Verity

For this week of releases, I watched two vastly different films.

The first I watched was the film adaption of the Colleen Hoover book Verity. While I have not read the book I was told by those who did this is a very faithful adaption.

For me this was a step in the right direction with adapting her books, I have watched two of the other adaptions I felt those really fell flat, this one was different. I enjoyed it to my surprise. I admit I came into this film not expecting to get much enjoyment out of it, but it was competent writing and directing.

It felt much more authentic than I was expecting, it still had moments that were less authentic than others, but overall, it did not feel off. I personally want dialogue to feel as realistic as possible, unless the film calls for something different.

The acting was just ok, people have been insulting Dakota Johnson’s acting abilities and I feel that is not fair, I think she’s a capable actress, she just was probably giving more like 50% rather than 100%, but honestly for a movie like this I don’t mind tons.

Josh Hartnett gives the best performance from the main three actors here, but Anne Hathaway’s role is sort of hard to compare to the rest.

I do like the way they chose to edit the film, and some of the creative decisions made. That aspect overall puts this leagues above other films based on her work because I can see so much more effort going into the film.

With this being awards season this film is sure to catch some strays in comparison to what else is in theaters, but it knows what it is, and it is not trying to be the next best picture winner, and meeting where it is as it is fun enough!

I think this is not a groundbreaking film by any means, but if you want to have a fun girl’s night and enjoy Colleen Hoover’s books you will have a good time with this.

Digger

I am shocked by how much I loved this film. When the reviews were first starting to come out, I was a tad concerned, from the trailers it seemed ambitious but maybe it flew too close to the sun, absolutely not. I would actually go so far to say I am shocked critics did not resonate with this film.

The writing is spectacular. It has so much wit, comedy, and anguish all rolled together. It is hard to fully explain the brilliance of this film without completely spoiling the concept of the film but know it is groundbreaking.

Seeing the trailers I felt this could be a modern-day Dr. Strangelove, which in seeing other people’s reviews it seems I was not alone in that comparison, and to an extent it is that, and I do think it is safe to say if you enjoy that film you will like this one, but it is so much more than that.

This film thought of everything to where it still adding to the experience even in the credits.

I am a tad disappointed this is being seen as a divisive film, because for me this is in conversation for best film of the year.

The major seller for the film is obviously Tom Cruise, playing the title character, and he might be giving his career best performance here. He is having to balance so much throughout the film and plays so many different tones. Again, it is so hard to fully explain his performance without spoiling the film, but it is incredible. It is still hard to say who will end up in those final five spots for best actor, as it is the toughest category this year, but he is a strong contender.

It is not a film for everyone though I can admit that, not everyone enjoys a more satirical piece, and if that does not sound like your cup of tea, this one might not be for you, but it right up my alley.

It is highly creative in every aspect from the set design, to concept, to writing. For me this is easily a top ten film of the year.