Taxi Driver

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi_Driver#/media/File:Taxi_driver_movieposter.jpg

For the thirteenth film of the month we have Taxi Driver 

First off, we have the story which has a mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action by attempting to liberate a presidential campaign worker and an underage prostitute. I thought the story was very entertaining and one great thrill ride from start to finish. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of acting, very good and the performance by Robert De Niro was one of his best with his portrayal of Travis and the characteristics he shows and how he changes over the course of the story. The supporting cast also did a good job at adding backing to the film's story and well all well acted as well. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the film looked gorgeous especially the night time scenes when he drives around in his taxi and the colours that are used and how those scenes are filmed add to the films setting and plot. Now we have the action which for what there was, I enjoyed being quick and brutal in it's execution. Moving onto the tone of the film which had a mix of entertaining drama but also some good character moments to build up the character of Travis. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great and suited the style and tone the film was going for. 

Overall, I thought this film was an excellent film with it's story and main lead and another hit in terms of the films I have seen by Martin Scorsese and I look forward to more of his films in the future. 

I give Taxi Driver a score of 9/10

Singin' in the Rain

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For the twelfth film of the month we have Singin' in the Rain

First off, we have the story which has a silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound. I thought the story was very enjoyable and the idea of a silent movie production adjusting to the talkie era in the style of a musical was a great idea.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of the main leads were likeable and captivating in their performances and their chemistry together stood out to give weight to the drama.

As for the film's visuals I thought were one of the best parts about the film because of the way they made the film look in terms of camerawork and lighting to give the musical it's style. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was great with some fun and laugh out loud comedy that added to the film well. There was also some compelling drama that I could get behind. I thought the soundtrack of the film was fantastic especially the musical sequences which had some captivating choreography to make them entertaining.

Overall, I thought this film was a great musical from start to finish with a captivating script and main stars that each added to the film in their own way as well as some fun musical numbers and I'm glad to have finally seen this classic musical. 

I give Singin' in the Rain a score of 10/10

Double Indemnity

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For the eleventh film of the month we have Double Indemnity

First off, we have the story which has an insurance representative allows himself be talked into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses the suspicion of an insurance investigator. I thought the story was very entertaining with all the twists and turns that keep the intrigue going. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of the main stars, compelling and fantastically acted with their chemistry adding to the films main story and how everything turned out. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography of the film was very good especially with the way light and shadow was used to create the film-noir look which suits this style of story. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought from minute one was set with mystery and suspense as you wanted to see how the story would play out and what would happen to the main leads. I thought the soundtrack of the film was good and suited the style and time of the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable one that I could see how good it is after knowing it is one of the great film-noirs and I am glad to have finally seen it and it is a type of film I would like to see more of. 

I give Double Indemnity a score of 8/10

A Clockwork Orange

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clockwork_Orange_(film)#/media/File:A_Clockwork_Orange_(1971).png

For the tenth film of the month we have A Clockwork Orange

First off, we have the story which has a sadistic gang leader is imprisoned and volunteers for a conduct-aversion experiment, but it doesn't go as planned. I thought the story was very intriguing but it kept me hooked with the concepts that it used.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all very well acted the main standout being the main character of Alex because of how he was portrayed and especially with what he goes through.

As for the film's visuals I thought were one of the best parts about this film because of how i was used to shock but also how it used the idea of a dystopian world mostly because of it's architecture as well as the take on crime and violence. There is also the camera choices and lighting which also help build the world around the characters. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed with the way it made me feel coming out of it being intrigued and astounded by what I had seen. I thought the soundtrack of the film was used well as it was an important part of Alex's interests and how that it used against him over the course of the story. 

Overall, I thought this film was another very enjoyable film that I was concerned going into it after hearing about it for some however once it finished my fears had gone away and I found entertainment from it. 

I give A Clockwork Orange a score of 9/10

2001: A Space Odyssey

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For the ninth film of the month we have 2001: A Space Odyssey 

First off, we have the story which after discovering a mysterious artifact buried beneath the lunar surface, mankind sets off on a quest to find its origins with help from intelligent supercomputer HAL 9000. I thought the story was enthralling and from start to finish I was astounded with what I was seeing after hearing about this film for some time. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were well acted and did there part for the film well with the standout being Douglas Rain as Hal 9000 with the way he portrays a perfect computer and still worked with the other crew members. 

As for the film's visuals I thought they were one of the highlights of the film with the way the choice of colours are used and especially the camera is positioned and what is shown in the frame which brings you into the film to give you an experience and journey. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was very interesting as although it takes you through different emotions such as wonder and intrigue but also as it progresses it becomes something far greater than imagined. I thought the soundtrack of the film was perfect giving the film a haunting feel at times but also how grand scale it was with the use of classical music. Even the uses of no sound allowed you to immerse yourself into what was happening on screen. 

Overall, I thought this film was an excellent film with a captivating story, immaculate visuals and a haunting score that I am glad to have finally checked off my list and also becomes my favorite film by Stanley Kubrick and I look forward to seeing more of films in the future.

I give 2001: A Space Odyssey a score of 10/10

Lawrence Of Arabia

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For the eighth film of the month we have Lawrence Of Arabia 

First off, we have the story which has the story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks. I thought the story was very entertaining after hearing about the film and how great it is. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all very well acted and each added something to the film for the story or for some of the characters. The standout was Peter O'Toole as Lawrence who gives a compelling performance throughout his time in Arabia and what he goes through. 

As for the film's visuals which I had heard much about I thought they were outstanding in terms of composition as well as lighting that made the desert look immaculate and mysterious. There was also the editing throughout which pieced the shots together in ways that made it seamless from one shot to the next. Now we have the action which was entertaining and fully realised by getting to see all the battles unfold. Moving onto the tone of the film which embraced both the epic and adventurous and from start to finish made sure there wasn't a boring moment. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great and added to the epic style of the film from sequence to sequence. 

Overall, I thought this film was very entertaining and is a great example of a classic film that you don't see very often anymore crafted with an engaging story, fantastic visuals merged with editing that keeps your attention and finally a main lead that you can route towards because of what he stands for.

I give Lawrence Of Arabia  a score of 10/10

3 Idiots

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For the seventh film of the month we have 3 Idiots

First off, we have the story which has Two friends searching for their long lost companion. They revisit their college days and recall the memories of their friend who inspired them to think differently, even as the rest of the world called them "idiots". I thought the story was very enjoyable with some heartfelt and funny moments throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all very well acted and the chemistry between all 3 main actors helped add weight to the film and all worked well off each other. Aamir Khan, one of the main actors continues to show me how good he is in the third film I have seen him in. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography was consistent as well as using some interesting camera movement and positioning and the colours used for the music scenes as well as parts of the film showed what Indian films can do. Moving onto the tone of the film which got the balance of character drama as well as comedy which as it unfolded you wanted to see how everything would come together. I thought the soundtrack of the film was interesting with certain tracks as well as sequences helped add to the characters feelings and situations throughout the story. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable with a heartfelt story and engaging characters. This also keeps the run of Indian films I have seen going that have entertained me and I look forward to dive further into films from the country

I give 3 Idiots a score of 9/10

Aquaman

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaman_(film)#/media/File:Aquaman_poster.jpg

For the sixth film of the month we have Aquaman

First off, we have the story which has Arthur Curry, the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land. I thought the story was very entertaining and had fun time seeing how it would turn out.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were in terms of the main leads, very good with Jason Momoa reprising his role as Arthur Curry/Aquaman and taking the lead role worked because of his charisma and personality as the character that gives the film it's focus. The rest of the cast did a fine job and gave it some backing for the story. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the underwater scenes were done very well and had lots of colour to give Atlantis a unique design and feel. The camerawork was superb and with it's dynamic movement and positioning for certain scenes. Now we have the action which was very entertaining fast paced but you could at least see what was going on from the large scale battles to the one on one duels and the choreography matched that. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought was very consistent with a good balance of drama as well the comedic and personal moments which gave the characters some depth. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very interesting and the various mixes of music which you wouldn't think match the film until you see it on screen. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable DC film and another hit for them in my opinion and it feels like there is a balance that they have found to make them more entertaining and I look forward to the next one. 

I give Aquaman a score of 8/10

Bad Times At The El Royale

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For the fifth film of the month we have Bad Times At The El Royale

First off, we have the story which has several strangers, most with a secret to bury, meet by chance at Lake Tahoe's El Royale, a rundown hotel with a dark past. Over the course of one night, everyone will show their true colors - before everything goes to hell. I thought the story was very entertaining and the way it unfolded was a sight to see as everything was built with a consistent pacing.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all mostly interesting and for most of their stories as they unfolded were used to give them a purpose and what lead them coming to the El Royale.  

As for the film's visuals I thought was one of the best aspects about the film with the colouring and camera positioning giving the film it's stylistic look of feeling like a neo-noir film in places. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought did a good job at balancing the drama but also the use of tension and mystery to give the film some intrigue to work with as you see everything unfold. I thought the soundtrack of the film was rooted in the setting of the film and the tracks added a lot to the backing of the film as well being tracks you would hear in that kind of setting of a hotel. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable one with a simple idea behind it but without a compelling story and characters to add weight to it, this film wouldn't have been as entertaining as it turned out to be with it's back and forth dialogue. 

I give Bad Times At The El Royale a score of 9/10

The Favourite

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For the fourth film of the month we have The Favourite 

First off, we have the story which has a frail Queen Anne occupying the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. I thought the story was very entertaining from start to finish with the chemistry between the main leads being the best part.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all fantastically well acted and the chemistry between all three gave life to the film with Olivia Colman as Queen Anne with the way her character could change halfway through a scene and back again was a sight to see. 

As for the film's visuals I thought in terms of the production design of the location and costumes really set the film in the time period very well. The camerawork and lighting also excelled with the uses of different lenses and direction of the scenes gave the leads much to do in their performances. Moving onto the tone of the film which I really enjoyed with it's mix of funny comedy but also including some captivating drama between the main leads as they fight for the Queen's attention. I thought the soundtrack of the film was great with different tracks that suited the time period of the film but also matched with the different emotions on screen such as comedic, dramatic and tenseness. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable film that I look forward to seeing again in the future with a wonderful story and interesting characters who all steal the show and bring life to this unique film. 

I give The Favourite a score of 9/10

Roma

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_(2018_film)#/media/File:Roma_theatrical_poster.png

For the third film of the month we have Roma

First off, we have the story which tells the year in the life of a middle-class family's maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s. I thought the story was very emotional and as it progressed it I found myself becoming captivated from what was being brought on screen and it left me speechless by the end. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were superb in terms of the acting but also I found the characters very interesting with the main character Cleo's dynamic with the family and how that is effected over the course of the story as well as with what she goes through personally. 

As for the film's visuals I thought they were immaculate and carefully planned and the way the camera was used was mesmerising as it moved throughout the scenery usually in long takes which added to the film very well. Moving onto the tone which I found to be one of the best parts about the film with some focused drama that you wanted to see unfold and how things would come together. I thought the soundtrack in terms of the sounds used was very good as they little sounds that were picked up like conversations and sounds of living in that time and city just added an extra piece to build up the setting. 

Overall, I thought this was a fantastic film with an emotional core that kept the film going and you could care for the characters and their situation both personally as well as what it would have been like living when the film was set and I would definitely see this again in the future. 

I give Roma a score of 10/10

Like Stars On Earth

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For the second film of the month we have Like Stars On Earth

First off, we have the story which has an eight-year-old boy who is thought to be a lazy trouble-maker, until the new art teacher has the patience and compassion to discover the real problem behind his struggles in school. I thought the story was very enjoyable and heartwarming seeing Ishaan struggle with his dyslexia, but eventually grow with the help of Nikumbh 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were fantastic and the acting throughout built up the characters very well and the chemistry between Ishaan and Nikumbh was the heart of the film as Ishaan grew and opened up more. 

As for the film's visuals I thought the film looked very good and the use of the colour pallet was very effective with the usage of darker colours used when Ishaan continued to struggle but when he found help brighter colours came out to show times were getting better for him. Moving onto the tone of the film which used the drama very well and you felt bad for Ishaan when no one understood him and as the film progressed you wanted him to progress and open up when he got that help. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very interesting with how it was implemented into the story in certain parts to give it an identity but also give you an insight into the characters feelings. 

Overall, I thought this film was a fantastic film that hit home for me as someone growing up with a learning disability and I could see some of the struggles that Ishaan went through and sympathise with him. 

I give Like Stars On Earth a score of 9/10

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

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For the first film of the month we have Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse

First off, we have the story which has Miles Morales who becomes Spider-Man of his reality, crossing his path with five counterparts from other dimensions to stop a threat for all realities. I thought the story was very entertaining mixing together some very funny comedy as well as some heartfelt drama that weaved throughout the story very well.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were all very well acted and each Spider-Man incarnation from the different universes were all fleshed out in their own way to make them likeable especially Miles as you see him develop and grow so he can become Spider-Man as well. 

As for the film's visuals I thought were stunning as well as being crisp and dynamic and from the colour changes to presentation of shots to make it feel like a comic book gave the film a unique look to most animated films. Now we have the action which was very entertaining and the animation for each fight sequence was fluent and dynamic and with the style of animation captured what a comic book would be like. Moving onto the tone of the film which balanced it's drama and comedy consistently so when the drama came you could reflect on it as well as the characters being able to build from it. I thought the soundtrack of the film was fitting of the style the film went for although the genres which were used aren't my particular favorite style of music. 

Overall, I thought this film was a fantastic film which blended in interesting elements about the Spider-Man universe as well as giving us a take on Miles Morales and his life which is a nice change from Peter Parker's Spider-Man. 

I give Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse a score of 9/10