 4,000 pages) of source material into 95 minutes of a genre Rubik’s cube of a movie — that appears to lose interest in itself half way through — you end up with The Dark Tower.

No CGI effects or awe inspiring cinematography can save this monster mess of a movie that starts poorly and doesn’t really improve.

The narrative and tone of this film are both incoherent and it seems to be undecided as to who the target audience is for this hugely disappointing feature.

Matthew McConaughey continues his unfortunate critical and commercial slide since the highs of his Oscar winning performance in Dallas Buyers Club, as he gives his best panto villain impression as the Man in Black.

There are a few (if rather small) crumbs of comfort to be had here however. Idris Elba does his reputation no harm at all and almost single-handedly rescues this film from complete annihilation in his turn as the mythic Gunslinger and some of the fight sequences boast the usual impressive CGI effects evident in most big budget blockbusters nowadays.

But overall, unfortunately after the highs of Dunkirk a few weeks ago and a reasonably solid summer blockbuster season, the Dark Tower is an undoubted low and one most definitely worth avoiding. A bona fide turkey!

1/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie guy, John McCann, says believe the hype about Dunkirk  because it’s a stunning film…

With every movie theater showing trailers for Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk since about January of this year, to claim that this was one of the most anticipated movies of the year would be a huge understatement.

But more importantly, was this film worth all the hype and has this director kept his rich vein of form going to produce a film worthy of its hugely historical relevance?

The answer thankfully is a most definite yes, as Nolan delivers, quite simply, one of the movies of the year.

This 107 minute feature deals with the evacuation of Allied troops from the French city of Dunkirk during World War II before Nazi forces could take hold and submerges its audience in the harrowing events of the time.

In fact, Nolan engulfs his audience in this film to the point that those who suffer from motion sickness of any kind may occasionally find this an uncomfortable watch.

Hans Zimmer’s heart-stomping score and Hoyte Van Hoytema’s breathtaking cinematography also contribute to this powerful, yet harrowing tale that grips the senses and emotions of its audience and immerses them fully in this traumatic time in world history.

The exceptional cast (which includes Tom Hardy, Kenneth Brannagh and Mark Rylance) also add to this feature, by letting their mannerisms and facial expressions take precedence over vast amounts of dialogue as the viewer is subjected first hand to the horrors and personal cost of war.

Comparisons to Saving Private Ryan are inevitable as both films deal with the terror of war in a unique and highly personal and engulfing fashion, attacking the viewers senses in a violent and frighteningly realistic manner, but in my opinion Dunkirk is an upgrade on Spielberg’s 1998 feature.

A combination of superb storytelling, stunning visuals and a magnificent score in the hands of such a magnificent film maker who seems to improve with each feature he directs, produces a near two hour edge of your seat thrill ride, that will hold its place quite comfortably on most cinemagoers top five list of films seen in 2017. A triumph.

4.5/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie guy, John McCann, on the highly enjoyable Spider-Man: Homecoming…

In Spider-Man: Homecoming, under the watchful eye of Tony Stark, Peter Parker starts to embrace his new found identity as Spider-Man whilst also attempting to return to his normal daily routine and frustrated by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just a friendly neighbourhood superhero.

Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear.

Fifteen years on from Sam Raimi’s effort and a second reboot later, finally Marvel seem to have got it right with the theme, tone and most importantly casting, as Tom Holland captures the aura and likeness of the lead character perfectly.

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With a new director (John Watts) and a new leading auto, this exhausted franchise gets the proverbial kick it required with the reset button pressed and all the qualities that endeared the public to the character initially being nourished and enriched.

Tom Holland is simply perfect as Peter Parker/Spider-Man playing the hero with a naivety and lack of arrogance that was frankly missing from the performances of his predecessors in this role.

In Michael Keaton, the film also has an actor on top form who can add the menace and fearfulness required from an evil nemesis at the blink of an eye and his portrayal as the nasty and unhinged Vulture in this film should not be underestimated.

The dark and deep atmosphere evident in the first two series attempts have been abolished also, with Spider-Man: Homecoming depicting what the comic books had intended – a teen struggling to find his way and deal with his remarkable powers whilst also dealing with the pressures of high school all portrayed in a John Hughes type setting with added superhero antics thrown in to entertain.

The effects, action and stunts in this film are stunning with the audience at the edge of their seat for large segments of what is overall a very entertaining and enjoyable film.

Third time lucky it is then, in what was the reboot that no one thought they needed but are sure glad that it arrived. Highly enjoyable!

4/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie guy, John McCann, really enjoyed the latest offering in the Despicable Me series…

Gru and the gang return in the third instalment of the popular ‘Despicable Me’ franchise in a film that provides lots of entertainment laughs and fun for all ages.

Being the third (fourth if you include the Minions movie) instalment of an animated series is always going to bring the pressure of maintaining that magic and originality that made this animated collection so popular to begin with, but Despicable Me 3 just about gets there in a film that, while not reaching the heights of its predecessors, does still provide lots of entertainment, laughs and fun for all the family.

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In Despicable Me 3, after the new boss of the Anti-Villain League fires him, Gru travels to Freedonia to meets his long-lost charming, cheerful, and more successful twin brother Dru who wants to team up with him to take down the elusive Balthazar Bratt, a former 1980s child star who seeks revenge against the world.

The old favourites are out here in force with the hilarious Minions, the adorable Agnes and the introduction of the ying to Gru’s yang, Dru ,adding much of the comic relief and merriment.

Proceedings are anchored spectacularly once again by the always reliable Steve Carrell as Gru (whilst also playing the excellent Dru) but it’s the arrival of nemesis Balthazar Bratt that provides much of the best moments of the film.

His outlandish,fiendish and largely comical antics coupled with an excellent accompanying 80’s soundtrack (to keep the older kids happy no doubt!) are the fuel that drive this 90 minutes of fun and make this a welcome addition to the series.

Overall, a busy film filled with fun, frolics and foolishness that will please fans of the franchise and family members of all ages! Good fun!

4/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie reviewer, John McCann, says Will Ferrell backs a loser in a comedy that lacks consistency…

Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler play Scott and Kate Johansen, a married couple who must figure out a way to earn some money after their daughter’s scholarship falls through.

When all else fails, the desperate couple join forces with their neighbour Frank (Jason Mantzoukas) to start an underground casino in his home.

As the cash pours in and the good times roll, Scott and Kate soon learn that they may have bitten off more than they can chew.

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With a comedy that combines two of Hollywood’s funniest actors in Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler, written and directed by the brains behind ‘Bad Neighbours’, about a scheme that revolves around a couple running an illegal casino with their wacky friend and you would imagine that you have all the ingredients for a top notch comedy film! Sadly, in this instance you do not!

The movie is even aided by a rich comedic cast who all do their utmost to add fun and frolics to a film that undoubtedly fails to deliver as much laughs as it should.

It’s not that the film is terrible, (there are a few of quite funny gags throughout!) it’s just that the hit to miss ratio is largely one-sided, with miss the most definite winner and when gags eventually do land, the movie fails to pick up on the momentum and raise proceedings to a higher level!

Another problem is that all these great comedic actors have been typecast on such a regular basis, that in this film we get Will Ferrell playing a diluted version of his ‘Old School’ character Frank the Tank, Poehler as her ‘Parks and Recs’ character Leslie Knope and Mantzoukas basically playing the same role he has done in any comedy he has ever featured in!

There are also a lot of weak support characters within the film that fail to endear themselves to the audience comedic or otherwise and just come across as a litte jaded, with the main characters carrying most of the satirical weight.

Fans of Ferrell and some of his SNL compatriots will find enough within this caper to be entertained for the 90 minute running time, but still lament yet another missed opportunity in what is an exciting premise, with good actors, but is ultimately let down by poor writing and lack of real execution. Average.

3/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie reviewer, John McCann, says Edgar Wright’s ‘Baby Driver’ is a gallant effort, but…

Long time labour of love for the director of the superb Cornetto trilogy Edgar Wright, ‘Baby Driver’ sees the British filmmaker’s first venture into the big budget Hollywood movie sphere.

The film tells the tale of  talented, young getaway driver (Ansel Elgort) who relies heavily on the beat of his personal soundtrack to be the best in the business. But after being forced into working for a hard-nosed crime boss (Kevin Spacey), he must face the music when a doomed heist threatens all he holds dear.

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With an opening sequence that resembled early Tarantino and an introductory car chase that made the famous Blues Brothers car chase scene look like something from ‘Driving Miss Daisy’, the initial signs were very promising that Wright would indeed crack this particular Hollywood nut.

That coupled with an extraordinary soundtrack and stellar cast added to what seemed to building to a memorable and unforgettable film.

Unfortunately though, that opening energy, zest and coolness did seem to fade as the film progressed, as the potential shown at the beginning never really materialised and in some cases the film descended into farcical proportions.

What appears like a very interesting premise driven by some great scenes and a mesmerising soundtrack in this instance seems to be a case of the whole not being greater than the sums of its parts as all components don’t quite add up to make this film as great as it could undoubtedly have been.

There is a lot to admire about this film too however, as the entertainment value is relatively high and the stunt scenes are among the best you’ll see on screen this year with added touches of humour that hit more often than miss, with Jamie Foxx stealing most of the best lines.

Ansel Elgort also does a sterling job as “Baby”, a role that may have been less convincing (and possibly more annoying)  in the hands of a lesser talent.

In the end though, it just all seems that bit fruitless and yet whilst it doesn’t hit the heights that this brilliant director has shown he can achieve in the past it still remains a most gallant effort!

3.5/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie guy, John McCann, says Cardboard Gangsters is a gritty drama which is a welcome break from the recent blockbuster buffet he’s been feasting on…

As a welcome break from the glut of big budget summer blockbusters this week, I settled down in my comfy cinema seat to enjoy Mark O’Connor’s latest offering, Dublin crime drama ‘Cardboard Gangsters’.

That comfort was short-lived however, as the raw and gritty realistic nature of a drug war raging in Darndale, gripped my attention mercilessly for the next 90 minutes in what was yet another showcase for what is the thriving film making scene that exists in Ireland at the moment.

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‘Cardboard Gangsters’ follows a group of young Cardboard Gangsters and their attempt to gain control of the drug trade in Darndale, chasing the glorified lifestyle of money, power and sex.

Jay Connolly (John Connors) is a part-time DJ and low-level drug dealer. However, when his welfare is cut off, he decides it’s time for him and his gang to enter the big leagues which attracts the attention of the local kingpin and sets Jay down a violent and bloody path.

Having already encapsulated festival audiences around the world, the film has won three awards at the Manchester Film Festival (Best Actor, Best Feature Film and Film of the Festival) and was awarded Outstanding Achievement in Film making at the Newport Beach Film Festival in California.

It is currently enjoying a nationwide release to high critical and audience acclaim.

For those who pine for the days of TV shows like Love/Hate, this film is definitely the tonic for you as the authenticity of this world is captured perfectly in the writing and direction of Mark O’Connor and a towering performance by the immensely talented John Connors, who is at the forefront of all that is good in this film (it also features the great Damien Dempsey in a cameo role, which can only be a positive!).

Galvanised by some fantastic Dublin rap music, this well-made and faithful drama never glamourises its subject matter and contains large quantities of heart, humour and hurt resulting in hard-hitting film that will leave its audience shaken long after the end credits roll!

4/5

For more of John McCann’s movie reviews, check out his Facebook page here and website here

Our movie reviewer, John McCann, says The Promise is ultimately a missed opportunity…

With an all stellar cast including Oscar Isaac, Christian Bale and Charlotte Le Bon and written and directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Terry George, all the ingredients were present for a modern day epic telling of the horrific events that revolved around the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the resulting genocide of 1.5 million Armenians.

Whilst Javier Aguirresarobe’s visually rich cinematography and Gabriel Yared’s evocative score lift the movie to added heights, this must undoubtedly go down as a missed opportunity to give a powerful tale the cinematic treatment it so richly deserves.

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Playing at times like a Sunday Matinee movie (which isn’t altogether a bad thing), the film seems about 30 minutes too long as the intertwined love story at the centre of this tragic tale seems just that bit laboured and the movie suffers as a result.

This period piece does however, manage to highlight the horrific events that occurred between 1915 and 1917 and which may not be known by a lot of the movie going audience.

Scenes of brutality and heartbreak appear at every turn and at times this is not an easy watch, as the suffering and tragedy of the Armenian people unfolds before our eyes.

The cast also deliver admirable performances with what is at times rather weak material.

The film’s key problem appears to be that it can’t decide whether it is predominantly a tragic love story or an epic political drama and ends up being neither.

An undoubted missed opportunity, this may not be the worst film you will see this year, but considering its subject matter and players involved, it’s ultimately slightly disappointing and quite forgettable.

3/5

The Promise is currently playing in Tralee Omniplex. To read more of John McCann’s reviews, check out his blog here

Our movie reviewer, John McCann, says the Irish movie conveyor belt is stronger than ever with the release of Handsome Devil…

As a big fan of The Stag and with the high quality of Irish movie releases in recent times, there was a lot to look forward to in director John Butler’s new feature Handsome Devil.

Justifiably so, as it turns out, as Butler and co. deliver a charming, well written, thought provoking yet funny movie that highlights the riches contained within the Irish movie scene at present.

The film revolves around loner Ned (Fionn O’Shea)  and star athlete Conor (Nicholas Galitzine)  who are forced to share a bedroom at their rugby-mad boarding school.

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What transpires is an unlikely friendship that becomes threatened by stereotypical authoritarian and old fashioned beliefs in this humorous coming of age tale.

Well written and containing a strong cast including Michael McElhatton, Ardal O’Hanlon, Amy Huberman and featuring an almost show-stealing turn by the excellent Andrew Scott, this film has much to like as it contains gags that regularly hit the mark, scenes that will ring true to an Irish movie going audience and a strong moral message attached for good measure (besides, any film that has an old Housemartins tune reverberating through it will always score well with me!)

It may seem a bit too sweet and overly sentimental at times but if you are in the mood for a feel good movie with a few laughs thrown in that will leave you with warm glow upon viewing then Handsome Devil may just be the movie for you!

3.5/5