davidmantle Reviews

Stan & Ollie (2018)

Beautifl yet sad

[9/10 · 24 March 2019]

Steve Coogan is forever known as "that guy from Norwich" - Alan Partidge - but in reality he is a darn good actor who played Stan with great panache. John Reily is another underrated actor who is very convincing as Ollie. For me one of the most powerful scenes is where they are at a reception and have a discussion about their future and the room quietens in the background. The drunken man who thinks it is a performance , an act , cheers but in reality is is extremely sad. It showed to me just how good they both are as performers and should be looked upon as such. I enjoyed the film more the second time of viewing. And look forward to watching it agin in the near future.

Dear Dictator (2017)

fidel would be pissed off

[3/10 · 8 April 2018]

If there was ever a send up of Fidel Castro then this is it. Shame about the rest of the film - not half as funny as it could of been.. As a Castro lookalike he is brilliant but when he saved and went "Mexican" what were the filmmakers thinking. When Micheal Caine made Jaws 3 he admitted it was to build a house - so poor was the film but the paycheck is a different matter. With this he either made a conservatory or bought a new car. I doubt if the budget spread to another house.

The Trap (1966)

Thoroughly enjoyable film

[9/10 · 25 February 2018]

Considering Rita does not speak in the entire film she says so much through her eyes and facial expressions. Oliver Is his usual brilliant self. An absolute gem of a movie with some of the best scenery in cinematic history.

Mom and Dad (2017)

Pop corn movie

[7/10 · 10 February 2018]

Treat it as the popcorn horror that it is and it's not as bad as some people think. I actually enjoyed it even though it was surreal and the sound track was even more out of place. The twist with the grandparents was not what I expected but putting it in context was funny in a very , very black humour way. Sold as a HORROR/THRILLER is a bit misleading . I would put it in the horror/comedy genre myself. Reminds me a bit of the Scream movies , or maybe the original Hammer film Scream and Scream again i.e. very over the top.

Wonder (I) (2017)

Warm , well crafted film

[8/10 · 3 February 2018]

Reminds me in parts to "Mask". An example of never judging a book by its cover.A little sentimental and schmaltzy in parts , which is very much the American way of making films, but if this is overlooked and the film is taken at face value then it is very interesting. It shows how children can be cruel but also how disfigurement can be overcome by warmth of character. My wife was glued to it which is very rare. Very much a Ladies film but I also enjoyed it. Julia Roberts is her typical self - excellent , Owen Wilson shows a warmer side not usually portrayed but without doubt the most touching performance ( and worthy of recognition ) is Auggie - Jacob Tremblay. A future star in the making if ever there was one.

Wind River (2017)

Well worth a watch

[8/10 · 21 January 2018]

Cracking movie which moves at a steady pace. Interesting film that had me gripped . Good acting from all concerned with some of the best cinematography of the wilderness that I have ever seen.

The Backwoods (2006)

Atmospheric performance

[9/10 · 12 August 2017]

A good story, even though reminders of Deliverance and Straw Dogs, with a good atmosphere. I like the scene near the beginning where the locals slag off the visitors not knowing that Oldman speaks fluent Spanish. The faces were a bloody picture. I also can understand why the locals segregate the girl through ignorance, was surprised though by the lead villains attitude. A darn good film well worth a watch. For my money the combination of Oldman and Considene is pure magic - they work so well together.

Get Out (I) (2017)

goof 2

[6 August 2017]

Whilst being driven through country roads at !0:20 a creature hit the front of the car at windscreen level but right side mirror broke and blood on the headlight. Thought that maybe windshield might have least been cracked and maybe bonnet ( hood ) damaged since it was hit by a DEER at wind shield height. Still, it is good to see a film from the " Land of the FREE " which pitifully shows that the discrimination is so profound, but that shows honesty in the film itself.

Paper Tiger (1975)

Good harmless entertainment

[10 June 2017]

Simple premise of don't pretend to be what you are not. Safe family action film that is quite well acted and with decent cine-photographic shots of the far east ( think might be Hong Kong area ). Well acted with a safe plot. Motto of the story being not to pretend you are something you are not cause it could bite you in the arse..

The Fast and the Fierce (2017)

90 minutes of my life wasted

[1/10 · 1 May 2017]

Truly a dire waste of time. 90 minutes of my life I shall not get back. I should have realised from reading the synopsis that it would be a very poor copy of "Speed". Both the acting and scenic effects leave a lot to be desired. Not sure if even watching this film whilst drunk would make any difference to the overall experience.

Moontrap: Target Earth (2017)

low budget - low quality

[1/10 · 19 March 2017]

It's been many years since I have seen a film of such low quality. Both Acting and special effects could have been created at a kindergarten by a bunch of 6 year old's but that would be an insult to your average 6 year old. I somehow have the impression that the budget was a little bit tight also.

I feel sorry for the acting cast because if they get known for only this film then I feel that their career would go straight down the toilet. Shame cause some of them have potential.