As my reading slump continues, I’ve found myself watching more films recently. With summer just around the corner, we finally got the projector set up for our annual summer movie marathon. Admittedly, the only film we watched on the big screen was Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, but I must admit watching the Eurovision Song Contest on the big screen was quite the experience. Here is a summary of what I’ve been watching.

Films

Source Code

This film surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it, but it poses an interesting scenario on the possibility of sending someone’s last conscious moment to a computed reality in order to prevent a future disaster. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Captain Colter Stevens, this film revealed the stakes early on heightening the tension as he only had eight minutes to find the one responsible for these disasters. However, the more time he spends in this reality, the more his attachment to passengers aboard the train grows, giving him an internal and external conflict which could alter the consequences of this disaster. It’s a clever storyline that keeps you on the edge of your seats as Colter’s mission and consciousness collide in a conflict that has surprising consequences.

 Stronger

Another Jake Gyllenhaal film, but one that is grounded in reality. Survivor is a biographical film based on the memoir of Jeff Bauman, who lost his legs following the Boston Marathon bombing. It’s an emotional film and Jake Gyllenhaal is phenomenal in displaying the full range of emotions that Bauman experiences following this tragedy. Accompanying Gyllenhaal is an ensemble of actors that explore the gravity of the impact this has on his family and loved ones, reminding us of the sacrifices they made on his journey to recovery. It’s a story grounded in its raw emotion as we see Bauman struggle and adjust to his new circumstances in life.

The Hitman’s Bodyguard

When you pair Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson together, you know you’re in for a treat. The chemistry between Jackson and Reynolds gives this film life with their many quips, debates, and outrageous discussions on love. Were it not for these two, this film would have tanked as the story itself is lacklustre and generic.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

It was hard to predict the direction this sequel to Jurassic World would follow, but having the dinosaurs face possible extinction, again, from a volcano eruption led to a thrilling action-packed adventure that finally set the dinosaurs free from the confines of the park. Some scenes in the film were surprisingly harrowing and moving, whilst being equally as thrilling as the volcanic eruption puts our characters in such great peril that you literally find yourself holding your breath for fear of the outcome. The conclusion of this film sets the franchise up for what could be a show-stopping finale as dinosaurs and humans are forced to find a way to co-exist in this world.

TV

Bake-Off: The Professionals

If you like the Great British Bake-Off for it’s charming and calming atmosphere, you will find that the Professional’s Bake-Off is the complete opposite. Here, you see teams of two that work for the best restaurants, hotels, and businesses face the task of creating the most intricate and complex baking designs anyone can ever imagine. Stress levels are at an all-time high, with time pressures and an expectation of nothing but perfection. Some of the pieces created on this show are pure art, and the talent on display is something to be marvelled at. Fans of GBBO will love this show.

Cardinal (Season 3)

Mum and I stumbled across this show a couple of years back and were taken in by this Canadian crime drama. So, imagine our surprise when we saw it advertised on our screens again. The only downside is that somewhere in between the years since its debut, we’ve missed the second season, therefore, we were a little bit lost with the personal plotlines that cropped along the way. Nevertheless, the show does a great job of building a consistent sense of dread and tension as we get deeper into the psychology of these killers. Despite its abrupt ending, the show is a hidden gem and did a great job at building a compelling case that also allows enough breathing room to explore our main characters personal demons.

Eurovision

Some might call this the musical event of the year, I call it the best comedy of the year. With its theatrics and sometimes very bizarre performing acts, Eurovision is a one of a kind production. As always, the UK doesn’t fare well in this competition and the winner is never who you’d expect it to be. It is interesting to see how varied the music is across Europe, but ultimately, this contest is just an outrageously hilarious musical event.

What have you been watching?
Who did you want to win Eurovision?