Tag: james mcavoy

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Glass (2019)

Unbreakable and Split have a conclusion that you can digest but not fathom.

Why James McAvoy hasn’t won more awards for Split is questionable, but it’s this act that should definitely get some recognition for his outstanding performance.

Bruce Willis is in good form, playing a character that requires less words and more body language. Samuel L. Jackson employs his gifts of brain over brawn to lead us to a climax that stayed away from formula. It was pure genius in the way it tied up with comic books, which largely dominate movie production and consumption these days.

In signature M. Night Shyamalan style, there were many twists and turns, and more than one cliffhanger.

Thoroughly captivating and enjoyable!

3.5/5

Split (2017)

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The baffling power of the human mind, the potential it has to transform, is the underlying thread in this complex film which has the audience glued to the screen.

James McAvoy, the ‘patient’ speaks of his multiple personalities with Betty Buckley, his Doctor. Caught in the storm of what seems to be a situation on the mend, is Anna Taylor-Joy, and two of her friends.

It’s a fascinating direction by M. Night Shyamalan that makes the tale gripping, a metaphorical journey to the unknown. We soon become victims ourselves, trying to find ways out which are far from the ordinary. He presents his characters in a real way, no exaggeration or caricatures which are easily accepted in our own reality.

James is a revelation, holding the film squarely on his expressions, body language and behaviour. It’s scary to witness, more so than a conventional horror film, what we are capable of as human beings via his acting. Betty as Dr. Fletcher is so good, that you feel like talking to her about your own issues, as she creates such a safe, gentle and helpful enviroment. Anna as Casey is brilliant. Restrained and oddly comfortable in her circumstances she faces her own demons.

Made on a budget of $9 million it has already grossed $197 million and for good reason. This ones a thinker and deserves a watch.

3.5/5

XMEN Apocalypse (2016)

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Bryan Singer shows us what a good action movie can be, while developing characters and showing us great special effects.

Unlike The Avenger series, where cliched dialogue and mindless destruction in the form of a CGI overload usually mark the proceedings, here we have effects for the sake of narrative.

Oscar Isaac plays the villain with a patient, menacing quality, while Michael Fassbender plays Magneto with the dilemma most mutants face. James McAvoy is dependable as Charles Xavier, growing into his role and communicating volumes about his gifts and others’.

The ensemble cast includes Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn and Lucas Till, who add dimensions to the story with their character and are all important in the forces for and against. The premise, though anarchic, is also a direct attack on how we live our lives today and what we would be better off without.

An engaging tale, which is built slowly, giving actors the depth to perform and connect with the audience, the films’ strength was its story telling without relying on special effects. A remarkable feat!

3.5/5

X-Men: Days of Future Past

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When a super hero film doesn’t try too hard to impress, this is the result. It was easy to watch, the characterisation was strong, the effects were excellent (a standard these days) supported by a decent plot. You settle into the film pretty quick after its dramatic beginning, knowing exactly how it will end, but the action, drama and visual sequences are engaging till its timely conclusion.

An ensemble cast comprising of Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Nicholas Hoult, Shawn Ashmore, Peter Dinklage, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are surprisingly given important and appropriate footage, except Halle Berry who has very little presence.

Bryan Singer has directed X-Men, X2, Superman Returns, produced X-Men: First Class, amongst many others, so is no stranger to the genre, which shows in his film making. He builds the right tone and feel quickly, taking you on a mixed paced ride with enough thrills and mutant theories to await the next one. Watch out for a 10 second glimpse after the end credits have completely finished.

3/5