johndillon001 Reviews

Ghosts (2019–2023)

Brilliant show, but avoid the final episode

[3/10 · 3 January 2024]

Ghosts is a gem of a show, brilliant characters. However, I would strongly advise avoiding the Christmas 2023 episode, which is the shows grand finale.

Not only does the episode fail in terms of the expected quality, it ends on a sour not, ruining the episodes that have come before.

It honestly feels like the writers were sick of their creation and wanted to end it in a rushed, completely out of character way.

The seasons that came before it were heart warming, and lovely, creating a brilliant atmosphere. All of which is ruined in the space of a single episode.

For an example of how to do a grand finale correctly please check out the other BBC series, the Detectorists.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2022)

Awful, disjointed, absolute rubbish - dont waste your time with it.

[1/10 · 27 December 2022]

I had hight hopes for this animation, and seeing some of the reviews I sat down on Christmas eve with my kids to enjoy what I thought would be a wonderful animation.

Instead what we got was pretty animation with a story that could have been written by an eight year old.

The boy is a miserable, strange character. The animals that join him have no personsalities and instead deliver quote after quote. Example, they come to big hill, the boy is scared, an animal says "Sometimes in life can be difficult". So they climb it. Then come to another challenge.

Its literally like someone tooke all the inspirations quotes from Instagram and just randomly put them into this, theres no clear story or reason for anything.

Absolute rubbish. Someone despierately wanted this to be a classic like the Snowman, instead what you end up with is a vapid, poor written, idiotic story that will soon be forgotten. Dont waste your time on it.

The Queen's Corgi (2019)

A mess of a film

[1/10 · 25 July 2019]

An utter mess of a film. Filmed with violence, quite scary dogs, sexism, a female dog that essentially attempts to rape another dog, a dog getting put in a washing machine. Jack Whitehall is charmless in this, and the animation is so so. The script is appalling, and the jokes are non existent. Save your money. See something else, anything else.

Upgrade (2018)

Suprisingly good

[10/10 · 4 May 2019]

I hadn't heard of this movie, but from the trailer though it looked interesting.

Its actually a great film, with some good sci fi and plot twists. The special effects are great, but not overdone, and the future is portrayed in a gritty, realistic way.

The acting is very good, and the action sequences are excellent, but again not overdone.

I especially liked the ending.

All in all, a good movie, and certainly worth a watch.

Open Season (2006)

A waste of time.

[1/10 · 21 September 2007]

As the standard of animation continues to rise, its a shame that the quality of the features produces spirals downwards! Open Season is a prime example of how great animation doesn't make a good film. The film is completely let down by its voice actors.

Boog is obnoxious and selfish, and in no way likable. Its not Martin Lawerence playing the character, its simply him turning up and being himself. Same goes for Ashton Kutcher who voices Boogs friend.

The jokes are few and far between and the entire thing is a disgrace, acting as a quick buck for Lawerence and Kutcher.

The studios should give some real thought to hiring professional voice actors, rather than actors, who at best have limited talent as it is.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007)

A great disappointment

[4/10 · 20 September 2007]

I was a great fan of the West Wing and as such thought I would enjoy Studio 60 just as much. At first glance the two shows are very similar, both being produced by Aaron Sorkin.

However Studio 60 is a great disappointment. The characters are egotistical and in many cases plain annoying. Harriet Hayes is a prime example, all she does is go on about how she is not in love with Matt Albie (played by Matthew Perry).

All in all a great disappointment. I hope they don't cancel the show, but rather cut most of the cast and get some new writers in. I feel Sorkin may have been a one hit wonder with West Wing.

300 (2006)

An amazing film, second only to Gladiator

[10/10 · 20 July 2007]

Im not a fan of CGI, and to be honest I've never wanted to see the likes of Sin City, so you as you can imagine, I wasn't particularly looking forward to seeing 300.

From the outset I was amazed. The film is nothing short of amazing, the story is well told and heartfelt, the acting is absolutely top notch.

The tale of the 300 spartan warriors that faced the invading Persian over 2000 years ago, and from the outset we are introduced to the brutal spartan society where strength is valued above all else.

The battle scenes, of which there are many, are again amazing, and told beautifully.

This film is second only to Gladiator. Don't listen to anyone that says otherwise, see it.

Amélie (2001)

Trys to be too much

[1/10 · 28 May 2007]

If this film were a person it would go around telling people how clever it was.... often indicating that it was not.

The film is a complete waste of 2 hours, filled with bizarre moments and a central character that is nothing but annoying.

A few intriguing characters appear (for example the boy who works at the grocer), but they are quickly lost in this film, which attempts to stun the audience with its surreal moments and imagery.

This film clearly displays everything that is wrong with French cinema today.

Avoid at all costs.

Children of Men (2006)

An Amazing film, a must see

[10/10 · 30 September 2006]

Children of Men is nothing short of amazing. The film depicts the UK in the year 2027. For the last 18 years not a single baby has been born as mankind has been struck by infertility. As society slowly unravels we glimpse a nightmare future where homeland security and terrorism are one and the same.

Without giving too much away, the film is amazing. It shows a very realistic view of London in the future, a gritty and urban realisation.

The special effects are astounding, while being very subtle.

Clive Owen plays Theo well, showing the right amount of emotion and being the reluctant hero.

A wonderful film that should not be missed. See it in the cinema if possible.

The First $20 Million Is Always the Hardest (2002)

So much promise, so little delivery

[3/10 · 7 October 2005]

I was expecting so much more from this film, but it failed to deliver. Adam Garcia has gone down hill to star in something like this.

The plot was over complicated, and the ending seemed to drag on far too long. After overcoming obstacle after obstacle, I realised I just didn't care if they won or lost.

Rosanna Dawson is completely wooden in this performance, and has no chemistry with Garcia. The only bit of entertainment comes from Garcias band of geeks, however even this isn't enough to save the file.

Plot holes are major and massive, such as using technology that is far too advanced, and being able to get an entire marching back onto the high security premises of another company!

Avoid this. Watch Office Space instead.