The first series is reasonably entertaining, weaving a fairly complicated plot quite well. Punjabi does ok but needs to talk a bit louder. The rest of the cast seem to be second raters following the script by numbers. The problem is the quantity of plot holes. Fortunately it's possible to ignore them and make the most of the series. Unfortunately the second series seems to have had the responsibility for the script handed over to some twelve year olds. It's not so much plot holes you have to negotiate but plot chasms. There are mistakes which are unforgivable but they are topped by some absurd plot lines.
Reviews
66 Reviews
Enola Holmes 2
(2022)
Terrific sequel.
4 November 2022
Moving on from the first film this sequel neatly moves on to a new adventure and it has the benefit of a very good cast, particularly the leads, a clever script and almost non-stop action. There's rarely time to look away. For entertainment this would take some beating. The first film was excellent but this is better partly because we know the characters and what to expect. The comedic parts are well done but the film also offers considerable tension and excitement. It should also be mentioned that the sets are superb. It also lays the groundwork for a further instalment or two with the introduction of new characters.
Hell on Wheels
(2011–2016)
Absolutely superb
12 October 2022
It's difficult to think of anything to criticize about this show. Everything about it is superb and the writers manage to keep your attention from start to finish. The acting is good throughout as is the action which is often horrific but necessarily so. The characters are complex even many who are playing minor roles and the writers don't shy away from human debasement as well as honour. The script is terrific and manages what so many series can't in that the end comes naturally and smoothly and is, overall, extremely satisfying. The lead carries off a demanding portrayal of a damaged man with aplomb and is eminently watchable.
Moonfall
(2022)
A total waste
10 August 2022
Of all the things you could spend $150 million on they spent it on this dire trash. This is nothing short of a criminal waste of money not to mention the talents of half a dozen competent actors. And it's 130 minutes you'll never get back.
Keep Breathing
(2022)
Very good short series.
3 August 2022
There seem to be a lot of reviews from people who are easily bored. This series is ostensibly about survival in the wilderness but just as important is the survival of the main protagonist in her fight to understand her past. The complaints about the flashbacks are quite unfair. They are not there to fill time but are essential to the understanding of what is developing. There are legitimate complaints to be made about the veracity of the script regarding the physical survival of the main character but they shouldn't put anyone off watching what is a very good story.
Gods of Egypt
(2016)
Filmaking as waste
7 May 2022
Take out the cgi and there would be a hollow shell. With it there's the same poor script, poor acting, bad casting and a whole load of visual nonsense. This is an object lesson in how to waste $140,000,000. It's amazing that it took two writers to come up with this rubbish.
Grace
(2021– )
Sunday afternoon tv
1 May 2022
Boring, predictable, tension free Sunday afternoon fare. There's very little to recommend this effort with the acting being mediocre at best and the script following a well-worn path for tv cop shows. To make it worse, what could have been sorted in an hour was stretched to what seemed like five.
Anatomy of a Scandal
(2022)
Dreadful
18 April 2022
With a laughable script, stilted dialogue and very poor direction this was always going to be hard going for some quite decent actors. The fact that most of them, in particular, Miller, made the most of the dreadful hand they were given is testament to their skill. A shoddy effort.
Final Voyage
(2019)
Great effort.
26 March 2022
Considering this was done on next to nothing financially the result is remarkable. The main set is well designed and exudes the feel of a derelict, grubby and confined ship. The acting is pretty good and in places is reminiscent of German 20's silent films. It's difficult to comment on the dialogue as I only saw the English dubbed version so it felt a bit stilted. That's probably not fair on the original. Some people have complained about the pacing. Yes, it is slow but that's the nature of the situation and the sense of realism depends largely on both the awful confines and the relentless march of time. I didn't expect much from this but given the circumstances under which it was made but I am quite impressed. It's a fascinating film and should have cult status rather than be written off as a cheap trick. Highly recommended.
Silent Hours
(2021 TV Movie)
150 minutes wasted
10 March 2022
It's difficult to know where to start with what is wrong with this mash-up. The script; the plotting; the absurd errors; the direction and, most of all, the acting. All absolutely dreadful, sometimes laughable and regularly cringeworthy. A decent editor could have cut this to 90 minutes and made a half-decent film but, presumably, the working editor was as bad as everyone else.
Uncle Frank
(2020)
Superb
11 February 2022
A beautifully written and acted film which should touch the hearts of most viewers. Bettany is superb in the lead, his acting full of subtlety. But this is also a chance for so many fine actors to show their stuff. Really quite beautiful.
The Legend of 5 Mile Cave
(2019)
Oddly enjoyable
21 December 2021
This budget film might not be realistic in many ways and is certainly ultra clean - the mother occasionally looked like she was ready to walk down the catwalk - but was strangely enjoyable. It was much like being told a story which was told on the hoof but was, nevertheless, captivating and engaging. Certainly recommended.
Red Notice
(2021)
Poor beyond reason
24 November 2021
This excuse for a film is simply dreadful, derivative rubbish. Not an original idea in sight, a shoddy script full of holes and some appalling 'acting'. Reynolds is funny when he has a witty, sharp script but here he is laborious both in his acting and his joking. £200 million wasted which could have been spent on half a dozen better independent films. It's no surprise that Thurber's directing high points are Dodgeball and Skyscraper.
The Harder They Fall
(2021)
Passes the time
12 November 2021
I couldn't make out what this was attempting to be. Realistic? Comedy? Fantasy? The spare plotline was dragged out way past it's bedtime although there was some decent acting, especially from Idris Elba. Unfortunately a few of the characters seem to have strayed from a neighbouring studio where they were making a New York sitcom. Overall quite entertaining but too long and lax in the direction.
Out of Time
(V) (2021)
Enjoyable
31 October 2021
As others have pointed out this film has it's deficiences but oddly enough it is very enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed the total lack of the energy and sense of urgency which often ruins so many high budget films. This is laid back and fun. Some of the scenes are straight out of Flash Gordon or Dr Who. You expect the scenery to wobble as you look. Well worth 90 minutes of your time.
Infinite
(2021)
Just a mess
29 October 2021
I usually enjoy Wahlberg's films and wasn't surprised he was in this mess but Ejiofor! What was he thinking? The script tried to pack too much in without fully explaining anything and, consequently, it feels messy and convoluted. It was also very difficult to care about any of the characters.
Disturbing the Peace
(2020)
A sinkhole
6 October 2021
I'm sure many people ask why Guy Pearce made this film. I can only assume he did it as a favour. It's not even worth pointing out what is wrong with the film because it's everything. The director and writer should never work again.
Clickbait
(2021)
Good but could have been better
10 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Lots of twists, interesting characters and a plot which always keeps your interest. There are plenty of things to find annoying especially involving the lack of computer savviness on the part of the police but it doesn't seem to matter as the story slowly reveals itself. However the final episode is not good at all relying on a poorly written denouement. It would have been better and tidier to have the red herring actually be the culprit.
Anna and the Apocalypse
(2017)
It's OK.
6 September 2021
The Shaun of the Dead comparison doesn't hold water. I suspect the genesis of this film was more likely to be Once More With Feeling in the Buffy series. Unfortunately, even though it's a film and and not a single episode in a long-running series it pales in comparison. The leads are quite good and the songs are so-so but the choreography is stilted and somewhat clumsy. Maybe more money or rehearsal time and a tidier script would have helped as the idea is ok. A missed opportunity but the girl who played the lead has genuine screen presence.
The Professor and the Madman
(2019)
Superb
21 August 2021
Who would think a story about a dictionary would be so engrossing? From start to finish this is an excellent film with superb acting from all the leads but particularly Penn who is brilliant. The relationships are finely drawn and some very tearful moments gnaw at the viewer. Wonderful entertainment.
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