The Post- Review

Meryl Does it Again!

Once again Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks work does not disappoint. These two Hollywood stars have done a huge variety of work over the years. From Comedy to Heartbreaking drama the public seems to greet these actors work with positive feedback. Teaming up with 3 time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg – they might have a hit on their hands.

For me… Meryl can do no wrong.

But lets get back to the movie!

(SPOILERS INVOLVED)

 

Synopsis

The Post is a biopic drama involving the Washington Post newspaper in the early 1970s. When top secret government documents, suggesting dirty work and cover ups by 4 presidents including the current Richard Nixon, are uncovered. It would appear the Vietnam war was never going to be successful and 60,000 lost-in-action Americans was due to relentless politicians not admitting defeat.  The paper faced a political dilemma, do they print the story or not?

Streep plays “Kay Graham”, the first woman publisher in America who must decide the fate of her family run newspaper with hot headed editor “Ben Bradlee” played by Hanks.

 

Good enough to post about?

With Spielberg at the reigns, the film had a lot to live up to. Due to the bio-drama nature, the film needed to stick to the truth as well as ensuring the entertainment factor.

The film began with the background of the confidential documents which created the suspense and stakes of the Vietnam war. The 7,000 page report, written by the JFK reign, was intended to be a history study in later life however was revealed when the war was still ongoing.

Meryl channels the naivety and pressure of becoming the publisher of the newspaper, a role that she did not want but due to the death of her husband was given. A recurring theme in the movie is the discrimination of woman and sexist approach many of the politicians and newspaper directors have towards Graham. An appropriate topic considering almost 50 years have past and yet woman still have this problems in the workplace.

Another relatable theme is the “Fake news” epidemic which is flooded over papers and media over the past 10 years. The Post brings the notion of “Freedom of Speech” for the journalists into a positive light. The outcome of the movie is exactly what the media should be doing, providing the public with the truth.

With a rather slow start to the movie, the intensity as the papers come to light is fantastic and well timed. The suspense in the courtroom and newsroom, waiting for the results of the high court, is encouraged by the amazing music written by John Williams. This is the man behind iconic music in:

• Jaws
• Star Wars
• Jurassic Park
• Indiana Jones
• Home Alone.

Led by Hanks and Streep, the fantastic cast strengthens the story and overall provides the audience with an insight into the moral dilemma which shaped American Journalism.

My rating: ****

 

It’s back, Pitches!

In less than a month its Christmas, the festive holidays be in full swing and for me, most importantly… the long anticipated movie Pitch Perfect 3 is being released.

Its been over 4 years since the first movie invaded our screens with a lovable all-girl a cappella university troupe competing for the Championships. Anna Kendrick and Brittany Snow were among the star-studded cast who transformed the public opinion of a cappella and have made this third movie the most anticipated movie of 2017 for millions of fans.

What is Pitch Perfect?

The trilogy follows the Barden Bella’s, an a cappella group who, due to a public embarrassment, had to start again and recruit a less polished version of their once superior troupe.

Anna Kendrick’s plays sarcastic freshman “Becca” who accepted her place at Barden due to her fathers influence in the school however wants to do and produce music in New York. With her father leaning over her shoulder to join clubs and make friends, Becca begrudgingly joins the Barden Bella’s and then the fun begins!

Acca-believe it, how do they do it? 

After such a successful first movie, grossing over $113,042,075 world-wide, Pitch Perfect made a cappella more popular than ever with TV competitions and rising stars such as Pentatonix becoming main stream music.

The reaction to the first film was extremely positive and had a large following from the start. When they announced a second film, the fans waited with baited breath to see if the producers could follow such a massive success. Yet they did.

Pitch Perfect 2 was released in 2015 and was an instant hit in the box office, grossing $287,506,194 world-wide. Fans were not disappointed with new foot-tapping tunes and witty banter from the cast who all came back to reprise their roles.

The last song?

The cast have confirmed this last instalment of the Pitch Perfect movies shall be the last. Boo! Understandably the cast are eager make different movies and have trouble with scheduling to continue the films however it will be sad to see the end of this musical triumph.

With that said, Pitch Perfect is left their fans with new knowledge of music, relatable characters and fantastic mashups of songs.

We thank you Pitch Perfect, and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the girls in the finale.