DUNKIRK

Epic.

It's the sort of film that everyone has become accustomed to from director Christopher Nolan. It has all the hallmarks; huge scope, fantastic visuals, a star-studded cast and a score by Hans Zimmer. But I walked out of this screening wondering if I had in fact enjoyed it. Was I expecting too much? Everything I had read before this had lead me to believe how perfect it was meant to be, the masterpiece it has been heralded as. I concede, it is probably one of the most engaging war films I have ever seen, for the most part.

For the most part? Brent, what do you mean?

Well, the first half is so gripping that it is only let down by the second half. I wonder, is it due to the not-always-linear storytelling? It's a device that didn't really feel integral to the story. Speaking of the story, the whole film feels like it is building to something... but that something never really comes. Maybe it's because it's a "historic" film and perhaps we know what the ending will be? (Spoiler alert, the Allies win the war.)

Don't get me wrong - 'Dunkirk' doesn't shy away from the atrocities of war, but thanks to the timing, the ending really does feel like a Brexit propaganda piece. All those closed-minded, xenophobic Brits will love the whole "defend our beaches... our small island... etc" stuff that comes towards the end of the film. It just rubbed me the wrong way. If you think I didn't get emotionally involved, you'd be wrong! I was definitely emotionally invested - and it's likely due to the fast pace, the intense and thumping score and the fast cut actions - but there were a few moments where I got a little choked up. (Duh Brent, you cry in every movie, that's nothing new.)

At the end of the day, 'Dunkirk' is a blockbuster. Probably one of the best blockbusters we've had this year. If it isn't nominated for a bunch of Oscars, least to say for cinematography, I would be completely surprised. But if you're going into the film expecting it to be a grand masterpiece, you might be let down. Best not to follow the hype train and form your own decision, but I'd lower the expectations. It will make the whole thing more epic.