Tag: FlorencePugh

Thunderbolts*

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After many delays, Thunderbolts* has finally hit the big screen. When a group of antiheroes find themselves as targets, they band together to embark on a dangerous mission.

Florence Pugh captured audiences from her very first appearance as Yelena. Her deadpan, dry humour made her edgy even when you knew there were many more layers underneath. She is the driving force of this film and rightfully so. The rest of the team consisting of Sebastian Stan as Bucky, David Harbour as Alexei, Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava and Lewis Pullman as Bob were so completely mismatched yet perfect together. On the surface it seemed like they had nothing in common, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

After relying heavily on CGI and silly gimmicks, this is a more stripped back version of an origin story. While we had been previously introduced to these characters, we didn’t really know much about them. Here we got to learn about what makes them tick as well as the darkest corners of their minds. Though there are plenty of action sequences and some comedic moments, the film also focuses on themes of loss, grief, addiction and mental health. I don’t think I’ve seen these depicted in a superhero film before and as someone who has dealt with some of the above, I really found myself relating to what the characters were going through.

It’s no secret that Marvel has been struggling as of lately. Ever since Endgame, there have been a slew of less than mediocre instalments that I can barely even remember now. The excitement I used to feel before going into these films became like a chore. That was until now. Thunderbolts* was everything I never knew I needed and I can’t help but wonder…is Marvel back? I guess only time will tell.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

We Live In Time

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When Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) meet under unique circumstances, they embark on a once in a lifetime love. From the very first moment they laid eyes on each other, to when they become a couple and eventually move in together and have a child, they don’t think it will get any better. That is until a shocking revelation comes to light that threatens to tear them apart.

To say I’ve been looking forward to this film is an understatement. Two of my all time favorite actors Pugh and Garfield starring in the same project? Sign me up! Their chemistry was off the charts and I found myself swooning throughout. Not only did they look great together, but the personalities of their characters just meshed so well.

Films are usually portayed sequentially. That is not the case here. We flip back and forth between different periods of time. At first it was a bit confusing to follow. After a while I got the hang of it. I appreciated that they took a different approach than usual though I’m not sure it will work for everyone.

What I liked most is the moral of the story. Appreciating the little things in life and learning to cherish each moment is easier said than done when obstacles are in the way. The love that Almut and Tobias shared and the fact that they really did what they could to embrace it regardless of the consequences was really inspiring. It’s something that will stick with me for a while, I think.

We Live In Time is one of those romance stories you could only ever dream about. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will make you feel all the feels. Thanks to the incredible chemistry between Pugh and Garfield, this was a brilliant film to kick off 2025 with.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Dune Part Two

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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

Oppenheimer

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From the brilliant mind of Christopher Nolan comes Oppenheimer, a biopic based on the true story of the father of the atomic bomb. Starting as a student studying abroad, J. Robert decides to come back to America to share what he’s learned. We see the events that follow after, through the Manhattan project and the Trinity Test, ultimately leading up to a catastrophic conclusion.

In a complete 180 degree turnaround from Barbie, this is a film that is not to be missed on the big screen. While the three hour run time certainly threw me for a loop (and boy did I feel it), I am so glad that I didn’t give this one a miss.

Cillian Murphy dons the titular title in stride. Not only does he physically resemble Oppenheimer, he gives a masterclass in acting in this role. After working with Nolan on so many projects throughout the years, it was lovely to see him take the helm. Major props go to Robert Downey Jr., however, who portrays Lewis Strauss, Oppenheimers’ frenemy. In a career best performance, this surely won’t go unnoticed during awards season.

In fact, the film boasts a wide range of celebrity cameos including but not limited to Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Emily Blunt, Rami Malek, Josh Hartnett and Matthew Modine to name a few. Some had very small, but impactful roles. That being said, it would have been nice for Pugh and Blunt’s characters to be fleshed out more.

The serious tone that is carried throughout the film was encompassed with brilliant sound effects. The Trinity Test sequence, in particular, was done in such an amazing way that I was literally gripping the edge of my seat. In addition to these sound effects was an equally justifying score. It’s like there was an impending sense of doom looming over the entirety of the film that wouldn’t let up until the very end.

If I were to describe Oppenheimer in one word, it would be epic. I read another review just this morning saying that this film should obligatory viewing in schools and I have to agree. The sheer importance of this piece of history is something that is just as prominent today and should never be forgotten.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

A Good Person

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From writer and director Zach Braff comes A Good Person. Allison (Florence Pugh) is about to marry Nathan (Chinaza Uche), the man of her dreams, when she is involved in a car crash that kills her would be sister and brother in law. While the accident is what starts the events that causes Allie’s life to fall apart, it is ultimately her addiction to opioids that causes her to hit rock bottom.

There are some dark moments that occur throughout the film. This is an addiction that many people struggle with in the US and I considered this to be an interesting glance into someone’s potential reality. But through the hardships, there are also some much needed moments that will make you laugh out loud and root for these characters. I have to commend Braff here for perfectly balancing the two with his script.

At the helm of the film is Pugh. In arguably the best performance of her career to date, I was completely encapsulated with her. She does everything she possibly can to be a convincing addict, going to places that sometimes scared me and she sings! If someone doesn’t give this woman an award soon, I don’t know what I’ll do. Opposite Pugh is Morgan Freeman, who portrays Nathan’s father Daniel. His chemistry with Pugh is delightful to watch and his poignancy in the role was so appreciated. And of course, I cannot leave out Molly Shannon as Allie’s mom Diane who provides a lot of comedic moments and Celeste O’Connor as Ryan, Nathan’s niece and Daniel’s granddaughter who is a scene stealer.

While I may not go rushing back to watch A Good Person anytime soon only because of how heavy it was, I have that it was one of the best surprises I have had at the cinema all year. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but with its brilliant performances and the way in which it dealt with the subject matter, it was an important watch that I will always remember.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Don’t Worry, Darling

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Welcome to Victory, an experimental living community, where the sun is always shining, the houses are vast and the lawns manicured. Young couple Alice (Florence Pugh) and Jack (Harry Styles) have the perfect life. When he goes off to work every day, she tends to the housework and prepares a nice dinner for him. But Victory isn’t as it seems and as the cracks start to show, Alice questions everything she thought she knew.

One of the most anticipated films of the year, Don’t Worry, Darling is the second film in Olivia Wilde’s directorial portfolio. Even after all the controversy, I knew I had to put that out of my head in order to focus on the bigger picture.

Everyone has been saying that Florence Pugh carried this movie on her back and they aren’t wrong. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her performance as Alice was absolutely captivating. You felt for her the whole way through. I can’t say the same about her male counterpart in Styles though. He was decent enough, but his fluctuating accent was distracting and it was as if he couldn’t keep up with Pugh.

The rest of the cast members were interesting enough though I wish we could have had more time with some of them. Frank (Chris Pine) was the most fleshed out. There was something charming yet sinister about him that I couldn’t put my finger on. I missed a lot from Bunny (Olivia Wilde) and her husband Dean (Nick Kroll) who are Alice and Jack’s neighbors. Addiotionally, Shelley (Gemma Chan), Frank’s wife clearly had more to tell.

I was one of those people who did not see the big twist coming. While not at all original, I did like the reveal. The explanation was too quick and that hindered the shock factor, but it didn’t take away from the movie for me. This is definitely one that left me thinking.

Rating: ♥♥♥.5

Black Widow

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The long awaited return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally here! After its release was delayed for over a year, Black Widow landed in movie theatres and on premium Disney + this week. The story follows Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) after the events of Captain America: Civil War. When a conspiracy arises with ties to her past, Natasha must dig up the parts of her life that she had hoped to keep buried forever. Not only does she need to deal with her history of being a spy, but she must also find the family that she thought she left behind.

I’ll come right out and say that Black Widow was never my favorite Avenger. Perhaps a large reason for that is because I’m not a fan of Scarlett Johansson. Still, this movie was much needed to put together pieces of the puzzle. It was important to know where Natasha had come from, though I must say that there wasn’t much in regards to her backstory. I thought we would see more about her start as a spy and her life before she became an Avenger, but that was skipped over.

In true Marvel fashion, the sets and special effects were on point. I feel like they always go above and beyond and this was no exception. Maybe it was also because it had been so long since we last had a movie in this franchise that made it seem more spectacular. In a way, it almost felt wrong not watching it in a cinema.

My favorite part of the whole thing was meeting Nat’s family. Alexei (David Harbour) and Melina (Rachel Weisz) as her parents were so dead on. It was awesome to have both of them join this fandom. However, I do believe that Florence Pugh as Yelena stole the show. She shone in every single one of her scenes and brought some much needed comedic relief. I cannot wait to see more of her in this role as the saga progresses.

While I did enjoy the film, I wasn’t too keen on the villain. To me, he didn’t seem fleshed out enough and I know that Marvel has had more intense bad guys. Also, I tend to get confused during these films because of their small and intricate details. I’m more of a straight forward kinda gal and found myself getting lost during the course of the story. That being said, I am looking forward to seeing how this has set the tone for future instalments and I am happy that Marvel is back!

Rating: ♥♥♥.5