nfrankis01 Reviews

Spaceman (I) (2024)

A obscure yet meaningful story

[7/10 · 8 March 2024]

I won't write much in this review as I think Spaceman is one of those movies you need to see for yourself before making judgement. Personally, I really enjoyed this movie. The questions of love, abandonment and isolation play a huge part in all human life. I thought the dialogue was enough to keep me interested and the cinematography was not over the top. Overall, Adam Sandler was great. It's so good to see he has this range (just like Jim Carrey in the Number 23). It may just leave you thinking that there is more than just Tom Cruise blockbusters out there and open your mind to something different!

Locked In (V) (2023)

Lock this away

[3/10 · 9 November 2023]

Initially I thought this would be quite a good film to watch that didn't require to much brain power. I think within the first 10 mins I guessed a majority of the plot. The acting was a cross between wooden and over the top. The GP was in some scenes without real need and each scene seemed as though it was done for exposition.

Now this is where I cannot hide my frustration.... I am a nurse.... what kind of hospital did Anna Friel working in?, Her character was so unfulfilling and again used as a means to push the story forward with no real basis. Who injects a cannula port with a needle?? And so much more. Please seek professional advice on movies because it just looks dumb if you don't get it right (happy to offer my services as an advisor here :-)).

Overall I was glad when it ended, i know I said I wanted a film that did not require much brain power, but truthfully, I feel as though I may have lost a few brain cells.

My advice is watch it with no high expectations because it really isn't that good.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Once Upon A Time...There was a movie maker who made a pointless film

[2/10 · 9 August 2019]

Firstly may I say, please ignore the three sentence reviews on IMDB as they are obviously written by the studio and really have nothing to guide the movie goer in making an honest opinion of this film. OK, now to my review of QT's Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (OUATIH)

When I heard of this films release I was excited as I am a fan of QT work and feel that he always has something to offer the movie goer and let's face it, with all the re-boots and superhero films that have flooded the market these days he is a true master of his craft......until now!.

It's a well known fact that QT plays homage to classic movies bringing a fresh new look to them but this film perhaps should have been called 'Tarantino's Wet Dream'. So self indulgent that the audience has been ostracized unless you too known everything about retro TV programming (or claim to, to sound cool). The film was so long without real plot and over long shots of spaghetti western scenes that had no bearing on anything and as one reviewer said 'bare foot overkill' (QT's trademark). The Sharon Tate scenes in the cinema I just did not understand why this was needed. Was this character development?, was this ..er...I just don't know. The acting by these heavy weight actors was good - Brad Pitt especially and there were a few moments where there was some suspense (the Manson family ranch scene) but in a almost 3 hour long movie this was nowhere near enough - even the film 'Death Proof' have that underlying suspense throughout the film from Kurt Russell. The ending of this film has had some reviewers saying 'Wow' or 'Best movie ending ever'. Seriously, the girl who fell into the pool overacted so much I was glad when DiCaprio used the flame thrower - again WTF. In all honesty I really wanted to love this film but was so disappointed by it that I will leave well alone in the future as it really was awful. I guess I missed the point but then again perhaps I didn't and it was just a bad film.

Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Holmes under the hammer

[2/10 · 19 December 2018]

I decided to watch this as it was on Netflix. I'm glad I never went to the cinema to see it. Never been a Downey Jr fan and Jude law's best role was in The Talented Mr Ripley. Therefore I wasn't at al surprised when on watching this film I was presented with a dull, unenthralling bore fest. Guy Ritchie's trade mark slow motion scenes are there and to be honest I have no idea why Downey Jr is hailed as a bankable star as I really couldn't see much difference in his acting ability from Tony Stark..- SUCH PHENOMINAL RANGE. Eddie Marsan once tweeted that acting does not inspire him...I can only assume that it's a result of being in this movie. The attention to scenery, costume was excellent but the story was boring and the characters tedious.

A Quiet Place (2018)

Made for TV at best

[3/10 · 27 November 2018]

This film was a good way to waste some time but to be honest if it had been on Netflix I could have quite easily watched it over a couple of days, tuning in and out because it didn't grip me at all. The acting was mediocre, the less said about ending the better and how did it take 4....yes that's 4 people to write the screenplay. Also, the $17,000,000 (estimated) it took to make this is beyond me. The 3 stars I've given it were for the cool look of the aliens. Also, @shannonmillar - your remark 'Do not listen to cynical reviews it is from people who are so egotistical that they can't watch a movie and just live in the fantasy and story your (should be you're) watching. Well I would rather be egotistical than a dumbass being spoon fed rubbish. The fact you gave it 10 stars makes me shudder.

Pitch Perfect 3 (2017)

Out of tune

[3/10 · 17 February 2018]

Oh dear me!. Now I really liked the first one and the second was almost as good. Both funny and good music. However, this one just fell down. The story was dull the music was just OK and what was with John Lithgow's accent....why?. The Evermoist group were cliche and Becca was tiresome ...but not as tiresome as Fat Amy. (Please don't let them make a Fat Amy spin off). I really won't say any more as the movie speaks for itself. Avoid

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

They crossed the streams.........

[1/10 · 28 January 2018]

Try and try as I may I finally succumbed to watch this....'deep breath' ...movie. I have nothing good to say about it whatsoever. My judgement isn't clouded by romantic ideations of the original and the fact that when I was a kid I wanted my own unlicensed accelerator. I just did't connect with any character and I certainly didn't even like them. The comedy was not funny but if I was a child I may have laughed. The visual effects were (as one review stated) like haunted honeymoon. Absolute rubbish from beginning to end. My poor wife had to listen to me rant about it for a good time after watching it and eventually made me a cup of tea to shut me up. I have a little boy and when he is old enough you can guarantee that I will be showing him the original. Awful...just awful....AVOID.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

2 Long Bored hours outside Hastings, East Sussex

[3/10 · 28 January 2018]

I wanted to see this film for several reasons; A) Not another Marvel superhero film, B) I love Sam Rockwell & Woody Harrelson & C) because of the Oscar nods it was getting. I won't lie, it had a story line that I thought would have a few twists throughout and I found myself saying, it was him or he knows who its and is protecting them. I was wrong. Even when Dixon (Sam Rockwell) obtained the DNA from the man in the bar I thought there would be some kind of conclusion from that. Again, I was wrong. Other reviews have stated how did Dixon get away with beating up the advertising guy or how did Mildred get to throw fire bombs at the police station and get away with it because a midget who fancied her said she was with him (This character had nothing else to do with the film and was not really given any role in the film other than to be mocked in the restaurant scene). Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) shoots himself and leaves letters that don't really serve any purpose to the film and his wife (Abbie Cornish) is so wooden and was that supposed to be an american accent as her native Australian came shining through.The ending showed two people who no-one but a sociopath could relate to going off to possibly kill someone who had committed no crime. I have to confess I did zone out for about 15 minutes but I doubt I missed anything note worthy to the sub standard plot. I'm at loss as to why it was labelled a dark comedy - I couldn't find anything remotely funny in this film. If you want a lesson in black comedy watch 'An American Werewolf in London'. I was disappointed with everything the film offered - and it wasn't even filmed in Missouri. Not worthy of an Oscar and not really worth the bother. Watch I,Tonya instead.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

I got the key...I got the secret

[9/10 · 4 February 2014]

OK, I am not really a fan of Ben Stiller films and when I saw this advertised I tuned out. Then my daughters said they wanted to see it and being the totally awesome fathers that I am I put aside my opinions and took them to see it. Well.....I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised to see Stiller in a role that wasn't just him goofing around. I could relate to his character somewhat in regards to being a bit of a daydreamer myself and perhaps the feeling that if I'd travelled the world would that make me a more interesting person. This film kind of answered that for me. no it wouldn't. The films overall message for me was that perhaps the greatest adventure is finding (and holding on to) love. A nice bit of escapism and lovely cinematography made this a surprising find for me. I enjoyed it and so did my kids.

Super (I) (2010)

Crimson bolt was more like a smear of Grey!

[4/10 · 22 January 2014]

I when I was recommended this film I was told it was like Kickass only better. I am no longer friends with this person.....no really!.

I tried so hard to like it but it just seemed like it wanted to hang on the tails of Kickass. The film did have a melancholy about it but left me thinking that the Crimson Bolt was mental and dangerous rather than fighting crime. When he hits the guy in the movie line for being obnoxious just didn't fit to what I thought his character was trying to achieve. Ellen Page was to good for this film(perhaps because I had seen her in Inception before this) and a Though not a massive Kevin Bacon & Liv Tyler fan they must have had bills to pay to agree to this type of film. I was hoping for something better but it just didn't materialize for me.

Oblivion (I) (2013)

Where's Hermoine with her Obliviate spell to make me forget I saw this film

[5/10 · 16 August 2013]

I was so disappointed when I saw this film.

I am a fan of Cruise even if he isn't what you would call a character actor but his films have always had a certain quality and the action is good...if not really good. This film however has got to be one of his worst. As stated in numerous other reviews........this is so reminiscent of Moon but without the superb story and acting by Mr Rockwell. Plus the meeting of the two clones just didn't have much tension in it ...or maybe I was missing something. You'd think that those who are in the movie biz would be aware of films with similar plots etc.... The effects were very good but that wasn't enough to pad out a film that was slow paced and really rather dull to be honest. I wasn't sold on the relationship with his wife either, they didn't have any chemistry at all. Shame really as I though it was going to be so good as well. I have given it 5 out of 10 only for the effects and the Morgan freeman was in it. Otherwise I would have given it less.

The Conjuring (2013)

Modern day horrors never scare me.......until now!!

[8/10 · 6 August 2013]

After reading some other reviews that have said that this film is wall to wall cliché I have to agree and disagree. Yes, there are clichés but the way they are transcended across the screen made them new again...if you know what I mean. Also, so what...if it scares you or at the very least creeps you out then it works!. The opening ten minutes with Annabelle the doll are really creepy (there's a good link on the message boards) which sets the pace for the rest of the film. Good character building and the fact that this is allegedly based on truth gives it that extra kick. I loved the portrayal of The Warrens as they seemed just as vulnerable in some respects as the family they were helping. I did at points watch this film through my fingers. Love it.

The World's End (2013)

The golden mile fell a few yards short

[8/10 · 1 August 2013]

Sometimes when I watch a film it can take a little time to digest it for me to say that I either liked, loved, disliked or hated it. This was one of those films!........ I love Pegg, Frost & Wright from Spaced onwards. Shaun of the Dead...awesome, Hot Fuzz...what's not to like ....but The Worlds End took some time to come to conclusion on how I felt....how did you feel? I hear you ask.....well I liked it. It certainly is the weakest of the three in the Cornetto Trilogy but can still stand up straight and be counted as really good film. It took some time to get started and from the off you can't really bond with Pegg's character.....but perhaps that's a good thing as he is pretty much a loser. There are some generally funny moments/lines in this film but none that I can see being quoted like in Shaun or Fuzz. I have to admit the bit where Gary King (Pegg) confronts the entity whilst surrounded by the 'smashy smashy egg men' was kinda stupid and left me thinking was this the best that Pegg & Wright could come up with.....that said the fight scenes were really good and the special effects were awesome. I loved the fact that Nick Frosts character wasn't the side kick and for a big guy could quite move when kicking ass (or arse depending on how you want to say it). The final scene was a great homage to the post apocalyptic films and was quite uplifting to see that even though King was a loser before now he was back on top. All in all an enjoyable film but if you we're going to have a DVD fest with the Trilogy I would watch them in reverse order ending on the best last.

Evil Dead (2013)

They'll swallow your soul but I doubt they could swallow this garbage

[4/10 · 7 July 2013]

I really wanted to like this film...honestly I did, but the film was flawed from the start. This remake of what has become a horror cult classic could not compare. A poor pretender to the throne if you will. Firstly there wasn't even a hint if humour in this film like the original. Secondly, the main girls back story wasn't really something that endeared the viewer to her plight. Half way through I actually rooted for the demons. I guess the one thing I liked about the wasted time I spent with this film was trying to see how many references I could pick up as homage to the original three movies. I am so pleased however that the lead guy did not say 'workshed' or 'groovy'. My advice is this: watch the Bruce Campbell version, it may not be as slick but it sure is better than this.

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World War Z (2013)

Brains...Brains....Brains

[7/10 · 25 June 2013]

OK.....Firstly I am not a great lover of zombies that can run....however, I can move with the times and if that's what the kids want these days then so be it......Secondly I am not a fan of overused CGI but you can't go back to the days of Rick Baker. That said I found World War Z a really good film. I eagerly anticipated the release of this film and I wasn't disappointed. Those who slated this film really need to watch it again. The story line was good, if a little far fetched at times (but we are talking about a pandemic Zombie virus here) and the action sequences were well paced with the...well...not so action scenes...also there was some humour which was needed. The film gave the viewer the chance to figure things out for themselves rather than giving hugely over explained scenes that would've slowed the pace which I feel was one of its stronger points.

So to all those reviewers who went to the premier or got tickets to see it at a film festival remember the film is there to entertain the masses and not just you so don't analyse the relationship between director and star or talk about how we've seen it all before in 28 days later......BECAUSE 28 DAYS LATER IS NOT A ZOMBIE FILM, THEY WERE INFECTED WITH RAGE.......ahem.....I digress .....my point is that this is a good action film and definitely one to see. Enjoy.

Give peas a chance.

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

A squalid gem of a film

[8/10 · 2 June 2013]

This was a film that I had heard about and have been meaning to watch for some time now. After reading reviews here on IMDb beforehand I was expecting a good film...and that is exactly what I got.the film really captures the era and how close the social boundaries were geographically. John Voight really did exude the naivety of his character without going over the line and becoming stupid or simple and yet still managed to command a presence in the relationship with Rizzo. Dustin Hoffman was pure magic in this film, you could almost taste the squalid stench of him and where he lived but although trying to survive was just as lonely as Joe and equally as vulnerable. The flashback scenes may have been a bit tacky (as stated by another reviewer) but still had a place showing that they dreamed of a better life away from the hardship they faced every day. In the end they escaped perhaps one day to late and what could have seen the lead characters better their lives it left us, the viewer feeling the loss of someone who just needed love.

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The Sitter (2011)

What an adventure.......hey!, wait a second.....

[5/10 · 28 May 2013]

OK...I kinda like Jonah Hill films. So what if they can be a little childish, I enjoy that sometimes. When I sat down to watch this film I was met with the same expectations so I wasn't disappointed......however, I could help notice similarities between this movie and a retro classic 'Adventures in Babysitting' with Elizabeth Shue. The nasty selfish partner, the three kids all with something to offer as well as overcoming their own personal problems, the criminals to say the least. It was a shame as I felt duped in thinking this may be an original story but the overlords of the film industry have done it again and just rehashed an '80's film and spoon fed it to the new generation as an stand alone film.....it was watchable and it wasn't the worst way to spend some time but i shall be showing my kids the one with Handsome John Prewitt in it.....

Give peas a chance

A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

Did someone get paid for writing this film

[4/10 · 15 May 2013]

I am a die hard fan, the original was awesome. Number 2 was OK. 3 was good and 4 was, again OK, but this one was simply awful. It was retro the fact they made the Russians the bad guys instead of the Middle East but that didn't stop the film having no substance or depth. It seems that Die Hard4.0 and this one were more about John McClane reconnecting with his kids who require explosions, near death experiences and exploding helicopters (as in 1,3 &4.....was there one in number 2 i can't remember) to call him dad at the end of the movie. Hence the last scene where they all walk off together. What is next Die Hard 6: night on the town with Holly Genero where John finds himself in china town where he stumbles across the Akuza smuggling guns.......it's practically written.......but count me out.

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Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

Wild thing....I think I love you....

[9/10 · 13 May 2013]

I have just finished watching this film with my kids and was hooked five minutes in. Simply brilliant. The story draws you in straight away and you actually have empathy for Max even if he is a little hard to handle. The main thing for me is the fact that the 'Wild Things' could have so easily been completely CGI but were not. It added a huge sense of 'realism' to the film and it made me happy..... The book is, i'm sure, in every child's bookshelf and the DVD should be as well. A great story, great puppetry, great...just great... Certainly one I will put on again with my kids and ranks up there with The Princess Bride and Goonies for shear escapism.

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A Fantastic Fear of Everything (2012)

A fantastic fear of pointless films

[4/10 · 13 May 2013]

Oh dear.....it is plain to see that SimonPegg is at his best when he has written the screenplay himself. This film left me wondering why on earth Mr Pegg would do such a film. I enjoyed the way it was shot plus the narrative alongside the film but all the while seemed flat in regards to story. I wonder if it was trying to come across in comic book style but fell short of the mark. Perhaps if Edgar Wright had directed then it may have given it a little more momentum as 104 minutes can be a long time if there is nothing gripping you and keeping your focus. It is worth watching if you're a fan of the Pegg otherwise I'd choose something else.

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The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

Hopefully this movie will 'disappear'.

[1 May 2013]

Where to begin....it's sad to see a film with decent actors in it completely bomb, Steve Carrell is great in the right part and this one definitely wasn't one he should have got. Jim Carey doing what he does best but can't top me myself and Irene for laughs and Steve buscemi....he was a reservoir dog for Scorsese's sake..... This film was dull from beginning to end, and by the end it was plain to see that those who put pen to paper and wrote the screenplay must have done it in a day. The jokes were predictable and the characters were 2 dimensional. I'd rather watch a Ben stiller movie than watch this again. Fingers crossed 'now you see me' fairs better.

Give peas a chance.

Django Unchained (2012)

Not the best Tarantno film ever............

[5/10 · 29 April 2013]

This is first review I have written so please forgive me if you don't agree....however.... I was really looking forward to seeing Django. I am a fan of QT and can pin point my favourite film as being Pulp Fiction, another convoluted story which comes together in the end. Sadly Django never came close and left me comparing it to Death Proof (not his best work either). Firstly this film was sooooo long it made my bottom ache. There seemed a lot of pointless scenes that really were unnecessary to push the story line forward. Also, Christphe Waltz was absolutely awesome in Inglorious Basterds but seem to reprise the role in Django ( in a round about way). It wasn't all bad. There were points in the film that I enjoyed but they were few and far between. Perhaps I was missing something and it may be that it requires a second viewing but my initial thoughts were disappointing and could have been a lot shorter to get to the final pay off. One final thought is this; if the need for pointless scenes were needed then perhaps it would have been better to include the back story of the Zoe Bell character.....

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