mariscalcus-845-418252 Reviews

Kingslayer (2022)

Ludicrously laughable

[2/10 · 13 August 2023]

The appalling acting is this movie is only matched by the equally appalling editing along with a plot so full of holes you could sieve pasta through it. It's as if a bunch of amateurs got together in a wood behind their homes and had the idea of making a movie.

Supposedly set in late 12th century England 2 days before his coronation as King Richard decides to go deep into a forest to spend time with his lover. Without horses seemingly. Why? No explanation. Without guards too. Why? England was in turmoil and about the only fact the movie gets right is that Richard's hold on the throne is tenuous indeed. His major competitor is his brother John as anyone familiar with the Robin Hood movies will know.

The plot, such as it is, comprises Richard and his lover trying to make their way home through the forest fighting off attackers. Had they not inexplicably left their horses at home they would have had no problem. But then there would be no movie. Deus ex Machina in reverse.

The acting is dreadful and the editing worse. You can almost see the joins. As for the acript I don't think there was one - they just made it up as they go along.

I gave it 2 stars since I actually sat through it on a long flight. Otherwise please do not waste your time.

Operation Mincemeat (2021)

Enjoyable and comparable remake of the original

[7/10 · 5 May 2022]

I recall watching the original story of Operation Mincemeat entitled "The Man who Never Was" based upon Montagu's book of the plot of which this is a good remake. There was less of a romantic subplot in the original film which was an unnecessary distraction here. However, it was fun seeing Kelly Macdonald almost drop her Glaswegian accent for the first time. Entertaining if a bit long.

Twin Murders: The Silence of the White City (2019)

Better than the negative reviews claim

[7/10 · 14 April 2022]

A good if convoluted thriller based on the familiar serial killer trope and set in Vitoria-Gasteiz, capital of Euskadi. My favourite city in Spain which I have visited a few times and the reason I watched the movie. The negative reviews are mostly because the viewer did not understand the movie so it is a personal choice. Acting is fine if not brilliant and the plot good if a bit confusing here and there. My one criticism is that nearly everyone in Vitoria speaks Basque not Spanish and proudly so yet noone in the movie did. Why not set it in Madrid where everyone speaks Spanish?

The Last Duel (2021)

Imperfect but intriguing

[7/10 · 16 December 2021]

I am a great fan of Ridley Scott's movies and this is not his best. However, a very passable effort. Many reviewers have commented on the Rashomon technique of showing the critical part of the narrative from three different perspectives. Fine but the story becomes repetitive and overly long. Not a good idea. On the other hand the story is an intriguing one and worth enduring the repetition. And if nothing else the duel itself is brilliantly choreographed and shot. Worth the 2 and a half hours for that alone.

Hard Kill (2020)

Worse than Ava. Is that possible?

[1/10 · 20 December 2020]

Yes. And this is it. Dreadful, boring unwatchable rubbish. Like Malkovich in Ava, Bruce obviously needs the paycheck. Why else would he waste his, and the viewers' time. Absurd meaningless plot, awful acting - the Pardonner must be one of the most laughably awful bad guys in cinema history. And with their buddies dead they wander laughing into the sunset. Did I mention the script? Nope. There isn't one.

Ava (IV) (2020)

Like watching paint dry - but less entertaining

[1/10 · 10 December 2020]

John Malkovich will attract me to a movie. And being a fan of Atomic Blonde, Anna, La Femme Nikita and that ilk I presumed this would be worth the effort. WRONG. Obviously Mr M needs the money otherwise why would he embarrass himself associated with this rubbish. Every cliché imaginable combined with dreadful acting and direction.

Roger Waters: The Wall (2014)

Adequate superlatives do not exist

[10/10 · 11 August 2020]

The greatest concert I've ever seen - I will not see the likes again. Simply magnificent.

Standoff (I) (2016)

An unexpected gem

[8/10 · 7 May 2019]

I stumbled across this movie by accident and watched it with no expectations. What a very pleasant surprise. While the plot is quite thin and perhaps not the most original it works very well for several reasons. Firstly, the performance of the young girl played by Ella Ballentine is excellent. None of the sentimentality or worse, cuteness, that young actors tend to portray especially in such a role. Then there is both Fishburne as the appropriately named Sade and Thomas Jane as Carter. The former plays the emotionless psychopathic killer with aplomb and a dark, cynical humor, while the latter skillfully portrays the suicidal alcoholic loner who wants nothing more than to be left alone in his dilapidated house. The way the relationship between the girl and Carter develops as he goes from wishing Sade would just kill her to get rid of the nuisance to being willing to sacrifice himself to protect her is very well done. Tense and stylish; a movie that made me think which is rare these days. Recommended.