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Reviews
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Proof that less is more
You really do need to suspend your disbelief for this car crash of a movie. This isn't just jumping the shark, this is jumping a sharknado whilst deflecting bullets with a hard stare.
Main characters have almost endless stamina, suffer minimal to no damage and recover in seconds when they do. Watching John Wick fall four stories onto a parked camper van and walk away was just insulting.
I've seen Marvel superheroes with less capability than John Wick.
And then there are the endless red shirts - just watch the background characters writhing in slow motion until the fight coordinator yells "your turn" and you can watch them magically fumble for a gun while John shoots/stabs/punches/nunchucks them to death... I can almost hear the director shouting "next" after each kill.
And it goes on and on and on for 3 hours.
Yes, there are some brilliantly choreographed fights (if you can ignore the stupidly and convenience of the endless red shirts) but it becomes numbing after 30 mins. At best.
At least the original was far better at building suspense and using its action carefully to ensure a well balanced and entertaining film. Instead, this watches like the extended plot of an over excited teenager after watching his first kung-fu movie.
Next...
Bluey: Sleepytime (2020)
Brings a tear to my eye every time.
Bluey is a wonderful show that has plenty to offer children and adults alike. As a parent, it is impossible not to find myself chucking at how well this show captures the joys, frustrations and uniquely personal moments that are the hallmark of any loving family relationship.
There are also many beautifully written and poignant episodes that will put a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye and, for me, Sleepytime is the standard bearer for these episodes, as well as my overall favourite Bluey episode.
The episode plots a dream for younger sibling Bingo as she imagines herself zipping past the planets of our solar system whilst contemplating what it means to be a "big girl" who can sleep on her own. Set to the magnificent music from the "Jupiter" movement of Guatav Holst's Planet's suite, the actions of Bingo's dream are reflected in the real world movement that she and her sister are making in their sleep. It is wonderfully imaginative yet entirely relatable and makes for some very amusing moments involving the exhausted but ever-patient parents.
It is the ending though which lacks such an emotional punch as Bingo faces the fear of being separated from her Mum who, of course, instinctively will always be there for her daughter. I sobbed when I first watched this and it still brings a tear to me eye every time I watch it. It surpasses any expectations I might reasonably have for an animated TV show and deserves every accolade going.
Thomas & Friends: Journey Beyond Sodor (2017)
Sinister story and mean characters overshadow some charming animation
With three boys who have grown up watching Thomas, this is the one movie that no one wants to watch. This is a shame because the animation is great and there are some fun and catchy songs in here that the little ones really enjoy.
However, this soon becomes a story in which Thomas stumbles into various characters "beyond sodor" most of whom are either confusing or downright sinister.
What are we telling children here? That people and places beyond your back yard are scary and to be avoided?
This eventually becomes a story in which Thomas is held against his will to work for some other trains. The echoes of bullying and trafficking really are too much for a film aimed at young and very young children. At least Legends of the Lost Treasure (which also features a sinister character) sees Thomas largely in control and confident to challenge the "heel" of the movie.
I'd recommend looking to some of the other Thomas films for kinder stories, better role models and fewer threatening situations.
Normal People (2020)
For me, the best drama I have watched that was made for televison
We are fortunate to have so many great programmes and series available on television. For me though, this is unbeaten - wonderfully written, brilliantly performed and beautifully shot. Watched it again immediately and highly recommend.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Less enchanting in adulthood
For context, Raiders is my favourite film of all time from a time when it felt like all movies were amazing so I am a big fan of Indy and the whole franchise.
As a child of the 80s, I watched Temple of Doom many times as a kid and loved it (at the time, probably more than Raiders actually).
Weirdly I haven't watched Temple of Doom properly since the 90s and, having just watched it for a quick jolt of nostalgia, I now realise that UK tv edit I watched as a kid, over and over again on VHS, was clearly much less graphic and threatening than the original screen edit.
I found the screen version pretty disturbing at times, certainly for a kids film and, at the risk of being overly woke, it also trades on some very questionable stereotypes that I am sure would not receive acclaim in 2020 and beyond.
I still have fond memories of this film and I dare say my younger self would say "calm down, it's great". Certainly there are some entertaining and iconic moments in here which is unsurprising given the talent involved.
However, it hasn't held up as well as I remembered and some of the criticism here seems justified to me. Time to pop Raiders on as a palate cleanser.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Iconic, timeless, perfect...
One of the greatest movies ever made. The prefect blend of story, characters, performances, action, adventure and a magical score.
I was a child when this film came out and I been watching it ever since. I don't believe in having a "favourite" film - there are simply too many greats to choose from and I'd be changing my mind every hour. But if I had to pick one, this might just be it!
We're Going on a Bear Hunt (2016)
Beautiful and charming adaptation
Captures the spirit of the book beautifully, right down to the last page. Needless to say, to expand this into a short feature means adding some new layers and dialogue but this merely adds depth and structure to the story. Weaved within is everything you want from the original book, alongside perfectly crafted animation that evokes perfectly the source material. Our family and three children loved it, notably our three year old who screamed with joy at the sight of "a bear".
Brought a tear to my eye. Loved it.
WALL·E (2008)
Movie utopia
Like most people, I'm not stranger to Pixar's brilliance at movie making. Great storytelling, pin sharp humour and stunning visuals are just some of the trademark qualities we could almost take for granted. However, it is the emotive qualities of their movies which stand out for me, bringing depth, soul and a human quality to their characters that is seemingly beyond the capability of many real-life actors.
So it is with Wall-E, which is quite simply Pixar's greatest work to date. Visually stunning, this is animation of such detail and beauty it's often hard to believe it's computer generated.
Yet, it's the humanity and emotion of the film's central (non-human) characters that elevates this above anything we have seen to date. The first 25 minutes, in which we are introduced to Wall-E and his soon to be 'love interest' EVE are simply perfect, flawless - the best 25 minutes of movie-making I have ever seen. Underlined by some outstanding sound effects by Ben Burtt and a beautifully intricate score, I was simply blown away by the experience.
That is not to say that the remainder of the movie is anything less than brilliant, but it's success is based upon the foundations of those early scenes. From there, the chemistry (yes chemistry!) of the film's two central characters becomes the emotional currency on which ultimately trades and trust me, you'll be sold.
Joy Ride (2001)
A Fantastic Thriller
For those of you disappointed by recent Horror let downs such as Jeepers-Creepers, this film is for you. Few who watch it will fail to make comparisons with everything from Spielberg's "Duel"(1971) to "Scream" (1996). I am confident that there are a few visual references to John Carpenter's "Christine" (1983) and "The Fog" (1980) in here as well.
The film builds tension almost from the very beginning, and never fails to surprise with a collection of well crafted set-pieces.
Joy Ride also includes some commendable performances from its young cast. The growing relationship between the brothers is highly believable and provides a fun and humorous backdrop to the barely conceivable horrors that unfold. The voice-over that provides the Characterisation of the truck driver is excellent. Joy Ride succeeds mainly through the mystery and fear of a faceless nemesis and the wrong choice could have seriously undermined the movie.
The greatest success of this film, is its ability to maintain such a high level of fear and suspense throughout. Where others have promised, Joy Ride fulfils and you are never quite sure when it's going to end. The film still relies on some classic horror formulas but is hardly predictable and you will never find yourself anywhere other than on the edge of your seat.
I thoroughly enjoyed this film, not least of all for providing such a genuinely scary movie experience. Having seen the SE DVD version, I highly recommend viewing some of the alternate endings as well.