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Reviews
Night Sky (2022)
Finally, something compelling thoughtful beautiful & original
We just finished S1. As others have said, there is a Cacoon vibe to Night Sky. A mix of emotions, superb acting by pretty much everyone. An original premises and slow drawn out tensions, rather than the bang bang thank you ma'am of less intellectual fair. Probably one of the best slow burn productions in the last 15-20 years.
Werewolves Within (2021)
A welcome fun alternative to current movies
Came across this whilst browsing Netflix. Had no idea it was a comedy. Werewolves Within is a breath of fresh air in a world of movies that put heavy use of CGI, loud noises, explosions and politically correctness over honest script and plot. Werewolves Within was quick witted, fast moving, characterful, hilarious - and best of all, was almost intentionally unwoke by teasing every ethnic and sexual stereotype, without causing genuine offence. Only negative was that at the end I wanted a bit more. The rare occasion I wished a movie was longer!
Don't Look Up (2021)
This could have been brilliant
Grrr, so many opportunities lost. A mix of Whoops Apocalypse, Mars Attacks and Armageddon, when it worked, it worked. IE, when the two main stars freaked out to get attention. But I think Madam President was given a terrible script so despite hamming it up physically, she missed so many opportunities to pile on the cavalier self centred Trumpian attitude.
The saving grace of this movie (other than the very well done special effects) was the last 10 to 15 mins. IE, it's worth it for the ending.
Outbreak (1995)
Superb intelligent action packed drama lead by Hoffman
I have always loved this film since it's release due to the shock value, intelligent script, robust fluid acting (in particular by Hoffman) and whilst like anything from Hollywood there will be technical flaws, in this time of Covid (Dec 2021) there are many parallels. Just watched it again today and it holds up superbly, mainly thanks to great cinematography and lack of CGI, that has a habit of dating movies, even if the rest of the production holds up.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
How can this be a 15?
I know that as one ages one turns into a grumpy old flatulating individual passing plenty of not just faeces but righteous judgement on a collapsing morally bankrupt world. All said, this 'review' comes from a person who saw Lord of The Flies when about 14 after our superb English teacher felt it worth seeing after we read the book as part of our education. I found both the book and movie so traumatic they changed my life. But probably in a good way. The point being made that below a certain age or level of training, young people are not suited to positions of power or leadership. More recently, productions and video games based on the Battle Royale principle also alert us as to the ethics of exploiting vulnerable young people for the schadenfreude entertainment of adults and a baying public. Sadly, The Hunger Games put production spectacle and creepy puppeteers ahead of violence, so the point wasn't really made, but it has the benefit of warning a younger audience how some adults use them.
*** SPOILER ALERT ***
I had never heard of Squid Game and happened to catch it on Netflix last night where I saw the first episode. What got me was now just how there was NO humor in it at all, common with today's productions, but the pure blood spurting realistic brutality of the scene where the giant 'little' girl guns down those who are caught moving.
As per The Hunger Games, the aesthetics and production design is superb, but can someone explain to me WHY such content is produced in the first place? Is Squid Game entertainment or a warning? And why is it a 15, not an 18? Alien was never gratuitously violent (they were at war) yet an 18 or X when released in the 70s. I know, I saw it when 15 and was terrified!
My rating is based on the ethics of SG being a 15, not the quality of the production,
The Tomorrow War (2021)
Great VFX but woke cast and dicipline
Whilst the visuals and aliens were big screen movie quality, it was obvious that like recent Battlefield and COD games, history or common sense and biology has been discarded to continue the dishonest narrative of woke. 1. Most leading characters not white. Not accurate representation of real society. 2. The random people chosen to be impromptu soldiers were untrained and either obese or just not tough enough. In reality, within seconds, not minutes, of being dropped into battle they would collapse from exhaustion if not suffering panic attacks or heart failure. Life is not a video game.
Containment (2015)
Typical realistic British unHollywood dystopian fear
SPOILERS - What timing to see this. With us allegedly two months away from a complete end of lockdown in the UK in June 2021, this movie reflects what is great about British fear based films and also somewhat reinforces my semi belief that Covid was possibly engineered or is being exploited to bring about an eternal corporate managed semi dystopia with self serving help from China, and this film made to warn us not to resist, hence the sniper(s). Yes, a conspiracy. Anyway, back to my main point, and that is that the UK turns out the most realistic fear and horror, such as 28 Day Later, The Descent (terrifying!), Dog Soldiers and others. The key differences between us and Hollywood is that we don't do explanatory voice overs and happy endings, because real life doesn't do explanatory voice overs and happy endings. Further, the actors are not dressed in preppy GAP clothes, good looking, screaming females and making embarrassing comments. It's tight, tense, realistic and you feel drained at the end. My only criticisms are the somewhat almost classist portrayal of the thuggish young lad, who whilst troubled, was overly violent, I don't buy someone would be like that in real life. And of course, the lack of an explanation of what was going on in the outside world at the end. I guess we can assume the point of the movie was the message, not tie up loose ends. And the message is that it's best to comply, else die. IE, a propaganda film funded to do just that 5 years ahead of 1st QTR 2020.
Greenland (2020)
For adults only, superb
Grrr, I get so angry when movies I love get bad reviews from some. But then again, we're all drawn to a specific type, and Greeland was my type. Interstellar was THE best movie ever made. Period. So good, I have seen it over 20 times, and will continue to. Likewise, Greenland was enjoyable (if that is the correct term) for the same reason. Heart wrenching realistic emotional situations backed up with superb acting (from the mother and child in this case), and accurate science. I only discovered Greenland after a notification popped up on my phone today. So I gave it a whirl on our 50" 4K Sony TV. As someone scientific who has read a lot about Earth impact situations, I found it very realistic with superb VFX and music. (Armageddon was awful - for the non thinking classes. Deep Impact, like this, was intelligent and clever.) Anyway, the core message of Greenland is that people will turn savage very very quickly when the wheels fall off society and desperation sets in, hence the kidnapping of the child and other examples. I remember in the first few weeks of lockdown in March 2020 small scale fights breaking out in a Tesco. And that was over toilet paper. Things will get a tad more interesting when it's over food.
I'm thinking Greenland has room for follow up in the form of a TV series as the survivors rebuild society, without any nonsense like zombies. A realistic pure science based storyline.
9 stars because of the annoying habit of American made movies always thrusting the lead characters to the front of any line or group of people, as if they are somehow special.
Oh, and like when watching Interstellar, I cried a lot in this, but am an adult, so I guess I found the family detachment situations difficult to stomach.
As I said in my subject line, Greenland is for adults. It's about people, not technology, (pointless) explosions and guns.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Even better the second time
I enjoyed EOT the first time, but didn't realise just how good it was until last night, when watching it again in 4K on our new 49" Sony telly, uhm, also acquired through Amazon! If you have already seen The Edge of Tomorrow, I do recommend a second viewing. So much detail, so many scenes that matter and carry the story. Lots to miss the first time! Even 6 years later, the visual effects are tack sharp. The acting equally so - TC is perfect for this role, as is Emily Blunt for hers. It's interesting to see TC in a vulnerable state, and shows how versatile he is. I know other reviews have mentioned this, but the battle sequences were so similar to D Day landing scenes in WW2 movies, I thought is was a thoughtful to make the connection between our response to a dangerous enemy and the carnage that ensues when you fight back en mass, local or ET. The end titles were awesome too, very retro 80s 3D graphics. Reminded me of Tron.
I would happily watch EOT a 3rd time. Very rare I even watch a movie twice!
Dans la brume (2018)
Two years later a very timely movie
If you're reading this mid Covid crisis, watch this. It's almost as if the writers knew what was about to happen two years later (2020). I don't want to say anything more to avoid spoilers. But very well made and acted. Tough to watch if you're sensitive.
(Caught it on Amazon Prime BTW, and just thought I would give it a whirl. Glad I did.)
Joker (2019)
Why is this a UK 15?
2 hours of mainly sitting in the cinema at an angle, that is how awkward and disturbing this superbly acted and directed movie was.
But why was such a potentially manipulative and violent film only awarded a 15 rating when Alien, that whilst terrifying, was not disturbing or liable to influence vulnerable young minds given an 18?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Childhood classic
I first saw Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a child in the 70s where the scene where the car goes airborne in traffic changed my life. Now watching it again on Christmas day 2018 where one can appreciate a few things from an adult perspective. And so onto my short review...
Not to overuse the expression, but they don't make 'em like this anymore! Lavish detailed sets, eye popping Techicolo(u)r, harmless fun man woman banter similar to Solo and Lia in Star Wars, historically interesting thanks to all the period costume & car races etc, charming all star cast and a sympathetic plot. Not all the songs were memorable, but the theme and Old Bamboo were (are!) great. Oh and let's not forget the star the Yairshow #ccbb !
This is a great movie to see on a big screen telly with the kids.
Hot Fuzz (2007)
First time I have laughed continuously for so long
For some reason, I never got to see Hot Fuzz when it came out. Saw it last night on DVD and the first half had me in hysterics thanks to the usual from this team sharp writing, perfect casting and precision direction. The second half caught me by surprise, I had no idea how gruesome it would be or that it would end up with Hollywood style shoot outs. But I realise of course that is all part of the parody.
What made this work for me was I did not read any summaries or see any trailers, so it was all one reveal after another.
My award for the character I enjoyed the most was the big teethed WPC whose every line and mannerisms had me in hysterics. Priceless!
Venom (2018)
Ignore the negative reviews
If you like your content well scripted and directed with a never get bored flow sprinkled with well timed wit, oh, and consider Tom Hardy a God, then this is for you.
Loved it from start to finish. My kind of movie, for the same reason I liked The Fugitive.
#HUNGRY
Hereditary (2018)
Dissapointed
After the two sleeper surprises of A Quiet Place and Game Night (Both my fav movies of the last few years), I went into Hereditary hoping for the same smart compelling ride. I had not seen any trailers so had no inkling as to the plot or any minor spoilers.
I did make some assumptions once the movie started that did not pan out, but as other reviewers have said this film got hokey and silly as we approached the end.
It was as if the director had come up with some ideas for scenes, and just made up the plot as he went along, similar to Lost, that was never really explained, more an addictive TV series designed to distract Americans from the war in Iraq. ('Bread & Circuses')
Anyway, yes, a few horror like surprises to shock you, but that is all.
Just as a general comment, this film accurately portrayed the very distant relationship American parents have with their kids, something also made clear in Breaking Bad re the relationship between Cranston and his son. The way they reacted to Peter's misfortunes was cold and inhuman from a European social aspect, but spot on to how I see Americans behave within their family unit. Anyway, that is for discussion outside this forum!
Legend (2015)
Bad reviews from those who don't get it
Have done what I do on the rare occasion I don't care about plot twists and such and read some reviews on IMDB whilst about 75% through the movie. Am assuming that those giving the movie bad reviews with regards to accuracy or claiming the film glorifies mobsters are either American or clueless snowflakes bought up in the world after Python, Morecombe & Wise, The Two Ronnies, Derek and Clive and such, all whose whole thing was based on tongue firmly planted in cheek.
SPOILER ALERT
FFS people, this film is pure satire, and it's genius! The reason I paused it to post this was that an example of the satirical nature is when Ron is about to carry out his hit at The Blind Beggar, he asked his sidekick "How do I look?" to which he gets his desired reply, "F*cking deadly!" Priceless.
And when it comes to glorifying mobsters, the way Reggie behaves against those who cross him, even when it's unintentional, shows his true nature. So it is made perfectly clear he's as bad as his twin despite the BS he gives his girl. (Who is lovely by the way.)
The film dives in, so those complaining it doesn't go into depth about the history fo the characters should read a book, where there is space. This isn't a biography, it's entertainment, and on that front, it's working for me.
I'll continue my review after the remaining 25%.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Brilliant in every way
We all differ in our tastes, hence movies that some love, others will dislike, although for me, if a movie is smart, that means it can get away with any other flaws, such as poor visual effects.
In this case, we have a film that gets just about everything right, enchanting and imaginative visuals, a great Leia/Solo like banter between the two leading characters, an interesting and somewhat original plot (albeit, very political!), non stop action, great casting and plenty of uniquely creative ideas. All wrapped around a great sound track, in a way, this movie was enjoyable for the same reasons as Guardians Of The Galaxy.
My only criticism, and this extends to most Sci-Fi and thrillers these days, some action sequences are like a video game and too 'perfect' and clinical in their efficiency. I want more pain and damage, like real life!
Besson is unique and long may his prosper! He does have a thing for thick lipped flabby aliens though! Maybe a fetish? Ha ha.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Funny and equal to or better than the first
Surprised at some of the reviews stating this was not as good as the first. I saw and loved the first when it was first released, and then caught (the original) on Sky Movies just a few days before seeing GOTG2, so came into the 2nd one with very fresh memories.
MINOR SPOILER...
The humour in the 2nd instalment was superb from the get go and didn't really let up, making it all the more enjoyable. I also thought the visuals were outstanding and certain scenes reminded me of What Dreams Become.
One observation that applies to other movies I have seen in public recently: Myself and those I went with are in our 50s and laughed out loud throughout, whilst NOT ONE person younger than about 30 even sniggered. I do worry that millennials have been so brainwashed by contemporary humourless culture and PC attitudes that they just don't get it. The script was tack sharp and it pains me that people even in their 30s are either too stupid or too I don't know what to get it.
Very worrying for the future of humanity if you ask me! Very dystopian and ironically, the opposite of the world features in GOTG.
Anyway, 2 was a character movie and sets us up nicely for the next one.
Cannot wait for Mixtape 3!
Meet Joe Black (1998)
One of my top 10 favourite movies of all time
Just thought of this now after hearing about Brad & Angelina's splittypoos. (It's a Hollywood thang! What did you expect?) :P
Anyway, LOVED this movie. Saw it when it first came out. Thought provoking plot, even if not original (Ghost got there first, and that is one of my favourite movies too for similar reasons), excellent acting by everyone, lovely leading lady, Hopkins character was outstanding, a few standout scenes, such as the one in the hospital were very powerful, well directed and touching.
One of the few films I can watch every few years and never tire of.
Oh, 10 lines for a review? OK, uhm, well, re Brad and Angelina, and his taking weed, well, most good looking guys I know take or took it, and I guess the way it relaxes one keeps the stress and therefore ageing process away?