2017 Film Log [October]

October, I actually have a horror film or two saved up from this month. Oh and Blade Runner and Thor in the cinema. Much to look forward to. There is the Year INDEX.

01. Blade Runner (01.10.17)
The Final Cut. I don't know which scene is the best. I would have said the tears in rain speech if asked yesterday but what hit me hardest toady was the confrontation with Tryell. It is played so well by both actors and is the harsh but final end for Roy Batty. His look in the lift after is pitch perfect. I can't wait fr the new film and if it is even close to this masterpiece it will be great.

02. Blade Runner - 2049 Nexus Dawn [short] (02.10.17)
The second short chronologically Setting up the bad guy? the new replicants are here and so is the charismatic man that made them. It setts the world up nicely going forward. for glorified ads these are great.

03. Blade Runner - 2048 Nowhere to Run [short] (02.10.17)
The is something imposing about Dave Bautista. I think he is the one wrestler turned actor who has any kind of range, he shoes some of it here but its his way with action that has me excited for the new film. He has a way of showing weight to the actions other actors can't. Good short and these have been a fantastic way to sell and new film.

04. Blade Runner 2049 [cinema] (05.10.17)
Bold, beautiful and loud. This is how a sequel can work. I love the settings the plot and the world. It is obvious in hindsight how to up the stakes in the mythos but it caught me so off guard it floored me. The cg is life like and it just works. The are interesting themes and ones that run deeper. Not much retreading of old ground it made its own perfect path.

05. Paths of Hate [short] (07.10.17)
Smooth and very well directed animation, the dog fight is great but the story that builds is fantastic. I like how it goes through ups and downs with the big crack coming at the loss of what they both are fighting for. You can feel the hate they have for each other.

06. The Sixth Sense (08.10.17)
Oh how i wish I hadn't had this spoiled for me. I remember when it came out and all that I heard about was I see dead people. The twist is very well done and works when it is known. Great acting and a solid film.

07. Wonder Woman (09.10.17)
I'm not sure, it is a good film but I have a few issues. My main one is kind of strange, I don' t like how they characterised Ludendorff. Using a real person as the medium for a fantastical bad guy is strange. The story works but again I found the time frame and setting to be strange but that because I am familiar with the in and out of the end of the great war. The were too many liberty's taken for my liking but it is still the best modern DC film.

08. Psycho (13.10.17)
Not sure I have seen much Hitchcock before. Being Friday the 13th in October I wanted to watch a horror film tonight and this is one I had wanted to watch for a while. I love the clarity of the film and the shine that comes through, the eyes are very distinct. A very solid plot and I'm glad I didn't have this spoiled for me. The end monologue is very very good.

09. Codehunters [short] (14.10.17)
Like a superhero team up this has a lot of style in getting the people together. The action was good and I love the aesthetic. A bit lacking in story but it is leaves me wanting more. Made for MTV the may be more to this.

10. The Red Turtle (15.10.17)
Art. You could take any part of this film and hang it in a art gallery. A Ghibli co production and in keeps with their style of not having a plot just a story. No words were needed the sight and music made this film special. One of the best and most beautiful works of art.

11. Blade II (16.10.17)
Competent if very by the numbers. Though to be fair it did some of the first maths for the genre.

12. Paranorman (20.10.17)
It is the shell you place around the story skeleton that makes it work. Here is is patchy in places but where it is good it shines. The animation as expected by Laika is great and so is the voice acting. Funny and suitably creepy, not quite as good as Coraline but that did have Gaiman's hand in it.

13. Hannibal (25.10.17)
Charming and creepy. Well shot and well acted, the story was simple but the was enough there for all parties. Good enough to follow in the foot steps of 'Silence of the Lambs'.

14. Thor: Ragnrok [cinema] (27.10.17)
Funny and punchy. It moves the greater plot along while being a good self contained story. Things have changed and they have gotten funny. Most of the gags land but they undermine too many big moments with a joke. It looks awesome from the saturated colours to the renaissance painting like aspect to some shots. Great overall.

15. Little Heart [short] (29.10.17)
Nice little story, nothing new as such but mostly well made. The was a very dodgy music edit and I don't think the dolls faces fit in with the design. Solid but not great.

16. Oldboy (30.10.17)
The Second of the vengeance trilogy and it has a very interesting premise. One of the best fight scenes put to film and a damn ugly ending. It is a great film but not for someone with a weak heart. 


Blade Runner 2049 no contest! A very strong month.