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lucyannashford
Reviews
Safelight (2015)
No bells and whistles. Loved it
Stumbled across this, as usual, looking for something different to watch. The fact that Juno Temple is in it made me want to give it a try, and as always she never fails to deliver the perfect performance.
This isn't a big Hollywood blockbuster. The storyline is sweet and touching and meanders gently along, giving you time to get to know the characters. All of which are cast perfectly, locations and cinematography are also spot on too.
So if you want something which isn't in your face, or high paced, and leaves you with a warm feeling in your belly, then I highly recommend spending a few hours enjoying it.
Bad Sisters (2022)
Best thing I've seen all year
This series had me hooked before I even began! From seeing Sharon and Eve doing the promotional interviews back in the summer, I knew I had to watch this. I then waited until all eps had dropped before joining my free Apple TV trial and I've watched the whole series in less than a week. Told my daughter about it and she watched in 5 days!
The sisters have such a great bond, the storyline never lets you get bored for a second, the scenery is gorgeous, houses are exquisite and the music is perfect.
The villain is the most horrid villain I've ever seen and he most definitely deserved his outcome!
I defy anyone to not love this series. Can't wait for the next!
Heart Failure (2021)
Fabulous film
Saw this today at a RTS media day at Uni and I loved it. Modern day love story, told in a quirky, speedy and clever way, most people can totally relate to. Shot entirely during lockdown, though you'd never know.
The film keeps you hooked and hoping that the guy will get his girl. But as we all know - that would be far too easy and life just clearly never is.
The story stayed with me for the rest of the day as it felt so accurate and exactly how I've felt, being on the receiving end of being snubbed by a lover.
Poor guy, wonder if this story was from his own personal experience? Love surely does hurt!
Tell It to the Bees (2018)
Completely captivating
Quite the loveliest film I've seen in a long while. The story of a lone mother and her son, trying to make ends meet, as an outsider in a closeknit Scottish village set in the 1950's. She befriends the local female doctor - also an outsider. Their relationship unfolds and with inevitable consequences. Harsh at times but beautifully told and highly recommend as an antidote to the usual Hollywood drivel, we're so used to being fed these days.
Rarely does Holiday Granger choose any bad roles and this is the perfect part, played exquisitely by her.
Finally a film I do not feel has wasted time I'll never get back!
Stranger Things: Chapter Nine: The Piggyback (2022)
Edge of the seat stuff
I don't think people can really expect progs like Stranger Things to actually make sense, or be logical in any way. They are escapism of the very best kind. Suspend the reality of life just for a short while and escape to another world, another time and just enjoy being on the same ride as the characters we've all come to love so much. I loved every minute. Was on the edge of my seat and barely breathed at several stages. Can't wait for series 5 Duffer brothers. Will be sad to see it end.
Pride (2014)
What a fabulous and joyous movie!
I don't know where my head was back in 1985 to have completely missed this story, but I'm so glad I've now seen the movie and that finally, thanks to these people, the world has changed for the better.
I still can't believe so many were/are stupid enough to not realise people who are gay don't 'choose' to be, it's who they are. They can't and shouldn't deny their true selves or be expected to live a lie.
This film was uplifting, showed the ignorance of people who didn't know any better, and one thing for sure is that I'll definitely be joining my nearest Pride march/event when it comes around.
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
Shockingly awful
I couldn't believe the reviews for myself so stupidly decided to give it a go anyway. Rarely has Emily Blunt chosen a dud, in my opinion, but within the first 10 mins I was asleep and woke for the last 20. Half an hour of this utter drivel was more than enough. Can only assume the money offered to this stellar cast was too good to turned down. Don't bother wasting even the rainiest of afternoons on this tripe. Watching paint dry would be more interesting.
Peaky Blinders: Lock and Key (2022)
Wow!
Just finished watching the entire Peaky Blinders series. Rarely does a series ending satisfy, but this one had you convinced until the last few moments that this was the end of Peaky forever. Then just as I was resigned to that, the possibility of more sprang up out of the blue.
The final images of Tommy Shelby will stay with me for a long time. The music used in the closing minutes was perfectly chosen. I now have Thom Yorke singing Pana-vision running around my head and have downloaded it, along with the rest of the Peaky soundtrack (13 hours!)
This is undoubtedly the best tv I've seen in years and I'm kind of glad I didn't see it when it aired but watched it all consecutively over a month.
Really in a dilemma now - do I want more or should they just leave it there....?
Peaky Blinders (2013)
I'm late to the party but SO glad I've finally arrived!
I'm not sure why, but I didn't catch this from the beginning then it seemed too late to start. So here I am now after the final show has aired and I'm just starting out. But (in the voice of Janice from friends) Oh My God I'm so glad I have.
The first few episodes took a bit of getting used, as well as the dark but evocative scenery and smoky atmosphere. They all add to this perfectly cast, total classic British tv at its absolute best.
I'm only on series two but I'm seriously hooked and should finish before the month is out if I can manage to let myself watch just the one episode a day.
Along with millions I'm sure, I love Tommy and every scene he is in he completely commands your attention. The same with Polly and the captivating Grace and May.
I'm so pleased we have the best tv in the world and we're so very lucky to have it at our fingertips
Thank you everyone involved, for creating the most perfect immersive and escapism telly we all love!
Boiling Point (2021)
Hard to watch
Very hard viewing!
Impossible not to feel sorry for all of the characters in this film at least once. I'd definitely never want to work in a kitchen and it even made me feel uneasy about eating in restaurants in the future, if there's any truth in this depiction whatsoever.
Not a comfortable Saturday afternoon's viewing. I'd suggest only watching this if you wanted to escape from the problems in your own life for 90 mins!
Pieces of Her (2022)
Not worth the 7-8 hours!
This started off well, with a promising premise. No spoilers as don't want to give anything away and it's a complex business. The story unravels but could easily have been two episodes shorter and the ending wasn't the most satisfying of outcomes.
Anything with Toni Collette in is worth watching in my opinion, just for her brilliant acting, but her younger self definitely wasn't up to the same high standard.
Would I recommend it? Only if there isn't anything else you fancy!
Cemetery Junction (2010)
Ricky once again proves he is a genius at observing human nature
Just finished this amazing movie. I hate the seventies era and this movie highlights all the hideousness of it. So glad the world is no longer like that, and shameful that it ever was that way in the first place. Of course you could argue feminism has gone a little too far in the wrong direction now, but it's nice to see how far we have come. All the actors were perfectly cast and clearly prove that British talent is the best in the world.
I truly loved it, and if you love witty, British movies you'll love it too.
Almost Famous (2000)
Almost perfection
How many movies are our there based on bands? This one keeps you hooked from the beginning. Kate Hudson really earns her acting stripes here and proves she's more than a match for her famous mom. It shows how the band can end believing their own hype and the internal fallout this can lead to. If you like real music you'll like this.
The Duke (2020)
Excellent film
I love British and quirky films and this was both. Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren were perfectly cast in this based on a real story, set in the 1960's. The imagery was very carefully constructed, great attention to detail of that period, and their house reminded me of the one my own grandparents lived in. No bells and whistles. Just the a way I like it!
Definitely in my top films so far this year.
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
Wow
I can't believe anyone would not sob at the end of this film, based on a true story of a dog'a loyalty to his master. A lovely story, but It was totally heartbreaking to watch nevertheless.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Best film ever - never gets old
This film is the best kids film ever and I never get tired of watching. It just gives that warm fuzzy feeling inside and I'm smiling like an idiot throughout. Each time I see it i notice something different. Thanks to JK Rowling for giving me and my son a bond for life. I can't imagine a life without Harry Potter in it.
Stay Close (2021)
Wow! Best thing I've seen in ages
Just finished this after binging it over 3 days.
From the get-go I was hooked and it kept me gripped the entire way through. The acting was superb by all, but especially Eddie izzard. The suspense kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, and the final few mins actually gave a satisfying ending, lacking so often in most dramas these days.
I can't understand the low ratings as, for me, it's the best thing I've seen all Christmas.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Enjoyable but also slightly unsettling
I'd been waiting to see this movie after seeing the trailers before Christmas.
Both Olivia Coleman and Dakota Johnson were totally believable, and played excellent roles, as mums detemined to have their own lives as well as being a parent.
As a mother myself who has also felt crushed by parenthood on many occasions, I could sympathise with both characters.
The unsettling part for me was during the flashbacks to when Leda's daughters were young, as it made me realise that I barely remembered any of mine as it had passed in a blur, but I was left feeling certain I did quite a good job in not letting my children visibly annoy me, unlike the characters in this movie.
As a parent of almost adult children now, I feel that watching this could be seen as a lesson in how not to parent your children if you don't want them to be attention seeking, demanding and irritating. What you put in, is very obviously what you get out.
A thought provoking film about weighing up your life choices as a mother.
American Utopia (2020)
Bizarre, entertaining and very clever!
Wow, if you love Talking Heads this is a must-see treat for you. Quirky and never dull, David Byrne's performance wiki keep you hooked throughout. The incredible number of moves for a 69 year old man to remember is a feat on its own. He never waivers or misses a beat. Fabulous stuff. Enjoy!
Countdown (1982)
Love it
Scrabble fans like me all love this program. I'm so pleased with myself when I get the number cruncher right. Perfect for an afternoon cup of tea and a biscuit break 😋 Rachel is astonishingly clever and Susie never fails to tell us something we didn't know. Just brilliant and one of the best things on channel 4.
Last Christmas (2019)
Perfect Christmas movie for any time of year
I don't know how anyone can give this movie a low score. It's funny, sad, heart warming, musical, has the most expressive eyebrows of any actress on the planet, thanks to the wonderful Emilia Clarke. It has a great storyline with a lovely message of how helping others brings fulfillment, it's beautifully colourful, and I can't fault it at all.
Perfection!
Summerland (2020)
Perfection
What a beautifully told story Summerland is. The scenery alone is worth watching this movie for, as well as the perfect costume design.
At first I thought this would be just another Uncle Tom but it changes direction and turns into a beautifully told, gentle story of love and loss. I really enjoyed it.
After Life (2019)
Simply outstanding
Watched both series three times now and each time it's made me laugh out loud and cry big fat tears. This is British TV at it's most brilliant and I can't wait for the next series.
Attack the Block (2011)
Alien fun!
Loved this film I'd never even heard of it before today. Excellent acting from all the cast, the aliens were funny, I enjoyed every minute. What a blast!!
Surge (2020)
Painful to watch
BW is always good to watch in everything he does, but this was just too uncomfortable and similar to the daily frustrations we all regularly face, for me to want to watch to the end. One bad day after another until he reached breaking point and cracked! Poor man.
Personally I prefer a little escapism from reality!