The Hangover

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Hangover!

Original image located here. Accessed 25th August 2023

I recall this movie being a big hit when it was released but, as is often the case, it is only now that I get off my lazy arse and make the effort into seeing it for myself. I guess I was reluctant because I was expecting a 'comedy' loaded with unfunny jokes and gross-out humour (man, the Road Trip/American Pie movies have a lot to answer for).

Thankfully that wasn't the case, Sure the jokes are funny and the interplay between the cast great but for me the strength of this movie is tracing the path of the night before, trying to work out what had happened. It is the journey, picking up the clues and trying to piece together a path of absurdity that leads to the most unlikeliest of outcomes. 
Sure the movie may have it's dumb moment but somehow, it's improbable nature makes it a compelling sell.

Oh and for the record? My bachelors party was nothing like that XD

The Station Agent

 And this week's Friday night movie has been... The Station Agent!

Original image located here. Accessed 18th August 2023

Has anyone heard of this? If this movie is known to current audiences it is because that this movie was the breakthrough role for Peter Dinklage (and which ultimately led to Game of Thrones). 

From the outset, this movie is a character-driven piece, as we see three characters meeting and bonding with each other. This is about three loners who end up doings together and finding a connection when any of them wouldn't have thought possible.
It's known that Dinklage seeks out roles where he gets to play three dimensional characters and here he is certainly in his element, displaying a subtly and an empathy that may elude other actors. And he is supported by both his fellow leads - Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale - and an empathetic direction.
Granted this is an indie movie through and through but, as is often the case, the talent on both sides of the camera can overcome any limitations. 

Baby Driver

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Baby Driver!

Original image located here. Accessed 11th August 2023

Behold: another movie that I've been putting off watching. I guess the unusual may have mad me hesitant but I'm pretty sure I'm not the first person to say that.

But yeah, this was a blast to watch: The car chases are certainly spectacular but what is of particular note is the emphasis on the music: The selections throughout are great and it's great to see a protagonist who has his earphones on all the time (something I can relate to) and isn't afraid to lose himself in the moment (something I can VERY much relate to). .

Central Intelligence

And this week's Friday night movie has been... Central Intelligence!

Original image located here. Accessed 4th August 2023

This is not the first time I have seen a movie of this calibre: An average joe gets pulled into a situation where he is facing death at every turn? And tangling with secret agents and not knowing who to trust? And the person who dragged him into it isn't the most reliable of sorts?

So what makes this movie stand out from the pack? Simple: The onscreen chemistry between Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson. Seriously, these two are lots of fun to watch and are enough to make the convoluted nature of the plot excusable. Special notice to Johnson as he seems willing to play the macho action hero and going against it IN THE SAME ROLE.