A fairly decent month with 7 films in the fight.
The Eyes Of Tammy Faye
#FF22 The Eyes Of Tammy Faye is a great insight into televangelism.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 15, 2022
Chastaine's performance is transformative; slightly odd and utterly engaging. Garfield is solid too.
The pacing is a little off, suddenly jumping forward years, but it's a riveting watch.
Very good.
Uncharted
#FF22 Uncharted is as by the numbers as action films get. The jokes, the plot, the double-crosses, the set pieces, the banter: done okay but you've seen everything in this film before.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 15, 2022
The leads are miscast and struggle to gel.
Fine, if you go in with expectations suitably set.
CODA
#FF22 Coda is an exceptional film: balancing many plot threads, characters, and struggles, and bringing the together at the right moment.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 20, 2022
It looks gorgeous, with some incredibly powerful moments setup through visual and sound design. Strong performances from all.
A must-see.
Petite Maman
#FF22 Petite Maman presents the slightly fantastical (a young girl meets her mother at an earlier point in her life) through a realist lens.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 20, 2022
While there are cute moments, the flat affect and knowing dialogue break the illusion.
Doesn't say much but says what it does well.
Fine
Belfast
#FF22 Belfast reminds me of A Christmas Story: capturing family moments from a different time, but with the shadow of The Troubles looming.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 20, 2022
It's a little sappy, but not cloyingly so. It looks incredible, and the young actor who the movie focuses on does a great job.
Good.
Lamb
#FF22 Lamb is a delightful, unsettling horror about motherhood and family.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 27, 2022
The Icelandic terrain is a stark backdrop to the uneasy new family member. Noomi Rapace is excellent throughout. While the pace dips a little, the film has enough going on to stay interesting.
Good.
The Tragedy Of Macbeth
#FF22 The Tragedy Of Macbeth is an impeccably gorgeous take on the classic: every shot beautifully lit and framed.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) February 27, 2022
The witches are stunningly portrayed, amongst a strong cast with only a few flat line readings.
A little cold, at times, but a fantastic ending.
Very good.
The February Winner
Although Chastaine’s performance in Tammy Faye is excellent, the winner is CODA: great performances, stunningly shot, and bold direction; a film deserving of its Oscar nominations.