Film Fight 2018: October

#FF18 Operation Finale tells an interesting dramatic story, but just a little too flatly.

Oscar Isaac and Ben Kingsley are, as always, great, but much of the dialogue is heavy-handed and production-line.

It’s worth seeing, but not a classic.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) October 6, 2018

#FF18 The Land of Steady Habits is an interesting indie film, following several self-involved characters as they start to come to terms with their behaviour.

Performances are good across the board, with Edie Falco a particular stand-out.

Solid, interesting, worth seeing.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) October 7, 2018

#FF18 Bad Times At The El Royale has a modern pulpy feel. While the last act drags a little, the story telling up until then works well through fragmented vignettes.

Entertaining if a little longer than it needs to be. Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) October 14, 2018

#FF18 Apostle is a modern Wickerman, with kidnapped sisters, religious cults, blood letting, and other weirdness.

Dan Stevens and Michael Sheen are particularly good, but this is a solid cast.

Something of a departure for Gareth Evans (The Raid), but he does well.

Worthwhile.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) October 14, 2018

#FF18 Private Life is an interesting small film, about an older couple desperately trying to conceive.

Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti are both excellent, getting across frustrations and arguments as well as laughs at the right moments.

Tough to watch in places, but very good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) October 21, 2018

#FF18 First Man follows Neil Armstrong from the devastating loss of his daughter through to the moon landing.

Gosling plays it restrained as he begins to crack, while Foy brings a tonne of energy.

Over zoomed close-ups and static cams put you right in the moment.

Very good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) October 21, 2018