With over half the year over, it seemed like a good time to catch up with some of the releases from earlier this year that are now available on demand. The following can be rented on Amazon Video and Talk Talk TV.
The Founder
The story of how one man, Ray Croc (Michael Keaton) convinced the McDonald brothers, who were running a successful fast food restaurant in California, to expand their business nationwide. It was a brave move to make a biopic about someone as almost completely unlikeable as Croc.
Indeed, his treatment of the brothers was detestable. I was also a little resistant to the film, as I find the McDonalds products to be inedible bilge, and there were too many loving shots of burgers being prepared and eaten.
However, the performances of Keaton, John Carroll Lynch (Mac McDonald) and Nick Offerman (Dick McDonald), along with a decent screenplay by Robert Siegel keeps things interesting. It is a pity that despite showing Croc’s flaws, the end credits make it clear how in love with the burger giant the filmmakers are. Whilst the successes of Croc and his partners are listed, it fails to mention that Mac was sent to an early grave by the treatment he received from the megalomaniac Croc.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Gold
Another film based on true events. Starring Matthew McConaughey as gold prospector Kenny Wells who looks to be heading for riches when he discovers a gold mine in Indonesia.
Despite a bravura performance from McConaughey, I struggled to engage with this film. In fact, the first act that leads up to the discovery was a bit of a slog. Things pick up from there, particularly the pace, helped by the swift editing and excellent soundtrack, but the playing out of the story always feels too obvious.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10
T2: Trainspotting
The belated sequel, 20 years after the original reunites all the main cast members with director Danny Boyle. This time, Renton returns to Scotland to make amends with Spud and Simon. Meanwhile, Begbie hatches a plan to escape from prison.
The first film was full of energy and innovative in its style. This follow-up has none of that verve. The overall feeling is of melancholy, understandable bearing in mind the aging of the characters, and that gives it a nice nostalgic edge.
However, the story really isn’t compelling, and the flashbacks to the original only highlight how much better that film was. The performances are all fine, though it is a shame that Kelly McDonald has little more than a cameo.
Rating: 5.5 out of 10
Jawbone
Don’t be put off by this being yet another boxing film, and one centring on a fighter who is down on his luck is hardly new either. Jawbone is one of the very best films about the sport. This is a labour of love for Johnny Harris, who has produced it, written the screenplay and stars in it as washed up alcoholic fighter Jimmy McCabe.
Sure, he is looking for a redemptive comeback, but the fight he is trying to get ready for is an unlicensed contest and even if he wins that there is far from a glittering future on offer. It perfectly captures the seediness of the South London fight scene, and the often, noble men who populate it. Director Thomas Napper even manages to bring something new to the action inside the ring, showing how disorienting it must be to be pounded in the head.
Harris is superb and is ably supported by Michael Smiley and Ray Winstone who reminds us that there is more to him than those awful betting adverts. Also notable is Paul Weller’s score, a mixture of discordant instrumental moments and some acoustic songs, both of which are very impressive.
And finally, this one is available for free on Amazon Prime
I am Not your Negro
An Oscar nominated documentary featuring the writings of black American activist James Baldwin. He considers the lives of 3 of his contemporaries, all murdered before they were 40: Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Medgar Evers. This is a fine insight into someone I had no knowledge of before. The uses of archive film footage are intriguing but it is the clips of Baldwin himself that have the most impact.
Rating: 8 out of 10