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Reviews
Without Remorse (2021)
Good action film with great effects
I don't know what some people watched, but this was a good film.
The action scenes were brilliant, fight scenes perfect.
Impressive acting and enjoyable characters.
While the plot is not exactly ground breaking, it ticks along nicely with some twists and turns.
I felt I had to give a top score to counter the rather negative reviews, which are frankly unjustified.
Put your feet up, grab a wine and some popcorn and enjoy an enjoyable action flic.
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Lot of fun, great roller coaster
As a great fan of the first two film, I have always felt the following films have been missing something (although the TV series was very enjoyable). Fortunately, it's back this film.
For those that get confused with multiple time lines and the like, matters are much more straightforward in this film. Along with some nice touches relating to the first two films. The action and the acting is on point, and the special effects seamless.
Every film needs a bad unstoppable terminator, and this is where this film excels. Avoid the spoilers as this is without a doubt the best part of the film.
Sit back and enjoy, not a film to tax the intellect, but still one of the better films of the year by far.
Peppermint (2018)
No nonessene, non stop action
Panned by critics but it seems loved by views, judging from the reviews here.
Great performance by all the actors, but a massive return by Ms Garner to an action flick.
While there is a pretty much linear plot, the movie makes up for it with a cracking pace. Best film of the year according to my wife who likes her revenge thrillers full of the bad guys getting it.
Well recommended for an enjoyable evening's viewing with pizza, beer, and wine.
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
Some good, some bad
I am alway loathe to give a less than enthusiastic review of a film, but this one has issues.
Beautifully directed and acted. It makes you want to keep watching.
However, as the film progresses, it drags, slows, and you only watch because you want to know how it ends.
I doubt anyone expects this to be a laugh a minute film, but there is little light to the shade here.
I can't say this was the best way to spend 105 minutes although some people obviously find this film moving, but not me. So I suggest that you only watch this film if you like a film that is slow, artistic and very drawn out.
Remember (2015)
Best film of the year, by far
Well what a surprise, my wife popped this on and I thought it would be less than average; however what a film.
Excellent screenplay, superb acting, and beautiful cinematography.
Slowly developed but yet perfectly paced.
However, do yourself a favour - stop reading now and watch it; trust me you will not regret it.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A worthy successor
Great film. Looks amazing with lots of touches relating back to the original film. Definitely worth seeing in the cinema on a big screen, although I'm a bit deaf after being blasted by the bass sounds. We saw the two-D version on the basis it is a long film to watch in three-D.
Still looked amazing. Good acting, good story, nice twists, great action scenes, didn't follow the same plot as the first one. Some very nice touches over that nature of how technology is going, particularly AI.
Best film of the year - definitely, better than the original? Well I need to see it a few time before I make that decision. Oh and watch the first one first, my granddaughter didn't and got rather lost in the plot.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
A great start to something fresh
All these reviews saying it is bad are just plain wrong. First up, it has a plot, some hard dilemmas for the characters, and time for the characters to have depth and do some serious acting. It is not a episode of three buddy guys having an adventure.
For those who claim (very loudly) this a betrayal of Star Trek, I suggest you look at some of the better episodes of TOS. It was dark, and often the choices were very gray.
To the fun stuff. It looks lovely, and there is some lovely Star Trek touches. The phasers alone were enough to make me weep with joy. The titles, and music, were fresh but decently in theme (unlike Enterprise which never looked right, for all that I appreciated them trying something new).
Best of all, it grabbed me, I wanted more, I was genuinely surprised at some of the things that happened, and started to care for the characters (which are not particularly likable). It is possible to be critical, but look at the first season of Next Generation for a comparison. This is series has better starts than Next Generation, and is already head and shoulders above Enterprise. Personally I would rate it as good as Deep Space Nine, if not a shade better. I can only hope it carries on.
To all those posting horrid reviews, it is neither fair nor justifiable, and you guys are the reason we are struggling to get great Science Fiction made. Please review fairly and stop the "OMG it's not what I want tear it to bits."
Gods of Egypt (2016)
Another reasonable film attacked by critics
I am beginning to despair of critics blasting a film for no objective reason.
This is a great mindless romp. Hardly taxing the boundaries sudden plot surprises, but for young teens and adults who don't mind connecting with epic fantasies, a great few hours. The CGI is good, if not outstanding, along with the plot and the acting. The actors and actresses look the part and often look gorgeous. Part of the depth of criticism, I believe, comes from looking at this film from a very adult view point, set your mind to "teen" mode and enjoy it without the critical cynical viewpoint of a jaded OAP.
Break out the popcorn, beer, wine, and enjoy a film. I think we have all forgotten the joy of watching films like this where there is little darkness and evil, except for the baddies, good will triumph, and along the way there will be simple messages of humanity and kindness.
Please don't stop watching and making films like this, we need some simple pleasures and happiness in our lives.
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
The good outweighs the bad by a lot.
I was somewhat surprised by the reviews, and felt they needed some balance. The look is stunning, and Charlize Theron is amazing; she gives such depth to the character. The film is beautiful to look at and the special effects never let you down.
Not without flaws, Kristen Steward is admittedly a bit wooden at times, and doesn't exactly balance out the action parts with the empathy and love the character really needs at times. Sometimes the other characters don't have enough time to capture your interest and affection but they are small quibbles. One or two bits could have been done better, but this is hardly a second rate film as many reviewers who have you believe.
On the whole the film is well paced with some emotion, and as I say, Ms Theron is totally superb and the film is worth watching just for her and her character alone. Chris Hemsworth binds the action together with an understated performance that doesn't distract from the two lady antagonists. Do watch the film, get the popcorn and the nibbles in, relax and enjoy a good fantasy film - ignore the critics they are plain wrong.
Eddie the Eagle (2015)
Great feel good film with dogged spirit
A really good simple film based on the story of Great Britain's legendary ski jumper.
It not often a film comes along that is just perfect, this is one of them. Along the lines of gentle British humour, it is surprisingly funny and moving (rather than laugh out loud).
The story picks up the themes of Olympic determination and getting back up again when you have been knocked down.
There isn't anything to criticize this film. It has humour, ups and down, well written, well acted, great score.
Watch it and enjoy, you won't regret it; definitely one of the best films of the year so far.
Nymphomaniac: Vol. I (2013)
Interesting film but not everyone cup of tea
First off I have given a high score as I don't think you can really rate a film like this; and many have given this a low score as they don't like the subject matter.
It's a film about the extremes of sex, if you haven't an open mind on this subject then don't watch this film. There is a lot of graphic sex in this film, presumably to capture the authenticity of the material. But more disturbing is the subject matter, one of the themes being that men can act this way, but for women, society judges women who act in this way very differently.
As a film it is slow, arty, and with considerable metaphors. Intellectual more than passionate. Nicely shot too it has to be said; along with considerable acting and direction. Personally, I find if you don't engage with the principal character, it is hard to really enjoy the film. Although it would be possible to claim that Siligman is the viewpoint character the viewer is meant to empathize with (which too a degree does work).
Does the film challenge and make you think? Definitely, but it is not an easy experience, and certainly the film is overly drawn out. Also, one has to see volume two to get full understanding of the material.
I liked that the film did not pull any punches and explored adult themes deeply, if not shockingly at times. However I would only recommend this for individuals that have a broad understanding of sexuality, prepared to be subjected to some pretty X rated scenes, and are fans of very arty, intellectual theater. As I said at the beginning, his is not the sort of film you can judge, you have to see it and make up your own mind.
Nymphomaniac: Vol. II (2013)
Interesting film, but not everyone's cup of tea.
First off I have given a high score as I don't think you can really rate a film like this; and many have given this a low score as they don't like the subject matter. This is not a film you can watch without having seen Volume one.
It's a film about the extremes of sex, if you haven't an open mind on this subject then don't watch this film. There is a lot of graphic sex in this film, presumably to capture the authenticity of the material. Compared to volume one, the sex is much darker and delves into extreme BDSM. There are some very violent sex scenes, which nearly everyone would find deeply disturbing. However, more disturbing is the subject matter, much of which is not really explained, and pushes the story into strange unlit depths.
As a film it is slow, arty, and with considerable metaphors. Intellectual more than passionate. Nicely shot too it has to be said; along with considerable acting and direction. Personally, I find if you don't engage with the principal character, it is hard to really enjoy the film. Although it would be possible to claim that Siligman is the viewpoint character the viewer is meant to empathize with (which too a degree does work). Compared to Volume one, this is definitely the better film. More condensed pace and covers the material with less "pauses".
Does the film challenge and make you think? Definitely, but it is not an easy experience, even more so than the first film. Plot wise the film does reach a rounded conclusion, but I am not sure the ending will be to everyone's taste either.
I liked that the film did not pull any punches and explored adult themes deeply, if not shockingly at times. However I would only recommend this for individuals that have a broad understanding of sexuality, prepared to be subjected to some pretty violent X rated scenes, and are fans of very arty, intellectual theater. As I said at the beginning, his is not the sort of film you can judge, you have to see it and make up your own mind.
Immortals (2011)
Enjoyable fantasy film
First off if you know any Greek history and myth, this film will probably bug you; however if you are up for a film that mixes fantasy, myth, and bloody violence then you are up for a treat.
The look of the film is gorgeous, cgi and blood splatter nicely over the top. Better than 300, and more restrained than some cartoony arty splatter movies. The characters don't always work, and Hyperon mumbles a bit too much, but I'll forgive him as as he's pretty much a decent evil overlord. What is particularly outstanding, and rates at least an eight on my score, is the fight scenes. I enjoyed all the epic battles, and even the small skirmishes are very well done (particularly those with the gods, who captured both irresistible power but were still vulnerable).
Bottom line, if you like 300, you will like this film, and I thought it was somewhat better. As other have posted, there are a few flaws in this film, but if you are just after some light entertainment on a Saturday night, I would say this is not a bad choice.
Miss Meadows (2014)
Impressively acted, enjoyable plot
If you like your films interesting and with some unsettling moment, you will enjoy this film. It has some suprizing plot and character depth, and it is beautifully shot and well acted. A much better film than its rating who have you believe, probably the most interesting film I have seen this year. Katie Holmes is perfect as the eponymous heroine, her acting was very good, and at time very disturbing. The rest of the cast quite excellent too. A pleasant mix of genres, but broadly a black comedy; although there are a number of uncomfortable uneasy scenes. Do take some time to settling in and watch this carefully, not really a popcorn movie for the kids.
Star Trek: Renegades (2015)
An excellent watchable pilot
Let's get the negativity out of the way, it has a couple of flaws; but for the budget they had, let's not pick it to bits. The good. I watched this on my big screen off YouTube and not only was it watchable, it was better than a lot true commercial stuff, and probably a hell of a lot better than a lot of science fiction films. In many ways, it was better than the last two film (which I did enjoy). It was surprisingly long, and some of the acting and lighting was enjoyable. It was nice to see some old friends, and some of the new characters, particularly the Captain and the scientist (Sean Young - wow) who introducing something fresh to Star Trek (which I feel is what was always lacking in Star Trek: Enterprise). I would be more than happy to help fund some future episodes; however let's hope some commercial channel picks this up. To conclude, worth watching; if you are fan then you will enjoy a bit of real Star Trek in your life; if you want something to watch with the kids on a raining Sunday afternoon, good recommendation, particularly for some positive role models for the girls (assuming you considered tough kick ass, never give up, lady captains positive, that is)
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Good but just missed being perfect
I have been fan of the original series since they first came out; I have loved the idea behind the reboot. I have loved all the actors and actresses in the series, and in this film the production values, CGI, and prop details are superb, in fact flawless. Sit back and enjoy the ride, it's great (don't read the spoilers).
Spoiler Alert. So it could have been the best film of the year, could have been the best Star Film; but it isn't. So what lets it down? Stupid stuff really, and so fixable. Basically, the script, OK so you can get away with Khan being a bit of the reservation - but the Admiral? Star Fleet finest suddenly come down with a case of mass murder, and trying to blow up Star Fleet's flag ship (before a war). So Khan on a mission to avenge his (believe to him) dead crew, would not zip off to Kronus with the job half done. Unfortunately, the script is littered with ill thought out plot devices. Pace is also an issue, my wife actually fell asleep during some of the set action pieces. Mostly the action pieces are brilliant, but there are a few too long, and the odd bit that is too hurried. I enjoyed it, my wife didn't, and that always means they have failed to engage non-fans that like action movies. But it annoys me that little things have let down all the actors, actress, camera, music, CGI set design etc. because you cannot criticize, the look, feel, and epic-ness of the Star Trek world. So next film, for God sake give a bunch of really critical Star Trek fans the plot and let them rip it to bits before you star shooting. It will be the film your really deserve to make - and we want to see.