vinnieboards

The pace is insane. The plot line is proposterous. The cinemotography is gorgeous. And certain characterisations are bizarre.

EEAAO is certainly a one off, and needs to be watched and embraced with an open mind. I totally get why there are haters but I loved it. The film is deliciously layered and Yeoh supported by a middle aged Short Round are superb. And Jamie Lee Curtis looks like she is having the time of her life.

I cant remember a recent film where I was moved, laughed or intrigued in equal measure. There are no spoilers here. Let's just say that this unique film stretches your intellectual and emotionally intelligence and if your mind is up for it, you're in for quite a ride.

Magnificent. I can't work.out what this film really is but I love it all the same.

...the final 15 minutes.

Up until then, the mesmerising performance of James McAvoy kept me on the edge of my seat. The effortless way he portrays so may characters (some changes being made in mid sentence) are astounding. Ably supported in the acting stakes by Anya Taylor-Joy, Split is a horror/thriller with much to like and represents a welcomed return to form for M. Night Shyalaman after some box office disasters.

So why, after so much spectacle and intrigue, did Shyalaman transform Crumb's character into a far fetched, super human beast? It wasn't necessary - the more believable character study of a man with multiple personalities was easily enough. The most interesting psychotic character since Hannibal Lector.

It killed the credibility of what, until that point, was an outstanding piece of cinema.

Hats off to McAvoy though - what a performance! Also, it's pushing it to call this a horror movie. 70s Hammer films have more genuine frights than this.

So not a miss this time, but could have been a much bigger hit, rather than trying one plot shock too many which is Shyalaman's calling card.

Sometimes less is more.

House of Gucci serves as an example of why I no longer pay any creedence to reviews before deciding to watch a film.

Yes, there are noticeable flaws here, but I found the film hugely watchable and not the borefest that some people have eluded to. Yes, Jeremy Iron's lacklustre attempt at an Italian accent stands out, as does Jared Leto's total overkill portrayal of Paulo, which is more pantomime dame than useless son. What starts off funny and interesting, soon becomes annoying.

Nevertheless, House of Gucci is beautifully shot, stylish, engaging and contrary to popular opinion, far from boring. Adam Driver, in particular, is excellent as Mauricio, well supported by Lady Gaga and Al Pacino. Nor, in truth,, did I find Gaga's or Driver's Italian accents overbearing.

True stories are fascinating, and House of Gucci is no exception. But next time the producer (Ridley Scott) casts for a film like this, go for De Niro instead of Irons as intended, and pick an actor that doesn't grossly overstate the ridiculousness of their character because Leto misfires on all levels.

That said, it's still an intriguing watch, and showcases the glamour and corruption by money and power brilliantly.