A fairly short Film Fight for June, with just 5 films.
Men
#FF22 Men is not a subtle film in the slightest.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) June 12, 2022
It is, however, an effective small horror, with exceptionally strong performances by the two leads, and several visceral and creepy moments that will live in my memory.
A little slow towards the end, but decent.
Spiderhead
#FF22 Spiderhead takes a broad look at abuses in pharmaceuticals, focussing on issues of control like a lightweight Milgram experiment.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) July 3, 2022
The cast are fine, seemingly having fun, and the runtime passes quickly, but the film doesn't have much to say in the end.
Okay.
Pleasure
#FF22 Pleasure focusses on issues of consent and power in the adult entertainment industry.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) July 3, 2022
Bella's journey is not an easy watch, each step taking her further into that world. Thyberg's direction/writing is even-handed: neither celebrating or condeming it.
Good, not easy.
Top Gun: Maverick
#FF22 Top Gun: Maverick is very much an 80s film in modern clothing.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) July 3, 2022
The plot is silly and the machismo is over the top, with too many nods to the original. But it's still a lot of fun. The action sequences are predictable, but spectacular, and it all comes together.
Fun.
Hustle
#FF22 Hustle follows a basketball scout, looking for his next break.
— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) July 3, 2022
This is a serious Sandler film, without being dour. It pulls together several underdog and sport movie plots into something new enough. There are laughs, difficulties, and triumphs that keep it moving.
Solid.
The June Winner
A tricky one because there’s plenty of good but nothing excellent here. I think the movie I’d see again soonest is Men, so that’s the winner.