cinema

Film review: Is This Thing On?

 Since his attention turned to directing, actor Bradley Cooper has taken on emotionally weighty productions in adapting the much-loved musical A Star is Born and taking on the biopic of one of America’s great composers with Maestro. His third effort is lightweight in comparison, inspired by comedian John Bishop’s unorthodox introduction to stand-up. Comedy drama Is This Thing On? transports his tale from the clubs of Manchester to Manhattan and centres around middle-aged man, Alex Novak (Will Arnett) as his marriage with Tess (Laura Dern) is on the rocks. Having left the family home to find a small apartment in the city, he finds himself at an open mic night and to avoid paying an entrance fee, he puts his name down to perform.

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DVD & Digital

DVD review: Little Women

Since Louisa May Alcott’s seminal coming-of-age novel Little Women was published in 1868, there have been countless adaptations of the material. The latest version is written for the screen and directed by Greta Gerwig, who has recently transitioned from indie actress to award-nominated filmmaker. The plot follows the struggles of the March family during the American Civil War as four sisters near the end of childhood; Jo (Saoirse Ronan) is a budding writer, Meg (Emma Watson) has traditional aspirations, Amy (Florence Pugh) longs for a taste of the finer things in life, while Beth (Eliza Scanlen) is a highly talented pianist but is reluctant to share her music. Together and apart, we see the women contend with love, death, and marriage as they fight for independence in a society dominated by men.

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DVD & Digital

DVD review: Marriage Story

 Indie filmmaker Noah Baumbach explores love within the confines of separation with divorce drama Marriage Story. The plot follows actress Nicole (Scarlett Johansson) and her theatre director husband Charlie (Adam Driver) as their relationship is falling apart. With their young son to consider, they want an amicable break-up, but once lawyers get involved, the situation becomes messy and emotionally charged.

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