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Reviews
Baby Reindeer: Episode 4 (2024)
Serious episode
This was difficult to watch but the story telling and acting involved in producing something so troubling yet important to watch is at a very high standard. The fact the the main actor actually went through this in real life adds an extra dimension of pain and I only hope this helped him in some way. Regardless of his own personal experience his acting in this is near enough flawless and he really takes you on his journey. I feel this will help people understand the complicated nature of what he went through and how that then procede to subtlety impact on his next decisions that led to the stalking. It raises questions over who is vulnerable and the unsettling thoughts of our own youth and that we could have been in similar situations if we met the wrong person at the wrong time.
Spaceman (2024)
To much emotional whimsey
This film really annoys me, it had all the ingredients to be a great sci-fi movie but fumbled the ball. The concept is great, a giant friendly alien spider is on the ship and there is an unknown encounter to be had. So from this what happens? Nothing........just nothing...... Come on guys lose the music and emotional rubbish and give me something interesting! This is like ad Astra but with a big spider. It's clear Adam Sandler can act but he surely should know that when you spread it on this thick people check out. I understand there needs to be a degree of simblism to this but not this much surely.
The Curse (2023)
Not really a comedy
I love Nathan Fielder, he's hilarious, and Emma Stone is a jewel in Hollywood so this is a very confusing show. It's well acted and in some ways it is humorous but I actually ended up feeling sorry for them when they surely were meant to be the butt of the joke. It reminds me of the British Office in that regard as David is not a nice person but he sort of endeers himself....but this just ends up seeming quite mean spirited and sad. Maybe I wanted more laugh out loud moments or calamitous situations but it is what it is. It is certainly unique and interesting, maybe it's just ahead of its time.
Requiem for a Dream (2000)
Sticks with you
The movie is really quite traumatic to watch, it lures you in then spirals faster and faster into a hypnotic hellish conclusion.
Brilliant film that outlines not just the consequences of drug addiction but also the consequences of taking risks to achieve your dreams.
For me the thing that sticks out is Marrions character at the start of the movie not being bothered about money but by the end she degraded herself so much then curled up with a big smile on her face with what was probably not that much cash. The change was so contrasting.
I also found when Saras friends hugged on the bench after seeing her in the mental hospital to be very poinient.
Blindspot (2023)
The bins
Literally stood next to the bins in an ally, 'Wait! The bins, check the bins!' three policemen stood in the ally next to two 2 bins, 'we haven't got the resources to be looking in a bin that is literally next to us', she can't as she is in a wheel chair, 'ok we will check one of them but if we don't find a body there mustn't be any need to check the other one', next day the woman's cleaner 'Bin men are here' 'oh no there a body in one of those bins....' it's just propostuous writing. She is actually quite good and Ross Kemp is really trying to not be the character in extras.....I just can't see past it!
Detachment (2011)
Pretensious bleak rubbish
This is an artsy and pretensious film written by someone who has little or no real knowledge of the subject. Every angle of this was written from the darkest possible point and all the positive parts were unrealistic to a borderline comical extent. The music running over this film seemed to try and allign with the deep smugness of Adrien Brody which seemed to seep out of his pours.
There is a skill in showing the light in darkness and this felt like they didn't achieve that and so it was darkness and unrealistic speeches about hope. It was a bit like someone had watched life through movies and not reality then tried to squeeze out every bit of substance from it where there was little.
I don't understand how the film achieved such a high score, the only reason I could think of is if someone needed a good cry and this delivered for them.
Fall (2022)
Not as extreme as others might say but good
This was a strange film, I set out thinking I knew what was going to happen and although I was largely correct it was done in a very engaging way. For the first half of the film I was just thinking these girls are making terrible choices and the second half of the film I was enjoying them being punished for them!
I was sceptical about a lot of it also but it was fun so I didn't care, could she have killed a vulture in real life whilst dehydrated and balancing on a small platform? I doubt it but I was willing her on all the same!
I also like some of the funny lines in it, they felt organic and realistic somehow. Also somehow I didn't see the twist coming so that was great as well. I however wasn't bothered by the hight at all so can't understand all the fuss about that.
Taken 2 (2012)
Standard Liam
I love his films because they are so similar but the formula works somehow. This one is no different really.
I do have one gripe though, when you capture an amazing agent who knows all the tricks why leave him in a room tied up by himself? There were loads of henchmen around so why not just have one in there sat on a chair? Bit ridiculous....he even had a phone thing on him ....I mean he just got lose in about 20 minutes ....one henchman that's all it would have tacken....but the rest is the right amount of ridiculous so it's fine.
I do like the idea of the fallen henchmen getting revenge though, that was a nice take...I suppose it's all about perspectives.
Hypnotic (2021)
Alright but a couple of flaws
I liked the film, the pace was good and the acting was fine....she said "i thought I'd leave you alone for a bit" towards the end but that's exactly what her ex boyfriend had said earlier in the film....no relation to it...just I'm guessing the term the writers used? Just felt wrong....but then the end....you don't give a victim of a hypnotism ordeal a hypnosis cd.....it's just insensitive....and why did she say "well played"??? What was he playing? He said he kept it for her in case she came by.....it's just unbelievably inappropriate!! That being said I kind of like the twist towards the end and it entertained me.
Luckiest Girl Alive (2022)
More traumatic than expected but made a point.
It was fairly obvious that this film would be about some form of sexual assult as well as a gun massacre however the assult itself was more severe than I had anticipated and not nice to watch. Unfortunately I think the scenes were needed so the impact was properly understood.
I personally liked how this tries to explain why people (victims or survivors) of sexual assaults don't necessarily report or talk about what happened until years later and the unseen impact it has. The lack of support from those who are meant to support them is also very visible. The result is quite powerful although still fairly depressing as I never felt that the perpetrators were properly held account for what they did.
The film was well acted and the younger actress was excellent to a point of being genuinely upsetting.
I would only watch this film if you are prepared for the severity of the content.
Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022)
Like Rocky in the old time.... but low quality...
It was entertaining enough and I watched it all however it never really felt like 1800, the clothes where too 'new' and the lighting on it was too bright. Ray Winstone is a great actor and his quality was completely wasted on this, he was light years ahead of the rest of the cast (except Russel Crowe who was also sound), just lacked a degree of believability for me to actually enjoy it.
Midnight in the Switchgrass (2021)
Unwatchable
Unfortunately when Megan Fox appeared (looking exactly like Megan Fox in real life.... same hair, make up everything) then Machine Gun Kelly came in as a 'pimp' of some kind..... Well that was it.... Couldn't watch it.... Its not often you get one scene which makes you turn off a film but this film achieved that...
Senior Year (2022)
Surprisingly funny
Really didn't think I'd like this, the idea that someone would go into a coma and come out 20 years later with that much plastic surgery made me doubt it. BUT it is a lot of fun, especially for those of us around the same age as her, I'd say give it a go.
The Black String (2018)
Good effort
Frankie Muniz did well with this. Its a classic tale where you wonder if the main guy is crazy of not.... But it's an interesting take and it entertained me.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
What you might expect
It's another tea stained Wes Andersson movie, if you like them you'll probably like this, if not then don't bother. I heard this described as original..... Its not original it's just another Wes Andersson movie.
The Father (2020)
Heart breaking portrayal of dementia
The film shows the pure confusion and helplessness that must be felt by those with dementia. The way the set changes and then the faces and people change leaves you questioning which bit is real and which a dilusion.
It's difficult to find fault is the way this film is set up and Anthony Hopkins acting, it really is a masterclass. Just at the end when everything falls into focus the pure vulnerability of his character is shown and the despair. The cynical way he is treated by his daughters husband shows the lack of time and patiance we tend to have and the kindness shown by the nurse at the end also highlights the patience and skill needed to truly look after those with dementia.
From what I know of dementia I'd say this was the most accurate portrayal I have ever seen and he certainly deserved his Oscar.
Mother/Android (2021)
Far fetched even for an android apocalypse
The cast in this film is really very good and it feels realistic but the plot line is prety ridiculous. Specifically when they were speeding along on a dirt bike through the woods while she was on the back 8 and a half months pregnant..... even in apocalyptic times that's ridiculous. Its not the worst film of its type as the cast realy squeeze every bit from it but it should have been at least 20 minutes shorter.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
He should have won the oscar
A long time ago I watched this but the scene in the toilets still gets me, I don't know what Will had to do to get an Oscar that year but he should have won it for this.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Great film
This is a great film, it's very stylish and atmospheric. It's tips it's hat to the original Shining but not too much. It would have been easy to make this film a clichéd cash cow but the casting is great, the atmospheric music is great and it really grips your attention.
Ad Astra (2019)
Really tries to be boring
Virtually all the way through this film it tried to be wistfully emotional, problem is I didn't care what happened to the main character at all. Just over the top all the time. I like the set and the space scenes though.
But my main issue with this film is if you took out the main character you would prety much get exactly the same outcome. He would have got home, the big space station would have been destroyed, his dad would have died, the only real difference is he became a murderer. So no this film is not the best.
1917 (2019)
Engaging film
This is a good war film, the story is engaging and is a good balence of action and drama. The way it is filmed draws you in and you end up genuinely routing for the guy. I can see why it got awards and I'd recommend it.
Small Crimes (2017)
Good.... potentially misunderstood
There is one scene where the father talks of narcissistic personality disorder, this is a theme that runs pretty deep through the film. This explains his lack of emotions in some of the scenes.
So I would say the film is a good depiction of this (or the potential of it).
Help (2021)
Emotional
This brought back a lot of memories from the Covid out break in the UK, I remember what happened at the care homes. This film has brilliant actors that pack a real punch. It's an important film that needs to be watched so we don't forget the impacts of what happened in 2020 .
Out of the Furnace (2013)
Quality film
This is filled with good actors that are acting well, I have never disliked Woody Harrelson so much! Well worth a watch if you like proper revenge movies. I also don't understand the lower rating, its worth at least 8.
Horizon Line (2020)
It's ok
I mean it wasn't the worst film ever, I found her character rather annoying but perhaps that's me.
For around 60% of the film I was thinking "they are in a small plane going over water... surely they would have an inflatable raft, parachutes and a flare?...." I still quite liked it though.