7:00 PM, 14th April, 2018
No Guests
As of this writing, Lady Bird is certified 99% ‘Fresh’ at Rotten Tomatoes from 218 critics’ reviews. That should give some indication of the overwhelmingly positive reception that this film has received (it was, in fact, at 100% and the best reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes for a long time until one sub-par review took it down a notch). It has also been named by many critics as the best film of the year, with two Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations to boot. And the accolades are well deserved.
Set in the early 2000s (and isn’t that a bit depressing?), the film tells the coming of age story of Christine ‘Lady Bird’ McPherson (Ronan, of Brooklyn fame) in Sacramento, California. Her character is an awkward and intensely unique person, and her interactions with her friends and family – in particular, her turbulent bond with her mother (Metcalf) – are both cringe-worthy and emotionally affecting in the best way.
Actress Greta Gerwig makes the seamless transition from indie queen, in films such as 20th Century Women, Greenberg and Mistress America, to acclaimed director with a bold, cinematic voice. A beautiful, charming and a touching exploration of the journey from adolescence to adulthood, Lady Bird is a delightful film that no one will regret watching.
Karolina Firman
8:44 PM, 14th April, 2018
Fifty Shades Freed is the third and final instalment in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, which sees Ana (Johnson) now married to billionaire Christian Grey (Dornan). However, it’s far from happily ever after for the newlyweds, as Ana’s former boss Jack (Johnson) returns to seek revenge on Ana after she caused his publishing career to end. Not to be outdone, Elena (Basinger), a woman from Christian’s dark past, also reappears and threatens to up-end his life.
Like the previous two films, you can expect Fifty Shades Freed to be pure escapism: think private jets, designer clothing, high-rise apartments and further extravagant attempts by Christian to purchase Ana’s affection. This third film also finally reveals long-alluded-to secrets about Christian’s upbringing as Ana attempts to cope with her new and unfamiliar role as ‘Mrs. Grey’.
Despite receiving its fair share of criticism, the series has been a global hit: the first two films alone grossed almost $1 billion dollars worldwide in box office receipts. As a fan, I can say that if you enjoy fast-paced romantic dramas filled with secrets, seduction and sex, then Fifty Shades Freed is for you.
Mirella Connell