marie-ell1993 Reviews

The School for Good and Evil (2022)

True friendship will prevail.

[5/10 · 20 October 2022]

This film isn't like anything I was expecting. It starts off with two brothers, with one of them wanting everything. It then switches to the two best friends. But the introduction is in such a manner, it makes you want to immediately switch off. But bear with it, It does get better when they arrive at the school.

Don't expect anything to be as you'd expect it to be. Open your mind and enjoy it for what it is. A fairytale film about true friendship and how good will always triumph over evil in an enchanting, magical school. This is definitely aimed at the younger generation and I think in most parts they'd enjoy it if they're not too bothered about the big budget, CGI films.

The main focus of the entire film is on the two friends, played by Sofia Wylie and Sophia Caruso, who play their parts brilliantly and at least make it believable, to a point, with the help of the other talented actors. There are times when the film becomes ridiculous, but that's the theme throughout. After saying all that, I managed to sit through it all and not get bored. Not my usual kind of film, but it was okay.

The way it ended makes me think there could be a sequel.

The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022)

Stupid but entertaining

[5/10 · 14 October 2022]

This is definitely a film for the younger generation (with adult supervision), but saying that, I actually enjoyed it. I watched it with no expectations and I'm glad there were no reviews that could potentially put me off watching this before giving it a chance.

They matched the new family to the area, perfectly. Part of the film incorporates father and daughter bonding. There are a few chuckles along the way. It's entertaining, but stupid. Hardly anything is realistic, the graphics aren't great, but the actors played their parts, brilliantly. On a number of occasions throughout the film, the colour of the skin was mentioned and also white privilege. There was no need for it and it has no place in a film that is meant to be fun.

Lou (I) (2022)

Excellent psychological thriller.

[7/10 · 5 October 2022]

I thought it was a superb psychological thriller with a few unexpected twists and turns. The castings were perfect for the roles and totally believable. The introduction to the characters was swift, but enough to know what they were about. Ridley Bateman who played Vee, was outstanding for such a young performer. In fact all of the acting was brilliant. Although, nearly all of the film was about tracking the kidnapper, you'd have thought it would have been on the point of boring. But they managed to keep it entertaining and had me glued throughout. As long as you don't have blockbuster expectations, it's an enjoyable film. I thought it was definitely worth watching.

Shark Bait (2022)

Worth the time!

[7/10 · 30 September 2022]

For a film that I wasn't expecting much from, it managed to bring out a range of emotions. I was expecting cheesy and bad acting, but that' wasn't the case. Each individual managed to make it look as believable as the script would allow. In reality could the events take place? I've no idea and no interest in finding out. It surprisingly had me entertained enough throughout. If you're expecting the graphics and scenery from big budget films, you'll be disappointed. But for everything at their disposal, I thought they did a great job. If I had to be picky, I wish producers wouldn't leave the very end of films to the imagination. It was obvious what probably happened, but that's not the point.

Expedition Bigfoot: Creepy Hollows (2021) Season 2, Episode 3

Berating should not be aired!

[5/10 · 20 September 2022]

Whilst I really love this programme, I felt like Mireya let this particular episode down. Berating Ronnie for chasing after, what he believed to be Bigfoot, into the darkness was uncalled for. Especially when she did exactly the same in season 3. Admittedly, Ronnie wasn't with her, but the camera crew were. I don't think airing her views on what he did, added anything to the episode. In fact it was cringe worthy. Just because she's an anthropologist, doesn't give her the right to talk to people like that. She also mentions that this isn't one of those programmes where you go chasing after things and that it is a scientific one. Because the way I'm seeing this, science is only part of it.

Five stars is for the rest of the crew that kept this episode entertaining and interesting.

The Capture (2019– )

Compelling, superbly written drama.

[10/10 · 15 September 2022]

You can watch TV dramas for 6 months and they're nothing special, then along comes a gem. I agree with another review that puts this on par with line of duty.

A superbly written spy thriller with so many twists and turns. This fast action drama has you questioning which characters you can trust and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This has been so brilliantly produced and directed with totally believable actors.

What makes this drama even more compelling is the fact that deep fake exists and you can't help but feel despair for the characters that are dragged into the seedy world through no fault of their own. This programme makes you question everything that is out there and what you can trust.

I can't find any faults with this series, which is why I've given it 10.

I really hope they make this an ongoing series.

Expedition Bigfoot (2019– )

You either believe or you don't.

[8/10 · 12 June 2022]

First I need to say kudos to Zac (cameraman) who follows Russell into the creepiest places. You can clearly hear the hesitation in his voice, but he does it anyway. Yes he's getting paid, but no amount of money would get me to follow Russell. He always seems to find the weirdest and creepiest places. Braver than I would be. All that being said, there seems to be great comradeship between these two. I'd happily watch a programme with Russell and Zac.

What I like about this programme is there's a mixture of believers (Ronnie), sceptics (Russell) and only science will prove it attitude (Meriya) and Bryce who is at the helm, finding the locations and interviewing eye witnesses. I'd rather see a program that will try and find alternatives to what is out there, but when the unexplained happens and science has no answer, it gives a more authentic feel to the entire programme.

I've watched other programmes on Bigfoot, but for me, none come close to this one. If anyone can find them, I believe they will.

For too long the human race has believed they are superior and there can't possibly be any other entity out there. It would be naive to think, with the vast universe, that we are the only intelligent species living. I do believe that there are far more advanced, living beings out there and programmes like this that use science as one of their tools, are first class and can one day, unearth the truth regarding visitors to earth.

Apex (2021)

Not what I was expecting.

[3/10 · 26 November 2021]

I've always been a Bruce Willis fan, so when I saw this and read what it was about, I thought I was in for a treat. Without spoiling anything, it was sad to see him in a role that was as dull as dishwater.

The scene was, I presume, set sometime in the future. (Based on the technology) Most of the action(that was more like movement) came from the predators who all seemed to have been let out of an asylum. Bruce moved slowly from tree to tree with dialogue that was very little and had very little substance. The ending was just as bad. Really disappointed is an understatement. I really hope he doesn't end his career appearing in garbage like this.

The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch (2020– )

Phenomenal, factual series.

[10/10 · 14 October 2021]

You're always going to find sceptics or people who want to find fault and expect too much. I went in with an open mind and have found this to be an absolute phenomenal program. I would love to spend time there.

What I love about this series is the fact you have scientific proof, visual evidence of things taking place and at least a couple of guys who were sceptical about any kind of alien entities, until they started working on the experiments. Even after sightings and scientific proof, they are still looking for more rational explanations. It's not a program that is trying to force anything on you. As they say, seeing is believing.

If you are interested in strange phenomenon or even if you are a sceptic, I would recommend watching this, but don't have any preconceived ideas or expect too much.

I really hope they bring out a third series because theres still plenty of experiments they can perform and I would love for them to find out the truth. They owe it to the viewers to carry on with this series.

This is the best series I've ever watched about strange phenomenon.

There's Someone Inside Your House (2021)

More Thriller than horror

[5/10 · 6 October 2021]

Unlike some horror/thriller movies that have a slow build up to the first murder, this went for the jugular from the offset.

Sydney Park played her role well as one of the main characters.

You're not going to see anything that hasn't been done a hundred times, nothing unique and after 35 minutes I had an incline as to who the culprit was.

There are scenes that were unbelievable and not wouldn't, but couldn't have happened without the character waking up. Most notably when Sydney put a chair behind her door. Don't want to give anything away. The build up to the action was minimal and predictable. There wasn't any jump scares and I would class this to be more of a thriller than horror.

If you want to pass a bit of time away with a film that you can have on in the background and not miss anything, but still watchable, then I'd give it a go. It's not the worst film I've ever seen.

Vigil (2021– )

Entertaining

[9/10 · 5 October 2021]

A superb drama packed with great actors. What more could you ask for?!

Suranne Jones, Rose Leslie and Shaun Evans were brilliant in their individual roles and although I have no idea what happens on a submarine, they made it totally believable.

It was filled with suspense, action and a classic who done it, to the end. As each episode unfolds, the nature of Suranne and Roses relationship is slowly introduced via flashbacks.

Paterson Joseph and Adam James were fantastic in their roles as the men in charge.

If you want to watch a drama that never has a dull moment and keeps you guessing to the end, then this is for you.

Midnight Mass (2021)

Monotonous

[5/10 · 30 September 2021]

It's hard to know where to start with this series. So I'll just say it how I saw it. The acting throughout was brilliant and totally believable. First impressions was, you had stumbled across an island being run by a cult, although that wasn't the case. Action, although small started almost immediately. Then, conversations galore, then a bit of action and that pretty much mirrors each episode. It was those little bits of action that kept me entertained. The monotony of the constant religious talk was way over the top. Add to the mix, an incredibly annoying character, who believed she was better and above nearly everyone, just made the series at times, frustrating and tedious.

If you can stand the monotony of a lot of it, the series as a whole is okay. But I wouldn't have the patience to watch it again.

I think if there had been an equal amount of something interesting happening and dialogue, it would have been a good series.

Motherland: Fort Salem (2020–2022)

Absolutely brilliant.

[10/10 · 19 September 2021]

This has to be the best series I've watched in a long time. The acting from all the cast, is top notch. The scenery and special effects are realistic. The storylines are interesting and intriguing and has me constantly wanting to watch more. It gets you emotionally involved in each episode and to me, the actions that they take are true to form (obviously, if this was real). There's also a lot that keeps you guessing and also surprising outcomes. The interaction between the main characters is very believable. Thoroughly enjoying this series and can't wait for season 3.

I thought about voting this a 9 instead of a 10, but I honestly can't find any negative points.

SEAL Team: Horror Has a Face (2021) Season 4, Episode 6

Emotional

[10/10 · 18 March 2021]

When a programme can bring out a range of different emotions, the actors, directors and writers have done their jobs. This was by far, one of the best episodes in a while. It had everything you would expect in a situation like this. I can only imagine in reality, it would be far worse, but this episode gave a good account of the situation. More episodes like this, would be great.

Roald & Beatrix: The Tail of the Curious Mouse (2020 TV Movie)

Disillusioned

[5/10 · 29 December 2020]

As a fan of beatrix potter, I was looking forward to the film. After reading more about the roald and beatrix encounter, I thought it would be a great family movie. During the first 10 minutes there was a death and beatrix chasing a duck with a long knife because she wanted it for her Christmas dinner. Then being miserable and grumpy with a group of carol singers. Not something I thought would be in her nature, considering the adaptations I've previously watched depicting her life, made her out to be a genuinely, lovely lady. Maybe there was a dark side to her that I was unaware of?! Anyway, with the illusions shattered, after 25 minutes, I switched off. The scenery and acting were excellent, hence, why I have given it 5 stars.

Sweetheart (I) (2019)

Acting was good!

[5/10 · 25 September 2020]

There isn't a lot Kiersey could have done to improve this film, apart from rewrite the film. It had potential to be something special but the script didn't match up to the acting. The first 45 minutes could have been compressed to 5 minutes because the other 40 minutes were like watching groundhog day. I persevered to the end, hoping it would improve, but even the addition of extra people, added nothing to it. The dialogue probably fit on one side of an A4 sheet. I don't even know which genre really this belongs in. Maybe a drama, but even that's pushing the boundaries. If the points were just for acting, I'd give 10. But as it's scored as a whole, I've given 5 for the acting and nothing for the actual film. I was left with a lot of unanswered questions at the end. But as with some films, you have to use your imagination.

October Faction (2020)

Slow release

[7/10 · 25 January 2020]

After reading some of the reviews, I nearly didn't bother watching this. Glad I did. It's not the kind of series that discloses all of the information in the first episode. Each episode reveals a little bit more about what's going on. By the last episode, everything is clear with a scene at the end which will hopefully lead onto another series. There are times this can be slow and you would think because of the nature of the series, you would see heaps of monsters(as they describe them), but you don't. If you're looking for action as in Supernatural, you're not going to get it. This series isn't trying to be anything like the Winchesters, but you will see moments of them fighting the monsters. It seems to concentrate more on the family (past and present) and the organisation they work for. The twins have their own dilemmas, which they do spend quite a bit of time on. I nearly turned it off after 22 minutes into the first episode, but I persevered and I'm glad I did. Great acting throughout, but I think they chose the wrong actor to play the dad. Nothing to do with his acting skills, more to do with, personally I didn't think he fit the part. Looking forward to a second series, if they make one.

A Fall from Grace (2020)

Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[9/10 · 23 January 2020]

There were times this film had its slow moments, which could put people off (as it did with my daughter), but I'm glad I stuck with it. You can't help but have empathy for a woman who has been dragged through hell and whatever she did, you'd sort of be ok with. Justice for the underdog! Realistic? Of course this thing happens in the real world. But there are a couple of scenes that you question if that would really happen. Which is why I've given 9 stars and not 10. It had me constantly questioning the truth, but one thing I didn't expect, was the surprising twists. I'm not easily pleased and as a rule, get bored quickly with slow periods in films (although this had only a few). Well worth watching and I hope they bring out a sequel.

Dracula (2020)

Brilliant adaptation

[10/10 · 2 January 2020]

I've watched many vampire films and series for over 50 years and I have to say, it takes a lot for me to hide behind a cushion. This did! Not only has the first episode encapsulated everything I love about Dracula, it has me thirsty to watch the remaining 2 episodes. The acting has been superb and believable. It's rare when a new series starts in the UK that I would leave any review, but this has exceeded my expectations. I was expecting the run of the mill, seen it all before episode. But this isn't one of them.

Us (II) (2019)

Not what I was expecting.

[5/10 · 16 November 2019]

When I first saw the trailer for this, I was so excited. I couldn't wait to watch the film. I thought brilliant. Something (the concept) I personally hadn't seen before However, 10 minutes into the film, it was already beginning to resemble a comedy/thriller. Definitely not a horror. As a whole, the family seemed awkward together. A lot didn't make sense. I can't mention what or I'll be giving spoilers away. What I can say, if it wasn't for the comedy element, I would have been bored. It was watchable, but not something I'll be rushing back to watch.

Tyrel (2018)

Nothing like Get Out

[3/10 · 30 August 2019]

Despite the negative reviews, I thought I'd watch it anyway. It was advertised as being on par with Get Out. In my opinion, it wasn't even in the same sphere. I thoroughly enjoyed Get Out, but Tyrel left me completely bored and waiting for a story to unfold, which never happened. If the whole purpose and intention was to make Tyrel look and feel uncomfortable and the white guys to look as mad as a box of frogs, then the writer did his job. But as for an enjoyable film and a great story, it never happened.

The Nun (2018)

Edge of your seat

[8/10 · 23 June 2019]

I was really looking forward to watching this film and in all honesty, it kept me gripped throughout. From beginning to end, everything becomes clear on why each individual character is there. It had me jumping out of my skin on more than one occasion, which is testimony to the excellent quality of the film. I rarely get jumpy over a film. Without giving anything away, I think more could have been made of certain situations throughout and towards the end, which didn't involve the main characters. I think the other characters could have had more input. I was left confused as to why they were there. Was it down to the good or evil? Regardless of being slightly confused, I really enjoyed watching this and would probably rewatch it. The ending is set up perfectly for the Conjuring.

Stephanie (I) (2017)

Keep watching!

[7/10 · 6 April 2019]

I have to admit, after watching this for around 50 minutes, I nearly gave up on it. The movie started off with little information on why Stephanie was alone. It had the odd jump factor here and there, strange happenings, but none of it made sense until her parents came home. After that, it gets much better and everything starts to become clear. I'm glad I stuck with it. It was worth it. I hope there is a sequel to this

Bad Samaritan (2018)

Edge of your seat film

[10/10 · 17 March 2019]

I really enjoyed watching this film. It had me enthralled throughout. Some films you can have on in the background and without really watching them(if you know what I mean), you still know what is happening. But this is one of those films, you need to keep your eyes peeled on. Blink and you will miss something. Interesting throughout and had me constantly guessing what would happen next. I thought the acting was superb and as much as I am a fan of David Tennant, his American twang needs some work. But that's just me being slightly picky. I hope they make a follow up....

SEAL Team (2017–2024)

Brilliant program!

[10/10 · 15 August 2018]

I love the fact this TV program has more action than concentrating on personal lives at home. I think all of the characters gel well together and the storylines keep me wanting to watch more. Some of the stories may not be all politically correct, but I couldn't care less about that. When you put on a program and it has you hooked from the getgo, you can't ask for more than that. I hope there's many more seasons to come.