Change Your Image
stephen-abraham
Reviews
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Harrison Ford at 80 plays authentic Indy like putting on an old pair of shoes
What's Good:
- Harrison is just amazing. The quips, the looks, the de-aged (probably the most tastefully done yet in film). It's riveting just watching the love he has for this character.
- Visuals. This film "looks vintage" and plays into the 'old browned' archeology theme look. Visually it's stunning. The action looks real and doesn't suffer from green-screen unreality or overdone CGI looks of nonsense like the Fast and Furious ilk.
- Treatment of legacy characters. I think they really did them all justice. There was careful plot descriptions/thought put into "where's Mutt?", "where's Marion?", "why is Indy here?", "how did Saleh get here?" etc. The legacy characters are treated with respect. Sure there is nostalgia, but they are true to themselves and how they would have been in 1969 America.
- Set pieces are amazing. Germany, New York, Morocco, Greece - they don't feel like set pieces. They look and feel real and really "take you there".
- The action is quite amazing at times and really has you in your seat. There were audible screams in the theatre I was in!
- Tongue in cheek humour is tasteful and "in keeping" with the franchise.
What's a Challenge:
- I admit I have a personal distaste for Waller-Bridge. She does a solid job. If you like her, great you'll be fine. For me I just find her acting too over-the-top and arrogant.
- Most Indy films are a "race against time across the globe". This film leans heavily into that - maybe too heavily.
- Some of the action is a bit too over the top. I think the Morocco chase was a bit long and drawn out
Overall, I really enjoyed this film, much more than Crystal Skull. Mangold and Co really did a great job. This could have so easily been "Crystal Skull 2" - and it is not which is actually quite an achievement if you think about it.
Death on the Nile (2022)
Visually stunning, "golden years of Hollywood" stylised, well crafted thriller
This is very good. I really enjoyed it. I really dig the aesthetics; everything from the vinyl-sounding Jazz, to the overtly golden-era-stylised sets, and cinematography, and the intentional symmetry depicting Poirot's OCD.
Sure it's predictable and maybe takes itself too seriously, but it's a seriously well-made piece that takes you back to a bygone era. A marvellous bit of escapism and it we're honest, isn't that what good cinema is all about?
The Batman (2022)
The bat, the cat and the penguin; plus rain/grime, minus campy humor
The good:
- A really great reinvention/reimagining with original ideas.
- We haven't seen this sort of gritty, film noir, detective take on the character in the cinema before.
- Really, great performances by everyone.
- if DCEU Batfleck was the battle-worn older Batman, Bat-tinson is the young, developing, dark Batman finding what he is supposed to be
- this is probably the most fallible Batman. He doesn't "save the day" misses some critical evidence and makes mistakes.
- at times this is more a scary thriller than a superhero movie.
The bad:
- this is a long film
- trying to untangle who is who in the criminal underworld and how they relate to each other got a bit confusing
- there is a lot of rain. The poor cast and crew having to film in it - it must have been a nightmare!
I liked it. It's a tough job "doing something new" after so many Batman films. Not as good as The Dark Knight, but its a very good piece of cinema.
Free Guy (2021)
Surprised by a new take on AI
I've got to admit I was not expecting this movie to be as good as it is. But although a derivative of the whole "a guy coming to life" genre, this does through the whole world off online action gaming.
I'm not a big fan of Ryan Reynold's overdone humour, but it was tone down enough to work and bounce to well off all the other actors.
Although it starts off with the same vibe as a live-action "Lego Movie" it's soon moves into it new territory.
There is actually some good commentary to on the morality of violent battle royale and GTA style games.
Jodie Comer is great, Lil Rel Howery has great chemistry with Reynolds, and Taika Waititi is amazing as always. There are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments too - especially if they haven't been spoiled by the trailer for you!
Good on the creators of trying to do something with this much heart and humour.
What If...? (2021)
Lots of harsh reviews here
This review is for episode one. Look I'm not a comic book nerd. I don't know what they got wrong. But I enjoyed it. If you think about it, how do u compress a retelling of "The First Avenger" in a TV show length? So yes it is compressed. But they didn't shy away from the historical sexism that would have been present in the WW2 era and the challenges that women faced. The changes were interesting especially if you loved the original film. The action is amazing. The relationship compression makes Peggy and Steve's relations feel forced. If you haven't seen the film, this show won't make a lot of sense IMHO. But I liked it regardless. Not earth shattering but I'm looking forward to how these episodes progress.
Coming 2 America (2021)
For lovers of the original. A positive nostalgia trip. Feelgood movie from another time.
This is OK. Its not terrible. I expected far worse given Eddie's hit/miss ratio!
This movie takes you on a nostalgic trip back to another time when feel good movies ruled the silver screen (1990s). And it plays out just like a movie from that era in the cutsie way the story unfolds, the simple characters and amusing scenes. Its actually kind of refreshing in today's cynical, subversive-addicted, media-scape.
If you loved the original, this movie is full of nostalgia. Its a shame some of Eddie and Arseon's original characters don't get to shine more - like the barbershop guys and Revered Brown; though present they are missing some of the edgy pizzaz they had in the original. But seeing all these characters and actors again is just lovely.
Overall a simple enjoyable nod to the original.
The Invisible Man (2020)
A genuinely enjoyable thriller
Great sense of pending dread. Great visuals and effects and the Moss is excellent.
Despite the classic thriller tropes I didn't know where this was heading (which I love).
Worth a watch!
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Look its not a terrible movie. A good sequel suffering from franchise fatigue.
SOME SPOILERS AHEAD.
People had bagged this a lot online.
Yes its not ground-breaking like T1 & T2.
But I was genuinely engaged with the plot and on the edge of my seat with the amazing action. The ideas were compelling: the new future enemy, the unstoppable Rev-9 was a persistent threat just like T1 & 2. I didn't know where this was going to head - and not being a US citizen and seeing the boarder wall and facility actually felt fresh. They get caught! The story had me until until the underwater scene which lost me due to the absurdity.
Sure there are plot holes but it felt like a good Terminator film. It felt right. I really enjoyed Grace's character - I really felt for her. I got the same sort of teary emotion at the end when she gave her life. Likewise with Karl. The opening had already been spoiled for me so I can't comment on how that would have felt to see.
There are so new ideas here. I like that T2 actually DID end Skynet. It made sense that they sent several T800s back. Sarah Conner was great and her interplay with the leads felt real and grisly.
BUT: this is the 4th go at a sequel after 3 failures. Everything has been tried and hasn't stuck. As a fan of the first two films its very very hard to not have this "bad taste in your mouth" about it all. And so as the movie-goer there is a similar scenario as with "Solo: A Star Wars Story". It wasn't terrible, but the "The Last Jedi" WAS terrible and so it suffered.
Not just franchise fatigue: its "bad sequel" fatigue that hurts this movie.
The Morning Show (2019)
Every episode is Gold
There's not many shows where you find yourself shouting "YES!", crying, and then left with your mouth on the floor utterly aghast - every episode.
Everyone is fantastic.
Who knew Aniston could act?!
Billy Crudup is just fantastic.
Just watch it. You won't regret it.
Frankenstein (2015)
A heartfelt indie interpretation of the classic Mary Shelley
What is good about this film is it captures the heart of the original Mary Shelley novel; the cruelty of humanity and how unfair life can be.
- the cruelty of the creators "playing god"
- the cruelty of society
- the cruelty of those who society labels ugly or "monsters".
Nightflyers (2018)
Pull out. Pull out now!
This show is proof that just because something is based on George R. R. Martin's work it doesn't mean it's somehow instantly awesome. Why does every Sci Fi show have to be subversive, sexy and edgy? It's like is a prerequisite tickbox on all TV producer's clipboards now so that "we can have GOT in space!". Thi ps show is Helix set in space. No character is likeable. No meaningful story. No reasonable motivation. Sex for the sake of it. No basis in science. This show is just awful.
Deadpool 2 (2018)
Argueably the Best Superhero Movie of All Time
Yes its fun, irreverent and action packed and doesn't take itself too seriously BUT it has heart and passion.
But its the whole package that makes this perhaps the greatest Superhero movie. We know the MCU formula backwards - and its precisely that this does quite follow that formula that this movie shines. The pacing, music, the unexpected twists, amazing fight choreography all are obedient to telling a great story. This movie surprises and delights esp with the post credit scenes which make this story and the whole X-men universe make sense. There is continuity of development of characters the previous film and a bit less sexy stuff which I prefer (esp for teens who will watch this no doubt). The first movie was a love story. This is family story. Above all this is just a brilliant movie.
Upgrade (2018)
Wow! Excellent film
There's some really good sci-fi elements to this movie. Some real thought went into the human augmentation tech and the "soon to be" world of soft AI assistance. The recent Ghost in the Shell live-action movie didn't do it as well as this film with an order-of-magnitude lower budget - so kudos to the creators. I didn't know where it would end. It was quite a ride.
Last Days in Vietnam (2014)
A Tragedy I Never Knew About...
Watched this by accident on Netflix.
Thank you to the film makers, those interviewed and all those involved.
All I can do is cry when I think of the betrayal and loss inflicted upon those involved this great modern-day Exodus.
Those who saved lives are heroes. Those that allowed this to happen are culpable.
Remember this and NEVER let such a human tragedy happen again.
Battlestar Galactica (2004)
Ground-breaking TV by Ron Moore. Still THE best Sci-fi series of all time a decade later
Its 2018.
We've had two crappy Disney-wars movies despite billions thrown at them.
But we have great, gritty TV story arcs that are ruling the airwaves.
And Ron Moore & David Eick's BSG started it all.
Is the CGI dated - yes. But rewatching it 9 years since it ended (14 since the mini-series) its not as bad as you think?
Why? Because it is such great realist television. Human characters with all their foibles on display. Noble characters that make you want to be a better person. Arguably the greatest villain every on TV played brilliantly - Baltar played by James Callis. Intelligent theological discussion. Mystery, suspense, and a real sense of peril. Great series arcs and brilliant story and character development.
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Star Wars is now a lame joke.
In keeping with this brilliant new theme of killing off all the beloved original cast, I predict in the next film the Millenium Falcon will be put in a car crusher, Chewie set on fire and R2 and 3PO die of a mutual suicide pact.
And now that The Force is just plain magic (untrained force wielders can instantly fight like Jedi's and survive the vacuum of space), the Porgs will become force wielders and become dark Jedis riding a magical wave of green milk and shooting lasers out their bums.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Certainly lives up to Philip K Dick's legacy.
If you loved the tech noir of original, this movie certainly delivers. Visually stunning. The cinematography really is a work of art - its definitely Oscar worthy. Whereas the environment in the first film felt claustrophobic (it was almost a character in the original), the vista in 2049 is broader here but no less a dystopia of decaying mother earth. I'm so glad Ridley didn't direct this - it feels like a fresh pair of eyes cast a new take on the world of the original. The pacing is so reminiscent of the original and there are several throw-backs to the it throughout the film, but they don' feel cliché or simply included for nostalgic purposes. The cast are excellent. I am SO glad I avoided the trailers - would have ruined it for me I recon. Like all excellent sci-fi, I am left with questions about humanity's future. - "is this really the world we are heading too?" One of the characteristics of Philip K Dick's work (the ground-breaking sci-fi author of last century) is the question "what is reality?". This film certainly lives up to his legacy. (is the character "K" a deliberate reference to this?) I'm going to see it again!
The Crown (2016)
Utterly compelling. Game of Thrones minus the gratuitous sex & violence.
I'm gobsmacked by how well executed this series is. Everything about it is exceptional - from the attention to detail, the pace, the story arc. Lithgow, Foy and Smith are quite simply amazing - acting at their finest. How much is said in a mere glance or facial expression is quite astonishing. Thank-you Netflix for showing that you can produce the most compelling show on television without the need for the gratuitous sex and violence.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Not Oscar-worthy, but not as bad as people say it is
Expectations play a lot with movies. I saw all of the 1 out of 10s people have given this film so I didn't expect much. I was pleasantly surprised by how good this was. Sure - there's plot holes and stupid decisions both by the crew of the Covenant AND the director - but this is an Alien film. There's been two good ones period - the rest are varying degrees of terrible.
What was good: - this film answers many questions: what happened to Shaw and David, did they find the Engineers, where did the Xenomorph come from. - Acting-wise Fassbender is excellent, and most of the cast hold their own. - FX are brilliant. Tasteful use of CGI. Genuinely horrifyingly real at times. - the pace was good - great tie-ins with Prometheus, Weiland, David etc - I felt scared, horrified and full of pending dread!
What was bad: - as others have said there are logic and plot-holes. - plot twists were pretty predictable - predictable jump-scares.
Why watch it? - you love the Xenomorph - you want to know what happened to Shaw/David after Prometheus.
I know this is from acclaimed Oscar-winning director/creator Ridley Scott who did such great sci-fi in the 80s and so expectations are high. But Prometheus proved he can make an average movie. Lower your expectations! This is part of the Alien franchise which more often than not are average movies. A key theme of the alien franchise is the folly of humanity, of "playing God", and vanity and that theme is very present in this movie. Alien Covenant successfully reminds you that "in space no-one can hear you scream" (except everyone else in the cinema).
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Pretty good - maybe the best live-action anime remake
After all the negative press and as a passionate fan of the films and OVA's I nearly didn't see this film. After "Speed Racer" and "The Last Airbender" I didn't want something I loved to be ruined by Hollywood. IMHO Ghost in the Shell is perhaps the best live-action remake of an anime. Here's why...
Spoilers ahead so be warned!
What to love: For fans there are so many nods to the films and OVA's: Batou's eyes and love of dogs, Togusa's gun (not a Mateba, but the modern version - a Chiappa Rhino), the tank scene, the water fight, the naked dive - its all there. The plot melds the original film with the SAC's second season protagonist Kuze - but makes something new thats not too bad. This is a very vulnerable Major - not the superhuman hacker of the OVAs, more the Major of the first film questioning her identity. The physical effects, props, sets - they are all superb. I thought this would be just a CGI fake world but I was wrong. WETA and the directors made this feel realistic. The final nod to Motoku's Japanese heritage. That was clever! Aramaki only speaks in Japanese - that was cool too and he kicks ass! The Major's and Batou's relationship. Nicely handled. I like the way they handled The Major's nudity. It was actually pretty good. I didn't feel embarrassed looking at her. I felt like a lecher watching the original film! The action wasn't too ridiculous or overdone. It was part of the story
Whats a bit meh: Togusa doesn't have a mullet! Thats a crime! The rest of Section 9 characters are not fleshed out at all. Just cardboard cutouts. The plot was a bit dumbed down
Final thoughts: A good at times great film. A faithful live-action reimagining of the anime. I came away needing to talk about the future of humanity and machine. That is the sign of good sci-fi: that it makes you think. Can't wait to see this again! I would love to see a sequel where the rest of section 9 are given more air-time.
Terminator Genisys (2015)
OK - Enjoyable but could have been much more.
Terminator 1 & 2 were such iconic films: amazing performances, great direction and cohesion that helped the viewer buy-in to the unbelievable.
This movie unfortunately doesn't have that quality that Cameron, Nolan and Abrams seem to be able to conjure in Sci-fi. The first half - the setup with Connor and Reece and the "retelling" of the beginning of T1 - this was great, nostalgic, well shot and great fun. But then it starts to fall apart. Arnie trying to explain the time-travel mumbo-jumbo was a weak-point. There wasn't the electric chemistry between Reece and Sarah that T1 had. JK Simmons character didn't go anywhere (under-utilized) The ending average and predictable. The first Terminator movie where none of the leads died! A happy ending in the franchise seems very out-of-place and the teaser seemed tacked-on.
Despite this I enjoyed seeing Arnie: the way they aged him was clever and well thought out. Emilia Clarke and Jason Clark were solid. An OK movie - but not a patch on Cameron's originals.
Thunderbirds Are Go (2015)
What a relief! Thunderbirds reboot is a GO-er!
Jonathon Frakes TERRIBLE 2004 live action film showed us the danger of attempting a reboot/refresh of an iconic TV series that is so beloved and cherished to this very day.
As a huge fan of the original series, I'm happy to say this reboot/pilot episode is a a very good homage to the original and a good "refresh" for 21st century audiences. Richard Taylor and the Weta team have really outdone themselves with the visuals. The ships look amazing and true to the originals (Scott even explains that they have been through a "refit"). Things like the weathering on models that FX wizard Derek Meddings did to make the miniatures look real - its all there in hi-def realism. Even the way the water moves in that strange "high-frame-rate-slowed-down-to-look-real" is there (and note the head of the undersea lab is "Dr Meddings"!). I was gob-smacked at how they made the ships/sets have both realism AND a vibe that "this is looks like a model".
I like the updates to all the sets: definitely reminiscent of the originals but with a modern edge. The updates to the costumes make sense: especially the sashes now being utility belts. The lead characters presentation is pretty good: they look half-way between the original puppets and real people - especially the faces. Parker's nose is there in all its glory!
One of the things that makes the original series difficult for young audiences is that the pace is slow: really slow. The pace here is fast (almost too fast?) and really keeps you on edge. There is a sense of peril - difficult to present when you know that every time "the good guys save the day". My adult son thought the music was great and well done. It certainly is epic, but being a fan of the Barry Gray score it would have been nice to have a little of those classic melodies to tease us old fans.
Not having Jeff Tracy (who appears to be MIA) is quite a plot twist. It appears as if he has been missing for some time and the boys have "stepped up" with John in more of a lead role. It will be interesting to see where this goes as a story arc. I must say, when I heard Jeff Tracy's countdown in the intro: my heart leaped! You HAD me at the count down!
Really looking forward to the rest of the series. The respect and love the creators have for the original series is evidnet and very much appreciated. They have really outdone themselves in this respect. Hopefully the stories will continue in this fine form.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Feels like a bad version of Die Hard 2 in Space...
Pros - slick - seems that non-trekkie, non-scifi lovers love it - visually grand - great music - nice homages to the Original Series
Cons - Too many absurd plot holes. - the storyline is really over-dramatised/over-done and lazy. - action scenes too fast and so far beyond the laws of physics its ridiculous.
Before you shoot me down, just listen. I love good Science Fiction. I love good storytelling. Action in Sci Fi is OK if it serves a good purpose.
But bang crash, run for kilometres and never get puffed out, ignore the Prime Directive, freeze a volcano, get demoted, get repromoted, ooh there's a bad admiral in star fleet (Star Trek VI) blow up, smash, do the Millennium-Falcon-sideways-to-escape-the badies, die and come back to life using super-human blood (Battlestar Galactica), jump 30meters and don't brake an ankle...
A great SciFi movie can get away with a few things that are beyond reality IF there's enough good story telling/acting/drama to help you make that leap. Christopher Nolan does that for me. The story of Batman makes no-sense logically, but through the carefully structured drama I can make that leap-of-faith. In this movie I can't.
Khan - brilliantly played and nicely developed and the backstory cleverly brought this character into the Abrams universe.
But the rest just felt like Die Hard in the 23rd Century.