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Reviews
IRL: In Real Love (2023)
This show was decent.. can't believe the hate!
British born and bred, and I've seen a few dating shows in my life (starting with Cilla Black and Blind Date back in the day!) and listen, I don't care what anyone says - this show was entertaining.
I was laughing throughout and forming my opinions about what was going on.
The ending wasn't completely a forgone conclusion and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
I loved some characters, disliked others, really enjoyed the scenic views of India, and felt kinda proud of the next generation.
Chirag, Vidushi and Sifat were great! As were some of the others!
Production team did a great job and looks like a lot of effort went into this, esp. The dates, and the atmosphere, music etc.
Looking forward to the next series!!
1917 (2019)
as others have said
Great cinematography - you feel like you're there in a sense, enough to keep you engaged throughout with one scene only that drags, odd scene a tad far fetched, does show some horrors of war, no real storyline or character background.
Katti Batti (2015)
Had all the ingredients to be something special
This movie was let down hugely with a foolish storyline. The plot drags you to the end and then you realise it been a waste of your hours. Why would they do this. I'm so disapppointed with this. This film is a 101 in how to destroy a film in the last quarter. I mean someone just remake the ending for gods sake. Appalling script and very unrealistic in terms of the actions taken by one of the lead characters. Unreal.
I Feel Pretty (2018)
Amazing that such scripts can get budget. Cringeworthy.
This is a movie made to appeal to insecure people. The premise being that you affect the world based on your outlook and how you approach it. But the very people who should benefit from this thought process won't be inspired by this film... why? Because she only behaves with this confidence because of a head injury. So there be the flaw. Unfortunately in the real world, a head injury that will ensure the same outcome. Skip this film and save yourself a headache however.
John Wick (2014)
What is the world coming to
The film is so contrived. You know what's going to happen from the off. Character development and everything is so basic it's laughable. You could have got a film student to write and direct the entire thing. I'm flabbergasted that people actually think this is a great film. What's so unique about it that no other film has got. The acting is wooden, the scenes unbelievable and this just a payday for those involved. Trust me, you've seen it all before. If you're willing to put all common sense behind you and take everything at face value then perhaps this film is for you. Oh my god, it's just finishing as I write, and I can't believe the final scene! Now I know this film was rated by kids for kids.
Oldeuboi (2003)
The most unintellectual, mind numbingly boring film you could feast your eyes on...
Frankly I can't understand the rating of this film on IMDb. Eight point something - oh puh-lease. Yes, I wasted nearly two hours of my life watching this utter tripe, in some vain, and hoping for some redemption - however, as the film went on, and with every minute longer that I watched it, as opposed to having reached for the power button, as much as I sensed disappointment looming 10 minutes through, the disappointment continued without abatement until the very end. So my advice to you is, watch it, I don't care if you ignore this warning/review! but should you, 15 minutes through start having reservations - act upon them and save yourself some time.
The worst thing about a film that you've got to watch with subtitles, is, you have to stay focused intently else you might miss something. On the plus side, it means I am able to present to you, my opinion, that you can rest assured is something formed from a full and proper, intense session, of a waste of 2 hours of my life! Not through laziness, but just because this film is so simple in storyline, - there isn't much depth to it and hence I don't really think this film deserves much more time spent on it pondering the rubbish storyline which is very thin on the ground.
Suffice to say, the premise of the entire film is a joke. It's fantasy land viewing with scenes that are too far fetched. Even if the scenes were believable - the motivations of protagonist are not. Of the far fetched scenes, all were mediocre, leaning towards downright laughable and boring.
This film has been over-rated by a bunch of namby pamby wannabe critics without a clue. People who see something from nothing. A joke. I could sum up the entire premise of this film in one paragraph, and the film makers have padded it out to a 2 hour film. There are two times when the majority of people write reviews, when they really like a film, or and more often, when they really despise it. This film falls into the latter category, because there are people out there who believe this is a masterclass and have almost coerced people like me into wasting 2 hours of my life to watch this - so here I am, offering balance. Watch to your detriment - this film is for simple minds, and reviewing this in 2013, and decades down the line, people will look upon this film with contempt, the same way I have. My two cents!
The Jacket (2005)
I think it's definitely worth a punt... for me this film really moved me..
I've read some of the other reviews, and I think the problem with a lot of the people who haven't really enjoyed the movie as fully as they should have is because they're constantly comparing and contrasting it to elements that they've come across in other films. Others seem to have issues with characters and portrayals and/or accepting the film for what it was and generally just being guilty of over analysing the film to the point of going over it with a fine tooth comb.
Personally, I enjoyed the journey the film took me through and actually connected and felt for the lead character. The unjust. His perseverance through turmoil - what a brave person. The heart of the movie was in the right place. Ethically/Morally it ticked the boxes. I guess the end is open to interpretation or the decisions the lead takes - and or/what we personally might have done.
The thing about this film is, we don't go into the past - only the future. So the question is, what can/should I change now to influence that future? All that aside, watch the film with an open mind, accept it for what it offers and what it is. I loved Adrien, he suits the role perfectly. Keira was sweet. Kris Kristofferson did a great job too.
I watched this film and felt moved at the end with a small tear in the eye.
Nice film - for me anyway.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
Don't believe the ratings for this film... this film is a waste...
This film is a joke. I think it's too far fetched on a number of levels. The CGI is good, as are the characters who form the horror element, however, they would have been better utilised with another script.
You are left hanging, pondering.... thinking... how could that; was is occurring by those who sanction it - be so acceptable? (you'll know what I mean when you see the film)..
And by the end of the film, the storyline comes together - and I think the reason this film has been rated so highly is due to the element of originality given to any revelations/explanations offered to tie it all together.
That's all well and good, but really, I think the system devised to deliver the goods in the film was too complicated for mankind to realise, manage or control on any level whatsoever and what was delivered was so under par considering the script that you'r e left thinking... man, with the what was available (especially in the lifts) could have been so much better utilised!
Additionally: *I didn't get the feeling that I was gripped by this film. *I felt no connection with the characters. *You didn't really have to think too much. You just sat there and consumed information...
..and before you knew it, there was 10 minutes of absolute madness! (which was somewhat satisfying!) and then it was over with more a puff, than a bang!
I just left the cinema a bit miffed by it all for the reasons:
a) Was it really deserving of these high ratings? (I think not)
b) Just because the idea has not been used before in any other film that I know of, doesn't mean, it's a great idea and this film is amazing. Different != wonderful.
c) Such a let down with characters shown but not utilised.
Try again Lionsgate.
The Cold Light of Day (2012)
Don't bother.... it's a waste of time.
If you've seen the Bourne Trilogy, and then you go and see this - you're going to be severely disappointed. It's like a poor man's version! This film tries to be everything that the Bourne series was - but fails spectacularly. Every element of this film that comes together to make the whole - is worthy of criticism. The storyline is amateurish. When you get to the end of the film, you recollect what you've just seen and think to yourself - man there were so many far fetched scenes and wholly unnecessary ones - but then again, if plot didn't contain them, there'd be no film! I'm sorry to be so vague, but this film was put together like a recipe. The writer must have asked himself - what do I need to put into an action/thriller to make it worthy of that genre? Got all the elements together, and mashed them together hastily to produce this utter waste of time. You're left devoid of any satisfaction by the time you reach the end. Just don't watch it and save yourself some money. Rent it on DVD, you'll thank me later.
Trespass (2011)
Oh this is a really bad movie, disastrously bad. What a shame to waste the talent of Kidman and cage
I'll make this quick and painless. Kidman is hot. Cage couldn't really develop much of a character and this film is a waste of both of their talents. The plot is wild for the purpose of entertainment but weak in terms of storyline. Essentially the film centers around an alarm installer who's slightly insane who falls in love with the Nicole as he's working at her place. Unbeknown to the alarm installers brother (a drug mule/dealer!), the alarm installer robs him of some drugs in a hold up, causing his brother to now be indebted to some gangland boss, who requires monies to be paid in lieu of the losses. The alarm installer suggests the Cage's household as a place that could be robbed to recover the monies just so that the installer could declare his love for Kidman and convince her to come along with him. Cage has no money in a safe, he's buried it in a wall. A really stupid and crazy storyline ensues until we discover nothing in the safe, and a fight later reveals hordes of money stashed in a false wall. All the robbers end up shooting each other with the crazy delusional alarm installer shooting his own brother, trying to collect the money and trying his luck with kidman. Before cage get up and shoots the installer with a nail gun, he decides to use a lighter to set fire to what must be millions of dollars.
The entire film is a farce. It was a failure at the box office. It's simple entertainment at the most basic level with a lot going on - but it's not got any substance. This is a really stupid film, and it's no wonder it's a failure. They pulled it from the cinema early because it was such a flop! Save your time people, because you'll have more satisfaction swatting flies then you'll ever get from this film. 2/10.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
Hmm... hasn't aged too well, and in this day and age - I just don't rate this film...
I think perhaps ; For those who watched this in the 80's it may have been more relevant.
For those who were young when they first watched this film, it may have struck some chords on a sentimental level where it forms part of your childhood memories where everything was glorious, wonderful and funny.
However, in this day and age i.e. nearly 2012, and my age, thirties - this film didn't really float my boat. Storyline weak, humour minimal and crass - OK the odd good part but very few and far between.
Everything was far exaggerated and OTT. The reactions of his sister and the school teacher. The actual 'adventure' that Ferris has.
To reiterate, if you're 25+ and this is currently 2010+, I don't think the film has much to offer you. Pass it by and save an hour forty five.
Cheers.
Fargo (1996)
How the hell did this mediocre film get such a high rating?!
I don't understand what's so special or unique about this film?! Is it because people believe it's based on real life events (which in actuality it's not. (see trivia section)), or is it because people in small-town America relate to it? I didn't come across any amazing prize winning performances by any of the characters. The plot is basic, the outcome when things start getting out of hand where the criminals make one mistake which leads to another is inevitable, the sheriff's work isn't amazing!, there were no shocking twists - all in all, a very simple film - I'm at pains to identify why people have rated it so highly.
In summation, I didn't hate the film, or dislike it that badly, it's an OK film - but it's nothing special. I'd give it a 3-4/10. Don't come in expecting something amazing - as I did - else you'll set yourself up for a disappointment. It's very mediocre - but watchable - if a bit mundane. And what was going on with that old school friend of hers? Why did they write that in!?!
The Killing Room (2009)
Complete and utter rubbish! I wasted my time, and if you're reading this, save yours!
This is one of those films that you continue to watch in the hope that it will redeem itself by some miracle of nature as time goes by. You hope this film will have a unique characteristic to set it apart from other films of its genre - but, ultimately, you're sorely disappointed and you're left miffed at how such a simplistic experiment is over complicated to the highest degree when you could have got the same results with a bunch of trained monkeys!
The film starts off with the text: (and this isn't a spoiler BTW!) "In 1975 the Rockefeller Commission was appointed to investigate covert mind-control programs conducted by the CIA in the 1950s and 60's. These programs were known as Project MK-ULTRA. By the time of the investigation, CIA Director Richard Helms had ordered all documents related to the MK-ULTRA program destroyed"!
And so the film begins! You know, you have to wonder, why sometimes it is that films start off this way. In the case of this film, it's to give some credence to the storyline you're about to bear witness too. In this case it should it serve almost as a warning... some sort of red flag to the viewer - translated: What you are about to see is based on a true story - however, as no documentation or evidence exists - we will now make up our own account! The only reason we gave you this synopsis, was so that you take our film more seriously !!
And so now you're watching this childish experiment - with some sort of mission control like voice in the background throughout - as if NASA is in communication with the space shuttle - when in fact, they're just communicating with each other on planet earth - probably in an adjoining room!
This is a very frustrating film. Ones mind is left to idle for periods at a time. You're sitting there thinking... OK, come on, what next. Surprise me. Thrill me. Let me be enthralled by some measure of intelligent human interaction! But you're left with a sour taste in your mouth. You're reward is a slap in the face! (stupid outcomes during elimination that some may see as thrilling or surprising but which are in fact silly).
It's difficult to explain this film without giving the WEAK plot away, but it's just not worth wasting your time over.
The Strangers (2008)
It's basis on true events is a fallacy, the film is drawn out, and a vehicle for wanton unwarranted torturous violence!
This films starts out quite well, and really does give you the creeps for the first quarter of proceedings, but then things rapidly descend thereafter where you're left just wanting to find out who the antagonists are, and why they are doing what they are doing - unfortunately at the end, you're not even given that answer so are left to make one up - so this is one for the imaginative or the feeble minded (depending on which way you look at it). I don't feel it's the viewers job to over extend themselves and make-up an entire storyline as a justification if the film maker has been lazy enough not to give you enough prompts.
You don't watch a film just for the premise of a psychological thrill, suspense, and fright, without a proper ending - because to tie up the film somewhat, is to put the icing on the cake - without that, the 'cake' is not complete.
There is a scene in this film where you will, within a second of a particular event taking place, know exactly what is about to happen. It is after this point that you just stay with the wanton violence in the hope that there is reasoning at the end - but there isn't.
This film isn't worth the 6.8 it's currently got.
Thankyou
Citizen Kane (1941)
As of 07 July 08 - this is number #28 of 250? This film should be #1 - but back in the 40's not in the 21st Century.
I really don't understand - and those who disagree with this comment are probably thinking it's beyond my comprehension - I have one thing to say before you click that 'not useful' button and that is that your mind is easily led, like to go with the flow and you would be an ideal candidate for brainwashing! You're as eccentric as Mr Kane himself!
In this films heyday when people lived by gaslight, and film direction was still evolving after the emergence of sound and the demise of silent movies - this film might have been an inspiration to 'budding' directors as it broke much ground back then in relation to editing/angles/utilisation of advanced filming techniques but that's just like saying we should immortalise the CRT's they were viewed on back then just because they too were ground breaking! This film will one day be recognised for what it is, utter rubbish - but it will take a few generation changes for this to fall in the ranks and I for one cannot wait. What a waste of time for me in this day and age where this film presented to me nothing I have not seen before.
Yes the director did get a hold of our attentions early on with this storyline revolving around Kane's last word "ROSEBUD", and so we stick with this boring and tedious film until the very end to try and discover what in god's name was so important about his last utterance only to be let down by a revelation that makes you think you've wasted the last 90 minutes plus of your life.
Citizen Kane gradually developed into a self-centred, spoilt, narrow-minded geriatric whose views of the world and the people around him did not actually match up with reality and thus as an inevitable result he ended up alienating himself left only with his material belongings which he'd collected over the years in his little castle (if you will) which secluded him from the world because he had lost the plot. Rosebud was a reference to a sleigh board from his youth which is probably where he was at his happiest.
1/10
Tales of the Unexpected: A Man with a Fortune (1982)
Not a bad "Tales of the unexpected" at all ....
I thought this was a pretty decent episode, with a very abrupt and quite startling ending, very true to the name of the programme!! The acting is exemplary and I do like the way the American strikes up a conversation at the beginning!...
The Vicar at the end was superb, I had to rewind the end scene a couple of time for maximum enjoyment!
This wasn't an episode where the outcome is easily predicted which adds to the fun as we're hit with the revelation.
All in all, an excellent episode.
As the comment by Paul says, definitely worth a watch.
Sexy Beast (2000)
Fascinating? Are the rest of you on mind bending drugs!?
This film was absolutely awful. Let me tell you why.
The first 1/5 of the film is spent introducing the first four characters (two couples) - and this must have been on a tight budget, because they only used a couple of sets - one by the pool, the other in the restaurant.
The acting was really poor - and the characters even less believable.
Let me elaborate.... lets take Ray Winstone - what a poor choice of lead character. He neither comes across believable, nor does he have an ounce of menace about him - I mean let's be serious - is he your idea of a big time gangster in retirement? PLEASE...
The problem with this film, is that it stars Ben Kingsley, who some people would give 10/10 even if the production was absolute rubbish.
Towards the end of the first fifth of this film ,we have some more poor acting, when Aitch and Jackie approach the dinner table, seeming to come across as they've seen a ghost - trembling with fear because they've picked up a phone call from the brutal(not) Don Logan (Kingsley). The acting at this point is quite pitiful and overdone.
When you see Ben Kingsley for the first time, you'd be forgiven for thinking he'd just starved himself for an upcoming role in Ghandi. I mean the man is scrawny, aged, and has no presence. His overacting showed no bounds where in the next 3/5's of the film, he kept pestering the lead character agree to a 'job'...
Oh and the big surprise was, he had slept with Aitch's wife... woo hoo Big deal ! I can't be bothered to write anymore about this film, except to say that it was an anti climatic bore of an excuse for a director to put reel to camera and produce this junk.
It just wasn't convincing and the storyline was pants.
ps. and what's all that underwater drilling rubbish about...
Oh god this is depressing - don't watch it, even on DVD or 19th re-run, unless you're a Kingsley fanboy.
ALSO.. WHAT'S WITH THE BUNNY! Donnie Darko Ripoff.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
Another great from my childhood...
I remember this film fondly - all those laughs and a perfect pairing between Steve Martin and John Candy! both of whom on their own are great actors.
There are around three moments in the movie that I found really quite moving/heartwarming - the first was Del's speech in the hotel room just after Neal berates Del. The second was whilst Neal was on the train thinking back to the bad and then good experiences that him and Del went through - which obviously promoted him to go back for Del. And finally, the last scene where Del arrives home, and his wife and family are their waiting - and he introduces Del ... aah ! It's not often you come across a film that has so many laughs, but that also contains such heartwarming sentiment..
This film is definitely a classic and deserving of its rating. Brilliant.
Taxi Driver (1976)
I wonder what was so great about the film....
Reaching the end of the film - on reflection of the journey i'd been through!... I wouldn't say that i'd wasted my time - I enjoyed the nostalgic visit back to the 70's, I was in awe of Sybil Shepherd's beauty - in fact I quite enjoyed the film up until Travis took Betsy to the cinema. (Oh and whilst i'm talking about his short relationship with her, couldn't he have been more charming! I'm sure the chemistry was there.) What happened after that? I think the film went somewhat downhill.
Wouldn't the film have been more entertaining if Travis had turned into a Charles Bronson type character from Deathwish .. meating out his own version of justice on the streets instead of focusing on a single low down pimp? If the film had to end the way it did! couldn't he have at least got back with Betsy.
The Descent (2005)
Poor film, let down by a progressively weakening story line - (any wonder we have 20+ pages of reviews where people hated this film)
Please - this film is a no brainer - don't go with the flow - this film makes me embarrassed to be British. This film is so uneventful, that me and my girlfriend walked out of the cinema brain dead. Watching paint dry would have been more fun.
This is glorified potholing for people willing to suspend reality and common sense! and who are open to accepting the most total and bizarrely unrealistic and far fetched scenarios - couple that with low budget scares and you've a recipie for disaster.
This film wants you to use your imagination. Now If I wanted to use my imagination throughout the entire film... I may as well go to sleep and have a dream! ...
I'd like to say that it's because of the rating that this film had on IMDb, that I went to watch it. A decision I now regret, so much so, I've been compelled to warn others who think they're in for a really good film.... don't waste your time. There must be a conspiracy for this to have been rated 7+
Take a scroll through the rest of the comments on this film and you'll soon realise that the majority of these reviewers are from the UK, and their reviews seem to be very biased as this is a British production - to all those people, we're not voting for England here, we're voting to indicate the quality of the film!
I'm not anti-British or anything, hell I live in England, and I only just saw creep recently.. a film which I thought was a lot better than this.
Descent is an utter and total waste of time - seriously! There's plenty of gore if that's what you're looking for - but lets break this film down and look at the constituent elements and premise behind the storyline and events in this film which are so far fetched - that brought me to the conclusion that: you'd have to be cloud cuckoo land to accept all of them.
Essentially, a whole bunch of women get together... with one who takes it upon herself to deceive the entire rest of the group and lead them into previously uncharted potholing territory even after numerous attempts by the rest of the group to question where they're going. Now that might be fine, but we're given no motive as to why she's suddenly decided to lead a whole bunch of women to a previously unexplored and uncharted hole in the ground.
The horror aspect of the film was a total non-entity - the idea would have worked so much more better had they focused on the human element of the whole scenario that these girls get themselves into, i.e. if we accept they've got themselves into this situation where they are lost underground - let's have a drama where these women can't get out and die trying - or even where at least there's one creature not hundreds running amok and camera angles so poor you just see a haze of activity but you're unable to really make anything out!
This film isn't scary full stop, the storyline was pants! The ending was anti-climatic, the actors couldn't act, and when the horror aspect of the film starts, the camera movements are so jerky - that you couldn't see what the hell was going on in all the confusion. The camera never stayed on the creatures long enough for you to make out what they were - no surprise there though - this film was produced on a shoestring budget. And for all of you saying to yourselves .. "well this is what made the film brilliant"... then I don't really think there's much I can say to you, because if that's your idea of fun, then we're at the opposite ends of the thinking spectrum.
I can't recommend this film because you'd be wasting your time. The film had promise, bit of a shame really. Apt the name of this film really - The Descent... and oh boy does this film descend into total boredom.
ps. Check out the number of goofs for this amateur production..