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There is so much I love about Andrea Arnold's latest film, Bird, that I can't put into words. There's some snippets that are more obvious than others. For example, Barry Keoghan's character, Bug, who is trying to work out which 'bad' song that will make his toad excrete the hallucinogenic slime that will give him the funds he needs for his perfect wedding. His friends say toad needs a bad song and suggest 'Murder on the dance floor'. Of course Barry disagrees "I quite like that song". Oh we know you do Barry (Saltburn anyone?). I also loved the song played in the end credits "is this too real for ya?" - perhaps taking a swipe at those who might complain about the addition of magic to Arnold's usual social realism. There is so much to love about this film. Any sort of plot synopsis would spoil. Suffice to say, this is British cinema at its best. In addition to the ubiquitously brilliant Keoghan, who kinda plays a secondary role, the acting is superb, not least the outstanding Nykiya Adams in the lead role. Also look out for outstanding turns by the guy from Passengers (I forget his name) and the brilliant actor who played Jaq in Top Boy. Anyway, overall a brilliant coming of age story mixing social with magical realism and the result is nothing short of mesmerising. 9 out of ten.

My immediate review was different to my second review. Anyway, my immediate review was.....

A different man was a very good film for 80% of its running time. Yes, sure you have to suspend your disbelief about a man with a disfigured face having a miracle cure. And with new 'lovely' fave he is going to feel alien to how everyone reacts to him. And yes, when another guy comes along (Adam Pearson with real condition, who is excellent by the way), he is bound to feel somewhat mesmerised. But why make him violent? He goes to prison and them has a chance encounter with his memephis and the girl of his dreams (married obvs) and they don't bat an eyelid - welcoming him as if nothing happened - he stabbed a man for crying out loud and had just been released from prison. Ultimately, it was a very good idea and a very enjoyable film until the last 15 minutes, but that last 15 minutes spoiled the whole premise. Went from an 8 to a 5. Very disappointing. Maybe I didn't get the satire....

....... After my first instinct i rewatched the last 15 minutes and realised I was completely wrong. I absolutely did not get the satire. It improves back to a 7..... The film was cleverer than I.

Emilia Perez - recently had a small cinematic release, now on Netflix. First came Joker: Folie a Deux. Now comes another 'musical', with a difference. Emilia Perez is the eponymous former Mexican drug lord who was forced into a life in which they did not belong. With the help of a put on and underpaid lawyer, the drug lord fakes his own death, and is then reborn. Only Emilia and the lawyer know the truth. This was a strange but brilliant film. The musical lyrics are at times purposefully silly, at other times poignant. Some times happy, other times sad. Some will love this film, others will hate it. I'm firmly in the former category. One thing is for sure, you've never seen a film like it. 8.5 out of ten.