Revisiting 'The Star Wars Holiday Special'

Ok, so I'm a huge Star Wars fan, I grew up around the time of the prequels, I've watched and re-watched the saga countless times, it's a franchise that's been with me my whole life that I hold close to my heart. I love the original trilogy, I love The Force Awakens and Rogue One, and if I may be so bold, I even have a soft spot for certain aspects of the prequels. However, there is one part of the Star Wars universe that we never talk about, the black sheep of the franchise, something so unbearably bad that it only ever aired once. It's worse than Anakin's dialogue, worse than 'Jedi Rocks', even worse than Jar Jar Binks, dare I say. Yes, what I'm talking about is The Star Wars Holiday Special. For you lucky few who have never heard of the holiday special, it's essentially a two hour television movie set in the Star Wars universe that focuses on Chewbacca's family as they anticipate his return to celebrate their annual holiday 'Life Day'. Doesn't sound so bad, right? Wrong. The holiday special is basically a two hour long variety show full of musical numbers, psychedelic effects and terrible costumes. It is truly an oddity, but what makes it even more bizarre is the fact that Star Wars cast members such as Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and even Harrison Ford actually signed onto this piece of, well, whatever it is. Recently I finally watched the holiday special in full and oh boy, do I have some thoughts on it. So join me on a journey, to a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

The Story

So the holiday special is set some time after A New Hope and takes place primarily on the Wookie home world of Kashyyyk, which is renamed Kazook here for god knows why. On 'Kazook', we are introduced to Chewbacca's family, his wife Malla, his father Itchy, and his son Lumpy. It's clear that the people behind this were attempting to inject some compassion into the story by focusing on Chewbacca's loved ones and trying to portray them as being likeable and cute. Instead we get these freaky looking things that I can't even put into words, that's them below alongside Chewbacca:

A handsome bunch am I right? We spend the majority of the episode with these freaky looking dudes as they await the return of Chewie so that they can all celebrate Wookie Christmas, 'Life Day'. Now one of the first things to really annoy me about this special is that although we spend a great deal with the Chewbacca clan, we get not one line of subtitles to help understand what they're saying. All of their dialogue is literally just incomprehensible Wookie noises so we don't understand a word of it, although to be fair I don't think subtitles even could have saved this trainwreck. Meanwhile in outer space, Chewie and Han Solo are in the Millennium Falcon attempting to land on 'Kazook' while evading the Imperial forces. At least the scenes with Han and Chewie provide some sense of familiarity for the special, but they're so scarce that not even they can save this feature. Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill also make brief appearances, along with Anthony Daniels as C-3PO and archive footage of Darth Vader dubbed over by James Earl Jones. Because who needs the real Vader when you can recycle, right? As the special goes on, the Wookies have a run in with Imperial forces, some shit happens that we're supposed to care about and then the day is saved. Somehow this wafer-thin plot makes us miss all those talks of trade federations and Gungans from Episode I. 

The Segments

Now if you still don't think there's something off about The Star Wars Holiday Special, this is when things get really weird. The majority of this two hour special is taken up by a number of outlandish, unrelated segments that give the special a variety show sort of feel. From holographic acrobats, to musical numbers, and that sequence where Itchy wears that virtual reality helmet (shudders), it's quite a freakshow. I still don't understand how some of these segments had anything to do with Star Wars, here is a taster of some of the crazy shit that goes down during the holiday special.

Lumpy watches a group of acrobats clad in colourful costumes as they dance around to some questionable music, the terrible costume design and freaky tune allow this early segment to set the incredibly low standard for what's to come. God, the costume design is so awful here it makes everything feel so cheap, it feels more like Cirque Du Soleil than anything else.

Harvey Korman of Blazing Saddles takes on the role of Chef Gormaanda who hosts Malla's favourite cookery show. I don't get if this was supposed to be funny or what, it's certainly not the Mel Brooks brand humour that Korman delivered so perfectly several years before. Instead it's just a few minutes of him saying 'whip, whip, stir' over and over again while Malla tries to keep up. Maybe the joke was that because Gormaanda had four arms it was physically impossible for Malla to keep up. Haa.

The most disturbing segment involves Chewie's dad Itchy using a virtual reality helmet. After some psychedelic imagery, a woman played by Diahann Carroll appears, claiming to be Itchy's 'fantasy'. She then prompts him to 'experience' her while making some suggestive moaning sounds before singing to him. If you've ever asked yourself if porn exists within the Star Wars universe, here is your answer. The segment is totally out of place for something aimed at kids, I wouldn't even call it suggestive because what it's suggesting is so obvious. Itchy, you dirty bollocks.

But that's not the only musical number oh no, at one point an Imperial soldier takes the time to watch a performance by Jefferson Starship via hologram. That's right, Jefferson Starship exist within the Star Wars universe now, and apparently they're a huge hit among Imperial soldiers. We certainly did build this Empire on rock and roll.

One of the later segments takes place in Mos Eisley Cantina, where we breathe a sigh of relief for this familiar location and some bearable costumes. The Cantina Band are in full swing while the usual menagerie of aliens drink away, and for a moment it does feel like Star Wars, until the singing starts. Golden Girls star Bea Arthur plays a barmaid at the Cantina who starts a sing song in order to encourage her patrons to leave under the orders of the Empire. Just when things were finally starting to feel like Star Wars again, we get another bloody musical number. By this point 'Jedi Rocks' feels like something from Grease in comparison to the holiday special's musical bits.

The high point of these segments and the only one that genuinely does feel very much like Star Wars is a short animated sequence that Lumpy watches for, you know, who needs reasons anymore. The cartoon includes the voice talents of the original cast members as Luke and co. venture to the planet of Panna to search for a mysterious talisman. The reason why this segment is so well remembered is because it was the debut appearance of everybodies favourite bounty hunter Boba Fett. Initially coming across as a friend, Fett tricks the rebels and reveals his true colours as an associate of Darth Vader. I wish this sequence was longer, I wish the whole holiday special was focused on this segment alone. But alas it is short lived and soon we are back to inaudible Wookie roaring and bad musical numbers.

Other Oddities

First of all, the cast. While I was delighted to see the original cast members return, the question still remains as to why? How did Hamill, Ford and co. not realise how awful this production was in the first place? Perhaps that's why Kenny Baker declined to portray R2-D2 in this one, maybe he had some sense. Fun Fact: R2-D2 is credited as playing himself here. Along with the original cast members, the likes of Bea Arthur, Harvey Korman and Art Carney (who plays a trader and friend of the Wookies) were all established actors at the time as well, so why sign on to such shite? I understand Star Wars was only released a year before and that everyone obviously thought this would be just as good, but it further poses the question as to whether anyone realised how awful this was during production? One would hope so anyway.

A New Hope or simply Star Wars as it was known back then, had some pretty impressive special effects for its time. Now I am aware that was a huge production and this was merely a television film, but for God's sake there is barely even an attempt to maintain some consistency with the film. The Wookies look cheap, the sets look cheap, the costumes during some of the segments are simply horrible, in particular the acrobat one. The only time it really feels consistent with the Star Wars universe is when one of the original cast members pops up, the animated sequence, and half of the Cantina segment. Other than that it feels like someone made this after taking acid and thinking 'yeno what would go great in the Star Wars universe? Colourful acrobats and VR space porn.' It just feels like there was no effort put in, it lacks the heart and soul of the first film despite efforts to inject some emotion via Chewie's family. But I mean come on, how are you supposed to form an emotional attachment to these characters when they do practically nothing to earn it? We breathe a sigh of relief every time an original cast member appears because it at least tries to feel like Star Wars. Also, why did Mark Hamill's face look so caked in makeup? Another one of the holiday special's many mysteries.

To finish it all off, the holiday special ends with a musical number (of course) where Leia leads a chorus of Wookies and original cast members in a wholesome 'Life Day' song. I would say it feels weird and out of place, but after those god awful segments earlier it fits in just fine. 

The Final Verdict

The Star Wars Holiday Special is quite possibly the worst thing to ever happen to the franchise. It makes the prequels look like Empire and feels nothing like the Star Wars we all know and love. Packed full of cheap looking segments with terrible dialogue and almost unbearable musical numbers, the existence of this holiday special is an oddity to behold. It poses many questions such as why did the original cast members sign on? What were the writers taking at the time? How could George Lucas let this happen? Well, we already know the answer to the last one judging by the prequels, but still even by their standards this is terrible. If you're a die hard Star Wars fan who has a spare two hours and doesn't take themselves too seriously, or if you and your mates are just looking for something to laugh at over a few cans then you can watch the special in all it's glory here. I don't understand how anybody could enjoy this monstrosity, don't get me wrong I'm all up for finding the fun in bad cinema and television, but jesus christ a lot of this isn't even at the so-bad-it's-good level, it's just plain bad. If you choose to watch the holiday special then best of luck, you'll need it. This will probably be my last post before Christmas, so merry Christmas, or 'Life Day' to you all. Until next time!

2016- Top 20 Films

It’s that time of year again ladies and gentlemen, with 2016 coming to a close it’s time to look back on some of the best films that cinema had to offer this year. I was pleasantly surprised at the sheer amount of brilliant films released this year across all genres, such diverse films all excelling in their own respects. It’s safe to say that despite all of the tragic celebrity deaths, a man whose name rhymes with monald mump and ‘Seven Years’ by Lukas Graham, 2016 was a fantastic year for cinema at least. While I didn’t manage to catch every acclaimed film of the year (sorry Arrival), I’ve seen enough to compile a list of my Top 20. So without further ado, I present my pick for the 20 greatest films of 2016.

20. Doctor Strange

I was really disappointed with some of the superhero films this year, some were bland, some were repetitive, others were downright messy altogether, but Doctor Strange was a pleasant surprise. While it still looks like every other Marvel film and has the same basic formula as every other Marvel film, this is not your average Marvel film. The tale of neurosurgeon turned sorcerer supreme, Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), is full of fresh ideas and fantastic visuals. The mind-bending special effects are very reminiscent of films such as Inception or The Matrix, yet their distinctive kaleidoscopic style sets this film apart from similar ones, granting it its own unique aesthetic. This isn’t the Hogwarts style sorcery you’re used to, it’s a refreshing take on the concept of magic and one that fits in nicely to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Cumberbatch is wonderful as Strange while his co-star Chiwetel Ejiofor stands out as fellow sorcerer Karl Mordo who is sure to appear again later down the line. While I do feel like other cast members such as Rachel McAdams and Mads Mikkelsen were severely underused, they did the best with what they were given. Doctor Strange was a refreshing departure from Marvel’s usual stuff despite being a bit too formulaic at times, it was a pleasant surprise after the rather disappointing Captain America: Civil War.

19. Sausage Party

At first glance this film about talking food may look like your usual family animation, however I assure you it’s not at all what you expect. Sausage Party is a much more adult oriented animated film with the likes of Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig and Edward Norton lending their voices to some of the characters. This film is packed to the brim with food related puns and innuendo, and as a fan of a good pun I could not stop laughing as it packs some really clever yet really stupid jokes into every scene. The story involves a sausage named Frank (Seth Rogen) who goes on a quest across the supermarket where he lives in order to discover the true nature of his existence. It sounds like a pretty absurd film and don’t get me wrong, it is, but it also packs some pretty clever messages too. From organised religion to the Palestinian conflict, Sausage Party is full of interesting social commentary that is never too explicit and actually manages to provoke thought. Now it is a bizarre film, it is an incredibly crude film as well, but it also has some clever underlying meanings that make it more than just your average adult comedy. Sausage Party is arguably the funniest animated film of the year, full of pleasant surprises and some rather unpleasant ‘love scenes’. It’s something that has to be seen to be believed.

18. Spotlight

What made Spotlight so utterly shocking was the fact that it was based on true events. The film is based on the team of investigative journalists who began an investigation into child sex abuse by the Catholic Church in Boston. Often when true stories are adapted into films they can feel exaggerated or far fetched at times, but Spotlight never feels this way. Everything about it looks so real and so natural that it feels like watching the actual events play out years ago, this is down to the wonderful script by Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy, and the incredible ensemble cast. Mark Ruffalo in particular gave one of the most powerful performances of his career in Spotlight, even garnering an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor. It does have a very cinematic feel to it due to the cinematography and high profile cast, but during some of its most harrowing scenes when you try to remind yourself that it’s ‘just a film’, you realise that it’s not, these events actually did happen. It is because of the films profound sense of realism that the shocks hit harder despite the fact that it never explicitly attempts to shock the audience, we know these events are true and that makes them all the more impactful. Spotlight is how biopics should be done.

17. American Honey

British director Andrea Arnold gave us a very different type of road movie this year, the tale of a young girl named Star (Sasha Lane) who leaves behind her life of poverty and abuse to travel America with a gang of newspaper-selling teens. American Honey may not sound too different on paper, but a combination of Arnold’s direction and the multi talented cast gives it an extreme sense of realism from start to finish. It doesn’t feel like we’re watching a film, a lot of the time it feels more like we’re watching a documentary about these teenagers, not a road movie. The cast are predominantly unknown actors with Sasha Lane shining in the lead role, she is by far one of 2016’s best newcomers. She is also joined by some familiar faces such as Shia LaBoeuf who is as captivating as ever as the charismatic Jake, while Mad Max:Fury Road star Riley Keough portrays the closest thing the film has to an antagonist, the superbitch Krystal. It was a refreshing experience that just felt so close to real life, these weren’t fake teenagers on some idyllic road trip, they were real people doing real things and it was fantastic to see a film that finally portrayed that instead of flashy Hollywood falseness. American Honey is a wonderful effort from Andrea Arnold and the start of a promising career for its lead, Sasha Lane.

16. Rogue One

While we still have to wait another year for Episode VIII, our Star Wars thirst was quenched this December with the spinoff/prequel that is Rogue One. Set directly before A New Hope, the film follows the group of misfit rebels who band together in order to steal the plans for the Death Star. It's not a perfect film by any means, the first act is a bit messy, the dialogue is questionable (Darth Vader makes a pun), and there's nothing really interesting about the lead character Jyn (Felicity Jones). However, once the film starts to find its feet, Rogue One is an extremely enjoyable Star Wars flick that reaches new territory in terms of style and tone. It's a much darker film than what we're used to and it really emphasises the war aspect of the franchise, the final battle sequence is astounding. It's such a captivating sequence that really engages with the audience, we feel as though we are on the beaches of Scarif with the rebel alliance experiencing every explosion and laser blast thrown at us. By the exhilarating finale (that I won't spoil) it's clear that this is a much more mature Star Wars film that does a good job of helping to bridge the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy. The film offers enough fan service to please die hard fanboys while reaching a new, and more grittier ground to attract a new brand of fans as well. Rogue One manages to build upon the already immense Star Wars Universe while overcoming its own flaws to present a refreshing take on the classic franchise.

15. Don’t Breathe

Fede Alvarez is probably best known for his Evil Dead remake a few years ago, or at least he was until Don’t Breathe hit theatres this year. This time around the Uruguayan director goes for a more subtle approach to horror, avoiding the explicit gore of his previous outing while favouring suspense instead, and by God does it work so well. The main premise of the film is that three young thieves break into the home of an elderly blind man (Stephen Lang) in order to steal his money, however they soon realise that they may have underestimated the old man. What follows is an incredible exercise in tension as we watch these characters attempt to navigate through this old house while being as silent as possible (thus the title). Lang’s character is a true force to be reckoned with here, always ready to spring forth whenever he hears even the slightest sound. It put a new spin on the home invasion subgenre, reversing the roles of protagonist and antagonist in a similar manner to Wes Craven’s The People Under the Stairs, it works extremely well here thanks to wonderful direction and masterful pacing. The suspense in Don’t Breathe is thoroughly nailbiting and I could feel my heart beating hard in my chest from start to finish, Alvarez has certainly upped his game with this one.

14. Hell or High Water

Hell or High Water is one of this years most interesting films, falling into the genres of neo-western and heist films, it was a surprise to see that it does not rely heavily on violence or cheap thrills. Instead it pays more attention to its character development and cinematography to build a story that is gritty, captivating and incredibly tense. The film follows two brothers (played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster) who rob banks across Texas in order to save their families ranch, meanwhile they are pursued by Texas Ranger Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) on his last case before retirement. Foster and Pine’s chemistry is what carries the film, as Tanner and Toby Howard their personalities do contrast, but that strong family bond ties them together and they share an immense sense of loyalty between each other. Foster is a pleasure to watch as the unhinged ex-con Tanner, while Pine is the more sympathetic of the two as his recently divorced brother with a more concise sense of morality. Jeff Bridges, what can I say, the man delivers as always, taking on the role of the persistent, quick witted ageing Texas ranger. We see both stories play out simultaneously, that of the brothers and of Hamilton, and they are both so equally developed that it’s hard to know who to route for. This allows us to form much more of an emotional connection which makes the climax all the more tense. To top it all off, the film has a really gritty style and is one of the years most visually impressive films. Hell or High Water is one that you will want to watch countless times over after your first viewing.

13. Deadpool

After the characters woeful treatment in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, we finally got a solid Deadpool film this year with Ryan Reynolds once again taking on the role of the titular antihero. The film has everything we could possibly want from a Deadpool outing and so much more, fourth-wall-breaking, cultural references, countless parodies of superhero fiction, it delivered all of those brilliant Deadpool qualities without seeming too much like one giant fan service. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and self-referential, and Reynolds delivers all of his lines superbly, the line between actor and superhero has never before been so blurred. The film also has an equally talented supporting cast such as T.J. Miller as barman Weasel and Morena Baccarin as love interest Vanessa, and at its heart that’s essentially what Deadpool is: a love story. Beneath all of the graphic violence and off-colour humour, this is a tale of a man out to win back the love of his life despite all of the misfortunes he has faced. That’s what makes Deadpool more than just your average superhero film, along with being packed full of violence and humour, it has a strong emotional heart that is present throughout and carries the film without being too explicit. This was the most refreshing superhero film of the year, it wasn’t afraid to hit that R rating hard or poke fun at the genres tropes and in the end it became one of the years most successful films. Take note DC and Marvel, Fox has a new trick up its sleeve and his name is Deadpool.

12. Room

Irish director Lenny Abrahamson took the world by storm this year with his wonderful adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s novel Room. It tells the story of a young woman and her son who have been held captive in a room for 7 years before finally escaping and adapting to the outside world. It is an interesting concept, made even more interesting by the fact that the son, Jack (Jacob Tremblay) was born inside the room, never before seeing the outside world. Tremblay made a huge impact in his role as Jack and the young actor has already established a promising career for himself after Room. However, the real star of the show here is Brie Larson who plays the mother, she gives a harrowing performance and shares a beautiful chemistry with her onscreen son in a performance that gained her a well deserved best actress Oscar. It was particularly interesting seeing how the main characters adapted to the outside world after escaping from room, Tremblay perfectly embodies the profound sense of curiosity in Jack while Larson is so powerful in conveying her character's emotions. The beautiful cinematography from Danny Cohen and brilliant direction from Abrahamson present a unique view of the world in Room and almost makes the audience feel as though they too are viewing the world for the first time. Beautifully crafted and heartbreaking at times, Room is one of the years most engaging films that stimulates the senses and captivates the viewers right up until the very end.

11. Sing Street

Irish filmmaker John Carney had already made a name for himself with films like the acclaimed Once, but this year he further established himself as a talented writer/director with the feelgood hit of 2016, Sing Street. Set in Dublin in the 1980’s, the film follows shy young Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) who starts a band with his classmates in order to impress his enigmatic crush Raphina (Lucy Boynton). Once again Carney not only displays his talents as a filmmaker, but he also shows off his skills as a songwriter and presents some of the funniest and catchiest songs you’ll ever hear. From the oriental inspired ‘Riddle of the Model’ to the signature tune ‘Drive it Like You Stole it’, the songs range from being comedic to compelling while all being equally as catchy as the last. The film boasts a talented cast of young aspiring actors along with some already established Irish actors such as Aidan Gillan as Conor’s dad and Jack Reynor as his stoner brother who encourages his musical endeavours. Beneath its humour and catchy tunes, Sing Street is also quite a poignant film and Carney really makes us feel for his protagonists. With subplots tackling subjects such as divorce and abandonment the film certainly pulls on the heart strings at times, but ultimately music is the remedy for all pain here and it works so well. The way in which the characters confide in music in their times of trouble is very true to life and feels so natural here. With its brilliant songs, a talented cast and wonderful sense of humour, Sing Street will leave you smiling like a fool long after you’ve watched it.

10. Captain Fantastic

What do you get when you cross the Manson family with the von Trapp family and set them off on an adventure into an unfamiliar world? Well, essentially Captain Fantastic. The film revolves around Ben (Viggo Mortensen), the stern but well-meaning patriarch of a large family who reside in the forest, rejecting consumer society and modern cultural norms. However, after a shocking turn of events, Ben and his family are forced to enter the ‘real world’ where his children discover a way of life very different to their own. Mortensen shines in the lead role, adding a sense of humour and realism to the story while his children portrayed by a talented cast of young actors follow suit. British actor George MacKay shines in particular as Ben’s eldest son Bo who has an interesting subplot in which he finds himself falling in love. There is a strong and believable chemistry between all of the young actors and Mortensen and they really do feel like an actual family. The film poses many questions about modern society and what is ‘normal’, with topics such as what should be ‘taboo’ and the importance of education, it is a film that makes us reflect on our own way of life and the relevance of some of its constructs. It is also a visually captivating film, while it all looks and feels very realistic there is a sense of Wes Anderson-esque quirk in the costume design and some of the production design. Captain Fantastic is a sharp and clever film with a talented ensemble cast and stunning visual style that is as equally inspiring as it is touching.

9. 10 Cloverfield Lane

Producer J.J. Abrams surprised us earlier this year when he announced a spiritual sequel to 2008’s Cloverfield was on its way. Instead of being a large scale monster movie like its predecessor however, 10 Cloverfield lane is more of an isolated thriller full to the brim with tension and paranoia. Mary Elizabeth Winstead takes on the lead role of a woman who wakes up from a car crash in a mysterious cellar owned by the equally enigmatic Howard (John Goodman), who claims to be protecting her from terrifying forces on the surface. This is a film with layers upon layers of mystery and will keep you guessing right the way through up until its bizarre climax. It is also a film full of nailbiting suspense and has this increasing sense of paranoia throughout that becomes even more intense whenever a new revelation is made. This is certainly one of the best suspense horrors in recent years, but along with that it puts a spin on the post-apocalyptic genre, bringing down the scale to a more isolated and claustrophobic location. However, the films most terrifying quality by far is John Goodman himself who gives the performance of a lifetime as the owner of the bunker, Howard. There is so much mystery behind his character and while he is pleasant on the surface, he is clearly an unhinged man and you never really know when he's going to snap. 10 Cloverfield Lane is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, packed with so much originality and so much tension it is by far one of the highlights of the horror genre in 2016. It also breathed new life into the now overdone apocalypse story by taking a new approach to it, it’s the type of film that will keep you on the edge of your seat no matter how many times you watch it.

8. The Neon Demon

Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn is known for having a keen eye for detail and a unique sense of style, his latest outing The Neon Demon is the perfect example of this. The film follows aspiring model Jesse (Elle Fanning) on her journey into the dark underbelly of the Hollywood fashion industry. One of the years most visually captivating films, The Neon Demon excels in all visual aspects from its cinematography and production design, to its costumes and makeup. Along with its wonderfully synthy soundtrack courtesy of Cliff Martinez, the film is immersed in such captivating style that harks back to older films by the likes of Mario Bava and Dario Argento. While it does not exactly play out like a giallo film, The Neon Demon does certainly retain a number of characteristics of the genre such as colourful cinematography, a focus on beauty and women, and bloody violence. Some may be put off by the films slow pacing and I’ll admit the build up can be a bit tedious at times, but the shocking payoff makes it worth the wait in a climax that will be etched into your brain forever. Fanning is fantastic as Jesse and watching her development from innocent and naive to cocky and malicious is particularly enjoyable, it gave her the opportunity to flex her acting chops to a much wider extent. The film also boasts a talented supporting cast including Jenna Malone as mysterious makeup artist Ruby and Keanu Reeves as pervy motel owner Hank. It is a relentlessly stylish film that may feel slow at times, but Winding Refn ensures a satisfying payoff due to his talent for providing solid shocks.

7. The Greasy Strangler

By far the weirdest film of 2016, and quite possibly the entire decade, The Greasy Strangler tells the tale of a father/son duo who find themselves competing for a woman’s heart while a grease-covered killer arrives in town at the same time. If you think the premise sounds odd, it gets even more outlandish in a film that feels like John Waters’ version of Napoleon Dynamite. It is a devilishly depraved film that incorporates such obscenities as eyeball eating, gigantic penises and the most painfully awkward sex scenes you’ll ever witness. It’s quite an acquired taste and I’ve yet to find someone else who enjoyed it the way I did, but if you’re into cult cinema and are a fan of the bizarre then you may enjoy this film. The father/son duo played by Michael St. Michaels and Sky Elobar share a hilarious dynamic and both actors are equally as captivating to watch onscreen. Michael St. Michaels is hilariously repulsive as Big Ronnie while Elobar manages to make Napoleon Dynamite look like James Bond, delivering his dialogue with some of the most intentionally awkward acting ever. The film screams cult cinema, and perhaps at times it is too aware of what it’s trying to be but that doesn’t really matter to me. It’s not quite a horror film, it’s not quite a comedy film, it manages to transcend all genres and develop its own bizarre little bubble for niche audiences. Outlandishly depraved and downright disgusting at times, The Greasy Strangler will not appeal to most people, but it’s one of the most original and certainly one of the most memorable film of 2016.

6. The Hateful Eight

A lot of people didn’t like this film which I felt was a shame because to me, this is one of Quentin Tarantino’s finest works in recent years. The director’s second attempt at a western, this is a much more isolated film than his last outing Django Unchained and follows the sinister events that unfold between eight individuals who are snowed in at a lodge in Wyoming. The Hateful Eight is a masterfully crafted isolated thriller that plays out like an Agatha Christie murder mystery tale. As the protagonists arrive at Minnie’s Haberdashery, it is gradually revealed that not everything is as it seems and that something wicked is afoot. Tarantino paces this film extremely well that you barely feel its three hour runtime go by, he gradually unravels the plot while taking time to develop some of the films colourful characters. Speaking of which, the ensemble cast of The Hateful Eight are all superb in their own respects. From Samuel L Jackson’s no nonsense bounty hunter Major Marquis Warren to Walton Goggins’ racist would be sheriff Chris Mannix, every character has something about them that makes them stand out from one another. One of the films best qualities however, is it’s beautifully sinister score from veteran composer Ennio Morricone, it is the heart and soul of the films tension and is essentially what makes it such an incredible exercise in suspense. Along with this, Tarantino utilises his signature brand of offbeat humour, clever dialogue and hardcore violence to make this film his own. The American director has proven that he has still got it with The Hateful Eight which is a good sign for Tarantino fans everywhere.

5. Green Room

One of the years most visceral exercises in tension, Green Room tells the story of a punk rock band who have a run in with a violent group of skinheads and find themselves fighting for their lives in order to escape their bar. This film is non stop suspense from start to finish, at a breakneck pace it is quite the thrill ride and there are only a few times where you can take a breather before being immersed back into that high tension again. The characters are subjected to everything from stabbing to bludgeoning and even vicious dogs, it’s a very heavy film that is not for the faint hearted. What sets it apart from your usual exploitation film however is its intricate pacing from writer/director Jeremy Sauliner and its talented ensemble cast including the late Anton Yelchin and veteran actor Patrick Stewart as the primary antagonist. It is because the film has such likeable protagonists and such intimidating antagonists that makes it all the more harrowing, there is this constant underlying sense of hopelessness throughout very reminiscent of similar films such as Eden Lake. It’s a hard film to watch for those who are not used to such extremities on the big screen, but if you’re a fan of suspense thrillers and extreme cinema then Green Room is certainly the film for you. It marked one of Yelchin’s last performances before his untimely death and his immense talent shines through brilliantly here.

4. Swiss Army Man

At first, a film about a farting corpse may sound absurd and obscene and you may get that impression from the opening scene of Swiss Army Man, but if you stick around a little longer you’ll realise it is a much more emotionally complex film. Paul Dano takes on the role of Hank, a man stranded on an island who finds a corpse named Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) and realises that he can use this corpse for a variety of functions. Gradually Manny begins to come back to life and the duo set out through the wilderness to find a way home. Another one of 2016’s bizarre pieces of cinema, Swiss Army Man has many unique quirks that set it apart from the rest. For example, the film has a distinctly acapella score that at times blends into the dialogue so that if Manny begins to sing, it will continue into the next scene as part of the score. Daniel Radcliffe gives arguably his best performance of his career here, a corpse. He’s not just sitting around for the whole film, he does begin to animate and interact with Dano’s character and it’s some of the most beautiful onscreen chemistry I’ve ever seen. With Hank teaching Manny about the world and Manny allowing Hank to use him for various purposes, the duo form an unlikely bond that transcends your average friendship. Watching them grow and develop together is weirdly beautiful in a way, I never wanted it to end. Much like the aforementioned Captain Fantastic, this film also poses many questions regarding social norms such as hiding our farts and what we can and can’t say. It’s a surprisingly thought provoking film that will touch your mind as much as it touches your heart. By the end of the film, you may even find yourself tearing up a bit during its final scenes, I know I did. Swiss Army Man may sound obscene, and while it certainly is unconventional, it’s more than just ‘that farting corpse film’. It will make you laugh, make you think, and surprisingly make you feel something for a dead body.

3. The Nice Guys

It’s safe to say that writer/director Shane Black has redeemed himself after that awful Iron Man 3 incident a few years back thanks to his latest outing, The Nice Guys. Set in LA during the 70’s, the film follows private detective Holland March (Ryan Gosling) and fixer Jackson Healy (Russell Crowe) as they join forces to investigate a sinister plot involving the LA porn industry. The film has a very Coen brothers vibe to it from its dialogue to the general plot, however Black incorporates his own brand of (forgive me) black comedy to make this more than just a wannabe Lebowski. The dialogue is witty and clever and it is executed brilliantly by Crowe and Gosling, who is particularly hilarious in this role. Every line of dialogue, every facial expression, every time he opens his mouth it’s just so bloody because of the way Gosling carries the role, I can’t think of anybody else who could have done a better job as March. Both him and Crowe’s character share an interesting good cop/bad cop dynamic that's different to what you'd expect, but works so well due to both actors respective talents. Black manages to balance each character so well, one never overshadows the other and both get equal amount of time for development. The supporting characters are equally as memorable including Marches daughter Holly (Angourie Rice) and Keith David’s suave unnamed hitman. It’s a throwback to the classic buddy-cop films and a throwback to the 70’s in general, capturing that distinctive style that made the decade so cool. Shane Black exceeded expectations with this one in what was the best buddy-cop film since Hot Fuzz almost 10 years ago, and the second funniest film of 2016 (the first is yet to come).

2. The Witch

It’s already evident that 2016 has been a great year for horror, but I haven’t even touched on the best film the genre had to offer until now. This gloomy period piece sees a Puritan family settle in an isolated area of New England during the 17th century only to be plagued by supernatural forces. The Witch is unlike any other horror film in recent years, instead of going for explicit jumpscares to shock the audience, it favours more subtle frights that prove to be all the more impactful. Relying heavily on atmosphere and suspense, and incorporating an excellent use of editing and sound, the film manages to make your skin crawl without every trying to hard to do so and that’s what I feel is the beauty of The Witch. Never before have I felt so consistently uneasy during a horror film, the gloomy atmosphere and haunting score from Mark Korven combine to create an almost unbearable air of suspense that will chill you right to the bone. The cast are fantastic and their delivery of Eggers’ old-timey dialogue makes their performances all the more believable. Anya Taylor-Joy gives a captivating performance as the young Thomasin while Game of Thrones alum Kate Dickie and ‘Finchie’ from The Office Ralph Ineson perfectly embody that profound sense of paranoia that builds throughout as her parents. However, the real star of the show is resident goat Black Phillip who plays a major role in the latter part of the film. Never before has a horror film been so impactful by doing so little, less is certainly more in terms of The Witch and Robert Egger’s proves here that he has already managed to master the genre. Good luck sleeping after this one.

1. Hunt for the Wilderpeople

At number one, the funniest film of the year and my personal favourite film of the year, Taika Waititi’s Hunt for the Wilderpeople. After an unfortunate incident, young delinquent Ricky Baker (Julian Dennison) and his foster uncle Hector (Sam Neil) embark on a journey through the New Zealand bush in order to evade the authorities. I was a huge fan of Waititi’s vampire mockumentary What We Do in the Shadows so naturally I was very excited for this one, somehow the New Zealand native managed to exceed my expectations. The films humour is reminiscent of the likes of Wes Anderson and Edgar Wright’s work, but Waititi manages to transcend them both with his own unique brand of off-colour humour. A lot of the comedy is found in Dennison and Neil’s respective performances and the chemistry between them, it’s a rather Up like dynamic, the eager young kid and the grumpy old man, and it’s executed perfectly here. Dennison shines as Ricky and delivers some of the funniest lines with such comedic talent it seems as though he isn’t even trying. Meanwhile veteran actor Sam Neil is the grumpier of the two, but his character manages to act as a father to Dennison’s and he quickly becomes very likeable. There is also the collection of curious supporting characters including Psycho Sam played by the always entertaining Rhys Darby and Waititi himself as a bumbling minister. Ultimately Hunt for the Wilderpeople winds up being quite a compelling film, as we see these two characters grow and develop we can’t help but feel almost enraged when anybody threatens to separate them. It’s not just the humour that lies within their chemistry, but also the films emotional core that is certain to warm your heart by the time it’s over.

It has clearly been a wonderful year for cinema and over the past 12 months we’ve seen a variety of films that have made us laugh, cry, think and jump out of our skin. 2016 may not have been the best year, but it shows that no matter how bad things get we will always have good cinema and people willing to contribute to good cinema. I only hope that 2017 can provide just as many wonderful and contrasting films as this year has. In case I don’t have another post up between now and next year I’d just like to wish all you readers a merry Christmas and a happy new year! Until next time.

2016-Top 10 TV Shows

With only mere weeks left in 2016 it's time for me to start talking about some of my personal highlights in film and television from during the year. I've already spoken about the most disappointing films of 2016 and will eventually do my top 20 films of the year later in the month, but now I'm going to talk about my favourite television shows of 2016. This is not limited to shows that started in 2016 but also includes shows that had phenomenal seasons this year or shows who vastly improved themselves this year. Also, I have not had the time to watch every single show this year so don't get too bogged down if your favourite isn't here, it's just personal opinion is all. Anyway, here is my pick for the top 10 shows of 2016.

10. The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead was so promising in the beginning as it managed to bring the beloved zombie genre to the small screen on a huge scale. Since it began it's no secret that the series has declined in quality and the fourth and fifth seasons were abysmal, but this year I feel that The Walking Dead has vastly improved in quality. This year has seen the second half of season 6, the first half of season 7, and the most grueling inter-season wait ever, as Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and co found themselves facing off against a new group called the saviours led by the villainous Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan). Season 6 managed to maintain a consistent level of thrills throughout, every week we were treated to something new and exciting which is an aspect that was missing from the previous two seasons. Along with that, the show finally had focus again and a sense of direction, as opposed to the aimless wandering in the last couple of seasons. Instead of forcing myself to watch The Walking Dead each week I found myself feeling excited to watch it. As we were left on a cliffhanger for a good few months we were finally treated to the shocking season 7 opening, the episode that gave the show the edge that it had long since lost. While the last few episodes haven't exactly remained consistent with the first, it is clear that The Walking Dead has found itself again and that something is building up to take shape in next weeks season finale. No longer are we there every week watching different characters wander aimlessly around the countryside, instead we are treated to a more focused story arch full of shocking moments, world building, and the meanest bastard the show has ever seen.

9. Preacher 

As a fan of the comics by Garth Ennis and the late Steve Dillon, I could not wait for AMC's television adaptation of Preacher from the likes of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The story of a Texan reverand who goes on a quest for God after becoming possessed by a mysterious entity was one that was just waiting to be adapted, and this year we finally got that. Season 1 of Preacher acts as a precursor of sorts to the events that happen in the comics, it sets up the characters of Jesse Custer (Dominic Cooper), Tulip (Ruth Negga) and Cassidy (Joe Gilgun) before sending them off on their quest. The characters were all spot on in terms of their comic book counterparts, Ruth Negga especially embodied that sheer badass-ery that makes Tulip O'Hare such a strong female lead. Along with that, the show also brought to life that off-colour humour and bizarre violence that defined Ennis and Dillon's comics, showrunners Rogen, Goldberg and Sam Catlin of Breaking Bad certainly pushed the envelope as much as possible on AMC to really stay true to the tone of the comics. While the pacing was quite slow and the show often seemed to repeat itself each week, it was hard to give up on Preacher so easily simply due to how unique it looked and felt. The colourful characters, the gritty Southern aesthetic, the dialogue that would make even Tarantino weak at the knees, Preacher season 1 did a fantastic job of setting the scene for future seasons in despite of its flaws. It is a truly unique story unlike anything on television at the moment, and considering how well the source material was handled in season one I cannot wait to see how the story of Reverand Custer and co unfolds in the seasons to come.

8. Ash vs Evil Dead

The first season of Ash vs Evil Dead brought back all of the qualities that made the original Evil Dead trilogy so unique, slapstick cartoon violence mixed with heavy gore topped off with the talents of groovy Bruce Campbell. While it did have some flaws such as feeling a bit uneven, those were swiftly fixed in the vastly improved second season of Ash vs Evil Dead. This time Ash and co are contacted by the antagonist of season 1, Ruby (Lucy Lawless), who has lost control of her demonic spawn and needs their help. This time however, it's much more personal as Ash finds himself returning to his home town where he must confront his past. What I loved most about this season is that it gave us an insight into Ashes life before The Evil Dead and helped to further link this series with the original trilogy. We get to meet Ashes dad played by Lee Majors, his old friend played by Evil Dead alum Ted Raimi, and we even see the return of Ellen Sandweiss as Ashes sister Cheryl who became possessed in the first film. It provided more of a backstory for Ash, adding further depth to his character and displaying how the events of the original trilogy effected his life between then and now. Along with that, Ashes sidekick Pablo (Ray Santiago) gets a much bigger role this season as he struggles with the aftermath of being possessed by the Necronomicon, it helps to promote him from being a simple sidekick and gives us something much more sinister to fear for over the course of the season. This was a much more personal season compared to the first both for Ash and fans alike, not only did it give Ash Williams more depth, but it also provided a much more coherent link between this series and Sam Raimi's original trilogy. It's been groovy as hell.

7. Penny Dreadful

John Logan's gothic horror series entered its third season this year, and after facing off against vampires, witches, and even Lucifer himself, Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) and co finally came face to face with the immortal Count Dracula (Christian Camargo). Unbeknownst to most viewers however, was that this would be the final season of Penny Dreadful, and it was not until 'The End' appeared onscreen in the final moments of the series finale that it really hit us. The season tied up a number of storylines, Ethan (Josh Hartnett) finally confronted his father in America (Brian Cox), while Vanessa put an end to her suffering for good, and while it did so at the same time it left us wanting more. The season introduced a number of new characters such as Dr. Jekyll (Shazad Latif), and the charming Catriona Hardtigan (Perdita Weeks), and by the time it ended I couldn't help but feel as though I wanted more from them. I wanted to see Jekyll become Hyde, I wanted to learn of Catriona's past, but unfortunately I will never get to see either of these. Still, the bittersweet ending may have left a lot to be desired, but it tied up the major storylines nicely and kept in line with the shows rather poetic tone. Season 3 saw some of the shows best performances yet, most notably from Green and Rory Kinnear as Frankenstein's monster, the two share a brilliant chemistry this season and both gave performances of a lifetime in the fourth episode. We also finally got to see Dracula on the show, one of many literary characters used in Penny Dreadful, and while it was a bit disappointing that (SPOILERS) he was the zoologist all along, Camargo gave a chilling performance as the Count nonetheless and brought to life that distinctive charm associated with him. It was a real shame to see Penny Dreadful come to an end, but I suppose it was better to end where it did instead of dragging things out into another season. It was a show that was just as beautiful as it was frightening and it will certainly be missed.

6. Daredevil

The first season of Marvel's Netflix series Daredevil was a hit due to its gritty style and masterful storytelling, and while season 2 doesn't quite hit the same mark as the first, it was still a fantastic piece of television nonetheless. Continuing the story of blind lawyer turned vigilante Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), the second season sees him cross paths with the deadly vigilante Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), along with the return of his ex girlfriend Elektra (Élodie Yung) who has ties with the mysterious Hand organisation. Like season 1, the second season of Daredevil gave us some fantastic and articulate action sequences such as Daredevil's stairwell fight and Castle's prison brawl, not only were these scenes action packed but they were also shot with incredible precision. While the first season finally managed to do Daredevil justice, this one finally does The Punisher justice and Jon Bernthal's performance as the violent antihero is by far the highlight of the season, I look forward to his own solo series soon to come. It was also great to see Scott Glenn return as Murdock's mentor Stick, who I felt was severely underplayed in the last season. However, the villain of the piece Nobu (Peter Shinkoda), never really fills the shoes of Vincent D'Onofrio's Kingpin from last season, who only appears a couple of times throughout this season. Still, despite that, Daredevil season two was packed with as much action as it was with story and development. While having some top class action sequences, it balances these out with unique visuals and strong storytelling to make it more than just your average superhero show. It may decline in quality ever so slightly in comparison to season 1, however not nearly enough to make Daredevil an even remotely bad show, in my opinion it's the best thing the MCU has going for itself at the moment.

5. Stranger Things

Another one from the people at Netflix now, and this one was certainly the surprise hit of the Summer. Set in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, Stranger Things tells the story of the mysterious events that occur following the disappearance of a young boy during the 1980's. The show incorporates elements from the works of Stephen Spielberg and Stephen King to name a few, along with a beautifully synthy score reminiscent of the works of John Carpenter to create the distinctive 80's vibe. The show focuses mainly on the friends of the missing boy Will (Noah Schnapp) who encounter a mysterious girl with telekinetic abilities named Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). However it also follows a number of related stories such as Will's mother Joyce (Winona Ryder) attempting to locate her son and Will's brother Johnathan (Charlie Heaton) who conducts his own investigation. The whole show looks and feels like an 80's film and while it is heavy on the nostalgia, its original story and unique chemistry between the characters makes it more than just that. The cast are all incredibly, particularly the younger actors who have guaranteed themselves a promising career in the future. It was also nice to see an 80's star themselves onscreen as Winona Ryder took on the role of Joyce who never seems to be capable of staying calm. The distinctive 80's style, along with its memorable characters and quotable dialogue has made Stranger Things one of 2016's most popular shows and it has developed a huge fanbase since it aired over the summer. With a second season on the way next year it is clear that Stranger Things will continue its success for years to come.

4. Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot was one of last years most acclaimed shows due to its clever writing and unique brand of storytelling, so it was only natural that we would see a second season hit the small screen this year. Season 2 continues the story of hacker Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), who has retired from the business, leaving the hacker group fsociety in the hands of his sister Darlene (Carly Chaikin). This season was a lot more surreal than its predecessor, further utilising the concept of an unreliable narrator to leave us constantly questioning what's real and what isn't real. It was full of many twists and turns that somehow managed to top last seasons big reveal, and even managed to somehow use Alf in an episode, it's certainly something that has to be seen to be believed. Once again Rami Malek and Christian Slater are phenomenal onscreen, both together and individually, we learn more about the dynamic of their relationship and who's really in control. Along with that, we are also introduced to some new characters such as FBI agent Dominique DiPierro (Grace Gummer) and the enigmatic Ray played by funnyman Craig Robinson. While it can get a little too complicate at times to the point where I had no idea what was happening, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed season 2 of Mr. Robot even moreso than I did the first. This season takes full advantage of its unique brand of storytelling, allowing it to mess with our heads to a much greater extent than the first season did. It had some really clever twists that leave me wondering what sort of twists season 3 will have in store. Season 2 has managed to establish Mr. Robot as more than just a Fight Club imitation, it is something much more complex than that and has truly become its own thing now.

3. Black Mirror

As a huge fan of Charlie Brooker's dark sci-fi anthology, I was ecstatic when I heard Netflix had bought the rights and were developing new episodes for this year. In October, after two years without it, Black Mirror had returned and it was certainly worth the wait. This season consisted of 6 new episodes, double the usual amount, and broadened its horizons outside of the UK to incorporate some American stories as well. While the quality does fluctuate between certain episodes, they are all unique and continue to satirise modern technology in the same twisted way that the show has always done. From VR gaming to social media, to even the bee crisis, the 6 episodes all manage to stay relevant with their subject matter while presenting to us dark visions of the near future. As always, the show brings in some brilliant talent, this time from both sides of the Atlantic with American actors such as Wyatt Russell, Bryce Dallas Howard and Michael Kelly alongside British actors such as Kelly MacDonald and Jerome Flynn. My favourite episode of the new season would have to be 'Shut up and Dance', Jerome Flynn's episode that sees him join forces with a teenage boy in order to prevent hackers from blackmailing them. It was fast paced episode with one of the shows most shocking reveals, reminding us of what made Black Mirror so twisted in the first place. Other note worthy episode include the touching 'San Junipero' set against the backdrop of an 80's party town, and the feature-length finale 'Hated in the Nation' that displays the dark side of social media. I have ranked the episodes from worst to best in another post you can view here in case you're interested. It was a pleasure to have Black Mirror back, this time with a much bigger budget and on a more international scale, it worked quite well this season and I hope that Netflix continue to treat the show with care in the next.

2. Game of Thrones

Arguably one of the most popular shows at the moment, Game of Thrones entered its sixth season this year and it's safe to say that this was one of the greatest seasons yet. Betrayal and revenge, resurrections and returns, it was an incredibly eventful season that saw a number of storylines tied up and the scene set for many more to begin. First of all, this season saw the shows biggest battle sequences yet: the Battle of the Bastards. This was one of the seasons most pivotal moments and finally saw something decent happen for the Stark family, the battle was one of the most intense moments in the history of the show and the immense effort and budget put into this sequence definitely paid off. Once again, the incredibly ensemble cast are all on point in this season, and while I do feel like some of the best talents such as Peter Dinklage were underplayed this season, it did give some other characters more time to shine and develop. Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner), in particular was a big part of this season and her development from average teenage girl to strong, independent woman is one of the best I've seen on the show. This season also contained some of the shows most shocking moments, from the explosive finale at King's Landing to 'Hold the Door', it's safe to say that I was left emotionally drained by the end of season 6. The reintroduction of certain characters such as (SPOILERS) Benjen (Joseph Mawle) and The Hound (Rory McCann) tied up a number of loose ends while a number of character deaths put an end to some of the ongoing subplots on the show. By the end of season 6 it is clear that the scene has been set for the final run up to the finale. It was one of the most satisfying seasons of Game of Thrones and reminded audiences of what makes it so bloody good.

1. Westworld

Based on Michael Crichton's original film, with writers such as Johnathan Nolan, and actors like Anthony Hopkins and Evan Rachel Wood on board, it was clear that HBO's Westworld series would be good, but I never anticipated that it would be this great. Set in the futuristic theme park known as Westworld, the series follows a number of the cybernetic hosts as they become more self-aware and advanced, forcing them to question the nature of their existence. Right from the get go it's clear that not everything is as it seems in Westworld, the fact that the Man in Black (Ed Harris) is human rather than robot like in the original film, is the first of many twists in this show. It is incredibly well-written and provides audiences with twist, after twist, after twist, we are constantly kept guessing what will happen next or what is the true nature of certain characters, the payoffs are always more than satisfying. Gradually the show begins to reveal hints of what is really going on until eventually dropping a bombshell on us, and although many of the big twists were predicted, Westworld still had some surprises up its sleeve to catch even the most eagle-eyed viewers off guard. The show boasts an incredibly talented cast, from Hopkins as the parks creator Robert Ford, to Evan Rachel Wood as Dolores, one of the hosts, to Ed Harris as the sinister Man in Black, the highlight of the season for me. Every character has their own distinctive look and personality and they are brought to life in such wonderful ways by the cast. It differs immensely from the film, focusing more on the hosts coming to terms with their reality as opposed to them just slaughtering the guests, it's a different sort of story to that of Crichton's film, but one that works. Westworld is one of those shows that left me waiting in anticipation week after week for the next episode, and in the end it always paid off. It's a show full of so much attention to detail, you can tell that Nolan and fellow showrunner Lisa Joy put so much into Westworld to make it the intense and intelligent masterpiece that it is. While season 2 could be a long way away, it will certainly be worth it in the end.