The Darjeeling Limited

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For the final film of the month we have The Darjeeling Limited 

First off, we have the story which after their father's funeral, three brothers travel across India by train in an attempt to bond with each other. I thought the story was very enjoyable with some heartfelt moments throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were interesting and captivating and the chemistry between the three main stars carried the film well while also working off each other very well. 

As for the film's visuals I thought captured the landscapes of India very well from place to place that the brothers visited. The cinematography still contained Anderson's trademarks and careful planned out shots. Moving onto the tone of the film which had a good focus on the situation of the brothers which drove the story well so you cared for them. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and used tracks that added to the atmosphere of the Indian culture.

Overall, I thought this film was an enjoyable film from start to finish and over the journey the brothers take you start to care for them and want them to get the answers they wanted and the way Wes Anderson did this worked very well. 

I give The Darjeeling Limited a score of 8/10

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

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For the fourteenth film of the month we have The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou 

First off, we have the story which has a plan to exact revenge on a mythical shark that killed his partner, Oceanographer Steve Zissou rallies a crew that includes his estranged wife, a journalist, and a man who may or may not be his son. I thought the story was very enjoyable with some fun moments throughout.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were unique and very interesting and all the actors gave their all to each character to give them a standout personality so you remembered them. 

As for the film's visuals I thought it was immaculately created and the colour scheme that was used gave the film it's identity as well as being different to the other Wes Anderson films I have seen. Moving onto the tone of the film which had the classic family drama that comes with a Wes Anderson film as well as the unusual comedy that works very well. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and different to all the other tracks of his other works. 

Overall, I thought this was another fine film from Wes Anderson and it shows that whatever setting he goes for he can pull another unique tale while still including his famous aspects and story telling beats and is why he is one of my favourite directors working today. 

I give The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou a score of 8/10

Nerve

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nerve_(2016_film)#/media/File:Nerve_2016_poster.png

For the thirteenth film of the month we have Nerve

First off, we have the story which has a high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of "watchers." I thought the story was very entertaining as the stakes got raised because of the game. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting, really good and the chemistry between Vee played by Emma Roberts and Ian played by Dave Franco was there and it carried the film well as they got more involved with the game. 

As for the film's visuals I thought were really great and the neon colours added to the style of the film being very similar to the design of the game. The cinematography was impressive with some good camera positioning and lighting. Moving onto the tone of the film which i thought did a good job at escalating the drama with the dares while matching the fast pace of the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and matched the neon style that the visuals were going for. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable thriller that surprised me with how much I enjoyed it after going into it with no expectations at all. The story and cast are great, the visuals are a sight to look at and a soundtrack that is good backing. 

I give Nerve a score of 9/10

Manchester By The Sea

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For the twelfth film of the month we have Manchester By The Sea

First off, we have the story which has a depressed uncle is asked to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy's father dies. I thought the story was impact-full as well as emotional from start to finish 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were felt real and added some real emotion and weight to the film with what everyone is going through especially Casey Affleck as Lee Chandler with his portrayal of a broken man. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the natural look to the film in terms of the colours and setting give the film a cold but distinctive look. Moving onto the tone of the film which I found really interesting especially with how the drama was presented over the course of the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film was did well at adding to the emotional points and adding weight to the film.  

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting film and the themes presented helped build the film up with some fantastic chemistry between Lee and his nephew Patrick as try to reconnect and deal with what has happened. 

I give Manchester By The Sea a score of 9/10

Locke

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locke_(film)#/media/File:Locke_poster.jpg

For the eleventh film of the month we have Locke 

First off, we have the story which has Ivan Locke, a dedicated family man and successful construction manager, receives a phone call on the eve of the biggest challenge of his career that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his carefully cultivated existence. I thought the story was very entertaining and the way it was told and structured added weight to the drama. 

Next, we have the main character of this film Ivan Locke portrayed by Tom Hardy who gave an excellent performance and managed to make you feel for what was going on and you wanted to see him get everything right. Managing to hold the film while interacting to other characters over the phone was no easy feat but he managed to it. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography for this film was great while being set in one location which didn't get boring and helped to focus on Tom Hardy's performance and the story going on. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was built up well over the course of the story and as it progressed you could see how bad it was getting but Ivan tries to get everything sorted. I thought the soundtrack of the film which when used was very good as a backing to some of the films scenes as well as the emotions you felt for the main character and what he goes through. 

Overall, I thought this film was a fantastic film and which captivated me from minute one with a story that felt real and personal and how you can make a film interesting when you have one main actor on screen. 

I give Locke a score of 9/10

Inside Llewyn Davis

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For the tenth film of the month we have Inside Llewyn Davis

First off, we have the story which has tells the week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. I thought the story was very enjoyable and you wanted to see Llewyn have one bright spark in his life. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were the best part about the film especially the titular character Llewyn Davis as he struggles through life and his music career and the performance by Oscar Isaac gave life to the character to bring that across. 

As for the film's visuals I thought were fantastic especially the drab and dull colouring which suit the time period of the film as well as the deeper representation of Llewyn's life and how bad it is. Moving onto the tone of the film which I found different as it doesn't go right for people sometimes and it was shown off here. I thought the soundtrack of the film which I really enjoyed with the use of folk music to add to the vibes the film was giving across and the music scenes were done well. 

Overall, I thought this film was a fantastic film from start to finish and having the focus of one man's struggles through life can be felt by people watching this film and they can relate in some way. Other than that it was brilliantly looking film with some surprisingly good music.

I give Inside Llewyn Davis a score of 10/10

His Girl Friday

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For the ninth film of the month we have His Girl Friday 

First off, we have the story which has a newspaper editor uses every trick in the book to keep his ace reporter ex-wife from remarrying. I thought the story was very entertaining as the stakes escalated. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were the most interesting part of the film especially with how fast the characters they could say their dialogue which added to the fast pacing. The main leads were the highlights and their chemistry was fantastic.

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was very consistent and the editing matched very well to aesthetic of the film. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought had some intriguing drama as well as a way of comedy that somehow managed to work. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting one because of the way it evolved and unwinded as it started simple but more story elements became involved that you wonder how it will turn out. 

I give His Girl Friday a score of 8/10

Good Morning, Vietnam

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For the eighth film of the month we have Good Morning, Vietnam

First off, we have the story which has an unorthodox and irreverent DJ named Adrian Cronauer begins to shake up things when he is assigned to the U.S. Armed Services radio station in Vietnam. I thought the story was very enjoyable and in some ways still relevant today. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all consistent in their performances with the main standout being Robin Williams as Adrian Cronauer with the way he portrayed the character on the radio and away from the studio.

As for the film's visuals I thought they were very consistent and the location footage was shot very well. Moving onto the tone of the film which having both some funny comedy from Adrian Cronauer still managed to have some interesting drama dealing with the Vietnam war and the Army code. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good having a mix of tracks that suit the radio. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting film and as one of the few Robin Williams films I have actually seen I thought it was a very enjoyable one and I look forward to some of his other films. 

I give Good Morning, Vietnam a score of 7/10

Full Metal Jacket

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For the seventh film of the month we have Full Metal Jacket

First off, we have the story which has A pragmatic U.S. Marine observing the dehumanizing effects the Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue. I thought the story was very entertaining and I found the script both dark and thrilling throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all great especially in terms of acting especially when the war hits and they have to go out and fight in Vietnam and what they end up seeing. 

As for the film's visuals, I thought the cinematography was very good especially the camera positioning and movement during the later part of the film when the characters got to the Vietnam War. Now we have the action which when it came later on in the film was very entertaining and thrilling while also keeping up the intensity of certain scenes so you care for the characters situations. Moving onto the tone of the film which i found very interesting because of the way dark comedy was used in a war situation but also how it handled the darkness of the Vietnam war. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very strange at times but because of the mix of dark comedy and drama it somehow managed to work. 

Overall, I thought this film was another fine film by Stanley Kubrick and I continue to enjoy his catalogue of films and I look forward to whenever the next one comes around to I look forward to it. 

I give Full Metal Jacket a score of 9/10

Enemy Of The State

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For the sixth film of the month we have Enemy Of The State 

First off, we have the story which has a lawyer who becomes a target by a corrupt politician and his N.S.A. goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a serious politically motivated crime. I thought the story was very interesting and had some very intense scenes throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all well acted and the main stars made the film more interesting to give it some weight behind it so you cared especially Will Smith as Dean.

As for the film's visuals I thought had the gritty and darker look for a thriller and the visuals for the tracking parts by the NSA look dated obviously since technology has improved since the release. Now we have the action which I thought was thrilling and entertaining as Dean attempted get out of the mess he was in. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a good job at keeping up the mystery and slowly reveal it over the course of the story. I thought the soundtrack of the film built up the suspense as the film started to unwind and more players got added in. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very intriguing one and the concepts used when this film came out for it's main plot had some ideas about security and tracking which although extreme for the film does have a basis in real life in terms of tracking.

I give Enemy Of The State a score of 7/10

Donnie Darko

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For the fifth film of the month we have Donnie Darko 

First off, we have the story which has a troubled teenager who is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after he narrowly escapes a bizarre accident. I thought the story was very weird but in a way also memorising as it unfolded and got weirder. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting very good with the standout being Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie as he becomes more troubled by his visions as well as his daily life. His interactions with the rabbit were some of the highlights of the film. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography helped to add to the immersion of the film with it's dark and surreal look to build the mystery up. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was very interesting especially when things started to go out of control and it built up the suspense and intrigue throughout. I thought the soundtrack of the film was unique in it's own way and it somehow managed to work throughout the film's scenes. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting one and one that managed to leave me silent after watching it as I had to process what I had just seen with it's surreal story, fantastic visuals, lead by a great actor in Jake Gyllenhaal 

I give Donnie Darko a score of 10/10

Collateral

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collateral_(film)#/media/File:Collateral_(Movie).jpg

For the fourth film of the month we have Collateral

First off, we have the story which has a cab driver who finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles. I thought the story was very entertaining and the script with the interaction between the two main leads added to the feel of the film. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were one of the best parts about the film especially the acting of the two main leads: Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx who contrast against each other so well and their back and fourth keeps the film going. 

As for the film's visuals I thought was another fantastic aspect about the film showing off the main setting of Los Angeles at night and the cinematography with the lighting and camera movement was on point. Now we have the action which when it came on screen was very thrilling and entertaining to see what would unfold next. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought built the film up very well with some very compelling drama that from start to to finish made you on the edge of your seat. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and added to the tension throughout the film as it escalated. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining one that from start to finish had me on the edge of my seat and the chemistry between Vincent and Max made the film even more enjoyable with their conversations and especially when things spiral out of control. 

I give Collateral a score of 9/10

Brooklyn

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brooklyn_(film)#/media/File:Brooklyn_FilmPoster.jpg

For the third film of the month we have Brooklyn

First off, we have the story which has an Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within. I thought the story was very entertaining and the journey that Ellis went through was very compelling.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting superb with Saoirse Ronan being the standout as the main character with her journey to Brooklyn and how she grows from it. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was very consistent throughout and the location footage for Brooklyn and Ireland helped to immersion into the settings of the film. Moving onto the tone of the film which had some very relate-able drama that people could relate to when moving to a different country. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and worked well with the rest of the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable one that is proving how good Saoirse Ronan is an actress after seeing her in Lady Bird and I am looking forward to seeing her in more films.

I give Brooklyn a score of 8/10

Amy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amy_(2015_film)#/media/File:Amy_(2015_film)_poster.png

For the second film of the month we have Amy

First off, we have the story which has archival footage and personal testimonials present an intimate portrait of the life and career of British singer/songwriter Amy Winehouse. I thought the story was enlightening getting to see the life of Amy and what she went through in her career and personal life good and bad. 

As for the film's visuals I thought using archived footage oh her life mixed with personal statement from people who knew her added to the story being told to give a clear picture. Moving onto the tone of the film which wasn't afraid of showing both the good and bad parts of life to show the overall picture of what her life was like. I thought the soundtrack of the film which was comprised of her music which helped with the immersion and add backing to the relevant film scenes. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very interesting one and I found getting to know about the life of a music artist that I hadn't listened to a lot very enlightening because of what they go through and experienced personally or in the media.

I give Amy a score of 9/10

8 Mile

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For the first film of the new month we have 8 Mile

First off, we have the story which has a young rapper, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make it big but his friends and foes make this odyssey of rap harder than it may seem. I thought the story was very enjoyable and the rap battles which were the best parts. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted and the main character of Jimmy played by Eminem was the best part and you could care about his situation and his journey over the course of the film. 

As for the film's visuals I thought which managed to capture the life that the characters were going through and what they have to deal with. Moving onto the tone of the film which although took itself a bit too seriously it, the drama still worked throughout. I thought the soundtrack of the film which although rap isn't my preferred taste of music I thought the tracks were performed really well in my opinion. 

Overall, I thought this film was an enjoyable film that I wasn't sure if I was going to like at first when I started the film but as it progressed it started to grow on me and I ended up having a good time.

I give 8 Mile a score of 6/10