Coco Review
The Plot
During the day of the dead festivities a young boy with dreams of being a great musician finds himself accidentally crossing over from the land of the living to the world of the dead. While adapting to his strange and colourful new surroundings he finds himself torn between his own dreams and the stubborn objections of both his living and deceased family.
The Good
Coco has only just begun sweeping up best animation awards but already looks certain for forthcoming BAFTA and Oscar glory. These accolades are undeniably well deserved as Coco once again lives up to the astonishing reputation of Disney Pixar productions, effortlessly combining beautiful visuals with poignant emotional storytelling of the highest calibre.
Coco draws heavily on the wildly colourful and whimsical magic of the international renowned Day of the Dead celebrations. That constant explosion of colour and playful slapstick comedy helps allow the film to navigate potentially morbid and dauntingly sad themes in a way which is actually both uplifting and emotionally accessible. There’s something instantly comforting about the very particular view of the afterlife that Coco presents, suggesting that beyond this world is another one equally full of friends, family, music and love. The world of Coco is also beautifully realised through lush and detailed animation that gives Coco a distinctive visual style which is quintessentially Mexican and also universally appealing.
Coco also boasts a typically well-chosen Pixar voice cast with Gael Garcia Bernal doing particularly fine work as a seemingly hapless skeleton chancer who befriends the film’s young living hero and proves to be so much more than he initially appears. Likewise relative newcomer Anthony Gonzalez is convincingly plucky and petulant as young lead Miguel. In truth the entire voice cast breathe even more animated life into inventive character designs.
Music is another major theme in Coco, with the film’s entire narrative driven by the fierce tension between Miguel’s dreams of musical stardom and his family’s emphatically bitter rejection giving music any place in their lives. The music of Coco mirrors the overall tone of the film, succeeding in being obviously cheerful and fun, while gradually revealing more subtly bittersweet notes as the story progresses. In particular one of the film’s most beautifully memorable songs ‘Remember Me’ manages to evolve throughout the film, changing in tone and importance as new elements of meaning are revealed by the unfolding story.
Coco is a film which becomes more poignant and powerful as it progresses. In particular the final act of the film will almost certainly reduce grown up audiences to tears. Particular for those who have lost loved ones in their real lives, there is an emotional sincerity to later stages of the film which will almost certainly leave audiences with unashamedly tearstained cheeks. Any film which has the capacity to make audiences of almost any age laugh, cry and think in equal measure is deserving of praise and makes for truly essential viewing.
The Bad
During the film’s early stages while Coco sets up its central plot, our young hero’s extended family are at times so obnoxiously stubborn that they risk becoming irretrievably unlikeable. Though this is a necessary plot device used to set up an adventure which teaches everyone what ‘family’ truly means, it may still test audiences patience. Overall Coco is colourful and well-crafted but like many of Pixar’s films it deals with themes and emotional subtext that actually play more appropriately for audiences far older than the traditional target market for animated children’s films. Younger children’s attention may wander a little during portions of the film that deal with the poignant themes of mortality, love and loss. No matter how skilfully this content is handled it’s just simply not as appealing or accessible to small children as talking cars or singing snowmen.
The Ugly Truth
Coco is a breathtakingly heartfelt piece of animated magic that fills the screen with continuous colour and wonder. Pixar effortlessly rises to the challenge of tackling potentially difficult and sombre themes in a way that entertains young audiences and impacts grown-ups in equal measure. In particular Coco’s tear stained finale rivals the infamously poignant scene in Up as a contender for being the most beautiful and bittersweet moments Pixar has ever captured on screen. Coco is essential family viewing and a true masterpiece.
Review by Russell Nelson
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri Review
The Plot
A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit.
The Good
It’s been nearly six years since writer/director Martin McDonagh last graced the silver screen with his second feature film, Seven Psychopaths. Given his obvious talents this absence already felt far too long. Thankfully McDonagh’s dark wit and genius storytelling is back with Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, joining Psychopaths and In Bruges in his slow build of fine work.
In a role specifically written for her, Frances McDormand stars as Mildred, a grieving mother radicalised by grief and frustration. In an act of desperate defiance she rents out the titular three billboards running along a rarely used road in Ebbing in order to entice Woody Harrelson’s Chief Willoughby into solving the rape and murder of her daughter.
With a trio of brilliant central performances from McDormand, Harrelson and Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards doesn’t take long to reel you in and keep you on the edge of your seat as mysteries unfold while chuckling away at McDonagh’s script, peppered with dry wit throughout.
In addition, there are strong supporting cast performances most notably from Caleb Laudry Jones and Peter Dinklage who play Red Welby, the owner of the titular billboards and James, a Ebbing resident slightly besotted with McDormand’s Mildred. Undoubtedly though, the films powerhouse performance comes from its main star. McDormand brings a strong yet damaged character to life in a way only she can. While Harrelson and Rockwell are just as entertaining, it’s truly McDormand’s performance which will most likely stay with audiences the longest after the credits roll. It also looks increasingly likely to bring McDormand more well deserved Oscar glory.
The Bad
If you go into Three Billboards hoping to come out completely satisfied in terms of story threads being neatly tied, you may leave wanting more. For this critic the final moments especially are perfecty written with the feeling that these characters exist outside of the confines of the film’s 115 minute runtime however for some it may feel the complete opposite.
The Ugly Truth
As with McDonagh’s previous two offerings, Three Billboards brings characters and performances to the forefront. Those wanting more of a conclusion to the plot may leave feeling unsatisfied but it cannot be denied that McDonagh’s cast are nothing short of great company for the nearly two hour runtime.
Review by Johnny Ellis
Brit Awards 2018 Nominations List
The Brit Awards will be handed out to the best music acts from the UK and beyond at the O2 Arena in London on 21 February. The nominees are:
British male solo artist
- Ed Sheeran
- Liam Gallagher
- Loyle Carner
- Rag ‘N’ Bone Man
- Stormzy
British female solo artist
- Dua Lipa
- Jessie Ware
- Kate Tempest
- Laura Marling
- Paloma Faith
British group
- Gorillaz
- London Grammar
- Royal Blood
- Wolf Alice
- The xx
British breakthrough act
- Dave
- Dua Lipa
- J Huse
- Loyle Carner
- Sampha
Critics’ choice
- Jorja Smith – winner
- Stefflon Don
- Mabel
British single
- Calvin Harris ft Pharrell / Katy Perry / Big Sean – Feels
- Clean Bandit ft Zara Larsson – Symphony
- Dua Lipa – New Rules
- Ed Sheeran – Shape of You
- J Hus – Did You See
- Jax Jones ft Raye – You Don’t Know Me
- Jonas Blue ft William Singe – Mama
- Liam Payne ft Quavo – Strip That Down
- Little Mix – Touch
- Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – Human
British album of the year
- Dua Lipa – Dua Lipa
- Ed Sheeran – Divide
- J Hus – Common Sense
- Rag ‘N’ Bone Man – Human
- Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
British artist video of the year
- Anne-Marie – Ciao Adios
- Calvin Harris ft Pharrell / Katy Perry / Big Sean – Feels
- Clean Bandit ft Zara Larsson – Symphony
- Dua Lipa – New Rules
- Ed Sheeran – Shape of you
- Harry Styles – Sign of the Times
- Jax Jones ft Raye – You Don’t Know Me
- Liam Payne ft Quavo – Strip That Down
- Little Mix – Touch
- ZAYN and Taylor Swift – I Don’t Wanna Live Forever
International male solo artist
- Beck
- Childish Gambino
- DJ Khaled
- Drake
- Kendrick Lamar
International female solo artist
- Alicia Keys
- Bjork
- Lorde
- Pink
- Taylor Swift
International group
- Arcade Fire
- Foo Fighters
- Haim
- The Killers
- LCD Soundsystem
Brits Global Success Award
- TBC
British Producer of the Year
- Steve Mac – winner
Eric Clapton Life In 12 Bars Interviews
Check out interviews below from the Toronto International Film Festival with musical icon Eric Clapton and director Lili Fini Zanuck about much anticipated musical documentary Eric Clapton Life In 12 Bars. The film charts the life and career of one of the greatest guitarists of all time in intimate detail.
Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars will be broadcast live in cinemas across the UK & Ireland on 10 January followed by a Q&A with Eric Clapton and director Lili Fini Zanuck hosted by Jools Holland. The film releases in cinemas nationwide on 12 January. For further information visit http://claptontickets.film
BAFTA Film Awards 2018 Nominations List
The nominations for this year’s Bafta Film Awards have been announced. Here are the contenders in the key categories:
Best film
- Call Me By Your Name
- Darkest Hour
- Dunkirk
- The Shape Of Water
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Outstanding British film
- Darkest Hour
- The Death of Stalin
- God’s Own Country
- Lady Macbeth
- Paddington 2
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Director
- Blade Runner 2049 – Denis Villeneuve
- Call Me By Your Name – Luca Guadagnino
- Dunkirk – Christopher Nolan
- The Shape Of Water – Guillermo Del Toro
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Martin McDonagh
Leading actress
- Annette Bening – Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool
- Frances McDormand – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
- Margot Robbie – I, Tonya
- Sally Hawkins – The Shape Of Water
- Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird
Leading actor
- Daniel Day-Lewis – Phantom Thread
- Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out
- Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour
- Jamie Bell – Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool
- Timothee Chalamet – Call Me By Your Name
Supporting actress
- Allison Janney – I, Tonya
- Kristin Scott Thomas – Darkest Hour
- Laurie Metcalf – Lady Bird
- Lesley Manville – Phantom Thread
- Octavia Spencer – The Shape Of Water
Supporting actor
- Christopher Plummer – All The Money In The World
- Hugh Grant – Paddington 2
- Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
- Willem Dafoe – The Florida Project
- Woody Harrelson – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
EE Rising Star Award (voted for by the public)
- Daniel Kaluuya
- Florence Pugh
- Josh O’Connor
- Tessa Thompson
- Timothee Chalamet
Outstanding debut by a British writer, director or producer
- The Ghoul
- I am Not A Witch
- Jawbone
- Kingdom Of Us
- Lady Macbeth
Film not in the English language
- Elle
- First They Killed My Father
- The Handmaiden
- Loveless
- The Salesman
Documentary
- City Of Ghosts
- I Am Not Your Negro
- Icarus
- An Inconvenient Sequel
- Jane
Animated film
- Coco
- Loving Vincent
- My Life As A Courgette
Original screenplay
- Get Out
- I, Tonya
- Lady Bird
- The Shape Of Water
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Adapted screenplay
- Call Me By Your Name
- The Death Of Stalin
- Film Stars Don’t Die In Liverpool
- Molly’s Game
- Paddington 2
Original music
- Blade Runner 2049 – Benjamin Wallfisch, Hans Zimmer
- Darkest Hour – Dario Marianelli
- Dunkirk – Hans Zimmer
- Phantom Thread – Jonny Greenwood
- The Shape Of Water – Alexandre Desplat
Cinematography
- Blade Runner 2049 – Roger Deakins
- Darkest Hour – Bruno Delbonnel
- Dunkirk – Hoyte van Hoytema
- The Shape of Water – Dan Laustsen
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Ben Davis
Editing
- Baby Driver – Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss
- Blade Runner 2049 – Joe Walker
- Dunkirk – Lee Smith
- The Shape Of Water – Sidney Wolinsky
- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Jon Gregory
Production and design
- Beauty And The Beast – Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
- Blade Runner 2049 – Dennis Gassner, Alessandra Querzola
- Darkest Hour – Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
- Dunkirk – Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis
- The Shape Of Water – Paul Austerberry, Jeff Melvin, Shane Vieau
Costume design
- Beauty And The Beast – Jacqueline Durran
- Darkest Hour – Jacqueline Durran
- I, Tonya – Jennifer Johnson
- Phantom Thread – Mark Bridges
- The Shape Of Water – Luis Sequeira
Make-up and hair
- Blade Runner 2049 – Donald Mowat, Kerry Warn
- Darkest Hour – David Malinowski, Ivana Primorac, Lucy Sibbick, Kazuhiro Tsuji
- I, Tonya – Deborah La Mia Denaver, Adruitha Lee
- Victoria & Abdul – Daniel Phillips
- Wonder – Naomi Bakstad, Robert A Pandini, Arjen Tuiten
Sound
- Baby Driver – Tim Cavagin, Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater
- Blade Runner 2049 – Ron Bartlett, Doug Hemphill, Mark Mangini, Mac Ruth
- Dunkirk – Richard King, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo, Mark Weingarten
- The Shape Of Water – Christian Cooke, Glen Gauthier, Nathan Robitaille, Brad Zoern
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick, Stuart Wilson, Matthew Wood
Special visual effects
- Blade Runner 2049 – Gerd Nefzer, John Nelson
- Dunkirk – Scott Fisher, Andrew Jackson
- The Shape Of Water – Dennis Berardi, Trey Harrell, Kevin Scott
- Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Nominees TBC
- War For The Planet Of The Apes – Nominees TBC
British short animation
- Have Heart
- Mamoon
- Poles Apart
British short film
- Aamir
- Cowboy Dave
- A Drowning Man
- Work
- Wren Boys