Tag: AustinButler

The Bikeriders

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

Based on the photography book by Danny Lyon, The Bikeriders focuses on a motorcycle gang’s reign during the sixties and seventies. When Kathy (Jodie Comer) meets Benny (Austin Butler) at a local bar, her life will never be the same. Benny is the newest member of the Vandals. As the country changes over time, Benny is constantly forced to choose between the woman who becomes his wife and Johnny, the enigmatic leader of the club.

With an incredibly stacked cast, I was instantly sold. Hardy gives a solid performance as the leader of the group. He doesn’t take any shit from anybody and he also serves as a father figure to many of the members. Butler’s role this time around wasn’t as convincing for me, but I think that was what the character called for. wasn’t as strong in comparison. He was a bit of a wet rag if I’m being honest. But he’s so beautiful to look at that I would interested even if he were to read the phone book. The film belongs to Comer though who shines as Kathy. Told through a series of interviews given to Lyon’s character played by Mike Faist, she instantly captivated me even if the accent took some getting used to.

The look and feel was cool. The small town America back drop complete with the old school outfits and the soundtrack was all very fitting. I also appreciated the cinematography especially in regards to the motorcycles themselves. During many of the drive by scenes, the way in which the camera was positioned on the road with the engines revving was such an adrenaline rush.

Unfortunately the film did fall flat around the halfway mark. I understand that this was more of a character study, but it was missing any sort of real conflict. The pacing, as a result, was slow and I found myself losing interest. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the leading trio, but I felt like we didn’t even really get to know who they were as people, let alone the side characters (played by Norman Reedus, Michael Shannon, Boyd Holbrook and Damon Herriman to name a few).

Overall, I did enjoy The Bikeriders, but I felt like it could have been better. This was a prime example that a stacked cast isn’t always worth the hype because outside of the performances, there wasn’t much on offer.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Dune Part Two

Published on by DanielaLeave a comment

The long awaited Dune sequel is here and holy crap was it worth the wait! I’m not the biggest science fiction fan, but even I have to admit that this instalment was on a whole other level. I was left completely and utterly transfixed on what was unfolding in front of me.

Picking up right from where we left off, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) has joined forces with the Fremen and is getting closer to Chani (Zendaya) as a result. Despite the prophecy claiming he is the Chosen One, he does all that he can to stay true to himself while grappling with his inevitable fate.

Firstly, it’s important to note how visually stunning the cinematography is here. The way in which the landscapes were shot from the sand dunes to the various locations were literally out of this world. It was like an overload to the senses at times and I mean that in the best way possible. Just absolutely outstanding!

The acting here is top notch with everyone delivering career best performances. Chalamet solidifies the fact that he was the right choice for our leader; I wasn’t sure of him before, but now I am. It was great to have more of Zendaya on screen this time around as she really was the grounding force throughout. Newcomers to the group Florence Pugh and Austin Butler fit right in; the former was the perfect Princess Irulan while the latter was completely chilling as the sadistic Feyd-Rautha. Complete with Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgärd and Charlotte Rampling, there was nothing they couldn’t do.

While there were times where I felt the pace needed to pick up slightly and the open ending, I was engrossed the whole way through. I remember enjoying the first film, but this was so much more elevated. It was easy to follow, had great story arcs and an incredible score that fit perfectly. This is what cinema is all about – being swept away into another world and forgetting where you are for that moment in time.

Dune Part Two really is worth the hype that it’s been getting. Run don’t walk to your nearest cinema and enjoy it on the big screen. You won’t be disappointed!

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5

Elvis

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From acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann comes Elvis (Austin Butler), the biography about the King of Rock and Roll himself. Told through the eyes of his on again off again manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), Elvis rose to fame in Memphis, Tennessee before taking the world by a storm.

Not only is Elvis one of the biggest movies of the summer, it is arguably one of the most anticipated of the year. When news broke that mostly unknown actor Austin Butler would be starring in the titular role, a lot were skeptical that he would be able to embody such a character. After hearing that the film received a twelve minute standing ovation in Cannes, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

Austin Butler was Elvis. You could tell that he endlessly studied the legend’s movements and mannerisms because they were completely down pat. At times, I completely forgot that I was watching someone else and was completely swept up in his performance. I truly believe he will be getting a lot of nominations within in the next year.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Butler’s screen partner in Tom Hanks. Usually a force to be reckoned with, the accent he put on for his role as Parker was distracting and not at all authentic. It took away from most of his scenes which was a pity.

Another downside to the film was the fact that instead of focusing primarily on Elvis, we experienced his life from the perspective of someone else. I’m not too sure that was the right route. I would have liked to see more inside Elvis’s head, especially since it seemed he was struggling with so much.

With that being said, Elvis is truly a spectacle. The way in which it was shot and put together is a sight to be seen, thanks Luhrmann’s signature style. The music was outstanding with many famous hits sprinkled throughout, but where the film really excels is in its lead actor who I simply won’t be getting over anytime soon.

Rating: ♥♥♥.5