Joe Bloggs About Films
by Joe Hobson
Waffling about films and tv.
facebook.com/joebloggsaboutfilms
insta: @joebloggsaboutfilms
Podcast episodes
Season 1
Death of a Unicorn
The directorial debut from Alex Scharfman 'Death of a Unicorn' is a bit of a mixed bag. It has some genuine thrills and comedic moments, but at times it feels that the movie doesn't know what it wants to be and thus doesn't fully stick the landing. The stand out in this one is its fantastic ensemble, including Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni and highlight Will Poulter - all of which have moments that shine, generating laughs that are welcomed. Even the horror is fun too, if you've ever wanted to see someone be impaled or eaten by a unicorn; you're in luck! But while the film has its highs with the comedy and horror element, its social/class commentary, as well as tapping into themes of grief and parenthood, all feels very surface level stuff with its execution - causing it at times doesn't feel as natural as its trying to be. Full thoughts in this review.
Novocaine
Jack Quaid stars as Nathan Caine; the man who feels no pain within Dan Berk and Robert Olsen's latest release 'Novocaine' - and my goodness is there a lot of fun, and blood, in this one. As action comedies go, this is quite a fresh and original concept. With no pain to worry about, there's also no fear for Quaid's character, as he goes on a one man mission to save the girl of his dreams. The film does stay within its lane on that front, but its the imagination behind each grizzly blow that makes you appreciate what its trying to do. Quaid can pretty much sleepwalk through this kind of role; its the standard quirky, nerdy, everyman flung into a bad situation that you would expect him to play. Nevertheless, 'Novocaine' does scratch that itch if you're looking for something fresh and equally fun. Full thoughts in this review.
Last Breath
'Last Breath' is the terrifying and extraordinary true story of how deep sea diver, Chris Lemons, was left stranded 100 metres under the sea, with only his back up oxygen to save him. While this story maybe familiar to its audience, its the way in which director Alex Parkinson executes bringing this story to the big screen that is the most impressive. Filming techniques such as wide shots that is mainly filled with blackness, limiting lead actor Finn Cole to a small portion of the screen, really sets in that fear and anxiety of how alone it is within the dark and underwater world. The entire supporting cast, made up of Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, create a great and believable chemistry, raising the stakes, as they look save their lost friend and diver. It might not be a film you rewatch after your initial viewing, but it is one you'll be telling people to check out. Full thoughts in this review.
The X Files: 'Home'
Returning to the FBI's basement to talk about yet another episode of The X Files. Joined in this revisit by fellow X Files enthusiast Tom Grant-Ward, as we discuss the controversial and only 'banned' episode of the show; Home. Premiering in October 1996, the episode was met with a mixture of applause and disgust due to the graphic nature of the episode and its themes. Horror fans loved it, your average viewer... not so much. But even with this being arguably the darkest episode of the show, it is still hailed as one of the best - and it is easy to see why. The episode includes so many horror tropes, as well as using inspiration and aesthetics from your classic horrors such as 'Texas Chainsaw' and 'The Hills Have Eyes', whilst thriving in the insecurities we all have when home alone. 'Home' essentially changed the game, and standards, for TV - and pits Mulder and Scully against some of the scariest and unsettling monsters the show has ever seen. Full thoughts in this revisit.
Mickey 17
Bong Joon-ho returns with his latest release 'Mickey 17'. The film follows Mickey, an expendable worker, that is sent out on dangerous missions and dying for research purposes. I do love some good sci fi - and 'Mickey 17' was neither good, nor bad, its somewhere in the middle that is basically 'ok'. Which given how the trailer made this look like it would be pretty special, it is underwhelming coming away feeling that the film missed the mark a tad. There's some great hits in here and strong highs (in particular the first hour of the film), but then it just loses itself and the interest has gone. Pattinson is terrific, playing the quirky and innocent Mickey - even getting to play 2 versions of the character which was pretty grand. But it wasn't enough to take the film from being 'ok' to 'excellent', nor the brilliant sets and visual effects that are within. Full thoughts in this review.