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Chiedi perdono a Dio... non a me (1968)
Watchable, but stilted
Right off the bat, the title of "God May Forgive, But I Won't" sets a deliciously dramatic tone that promises gunslinging and grudges, and it doesn't disappoint. The film, a lesser-known Spaghetti Western from 1968, delivers on its name with a delightful use of its own title in a pivotal moment-an absolute treat for any cinephile.
George Ardisson stars as the stoic Cjamango McDonald, bringing a performance that, unfortunately, lacks the depth and versatility one might hope for. Comparatively, he makes Anthony Steffen seem like a master of subtlety, which is saying something. Despite Ardisson's wooden delivery, the film manages to hold the viewer's interest thanks to a more convincingly portrayed Mexican antagonist played by Ignazio Spalla and the reliable Gidra, who adds a touch of quality to whatever scene he graces.
The storyline itself is a bit of a hodgepodge, typical of revenge-themed narratives but with enough twists to keep it engaging. I never once felt the urge to switch off; the pacing and energy somehow keep you hooked, curious to see how the tangled paths of vengeance will unravel.
Visually, the film doesn't reach the artistic heights of the genre's best, but the cinematography is more than competent.
In summary, while "God May Forgive, But I Won't" might not be a masterpiece, it's a watchable entry into the Spaghetti Western canon. If you can get past some stiff performances, you might just find yourself enjoying this rough-around-the-edges tale of retribution.
Los colonos (2023)
Massively underwhelming
Maybe because I live and breath Spaghetti Westerns and Revisionist Westerns that I was expecting more action.
No doubt this is stunning film, but it's like going up to visit relatives in NW Scotland - cinematography was great because the scenery was great.
I understand the point of the film - the genocide of the native Indian Chileans but provides a massive deservice by going precisely nowhere.
I really wished I enjoyed the film but there's no storylines hence no punch. No amount of great scenery save this film.
I have seen many poor Westerns go precisely nowhere because there was no storyline and here is another underwhelming film.
Ammazzali tutti e torna solo (1968)
Braun over brains
I have watched well over hundred Spaghetti Westerns and I don't think I have seen one with so much action. It was unrelenting with lots of twists and turns. Some of it made not a great deal of sense, but I think we have all seen many films like that!
And some actual ambition. Lots of Spaghetti Westerns (outside the Sergios) were pumped out quickly half-arsed, often not thought through and terrible scenery and costume - let alone acting or direction.
It's not the smartest film, but most films are dumb - some beyond contempt, e.g. Any Marvel film.
I enjoyed it so much I watched twice in a week.
I'm a Virgo (2023)
Pretentious and underwhelming
"I'm a Virgo" is a baffling and pretentious attempt at storytelling. The premise of a giant baby named Cootie being raised by his unseen aunt and uncle had the potential for something unique and intriguing. However, creator Boots Riley fails to capitalize on this premise and instead delivers a convoluted mess.
The character of Cootie, portrayed by Jharrel Jerome, is meant to represent the struggles of young Black men in society. Unfortunately, the exploration of this theme is shallow and lacks nuance. Cootie's journey from isolation to friendship is clichéd and predictable, and the social and political commentary woven into the narrative feels forced and heavy-handed.
Riley's use of a stylized aesthetic, reminiscent of Wes Anderson, comes across as a desperate attempt to mask the lack of substance in the story. The mixture of magical realism, absurdism, and Brechtian elements only adds to the confusion and inconsistency of the overall experience. The reliance on practical effects and puppetry to depict Cootie's size further highlights the lack of cohesive storytelling, as if Riley threw together random ideas without any clear vision.
The supporting characters, such as Felix, Scat, and Jones, are one-dimensional and serve as mere vehicles for the exploration of various social issues. Their interactions with Cootie and the overall plot feel contrived and lack authenticity. Even the inclusion of Walton Goggins as a comic book writer turned superhero adds little to the narrative and feels like a desperate attempt to inject some novelty into the show.
The narrative's tonal shifts from light to dark are jarring and inconsistent. The attempt to tackle complex themes such as race relations, capitalism, and gender experiences feels superficial and lacks depth. The extended sex scene between Cootie and Flora, while intended to be provocative and thought-provoking, ends up being gratuitous and irrelevant to the overall story.
While the ensemble cast delivers competent performances, their talents are wasted on a script that fails to provide them with meaningful material. The young cast members show promise, but their potential is squandered in this messy and misguided production.
"I'm a Virgo" is an example of style over substance. Its attempts to be fresh and invigorating fall flat, leaving viewers perplexed and unsatisfied. With more ideas than it can handle, the series becomes a disjointed and unfulfilling experience. While it may deserve more time to develop its concepts, the current offering of seven episodes is more than enough to demonstrate its shortcomings.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Really disappointing
I have to admit I haven't watched all the series - I just couldn't force myself to go further. I am not a big Tolkien fan, I thought LOTR trilogy was enjoyable and the Hobbit trllogy less enjoyable. I have read the Hobbit, read a little LOTR and certainly not touched the Simarilon.
The show is just really boring, they are really trying to wring out the last of the magic of Tolkien. And after the excess of the Hobbits three part film there is very little left.
I thought the story was made too slow to start of with and wasn't enough umph or vigour in the story. The visuals/special effects were hit and miss. The Elven city appeared to poorer than the LOTR trilogy presented. The acting so-so. The Irish accents mildly offensive. The only thing likeable about what I saw was Lenny Henry, who I have had a fondness since I was a child.
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Dumb but enjoyable
Yes, I know most of it didn't make any sense - most clearly that you would expect that humans would wipe most, if not all, the dinosaurs our before they somehow took over the Earth. And that those giant insects are perhaps to big to survive due to the way in which insects breathe.
But there was enough twists and turns and jump scares that I enjoyed all of it.
Still it is by far not a great film and so much more could have been done with the premise, it's a big miss.
Su le mani, cadavere! Sei in arresto (1971)
Another awful Spaghetti Western!
I have an almost an addiction to Spaghetti Westerns, I watch at least 4 a week. It's not unknown from me to just quit half way through, like I did with this one.
The direction absolutely awful, seriously cringe-worthy. It reminds me some awful horror movies which I used to watch at sleepovers when I was little - and to little surprise this was directed by Klimovsky. Acting too, for the most part, was terrible probably no doubt not helped by the terrible direction.
The only saving graces is Peter Lee Lawrence and the film score.
Around the World in 80 Days (2021)
It's entertaining, well shot and has heart.
I rarely write reviews, I have better things to do with my time but I feel I have to defend this show against the tsunami of alt-right idiots who cannot stand to see an adaptation of an old book (which I doubt they have read - if they can read). I'm far from being woke - I am not even a fan of BLM!
Things must change, and this is a well shot, entertaining adaptation that easily exceeds the trite 1960s film.
Se incontri Sartana prega per la tua morte (1968)
Dreadful and confusing
I'm a big Spaghetti Western fan and fairly tolerant of the stylistic excesses, but this film made little sense. It's not clear what is motivating Sartana, the undertaking laughs insanely, William Berger does not know how to act, etc.