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Reviews
The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)
Great example of how to stuff up a true story
What is there not to get excited about when it comes this amazing story about real man eating lions of Tsavo stalking and killing many people over several months.
Unfortunately this sad attempt at telling this story is less exciting than watching paint dry. Val is wooden and uncomfortable onscreen, perhaps not his fault but more likely poor direction and screenplay. Michael Douglas's character Robinson never actually existed or took part in the killing of the man eaters of Tsavo. It shows in his ridiculous interaction with the the other characters and the fabulous Massai who were the best part of the movie. Action sequences are lame with no real understanding of building tension. Poor show with amazing subject matter that could have been an amazing movie
Barbarians (2020)
Loved listening to spoken Classical Latin
Who would have known that listening to Latin could be so captivating, interesting and fascinating to hear.
Very much enjoyed Barbarians. In a similar genre to Rome. Historically relevant and fascinating with fabulous production values and eye to detail. Excellent writing with some superb characters and beautiful one on one interactions. Also nice balance of brutal reality in action sequences.
Amazing take on a true story.
Default mode on Netflix starts with dubbed English version. Do yourself a favour and switch to original German, Latin with subtitles
Rome (2005)
Excellent series but shame there wasn't another 3 seasons
Thoroughly enjoyed Rome. Excellent writing, action sequences and characters even with the liberal liberty taken with history figures and timelines. Enjoyed the chemistry and Butch Sundance buddy energy brought to the relationship between Pullo and Vorenus and liked the way their highly fictional relationship was wound into the historical characters story lines. Enjoyed the vignettes around everyday life the show brought to life in amazing detail. My criticism comes from the rushed second season, compressing 20 or so years into a few short episodes. Not the show runners fault as Rome was originally set to run for 5 seasons, just a pity this fascinating period of history wasn't fleshed out in the detail it deserves. Still a fabulous piece of entertainment
Contagion (2011)
Great Science but totally uninteresting characters
I do respect the effort that filmmakers have put into making a believable pandemic scenario. Unfortunately the story plods along and the characters appear uninspired. The movie seems to be going through the motions. No action, no nuanced story telling and no excitement. A shame considering how accurately this movie of portrays our current Corvid 19 pandemic nine years before it actually happened. I usually love a plot and dialogue driven drama but they needed to add some entertainment and characters that we care about. Don't expect to be hanging by the edge of your seat.
First Kill (2017)
Don't waist 97 minutes of your life
More plot holes than a Swiss cheese target at a shotgun convention. I know we are supposed to suspend our logic when it comes to movie plots but please don't treat us like total idiots. The premise of 'First Kill' is plausible enough. Wall street dad takes his paternally neglected and bullied son on a hunting trip to spend time, pass on some fatherly wisdom and make a man of his 11 year old boy. Unfortunately as we get to know the characters they just don't work. Dany who is the bullied young boy in the story comes across as the sort of kid who would be terrified on the teacups ride at Disneyland let alone about to go out in the woods to kill a huge mammal with a large hunting rifle. Ty Sheldon who plays Danny does a great job in his role but is just not believable. His father Will (Hayden Christensen) is equally uncomfortable in his role. Will takes Danny to his childhood home territory to show Danny where he grew up and how to use his father's hunting rifle. Danny is not at all into this and not particularly good at it either. Off they go into the woods against the wishes of Danny's mother Laura (Megan Leonard) Blah Blah When the action starts things just get a whole lot worse. The story tries to twist and turn but instead trips then stumbles then just falls flat on it's totally clichéd face. Characters are shot at point blank range only to pass out from blood loss then miraculously recover in minutes to be perfectly fine. Blah Blah Enter Bruce Willis, perhaps Bruce can save this confused abomination... Nope, unfortunately at best Bruce appears to be bored and totally disinterested in his character, the script the plot...Blah blah Bruce, Just another B Grade cameo kinda..Blah..as a bad cop. Perhaps Bruce really should let someone who may be a little more committed have a go at this role. It wouldn't have helped the movie but as an actor many of us have very much enjoyed watching over many years it just doesn't sit well. For those of us who consider themselves Bruce Wills fans it's very disappointing. Give it a wide berth.