ENTER THE MOVIES
  • Welcome!
  • All Movie Reviews
  • Some Discussions About.....Things
  • Reel Talk Pod
  • Contact me!

7/14/2015

Movie Review: Locke

0 Comments

Read Now
 
Picture

This is why I love Cinema

Locke (2014): Ivan Locke, a dedicated family man and successful construction manager, receives a phone call on the eve of the biggest challenge of his career that sets in motion a series of events that threaten his carefully cultivated existence.

You know, there's a lot of crappy films out there. The young adult genre is a cash cow, and everyone knows it. There's sequel-bait everywhere. 2015 is the year of the remake, and all these films, most of which will likely be bad, will still make more money than most films this year. We complain that Hollywood is running out of ideas, but that's because we're going out and seeing the remakes and the sequels. We just don't want to face this fact. Sometimes, it's hard for me to find reasons to get really excited for cinema. But, every once in a while, a film comes along that reminds me "Oh ya! Hollywood is still awesome. And I love reviewing film." Gravity did it. Whiplash did it. And now Locke has done it. Locke is a masterpiece. I wish I had given this film the light of day back in January, but it was stuck between so many films that I only thought it was great at the time. But now, in between one crappy reboot in Jurassic World and Terminator Genysis, which I am not exactly hopeful for, this film blew me away. This is my second time watching this film, and had I given it the attention it deserved, it would've been my number two film of 2014. That's right.

So, what makes Locke so amazing? Well, it starts with the premise. The film, all 84 minutes of it, is simply Tom Hardy driving and talking on a cell phone. That's it. No cuts to the people he's talking to, just Tom Hardy, a car, and a cell phone. While many films will have a gimmick and it's labeled as such, such as the "found footage" genre or a film like Unfriended being shot entirely from a Skype box, this is not a gimmick. This single view is a major obstacle that requires flawless execution to even have a chance at working. And it didn't work at first: it took about 15 minutes for me to get into it. But I think director Steven Knight knew this. He gives you time to get situated, and right when you think the film is going to be a failure, he hits the accelerator. Suddenly, you start feeling for this man. More than you do for anyone in the vast majority of films out there. This character, brilliantly portrayed by Tom Hardy, emotionally wrecked me. And all he does is talk on his cell phone.

Locke is great because of the gripping, original, and brilliant story, but there are other  reasons why this film is perfect. There's some lens flares and work with the cinematography to keep the film from becoming complacent. It does look as interesting as it can visually despite a rainy British night. However, there is also an amazing performance from Tom Hardy. He is forced to carry the movie, and he does so brilliantly. There isn't anything negative to say about this film. Except WHY COULDN'T THIS FILM HAVE BEEN LIKE THREE HOURS LONGER? I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS CHARACTER. I know: that's a good complaint to have. A complaint in the highest degree. But it's going to legitimately bother me. Just know this: Locke is original, simple, and an incredible ride. I cannot recommend enough that you take the time to see this film. You'll be thankful you did.

The Critique: A masterpiece of cinema. Stunning, creative, and elegant, Locke creates an intense ride on what should be a handcuff of a pretext because of its simplicity.

The Recommendation: An absolute must-watch. Find a way to see this film. Please. You'll thank me later.

Rewatchability: High

The Verdict: 10/10 Perfect.


Photo Credit: http://www.gannett-cdn.com/media/USATODAY/USATODAY/2014/05/01//1398987130000-SR-Locke.jpg

Share

0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

Details
    Picture
    "Like" Enter the Movies on Facebook for the latest and greatest on all things movies! OR ELSE FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A KILLER RABBIT. Sorry about this one, guys. Not my decision. He volunteered. And is just absolute dynamite!
    Click Here!!!!


    Genre

    All
    Action
    Animated
    Cannes 2019
    Comedy
    Drama
    Flash Reviews
    Horror/Suspense
    Musical
    Noir
    Quick Reviews
    Raw Thoughts
    Retro Review
    Romance
    Science Fiction
    Short Films
    Sports
    Throwback Tuesday
    Video Review
    Western

    Date Reviewed

    September 2020
    June 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

Home
All Movie Reviews
Some Discussions About.....Things
Contact Me!
ABOUT JOSEPH

​I believe you've gotta have fun with everything you do. Otherwise, what's the point?

​Also, say anything bad about Greta Gerwig or 
Timothée Chalamet and I will fight you with some very strong emotions.
  • Welcome!
  • All Movie Reviews
  • Some Discussions About.....Things
  • Reel Talk Pod
  • Contact me!