Mac's Movies

UK Release Date: 22 February 2022 Certification: 12 Director: Ron Howard Cast: Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Russel Crowe, Adam Goldberg, Ed Harris, Josh Lucas, Christopher Plummer Rating: 76% 'The only thing greater than the power of the mind is the courage of the heart' Review: Some mesmerising performances are at the heart of the film. Russel Crowe plays Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. John Nash. It's a beautiful performance (pun intended) that encapsulates the sheer intelligence of Nash whilst also bring a sense of vulnerability to the role that makes him easy to empathise with. However, he's outdone by Jennifer Connelly who won an academy award for her performance. Her performance feels so personal due to her love and care for her husband. She firstly, helps Nash discover who he truly is and later on helps him rediscover that during his most challenging period dealing with paranoid schizophrenia. The supporting cast are all up to standard as well. Paul Bet...

UK Release Date: 26 October 1990 Certification: 18 Director: Martin Scorsese Cast: Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Frank Sivero, Paul Sorvino, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent  Rating:   92 % "As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster." Review: Goodfellas is the ultimate crime flick. Despite the rushed conclusion (my opinion) Martin Scorsese's film, based on a true story, is often considered as one of the best of all time.  Criminally, this is my first viewing of a Scorsese feature. With instant classics like  Taxi Driver  and  Raging Bull  as well as modern classics like  The Departed  and  The Wolf of Wall Street , he's viewed as one of the greatest directors of all time. I think what makes him stand out is his reliance on returning actors (Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci back then and Leonardo DiCaprio since the 2000's).  What makes Goodfellas not only an iconic movie but an a...

UK Release Date: 24 June 2022 Certification: 12A Director: Baz Luhrmann Cast: Austin Butler, Olivia DeJonge, Tom Hanks, Kevin Harrison Jr, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Dacre Montgomery, Richard Roxburgh, Helen Thomson Rating: 70% Thank you, thank you very much.  Review: Elvis is the latest in line of biopics regarding famous rock and roll stars - Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman - and it entertains but could be seen as a disappointment due to its failure to live up to its clear Oscar winning potential.  Austin Butler's performance is magically spectacular. He had to beat out the likes of Ansel Elgort, Harry Styles and Miles Teller in order to get the role. He embodies 'The King' that was Elvis Presley. He moves like Elvis, sounds like Elvis and even shares the same mannerisms as Elvis. Butler just plays every single scene to perfection. This is definitely his route into the Hollywood limelight. Tom Hanks is just as good as Colonel Tom Parker, even with a...

UK Release Date: 25 November 2011 Certification: 12A Director: Bennett Miller Cast: Stephen Bishop, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ken Medlock, Brad Pitt, Chris Pratt, Robin Wright Rating: 93% "It's hard not to get romantic about Baseball." Review: Moneyball has absolutely everything I look for in a sports movie.  And whilst Moneyball is one of my favourite sports movie of all time it's more than that.  The movie's got heart, an endearing underdog story and a fantastic central performance from Brad Pitt.  Speaking of Brad Pitt, regardless of his iconic and legendary filmography - that includes movies such as Se7en and Fight Club - this is the best performance of his career in my opinion. He's cocky and nonchalant as general manager Billy Beane but somehow captivating. I'm not quite sure how he, or the movie in general, didn't win a single academy award despite the six nominations.  The chemistry between Pitt and Jonah Hill is outstanding....

UK Release Date: 26 January 2017 Certification: 15 Director: Mel Gibson  Cast: Luke Bracey, Andrew Garfield, Rachel Griffiths, Teresa Palmer, Vince Vaughn, Hugo Weaving, Sam Worthington Rating: 90% 'One of the greatest American heroes never fired a bullet' Review: Hacksaw Ridge , directed by Mel Gibson, is based on a true story depicting the life of Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield), a man who refuses to touch a gun despite volunteering to fight in the war. The movie was a huge success upon release earning $180 million worldwide and receiving six Oscar nominations including best picture.  The biggest takeaway from Hacksaw Ridge is that it cements Andrew Garfield as an extraordinary actor amongst some of the very best of this decade. I've loved absolutely everything he's been in. He's sensational and without doubt in my top five favourite actors of all time. The accent worked, his morals made sense and his performance was commanding and powerful. He s...

UK Release Date: 12 January 2007 Certification: 12A Director: Gabriele Muccino Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Brian Howe, James Karen, Thandie Newton, Jaden Smith, Will Smith Rating: 99% "We can drive around all day, I don't believe you can do this." Review: The Pursuit of Happyness is an excellent biography, depicting struggling salesman Chris Gardener's attempt to raise his son in extreme poverty in San Francisco in the early 1980's. The main character, Chris Gardener, is sympathetically portrayed by Will Smith and the movie introduces his son, Jaden Smith as his on-screen offspring. The child actor [Jaden Smith is seven years old in The Pursuit of Happyness ] is cute, funny and above all believable in the role. Will Smith's performance means it is impossible to dislike Chris Gardener. No matter what happens to him and what obstacles are placed in his way, you're always rooting for him. Initially I was extremely sad for the positio...

UK Release Date: 31 January 2020 Certification: PG Director: Marielle Heller Cast: Eric Colantoni, Chris Cooper, Tom Hanks, Maryann Plunkett, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson Rating:   82 % We could all use a little kindness. Review:  A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood is a delightful movie centred on the beloved child entertainer, the late Mister Rogers - a fond icon of many an American's childhood. Even though he hosted a children's show, the movie covers some mature themes like depression and the self-control of our emotions. The themes are particularly relevant in today's society where mental well-being is such an important issue. Tom Hanks superbly personifies Mister Rogers. Throughout  A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood the character is extremely caring, interested and kind, backing up my opinion that Tom Hanks is the greatest man to ever walk the Earth. Chris Cooper and Matthew Rhys are also excellent in supporting roles, perfectly portrayin...

UK Release Date: 31 January 2003 Certification: 12A Director: Steven Spielberg  Cast: Amy Adams, Nathalie Baye, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Martin Sheen, Christopher Walken Rating: 77% " Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream... " Review: I was unaware of the true events that inspired Ca tch Me If You Can , I thought it was a just another crime movie. I was pleasantly surprised w atching the story of Frank Abagnale Jr unfold. It was really interesting and I enjoyed the Dr. Connors plotline the most, particularly the "Do you concur?" scene.  As you may already be aware T om Hanks is my favourite actor. I found his portrayal of Carl Hanratty lacklustre and I didn't enjoy his performance on this occasion. On the other hand Leonardo Caprio in the lead role of Frank Abagnale Jr i s phenomenal and outshone Tom Hanks. In addition, Christopher Walken and Amy Adams are great in supporting roles. Christopher Walken received an Oscar nomination for Best S...

UK Release Date: 12 January 2018 Certification: PG Director: Joe Wright Cast: Stephen Dillane, Lily James, Ben Mendelsohn, Gary Oldman, Ronald Pickup, Kristen Scott Thomas Rating: 73% V for Victory. Review: Darkest Hour depicts the first couple of months of Sir Winston Churchill's time as the Prime Minister. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture [ Darkest Hour won Best Actor and Best Makeup and Hairstyling]. Gary Oldman is absolutely incredible in Darkest Hour and thoroughly deserved his Oscar for his portrayal of a moody and unpredictable Churchill. But he is not alone - the supporting cast are on top form as well. Lily James plays Elizabeth Layton, Churchill's secretary. I thought she was one of the best characters in the movie and provided elements of humour in a very serious movie. Ben Mendelsohn is excellent, as usual, in his portrayal King George VI, always with a witty comeback to Sir Winston Churchill. Kristen Scott Tho...