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The Witterlist - 13th September 2019

Mark and Simon had their top hats and tails on this week as a right royal television property made the transition to the big screen. Also, J-Lo and co. robbing Wall Street bros. and a film so bad they named it twice.

If you’ve missed a show or just want to revisit some of our premium movie content, you can find highlights of all of our programmes on our dedicated Witterlist page.

The Interview

Hugh Bonneville interviewed by Simon Mayo

Hugh Bonneville talks to Simon Mayo about his new film, Downton Abbey.

Downton Abbey is back with a new movie that sees the Crawleys playing host to the Royal Family. Hugh Bonneville returns as the head of the household, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham, and returned as our guest to talk to Simon all about getting the band back together, why the show struck such a chord with people around the world and his infamous appearance on Graham Norton.

Mark's reviews

Downton Abbey reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Downton Abbey.

Mark has never seen Downton Abbey on TV, but at no point did he feel lost watching the movie. It’s a lot of easily recognisable characters involved in a plot that’s hardly there, but while there’s nothing surprising about the film, that’s probably exactly why it works.

Hustlers reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Hustlers.

There’s been a lot of Oscar buzz for Jennifer Lopez since new film Hustlers premiered at film festivals in the last few weeks. Adapted from a viral New York Magazine article by Lorene Scafaria (Seeking a Friend for the End of the World), it’s the story of some strip club workers who get together to scam the Wall Street fat cats that make up their clientele. Slick and kinetic with fully rounded characters played to perfection, Mark thought it was a crowd-pleasing romp.

Phoenix reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Phoenix.

Is Phoenix a powerful mental health drama? A Scandinavian thriller with horror inflections? Something in between? Whatever it is, Mark found it interesting - if not without flaws.

Night Hunter reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews Night Hunter.

And finally, a real treat for fans of white hot garbage: Night Hunter (originally called Nomis) is a preposterously bad thriller with an A-list cast that is much more puzzling than the mystery at the film’s centre.

Next week

Next week, we’ll be talking all things Hotel Mumbai and saying hello to… now, what was his name?

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