Palatkik

The Wasp [2024 Movie] Follows two women, who meet after having not spoken in years. One is about to present a very unexpected proposition that could change their lives forever. Two strong lead performances carry this psychological thriller done in a stage play style to a contrived yet suitable end. Worth a look.

A Very Royal Scandal [2024 TV] Explores Emily Maitlis journey as a Newsnight journalist and Prince Andrew's disastrous interview with her. Despite strong performances, this whole story has been retold in a single TV movie 'Scoop' by Netflix already this year and the actual original BBC interview is also available online so this Amazon Prime release, albeit well made seems superfluous.

Fly Me to the Moon [2024 Movie] Marketing maven hired by the White House wreaks havoc on a NASA launch director's already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, the countdown truly begins on whether to broadcast the real or fake event. Lightweight cliche driven space historical conspiracy rom-com that entertains in the simplistic way. Fun.

Kneecap [2024 Movie] When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'low life scum' Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue. Highly entertaining and original, great soundtrack, some hilarious scenes, worth seeing.

Kin [2021 TV] Kin tells the story of a fictional Dublin family embroiled in gangland war and speaks to the enduring unbreakable bonds of blood and family. Superbly acted Irish mob thriller that is a slow burning immersive enjoyment. Series 01 in 2021 was some of the best drama to come out of Ireland, seemingly hard to better, with such strong performances, but somehow series 02 surpasses in 2023 with a new story line and lead. More series would be a no-brainer, but nothing is on the cards and the cast have reportedly gone onto other projects.

To Kill a Mockingbird [1962 Movie] Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer in Depression-era Alabama, defends a Black man against an undeserved rape charge, and tries to educate his young children against prejudice. A classic based on the Harper Lee novel, that stands the test of time.

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 [2024 Movie] Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west. Long, traditional style western done in made for TV style, paints a wide brush, made into four three hour movies instead of a TV series. Formulaic, old school easy viewing, Costner steals every scene.

The Instigators [2024 Movie] Follows two robbers who must go on the run with the help of one of their therapists after a theft doesn't go as planned. Unusually strong cast in mediocre crime comedy.

Kinds of Kindness [2024 Movie] A man seeks to break free from his predetermined path, a cop questions his wife's demeanor after her return from a supposed drowning, and a woman searches for an extraordinary individual prophesied to become a renowned spiritual guide. Three bizarre linked chapters by the original director Yorgos Lanthimos are performed by a stellar cast, this is avant garde and extreme dark humor, fascinating to watch albeit long.

Firebrand [2023 Movie] Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival. Wonderful period drama with a fine cast that has a slightly unusual ending for artistic effect that some may question, but overall splendid.

Franklin [2024 TV] Explores the story of one of the greatest gambles of Franklin's career. At age 70, Franklin outmaneuvered British spies and French informers while engineering the Franco-American alliance of 1778. An eight part TV series comes across as more of a dull history lesson, well acted, fantastic costumes and scenery but a slow and padded for some.

Welcome to Wrexham [2022 TV] Docuseries chronicling the purchase and stewardship of Wrexham AFC, one of professional football's oldest clubs, by two Hollywood actors, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Three series now complete with more to come, this is one of the better football documentaries to be made, full of passion and laughs with some self-deprecating humor from the new to the scene owners thrown in.

Hard Miles [2023 Movie] A prison social worker assembles a cycling team of teenage convicts and takes them on a transformative 760-mile ride. Inspired by the life of Greg Townsend and the Ridgeview Academy cycling team. A formulaic sports drama that uplifts without any surprises.

Young Woman and the Sea [2024 Movie] The story of competitive swimmer Trudy Ederle, who, in 1926, was the first woman to ever swim across the English Channel. A Disney production that is fictionalized in parts with unnecessary twists for today's political correctness, comes with all the usual Disney brand of a feel good family melodrama that might put some off. Overall a satisfying family film.