The “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” rates three out of five stars: a directed production by Wes Ball that involves an ensemble cast including Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, and William H Macy. This general release, a 144-minutes’ cinematic piece, commences several centuries after “War for the Planet of the Apes”. It narrates the journey of a young chimp (portrayed by Teague) on a mission after his community comes under attack. His venture, alongside his peers, lands them in a slave colony presided over by a despotic gorilla known as Proximus Caesar – reminiscent of the 1968 film’s climax at a shoreline. The human kind appears to have regressed to its raw state. In recalibrated expectations, the film turns out to be a linear, family-friendly venture, affirming the franchise’s ongoing viability. A full review is also available for your perusal.
A limited release, 84-minute-long documentary “Much Ado About Dying,” which boasts of a four-star rating, was helmed by Simon Chambers and features David Newlyn Gale. The strikingly authentic Irish-produced film intricately documents the life of David Newlyn Gale, the director’s late uncle: a former actor depicted here with an aloof, disoriented yet incredibly brave persona. While Gale’s physical frailty is strikingly evident and his stubborn noncompliance with any advice is vexing, the cloying atmosphere in Uncle David’s London residence is poignantly depicted. Chambers, however, masterfully ensures whispers of charm to permeate through the obstinacy. Despite a challenging viewing experience, the film serves as a profound elegy to an irritatingly endearing persona.
“Big Banana Feet,” directed by Murray Grigor and Paddy Higson, revolves around Billy Connolly. It is a general release, a 77-minute film, that received four out of five stars.
LP Hartley once insightfully narrated, “The past is an unfamiliar land: things aren’t done the same way there.” This statement perfectly encapsulates what is being observed in Big Banana Feet, a fly-on-the-wall documentary, which tells the tale of Billy Connolly’s tour of Ireland in 1973. The past feels like an alien world. Connolly’s arrival in Dublin, weeks after the Miami Show-band murders, is testament to this, as he is chauffeured from the airport to a hotel room formerly occupied by the iconic couple, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, by promoter Jim Aitken. This intriguing documentary, thought to be lost, was recently restored after archivist Douglas Weir discovered a 16mm print on eBay. It is an excellent homage to an intrepid comedian. Full review TB
Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger ★★★★★
Directed by David Hinton, featuring Martin Scorsese, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Available for a limited time, 131 minutes.
In this captivating account of two remarkably influential filmmakers, Martin Scorsese steals the spotlight. The energetic discourse of A Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (1995) and My Voyage to Italy (1999) has evolved into a quieter, more introspective narrative. In detail, Scorsese describes the collaboration of Michael Powell, a protégé of Rex Ingram, and Hungarian emigre Emeric Pressburger. Together, they created some of the most exceptional and imaginative cinematic experiences. Scorsese’s passionate reminiscences beautifully mirror the duo’s transportive storytelling and unforgettable imagery. TB