“Deadpool & Wolverine ★☆☆☆☆
Shawn Levy directs this Deadpool and Wolverine instalment, in which Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen, Morena Baccarin, Leslie Uggams, and Karan Soni star. It is the debut R-rated film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, bringing together the sardonic mercenary and the sharp-clawed X-Men member. Despite this supposed affirmation of adult-targeted material, the movie appears to be the most persistently immature in a series that has barely been mistaken for Ingmar Bergman’s Faith Trilogy. The creators of Deadpool may justify their adolescent humour by welcoming critique in this aspect, yet they offer no such pardon for excessive self-adoration. The film leaves the audience yearning for the earnestly subversive comedy of the Batman TV show from six decades ago.
I Saw the TV Glow ★★★★★
Jane Schoenbrun directs this film featuring Justice Smith, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Helena Howard, and Lindsey Jordan. Set in mid-’90s, a solitary Owen encounters an older and savvy Maddy when he sees her perusing an episode guide for the series The Pink Opaque. As Owen’s mother gravely falls ill, Maddy gets shunned due to her sexuality and an associated – exaggerated school gossip. Soon after, Maddy goes missing and the enigmatic series is eventually axed after six seasons. This poignant narrative of missed opportunities and shared adolescence discomforts or pop culture passions, effectively strikes a chord with viewers. Schoenbrun’s cult hit finally debuts in Ireland and is definitely a must-watch.
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About Dry Grasses ★★★★★”
Guided by Nuri Bilge Ceylan and enlisting stars such as Deniz Celiloğlu, Merve Dizdar, and Ece Bagci, the filmmaker’s latest masterpiece walks a subtle yet intense path. Within the secluded terrains of Anatolia, Samet (Celiloğlu), a reluctant newcomer, captures the stunning landscapes and locals in splendid snapshots as he anticipates his return to urbanity. Nearing four years into his assignment in the Eastern Anatolian plateau, his artistic prowess starkly clashes with his starkly harsh temperament. The skilful script penned by the director and his regular associate, his wife Ebru Ceylan, provides a counterbalance to the film’s extended duration. Despite the lengthy runtime, the director muses he could have lengthened the film, remarkably, most spectators will concur. Full review to follow.
Notes from Sheepland receives a rating of four out of five stars. Under the direction of Cara Holmes and featuring the artist and sheep herder, Orla Barry, this film, which debuted at the 2023 Dublin International Film Festival, finally gets its well-deserved cinema screening. The film brings to the forefront inventive multimedia articulation combined with contemplations on agricultural ethics. Yet, it offers a great deal of enjoyment contrary to any misleading presumptions. It meticulously comments on the crippling pressures inherent to rural lifestyles, albeit with an infusion of positivity. Holmes’ direction beautifully captures the unity of complexity, marking the film as a treasure worth cherishing. Full review coming soon.