adrian_rawling Reviews

Fool Me Once (2024)

Intriguing premise; poorly executed.

[5/10 · 8 January 2024]

I got the impression immediately that I was going to really enjoy this. The story was very well established in the opening few episodes, luring me into the false belief that it was going to be a great piece of television.

I thought Michelle Keegan as Maya Stern was a compelling lead throughout and carried my interest way beyond what the screenplay deserved. She's a very watchable actress. Adeel Akhtar's performance and character arc as DS Kierce also helped to maintain my attention.

Joanna Lumley was surprisingly weak in this, not helped in the slightest by the screenwriting, and Emmett J. Scanlan's character Shane was very poorly written and a major fault of the show for me.

Fool Me Once started out as a highly promising and absorbing mystery thriller but soon became a convoluted, over-elaborate mess. There were countless unnecessary plot elements, such as Maya's sister's prior relationship and son, with details that only served as a distraction from the main storyline. The sequencing and pacing of the way information was presented was the downfall of this drama. There was a considerable lack of tension, even during the most "dramatic" scenes. Nothing was left to simmer for long enough.

Unfortunately, the whole thing felt rushed and heavy-handed.

As the series progressed the quality of the storytelling devolved into something akin to an adult soap opera, or late night episode of The Bill. Many of the sequences felt amateurish and clumsily executed. Much of the dialogue unnatural and ill-conceived.

The tone was all over the place too - it needed to be darker and creepier to deliver the suspense.

I don't enjoy being deliberately misled by a story. I much prefer to be kept in the dark (pun intended) for a twist to be delivered at the right moment, allowing you to make sense of the whole chain of events. This felt far too contrived, like the viewer had been led down an entirely different path meaning there was no pay off. By the end, the whole scenario seemed unbelievable and blown out of proportion.

Looking retrospectively at what I'd just watched, it didn't work or play out as it should have done in my opinion. Disappointing.

Terrifier 2 (2022)

Falls short of its potential.

[6/10 · 29 October 2022]

It appears that Damien Leone, who I'm sure would be a force to be reckoned with if he was given a serious budget, has taken criticism of his first Terrifier film to heart and blown it completely out of proportion with this sequel.

It is unnecessarily long, excessively gruesome and just off-the-scale bonkers. Aside from the gore, the excellent costume designs and David Howard Thornton's performance, there is nothing really holding it all together. It is purely an exploration into how far gratuitous violence, makeup and special effects can carry a film.

I appreciate that it's only a low-budget B-movie but there's an amateurish feel to it that's impossible to ignore which overshadows proceedings, preventing it from being the polished gem it could easily have been. With even just a smidgen of credible screenwriting to go with the bloodshed, it could have elevated it to a highly entertaining movie but unfortunately that is not Leone's forte.

A film like Terrifier 2 needs to be efficient and taut without a single second of unnecessary camera time and a concise, deliberate screenplay. You can sense that Leone is trying too hard with this movie and, in the process, deflating the tension and reducing the shock value. Instead of a lean, well-paced sequence of events, establishing truckloads of tension and jeopardy in between, we get a constant succession of meaningless, brutal kills that dilutes the power of it, becoming increasingly trivial as time goes on.

The ending is utterly ludicrous and tests one's patience. It devolves into the absurd, and after a never-ending final sequence at the fairground, ends in a ridiculously abrupt manner. I was scratching my head at how lacklustre the conclusion was given the 130+ minutes that preceded it.

I mean Sienna just wouldn't die. Art just wouldn't die. This went on for ages. Surely some degree of biological reality has to kick in at some point!? Otherwise it descends into nonsense and pure fantasy. I can't fathom the thinking behind this at all. Why introduce some daft science-fiction element to the equation when the film is clearly a slasher???

One of the main issues I had with the first movie was the lack of backstory, and the way that the characters were basically plonked amidst the carnage without any real establishment, meaning I didn't care enough about their outcome. Leone goes to the other end of the spectrum here with a full half-hour or more of needless, misguided scene-setting and bizarre, surreal material that lends nothing to the overall effectiveness of the picture.

Allowing us to build attachments with the characters is essential to the success of the film. But the plot behind these characters was far-fetched and contrived. The whole premise and tone needed scaling down into a brainless slasher with just enough plot and character development to carry it off. This film gets lost somewhere in the middle ground in terms of what it is trying to achieve. Leone needs another set of eyes and ears on board to strip out the ideas that don't suit the overall concept and add some much-needed plausibility.

What should have been a simple premise, with a dark, serious and frightening tone, becomes a tongue-in-cheek, over-elaborate and diabolical mess undermining the sinister, nasty horror the viewer expects from it. The script is pretty loose, even sloppy at times, and contains sections that feel like they've just been thrown in and don't really tie in with the story.

Some scenes are just plain old weird if I'm totally honest. I mean even a cast full of accomplished actors would struggle to make some of this bizarre material work, let alone the amateurs we find in Terrifier 2.

In all fairness though, Leone does have a unique style of filmmaking. Not only are his visual effects impressive and strikingly different, the cinematography is singular with an originality that smacks you in the face and says "this is like nothing else you have seen before." Other than Terrifier 1 that is.

I admire his bravery and commitment to the cause of shocking the hell out of his viewers but he needs a smart, experienced collaborator by his side to reign-in some of the writing that scuppers his work as a whole. He needs to stick to the knitting and focus on harnessing the fear and dread the character of Art is capable of.

In purely visual terms, Art the Clown truly is the thing of nightmares and one of the most disturbing horror characters for decades. Why I was laughing my head off throughout, rather than cringing in my seat and not wanting to look at the screen, is a real disappointment.

Monster (2022– )

A dark, taut and compelling docudrama.

[9/10 · 22 September 2022]

For those interested in the psychology of a serial killer, there is no more fascinating character study than Jeffrey Dahmer. He was a psychiatric enigma and a profoundly sick individual. A chronic alcoholic from a very young age. A sexual deviant with all manner of unusual fetishes. A necrophiliac. A cannibal.

A pure psychopath and the product of a perfect storm of schizotypal/borderline personality disorder, developmental toxicity (exposure to psychoactive drugs in utero), negative parental influence, neglect and childhood trauma, a morbid curiosity with the macabre, social exclusion at school and deep feelings of loneliness, sexual confusion and insecurity.

He longed to be cared about and loved by his family. He longed to be accepted by his peers. But, at the same time, knew deep down that he would inevitably disappoint his parents because of his inability to live a normal life and that he wouldn't be accepted by friends due to his odd personality.

We all tend to seek out like-minded people and make connections with those we have something in common with. The problem was that Jeffrey knew there wasn't anybody out there with the same interests or outlook as him. Left to his own devices by absent parents and socially isolated, he became increasingly withdrawn and followed a path of introversion and solitude.

He must have felt like he didn't belong in this world, and that there wasn't a place for him within society, so he abandoned all attempts to participate and pursued a voyeuristic way of life. He lacked a clear or positive self-image, meaning his perspective of other people was skewed, which resulted in him fully embracing his warped perception of pleasure and satisfaction. The men he felt attracted to were purely sex objects to him; walking, talking sex dolls. His interest was solely in their aesthetic, or physical appearance.

He appeared to have been a deeply troubled soul from the outset and his behaviours were predominantly a consequence of his genetic constitution, exacerbated by negative life experiences. If his childhood had been a more positive one then he may have been able to adapt better to his personal limitations and dysfunctions, but there is no way of knowing the extent of the damage his upbringing had on him.

It was evident from his own admissions that he felt predestined to live a peculiar and unorthodox lifestyle due to his innately bizarre persona. The conventional joys of life simply didn't float Jeffrey's boat.

I rarely, if ever, feel sorry for multiple murderers, especially ones who commit such heinous and sickening crimes as Dahmer. But I have to admit that I found his story to be tragically sad.

My usual take away from accounts of serial killers is wondering how and why someone could do that to another human being over and over again!? In Dahmer's case, I am left feeling conflicted with a strange understanding of, and empathy for, his actions. Of course I'm not condoning what he did, but I can appreciate how and why the sequence of events transpired.

In his televised interviews he was so open, frank and forthcoming which is exceptionally rare for someone in his situation. He came across as a gentle, thoughtful and articulate person who was genuinely tormented by his inner demons throughout his life. He freely admitted to his crimes in detail, demonstrated that he knew what he had done was evil and offered honest explanations for his actions. He wanted to pay the ultimate price for his sins, resisting advice to make a plea of insanity, and took personal responsibility for the choices he made.

The good part of him wanted to change and stop what the bad part had started, but he required external intervention to do so. The urges and compulsions that controlled him became an obsession and his psychosis led him down a progressively irreversible path that was impossible to resist. The dark side had an unrelenting grip on him.

My personal opinion is that he was clinically insane, due to a combination of psychiatric disorders, but at the same time I feel a legal judgement of insanity would have been an insult to the families of Dahmer's victims and an inadequate penalty for such a fiendish series of killings.

If you listen to him describe how he felt during his childhood and adolescence, it's clear that he should have been under the watchful eye of mental health professionals from an early age. His mother was so wrapped up in her own mental illness and his father preoccupied by work that he didn't receive the emotional support, medication and therapy he desperately needed. This was inexcusable given that both parents were acutely aware of their own emotional problems and the likelihood that these had been passed onto their son.

I can't help but feel pity for Dahmer, and also that the casualties of his maniacal way of life were preventable.

Between his mid-teens and early twenties he was basically a "walking cry for help" but nobody seemed to pay attention, try to understand him or find out what was wrong. In any case, because of the appalling and unspeakable nature of Dahmer's fantasies, it's unlikely that he would have felt able to share them with anyone, even those in a medical capacity. This would've made him feel trapped and that he might as well turn his fantasies into a reality because there was nobody to confide in and no way out of his spiralling mental condition. Like a lost cause.

I mean here was a guy who felt completely alone in the world. A total and utter misfit. So reckless and uncaring about what other people thought of him, making absolutely no attempts whatsoever to conform to social norms. A loner without even a rudimentary inclination or understanding of how to make friends, relate to others or find a romantic partner. He didn't seem to know what to look for or what he wanted in a partner. His perverted version of attachment and sexual arousal didn't allow him to.

I suppose all he had experienced was watching his parents at constant loggerheads and in a loveless marriage. This would have left him detached, emotionally stunted and unaware of how to express love and affection. I suspect realising that you're homosexual is a troubling and confusing time for anyone. But for someone like Dahmer, who was mentally unhinged and devoid of emotional support, it was a major dilemma and yet another psychological obstacle to contend with.

He was given such an unstable start to life by bickering, neglectful parents who appeared to be unwilling to put their children's welfare first. This obviously had a massively detrimental impact on his self-esteem and sense of security, leading to an intense fear of abandonment. Hence his preference for duping his victims into spending time with him and then incapacitating them so he could enjoy their company without that fear of rejection. That way he could exercise total control over their lifeless bodies and indulge in his fetishes to his heart's content without contest.

I expect he sank to unimaginable depths of depravity during those private moments, searching for the unachievable, ever-fleeting sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that he desperately wished to hold on to and savour.

I've read quite a lot about Dahmer online, watched a number of interviews and the brilliant film 'My Friend Dahmer'. Evan Peters portrays him with a seemingly effortless and convincing performance that is heavily nuanced and intensely creepy. He absolutely nails the flat affect, monotone voice and distinct lack of emotional expression typical of most psychopaths.

He really conveys the emptiness Dahmer had in his soul; the numbness, subdued anger and sexual frustration which engulfed him. He truly embodies Dahmer and was perfectly cast in this role.

Technically speaking this series is very well researched, skilfully put together and held my undivided attention throughout. The acting by the whole cast, especially Richard Jenkins as Lionel, is first class. The tone is pitched perfectly for such a grim and sordid story. The directors create numerous moments of highly suspenseful and tense drama including some horrifying, darkly-intimate and cringe-inducing scenes, but these are needed to tell the story of Dahmer's debauchery in full.

Episode 6 "Silenced" in particular is an exceptional and highly original piece of screenwriting with some of the most absorbing television I've seen for a long time. It was like a mini-masterpiece of melodrama.

I really feel the writers got inside the mind of Dahmer, not only giving us the facts of what happened but allowing us to feel what it was like to see things the way he did. There are a number of minor adjustments or expansions to the narrative, but equally some omissions in order to make the content more palatable for the viewer. None of this affects the credibility of the series in my opinion as we are given ample opportunity to form a mental image of what happened from the point of view of all parties concerned.

Despite having read up on the subject matter beforehand, and knowing how the events of his life unfolded, this excellent series has a real edginess and provides a fresh, unflinching and comprehensive account of the disturbing life of Jeffrey Dahmer.

If like me you're fascinated by how a monster like Dahmer is formed, you're in for a real treat.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Agonising viewing but deeply educational.

[10/10 · 19 July 2022]

Warning: This review is brutally honest.

12 Years a Slave is a highly emotive dramatisation of the life of a black man named Solomon Northrup who, with the heart of a lion, managed to survive 12 years of torture and hardship at the hands of hideous white creatures dressed up as human beings, who abused and ruled over poor souls the United States as a whole regarded as inferior.

It's quite astonishing to consider just how far American culture has come; from treating African-Americans like animals to voting one in to be their President in the space of 150 years. Arguably the best leader they have had in recent times too.

Racial equality has been a long and painful road the entire world over, but especially in the States. Racism was, and still is to some extent, so intrinsically embedded and deeply rooted in American society that their enlightenment has faced enduring resistance.

It's very similar to their imbecilic gun laws that desperately need reform yet the Elmer Fudd mentality lives on in spite of atrocities that continue to occur with alarming regularity.

The Americans are slow learners; there is no doubt about that.

Riveting, powerful and enlightening this film perfectly encapsulates the horror and wickedness of racial persecution. It shines a harrowing light on one of the most shameful eras of human depravity this godforsaken world has ever seen.

Aside from the holocaust, it doesn't get any lower than slavery. It's a stain on the history of mankind and human 'civilisation' so stubborn and so damn ugly that nothing will ever cleanse it.

So it's hugely important that a film such as this exists. To remind us how far we have come. To ensure that we don't forget our mistakes. And that we continue to learn. And continue to grow as a species.

In short this movie is a marvel that should be viewed by everyone, but its subject matter is undeniably detestable.

Terrifier (2016)

A lean, mean video nasty.

[8/10 · 2 July 2022]

There's absolutely no doubt that this film is not for everyone.

There were numerous moments where I found myself laughing out loud at how extreme the gore was. Some scenes are gruesome beyond words and push the boundaries of what is acceptable, even for hardened horror fanatics.

Damien Leone's screenplay is exceptionally lean and full of stereotypical slasher clichés and techniques. That said, it is very well executed and far from predictable, containing some effective shocks throughout its efficient 82 minute runtime.

In Art the Clown, Leone has created the creepiest and most sinister horror character for decades. David Howard Thornton portrays the maniacal clown with phenomenal conviction and an eerie, dead pan style that delivers genuine terror in spades.

Art's mannerisms and movements are sincerely unnerving, creating a real sense of atmosphere. A stillness and lack of expression in his face, typical of all mime artists, that when combined with the costume design and makeup takes that creepiness to spine-chilling levels.

The scene in the Pizza place before all the carnage ensues creates a palpable, unsettling sense of tension that I can't recall experiencing before. As Art stares at one of his future victims across the restaurant with those piercing, lifeless eyes and grinning through that hideous mouth of teeth, I was literally squirming in my seat.

It is creepiness on a whole new level and establishes an unprecedented amount of uncertainty and dread. It felt like some unknown malevolent force was clamping my eyes open and forcing me to watch the screen. I was mesmerised by this bizarre, nightmarish character and what it was going to do.

The filmmaker had me in his grasp and there was no turning back.

After the opening scenes, the film follows a previously well-trodden path but with more than enough originality and disturbing imagery to justify its existence. Leone makes some incredibly bold moves and was seemingly hellbent on shocking his audience to the core and challenging the Motion Picture Association's tolerance.

Leone directs proceedings with real aplomb and a style that is both well-shot and well-paced. He serves up a handsome and technically impressive picture despite its meagre, almost minuscule budget. The special effects reminded me of Peter Jackson's early work but with a significantly greater level of realism and artistic panache.

My only criticisms were a couple of the actors, who were somewhat wooden in the delivery of their lines, the dialogue was occasionally unfitting for the gravity of the current situation and the odd, silly course of action taken by characters. But these are generally ubiquitous features of low-budget horror flicks.

It would have worked a lot better if there was a greater introduction to the two main female characters prior to placing them in the midst of the terror, generating greater empathy for their suffering and investment in their survival. The screenplay doesn't allow the viewer to care enough about them. Some more backstory to Art's character and placement at the scene of events would also have been beneficial to provide some context. I also didn't really understand the strange woman with the doll and what she was doing there. Her presence was a bit of a mystery.

My initial reaction was that it went a little too far at times. It's the kind of film that if someone were to walk in while you were watching it, you would probably feel a little awkward and they would probably say "what the hell are you watching!?"

It is nasty in the extreme at times.

But as I cross-examined myself, it dawned on me that it wasn't intended to be light entertainment for a universal audience. I refreshed my memory of the cover artwork that originally enticed me to see it in the first place which was a dead giveaway for what lay in store.

It's a horror film designed to incite shock, excitement and terror in those who sought it out for those specific reasons. And it achieves those objectives supremely well.

The Confession Killer (2019)

Ridiculous levels of idiocy.

[8/10 · 21 May 2022]

If you're looking for the perfect television series to encapsulate the stupidity, ignorance and unscrupulousness that exists in US law enforcement then this is it.

Time and time again I see evidence that gaining a prosecution takes precedence over finding the actual perpetrator in the United States.

But the case of Henry Lee Lucas takes the absolute biscuit.

Whoever is responsible for United States global public relations needs to be silencing Netflix as soon as possible as these true-crime documentaries are exposing gargantuan and grotesque disgraces left, right and centre.

How do any of these sheriffs and detectives sleep at night? Do they drop off to sleep fantasising about the publicity, celebrity status and promotions they will receive for the utterly fictitious convictions they have obtained?

How about upholding the laws and principles they have been employed to uphold? How about seeking the truth!?

What is it about Americans? Constantly representing themselves and striving for personal success at the expense of actual justice.

Mind-blowing immorality that is embarrassing on a monumental level. Truly hideous.

The Karate Kid (2010)

Surprisingly touching and enjoyable.

[8/10 · 3 May 2022]

I went into this with fairly low expectations, despite the appeal of Jackie Chan's involvement. Remaking 80's classics is not something I'm generally a fan of - Robocop, Ghostbusters, Annie, Fright Night, Child's Play and A Nightmare on Elm Street were all profoundly unnecessary efforts.

But my negative preconceptions about this film were proven to be unfounded as this fresh, contemporary retelling of Robert Mark Kamen's timeless story was very well executed.

Transferring the story's location to Beijing was a wise decision and the Chinese setting added character and authenticity to proceedings, exchanging Karate for the art of Kung Fu.

I thought Jaden Smith (Dré Parker) brought real depth to his part, demonstrating the charm and charisma he has clearly inherited from his father, an impressive athleticism and level of skill that he must have worked very hard to achieve during the film's production and a mature, emotionally-understated performance for one so young.

I really enjoyed the chemistry and relationship that developed between his character and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). This was the common denominator between the original film and this version, with a sprinkling of elements that brought a new dimension to the same narrative.

The villainous 'Fighting Dragon' studio (the equivalent of the 'Cobra Kai' dojo from the original) takes on a more sinister form, with their master Li brutalising his students and encouraging them to hurt their enemies, and even break the leg of Dré during the tournament. The violence and bullying is far less sugar-coated in this version, emphasising the "Good Vs Evil" trope to great effect.

I was very surprised by Jackie Chan's versatility and the emotional depth of his performance. This part provided an opportunity to act way beyond his stereotype as a martial arts or action-comedy star, and he grasped that opportunity with both hands, portraying a highly believable and touching character in Mr. Han. I actually feel that he took the role as a misanthropic but kind-hearted mentor to levels far beyond that of Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi.

The most impressive element of this film was the believability of Dré's development as a fighter in comparison to Laruso's. The extent of Mr. Han's tutelage is beautifully captured, with some excellent training sequences and montages that warm the heart and rouse strong sentiment.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this film to youngsters, particularly those who are more susceptible to bullies, as it does an admirable job of teaching the lesson that the size of one's heart and spirit is considerably more important than the size of one's body.

Mr. Han teaches Dré that learning the art of Kung Fu is not just learning how to fight and defend yourself, but an ideology and wisdom that transcends all facets of life.

Inspirational and entertaining in equal measure, this is a very worthwhile addition to the Karate Kid series that defies the generalisation that classic movies shouldn't be remade.

Conversations with a Killer: The John Wayne Gacy Tapes (2022)

A vile, subhuman creature.

[6/10 · 22 April 2022]

In the annals of US serial killer history, there have been numerous more prolific, depraved or callous perpetrators than John Wayne Gacy.

Ted Bundy, Gary Ridgway, Albert Fish and Richard Ramirez are names that spring to mind.

But I somehow found Gacy's story to be the most sickening. This monster had absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever and didn't appear to be the product of his upbringing or environment. He was a hateful and sadistic sexual deviant by design.

His heartlessness and utter contempt for human life was seriously difficult to comprehend. He was completely hellbent on indulging in his perverted tendencies and disposed of human bodies like they were bags of waste.

Listening to the arrogant, conceited and self-indulgent pig's recordings really got on my nerves. Not even the slightest hint of regret or remorse in him. Quite the opposite in fact, he was actually proud of his hideous life's work and revelled in his infamy, celebrity status, the attention he attracted from Police and the pain and suffering he caused his victims and their families.

When he said that because he had paid for the sexual services of many of his victims he was entitled to do whatever he liked to them, like something you buy from a shop, it became crystal clear that these deaths were not merely the outcome of sexual misadventure.

His insanity plea was a blatant ploy to save his own neck. I believe that most people have some form of mental illness, emotional weakness or inner demons to face, but only the most extreme cases can be used in defence of multiple murders. The question is whether those disorders, however severe, prevent a person from exercising self-control.

Gacy's debauched series of crimes were clearly the actions of an extremely cold-hearted and calculating individual, with a carefully premeditated strategy. I don't feel that he was ever impulsive or out of control - he made a succession of conscious decisions, based on sinister fantasies that he went on to realise time and time again. He was a control freak who got off on owning and degrading his victims.

He might be the most repulsive human being I've ever come across. A lethal injection was a wholly inadequate and relatively painless end, in stark contrast to his casualties. The rotter deserved to suffer total misery and solitude for the rest of his sorry existence. He got off pretty damn lightly in my opinion.

This documentary was extremely difficult to digest and made me feel somewhat uneasy. God only knows what the poor souls who had to unearth all the corpses from Gacy's crawlspace went through.

I also felt that compared with the superbly-made Netflix series 'Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes' it was a little repetitive, lacked explanation and coherence in places, contained some very strange and irrelevant imagery between segments and didn't fully examine important aspects of Gacy's crimes.

That was partly down to the insignificance with which law enforcement treated many of the disappearances, due to the status and vagrant nature of the victims. There were plenty of opportunities to put Gacy behind bars for a long, long time way before his eventual arrest.

There was such a strong homophobia embedded into US society at this point in time that sex crimes committed against males were not taken seriously. The stigma of homosexuality was so negative that many of Gacy's victims were outcasts who had been disowned by their families and living on the fringes of society, which he preyed upon and took advantage of.

It was as though the lives of these young men didn't really matter to anybody.

I think that was what I disliked most about this documentary - the fact that it was a continuation of Gacy's twisted, nightmarish legacy and perpetuating his wicked life for future generations to experience, but with a tragic lack of information on the majority of his victims.

He really should be erased from existence rather than documented or sensationalised. Since notoriety was something he craved it would be the most appropriate course of action.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Intensely powerful and altogether troubling.

[10/10 · 15 April 2022]

I became an atheist after being raised as a Christian and encouraged to attend church as a child. I toyed with the idea of agnosticism for a number of years, but listening to the wisdom of advocates of scientific philosophy such as Stephen Hawking, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Stephen Fry and Ricky Gervais, along with my own life experiences, convinced me otherwise. It is no coincidence that some of the most intelligent people on our planet don't believe in the existence of a deity, or God.

Given my lack of faith, I was surprised to find this film so affecting. It is a monumental onslaught on the senses and immensely brutal throughout, containing stomach-churning imagery that just goes on...and on...and on. It felt more like a true horror film than an epic biblical period drama as Mel Gibson delivers the supposed suffering and torture of Jesus in spades. The flogging scene is certainly not for the faint-hearted and feels excessively barbaric and over-indulgent on the part of Gibson.

I suspect this might be the 'most switched-off' film in the history of cinema.

I personally regard The Bible as a well-written but fictitious collection of fables, each carrying somewhat confused and archaic morality tales, that only the most naive of individuals would take literally or as a factual account. The question I always find myself asking is "at what point in history did the world cease to be the magical, supernatural place described in this book?"

What is accurate, and consistent with normality though, is the monstrous way in which humans have treated one another over the passage of time. I find it incredibly bewildering what humanity has failed to learn from its history. That notion was what stirred me so profoundly while watching this film - the ignorance, segregation, discrimination and hatred that divergent religious belief spawns, and the fear and contempt that people have towards ideologies they are not accustomed to, or do not understand.

It was upsetting to see this portrayed so extremely and the realisation that even millennia later, people are still unable to agree to disagree without passing judgement on their fellow man. The day human beings can collectively acknowledge that faith should only ever be a personal matter, and not applied to groups of people, will be a well overdue awakening.

Morality and religion are not inherently linked. You don't have to be religious, or to have read the Bible or worshipped a God, to understand right from wrong. A virtuous way of life can be taught without preaching the absurdities and fallacies found in religious doctrine. In fact those teachings would have far more credence and greater substance without a mythological backstory.

Christian values are entirely extraneous to Christianity.

Despite the courage and conviction with which Mel Gibson reinterprets the final 12 hours of Jesus Christ, I still don't fully understand the lessons behind the Passion, or what the story is trying to teach us. According to Christian theology, it is a representation of 'salvation and atonement' in the form of Jesus's suffering and redemptive death.

Why??? What on earth for???

The only meaningful message is the idea that Jesus was willing to sacrifice his own life and suffer unspeakable pain, rather than lie to his captors to avoid punishment, to uphold his claim of being the son of God. Thereby making the ultimate sacrifice as a display of dignity, integrity and leadership to his disciples and a show of defiance towards his doubters.

But the way he pleas with his 'father' during the crucifixion and his outbursts at being forsaken by God contradict this show of strength, exchanging conviction for desperation and confusion. It was as though even he himself feared death and had doubts about the nature and power of God, and not the unwavering faith he preached to his followers.

Jesus eventually succumbs to his wounds and dies, only to rise from the dead hours later.

To believe in any of this nonsense we simply have to suspend reality, relinquishing all forms of reason and sanity, and just accept what supposedly happened. To abandon everything we know and understand and take this fantasy as unquestionable truth.

Sorry, not for me.

The story isn't even good-natured let alone righteous or moralistic. It's insanely fanciful, ostentatious, irrational and, quite frankly, unpleasant meaning I can only take negative emotions away from it, making it a deeply morbid and painful experience. One that I am finding impossible to forget and likely to revisit nevertheless.

The Martian (2015)

One hell of a thrill ride.

[10/10 · 14 April 2022]

The Martian is a visually spectacular adaptation of a science fiction novel with a thoroughly riveting narrative. It is packed with incredibly tense moments, thrilling action sequences and a lead performance from Matt Damon that is right out of the top drawer.

Ridley Scott uses all of his directorial prowess to squeeze the juice out of every second of Drew Goddard's excellent screenplay. The technical and scientific elements are both authentic and mind-blowing in equal measure. I cannot vouch for the plausibility of the science behind parts of the story, but I have read several accounts that state it is sound and contains admirable attention to detail.

Damon's committed and convincing performance reminds me of Tom Hanks' in Cast Away, capturing the same level of intensity and eccentricity symptomatic of such an isolating and dire situation. His pragmatic approach and resourcefulness in the face of unimaginable adversity really captured my interest and investment in his survival.

Watney's endurance is so contagious and when the gilt-edged moment finally arrives where his crew attempt to rescue him, I was seriously rooting for him! Damon really hooks you in and takes you on the perilous journey with him.

The rescue scene is a truly magnificent and suspenseful sequence of action that took my breath away. I was literally on the edge of my seat. It looked and felt far more real than it had the right to, and is an example of special effects of the highest order. Yes the whole thing felt a little unlikely but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of it.

What I feel took this great picture from a 9 to a 10 out of 10 was the humour that was deftly incorporated throughout. And despite the difficulties and despairing scenario faced by Watney, it never felt misplaced at any point and needed those light moments to offset the dark.

Damon delivers the laughs with real aplomb. I don't think that justified its inclusion in the comedy category at the Golden Globes, as it's quite clearly a science fiction thriller, but it was surprisingly funny.

In conclusion, I found the movie impossible to fault. It's beautiful to look at, smart, imaginative, entertaining, exciting, moving and very funny, which makes for a thoroughly engrossing and memorable cinematic experience.

Making a Murderer (2015–2018)

Painstakingly truthful albeit one-sided.

[10/10 · 10 April 2022]

Making a Murderer is the greatest crime documentary ever made in my opinion and well worthy of multiple viewings.

I've seen both seasons 4 times now, and what I come away with each time is not wondering whether he did it or not, because only Steven Avery will know for sure (potentially others aswell), but just how unethical and prejudicial the US prosecution and legal system is.

Equally gripping and disconcerting at the same time, this detailed and compelling true-crime series is a highly cogent attempt by the filmmakers to expose the injustice and victimisation Steven Avery (and subsequently his nephew Brendan Dassey) was subject to. They paint a profoundly damning picture of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in the state of Wisconsin.

The main theme of the show (and apt title) is based around how Avery's guilt was preconceived, in both of the crimes he was convicted of, as opposed to being a search for the truth. In the case of Teresa Halbach's murder, the investigators didn't for one second consider any other potential suspects or the fact that he had a significant lack of motive. It was a heinous act of persecution regardless of whether Avery did it or not. I mean he had 36 million reasons NOT to commit this crime!!

If he did do it then he doomed himself by "hiding" Teresa's car on his own property which, at that particular time in his life, is beyond stupidity. Based on his own knowledge of the state's opinion of him, along with the impending lawsuit against Manitowoc County, you can't even put it down as naivety. Especially when you take into account Avery had access to a car crusher on the premises. I find this decidedly improbable. Nearly as improbable as the speed at which the vehicle was discovered on the vast, sprawling salvage yard.

No blood spatter ANYWHERE - not even a smidgen was found in the supposed crime scenes (Avery's trailer and garage), other than the highly suspicious but incriminating stains found in the RAV4 that Kathleen Zellner completely debunks in Season 2.

It makes no sense whatsoever.

The entire investigation was tainted by inexcusable conflicts of interest, use of improper, extraordinarily questionable methods and blatant incompetence. The filmmakers unearth countless examples of unscrupulous conduct by Police officers that can only be described as deplorable. Embarrassing even.

What troubles me most about Steven Avery is the notion that he continues to devote all his time and money to his own case while in prison, and a legal battle that is already dead in the water. Volunteering for psychometric and lie detection testing in an attempt to exonerate himself. That represents psychosis on a whole other level, which I have to say is not how he comes across. Simpleton with poor communication skills...yes. Lacking in lifestyle choice and moral compass...yes. Cold, calculating murderer...not so sure.

His conduct during his first wrongful incarceration was exactly the same as during his current one - his behaviour and demeanour has been consistent throughout. He quite matter of factly, but at the same time dispassionately, maintains his innocence which is very difficult to fathom if it is not indeed the truth. I sense a genuine desperation and helplessness in him, in that he knows he has been stitched-up good and proper and has come to terms with it; desensitising himself from the total despair of the situation.

I could be wrong of course. Like Dean Strang (one of Avery's original defence lawyers) states, part of me hopes Steven really is guilty of Teresa's murder because the alternative is unthinkable.

Brendan Dassey patently lacked the mental capacity to willingly participate, regardless of his statement. The way he was coerced and misrepresented, even by his own attorney, made the whole affair truly shocking and utterly contemptible. Brendan's interrogation was, quite unequivocally, a predatory and purposeful extraction of a fictional account to further their predetermined agenda of prosecuting Steven Avery. They were simply not interested in acquiring an honest account, or the fact that Brendan wasn't involved. It was absolutely crystal clear that the truth was of zero importance to Manitowoc Sheriff's Department.

That's what I find so morbidly fascinating about this show anyway - the sheer legal disgrace of it.

Unbelievable car-crash TV.

The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (2020)

Shameful, egregious incompetence.

[8/10 · 9 April 2022]

It wouldn't be right to review this documentary without first paying tribute to Gabriel Fernandez.

"Rest in Peace Little Man - you are in my thoughts and I know that you're in a better place now."

In technical terms, this series is very comprehensive, spread over 6 parts, and covers this atrocious case from every perspective. There are no contributions from the perpetrators, or the agencies involved in mishandling the case which was disappointing but unsurprising.

It isn't as sequential or coherent as it could have been, and goes off-track a little on occasion losing some momentum. I did remain morbidly fascinated throughout its duration though.

There is an incredibly disturbing amount of detail about the abuse suffered by Gabriel, and as distressing as that is to take in, it was hearing about the failures that led to his death that shocked me the most.

Learning that a teacher reporting to a social worker that an 8 year old child is repeatedly coming to school showing signs of serious assault, and describing being shot in the face with a BB gun by his own mother, is not even taken seriously or acted upon is staggering. Even more shocking was that the same social worker was simply taking the words of the suspected abuser at face value and not investigating further.

Her existence as a representative of Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services was utterly pointless. Her caseload cannot be used as an excuse for this and she should hold herself partially responsible for Gabriel's death. Her inaction was deplorable, as was that of any of the others accused of neglecting their duties.

The documentary explores the backgrounds of Gabriel's "mother" Pearl and her partner Isauro in a misguided attempt to explain their despicable actions. I'm sorry but no amount of negative life experiences, intellectual disability or mental health disorders can even remotely account for the level of callousness they exhibited. In my opinion both should have received the death penalty for the heinous cruelty and suffering they inflicted on an innocent life they were supposed to protect and nurture.

The more true crime documentaries I watch on Netflix, the more America disturbs me. It disturbs me on 2 levels.

Firstly, it appears to be a breeding ground for evil. Uncivilised behaviour seems to be commonplace, both historically and in present day. The degree of extremity that exists in American culture is massively polarised. That seems to be a result of the vast gulfs in living standards and affluence coupled with chronic overpopulation in the major cities. It truly is a hotbed for criminal behaviour and parental abuse/negligence.

Secondly, it seems that US citizens cannot rely on law enforcement and public services to act with even a modicum of integrity, honesty or virtue of any kind. It is a place where "how things look" takes precedence over "how things really are". Corruption is rife because financial power, personal agenda and success, bias and discrimination are core values within the most important organisations of their system. They just love covering things up and glossing over egregious failings.

Impartiality is literally non-existent.

It really is a contemptible nation that I would not like to reside in. I'm sure there are plenty of decent, morally upstanding people among US society but they appear to be in the minority and certainly not in positions of power. Those in the higher echelons of society seem to put their own necks first and look to scapegoat others at every opportunity, rather than taking responsibility. Even whole departments who should be collaborating for the greater good are at loggerheads and pointing the finger at one another.

In conclusion, the country as a whole, and in particular its criminal justice system, scares the absolute hell out of me.

American Beauty (1999)

Secrets & Lies.

[10/10 · 8 April 2022]

American Beauty is a highly intelligent and insightful melodrama with a darkly satirical take on suburban life in America.

Sam Mendes presents the story in a parabolic, surreal and dreamlike style with a tone that is considerably more black than comedy. There is a sharp, acerbic atmosphere from the outset that emphasises the tension that exists between the characters and sets a cold, unsettling mood.

We follow the deeply unfulfilled Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) as his stagnant career and dysfunctional family fall apart around him during a mid-life crisis. This is contrasted by the ambitious and self-assured way of his disgruntled and materialistic wife (Annette Bening).

We see his circumstances change him from a caring but despairingly passive husband and father, into an apathetic but assertive bachelor, as he liberates himself from the shackles of his adulterous wife's disapproval and control.

Each character in the film is harbouring a dark secret and living a lie in some way. They are emotionally distant and disconnected from one another because of this. As the story unfolds, we see how that pretence impacts on each other.

The film is an allegory on being honest and true to oneself for the benefit of those you care about. It illustrates the effects a loveless marriage has on the parties involved, and offers two different cases of flawed relationships bound out of obligation.

Behind the facade of self-confidence and security, we see vulnerable and conflicted characters unravel as their genuine emotions appear. The most notable being the strict, totalitarian father (played by Chris Cooper), who by trying to dictate the behaviour and lifestyle choices of his child, achieves the exact opposite: rebellion. We learn that this same character has been lying to himself his whole life and is taking his own personal conflict out on his son.

I felt that American Beauty carried the lesson of the importance of freedom of choice more effectively than any other film I can recall. The tragic conclusion to the story is a consequence of secrets and lies, hence the title of my review.

I came away with the notion that a life lived to suit and accommodate the wishes of others, rather than being a true reflection of one's own feelings and desires, is only ever going to end in disappointment and bitterness.

A modern masterpiece.

Watership Down (1978)

A beautiful, poetic film.

[8/10 · 31 March 2022]

Despite being animated and having a 'Universal' classification, this film is not recommended for young children due to its emotionally brutal themes and potentially traumatic, haunting imagery.

Its essence is well-intentioned and educational by personifying animals and giving them human characteristics to encourage empathy for their wellbeing. It does come across as somewhat ostentatious and fantastical at times and leaves you wondering how much acid the filmmakers were taking during production.

It has that old-worldly, heavily moralistic tone that you don't tend to find in modern film which does feel a little old-fashioned.

The animation looks dated now but still has a charming, artistic and atmospheric quality. I think this is one recording that HD doesn't really lend itself to.

Still, a classic and moving as always.

Greenland (2020)

As disaster films go, this is very effective.

[8/10 · 31 March 2022]

Visually spectacular in 4K HDR. I was left wanting more apocalyptic imagery than is shown and the majority of the action takes place during the night.

Maintains an ominous tone throughout which is very gripping. The magnitude of such a cataclysmic event is very well simulated.

Intense realism that demands the viewer imagines oneself in that unforgivingly bleak situation.

Establishes the characters well in the opening scenes, certainly enough for the viewer to invest in their plight.

Like any disaster movie, it relies on arbitrary setbacks to provide plot points and a little convenience here and there. But anyone who expects to find more than entertainment and suspense in a film like this shouldn't really watch it!

All in all, I enjoyed it very much and compared to many films of a similar ilk, it was a success.

Journeyman (I) (2017)

Paddy Considine doing Paddy Considine things.

[9/10 · 31 March 2022]

Yet another supremely powerful and emotionally intelligent performance by Considine. He is fast becoming one of my favourite actors. To think that he also wrote and directed this beautiful film is astonishing. His talents are seemingly boundless.

He effortlessly tackles this incredibly challenging role and portrays his character with sublime skill and delicacy. He is thoroughly convincing and authentic in every line he delivers and every move he makes. He basically becomes Matty Burton.

Jodie Whittaker also puts in a very believable and heartfelt performance making this one of the most moving films I've seen for a very long time. It's a subtle part that she plays but, at the same time, is so very touching. She conveys so much with so little.

I've seen similar narratives before but never told quite as profoundly or perceptively. It just goes to show that with the right touch, even a previously well-trodden path can be made to be extraordinary. The exceptional acting across the board also elevates this to a higher level.

In short, Considine absolutely nails it.

Boyhood (I) (2014)

Highly original and absorbing drama.

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

The key to the success of this movie is the intelligent dialogue. It's a very real, believable depiction of life and its' ups and downs.

Linklater is clearly a keen observer and a great interpreter of human interaction and has created something of intimate power and insight, which flows on screen so naturally. It's organic. It's authentic. But most of all it's engrossing and a quality piece of entertainment that has been painstakingly and masterfully assembled.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

A masterclass from McConaughey.

[9/10 · 31 March 2022]

Matthew McConaughey is so watchable. Just check out Mud, A Time to Kill, Dallas Buyers Club and True Detective - Season 1 (if you haven't already) and it's hard to disagree. He carries films on his shoulders like very few others. I personally rate him slightly below Leo DiCaprio in the 'best actor in the world right now' stakes. He's on typically charismatic and absorbing form here - seems particularly at home in a legal setting. This film is slick throughout with great dialogue, believable performances and a strong screenplay.

There's some fantastic hip-hop tunes in the soundtrack aswell.

Highly recommended.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

The greatest screenwriting of all time.

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

Vince Gilligan is basically THE man.

He has written, in my opinion, the best story ever committed to film. The sheer brilliance of the writing takes you on a journey that has no peers. Someone said to me that the story was preposterous and they didn't enjoy it. I agree that in the UK it would be seriously far-fetched. But set in the crazy, expansive world of the United States it is perfectly plausible.

The excellent character arcs, interrelationships and plot developments are written with such depth and imagination that it's almost impossible not to enjoy. It grabs hold of you like a vice and, even on second viewing when you know what's coming, takes you away to another world.

Gilligan, with the help of an incredible cast, maintains a pressure cooker of suspense throughout the entire 5 seasons, delivering cliffhanger after cliffhanger. It's incomparable to anything else I've ever seen because of this perpetual tension, glorious unpredictability and drama of the highest order.

It's escapism on a whole other level and as addictive as the high-grade methamphetamine Walt and Jesse cook.

Televisual perfection.

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

A disappointment (unsurprisingly).

[6/10 · 31 March 2022]

It was pleasurably nostalgic to see these characters again. They are so well written and so convincingly brought to life by the amazing cast that they almost feel a part of you.

I awaited the release of T2 with immense anticipation and desperately wanted to see this film. But, despite a significant amount of bias on my part, my honest take was that the premise felt a little forced and contrived.

It was always going to lack the grit, energy, authenticity, depth of meaning and crackerjack dialogue of the original. Part of me feels they should have left the 1996 masterpiece to sit singularly, where it belongs, as the greatest British film of all time.

But then again I can't fault them for attempting to resurrect the story, as Irvine Welsh did. The acting performances aren't as raw, heartfelt or believable as the first and that youthful energy is certainly missing. But it's the screenplay that disappoints in my opinion - it's a little loose, vague and disconnected. I'd even go as far as to describe it as ordinary and unremarkable.

In all fairness, I think these issues were pretty much unavoidable. Following Trainspotting was an impossible task. The film suffers from the universal truth that life becomes more humdrum the older you get, meaning that creating a dynamic storyline was inevitably more challenging.

Even if the original film isn't as dear to you as it is to me, if you watched them back to back it would be pretty obvious that T2 is a failure, sadly.

I, Daniel Blake (2016)

A VERY important film.

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

Amidst great darkness comes dazzling, iridescent light.

This is a seriously powerful and poignant film. It paints a desperate, horrific picture of the UK welfare system. A system that is clearly far too bureaucratic, rigid, obtuse and discriminatory. It is quite evidently unfit for purpose if this account has any credence whatsoever, which I suspect it has.

The characters seem heartbreakingly real due to a fantastic script, a deliberate and concise screenplay, authentic acting performances and deftly intimate direction from Ken Loach.

It aroused great empathy in me, not through manipulative tactics but by pure and genuine storytelling. Its power is in the tone - it isn't a biased, left-wing propaganda piece or an obvious work of protestation. It merely makes known what isn't, and subtly educates through cinema.

The film examines the gaping holes within the safety net that is supposed to catch the most vulnerable people in society when they are in need of financial support. In Daniel Blake's case, that lifeline is tragically too little and too late.

When you consider that Loach also made the masterpiece Kes, you realise that this man is one of the few, truly great British directors of our time.

Lion (2016)

Deeply upsetting, but so worth the ride.

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

Wow - what a magnificent film. Not since I watched Whiplash have I been quite so immersed in a film. The opening act is profoundly moving and I literally had to pause and take a break - it was too much. Once I had composed myself, I was able to watch the remainder which is a journey I can highly recommend. The story is really quite something and beautifully captured on screen. The characters are authentically portrayed by some wonderful acting. When it ended, I reflected on the massive gulf in economic and social privilege that exists in the world. In this day and age it is shocking and a sad indictment on human development. We all must do more to help distribute wealth and comfort across the globe more equitably.

I also told my mum how much I love and appreciate her.

Truly inspirational.

The Theory of Everything (2014)

Magnificent.

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

One of the greatest biopic films I've ever seen, this is a deeply moving account of Stephen Hawking's remarkable life. Eddie Redmayne's performance is up there with the best of all time. A truly phenomenal, Oscar-winning piece of physical acting.

It is packed full of memorable and emotionally charged scenes, the standout being Stephen and Jane's heartbreakingly sad separation which, with very few words, carries such magnitude.

The film certainly focuses more on Stephen's family life than his academic successes, but that is not a flaw. His life story was very much a tale of love.

While Stephen's life was one of immense adversity, his stubborn, pragmatic approach and wonderful sense of humour were his survival kit.

The beautiful soundtrack by Jòhann Jòhannsson is a perfectly fitting accompaniment to the story.

Without a fault in my opinion, this movie is as wondrous as Stephen's theories.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A beautiful, poetic modern masterpiece.

[10/10 · 31 March 2022]

I've seen this 4 or 5 times now since its' release. There are a few films that I hold most dear, that I can relate to on a profound level. This is one of them. I defy anyone not to get something out of this movie.

It's truly powerful, poignant and elegantly performed by a wonderful cast. It touches my soul so deeply it's quite difficult to express. Even on the 4th or 5th viewing, the screenplay reaches deep into your chest, yanks out your heart, slams it on the ground and stamps on it over and over 'til it is pulverised. But it achieves this heartbreak so organically and genuinely, without being contrived or manipulative. Just like life itself.

It's simply a great story, brought to life by one of the great directors of our time. A masterfully assembled work of art that I love, nearly as much as Frankie adores his "Cuishle".

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Life is about the journey, not the destination.

[10/10 · 29 March 2022]

If you're looking for the definitive film that encapsulates the trials and tribulations of life then...this is it. It's not a rags-to-riches tale as such, more a survival-to-living story.

As Chris Gardner (Will Smith) states during part of his narration, happiness is something that is pursued rather than continually enjoyed. The film is a metaphor for that notion and an accurate representation of what it takes to succeed, in both professional and emotional terms.

We follow Chris attempting to provide for his family, whilst navigating a succession of obstacles and misfortune, hitting unimaginable troughs along the way. I found myself attempting to walk in his footsteps throughout and contemplating how I would cope in such adverse circumstances.

It's an incredibly inspirational story brought to life so earnestly and convincingly by Smith who deserved an Oscar for his performance. There are many deeply touching and upsetting moments during the film's duration, which seem to accumulate as the story unfolds, building to a quite joyous finale which sees Chris eventually drag himself and his son (Jaden Smith) out of the domestic mire they had been drowning in.

He achieves this feat by a combination of supreme patience, dogged determination, natural aptitude, the enduring love he has for his son and a tremendous sense of responsibility to provide a better life for him.

Against all odds and despite setback after setback, his parental devotion and unwavering spirit ultimately turn what was merely a pursuit into an actuality.

There is so much to be learned by watching this film and it teaches many life lessons in an admirably gritty yet understated way.

It really is a profound experience and something to treasure.