idares Reviews

The Stranger (I) (2020)

Coben Thriller, with Gaps

[7/10 · 20 February 2023]

Serviceable, watchable thriller. Lots of characters surrounding both the family and the detective involved -- Husbands, wives, teenage crushes, best friends, and a couple of crazies --Enough to make you care about the people involved. Several unusual happenings thrown into the mix, along with the odd flashback. Flashbacks are notable in that they were cut into the action intermittently, to imitate the memory of the person who is having them.

Plot twists speed up as you approach the end.

Upon reflection, however, there are a few pieces that don't fit. Actions taken that don't seem right for the character, even given extreme circumstances. These gaps in the picture puzzle make it less satisfying overall.

Enjoy the thrill ride that it is, but don't expect too much.

The Black Phone (2021)

Watchable Thriller

[7/10 · 4 January 2023]

Recommended. The Black Phone is a scary thriller without excess blood and gore (there is some; it was tolerable for this reviewer, generally not a horror/gore fan). Maybe "horror lite."

Use of 1970s tv, movie, and songs in scenes for foreshadowing as well as setting makes this movie more artistic than might be expected. Overall a good watch, and good performances all around. The plot is a little lacking in 1 or 2 spots, but still good, scary fun.

This started as a tight, brief review, but more characters are apparently required. Threw in more words above. Pink Floyd's "On the Run" was particularly good.

Coupling: Jane and the Truth Snake (2001) Season 2, Episode 5

Jane's Best Episode

[9/10 · 3 April 2021]

The humor in this show has startled me into belly laughs more than once. However, Jane is irritating and the humor doesn't quite reach me. This episode had me crying laughing the first time I saw it. Certainly, some of her best moments.

Much Ado About Nothing (2011)

Celeb Shakespeare Comedy

[8/10 · 5 September 2020]

It's hard to go wrong with Much Ado About Nothing. This version uses the strengths of its celebrity stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate to whip up the eternal love-hate story of Beatrice and Benedick. Tate is sharp-tongued. Tennant is his peculiar brand of arrogant, handsome, and dorky. The slapstick gags alone are worth a watch, and the 80s costumes of the masquerade scene gave a cute twist in the midst of the action. Tom Bateman looks - distractingly- a bit like a young Marlon Brando as Claudio. Well worth a watch or two.

Yesterday (III) (2019)

Beatle-loving Fun

[7/10 · 5 September 2020]

With a touch of magical realism, the plot explores what would happen if no one had heard the Beatles' music, except for one guy. It's a fun, gentle comedy, with the expected love for the Fab Four. As a Beatles fan, the premise gave me a slight chill and left me with a question: how can you measure the joy and benefit that your favorite music brings to your life? How would things change if you couldn't share that music - or any widespread cultural knowledge - with others?

Film also takes a few glimpses into *not* making it as a musician, the music industry, and missed opportunities.

Barney Thomson (2015)

Dark Comedy, well-acted 7.5!

[7/10 · 28 August 2020]

This is a dark comedy that gives genuine giggles. Suspend disbelief and sit back with some popcorn. The whole cast is great. Emma Thompson's role as the jaded mother of Barney is surprising, but her performance is outstanding.

Como Caído Del Cielo (2019)

Comedy & Drama About Love and Trying for Redemption

[8/10 · 30 July 2020]

It feels wrong to call this a romcom, as it deals with serious subjects and manages to connect to your heart. But it *is* funny and romantic. Our hero, the great singer and womanizer, has been in limbo for decades. He returns to earth and tries to redeem himself in the life and body of another man. A man who happens to be an impersonator of -- you guessed it -- Pedro Infante. Redemption is harder than it looks, as he soon learns while trying to sort out the mess of another's life.

Fun, fast, and well-plotted, with a mixed cast of characters.

Dishonour Bright (1936)

Understated Sexiness. Interesting plot.

[7/10 · 8 September 2016]

Does honesty about your faults and normal human desires make you respectable or dis-respectable? Is it possible to feel attraction, but not act on it? This film has the trappings of fun frivolity: disarmingly candid and confident leading man, glamorous clothes, gorgeous leading lady, contrived situations, international travel. But its light touch gets a tad deeper than you'd expect it to. Interesting to watch understated sexiness and to see where the plot goes.

Apart from George Sanders as an apprentice cad/con artist, I'd never heard of any of the cast. All were good.

The main characters' exchange about honesty and respectability, alluded to above, is worth watching for. If you're used to Hollywood films, this English piece could be a refreshing change -- or a disappointment to you.

Dishonour Bright (1936)

Understated Sexiness. Interesting plot.

[7/10 · 29 August 2016]

Does honesty about your faults and normal human desires make you respectable or dis-respectable? Is it possible to feel attraction, but not act on it? This film has the trappings of fun frivolity: disarmingly candid and confident leading man, glamorous clothes, gorgeous leading lady, contrived situations, international travel. But its light touch gets a tad deeper than you'd expect it to. Interesting to watch understated sexiness and to see where the plot goes.

Apart from George Sanders as an apprentice cad/con artist, I'd never heard of any of the cast. All were good.

The main characters' exchange about honesty and respectability, alluded to above, is worth watching for. If you're used to Hollywood films, this English piece could be a refreshing change -- or a disappointment to you.