June 2018 Blog Posts
Blogs > Ben and Roxy's Breakfast Blog > June 2018
On air blog June 29th
29th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
Alistair Griffin was our Friday House Band act and sounded amazing singing Just Drive, see the action on our FB page.
Anne from Snappy was on air asking businesses to donate £100 and join their Club 100 as they have lost some of their council funding!
Good luck to Northallerton’s Scott Lincoln who is going for his 7th British Shot Putting title tomorrow, we had him on air and North Yorkshire sent positive vibes which I’m sure will help…
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “The truth is out there” from The X Files.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Poppleton Gin Festival this Saturday.
Today it was Cats Keys and Cat played The Flinstones theme and Ben Hepworth won the gin related prize.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Steph was gutted when she couldn’t name 5 Ben and Holly characters.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 9:30am
On air blog June 28th
28th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
We spoke to John Hemmingham from the England Band live in Russia about England’s World Cup game tonight in Belgium, all the England fans are singing the bands version of September about Russia and Vodka!
Ben loved Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre but did need a 13 year old to explain what was happening in Macbeth…
Roxy is away filming another secret project and locked in a hotel room so no other celebs see here yet and can only order room service #FirstWorldProblems
Tomorrow morning Alistair Griffin will be our House Band artist and singing his England song ‘England Crazy’.
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “Listen very carefully I will say wiz only onse” and the answer was Allo Allo.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Poppleton Gin Festival this Saturday.
Today it was The Baffler and Sophie and Kristopher won the tickets.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Rachel couldn’t name 5 Peppa Pig charcaters.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 11:47am
Rob Ryan Movie Reviews - Oceans 8
26th June 2018
When it comes to remaking or rebooting a popular franchise with an all-female cast, I can't help but feel somewhat opposed to the idea.
While I think the idea of a female lead heist film or any female lead genre film can have a lot of potential and is definitely something we need more of, I see no reason as to why it has to be connected to the Oceans series or any other male lead franchise because by doing that you are basically inviting people to compare them based on gender while disregarding the quality of both films, which I think is a completely backwards way of discussing film as an art form. We saw this happen with Ghostbusters in 2016. A film that no one wanted regardless of the cast and as a result did very little business at the box office and now hear we are with Oceans 8, which despite being a female lead remake I was still optimistic for it and hoping I would at least have a good time. It's important to point out that I'm going to be reviewing this film like I would any other film. I will also not be comparing to the previous entries directed by Steven Soderbergh as I haven't really seen any of them with the exception of 30 minutes of the first one on TV but honestly after a watching this new version, I wished I stayed home and binged them instead.
Now despite not having watched the previous films, there are a few heist films that I really enjoy and all of them include specific elements that make them work. You have the compelling conflict and motivation for why the protagonists want to commit this crime and what it will mean for them, you have the slick filmmaking techniques that serve to guide the viewer in their complex plan. That would include slick cinematography and editing to show the ins and outs of their plan, you introduce quirky and interesting side characters, both are good at different things and serve a purpose to pulling the heist off and half way through their plan would hit a snag that puts our hero's in jeopardy, making the film more unpredictable for the viewer. All of this would lead to some kind of twist that's surprising but wraps the story in a nice bow so that when the film is over, the viewer is completely satisfied. Non of what I said is present in Oceans 8. It’s a heist movie with no style of its own, no characters to get invested in, no compelling conflict, no interesting twists, nothing. It’s the most flatly directed heist film I have ever seen in all my years as a fan of film. I guess the blame goes towards director Gary Ross who helmed the first Hunger Games film before being replaced. His style can be summed up by pointing the camera at certain shots while not doing anything creative visually and add in a few distracting zooms and flip cuts and swipe cuts in post to make up for how flat and lifeless everything is and also because that's what Soderbergh did in the original. Despite not finishing all of Oceans 11 I can at least tell that it had more style and character then any of Oceans 8. It's almost as if they thought that adding women in the cast was enough to sell this as a good product. Which I find kind of insulting. Especially to the women who are going to see it because of the cast.
Speaking of the cast, all of them are given very little to work with. Which is a shame because unlike Ghostbusters where you either liked or hated the cast, the cast of Oceans 8 comprise of many fantastic and well loved stars who have proven themselves to be major talents but unfortunately, I can't tell you anything remotely about their characters that I remember and most of them are pretty much are playing archetypes of themselves. The only one who comes across as a distinct character with a motive to join in on the heist is Helena Bonham Carter as the washed-up fashion designer (already forgotten her name) who is massively in debt and has nothing left to lose. Anne Hathaway (probably my fav out of the entire cast) Gets some funny moments, playing the shallow, self-indulgent supermodel who plays an important part in the heist despite her not knowing what she is being used for. Bullock's Debbie Ocean's only motive is later revealed as an act of revenge for the man who wronged her years ago, while revenge can and has proven to be a compelling motive to set the plot in motion, here its most certainly isn't. As for the rest of the characters there really isn't anything to latch onto as they are given no real motive to join Sandra Bullock other than that she's their friend. They seemed to be coping just fine without the money. How I'm I supposed to care for these people or feel emotionally attached if there isn't any justifiable motivation for doing something that could get them thrown in the slammer. The film makes no attempt in having you feel anything for them. The script feels incomplete.
I take no pleasure in saying this but Oceans 8 is one of the biggest disappointments of the year so far and proves that just because you have a cast full of women taking centre stage in a franchise film, It doesn't equate to an enjoyable, well written and well-made film. People will enjoy this film just because of the cast and the cast only and more power to them but for me that isn't enough to give this film a pass. A good heist film I would recommend is last year's Logan Lucky oddly enough directed by Steven Soderbergh, a film that has actors who are actually playing interesting characters and not bland archetypes of themselves, a conflict that's compelling and interesting, loads of laughs, twist and turns. Everything that a heist film and a good film in general should be.
Rating: 4/10 (and I think that's being a little too generous)
Posted by Ben Fry at 10:52am
On air blog June 26th
26th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
We went to see Roxy’s new movie Habit last night and Ben gave it 4 stars for the 37 minutes he saw as he was covering his eyes for the rest! It will be screening and streaming near you soon…
Coffee goggles help you put up with annoying colleagues so Ben is having 17 cups a day to get through the show…Roxy says she never drank coffee until she met Ben!
Baby update and Ben’s friends new born is still called Baby after 7 days, Ben has names for a boy and girl he isn’t even having…Kara for a girl and Kalel, both Superman inspired.
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a new Minster FM pen if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “Nice to see you to see you nice” The Generation Game.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Poppleton Gin Festival this Saturday.
Today it was Cats Keys and Cat played Adams Family on the keyboard and Michelle won the family pass.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Dan couldn’t name 5 Meryl Streep movies.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 10:51am
On air blog June 25th
25th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
We are giving away tickets to see Roxy’s new movie Habit at Everyman York next Monday at 6.30pm if you can guess what bad habits Roxy has! Today it was that Roxy sells stuff she gets for free on eBay for a profit…FALSE! She gives all the freebies to charity. Marianne Smith got it right and will be joining us at Everyman tonight.
We raised more than £500 being locked in at Monks Cross, thanks to Lisa from York Maze who paid £100 to help get us out!
Ben’s wife baked a cake and decorated it with flags in England’s formation yesterday (she even googled the formation to get it right)…World Cup fever is getting to everybody!
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “Boom boom” from Basil Brush.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Poppleton Gin Festival this Saturday.
Today it was Sounds Tricky our sounds effects quiz and Emily in Goole won the tickets.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Megan couldn’t name 5 Pixar movies.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 9:51am
On air blog June 21st
21st June 2018
Things we talked about today…
We are giving away tickets to see Roxy’s new movie Habit at Everyman York next Monday at 6.30pm if you can guess what bad habits Roxy has! Today it was that gross fact that Roxy gets people to chew her gum for her to get rid of the initial burst of flavour…it was FALSE and Scott Hook won the tickets to see the movie. Last chance to win on Monday.
When we are locked in the window at Monks Cross on Saturday, Roxy will be having a pedicure to freak Ben out as he hates FEET!
We are hosting the Visit York Tourism Awards tonight and will be doing a glam selfie for Selfie Day once we get ready…
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “Don’t panic” from Dad’s Army.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Huby & Sutton Show at Sutton Park on Sunday 24th June.
Today it was the 3 Sec Soundtrack and Paul Cuthbertson won the tickets.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Keith couldn’t name 5 English counties that end in SHIRE
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 9:48am
On air blog June 19th
19th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
We are giving away tickets to see Roxy’s new movie Habit at Everyman York next Monday at 6.30pm if you can guess what bad habits Roxy has! Today it was that Roxy can’t pull out from a junction if she she’s a red car and it was FALSE and Jo Pierson won the tickets.
Number 1 Feelgood movie is Forest Gump followed by Back To The Future and Mary Poppins, Roxy hates Mary Poppins…discuss!!!
We launched a new feature where Roxy tells us What’s Hot and What’s Not…Today minimal make up was hot and the new white linen dress that everyone loves from The Gap was not as it looks like a hospital gown.
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “You’re fired” from The Apprentice and Di in Boroughbridge won the tickets.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Huby & Sutton Show at Sutton Park on Sunday 24th June.
Today it was the impressions game Who Do You Do and Sonia Baron won the tickets.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Clare couldn’t name 5 musicians with a knighthood.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 1:04pm
Hereditary movie review with Rob Ryan from York College
18th June 2018
Rob Ryan from York College helps us out with the latest movie reviews, and this one looks scary...
It’s a rarity when a horror film comes out that has caused such amazing buzz that its even topping The Exorcist on best horror films of all time lists. Even more of a rarity is when that film receives such a wide mainstream release as most of the well received horror films that come out to day are mainly independent films that receive some sort of limited release unable to reach to the multiplex. Hereditary the directorial debut of Ari Aster is something to behold, Not just because its one of the best films of the year and probably the most uncomfortable you will ever feel in a cinema this year, but because for once you don't have to travel 20 miles out of time to a independent cinema just to watch this film, its probably playing in your superhero blockbuster saturated multiplex as we speak. The fact that the film is doing so well in its release strategy and the auditorium in my showing was mostly full is amazing to me and will introduce audiences something that's new, innovative and thought provoking, the type of film they are not familiar with and the type of film that treats them with respect. In an age of sequels and remakes, this is something we need more then ever.
Hereditary is a film that really takes its time, letting mood and situation be creepy rather then resorting to cheap jump scares to remind us that we are watching a horror film every single scene, instead Hereditary is a depressing and harrowing family drama for the first half where each character is developed and fleshed out in subtle and meaningful ways. We are treated to fantastic performances from Toni Collete's Annie the grieving mother with so much death and sadness in her family tree. The emptiness in her face is unsettling and chilling but Ari Aster is quick to make sure that sympathy plays a big part in development and Collete's range from conveying anger, sadness and fear is petrifying in its realism. But the standout for me is Alex Wolff's son Peter who gives probably the most accurate depiction of guilt, and grief in any film ever. The feeling of doing something unforgivable and there is nothing you can do to change that. The panic attacks, the outbursts, the paranoia, the cold and stoned look on his face forces the viewer to be on edge as we watch this boy spiral into madness and insanity. Its truly one of the best performances of the year and shows that Wolff is a talent to look out for in the future.
As it isn't you conventional horror and the first half is more of a character and dialogue driven film, this is a film that you have to be patient with but thanks to the staggering performances, direction cinematography Ari Aster makes sure that there is always something for the audience to chew on, weather that would be subtle details and clues to the mystery the film presents or the realistic family dynamic on display. But director Aster makes the clever choice of starting of small when it comes to the horror elements and tension and building it up as the film goes a long unlike other mainstream horror films where they often exhaust all of what they have to offer earlier on in the film and unlike some bad horror films that constantly build with no satisfying pay off, Hereditary builds to a third act that shocks, surprises, upsets and most importantly scares both at the same time, with a sequence that rocked me to my core. With its dark lighting and clever camera work is was as if as I couldn't move out of my seat even if I wanted to. Everything comes together with no loose thread hanging and it was if I was a changed man when walking out because I witnessed horror filmmaking that was piratically flawless and there was no going to bed that night.
Its best that you go into Hereditary without reading into what the plot is. Try and avoid some the latest Tv ads they have to promote it as some of them spoil the imagery that is really effective once you see it for the first time on the big screen. I can't say that it’s a easy watch but no film so far this year has hit me the way Hereditary has and when I make a top 10 favs of the year I'm going to be thinking about this film for its phenomenal performances, direction cinematography, music as well as its themes of loss, grief and how dangerous values from past generations can be pasted to future generations. I have seen the film 2 days ago and I still can't get it out of my head. I can't wait for what Ari Aster has to offer next. If you are a horror fan and you haven't see it yet then you are missing out!!!
Rating 9/10
Posted by Ben Fry at 12:40pm
On air blog June 18th
18th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
We are giving away tickets to see Roxy’s new movie Habit which is showing at Everyman York next Monday at 6.30pm if you can guess what bad habits Roxy has! Today it was food related as Rox can’t allow sauces to mix on her plate…
Ben got an Amazon Alexa for Father’s Day and wants everybody who got one to enable the Minster FM skill, plus he made Alexa talk like Chewbacca every time his wife asked a question.
Dads save the nation £1bn a year by turning lights off and turning the heating down.
We launched a new feature where Roxy tells us What’s Hot and What’s Not…Today street food was hot and checking your phone in the cinema was not!
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “I’ve started so I’ll finish” from Mastermind.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a family ticket to Huby & Sutton Show at Sutton Park on Sunday 24th June.
Today it was the Singalong song and we played World In Motion and Alan in Tadcaster.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Steph couldn’t name 5 artists who have sung a World Cup song.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 10:10am
On air blog June 15th
15th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
Roxy’s Cupcake Stall in The Shambles Market raised £1,121 for the Alzheimer’s Society, thank to Team North Yorkshire for all your help!
We had Fond in as our Friday House Band and you can see their live performance on our Facebook page.
Ben man crushed over Roy from Scouting For Girls who was on air at 8.50am to talk about their new England song I Still Believe, listen again 16 times now…
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “No no no no no no, yes” from The Vicar of Dibley.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a summer afternoon tea at The Principal York.
Today it was our impressions game Who Do You Do and Roxy impersonated Elvis and Julie Lawrence won the afternoon tea
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Mark couldn’t name 5 members of the 2018 World Cup squad.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 9:25am
On air blog June 14th
14th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
Roxy is baking cupcakes for the Alzheimer’s Society for Cupcake Day and thank to Visit York we have a stall in The Shambles Market between 11am and 1pm today. This morning Roxy’s Mum turned up with cupcakes as well as listeners Little Roxy and Nina to go with the cakes from the Principal York chefs.
With Father’s Day on Sunday we are doing Dad quizzes this week and today Ben asked his little boy “How old is Mummy?” as he forgot it was a Dad quiz! Nick answered 8 and said that Grandma and Roxy are both 18!!
The World Cup starts today and we played Alistair Griffin’s new World Cup song England Crazy and you can get it today on Spotify.
Roxy has banned Ben saying the word LITERALLY anymore and now there is a swear jar for every LITERALLY Ben says on air, it has now cost Ben £20 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “Yabba Dabba Do” from The Flinstones and Helen in Tadcaster won the tickets.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a summer afternoon tea at The Principal York.
Today it was Bandety Blank and Nicola Pickering won the afternoon tea.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Jo couldn’t name 5 This Morning presenters
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 9:30am
On air blog June 13th
13th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
Roxy is baking cupcakes for the Alzheimer’s Society on Thursday for Cupcake Day and thank to Visit York we have a stall in The Shambles Market between 11am and 1pm. This morning the new pastry chef from the Principal York Brian Roberts brought in brownies, cakes, equipment and a recipe to help Rox! Cat and Victoria are baking tonight, some people are now wondering what part Rox is playing in all this??!
With Father’s Day on Sunday we are doing Dad quizzes this week and today Ben asked his little boy “What’s Daddy’s job?” and Nicholas answered “Talking”. He’s not worng!
Roxy has banned Ben saying the word LITERALLY anymore and now there is a swear jar for every LITERALLY Ben says on air, which word do you always use and can you stop?
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “How very dare you” from The Catherine Tate Show and Angie from Acomb won the tickets.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a summer afternoon tea at The Principal York.
Today it was Cats Keys and Alexa in York won the afternoon tea.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Pablo couldn’t name 5 Sylvester Stallone movies.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 9:52am
On air blog 12th June
12th June 2018
Things we talked about today…
Roxy is baking cupcakes for the Alzheimer’s Society on Thursday for Cupcake Day and thank to Visit York we have a stall in The Shambles Market between 11am and 1pm. Rox is panicking though as she has no wisk at home! Maybe Mummy Monica will save the day and drive some cakes across from Cheshire.
With Father’s Day on Sunday we are doing Dad quizzes this week and Ben asked his little boy “Whose your best friend?” and Nicholas answered “Daddy”. He was not bribed to give that answer!
Roxy has a theory that everyone knows a Mark Noble, we tried to find a Mark Noble in North Yorkshire and it was a struggle, do you know a Mark Noble?
Chances to win on air with Ben and Roxy…
SCREEN STARS (6:20)
Win a trip to the Vue in York to see any film of your choice if you can work out the movie or TV show that is acted out by 6 time nominated Soap Award actress Roxanne Pallett.
We are counting down the top 50 TV catchphrases of all time and this morning the quote was “Crazy fool” and the answer was the A-Team.
GAME WHEEL (7.30)
This week you could be winning a summer afternoon tea at The Principal York.
Today it was The Baffler and Steff the teacher won the afternoon tea.
PANIC with York Racecourse (8:15)
You can win £25, county stand racing badges to York Races and a panic button if you can hold your nerve.
Today Stephen couldn’t name 5 TV comedy double acts.
Ben and Roxy on air weekdays from 6am.
Posted by Ben Fry at 10:38am
Rob Ryan's Movie Reviews - Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom
11th June 2018
Rob Ryan from York College reviews this weeks big new Dino blockbuster...
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is probably the most perplexing film in the entire franchise. To describe it more accurately, this is this series equivalent to Star Wars: The Last Jedi in that it’s a sequel to a rebooted series which the first film (Jurassic World) was a safe rehash of the very film in the series that only existed to introduce some new characters and possibility's that would allow the franchise to continue. Star Wars: The Force Awakens existed for that exact same reason and now you get to the sequel that is meant to take the series in a new path and destroy the thing that people are used to seeing in the other films and Fallen Kingdom brings some new elements to the table does a fairly good job in taking the franchise to a new chapter as well as doing things differently from what we are used to seeing.
Unfortunately the thing that lets this film down is that the plot and characters that surround these attempts at new ideas (much like the previous entry's ) are pretty sub-par. The only character in the entire film you agree with is everyone's favourite character Ian Malcom (Jeff Goldblum who's one and only scene was spoiled in the trailers) Simply because everything he says in the short screen time he has is 100% true and us humans cannot co exist with the dinosaurs and our attempts at doing so has only ended poorly every single time in the previous films. Its just a shame that after his terrific speech we end up following our female protagonist from the last film Clare (Bryce Dallas Howard) who is bent on doing the thing we don't agree with. She wants to save the remaining dinosaurs from the abandoned island that is about to erupt from a volcano. Even worse the character herself much like the last film is not very interesting with the exception when the film tries to give her more growth and a arc of her having to come to terms of her accepting that she is responsible for the Indominous Rex reeking havoc in the last film. While the character is mostly bland I give the film credit for trying to give her more depth then what Jurassic World gave us.
The rest of the cast range from serviceable to forgettable. Chris Pratt is back as our Indiana Jones esc, wisecracking, charismatic action hero who gets some funny lines and some cool action scenes and while the character is paint by numbers, Pratt plays the role well and has a likable presence and has gone above and beyond proving that he is a capable action hero. Rafe Spall plays our antagonist who schemes to sell of the dinosaurs to animal traffickers. While Spall is a very talented British actor, he's not given much to work with and same goes for Toby Jones who puts on the worst Italian American? Accent ever. Its downright embarrassing! You have your comic relief black technician and sassy, animal rights activist. Both characters feel lifted from some quirky American indie film and what would a Jurassic Park sequel be without a child who our hero's have to constantly save from the dinosaurs?
Fallen Kingdom has a new face in the directors chair in the form of Spanish director J.A Bayona who directed A Monster Calls from 2016 and the biopic of the 2004 Tsunami The Impossible back in 2011. Both films where expertly made and with this he brings a lot of impressive sequences involving some inventive camera tricks and tracking shots and his handling of blending CGI and practical effects is a lot more effective and seamless then the last entry. In between the many eyerolling and cringeworthy moments are some very atmospheric and exciting set pieces especially in the third act where the movie moves away from the Island to a mansion where the characters have to hide from the genetically engineered raptor with all the lighting and atmosphere of a horror film. Its his involvement in the film that makes Fallen Kingdom a more enjoyable experience and he doesn't fully detract from the whimsical tone from the first film which I think is a solid move on his part. I would love him to helm directing duties for the next entry in 2 years time.
Fallen Kingdom is also saved by its ending. While it annoyed me at first ,I let it settle in and then realised what the writers where trying to do. Without spoiling it the film introduces a moral dilemma that not only do the characters have to deal with but it also fulfils its purpose by introducing change to a series that doesn't feel forced. Some might argue that the ending only exists unnecessarily try to pad this franchise out and they are completely wrong and I'm not going to disagree but It kind of makes me interested in where they go after this which is more then anything I felt in Jurassic World.
So yeah, this film is pretty dumb and if you criticised it in depth I would probably agree with you on a lot of them but I would honestly watch this again then Jurassic World simply because I would rather watch something that’s flawed but ambitious then completely by the books and forgettable. Its more well made then the last one and has some cool sequences that keep you entertained and it wasn't terrible overall. So I'm kind of torn on it overall but I would say check it out and decide for yourself as the film is becoming divisive on my end. Its mostly paced well and is entertaining enough to be a passable blockbuster so....a mixed bag.
Rating: 5/10
Posted by Ben Fry at 10:35am
Friday House Band
1st June 2018
Every Friday we want to start the weekend early by inviting local acts to come in and perform live on air just after 8.30am and tell us about their upcoming gigs and releases.
This could be a pop, rock, blues, jazz or folk act, as long as they live in North Yorkshire!
If you want to come in and be our Friday House Band please email ben.fry@minsterfm.com and tell us about your act and why you'd be perfect to perform an acoustic track on Minster FM...
Posted by Ben Fry at 1:09pm
