chriskylie

It seemed like a stretch of credulity that 20 years later Independence Day: Resurgence could live up to the success of its original. There's been so many imitators and huge evolutions in SFX technology since their brand of alien made a flambé of our planet's cities, that nostalgia was not going to suffice. But Emmerich could have at least tried. I've never seen such a lazy, half-assed brazen cash-cow of a sequel in a long time. The script literally made no sense, even for Sci-fi, but no one seems to care. The cast of pretty accomplished actors couldn't give too hoots about convincing performances (perhaps more concerned with how to spend their pay checks). This is all about the money, for the movie makers, for the marketers, for the studio. No care is given to the moviegoer. Hollywood as its most audaciously awful.

45 Years is a masterclass in character study, communicating volumes with a moment of stillness. The plot is sleight, a slice of uncomfortable history resurfaces to disturb the apparent equilibrium as a couple approach their wedding anniversary. The emotional power of Rampling and Courteney's delicately understated performances is captivating. Each scene is gripping; each look carries a weight of historic subtext, of chances missed, of betrayal. Within a flicker this is all suppressed again into everyday pleasantries as only the British can do. Despite a short run time I've never been so impacted or moved by a film which such a sedate pace. It's through its naturalism in performance and pace, that 45 Years gets its devastating power.

With Rogue One Edwards has achieved a masterful balancing act; he's stayed faithful enough to the ethos of the original Star Wars universe to appease the fans, whilst bringing a unique, darker, sinister and more adult edge to his film which appeals to a newer audiences. Quite a big ask, but he's more or less succeeded. The action is great, SFX outstanding, the plot easy enough to follow for the non-initiated without being inconsequential and there's some great comic relief from a new sarcastic robot side-kick. Sounds a similar formula. However the menace of the empire seems less comic book here. The stakes more real. The consequences more serious. Perhaps it's deliberately more allegorical considering the times we now live in. Or maybe it's simply a braver film than George Lucas would have made. Whilst it is a fine addition to the Star Wars canon, Rogue One isn't merely the fanboy footnote it could have been, but a bold blockbuster standing on its own merits.