January 9th 2025
Paddington
Conclave
The Children's Train (streaming on Netflix)
Happy New Year, readers. Another year, another umpteen films to revel in. Sometimes I think I score too highly, so I've started off more circumspectly, but I have to say I'm tempted to give the lot of them this week a 4! Every film is absolutely worth the watch.
Paddington in Peru
Dir: Dougal Wilson
Length: 106 mins
 |
© Studiocanal - a bear will go to the ends of the
earth for those he loves! |
The marmalade-loving bear is back, in a new adventure, chock-full of high profile British stars, and CGI-generated bears. Voiced by Ben Wishaw, Paddington learns that his beloved aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton) has gone missing from the home for retired bears in Peru, so heads over to try to find her. The Brown family go with him, and they all head upriver in a boat skippered by smooth-talking Hunter Cabot (Antonio Banderas), but not before meeting the seemingly amiable nun in charge of the bears' retirement home, Reverend Mother (Olivia Coleman). I'm still in awe of the way CGI images are integrated with human actors, making the whole thing totally credible. And with much of the landscape footage shot in Columbia and at Macchu Picchu in Peru it looks absolutely magnificent. There's endless fun and action, some of it laugh-out-loud and some of it possibly a little scary for very tiny kids. The writers have had a good time referencing other films such as Sound of Music, Indiana Jones, 2001 and more, probably nodding to the adults in the audience. The values espoused (family, home, loyalty, gratitude and politeness) are all so solid, that there's something for small-fry to learn as well! The notable cast includes Julie Walters, Emily Mortimer, and Hugh Bonneville, and don't leave before the end of the credits for a surprise guest. Though not able to replicate the originality and freshness of the previous Paddingtons, it is really a total delight and Entertainment with a capital E. ( . . . and cute, and furry and feel-good).3.5 - well recommended
Conclave
Dir: Miguel Gomes
Length: 129 mins
 |
© Roadshow - Fiennes delivers another
compelling performance |
Another film vying for the most awards and nominations is this quasi-thriller based around the election of a new Pope. After the death of the incumbent Pope, Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is appointed head of a conclave that must tussle until some sort of consensus vote on the next Holy Father is reached. Much politicking and revelations of past misdemeanours and scandals emerge, and while there is a moderate level of intrigue, the major revelation is the insider's peek at what goes on behind closed doors in the Vatican. Grand settings and gilt-edged costumes are meticulously recreated, while the score creates a gravitas suited to the occasion. Conservative cardinals like Tedesco, (Sergio Castellito), and Tremblay (John Lithgow) are at odds with the more progressive Lawrence and Bellini (Stanley Tucci), and under the religous robes they are mostly power hungry men, just like in mainstream political arenas. Though I'm not swept away with excitement by this type of story, I am, as usual, wholeheartedly impressed by the wonderful Ralph Fiennes, always a joy to watch on the big screen.3.5 - well recommended
The Children's Train
Dir: Cristina Comencini
Length: 106 mins
Streaming on Netflix - new release
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| © Netflix |
Naples in 1946 was a city with little hope for children growing up impoverished after the war. They were even at risk of starvation, so the newly empowered Communist party, in conjunction with a women's organisation, arranged for tens of thousands of kids to be transported to the north of the country where wealthier families would host them. Based upon these historical facts, the film tells the story of a fictionalised family, where a single mother reluctantly sends her son Amerigo (Christian Cervone) north. The film opens with a successful adult Amerigo (Stefano Accorsi) performing a violin concerto, so we know there has been a good outcome for him. The film then flashes back to his childhood experiences, in which he finds himself conflicted between his northern host "mother" Derna (Barbara Ronchi), and his life back in Naples. This is a very touching film, with terrific period recreations, strong performances, and a powerful story.3.5 - well recommended
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