Mac's Movies

UK Release Date: 08 June 2022 Certification: 15 Director: Jeremiah Zagar Cast: Robert Duvall, Anthony Edwards, Ben Foster, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifiah, Adam Sandler, Kenny Smith Rating: 69% Adam Sandler at his brilliant best.  Review: Hustle is the latest in line, following on from Uncut Gems , of films that are redefining Adam Sandler's career as a serious actor. And he makes this film work with his subtle and understating performance as basketball scout Stanley Sugarman. Sandler's also heavily involved throughout the production and that thoughtfulness and care taken with the movie bleeds through onto the screen. His love for the game is evident and it only heightens his brilliant performance. He does his usual comedic beats but it's never overwhelming and emotion is favoured instead.  Sandler's chemistry with newcomer, Juancho Hernangomez (Bo Cruz), is the best aspect of Hustle . They have the heartwarming moments that help form a real bond between the two...

UK Release Date: 14 January 2005 Certification: 12A Director:  Clint Eastwood Cast: Jay Baruchel, Mike Colter, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Mackie, Michael Peña, Hilary Swank Rating: 88% A dramatic, unconventional sports movie. Review: This is my second watch of Million Dollar Baby and that really benefited my viewing experience because I first viewed the film as a sports movie but it's much more than that. Instead of telling the typical underdog tale seen in Rocky , Clint Eastwood focuses on the phenomenal performances and the gut-wrenching story, that is at points tough to watch.  M illion Dollar Baby is a character study and so the acting had to be great to entertain the audience, and each of the three main cast took their performances to another level. Hilary Swank perfectly encapsulates the 'You can do whatever you put your mind to' mindset embodied by Maggie Fitzgerald. She's dogged, determined and most importantly likeable.  Swank, of course, won ...

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:   10 July 2020 Certification:  15 Director:  Gavin O'Connor Cast:  Ben Affleck, Janina Gavanker, Melvin Gregg, Al Madrigal, Jeremy Radin, Will Ropp, Michaela Watkins, Brandan Wilson  Rating: 79 % "One shot for a second chance." Review:    Gavin O'Connor returns to sports dramas, after his success with Warrior in 2011, with Finding the Way Back . The movie explores Jack Cunningham (played phenomenally by Ben Affleck), an alcoholic struggling with depression, as he accepts a job as a basketball coach at his old school.  However, Finding the Way Back isn't really a basketball movie - it's Ben Affleck's movie. He's incredible and it could be his best performance to date. After his retirement as the Batman, passing the baton over to Robbert Pattinson, Affleck returns. In many interviews leading up to the movie's release, Affleck said that the movie felt like a therapy to him due to his previous alcoholism and divorce. And I feel...