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The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)
A Bloody Good Time
I'm a big fan of both Flannagan and Poe, so when I heard that the Fall of the House of Usher was to be his next project, I was excited.
The Haunting of Hill House has to be one of the greatest pieces of horror every committed to film, and while I haven't enjoyed all of Flannagan's work (Doctor Sleep was terrible and would have worked so much better as a serial), I can always appreciate his visual storytelling chops.
Going in, I was a little nervous. I wasn't expecting, nor was I hoping for a true adaptation of the short story. The fact that he was going to bring it bang up-to-date was an exciting prospect. However, the previews made it look very American Horror Story, which has always been a bit too schlocky for my tastes.
Having now consumed the entire series, I can report that my concerns were mostly unfounded. There was certainly some camp to the proceedings, but not overwhelmingly so. To be fair, Poe's writing wasn't without it's camper aspects (what gothic writing is?), which were very much at the heart of the Corman/Price adaptations.
The show could easily have fallen foul of melodrama, but on the whole it was well acted, looked gorgeous, and was suitably ghoulish and bloody.
The main cast of characters were all excellent. The Bloodline less so. The kids all felt a bit one-dimensional and not particularly well-developed. They were essentially canon fodder and not much more than that.
Bruce Greenwood's performance was a standout. He carried the show on his shoulders and did a brilliant job of it. I'd have liked to have seen more sides to his character. We never really got to see his evil side, which made him sympathetic but missed the malevolence you need for a truly great Roderick Usher.
Shout out to Mark Hamil. Love you man.
In the final analysis, I had a good time with the Ushers. The show was at its best when we were with the older generation of characters, but all in all it stuck the landing and the last two or three episodes in particular were excellent.
A good spooky time for the Halloween season. Check it out.
Sex Education: Episode 8 (2023)
Brilliant!
Everybody involved in this show should be incredibly proud of what they've achieved.
I have loved every second that I've spent in this world. The people, the drama, the music, and the therapy. It all comes tigether to create something very special and very important.
I have learnt a lot about people, gender, and myself.
As sad as it is not to get to spend more time with these beautiful characters, the finale was perfect.
I think what I have loved most is the deft eay you balance some extremely difficult themes, while at the same time finding the humour.
Good bye you crazy lot. It's been an education.
Ghostbusters (1984)
This is a good Ghostbusters movie
And I'll tell you why.
Does it feel like a Ghostbusters movie...yes.
Does it embrace the same sense of humour...yes.
Do the leads have good chemistry...yes.
I loved the originals and I'm pleased this movie was made.
It had been years since we'd had one, and this more than cratched that itch.
I really enjoyed it and would love to see another one.
It was the perfect reboot.
Unlike Ghostbusters Afterlife, which is a great movie for half of its runtime but never feels like the originals.
It's a great reimagining, and it's really well shot but it's a different kind of movie.
If you want Ghostbuster 3, this movie is it.
Toy Story 4 (2019)
Pixar does it again
Judging by the various reviews, this one seems to have split people right down the middle. Either you loved it or you really, really didn't.
For me it was an absolute joy. I was a little doubtful going in. The first three movies are absolute masterpieces of storytelling, character and beautiful visual. The last one felt like a definite end and so anything that followed had a lot on its shoulders.
Should it have been made? Absolutely. This the perfect ending to Woody's story. And in many ways it could also be a new beginning.
For me it packed the biggest emotional wallop of all the movies and I for one would love to see the series go on and on.
Star Trek: Discovery: New Eden (2019)
Almost Perfect in Every Way
With the help of one Star Trek legend, New Eden marked the genesis of another.
Ghostbusters (2016)
Put a Smile on my Face
First things first.
I am a big fan of the original movies but have to admit that my reaction to the trailers for this one was very different to many I have read both here and on the Net.
Mine was one of excitement at the thought of having another Ghostbusters movie. The trailers looked fun. Sure the jokes were a little hit and miss and the CG a little too cartoonish but there was a nice mix of nostalgia and freshness to put it on the 'to see' list.
Walking out of the movie last night, my original concerns remained valid. The CG is a bit Scooby Doo and it tries a bit too hard to get laughs the whole way through but enough of the jokes land and I found myself chuckling along for the majority of the movie.
Wiig and Mcarthy are both fantastic in their roles, totally committing in every way and having great fun doing so. The movie noticeably picks up when Leslie Jones comes on the scene.
I loved the idea of Mckinnon's character. I could see what she was going for. A mad scientist straight out of Rocky Horror but for some reason, it never comes off completely.
For me, Hemsworth was the only real dud. Not his fault. He did everything he was there to do. The script just doesn't do him justice.
The cameos from the original cast are all fun but you can't help feeling that it would have made more sense (and perhaps more fun) for them to have taken on their former roles. Having said that it didn't feel as if they were wasted and there was one particular cameo right at the end (during the credits) that had me smiling from ear to ear.
The story is on a par with the originals and treads the right line between fun and frightening.
Will it be a classic. Probably not. But it is a fantastic origins story. More in the mould of a Marvel flick than Ghostbusters but no less worthwhile for it.
The climax is terrific with a Ghostbustin fight, the likes of which has not been seen before in a Ghostbusters movie.
At the end of the day, the film more than met my hopes for it. I left the cinema with a smile on my face. Can you really ask for anything more from a summer flick.
I think not.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Great Fun
Personally I had a great time watching Hateful 8.
Part western, part Agatha Christie whodunnit, the movie is best viewed as a graphic novel or as some have commented as a stage play.
I think what surprised me the most was just how funny it was. Sure QT is no stranger to putting humour into his movies but I found myself chortling along to the vast majority of film.
And the comedy fits and never detracts with what's going on on- screen or overshadow QT's dark views on race relations or lack thereof in the U.S's past and present.
The performances are fantastic, especially those of Jackson and Goggins. The fact that Goggins in particular was not honoured or at least nominated at the Golden Globes is a real shame. His is a multi-layered performance of a character that enjoys one of the most interesting arcs of the film and Goggins plays it to a tee.
My only quibble with it is that it lacked suspense, which is a fairly major thing when you're creating a mystery/thriller of this kind.
Morricone's brilliant score set the tone of a dark fantasy thriller western (think High Plains Drifter) but the film never lives up to the promise.
Other than that, it was a brilliant slow burn to a really fantastic blood soaked climax.
I would say that while Inglorious and Django were more balanced films in terms of dialogue and action, Hateful was in its way a better movie because of the depth of the script.
If you're looking for a thrill ride, this ain't it. If you want a brilliant crafted script with exceptional performances that actually makes you think then QT's latest is for you.
3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets (2015)
Riveting, Devastating
The facts of 17 year old Jordan Davis' death are well known.
While at a gas station with friends in Jacksonville Florida, he was shot dead by a middle aged white male who took offence to the loud Rap music the kids were playing in their car.
What is less well known is the truth.
Did Jordan verbally threaten to kill the man? Did he brandish a weapon of his own? Did he then leave his car in order to kill him?
Vitally, did Michael Dunn, Jordan's killer, act in self defence?
These are the questions explored by Marc Silver's excellent documentary.
Never heavy handed, the film tells the story of the aftermath of Jordan's death and its affect on the family as they embark on a 2 year journey to find justice for their lost son.
But far more than a personal family story, the film lifts the lid on America's trigger finger, the bubbling undercurrent of racial hate and the absurd 'stand your ground' law that essentially protects gun totting yahoos like Michael Dunn, from paying for their hate crimes.
I was lucky enough to be at a special screening, where both Marc and Jordan's father, Ron Davis spoke about the making of the film.
Ron is an amazing man. While certainly distraught following the loss of his son, he has also been galvanised into action. He is on a mission to amend the 'stand your ground' law and ensure that no more families have to suffer the tragedy that has befallen his.
Eloquent and self assured, the events of Black Friday have transformed him into a powerful activist who I am sure will achieve his goals.
Go watch this film for the excellent story telling. Go see it for the beautiful cinematography. Go see it for the raw emotion and performances - none of the scenes have been set up for our entertainment. We see every player in this tragic drama as they really are.
But most of all just go see it because Ron Davis, Jordan's Mother, Lucia and all the other families affected by this terrible law need and deserve your understanding and support.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Much Better Than I Remember
I recently watched Spidey 3 and you know what, I really enjoyed it.
Sure it has its problems. The Sandman story is a complete waste of time, Maguire doesn't quite pull off Emo Parker and Franco never looks particularly comfortable in his skin.
Having said that, there is a great deal to like.
Peter and Mary Jane's relationship continues to evolve, never reaching a fairy tale ending that ensures it remains firmly grounded in reality.
Harry and Peter's relationship also takes some fantastic twists and turns ending in a satisfying climax.
Venom, although underdeveloped, shows real potential and his bust up with Spidey is some of the most thrilling of all three films.
Raimi is also on stellar form. Although clearly uncomfortable trying to juggle so many elements, the direction is always top notch blending seamlessly with the gorgeous CGI driven set pieces.
There's also the trademark black humour that continues to work well with the dark themes that are explored - jealousy, guilt, betrayal and revenge.
While it certainly isn't Spidey 2, I like it as much as the original. For pure enjoyment, I might even suggest that I like it more. It is just tarnished by thoughts of the film that it might have been had Raimi been given free reign.
And no matter how disappointed I was at the time of its original release, it is worlds better than the guff that followed. No offence Andrew Garfield. I like you as an actor but those Amazing Spider-Man films are real dogs.
Jurassic World (2015)
Not the Jurassic Park We Needed but the One We Deserved
Caught Jurassic World last night and had an absolute ball. Can't believe that it's been over 20 years since the original. I remember I had just finished Camp America and was doing a bit of travelling. Jurassic Park was on at a local cinema and having loved the book I couldn't wait to see how Spielberg dealt with it.
If I'm honest, I was a little underwhelmed. The way he brought the world to life was awe inspiring but I didn't love the casting of Sam Neil and I felt the whole thing was a little safe. Over time, I've come to love the movie and while the sequel was OK, I also really like the third and felt that the reappearance of Neil in the lead role was a welcome return.
Last night was a completely different experience. The movie completely blew me away. I've been excited about it ever since seeing that Chris Pratt was attached and then watching a recent trailer sent my excitement sky high. I knew what I was in for. It's not about plot or story. This was going to be one hell of a roller-coaster ride.
It turned out to be much more than that. It was everything I'd ever wanted from a Jurassic Park movie. Thrills, spills, tension and at it's centre, Chris Pratt doing his action guy thing. Just brilliant. Loved all the little nods to the original movie.
And even the 3D was worth it. Trevorrow has shot such a beautifully vivid picture with so many bright colours that the transfer never jarred. It just dragged you straight in.
I don't buy very many 3D movies but this will be top of my list.
Michael Chrichton would have been proud!
Gotham (2014)
Loving this Show
Gotham could have been all kinds of bad but to my surprise it has been a joy to watch.
Sure the script is a little shonky and the standard of acting a smorgasbord of delights but this kind of pales against the tone, which for me, is absolutely spot on.
Gotham could have been really camp. However, while it doesn't have quite the same level of gritty realism delivered by Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy (a good thing in my opinion), it has the perfect balance of menace and violence needed to really bring this tortured city to life.
Thankfully the creators are not afraid to show the true darkness that exists in Gotham. There is nothing comic book about the beatings of the blood letting.
I have to say that I am loving Ben McKenzie's Jim Gordon (without which the show would be an instant and epic fail) and Lord Taylor's Penguin is pitch perfect.
We're only 2 episodes in but I have not enjoyed a show this much in a long time.
I'm really looking forward to how it develops and can only hope that it can maintain the high standard that it has already achieved.
To be honest, to pull off a Batman franchise piece without Batman and not miss him is a real achievement.
Well done all!
Utopia: Episode #2.6 (2014)
Not sure what to make of the finale of Season 2
I've enjoyed Season 2 a great deal.
Which was a bit of a shock because when season 1 ended, I couldn't see how they would carry the story on.
I wanted more for sure but couldn't see how they'd fill another season.
Thankfully the team behind Utopia didn't disappoint and the first few episodes were stonking, in many ways eclipsing the original.
The season premiere in particular was a treat. The story behind the story was beautifully told with some of the best direction and acting of the whole 2 season run.
But then it started to run out of steam and by the time the credits rolled on episode 2.5 it was clear that this was the end.
It didn't matter how it ended. However it did, it was sure to be a bloody, violent climax of biblical proportions.
Except it wasn't. If anything it was a bit of a damp squib. Sure it had its fair share of exploding heads but in between the bloodletting there wasn't much going on.
OK. Nevermind. This is the end. It deserves to wind down a bit.
Only that's not what happened. In a final twist, that wasn't really a twist, Utopia will return for a third season.
It's possible that the writers and production team will once again surprise me and pull another series out of the bag.
I really hope so but my gut says not.
Utopia is in the hands of the money men now. I only hope they don't kill it.
The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
Sci Fi cinema at its best
I love sci fi cinema. Have done since seeing Star Wars and Close Encounters. So often though it disappoints.
Chronicles of Riddick, however, just kicks ass. It delivers on every level. Vin Diesel is an awesome action hero and Riddick was made for his huge frame and bad ass voice.
Yeah its got a weird centre section that almost spoils the whole thing and it doesn't quite flesh out the mythology so that at times you are left a little lost but who cares.
It's like Dune but with visuals to die for.
Long live Riddick. We're ready for our third helping please!
Predators (2010)
Dumb Dumb Dumb
To be perfectly honest I didn't have high expectations for this movie in the first place. I loved the first two but couldn't really see where they could take the story. The first AvP had some good ideas and was enjoyable but in the end it didn't really deliver.
This just felt like a bad remake of the original. Nothing happened. There was a lot of running around in the jungle, while Brody spouted a top ten tips on how to hunt.
I wouldn't have minded if it had been just dumb action, some cool set pieces and people going splat but there was hardly any of that either.
Cmon Hollywood if you are going to resurrect a franchise make sure you do it justice or it just taints the memory of what has gone before ala Indiana Jones, Star Wars and Terminator.
There are stories to be told for sure, so tell one.