Nice Ladies (2024): review 1.5/10

 *

Documentary film tracing the experiences of elderly Ukrainian women who become cheerleaders, before their troupe finds itself dispersed following the Russian invasion.

There is not enough material here to justify a film of this length. We are presented footage of women checking their cell-phones and having banal conversations with family members along with some interviews and scenes from their performances at sports events. Who cares?

a. The basic idea: isn`t it interesting how some older Ukrainian women decide to become cheerleaders! is not in fact very interesting.

b. The people in the film have nothing interesting to say.

b. The amount of good footage here might justify a film of up to about 15 minutes in length, if that.

I`m giving the film 1.5 because I am in a good mood, and feel well-disposed to Ukrainian causes. But when I left the cinema I felt like drowning myself.

Coastal (2024): review 2/10

 *

Documentary following Neil Young on tour.

He sits on a bus, as do members of his crew, and some of whom give interviews which are of no interest whatsoever. 

There is some likeable concert footage. Young`s songs are very good, of course. It is in black and white (oh so arty).

Uninspired and lazy film, for fans only. I give 2/10 because I am a fan, and can`t bear to accept that anything with Neil Young  it should deserve less.