NG8 July/August 2020

CAPTAIN AMERICA:
CIVIL WAR
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is crammed
full of gems, but, in my opinion, there is one
movie that perfectly blends all the elements
that have made this franchise so spectacular.
That movie is: Captain America Civil War.
Currently available on Disney+, Civil War
shows the Avenger’s darkest hour. When
a legislation proposes that the Avengers
become a government controlled team, the
Earth’s mightiest heroes are cracked in half
over the decision.
Even though the cast is large, every single
character is perfectly portrayed, both by
the incredible talent on display, and the
phenomenal writing. No matter how long their
screen time, every character has a clear and
compelling arc that is driven by motivations
that encapsulate their legendary character.
Directors the Russo Brothers impeccably
balance and pace the movie, allowing time
for the script’s complex and fascinating moral
debates to breathe whilst also giving every
character a moment, and let’s not forget those
hero on hero brawls.
Of which are jaw dropping. Every single action
sequence takes full advantage of a character’s
abilities and shows them off in the coolest way
possible with industry best choreography.
Whether it is the enthralling story, heart
pounding action, or ethical debate at the
backbone of this piece, you are never allowed
to be bored in this perfectly balanced and
concocted movie.
Writer: Sam Burton
WITH CINEMAS STILL CLOSED, OUR REVIEWERS HAVE SELECTED
THEIR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FILM TO SHARE WITH YOU.
10 / 10
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
Character studies are a tricky thing. Gaining an insight
into a dark mind to provide food for thought while
keeping your film entertaining with a unique style is an
achievement not too commonly found across modern
Hollywood. For a textbook definition on how to nail this,
one needs look no further than Paul Thomas Anderson’s
masterpiece from 2007: There Will Be Blood.
At the beginning of America’s roots in the 20th century,
a cynical self-made oilman makes it his mission to be
able to drill on fertile lands to make enough money to
set him up for life alongside his son. But when he butts
heads with an obnoxious land-owning preacher and his
drilling efforts go awry, Daniel Plainview’s inner demons
begin eating at him.
What makes this film exceptional is its subtle morbidity
in its cinematography and soundtrack (composed by
renowned Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood) which
turns a seemingly simple narrative into a rollercoaster
ride of emotion and characterisation. Right from the
start, with a very time-taking montage of a younger
Plainview’s gruelling mining efforts to striking black
gold, it’s clear this film sinks its teeth into well-crafted
symbolism and atmospheric-immersion. This is only
completed by Daniel Day Lewis giving, what I would
proclaim, the greatest performance of the 21st
century yet as Daniel Plainview with his phenomenal
John-Wayne-style vocal domination and bottled-up
monstrosity. If you have any interest into how films can
experiment with emotional ambiguity and character
study, this is a must-watch and one I will continue to
revisit for years to come.
There Will Be Blood is
available for watch on
Amazon Prime.
Writer:
George Neal
10 / 10