Mac's Movies

UK Release Date:  19 January 2024 Certification:  15 Director:  Alexander Payne Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa Rating:   81% Review: Alexander Payne's, The Holdovers is a refreshing piece of cinema. The phrase 'they don't make films like this anymore' is often thrown around but it has never felt more warranted. A clear homage to film of the 70s whilst also tapping into John Hughes' filmography of teenage self-discovery that came merely a decade later.  The Holdovers is fairly grounded plot wise. A teacher at a New England boarding school is tasked with caring for the children who remain at the school over the holidays. Although, what the film lacks in sprawling storytelling it more than makes up for in rich thematic ideals. Presenting the audience with three characters dealing with grief in a variety of ways and exploring the detrimental impact that lingering feeling has on their personas and perspective of life. The anger, guilt...

UK Release Date:  12 January 2024 Certification:  18 Director:  Yorgos Lanthimos Cast:  Christopher Abbott, Suzy Bemba, Jerrod Carmichael, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Mark Ruffalo,  Emma Stone, Ramy Youssef Rating:   79% Review: Yorgos Lanthimos' latest film, Poor Things , is by far his most ambitious feature.  Tackling feminist ideals, a woman's appreciation of her own body and the transition from childhood to young-adolescence - most of which is layered in metaphorical subtext. There is a lot to take in and process fully.  Akin to Mary Shelley's gothic tale of Frankenstein and his monster, Poor Things explores that godlike complex that the 'scientist' has over its 'experiment'. With Bella (Emma Stone) referring to her surrogate father, Godwin (Willem Dafoe), as God. It creates an interesting dynamic between the two that shapes the opening act of the film. There's a certain level of respect and admiration that was never present in ...

UK Release Date:  01 January 2024 Certification:  15 Director:  Sofia Coppola Cast:  Ari Cohen, Dagmara Domińczyk, Jacob Elordi, Lynne Griffin, Tim Post, Cailee Spaeny Rating:   77 % Review: Sofia Coppola's answer to Baz Luhrmann's  Elvis  - there's a world where both can coexist as they give a unique account of the time period. A more intimate and private exploration of character.  Priscilla is an authentic and meaningful narrative ultimately detailing the dangers of grooming for young girls around the world.  Caught up in the whirlwind of excitement and attention, Priscilla's lifestyle completely flipped on its head as she accepted an older Elvis' advances. Somewhat unaware of the position she finds herself in but in the moments of rest-bite Cailee Spaeny plays it perfectly. A feeling of isolation, loneliness and anxiety can all be found solely within her eyes. Subtly making the audience aware of the fear she felt at times.  The film ...