A Quiet Place (2018) Movie Review

A QUIET PLACE (2018) MOVIE REVIEW

Horror has always been one of the most difficult genres for any director to tackle. With the medium being as subjective as it is, A Quiet Place director John Krasinski had his work cut out for him. Especially considering this is the leading man’s directorial debut. However with one of Hollywood’s elite leading ladies Emily Blunt at his side, high expectations were to be had and for my money, were gladly met. 

Taking place in the not too distant future, civilisation has been overrun and completely decimated by mysterious beings. These creatures at first are seemingly unstoppable, but it is soon discovered that they are only attracted by sound; resulting in the premise for the movie which is to not make any kind of sound or else they come for you. While the overall premise for the film was quite gimmicky, the execution is what really sets it apart from others like it. From the opening sequence, the film introduces the concept and gets us invested in our family of four; making us sympathize with our four main characters and understanding the severity of this new world. 

Atmosphere is one of the key reasons a horror can flop or fly. If the tone and setting is not contrasting to the danger set in front of the protagonists, this can result in a mix of different tones as well as mixed messages being portrayed to the audience. A Quiet Place has multiple settings, but more often than not is confined to a farm and the wilderness. Two settings that are no stranger to the horror genre, but effective nonetheless; especially for a film revolving around sound or lack there of. These two landscapes open up a world of opportunities for creative and tense moments, whether it be involving sound resulting from the stalks of corn to walking up and down sets of stairs. Any action taken in the movie is met with as much caution and suspense as possible, something director John Krasinski understands and takes full advantage of. 

A Quiet Place is a crowning achievement in the diminishing horror genre. With a small but effective cast, rising child actors alongside screen veterans Emily Blunt and John Krasinski with the aforementioned succeeding in his directorial debut; A Quiet Place truly does encapsule the feeling and atmosphere of mute terror and feeds on the fear of the unknown. Even when we find out the identity of the unknown. 

Avengers: Infinity War (2018) Movie Review

 AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (2018) MOVIE REVIEW

Many super-hero movies both past and present seem to deliver in some way shape or form. Whether it be the action, story or even special effects; these now worldwide phenomenons  have rapidly become a much watch for casual and hardcore movie goers alike. After a decade of films and a ludicrous amount of anticipation, the penultimate film from the Marvel cinematic universe has arrived in the form of a two parter, the latter being released in 2019. What we are given at the moment is one of if not the single greatest Marvel film and perhaps the greatest super-hero film created to date. 

Following the events of Thor: Ragnarok, numerous heroes are scattered throughout the world and galaxies as news has risen that the infamous destroyer of worlds Thanos is coming for Earth. This results in the Avengers being called back together, as well as several other heroes to join as one and risk everything they know and love in order to protect not only their home; but the universe with it. In order to accomplish this, they must find the Infinity Stones before Thanos does as these stones are the key to his power.  

It truly is a breath of fresh air to see a film that not only has incredible action sequences, but makes these scenes emotionally investing to the audience. While alot of movies would simply be happy with the idea of "style over substance", the Marvel films have more often than not gone that extra mile to engage you into the action and the characters. Directors Anthony and Joe Russo, whom have done sublime works in the super-hero genre with Captain America: Winter Solider and Captain America: Civil War; have easily surpassed their previous bodies of work with brilliant direction with their actors and keeping the films at a near perfect pace, which is never easy to accomplish. Especially in a film that is 2 hours and 30 minutes long that invests you with its charm and strips it all away with its emotionally draining climax.

The biggest thing that aids this films appeal is it's characters and actors; all of who have clearly been established in previous Marvel films while also introducing new characters and continuing the develop of some of our most beloved. With a cast as large as Infinity War it would be easy to just say everyone does a great job but one person in particular manages to steal the show and that is Josh Brolin's Thanos. Every time the antagonist appears on screen, the entire mood changes and makes you latch onto every word he says. All of this aura and the outstanding acting chops of Josh Brolin provides us with the best Marvel movie villain to date, something which the MCU has lacked for quite sometime. 

In years to come, many will mourn the loss of a cinematic universe that truly has transcended pop culture and has become apart of many people's lives. All of this is helped by the Infinity War's charming characters, great pacing and writing; as well as it's now iconic climax which will no doubt go down in history as one of the greatest endings to a super-hero movie ever. And this is just the beginning of the end.