RIP Ron Moody

1924-2015

Quartet

When it comes to harmonious, whimsical and uplifting films, they do not come much more so than this. Quarter is in one word, a beautiful film. In my view it is one of the most lovely, well conceived, and possibly most underrated, films of the last decade. The great and iconic Dustin Hoffman may have very well given us as his directorial debut a great and iconic film.
Centering around a grand and picturesque nursing home for old people; a very specific type of old people. Yes, it is a house full of retired musicians, and full of characters. And that, essentially is all you need as a basic precursor to this film - great music and a stunning cast; let the magic commence!

Seriously, the cast of Quartet is stunning. Sir Michael Gambon, Sir Tom Courtenay, Dame Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Sheridan Smith, Pauline Collins, Trevor Peacock, Dame Gwyneth Jones, Andrew Sachs, David Ryall...they are all packed into this film and they are all superb. To have such acting talent in one film is mind boggling enough, but to see how they all gel effortlessly with resulting joyous moments is simply beyond belief. Whether it is one of hilarity, drama, sorrow or triumph, there is always an ever-present sense throughout Quartet of utter marvel at what you are watching, and at the people you are watching perform it.
So, let us look at the already aforementioned stunning cast of Quartet. Obviously, as the title suggests, there is a primary focus (though happily not too much) on a quartet of stars who reside at Beecham House. Sir Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, Billy Connolly and Dame Maggie Smith (whose arrival is the key catalyst of several themes of drama and romance). Other favourite cast members of mine include Sir Michael Gambon who gives a hilarious turn as foppish director Cedric, and new national treasure, the delicious and charismatic Sheridan Smith who Billy Connolly sums up perfectly in his wonderful Scottish tones - "you're a true thing of beauty."
It is very difficult for me to pick a favourite piece of casting in the main quartet, let alone the whole film. Sir Tom Courtenay resonates as the regal and heartening Reg, and Dame Maggie Smith delights as the devilish and dramatic Jean. However for me, two utter stars shine the brightest by just a fraction in Quartet. I have said before that for me Billy Connolly is just as much of a gifted actor as he is a prolific comedian. In this film, he effortlessly and charmingly brings both sides of himself to fantastic fruition in every single scene he features in. Hilariously timed, witty, and with some fantastic one-liners, whilst also warm, loving and inviting...all with that devilish twinkle in his eye - his character of  Wilf is a joy to watch.
Equal to the majesty of Connolly is the infectious and utterly perfect characterization of Cissy, played stunningly and perfectly by Pauline Collins. She is adorable, as a wonderfully bubbly, innocent, brilliant lady whose slightly faltering mind opens her up to be the best of people. Ditsy, dizzy, hilarious, touching, heartbreaking, hilarious and human - I feel Pauline Collins deserved every award under the sun for her part in Quartet.

That cast, along with great music, stunning scenery, breathtaking cinematography and a script from the legendary Ronald Harwood that is just sublime and as I say I think Quartet is a real charmer of a film. Faults? Not many at all. OK, the Reg/Jean relationship is sort of rushed through quite casually and flippantly, resulting in it almost taking a back seat to all other goings on, and the way in which the mental frailty of the ageing cast of characters is sort of dealt with in a slightly clichéd fashion.
But really, if you have any liking for music, comedy, or any amount of heart, you really will love the cinematic bundle of joy that is Quartet.

The Equalizer

Denzel  Washington is one of the most celebrated actors of our time, and for good reason. His unique blend of charm, charisma, powerhouse drama, and effective wit have endeared him to audiences in numerous films throughout the years. Now in the Equalizer, we have something rarely seen from him - a chance to bring the charm but also heavily mixed into A LOT of action.
Oh we've seen Denzel Washington in action films before of course, and often to great effect, but in most instances what has also been a preface is a a thrilling, well-woven, and sometimes out there plot to facilitate the action. Not this time. The Equalizer is a no holds barred, gritty, bloody and raw all out action thriller, with Denzel Washington at the centre.

Essentially, the plot revolves around Washington, as an ageing retired government operative turned DIY salesman who is em-brawled back into his old life to avenge the assault of young Chloe Grace Moretz. This then leads us into him becoming a one man vigilante turned killing machine who pretty much single-handedly takes out every member of a Russian crime syndicate, which is led by villainous Marton Csokas.

That is basically it in terms of plot; heavily embellished and uniquely performed but basic standard stuff as far as thrillers go. As I say, this is not really a film with a message it is pretty much a kick ass belter. Plot is more of a side-line at best, and the script is more of a tool to facilitate all this action, blood and killing.
Denzel Washington does not get a meaty script to immerse himself into this time, but instead just enough ample excuse to shoot, stab, punch, kick and assault with a variety of B&Q accessories (but in an oh so cool fashion). And actually, I rather like that. This film is not deep or powerful really, but Denzel Washington's natural presence and gravitas still seeps through, making him easily the very watchable star of the show. The rising star Chloe Grace Moretz is a good addition to the cast, as she is a nice blend of sexy and vulnerable, but she rightly takes a back seat as the film goes on. Csokas fits the bill of "villainous Russian gangster" perfectly whilst being threateningly raw enough to just about convince, but in terms of sheer screen presence and oomph, no one gets near Denzel Washington and that is the way it should be.


The Equalizer is as I say, a bit of a rarity for me; a gritty thriller that is just sleek and smooth enough and that also neither needs nor gives any real excuse for a heady mix of blood and violence throughout. What's more, it works. I have no doubt this has something to do with Washington in the lead, but again why complain? For a simple thriller with a difference, the Equalizer is worth a watch.