By: Keaton Marcus

DISCLAIMER: IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 15, YOU MUST ASK YOUR PARENTS IF YOU ARE ALLOWED, IF THEY SAY NO…IT MEANS NO!

Let's just say that 2020 is off to a stunning start with Sam Mendes' newest production "1917". As emotionally wrenching as it is a magnificent technical achievement, this dazzling look at World War One is lifted by beautiful cinematography and excellent performances. The cast is largely unfamiliar but impeccable, the budget is expensive but terrifically used and the character development is top-notch. Not only does it hit all the bars perfectly, but Mendes has such a keen eye for detail that it may be more epic and harrowing than even Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk". This tale of heroism may spend much of its time on perfecting every shot, but it also makes breaking the boundaries of the war genre seem a little too simple. Slickly made, dramatic and groundbreaking, this R-rated picture is some of the best cinema of all-time. There's not a flaw in it, its briskly paced and is effortlessly entertaining. This is why we go to the multiplex.

The first incredible shot in the movie is focused on its two charismatics, surprisingly complex characters: lance corporals Schofield (a patriotic and incredible George MacKay) and Blake (a supporting, but still stellar Dean-Charles Chapman) who are caught napping in the fields. The two British soldiers are sent back into the trenches to General Erinmore (the stiff-lipped Colin Firth) for the literal mission of their lives. The men have been tasked to deliver a message deep into enemy territory to stop 1,600 of their soldiers from walking into a trap that will cost many lives. It may not be based on a true story, but Mendes sure plays the heck out of it and executes it better than many. Call the mission unrealistic, but any arguments will be simply overwhelmed by the magnificent movie.

More than anything, you will be enchanted by the effort put into the performances. George MacKay, known for little credits, finally gets his star-making role as Corporal Schofield. MacKay makes usage of the remarkable screenplay and exceeds in giving a nuanced performance in a tricky role. While their parts aren't quite equal, MacKay still has heavenly chemistry with Chapman as they embark on their brutal journey. What happens when you're a little fatigued of solely relying on a performance? You won't be! The effects, direction, and pitch-perfect run-time are also positive factors. In the many years that I've been an avid watcher of film, I don't believe that I've been in this much awe. Much less from a duo of simple, yet killer performances.

The cinema will have already seen many tricks up the film's sleeve, but none this good. Readers must be wondering what the hell I'm talking about. Academy-award winner and cinematographer Roger Deakins (Blade Runner 2049) has completed a movie in one continuous shot. Or so it seems. Audiences may not be able to tell whether this is a hoax or not, but it sure seems damn realistic. It's almost like a video-game, you follow the two main characters through the thick and thin, and meet interesting little roles along the way. Immersive is the word to describe the sensation, but also just amazingly easy to geek-out on. Deakins makes the trick convincing, but then the shots just get a tad too sophisticated, and you wonder if any of this is even genuine. Regardless, it's still a gorgeously made, well-acted, hard-hitting and cruel production that deserves great acclaim.

The final opinion is: Sam Mendes' "1917" features masterful cinematography, and makes for a compelling new war film with a star-making performance by George MacKay...$PLURGE IT

This movie was released in only a few theaters in 2019, but is going to over 3,200 theaters on Jan 10th, so we consider this apart of our 2020 reviews page.

Box Office Info:

Opening: $576,216 (limited release)

Domestic Total: 159.2M

Worldwide Total: 368M

Rent for $5.99 or Buy for $19.99 in SD and HD on Prime Video