Avoiding Computer-Generated Images

Never have words been so wrongly associated with an historical figure as in the saying "not tonight, Josephine." Judging by Sir Ridley Scott's biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte, it was not only tonight, Josephine, but this morning and this afternoon. This romantic epic might be one of the last blockbusters that avoids computer-generated images, making it a must-watch for moviegoers.

A Complicated Personal Life

The film doesn't have too much politics - instead, it largely focuses on Napoleon's complicated personal life. Whenever Joaquin Phoenix's Napoleon and the French tyrant's wife Josephine (Vanessa Kirby) are together, they seem in some state of arousal. Even as they tie the knot in church, the randy general mounts an attack. Josephine, unimpressed by his bedroom swordsmanship, is clearly the one who is in need of a night off.

The Rise of an Emperor

Luckily for Josephine, if not for Europe, Napoleon is often off at war. His appetite for conquest knows no bounds. Ridley wisely keeps politics to a minimum, instead focusing on Napoleon's unorthodox personal life and his military campaigns. Of the 61 battles he fought, only three are shown at any length, but each is a breathtaking spectacle. No one puts the audience in the middle of the life-or-death action like Ridley.

The Thrill of Extras and Regalia

I urge everyone to go see Napoleon, simply because it might be one of the last chances you get to watch a blockbuster that avoids computer-generated images. Seeing the soldiers charge in full regalia is remarkable. But you also need a truly great actor like Joaquin to make it feel real - and he doesn't disappoint. The icing on the cake is that it was the British who finally defeated Napoleon, at the Battle of Waterloo. If that doesn't make you say "yes, tonight, Napoleon", nothing will.

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

Exploring the Origins of a Villain

This film about the origins of Hunger Games baddie Coriolanus Snow tackles some intriguing questions. The main one is what would happen if someone from the ruling Panem elite was to fall in love with a "tribute" from the oppressed regions, who is forced to fight to the death in the games? Although the film doesn't provide a clear answer, it's always good to be back in Panem.

Plot Somersaults and Cheap CGI

In this Romeo and Juliet-type tale, Snow can't resist the charms of Lucy Gray, played by Rachel Zegler. But the production also raises other questions, like why design old-fashioned style cars if you're going to render them with cheap CGI? And why spend two and a half hours performing plot somersaults to try to persuade viewers that Snow wasn't born a monster? Despite these flaws, fans of the first films and books will enjoy being back in this dystopian world.

Saltburn: A Promising Black Comedy

A Strange Aristocratic Estate

The Crown star Emerald Fennell made her directing debut with A Promising Young Woman. Saltburn suggests she still has promise and is thankfully yet to grow up. There is nothing old or dull about this in-your-face black comedy set in a strange aristocratic estate.

In-Your-Face Comedy

Brilliantly played by Barry Keoghan, Liverpudlian student Oliver Quick finds himself out of place at toffee-nosed Oxford University. Popular aristocrat Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi) takes him under his wing and introduces him to his parents' stately home, Saltburn. Oliver must navigate through countless rooms weighed down by history and deal with Felix's scary butler, jealous best pal, gossiping mum, bulimic sister, and ancient rules.

Ambiguous Sympathies

Where your sympathies should lie is unclear. The Catton family is ridiculously shallow, but at least they don't keep saying "sorry" like Oliver. It's also hard to dislike Felix's parents, as their heartlessness is offset by them being played by Richard E. Grant and Rosamund Pike. However, Oliver's creepiness culminates in disturbing sexual acts. Saltburn lobs taste out of its Grade I-listed windows and kicks it down the drive.