Film: Joe Fuller
You know you’re in safe hands with Ian McKellen, although his performance as Sherlock Holmes in this week’s ‘Mr Holmes’ might divide some fans. Many have gotten used to Benedict Cumberbatch’s rapid fire wit and intelligence, whereas this Holmes is 93 years old and retired. Living on the Dover coast, Holmes’ mind isn’t what it once was but he revisits an old case with the help of his housekeeper’s young son Roger (British actor Milo Parker).
The setup for the film is promising. Based on a 2005 novel called ‘A Slight Trick Of The Mind’ by Mitch Cullin, ‘Mr Holmes’ is sort of a fake biopic where we see the real Holmes as opposed to Watson’s fictional version. At one point for example he waves off the stories as “penny dreadfuls with an elevated prose style”. The film isn’t all rueful ponderings however, with Holmes investigating the unsolved case that forced him into retirement.
One can imagine that McKellen will revel in having such a rich character to delve into. There’s also the brilliant Laura Linney playing his housekeeper and a score from Carter Burwell (the Coen brothers’ musical-maestro-in-chief). The reviews have been overwhelmingly positive so far (at the time of going to press it sits on 100% on rottentomatoes.com) so this one is well worth checking out this weekend. Tim Robey of the Telegraph writes that “McKellen, a rummager par excellence, goes to town here like a one-man band playing all the greatest hits… his performance has a rich musicality”.
Special mention must also go to ‘Jurassic World’. Although it was out last week I haven’t had a chance to see it yet! As someone who grew up in the ‘90s, ‘Jurassic Park’ was one of my most watched videos with friends and family (along with ‘Terminator 2’). It was a thrilling blockbuster, an original, exciting story and laden with great performances (a wonderfully wry Goldblum and the loud one from ‘Seinfeld’ for example).The special effects have arguably never been bettered in terms of their real look due to the use of both models and CGI.
Although this one is bound to have more CGI and indeed goes against my preference for originality (although the original was based on a book), it is intriguing for another reason: Chris Pratt. The action hero rise of Pratt is one of the most refreshing tales in recent Hollywood history.
Exuding charisma and charm in the fantastic sitcom ‘Parks And Recreation’ (one to watch for fans of ’30 Rock’ or the American version of ‘The Office’), Pratt then secured a role on ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’. Buffing up and slimming down for this part, Pratt nailed the sensitive, funny and slightly strange Peter Quill while also demonstrating real
action hero mettle when things got all gung-ho. I’m looking forward to seeing him tackle Jurassic World employee Owen, and Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian writes that he has “run riot” so it seems like he’s done a good job. Could we have the next Harrison Ford on our hands? Here’s
to hoping!
For more great films, check the listings for Latest TV’s film review show, PostFeature. Follow us @PostFeatureTV to find out when we’re on!
