simonv-14712 Reviews

First Reformed (2017)

Great film

[9/10 · 1 January 2022]

I kept with this despite a certain dread that will become apparent upon watching it, simply because of how genuine, well told, and acted this story is. I wasn't disappointed by its poetic ending. I was really moved by this film.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Excellent Cinema

[9/10 · 27 December 2021]

What an excellent film. Great to see the entry of such actors into this Netflix collaboration. There is something nouveau old-school about it, like updated rebellious rock and roll cinema doing some much-needed ruffling of feathers with a sexy sense of humour and a big heart.

The Last Duel (2021)

Excellent

[10/10 · 23 December 2021]

Has there been anything like this? I don't know. It certainly speaks to the times in a very grown up and aesthetically satisfying way, and has wonderful acting in the course of its three exceedingly well-executed acts. Hats off all around. What a great film.

A.I. Rising (2018)

Very Good Science Fiction

[9/10 · 21 December 2021]

Wow. What a pleasant surprise. Very good science fiction and filmmaking through and through, with fully committed, talented actors. I'd have to say it's entered my pantheon of SF films that step firmly over into the realm of great art.

The Wheel of Time (2021– )

Excellent

[8/10 · 24 November 2021]

My only real complaint involves not being able to click on episode 4. I was hooked.

They opt for a realism conceit that works. The acting is topnotch - I was conscious of how various scenes could have come across as terribly awkward and cheesy, and yet the acting kept the suspension of disbelief intact. For example (spoiler alert), when they are travelling and the story of the ancient battle is being told by Rosamund Pike's character Moiraine: this was necessary for the story, but is nonetheless raw exposition, and yet she makes if feel real.

Bad Company (1995)

Very good film

[9/10 · 7 November 2021]

Wow, what a pleasant surprise. Very cool and adventurous filmmaking, and such fabulous performances. I kept wondering if the Wachowskis had been influenced by this excellent film, featuring Laurence Fishburne.

Chaos Walking (2021)

Excellent and innovative

[8/10 · 18 October 2021]

The successful implementation of representing characters' thoughts alone makes this an excellent and puzzlingly underrated film (but the audience likes it, and, had it not been for covid, I'm sure it would have done reasonably well in theatres). Beyond that, the plot is perfectly up to the task of delivering a satisfying, straightforward science-fantasy tale with allusions to historical scenarios that some will recognise, especially given the first-rate, committed acting performances.

I think the main character is the new technique of representing surface thoughts (so fun!) and bravo to how well that's done - cutting new ground. It strikes me as something ripe for further experimentation, perhaps like the 'Groundhog Day' conceit of repeating a day, which of late has been repeated differently to great effect.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

Now One of My Favourites

[9/10 · 28 May 2021]

I just hadn't got around to seeing this and was influenced by the downer reviews.

It's now one of my favourites of Scott's., maybe only next to Blade Runner (and, recently, Raised by Wolves, that strange new creature that I hope we see more of).

I really found the full message to be poetic, to hit that razor's-edge spiritual note that cuts both ways. And a message of love, choosing love.

The Nevers (2021–2023)

Unique

[9/10 · 21 May 2021]

Unique, but also another chapter in how this new, well-funded cinematic streaming format is enabling fantasy and science fiction to be realised in a way that has never been seen. I find that to be exciting and positive.

This has a novelistic feel. I find the way the plot is unfolded over the six episodes to be truly admirable in the writing and execution. Wonderful acting. Often genuinely witty and sexy.

I Am All Girls (2021)

Excellent thriller

[9/10 · 19 May 2021]

This is an excellent thriller.

It's heavy - in the best possible way.

It makes me wish for the thousandth time that the police forces of the world could be unfettered from the fascist puritan laws that both distract them from pursuing, and help finance, what here is shown as the true crime that is to be hunted down and punished.

Monster Hunter (2020)

Fun

[7/10 · 19 May 2021]

It's a lot of fun and well done throughout. Feels like a pilot to a series though without a clear finale/story arc, rather than a complete film - but I find myself not caring about that, satisfied with the well-done spectacle and with how much fun everyone was obviously having. Great sound design.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Fun, good message

[7/10 · 18 May 2021]

I like it. It leans quite far into the fantasy conceit, making it like a fable, so you have to be okay with that, take it on board. I did that, relaxing into what they were doing, and really enjoyed it.

Halston (2021)

Excellent

[9/10 · 16 May 2021]

What a breath of fresh air. Art is alive and very well-dressed.

Oxygen (2021)

Excellent science fiction

[8/10 · 15 May 2021]

I really enjoyed this. Excellent show-don't-tell, kind of nouveaux old-school science fiction.

Jupiter's Legacy (2021)

Excellent so far

[8/10 · 10 May 2021]

Halfway in, I find this to have a refreshingly sophisticated and philosophical script, and to be well acted and directed..

Dan Soder: Son of a Gary (2019 TV Special)

As funny as the best of them

[9/10 · 7 August 2020]

I would say Soder has levelled up here, found a new maturity and bold honesty, along with a witty outrageousness that takes him into the territory of the best I've encountered. Looking forward to what comes next for him.