I am not a particular fan of films, or stage shows, “inspired by the music” of a band or artist. It is usually an excuse for a flimsy plot to be propped up by a soundtrack that will please the punters. I still come out in a cold sweat from my attempt to watch the utterly dreadful Mamma Mia! There are exceptions, such as Last Christmas in 2019 which I liked a lot despite not being a fan of George Michael and Yesterday was a terrific film in its own right.
Newly released in cinemas, Off the Rails merely shows a credit “featuring the music of Blondie”. They are a band I really like, but I don’t think the film would be any better or worse without their music as it is plays a really incidental part in the story. Over 30 years ago, four female friends interrailed around Europe but missed their opportunity to see the once in a year ‘God’s disco ball’ lights in Palma Cathedral. They are given another chance to see them when Anna, one of the group, has a dying wish for the remaining three to recreate the journey with her 18 year old daughter.
What follows is a very predictable trip across Europe. Friendships are damaged and then mended, passports and money are lost, lives are changed, handsome Italian men are met and a mad dash is made to Mallorca for the climatic scene.
Whilst there is nothing at all new on offer, the film is kept afloat by some nice observations about ageing, and the menopause in particular, plus a top notch cast. Sally Phillips, Jenny Seagrove and Kelly Preston, in her final film role, all fit comfortably and believably into the parts of the three remaining friends. There is a welcome small role for Ben Miller and a very brief cameo from Judi Dench. She probably contributed that as a favour to producer Bill Kenwright, who makes sure his name is front and centre on the credits, much more than director Jules Williamson.
The one surprise is how good young Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips is as Anna’s daughter, Maddie. A real star in the making. It is also a relief that the cast singing is kept to a bare minimum!
This feels like a TV special with a bigger budget, but is a pleasant enough watch.
Rating: 6 out of 10
I have seen all the previous Purge movies, though I have not made the effort to see any of them in a cinema before, as I have found them watchable but not actually essential. The concept always seemed far fetched, though the American attitude to gun violence I suppose makes the idea more believable.
The combination of some decent reviews, a showtime that suited and the versatile and underrated Josh Lucas in the cast tempted me with The Forever Purge. There are no recurring characters this time. The story centres on a Mexican couple, Juan and Adela, who have illegally entered the United States in order to escape the cartels. They survive their first purge night, only to find that the mayhem is continuing in a co-ordinated effort to ‘purify’ America. They team up with Dylan, Juan’s boss (Lucas) and his family to survive and flee back over the Mexican border.
For this 5th film in the series, the horror roots have been abandoned. The gore is still present but this is a full on action flick, and all the better for it. The gunfights and hand to hand combat scenes are superbly handled by director Everardo Gout. The political message is far from subtle and will probably impact the box office takings in the US. But I found myself really invested in the characters. Apart from Lucas, the stand out performance is by Ana de la Reguera as Adela who convinces in both the quiet moments and as an action heroine. I can’t think of any other series where the fifth film is the best of the lot.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Finally, a few words on a couple of films new to Sky Movies.
Last Call stars Jeremy Piven as a real estate developer who has to decide whether to save or redevelop his family bar. Despite good performances from Piven and Taryn Manning, this films feels a little humdrum. Though it seems like a masterpiece compared to Music.
Last Call: 5.5 out of 10
Written and directed by Sia, Music is a bafflingly insulting depiction of autism peppered with some terrible songs. It swept the boards at The Razzies and I can see why.
Music: 1.5 out of 10