dazzanormc Reviews

I, Daniel Blake (2016)

Gripping and moving

[10/10 · 19 March 2017]

This is an excellent movie. Brilliantly written and directed, this is a no holds barred look at the British benefits system and how it dehumanises people who need State funded help.

The two lead characters have gripping back stories. Daniel and Kate help each other come to terms with how the State sees them as nothing but a number and an unwanted burden.

The movie is gritty, heart breaking and funny in parts. It is a social commentary that Ken Loach is so good at, showing what a great filmmaker he is. This is not a feel good movie but it is a rewarding and thought provoking watch.

Brotherhood (I) (2016)

Hard Hitting But Engrossing

[8/10 · 31 December 2016]

There is no doubt that Noel Clarke is a talented filmmaker, he acts, writes and directs this finale to the Hood story. He also gives unknown acts who can't afford to go to drama school a chance and has uncovered some real talent, His main focus is on the inner city working class youth culture where every day is a struggle to survive. Clarke does not sugar coat the grim life of many inner city issues and is not scared to address them in his movies. But it not totally gritty there is room for hope and redemption. Not the best of the three Hood movies, it is hard hitting, violent and engrossing but ultimately a rewarding watch. Full marks to Noel Clarke who is one of Britain's most talented filmmakers and his bravery in tackling tough social issues head on.

The Green Inferno (2013)

Never quite works

[5/10 · 18 March 2016]

This is a strange movie, the first half of the film is all about setting up the characters and their personalities. There is a lot of talking but none of the characters really shine. If the idea is to make the audience care about this group of people, it doesn't really work. Although there is some interesting conflict within the group, it never is fully developed. The second half of the movie with the tribe is a watered down cannibal movie that has only one real harrowing scene. Roth likes this long set up as he did in the Hostel movies but the second half of this movie fails to really shock like the Hostel films did. There are some themes that are covered in this movie in a rather haphazard way such as FGM, which is an important issues that could have been dealt with better. It is a shame this doesn't work as Lorenza Izzo is rather good as the leading character and is the stand out performer here. But as a horror movie is doesn't really work on any level.