Most of us have heard of Jackie Weaver but did we know how well known she is in the film world and how she can still sing even now in her 70’s

No not that Jackie Weaver of course

This film is a must watch - a gospel singing Mother estranged from her gay son is left his drag club after he overdoses and dies.
Enlightening, funny and very touching .

Love the song at the end

https://youtu.be/5u2I2khC6-c

Not expecting much from that show but still it's a must-watch for me.
Side note - is it me, or Matt LeBlanc is the only one who doesn't look as if he/she has had 38 plastic surgeries?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRXVQ77ehRQ

Last days on Netflix
Being removed on 31st May

Fantastic spoof sci fi adventure

Real ‘aliens’ approach the actors from Galaxy Quest believing them to be true space travellers.

Ideal watch on a rainy day

‘Never give up, Never surrender’

A courtroom drama, I only watched this due to Sacha Baron Cohen being in the cast, and found the first few minutes difficult due to background music, then , all of sudden it came to life. I would highly recommend it.

Based on a true story
‘ In 1969, seven people were charged by the federal government with conspiracy and more, arising from the protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago’

On Netflix . Don’t miss it.

Great film from 2012 about a filmmaker and his friends who came up with the idea to kidnap the dog of a local gangster boss, which turns out to be a really bad idea.All-star cast with Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, Christopher Walken and Tom Waits.
Pretty bloody and un-nerving, not for the faint hearted, but great to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsHR77oQKEY

Anyone watched it on Netflix? I'm 1/3 way there and I find myself snoring to it.

Sir Anthony Hopkins posted a video from Wales the morning after winning this year’s best actor Oscar for his performance in the film The Father. At 83 years of age, Hopkins has become the oldest recipient of the award. In his video message, he paid tribute to actor and fellow nominee Chadwick Boseman 'who was taken from us far too early'.

Has anyone watched that movie yet? There seems to be a huge hype around it, any opinions?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sxCFZ8_d84

Last one for today :)
I've read the book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett years ago and absolutely loved it. If you haven't read it: Do it!

The TV-Miniseries is, well, difficult to say. I guess it's more fun if you haven't read the book. It kind of covers most of the book story, but somehow (understandably) a lot of the irony (especially the thoughts of the characters) are missing. Still, watch it if you are into weird stuff.

I recently watched the complete mini-series "Wolf Hall" (about Thomas Cromwell and Henry VIII). I am the first to admit that it is really well done, great actors and settings. And as far as I could find out later, it is mostly historically accurate.
However while forced exposition is normally considered bad in movies, I wish they would sometimes give me a hint who characters are actually talking to and what historic character just passed by on the screen. While very relaxing to watch, I got totally lost who is who (especially the supporting actors) and what they were talking about.
Is this just me (because I did not go to a British school)? Do people who grew up in Britain know all this stuff about Henry VIII, Cromwell, France, Anna Boleyn in detail?
Anyway, I highly recommend watching it, but be warned: It might lead you down the wikipedia rabbit hole.

In know, I know .. it's supposed to be a children's film. But the other day I decided to watch it again (I wasn't totally sober). It's from 1968 and actually a very weird movie, especially Obelix eating something weird and going on some kind of drug trip.

The colours and aesthetics a very 60s. Not sure what I thought about it as a kid. Anyone remembering this movie from their childhood?

There are four TV shows that keep rewatching years after years. These are:

1. Friends - I'm not gonna lie this is the number one for me. The reason is that all episodes are almost equally good, so no matter which one you pick it will be fun to watch. All the actors are brilliant, almost no favourites. Maybe except Ross, my alter ego ;)

2. The Office (US) - there are plenty of episodes that are by far much better than any Friends ones, but the show is uneven at times. You will love the real feel of mockumentary with no background laughs, though!

3. The IT Crowd - that would be my number one in terms of actors, the humour and the fact it's about IT guys in London. But it's only 24 episodes I think so not enough to binge-watch. Every episode is a masterpiece though, every little details matters and everything always nicely wraps up at the end.

4. How I met your mother - resemblance to Friends is obvious. Most the episodes are funny or very funny, but can be pretentious.

A strange, sometimes hilarious, at other times hideous, Danish comedy drama.

Two brothers travel to a remote island in an attempt to find their Father. They discover a horrible and bizarre truth.

This is a truly weird movie about a mathematician who thinks he is on track to explain everything in the world by numbers and to discover some universal principle. At some point it's not clear any more if he is slowly going mad and what is real or just in his brain as he becomes increasingly paranoid.

Also totally taking the piss out of conspiracy theories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQ1sZSCz47w

Sweet film about the growing respect between two Indian men as one (a former Doctor) diagnosed with dementia, hires the other (a tuk tuk driver) to take him across the country to places he lived, studied and worked during his life.
The Doctor is a Hindu and the driver a Muslim. They learn about each other’s past and each other’s cultures .
Sad at times but heartwarming in places. Worth watching 🎥

IMHO one of the best movies about the financial crisis, a bit set up like a thriller, but super realistic. Not really any action, but a great character study and top cast.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margin_Call

Have you watched anything from this list? Can you recommend something?
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210128-ten-films-to-watch-in-february

Now on Netflix this Spanish film with subtitles is a romantic comedy , sweet with a great message.

Grandma is her 70’s announces she is going to get married which sparks bewilderment and chaos amongst her family .

Recommended by my eldest daughter as she still recovers at home from her operation in 2020!

Unique and beguiling 🙂

Natalie, played by Rebel Wilson, is knocked unconscious during a mugging. She wakes up to find herself in an alternative ‘Rom Com Universe’. Her worst nightmare.
She is now the leading lady in a romantic, real life comedy. A parody of Romantic comedies.
The ideal film to brighten up a dreary stuck at home day.
It’s far fetched, ridiculous, over the top and corny and at times hilarious.
It appealed to my silly sense of humour and we laughed out loud. Look out for the karaoke scene . Give it a try. 10 out of 10 for fun.
On Netflix now

After long months I finally tired out "The Crown" (Season 3 and 4) on Netflix. Has anyone seen it? I bet many users did as it's after all a history about our/your beloved Queen.

It all got me thinking how this whole monarchy structure even works. As an outsider (to UK) I always thought of the queen as some kind of mascot to England (if I offended anyone here I can call her Latin Fidei Defensor). I read that weakening of British monarchy started with queen Victoria (yet, 18th most popular English person apparently to some poll I forgot).

She would show up on TV on some special occasion, like Ascot, sometimes dressed in a funny attire. That was pretty it. And yes, of course unhappy Diana with unhappy Charles - every little kid, even in far depths of Poland knew of this great, great tragedy... Somehow, no-one ever wondered why we even gave a hoot to all this joke.

And don't get me wrong, I'm not some revolutionary freak that wants to kill all the aristocracy back in 18th century. It's just that to me the woman does literally nothing, except for owning some land and showing up here and there. I admit, this is a very valuable brand for UK (Elisabethness, Diananess, etc) and I wouldn't get rid of the goose that lays the golden egg. But at least it's given this is all a well-planned theatrical show, isn't?

And now back to Netflix - the show on the other hand seems to say that Queen's role in the political landscape really matters. And that's what's struck me the most when watching it. Even as a "consultant" of sorts to the PM she is after all British sovereign - I know - but what does it even mean? It's just a word, because it is OBVIOUS the real sovereign are British people - they can cancel this show in a referendum, any time. So my main question is: is the whole story just super exaggerated or is that 1:1 real? Based on your memories and knowledge.

Netflix 2020
Amy Adams, Glenn Close, Gabriel Basso. Directed by Ron Howard.
A touching American drama based on the memoirs of the same name.

Thought provoking, poignant, at times tough and violent, with scenes of drug abuse. Full of flashbacks and at times even difficult to watch .
Glenn Close as you have never seen before. There’s no glamour involved. She is the star that makes the film and saves the day.

What I loved was the end where they showed the real people and updated what happened next .

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZSvgQmuk/

Then watch Death to 2020 on Netflix, ironic, witty, often true.

A mockumentary

Based on the Enola Holmes mysteries by Nancy Springer, Enola, younger sister of Sherlock and Mycroft uses her own sleuthing skills to help the young Viscount Tewsbury when setting out to look for her missing mother (played by Helena Bonham Carter).

Enola played by Millie Bobby Brown, outsmarts her brothers in a tale of intrigue and mystery. Beautiful settings, lovely cinematography, filled with fun, foolishness but with some violence. We really enjoyed it. Quite charming.

One of my favourite movie's on channel five tonight

A surprisingly atmospheric and ethereal Oscar winning film set in the 1960’s. A mute cleaning lady makes a life changing discovery while working at a high security government lab.
At times cruel and almost crude it is also poignant with an unusual love story within it. Powerfully acted it is a fantasy not to be missed. On Channel 4 last night . Did any other members see it? If you did what were your thoughts?

On Netflix a 2016 French film. Subtitled and brilliant. Clever. Interesting. Thought provoking , ironic and funny

https://youtu.be/gXtvFqPQwR0

The subject antisemitism - a man obsessed with Jews . Doesn’t seem a funny subject. Watch it and see, I would be interested to hear others opinions of it.

Anyone finished watching that one?

I'm at 4th episode, super curious how the whole story ends. I think Anya Taylor-Joy is a lot of joy in fact, simply brilliant, but it's only my opinion. The actress who plays Harmon in episode 1 (circa 10 yo) - not so much, I can't even be bothered to check her actual name. Too stiff, acts like a robot.

The aesthetics of the series reminds me the French movie Amelia, but without the humoristic part. Does anyone remember it?

Also a little Polish accent, the Russian chess master is played by famous Polish actor Dorocinski.

I barely have any time for myself. However I somehow managed to watch this movie lately with my wife. Not sure who recommended it - if it was someone on this groups I apologise for not remembering.

It's a pretty good movie I must admit, though at first I wouldn't say it was my cup of tea.
Good plot, very good acting, great pictures - it's got everything.

And Chris Evans - yes, he can play even without tights and a shield - if you know what I mean. And he's pretty good at it too. It should suffice to say my wife sobbed half the movie, probably because of the plot, but my guess it was more due to Evans being too sexy for her as a handyman caring for his little niece.

BTW, I watched on YouTube (pay-for option), it was couple of quid if anyone interested.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4481414/

The Fall - has anyone else watched it. It used to be on BBC 2 a few years ago. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at Jamie Dornan the same way again. Its 3 series, 6 episodes, an intense thriller that you want to keep watching. Highly recommend!

Has anyone else seen this ?

Based on a true story (ish) and adapted from a book.
The first black African American Detective of the Colorado police department teams up with a Jewish Colleague to infiltrate a group of white supremacists

Starring John David Washington (yes, Denzil's son)
And Adam Driver

Set in the 1970's and pitched against the realities of the present.

I found it intense, thought provoking, suspenseful, moving at times and surprisingly witty.

Many critics sighted the last few minutes as unnecessarily political - after main film ended!

Two and a quarter hours long, flew by - Give it a try!

Olivia de Havilland, known for her roles in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (yes, that was in 1938) and "Gone with the Wind" has died yesterday aged 104(!).

The 2017 Australian drama set in the 1920’s called Sweet Country about an Aboriginal farmhand who shoots a white man in self defence . Film4 9pm
Or the 1980 classic The Blues Brothers about two criminal brothers reforming their blues band. ITV 4, also 9pm

Tonight on ITV4 at 10pm

With some violent scenes this is said to be a crime caper. Saw it a few nights ago ....what did others think of it

A strange title, until you see the content of the film, inspired , very loosely by a murder, almost 30 years ago in Texas, that remains unsolved.

Have any members seen this?

Watched it last night on Channel 4. It's certainly no run of the mill film and I can see why it took the writer so long to get right for production, and why it won so many awards.

Moving, heartbreaking, poignant, dramatic, AND a black comedy. It has everything, THAT you don't necessarily expect, going off in directions unlike any other. Wonderful cast, superbly acted.

A grieving woman in a small Midwestern town comes up with an unusual way to pressurise the local police into continuing their investigation into her daughter's horrific murder.

One reviewer wrote: Funny, brutal and breathtakingly beautiful. Two exceptionally raw lead performances, hypercharged by a a bold script.

I can only AGREE with every single word of it.

Catch it if you can . I could barely move from my seat!

Anything funny films people have watched recently? Not seen a laugh out loud film in the long time

click on

Recorded this the other day as its one of my favourites. Hadn't watched it in years and forgot how funny it is! Usually sequels are never as good as the first but I'm putting it out there and saying that I think Meet the Fockers is better than Meet the Parents.

I watched this last night on Channel 4. What a good film it was with Kate Winslet and Idris Elba. Stranded on top of snow covered peak in Utah after their plane crashed. Brilliant film I thought, anyone else seen it?

The trailer seemed funny so thought i'd give it a watch. It was actually quite good, Will Ferrell has a tendency to really annoy me and he did have his moments in this film but overall it was good. Their Icelandic accents weren't great, particularly from Piers Brosnan - was terrible! Rachel McAdams was great in it. Overall, an easy watch and good humour

I watched the latest Maleficent film last night and thought it was great! I was never a fan of sleeping beauty the animation but Maleficent puts a good spin on it. Also Angelina Jolie puts on an impressive english accent. Its a good watch if you like your Disney...

A baby found in a box grows up to be a would be author, with compulsive tendencies, working in a 📚 library.
Her life changes when she is told she will be evicted if she does not tidy up her garden.
Billed as a contemporary fairytale, fantasy, romance and drama. It’s a feel good, charming and at times poignant- easy to watch, enchanting film with memorable characters.
Available on the BBC Iplayer

Action Comedy 2017 - suitable for all, although there is some violence - after all Grandpa’s gang ‘the scum scum’ are involved 😆
Another feel good but very corny movie, and similar in parts to several others with Grandpa ‘getting the old team back together’ to rescue his Grandsons girl friend , after she mysteriously disappears.
Good versus Evil, heartwarming and fun. I thought the ending was a little poor but with James Caan in the title role it was also quite endearing .
Give it a try!

When Sandra , played by Imelda Staunton, discovers her husband of 40 years , played by John Sessions, has been having an affair, she leaves to live with her elder estranged sister Bif, played by Celia Imrie.
With a superb cast this film is simple but charming. Easy going, undemanding and quite sentimental.
Sandra joins Bif at a dance group and then ‘finds her feet’ again after being a dancer when she was a child. She makes new friends too and experiences a life much different to what she has lived in her big house - which must now be sold.
This film may not be for everyone but we found it a relaxing way to spend a couple of hours and enjoyed seeing favourites like Timothy Spall, David Haymen and Joanna Lumley.

Wow. I just don’t know how I didn’t know this film existed!
With Dustin Hoffman
Queen Latifah
Emma Thompson
Will Farrell
and Maggie Gyllenhaal
I would highly recommend this as the film NOT TO MISS
Clever, witty, funny, romantic, thought provoking, whimsical , a modern day fable . I was hooked from the start and the end was magnificently sad/ touching and poignant.

A man with obsessive tendencies and a very repetitive life suddenly hears his life being narrated!

There was no bad language, violence or even toilet humour that can sometimes ruin Will Farrell films.
Has anyone else seen this - and not told me 😂😂

A 2013 film, on Filmfour last night (so it’s bound to be repeated soon) Enough Said is about a female divorced masseuse with a teenage daughter preparing to go away to college. She meets two people at a party. Not realising they used to be married to each other. She begins a relationship with the man and starts to work as a masseuse for the woman! It’s a sweet film, funny, ironic, charming and romantic. Give it a try - very easy going . The last film starring James Gandolfini before his untimely death. Also stars Julie Louis Dreyfus and Toni Collette

I lately remembered about this movie and it was great to watch it again after like 20 years!
A great production from Nick Park and Peter Lord. The best part is, my kids now keep asking me to put it on tv again.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120630/

Released last month and already in their top 20 films (no 7 today)

Silly, ridiculous , far fetched and sometimes stupidly funny it’s a murder comedy caper involving a couple whose relationship isn’t going too well.

Easy to watch, took our minds off of current events . Give it a try .

A 2020 Netflix film

A real thriller , murder, mystery, suspenseful, clever and fast moving. With twists and turns all the way along.

Highly recommended

Looking on Netflix I came across this 2016 film starring Jodie Whittaker

Has won awards and I can see why !

Unique, funny, poignant.

Having lost a brother who was very close in age to myself I was very moved by the back story of what first appeared just to be a story of a girl approaching her 30th birthday and living in her mum’s shed.

This is an interesting direction for the future of Star Wars..

https://deadline.com/2020/05/taika-waititi-new-star-wars-movie-directing-1202925208/