Spotlight (Review) - Powerful, Important Cinema

Every now and then, a film will come along that genuinely feels tangibly important. Sure, there are films that have important political or social messages which will remain with you long after viewing, but with Spotlight, you feel unapologetically shaken to the core. While it remains a dramatisation of what happened in 2001 with the Boston Globe, its unflinching lack of reprieve truly makes it a memorable experience. 

It's typically a good idea to begin with a little bit of the plot, so here's that: Spotlight shines a light on the notable event in 2001, when the Boston Globe newspaper chose to reveal the huge cover-up the Catholic Church had committed in terms of their priests and paedophilia. Specifically, it focuses on the 'Spotlight' team who work at the Globe - a group known primarily for their intense focus on swept-under-the-rug' stories. Throughout the course of the film, it's revealed that the cover-up goes far higher than any member of the group could have imagined, and paints a chilling story of corruption, paedophilia, and hierarchy. 

Obviously, the film deals with some very heavy content, but it's handled in a manner that is both respectful and eye-opening. There are some harrowing accounts of molestation from some of the victims of the priests, but these never feel exploitative. Naturally, the film is a work of fiction, but some of the acting is so powerful that it feels like documented interviews. In fact, some of the lesser known actors rival the bigger names present. Mark Ruffalo, for example, feels slightly unenthusiastic towards the start of the film, but thankfully improves as the story progresses. Michael Keaton, on the other hand, is consistently stellar as the Spotlight team's leader, and stands out within the film. 

You've really got to give it to the film, though; it manages to make over two hours of nothing but journalism consistently shocking and engaging. There wasn't a single moment during the movie that I found myself bored. Not even during the first half, when the conspiracy isn't fully revealed, does it feel mundane; conversations are filled with euphemisms and huge elephants in the room are left without a comment, which builds the dramatic tension surprisingly high. Despite most people knowing how the story ends, it still retains an unfaltering sense of suspense.

If Spotlight has any faults, it would be that it does feel slightly rushed, or, at the very least, it doesn't return to topics which warrant considerable interest. This is forgiveable when you consider how much content it needs to breeze through, but there's a moment in particular when a priest is quoted as justifying his abuse of children which is never returned to - despite Michael Keaton's character saying that they'd dig deeper into the topic. It almost feels like this scene was put in for shock factor alone - otherwise, why wouldn't they explore it more? However, it's a small complaint for such an interesting film. 

Verdict
Spotlight is the kind of film that doesn't necessarily warrant a second viewing, but still deserves to be seen at least once. It's informative, as well as thoroughly entertaining throughout. Of course, the subject matter is heavy and might be off-putting to some, but it should still be experienced from an educational perspective.  Overall? Worth your money. 

"They say it's just physical abuse, but it's more than that. This was spiritual abuse. You know why I went along with everything? Because priests, are supposed to be the good guys." 

Deadpool (Review) - Funny, Though Foreseeable

Deadpool is an undoubtedly funny movie. The trailers were funny, the marketing campaign was funny, and Ryan Reynolds is a funny guy. In fact, the movie itself rides heavily on audiences finding it funny, because if you take a glimpse past the humorous surface, then you'll find a movie that's okay, if a little bit formulaic. 

Like all first instalments to a new character, the film is essentially an origin story. Told in a non-linear fashion that skips back and forwards, we see the transformation of freelance merc Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) from a thuggish anti-hero into the foul-mouthed, wise-cracking, titular 'merc with a mouth' plastered all over the posters: Deadpool. Of course, a hero is nothing without a villain, and in Deadpool this role is filled by generic enemy 'Ajax' (Ed Skrein) - a stereotypically British antagonist who almost seems like a budget Jason Statham. From here, the film is almost surprisingly straightforward; Wade Wilson must track down Ajax, and get revenge for wronging him. 

Something that will undoubtedly surprise those unfamiliar with the character of Deadpool is the way in which the film is presented to the audience. Frequently throughout, Deadpool himself will talk to the audience - commonly known as 'breaking the fourth wall' - and reference himself as well as other movies within the superhero genre. If you're a big fan of Marvel or Fox movies like The Avengers or The X-Men, then these references will no doubt have you chuckling at every turn. If you go in without prior knowledge, however, then it's possible that Deadpool's brand of humour might go over your head, and lead to a lesser experience. Even if you do 'get' all of the cameos and remarks, you still might find yourself silent at moments, as not every one-liner hits as hard as the film might want it to. The rate these jokes come at means it isn't a huge issue when one misses, though. 

One thing that definitely doesn't fall flat, is Ryan Reynolds as the leading hero. The thing is, while this is technically an original story that tracks the change from Wade Wilson to Deadpool, the character never really changes at all. Wade Wilson is just as sarcastic and referential before he dons the red suit; all that's upped is the violence he inflicts. This means that what could have quite easily been a boring opening half to the film is instead just as entertaining as the latter segments, and Wade's constant narration throughout makes this a seamless transition. 

Conversely, the villain of Ajax is incredibly boring. I know this is kind of the point, as even the opening titles label him simply "A British Villain", but the satirical nature of his lacking personality is lost when he has no redeemable factors. Sure, it makes for a funny introduction segment, but after this you're left with a hollow character who honestly drags the movie down with how forgettable he is. 

The best thing about Deadpool isn't necessarily within the film itself. No, the best part is that it got made - especially when placed in the sea of factory-produced superhero films that are quickly becoming stale. It's genuinely refreshing to get a colourful superhero movie that has a 15 certificate...and earns it. Limbs are torn off, nudity is prevalent, and the eponymous star swears at every opportunity. If anything, the chance to make this a truly unique film compared to all the others was slightly squandered in making it a straight-up origin story. Too much time is dedicated to introducing us to Wade, as his alter-ego Deadpool is where the film really shines. Hopefully this will be remedied in the now-confirmed sequel - only time will tell. 

Verdict
While not a perfect movie by any means, Deadpool still proves to be thoroughly entertaining and genuinely funny at parts. It's an exciting glimpse into what superhero movies can be, which is refreshing, as they're beginning to grow stagnant. It might not be as clever as it thinks when it comes to wasted roles like the villain Ajax, but Ryan Reynolds manages to carry the movie single-handedly above that 'average' grading. Grab some buddies, and enjoy a funny, mindless trip to the cinema. 

"I love you, Wade Wilson. We can fight this" 

"You're right. Cancer's only in my liver, lungs, prostate and brain. All things I can live without"