I lasted about 40 minutes, and then gave up. This film was tediously boring, I knew it was going to be a long haul but I really couldn't face another two and a half hours of it. To be fair Cillian Murphy is a fine actor and is very watchable but even he couldn't hold my attention any longer. The story itself should have been enough to result in a good film. I think that often film makers believe that the longer the film the greater it will be received by the public. There have of course been many many great long films, but they have all had one thing in common and that is to have the audience and wanting more. As I didn't watch the whole film I know my criticism can be easily dismissed, but I cannot see the point in struggling to maintain any interest just for the sake of it.
Reviews
20 Reviews
The Commuter
(I) (2018)
One out of ten for trying, very trying.
10 November 2023
I'm afraid to say that I gave up on this film with ten minutes left. It was an absolute waste of time, and I'm surprised Liam Neeson embarrassed himself to take part. It is a ludicrous plot from start to finish. Neeson plays a middle aged Insurance Salesman who is approached by a woman on a train and asked to accept a curios task, with a promise of a huge reward. The story then unravels into a ridiculous trail of events with Leeson performing like an 'action man' despite being in his retirement years. I like Neesons films usually, but it's a shame he decided to take the money for this rubbish, he's better than that.
Six Minutes to Midnight
(2020)
Bexhill on Sea 1939, Really!
9 June 2021
The first ten minutes of the film looked quite promising, then it developed into a really far fetched story. At one point I thought it was a comedy in disguise. The plot was ridiculous and looked like a poor imitation of the 39 steps. On the plus side I thought Eddie Izzard did a reasonable job on the acting but was let down by the story and script, which he co wrote apparently. Please look out for the part where Mr Miller is being chased by the British bobbys on the sea front, the little copper is wearing a helmet about 3 sizes too big, it reminded me of Norman Wisdoms policeman character in 'On the Beat'.
The London Mob
(2019)
The Mad Axeman
27 May 2021
After watching this film I logged on to Imdb to look at the reviews. I was quite surprised by all the negative reviews. It was no Oscar winner I would agree but not a bad watch on the whole. It tells the true story of Frank Mitchell a career criminal hard man who escapes from prison and holds up in a safe house provided by the notorious Kray twins. I thought the acting by the three main characters was not as as bad as others had stated, and I quite enjoyed it.
Defenseless
(1991)
Hershey at 'The Bar' in Defenceless
10 May 2021
I watched this movie not expecting very much, but was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. Hershey gives her usual competent performance, as a successful lawyer called to defend an old school friend accused of murdering her husband. The plot although very contrived was quite clever with several twists. Overall I thought the film well directed and worth a watch.
The Three Wise Men?
5 March 2021
An interesting and very different take on the 2nd World War. The three main characters of Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin. Thrash out their views, opinions and solutions on the best way to defeat Hitler. Hoskins, Lithgow and Caine were quite convincing on the whole, particularly John Lithgow who seemed to have an uncanny resemblance to the Real FDR. When one considers the intrigue and distrust that they all shared, it was quite amazing that the Allies won the war at all. As with most historical films, I'm sure a fair amount of poetic licence was included in this film, along with some accurate minutes of the various meetings.
Song for a Raggy Boy
(2003)
A riveting and brutal film
25 February 2021
This excellent but disturbing story of young boys in a Reformatory school in 1930s Ireland. Iain Glen plays Brother John, the sadistic prefect who rules by fear and intimidation, eventually crossing swords with the new teacher played by Aidan Quinn. The whole cast are superb, with some great performances by many of the boys. The film is thought provoking and moving in the extreme and one of the best films I have seen for a long time.
This Boy's Life
(1993)
The young DeCaprio shows early promise
20 February 2021
This Boys Life is an autobiographic story by Tobias Wolff of he's early life. DeCaprio plays the young Wolff who recounts he's trials and tribulations growing up as a young boy with he's mother and an abusive step father (Robert de Niro). DeCaprio is excellent and shows why he has developed into a major star today. I didn't think this was a De Niro masterclass but the whole film is very engaging and all in all is a very good watch.
Righteous Kill
(2008)
De Niro and Pacino in fine form
12 February 2021
Another nypd film, which follows two buddy cops doing their best to track down a serial killer who is doing he's best to clean up the city. The film was quite watchable, although the two main performances were predictable. Carla Gugino made the film even more watchable, and a nice understated performance by Donnie Wahlberg.
We Own the Night
(2007)
Don't own this film
30 January 2021
Very below average film, silly contrived story, of cops and drug dealers in New York. I was expecting much better from a film with top actors involved. The plot was quite ridiculous, the baddies were unbelievably stupid not realising that their intended partner in crime has a father and brother in the police dept intent on bringing them down. I almost turned it off for the last 20 minutes but decided to endure the final scenes so as to give an objective opinion.
Charlie Wilson's War
(2007)
Thanks Hanks
23 January 2021
An enjoyable film with Tom Hanks giving his usual polished performance as well as a very good contribution from the late Seymour Hoffman. It tells the story of a larger than life US Congressman who after a visit to Afghanistan decides to use all he's political skills and contacts to raise money in Washington to covertly support the Mujahideen against the Russians. There is more than a hint of poetic licence used in the film, which I felt at times was more of a black comedy than a serious drama.
Nothing But the Truth
(I) (2008)
Kate and Matt sparring with some surprises
15 January 2021
A very good film with excellent performances by all concerned, and nice to see Alan Alda again. A really well constructed story with some excellent twists. It tells the story of a highly principled political journalist and her battle to retain the source of privileged information from the US government, which has repercussions on her personal life.
Green Book
(2018)
The best Road Film yet
11 January 2021
What an absolutely brilliant film. Tremendous screenplay and direction, with two excellent performances by Ali and Mortensen.
This was one of the most original fact based stories I've seen, and certainly deserves an award or two.
The film follows the journey of two very unlikely companions to the southern states in the early sixties, who experience some interesting and problematic situations. To say any more in this critique might spoil it for others, so I will not proceed any further with the story.
Enjoy, I did very much.
Enjoy, I did very much.
The Undoing
(2020)
Hugh Grant over his head
30 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I have given up with this film, I can't stand watching Hugh Grant any more. He's acting is abysmal, a better male lead would have kept me interested, I don't think Grant can act he's way out of a paper bag. The story line is ok but very laboured, despite all the hype this is a great disappointment.
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