Tag: RichardEGrant

The Thursday Murder Club

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Based upon Richard Osman’s 2020 novel of the same name, The Thursday Murder Club follows four individuals who meet every week to try and solve cold cases. Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahaim (Ben Kingsley) and Joyce (Celia Imrie) couldn’t be more different save for their love of true crime. When one of the co-owners of their retirement home is found dead, they finally have the chance to put their sleuthing skills to the test.

I did read the book shortly after it came out, but I really don’t remember it. What I do know is that I wasn’t a big fan and soon put it out of my mind. I did find my interest peaking when news of the film broke and especially with that cast. I honestly did not know what to expect going into it though I wouldn’t be surprised if me not recalling any details helped with the overall enjoyment.

Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley and Imrie are practically British royalty. To have them star together in such an adaptation is a lot of pressure; we all know that mixing big names together doesn’t always have the desired effect. With that being said, I actually think they were perfect. Mirren helmed the film effortlessly – she was Elizabeth. There was also so much more to her character that we simply didn’t get to see so hopefully there will be more opportunities for that in the future. They all had their moments to shine, however. I do think that Kingsley and Imrie could have been a little bit more at the forefront though.

The rest of the cast was absolutely stacked as well, I can’t not mention them. Naomi Ackie is Donna, a police officer who ends up working closely with the Murder Club on the case. Tom Ellis is Jason, Ron’s son and former boxing champ. Jonathan Pryce is Elizabeth’s husband Stephen who has dementia. David Tennant is Ian, another owner of the retirement home who is into all sorts of dodgy business. And Richard E. Grant is Bobby, a mysterious man who has disappeared, but who has a specific connection to the case. I loved seeing who would pop up where and thought they all did brilliantly in their roles.

I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the reasons why I didn’t enjoy the book as much was because the mystery was more of an Agatha Christie whodunnit and not so much of an earth-shattering twist that I’m always gagged for. I didn’t mind that in the film. It made the whole atmosphere quite cozy and autumnal which is fitting considering we are soon entering the ber months. These aspects combined with the beautiful backdrop of Coopers Chase (a literal castle?!) complete with it’s stunning manicured lawns and a cemetery really just enhanced the whole experience.

Overall, I enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club more than I thought I would. I would one hundred percent be open to them adapting the other books so let’s hope that they do. This has also prompted me to revisit the book – maybe I will appreciate it more now.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️

Death Of A Unicorn

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While on the way to a wilderness retreat in Canada, father and daughter Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega) hit a unicorn. They put the creature in their car and bring it with them. The Leopolds, owners of a popular pharmaceutical company, want to use the unicorn for personal gain, but Ridley doesn’t feel good about that at all.

Going into this film mostly blind was the best way to do it. I also didn’t have high expectations and I really enjoyed myself. It’s not to be taken seriously whatsoever, but the hidden undertones do give it that something extra which I appreciated.

One of the main selling points here is the star studded cast. I wasn’t fully convinced by Rudd and Ortega as father and daughter though I do like them both individually. I’ve never seen Rudd play such a smarmy character before, but I think he was convincing enough (also how does this guy not age?!) Ortega plays emo well and I liked how she had that connection with the unicorns.

The Leopolds consisted of Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni and Will Poulter. I couldn’t say who was the worst of the bunch; they were all equally awful. Poulter really seemed to give it his all though and I found myself laughing out loud during the majority of his scenes.

This truly was the perfect blend of comedy and horror. Most of the jokes landed and the blood and gore was so over the top. I’ll admit that there were some moments where I had to close my eyes because of it and also because of the many jump scares but it all worked.

Overall, Death Of A Unicorn is a fun, campy film that is a guaranteed good time. With a fabulous cast and an interesting storyline, I’m glad I checked it out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️



Saltburn

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Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) is struggling to find his place when he starts at Oxford University. Soon he meets Felix, (Jacob Elordi) who with his good looks and wealth is everything that Oliver is not. When the two strike up a friendship, Felix invites Oliver to spend the summer with him at his family’s estate for the summer.

Never have I ever been so engrossed while watching a film, but that is what happened with Saltburn. It took me on a journey from the very beginning and did not let up for one single moment. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the rug was pulled from underneath me. As the story unfolded, the events got crazier and more deranged, but I mean that in the best way possible.

Emerald Fennell is a visionary. I was such a fan of her debut Promising Young Woman; she made it known right off the bat that she wasn’t afraid to push the envelope and I couldn’t wait to see what she’d do next. I just had no idea she was capable of this.

The script is punchy with many jokes thrown in. They all land, thanks to the amazing delivery of the cast. Keoghan has proven time and time again that he is an absolute star. The places he took Oliver to were otherworldly and I have to commend him. I was pleasantly surprised by Elordi as well. Not only did he have the role of heartthrob down pat, he added that extra ounce of humanity to the character that made you give a shit.

The film would be nothing without its supporting cast, all of who knocked it out of the park. Richard E. Grant, Rosamund Pike and Alison Oliver make up the rest of the Catton clan. Their chemistry is impeccable and they each brought something unique to the table. I loved the addition of Carey Mulligan as the slightly unstable family friend too.

Saltburn is like a rollercoaster you don’t want to get off of. It is insane and didn’t hold anything back, but that is what I loved about it. Not knowing where it was going to go was refreshing and I never wanted the experience to end.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Persuasion

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Anne Elliot (Dakota Johnson) has always been underestimated by her father Walter Elliot (Richard E. Grant) and sister Elizabeth (Yolanda Kettle). Believing they know best, they persuaded her not to marry the love of her life, Captain Frederick Wentworth, eight years ago. When Wentworth comes back into Anne’s life, however, sparks the internal struggle of moving forward with her life or giving him a second chance.

Loosely based off of Jane Austen’s final novel Persuasion, this adaption has sparked controversy with die hard fans. Over the years, there have been various versions of Austen’s work, particularly when it comes to Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility. While some have closely followed the source material (the Keira Knightley version of the former from 2005 rings a bell), others were a more modernized retelling (the now classic Clueless).

I, for one, was very much looking forward to this new version. I knew going into it that Netflix was giving it a new life and that was a welcome change. I liked the updated script and the fact that Anne interacted with the audience. It kept me totally invested in what was happening and like I was a part of the story too.

Dakota Johnson shined in the role of our protagonist. Her honesty and vulnerability was refreshing to watch. Another exceptional performance came from Mia McKenna-Bruce who played Anne’s younger sister Mary. Her spoiled brat ways could have come across as cringy but instead was anything but. I only wish the same could be said for the male leads. Cosmo Jarvis was fine, though nothing extraordinarily memorable and I wish we’d had more time with Henry Golding’s Mr. Elliot. He was brought it way too late in the game I almost didn’t see the point.

An Austen fan through and through, I was perfectly content with this new version of Persuasion. While it has been ages since I read the book, I was happy with it’s make over. It had everything I could have wanted: longing stares, witty banter, beautiful landscapes and stunning costumes that made me seriously question whether or not I was born in the correct century. Don’t let the negativity deter you – give this one a go!

Rating: ♥♥♥.5

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

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Jamie (Max Harwood) has always known he was different. Instead of wanting to pursue a traditional career, he knows he is destined for greatness. Jamie wants to become a drag queen. Lucky for him, he’s got a supportive mother (Sarah Lancashire), former drag queen mentor Hugo Battersby (Richard E. Grant) and an amazing best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) who are beside him every step of the way. Not everyone may understand Jamie’s path in life, but he knows that he is meant to be a star.

I have never seen the original musical so I cannot compare this adaption to the stage production. I remember it was playing back when I lived in the UK and unfortunately never had the opportunity to check it out for myself. This seemed to be the next best thing. I live for musicals and I miss going to the theatre so badly. There were quite a few things to like about this film and I thought it was a good time overall.

The storyline was interesting and heartbreaking all at the same time. It was inspiring to see the lengths to which Jamie would go to to achieve his dreams, no matter the obstacles that were standing in his way. He was relentless and even if he got knocked back a few times, he would brush himself off and try again. The relationship he had with his mother and Pritti in particular were a joy to watch. It was refreshing to see how much they rooted for him, especially when Jamie’s dad was absent from his life.

Another strong point for me were the colourful costumes and sets. They were vibrant and exciting and fit well into the movie. If anything, there could have been even more glitter and sparkle!

To my knowledge, this was Max Harwood’s first feature film and I think he did a great job. He really embodied the role of Jamie and brought him to life. I wish we had had more backstory to Pritti who, while she was supportive, seemed a bit one dimensional and only added to the strengthening of Jamie’s arc. And who can forget Richard E. Grant in drag?

My biggest problem with the movie was that there wasn’t enough musical numbers! When there was singing and dancing, they were executed perfectly, however there were moments scattered throughout where it was lacking. When this happened, I felt like the story would fall flat and I would lose interest.

Overall, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie was as close to a musical as I have gotten in about a year and a half and so I enjoyed it for that reason. I think I expected more from it though and was therefore left feeling underwhelmed with certain aspects. At least there were some positives that came out of it too.

Rating: ♥♥.5