Film Fight 2021: February

#FF21 Possessor is an uncomfortable by fantastic film about an assassin who takes over people's bodies.

Body horror is at the core, as the lead starts to lose her mind. It'll make your skin crawl in places, with some sharp twists and deep discomfort.

An excellent watch.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 7, 2021

#FF21 Bliss sees Owen Wilson and Salma Hayek confront the reality of their world, believing it to be a simulation.

Is it? Isn't it? You won't care at all by the end. Poor performances and clanky philosophising don't help an already dull script.

Avoid.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 7, 2021

#FF21 Greenland is better than most low-mid budget, VOD fodder. That's not to say it's great.

The middle chunk ("separation") is turgid and predictable, for example.

That said, it's a decent disaster flick: easy, entertaining, silly. Watchable.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 15, 2021

#FF21 Malcolm & Marie is what I like in a good performance piece: two very skilled actors chewing the scenery, as characters who you both love and hate.

The stagey monologues are mostly gripping; the presentation clear & crisp; and the flow works well.

Very good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 15, 2021

#FF21 The White Tiger sees the rise of a poor man in India to be the driver of a rich family and beyond; showing the abuses inherent in a class system.

The pacing is a little off towards the end, but for the most part the film is darkly funny, a little heartbreaking, and decent.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) March 6, 2021

#FF21 Portrait Of A Lady On Fire was a little disappointing, but not bad, largely due to hype.

It's a gorgeous film throughout, in framing and colour choices. The final scene has an incredible performance, that outshines the rest of the movie.

Slow, a little dull, not for me.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) March 6, 2021

#FF21 I Care A Lot sees Rosamund Pike but in an incredible performance as the uncaring guardian of vulnerable elderly people she exploits.

While the film is entertaining, I think we're supposed to eventually get on side with her as she stands up to a mob boss. It fails.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) March 6, 2021

#FF21 Escape From Pretoria is a surprisingly entertaining story about activists attempting a prison escape during apartheid.

It does a great job of pacing, tension, and spatial awareness. You're rarely in doubt as to what is happening and why.

Very watchable.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) March 6, 2021