Tag: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Favourite

by MCDave

If you aren’t familiar with filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, then you haven’t heard of or experienced one of the world’s most unique and bizarre voices. To attempt to explain his work is to do it a grave injustice. Lanthimos is an expert at tapping into the emotional gut of his audiences with a disturbing oddity that makes his work unequivocally singular. And in what is surely the filmmaker’s most tame and harnessed effort to date, The Favourite still manages to scratch at your core with its vile irreverence, a trademark effect of Lanthimos’ work, and helps propel this title to the top of his catalog.

In 18th century England a crazed and imbalanced Queen Anne (Oliva Colman) navigates her country through a war against the neighboring France with the aid of her stoic sidekick and close friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz). Their symbiotic relationship has long been cemented as Lady Sarah acts as a puppeteer controlling the strings of Queen Anne. However, things become unexpectedly tense when a new servant named Abigail (Emma Stone) begins to compete with Lady Sarah for the Queen’s favor.

The Favourite prides itself as an unconventional period piece. While the film’s set and costume design are superb in their own right, The Favourite circumvents period piece norms by relying on a gripping tale that would work just as well in any setting. Yet, it’s Yorgos Lanthimos’ signature style with tight shots, distorted imagery and sharp editing that elevates his work beyond the genre’s staple films. It’s no wonder why industry stars have been flocking to his titles. And in The Favourite we’re gifted with brilliant turns from the movie’s trio of co-starring actresses, each of whom mesmerize in drastically different ways. Emma Stone with her darling charm and nefarious deceit which almost make it feel like two separate roles. Conversely, Rachel Weisz becomes the epitome of strength and confidence, never afraid to voice her opinion and see things through to the bitter end. But it’s Olivia Colman’s infantile psyche and expert precision that acts as the glue to the film’s three prominent women. It’s been declared that Colman plans to campaign in the Lead Actress category while Stone and Weisz plan to go Supporting Actress. Typically, competing against a fellow cast member can serve as a roadblock to a nomination, but recent history suggests it’s very possible to pull off a two for one. Just last year Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson both scored Oscar nods for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and Rockwell even went on to capture the statue. These performances are that good and I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see all three actresses make it into the final five. Likewise, Yorgos Lanthimos is a legitimate Best Director contender and The Favourite, as a whole, possesses all the makings of a bona fide Best Picture candidate as it’s one of the year’s most notable standout features.

GRADE: 4/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site

Join our Free Oscar Contest!

by MCDave

It’s that time of year again. The Oscar nominations are out and that means it’s time to get your picks in for our annual contest, hosted by Movie Critic Dave and Geekscape.

Registering for the Oscar pool is simple, just follow these few easy steps:

– Click on Members.
– Select “Create Account” (if you haven’t already). It requires an email with no spam ever!
– Once you’ve created a member username, go to the Contests page and select the 2018 Oscar Pool under “Current Contests”.
– From here you should be able to make your selections and edit them up until the show on March 4th.

As usual, participation is FREE and the winner will receive a $50 movie gift card supplied by the site.  The site is also mobile-friendly so you should have the ability to access it across all devices.  Should you have any issues creating an account or making your selections, please contact us ASAP.

Thanks and good luck!

Geekscape Movie Reviews: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

by MCDave

Martin McDonagh has captured the attention of critics and movie lovers alike, despite a relatively brief stint within the industry. McDonagh burst onto the scene with his eloquently-constructed 2008 hitman comedy, In Bruges, only to follow it up with the equally impressive and wacky dog-napping comedy, Seven Psychopaths. But in a wide open year such as this, McDonagh’s latest small-town crime comedy, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, may be his ticket to the awards season’s biggest dance.

It’s been seven months since Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand) has heard from police regarding the violent rape and murder of her daughter. Desperate to keep the story relevant and with hopes that the attention will lead to an arrest of her daughter’s killer, Mildred rents a trio of billboards alongside a small-town road that question the efforts of local law enforcement and their superior officer, Chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson). But when a volatile mama’s boy, Officer Dixon (Sam Rockwell), loses his cool over the billboards, tensions escalate quickly in the town of Ebbing, Missouri.

Three Billboards thrives on explosive humor and a timely examination of local law enforcement officers all across the country. And rather than crumbling to the divisive politicizing of speaking in false extremes, McDonagh accurately depicts the wide spectrum of policing, addressing both respectable and deplorable behaviors, as well as the stunningly beautiful ability to change. Therein lies the film’s greatest strength. And as the year’s end creeps closer and closer, most of the industry’s attention will be placed on the sorrowfully-effective performance from lead actress Frances McDormand. Even in a crowded year for female roles, she should certainly land a nomination and quite possibly an Oscar win as well. Yet, it’s supporting star Sam Rockwell who leaves a lasting impression beyond compare. While the brilliant performer has somehow managed to avoid singular recognition from any of the Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild and the Academy Awards, that’s all about to change. Measuring up to and surpassing anything you’ve enjoyed him in before, Rockwell’s portrayal of a short-tempered and unethical small-town cop who backlashes against the woman responsible for these unfair billboards is something to savor. All of these wonderful performances are born from a hilariously amusing screenplay and superb direction that help solidify Three Billboards as one of 2017’s strongest films.

GRADE: 4/5

For more reviews, trailers and movie lists visit MCDAVE’s host site