Alex B Cann Film Column - 27th November - gore, broomsticks and feathers

The big release in the run-up to Christmas is Wicked : For Good, and I hopped on my broomstick to watch it on the Didsbury Superscreen. It has received broadly positive reviews, but many critics have apparently been left feeling a little underwhelmed compared to the first film.

My Wicked superfan friend Stuart says he thinks it's just as good as the first part, and he loved it. I would share those sentiments. The fight to save the animals from the oppression of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum having a lot of fun in this role) continues, and I guess my only main criticism might be that the songs were not quite as memorable as they were in part one. There is no huge number to rival Defying Gravity, but I did enjoy No Good Deed and a reprisal of I'm Not That Girl.

It pops with colour on the big screen, and has provided a welcome boost to cinemas after a fair few big budget flops this year. Gimmicks like pink and green popcorn, and ice drinks, have added to the sense of fun and occasion. Cynthia Erivo is the standout star in this one for me. I'm pretty confident it will leave you spellbound for a second time.

Sisu : Road To Revenge is an ace sequel to 2022's sleeper hit, where "the man who refuses to die" dismantles his house, loads it onto the back of a truck, and drives it to rebuild his former family home elsewhere, following the Soviet Union's annexation of Finnish territory during the war. He took on Nazis last time, but now the Red Army has him in its sights. "Unleash hell" is the instruction after an extended motorbike chase scene. There follows a series of further unbelievable action sequences, gore galore, and stunts that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Sisu is "a type of extraordinary determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity". This guy is absolutely determined to avenge the deaths of his family, and will stop at nothing to level the score. Strong John Wick and Rambo vibes at times, and I loved every moment. Perfect pacing, great cinematography, and just a really enjoyable watch. Cute dog too.

And The Thing With Feathers is made watchable by its central star, even though it's a bit all over the shop tonally. Based on the Max Porter book, we see grief becoming all-emcompassing, as the unnamed dad at the centre of the story (Benedict Cumberbatch) starts to lose his grip on reality after losing his wife & being left to bring up his two young sons alone. The crow that speaks to 'dad' looks a bit cheap, to be honest, but Cumberbatch is hugely convincing in his role as a lost soul trying to make sense of the world again. My favourite scene involved a vinyl record and the crow having a right go at 'dad' about his Guardian reading, farmer's market loving tendencies. May ask Santa for the book.