The Tameside Radio presenter and film fanatic gives glowing reviews of the two latest movies he's been to see - Women Talking and Creed III.
Women Talking is a truly remarkable film that lives long in the memory, and I'm frankly staggered it hasn't been shown more widely. Are the likes of Cineworld judging it not to be mainstream enough for multiplex audiences? It's still on this weekend at the Regent Cinema in Marple and Manchester's Printworks Vue, but it has been on a disappointingly low number of screens over recent weeks.
Claire Foy's performance in particular is incredible, and Sarah Polley's script is totally on point throughout. Sample dialogue - "I will destroy any living thing that harms my child. I will tear it limb from limb. I will desecrate its body and I will bury it alive. I will challenge God on the spot to strike me dead if I have sinned by protecting my child from evil". Foy delivers every word with laser sharp precision.
The film is set in a religious colony where the women and girls are contemplating an audacious escape, as they are being routinely sexually assaulted by the men of their parish. They have no map of the outside world. They must decide whether to stay and fight, do nothing, or leave.
With a superb cast and a lot to say in the context of the "Me Too" movement and recent high profile cases, this was a compelling film with a message that I think everyone should take on board. Jessie Buckley, Rooney Mara and Frances McDornand all deserve high praise for their parts in the drama that unfolds in a rather sparse barn setting.
The movie is one you'll think about after the lights come up. As is often the case, what isn't seen is amongst the most harrowing. A special mention too for Penistone's Paramount Cinema, which really is a little gem. An intermission, a reasonably priced bar, and comfortable circle seats in a building that's been providing entertainment for almost 110 years...cracking! Worth the 45 minute drive from Ashton.
I also got a pleasant surprise this week when I watched Creed III. It's amazing to think 1976's Rocky has spawned eight sequels, and this is the first not to feature Sly Stallone.
To be honest, it's all the better for it, and Michael Jordan has done a cracking directing job. Jonathan Majors as Damian is outstanding, the fight scenes are exciting and exhilerating, and it feels like quite an achievement to freshen up a franchise that's older than me (just!). To coin a cliche, it definitely packs a punch. I was waiting for a Stallone cameo, but unless it came at the end of the credits, there definitely isn't one! I'm not convinced I've seen the first five Rocky films, to be honest. I'd best dig out the DVD box set soon, as that's quite a shocking confession, I'm aware.
Next up, Ant Man and the Wasp (trying to overcome my queasy Marvel saturation feeling) and Scream VI. Superheroes and sequels...perhaps another good reason why films like Women Talking need to exist, and deserve far wider recognition.
You can listen to Alex every weekday from 7am to 11am and on Saturdays from 3pm to 6pm, on Tameside Radio 103.6FM.
Alex also has a regular newspaper column where he gives his unique take on life. Read his latest one here.
