wingman1111 Reviews

Bank of Dave (2023)

Did you have a good life? Enough to base a Movie on?

[8/10 · 17 January 2023]

Dave Fishwick, the inspiration behind this movie did!

So given the premise of this and it's setting in Burnley don't expect a glitzy Hollywood style setting. Instead expect a heart warming Dave(id) v's Goliath battle of trying to open a community focused bank and the challenges and obstacles faced during such an audacious endeavour.

The acting is very natural and fluid and I really liked the slow burning chemistry between 2 of the main characters (Hugh and Alexandra).

Phoebe Dynevor who played Alexandra is so delightful to watch and really does light up the screen. I hope to see her in more in the future.

Joel Fry who played Hugh gave a very endearing performance, and I really did admire his unique style of acting (brave but smart casting there).

Rory Kinnear who played Dave really did his character justice and obviously did his research to remain faithful in portraying aspects of the personality of the creator of the Bank of Dave aka Burnley Savings and Loans Limited

So kudos to Netflix for bringing this great story to our screens.

The Gray Man (2022)

You want a stylish well choreographed action film? You got one.

[10/10 · 30 August 2022]

Don't let done of the bad ratings detract you from being entertained for an hour or so. Yes there is a lot of gun violence but hey it's an action movie what do you expect. Props to Ryan, Chris, Ana and Bob and the characters they portrayed. Ryan aka six was very believable as a cold and well trained defender of his life and the life of the few people he cared about. Chris aka Lloyd was reassuringly self centered and subtly too full of himself, Ana oh Ana aka Dani is like a poem in the making. Bob aka Fitzroy slips into any role like a samurai sword cutting through silk.

Basically the acting fits the characters like a piston head fits a newly bored cylinder. Sorry about that metaphor, I was thinking of Ana again!

Anyway unless you're offended by anything and everything I thoroughly recommend you watch this film.

True Things (2021)

Subtle but Powerful

[7/10 · 6 July 2022]

Loved Ruth Wilson's portrayal of a volatile woman allowing herself to open up to and form a powerful connection to someone who seemingly you wouldn't normally put together.

The film cleverly highlighted how a passionate and magical encounter triggering a lonely heart to blossom and open up to another, can quickly be destroyed by a man's simple acts of thoughtlessness and disregard for the feelings of another.

And something that could have been truly amazing never comes to fruition.

I think this film is a great reminder to all, to hold onto and protect the things that really matter in life. And that includes understanding what is lost when a fragile heart is broken!

Undone (2019–2022)

A beautiful journey and wonderful message

[10/10 · 2 May 2022]

Have now completed the second season and I must say I was truly touched and astounded by the very believable characters (great casting) and quality of writing.

The weaving together of such a complex aspect of reality namely correcting ones mistakes and healing past trauma, has been portrayed excellently and with tender finesse and compassion.

I thoroughly recommend this series to all those who have an attention span greater than 3 mins.

Moon Knight: Asylum (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

Felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest!

[10/10 · 27 April 2022]

Such a cleverly constructed episode that took us deeper into the psyche of the 2/1 main characters. It was that powerful that I now need a cigarette and stiff drink. Just wow, and thank you for this episode especially! It really hit a nerve.

The Morning Show (I) (2019– )

Drab prolonged storylines, lacks direction

[5/10 · 14 November 2021]

Honestly was looking forward to this series but 2 seasons in now and i've lost interest.

The same storyline and ensuing drama has been dragging on for over 20 episodes to date and there never seems to be any build up, anticipation or knife edge drama. Its basically hum drum with good actors that could have given it a comedic edge but that barrel has unfortunately been left untapped.

Foundation: The Emperor's Peace (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

Impressive Visuals, Solid Cast, Engaging Storyline

[9/10 · 26 September 2021]

First impressions are magnificent visuals and convincing cast, with a very smooth performance from the young lead actress Lou Llobell whom I expect and hope to see much more of in the future.

Storyline itself is engaging and reminds me somewhat of the space politics and tension in the movie Dune.

Anyway Kudos to Apple for the budget put up for this (effects and sets are top shelf!) and I hope it doesn't get axed prematurely, not if the first few episodes are anything to go by.

Chaos Walking (2021)

5/10 For what seemed life half a film!

[5/10 · 11 April 2021]

Started off well. Build up was good then when it was getting exciting and tense the film just kinda ended. So yes good concept but lacked structure and intent.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier: The Whole World Is Watching (2021) Season 1, Episode 4

A 20 Year Old Leading a Terrorist Cell? Yeah Right!

[5/10 · 10 April 2021]

Yeah not sure what the casting director was thinking casting a freckle faced 20 year old Londoner fresh out of drama school as a terrorist cell leader. Like sorry but my imagination can't quite connect those dots! In the terrorist context of things what's she even doing in America?

The Blacklist: The Fribourg Confidence (No. 140) (2021) Season 8, Episode 5

Agent Park difficult to watch!

[5/10 · 8 February 2021]

I have to be blunt but much about acting involved the eyes and facial expressions. Agent Park has one expression 'dead', like nobody is home. Sorry but it really drags the show down and makes every scene she's in somewhat annoying!

Trump Card (2020)

A Great Expose of the Corruption Within America and the Manufactured Hate Toward Trump

[10/10 · 10 October 2020]

An imagrant with fresh eyes (the creator of this documentary) takes an honest look at what is happening within the political and economic arena of America, highlighting much of the political corruption, madness and manipulation taking place. Every American who cares about their country should watch this. I found it very factual and it presents those facts not with spin but actual evidence and witness testimony.

The Blacklist: Dr. Lewis Powell (No. 130) (2019) Season 7, Episode 6

Not impressed with Agent Park's Acting

[2/10 · 19 February 2020]

Bit disappointed with casting of new charactor Agent Park. Very woody, over dramatic and not much of a repertoire of facial expressions! It kinda runied this episode for me. Shame as series is generally so enjoyable.

6 Underground (2019)

You Want Action and Laughs. You Got it!

[10/10 · 16 December 2019]

I guess this is gonna go down as one of those Marmite films. You'll either love it or hate it! I personally loved it. And in terms of stunts it was groundbreaking. Kudos to Netflix for making this and boo to all the snobs that slated this film. What did they expect from an action film a heartwarming storyline where the American guy saves the world!? Well tough. An American guy only saved a country this time!!

Living with Yourself (2019)

Very Monotonous

[2/10 · 7 December 2019]

Gave it 4 episodes and still it hasn't made me laugh or got my attention yet. In fact it's somewhat draining and dull to watch. With more characters to focus on along with a different female lead., (Aisling Bea just doesn't fit this role imo) then it might have had more substance. As it stands however I give it 2 seasons before the series runs out of juice!

Jack Ryan (2018–2023)

A truthful insight into how aspects of a corrupt regime work!

[10/10 · 10 November 2019]

Kudos to all involved in the production of this series especially the casting director. The storyline is gripping and the pace and characters both realistic and fluid. Be warned though. Many dormant accounts, many as old as 10 years have emerged to write daming reviews of this series! See for yourself. Often containing just 1 review of only this series! I'm not much of a conspiracy theorist but in this case I smell a rat!

Wanderland (I) (2018)

A Heartwarming film that made me smile inside and out!

[10/10 · 30 August 2018]

This film was such a pleasure to watch and so playful and well written. In this age of often meaningless shallow distractions, it reminded me not to forget sometimes life's about the journey and not just the destination! Cinematography was really easy on the eye along with great lighting.

The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019)

Acting is getting so Woody and isn't helped by Amy Fowler's Character

[6/10 · 30 April 2018]

Used to really enjoy the series until for some unknown reason they introduced Amy Fowler played by Mayim Bialik to the show, which has forced the pace and writing of the show to become in a word 'woody'. Shame, but I find the show is getting progressively too cheesy and I feel her character (or possibly poor acting) doesn't help the show at all, rather quite the opposite. Recommendation - That her character self-combust in a lab experiment gone wrong!

Ballers (2015–2019)

When I get sad after an episode ends, it's gotta be good!

[9/10 · 23 August 2016]

I must admit being from the UK I know nothing about American Football accept for the fact that it'd be better game if the players wore less padding! However that being said I love this series. It's injected with some great dry humor, realistic sets and locations, sharp colorful photography, great scripts, and I must say top class and very fluid acting. It seems the actors are actually having some fun with their roles and have been given an element of freedom to develop their characters. I'd like to think Ballers is a realistic insight into the world of American Football but to be honest I don't know, and I'm not sure I even care. What matters is Ballers works for me, is believable and in a nutshell makes for great entertainment and is a pleasure to watch each week!

Zero Days (2016)

An Incredible Insight Highlighting the Dangers, Complexity and Fragility of International Cyber Warfare

[10/10 · 8 July 2016]

The new weapons of warfare (specifically computer viruses) and the climate of secrecy and legality, in which such weapons are used are excellently portrayed in this documentary. Experts of high standing from both the intelligence and cyber security communities have been interviewed and their insights and opinions wonderfully woven together to tell the story of the most complex stealth- like computer virus to have targeted very specific critical infrastructure to date, aka 'The Stuxnet' virus This documentary covers new ground in documentary film making and uses the Stuxnet virus as a platform to explain many of the complexities, secrecy and politics involved with international cyber warfare and the dangers and to some extent morality of it. Essential informative viewing without doubt!

Limitless (2015–2016)

Novel Plots and a Great Combination of Light Humor, Tension and Drama

[9/10 · 10 February 2016]

I must admit I'm really impressed and was a little addicted to this series. It reminds me somewhat of 'Chuck', a series very similar to this one in many ways.

Chuck like Limitless was really easy to watch and has a great balance of action, humor, intrigue and slapstick. All in all it's a no-brainer, must watch series that is not too taxing on the brain and yet not to dumbed down. I hope it has lot of legs and many seasons to come!

As it's only the first season I've given it a 9/10 just to allow room for improvement and for the characters to find their sweet spot. Hopefully if that happens and I can change the rating from a 9 to a 10!

Drinking Buddies (2013)

A rare and successful glimpse of cinematic experimentation and courage

[10/10 · 13 June 2015]

There are some movies out there which often create a cavernous divide among the audience. This is one of them. Not every painting appeals to every observer, and at times the beauty is often missed for many reasons. However in this film I think that beauty was indeed momentarily captured.

I commend the Director/writer Joe Swanberg, and the lead performances by Jake and Olivia. Not only for their courage in creating this film and allowing so much of the script to be done ad lib (which I think is a big deal and hope catches on) but also because there was an incredible precision and tenderness in portraying what is often a very awkward fragility that comes about when bonding so closely with a friend of the opposite sex. A bond which can be so tragically beautiful, confusing, painful and frustrating all at the same time!

There is one scene towards the end, where both of the main characters are sat awkwardly in silence eating lunch with one another after a seriously painful argument the previous evening in which the truth of the love between them cataclysmically failed to manifest physically. The funny thing was that the silence in that scene was deafening. Nothing was said or needed to be said, they're subtle interaction was enough.

Sometimes the magic is in the detail and honesty! The cast were given the freedom to find and share it with us, and for that I am grateful and give this film a 10.

The Frame (2014)

Masterful Film That Ticks all the Cult Classic Boxes

[10/10 · 23 November 2014]

Every now and again a film comes along that forces you to reshuffle your top 10 favorite films. Well I had to make way for The Frame to slot into my top 5 !

The film is about 2 individuals trying to comprehend the strangeness of the reality in which they find themselves. Realities seemingly the same, yet different in a unique and profound way, which makes their quest to find each other captivating to say the least!

I thought the pace of the film was apt, the photography novel and creativity and story line engrossing. This film dared to take me on a journey so profound and deep, that I felt a kind of comfort this type of film was 'out there', as in the minds that created it. I know subtle genius when I see it!

I hope Jamin and Kiowa Winans (Director and Producer) continue to give us such quality productions in the future, and investment for that matter as this film was made on what was essentially a shoestring budget. I can't wait to see more from them. I feel a bit like a junkie now waiting for the next installment from them. I need my next ambrosial hit for my mind, and soon!