lawrencep0 Reviews

One Life (2023)

An inspirational true story

[9/10 · 12 October 2023]

The story is fairly well known now, at least in the UK, but hopefully this film will bring it to the world. The film brings the story to life and how daunting and hopeless the task seemed to begin with. I had previously assumed Nicholas Winton had some sort of link to the establishment in order to get the necessary visas and other requirements. In fact, he was just an ordinary guy who felt he had to do something and, with other ordinary people, tackled each problem methodically and was able to overcome all hurdles to bring 669 mainly Jewish children out of pre-war Prague - almost certainly saving their lives.

So inspiring and, indeed, heroic.

With such a story, it is difficult to think that the film would not be pretty good just on that alone. However, I have seen inspiring stories fumbled before. That is not the case here. To my eyes it was handled with a deft touch aided by great performances from the ensemble cast, particularly by Anthony Hopkins and Helena Bonham Carter.

As one might expect, the 2 timelines of pre-war Prague and the near present when the story came to light are run in parallel and that works very well, with each being moving in their own way. Together is something of an emotional overload - but in a good way. Nicky did so much but was also traumatised by those he was not able to save. Seeing all those alive today because of his efforts must have been cathartic. There is a touch of It's a Wonderful Life about the film - which is never a bad thing.

The message that determined ordinary people can make a difference facing daunting obstacles is timeless. This is a true story and so not just empty rhetoric. Also, about caring for others, particularly in the face of man's ongoing inhumanity to man. Hopefully this film will inspire future Nicholas Wintons.

Earth (2023)

Mind-boggling journey of life on Earth in geologic time

[9/10 · 3 August 2023]

A very illuminating survey of the often rocky path of life on Earth through geologic time.

The evolution of life has been heavily dependent on the environment, many times independent of life such as plate tectonics, asteroid collisions, volcanic activity, ice ages. Interestingly, often in concert and through the medium of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Also, often via the environmental impact of life itself in a feedback loop. For instance, the abundant oxygen in our atmosphere, so essential to our existence, only came about due to other life forms.

A profound picture emerges that has never been so clearly expressed before.

The final episode focuses on ourselves. Both putting our environmental impact in context with the long chain of other dramatic changes and emphasising the uniqueness of our situation. Lessons to be drawn for sure.

However, for me, the main take away is the wonder of the mind-boggling series of random events, unforeseeable consequences and feedback-loops that have led to creatures such as ourselves. Humbling. Also, perhaps, of relevance regarding life in the wider universe.

Troppo (2022– )

Compelling main characters

[8/10 · 24 September 2022]

I found the back-story and relationship of the two main characters utterly compelling.

I think that the various plots and sub-plots were perhaps stretched too far, particularly when reviewing the actions of all the characters in retrospect. That said, the heightened dramatic action may have been necessary for balance. We were definitely carried along whilst the existential crisis of the two main characters amidst general animosity and setback plays out.

Still, I think there are unnecessary flaws but don't want to give spoilers. Enough so I am not quite giving top marks although a great little series that I will remember for a long time.

Vampires (2020)

Original and Refreshing

[8/10 · 5 April 2021]

Vampires is an intriguing take on the vampiric legend. I hesitate to use the word realistic but much more sci-fi than fantasy. It retains the sense of the pros and cons of such an existence but bringing the cons into more focus. Not so glamorous and a gritty struggle for secrecy and survival. Still had the sense of a cohesive community aware of its special status and having seen it all before. But somewhat squalid with an all-pervading tension.

I thought the characters and dynamics were imaginative. The odd caricature but they mainly felt like real individuals. Further, there is mystery throughout and no clear good and evil.

All in all, an original and refreshing little series and I cannot understand the low rating.

Space Sweepers (2021)

Great fun

[8/10 · 6 February 2021]

The spirit of this piece is definitely in the right place and I found it great fun.

The characters were both likable and interesting with some great interaction. The CGI and cinematography were surprisingly good. The story was engaging with some great touches.

One might, perhaps, be able to question some of the science and motivations of the villain but that is par for the course and this is a worthy addition to the canon.

Alice in Borderland (2020– )

Escape rooms meet Saw

[10/10 · 18 January 2021]

If you like escape rooms and Saw then you will love this!

For the uninitiated that means shock and ingenuity in abundance together with an overarching mystery and sense of being manipulated by a malevolent mastermind. Also, the inspiring (or escapist) sense in which dropouts (or just ordinary people) can, given the right circumstances, become remarkable people whilst others fail.

Engaging characters with existential angst. What is there not to love!

Dubbed rather than subtitled but done well with excellent voice-artists.

I am not familiar with the original manga but am inspired to look it up

Small Axe (2020)

Absorbing glimpse into history

[9/10 · 23 December 2020]

This series of films are revealing regarding the history within Britain of a particular community, namely the West Indian one in the 60s and 70s. The concentration on detail is totally absorbing, bringing known aspects to life as well as less well known details that make this history real rather than simply a vague awareness of the hardships and discrimination that were suffered.

As well as the hardships, the films bring out the vibrancy and uniqueness of that community so also has a positive message, as well as an educational one.

I thought Mangrove was particularly powerful, both being depressing and uplifting at the same time! Also, the final one, based on education, was incredibly raw and insightful with brilliant acting. The others were also part of a masterful sketch, highlighting aspects of life and attitudes, warts and all, within that community at that time.

I was bowled over and feel I am now more in touch with important recent history in our country. Not only that, but more informed regarding the background of the current community.

Thoroughly recommended.

Tin Star (2017–2020)

Promising start descends into chaos

[7/10 · 23 December 2020]

The 1st season is dark with an engaging anti-hero (at least to begin with). I thought it was well worth watching despite some large plot-holes (such as Jack surely knowing what Frank looks like and the women's bizarrely guilty reaction to the self-defence killing).

The subsequent seasons descend into incoherent mayhem. A wannabe Witness 2nd season and Thelma & Louise(?) on steroids 3rd season just don't work. The creators seem to gleefully press all the wrong buttons but that does not magically create a good program. With all the innocent casualties I was wishing for our anti-heroes to get their comeuppance - not sure that was the reaction the creators were aiming for?

The actors and acting are all pretty good, as are the production values. It is simply the plot that has lost the plot as it were. Almost a case study in the importance of plot.

If you can stop at season 1 that would be a good move.

Also, they seem to have cut a friend of mine out of the Everton supporters extras scene. Unforgivable!

Tenet (2020)

Bonkers but brilliantly realised

[8/10 · 6 September 2020]

The retrocausality of our reality being the cumulative interactions of fundamental particles travelling forward and backwards in time is an actual scientific theory/speculation. To translate this into macro objects and people is bonkers. However, Nolan has brilliantly imagined and realised this into something of a consistent storyline. Deep respect and I really enjoyed it. Who doesn't love a pincer movement in time?

The cinematography, acting and action scenes were spot-on.

Understandably, there are some plot issues. How can there not be when positing a deeply paradoxical reality? I list the following simply because I like coherence and these strike off-notes and not simply to be accepted as paradoxes. Also, I have only seen it once and possibly have missed something and so am ready to be corrected.

1. Whilst the overall premise is somewhat shielded by repeated reference to the Grandfather Paradox the evil intent goes beyond this i.e. apparently expecting the future environment to be changed for the better but their own existence to be unaffected. Seems incompatible thinking to me unless perhaps they selflessly intended some sort of blind reset hoping for a better future for the universe?

2. The explanations also mixed QM interpretations with reference to many-worlds to sidestep a question from our protagonist.

3. Our protagonist sees the start of a fire and experiences a fire but we are meant to understand that he was going in the opposite direction in time so it was actually cooling?

4. It is mentioned that under no circumstance can a time-traveller physically touch their other-selves but this seems to posit some special status to our constituent particles rather than others which is unwarranted.

I like the method of communicating to the future by simply writing something down! Communicating back in time by sending something inverted. Presumably people going back 20 years would have to travel back for 20 years? One gets inverted by these turnstiles and presumably can only stop going back in time with a turnstile? Unclear what happened to people travelling backwards before the 1st turnstile was created - presumably kept going back? Also seems as though there will end up being multiple simultaneous copies of a time-traveller going in the same direction? For instance, the blue team must have switched back to going forward and their original selves must also be going forward in the same timeframe? Or a timeloop?

I am also not sure about this hiding of the algorithm in time. Presumably just 'before' the algorithm-creator decided to destroy/hide them in time that was a vulnerable spot for a future time-traveller to intercept them without the need for this dead-drop?

I probably need to watch again and may update this review. However, as stated, it can never actually make sense of course and is mainly just great fun.

Little Birds (2020)

Not just an exercise in style and quirk

[7/10 · 11 August 2020]

This production mainly concentrates on style and quirk rather than substance. I am not familiar with the source material, and was mainly watching this out of interest as I had heard of it, but I would have thought this aspect was in keeping. Just taking it on its own terms it had an off-beat quirky feel which I liked. Initially, all the characters are presented somewhat superficially and many of them simply as caricatures in an exercise in style. However, as times goes on some of them break out of this and become more interesting and engaging. One cares what is going to happen to them. Some continue as caricatures but are there to be played off or as a backdrop for the more rounded characters. The ambience of an apparently decadent Tangiers of the time sets off the characters perfectly.

There is definitely a story arc and character development. I cannot understand the reviews denying this. I can only presume they didn't watch the whole series.

I can understand the gratuitous quirk and eroticism putting some people off early on, although this element is surely clear from the trailers and description so not sure why they would be watching it in the first place. If it does not put you off then I would definitely recommend watching this to the end before making up one's mind. It is not brilliant or profound but has charm and I think it all makes sense as a whole.

The Jungle Book (2016)

A worthy reimagining

[8/10 · 5 July 2020]

Great joyous fun and a worthy reimagining

I wasn't expecting a riff on Apocalypse Now! Great stuff.

Warrior Nun (2020–2022)

Promising Inheritor of the Buffy Paradigm

[8/10 · 2 July 2020]

A rebellious teenager with super powers fated to battle the dark powers. Sounds familiar. Even a kindly gentleman with knowledge and wise words.

However, this looks to be a promising inheritor of the Buffy paradigm and I am really enjoying it. I am already invested in what happens to the heroine and the other sympathetic characters. There is a healthy dose of humour and, unlike some other reviewers, I think the dialogues and inner voice work pretty well. I think they bring out and play on the main character's limited life experience.

There are some clichés but also some interesting dynamics amongst the characters. As well as evil I suspect there are shades of grey so some subtlety as well.

After 3 episodes definitely recommending it.

Just came across this piece of dialogue: ''Don't fidget, nuns don't fidget!" "Sorry, bad habit" Maybe a bad joke but certainly fun! Closely followed by: Beatrice- "Trust your instincts, as long they tell you to listen to everything Beatrice tells you!"

I am sure people can find examples of questionable dialogue but there is lot that brings a smile to my face, if not actually laugh out loud. More than I come across in many such series. Like its paradigm it doesn't take itself too seriously. I am still also enjoying the characters.

The Salisbury Poisonings (2020)

A faithful glimpse behind the scenes

[9/10 · 17 June 2020]

The makers chose not to concentrate on the political side. The brief facts detailed about the perpetrators merely show their obvious guilt.

Instead, they concentrated on bringing to life the first-hand accounts of those involved. I followed the news at the time and this filled in the gaps and put us in the shoes of those both dealing with and coping with the crisis. It felt a refreshingly honest portrayal without sugar-coating the human reactions and failings involved.

I thought it very well done and not glamourised as must have been tempting. Anne-Marie Duff is superb at portraying Tracey Daszkiewicz who appears to be the hero of the piece. Without Anne-Marie Duff it might have been too dry and drawn-out but she made me believe and empathise with all those involved.

Alex Rider (2020–2024)

Grown-up Spy Thriller

[8/10 · 11 June 2020]

Just to reiterate that whilst there is some secondary school drama that is secondary to a full-on spy thriller.

Some plot holes but that is to be expected in this kind of show. I thought it was very well done and great fun!

In case it is relevant, I haven't read the books.

Upload (2020– )

Romance, comedy, thriller and musings on the nature of self!

[9/10 · 31 May 2020]

The romance is centre stage but its very nature brings the nature of relationships into the spotlight. Further, questions are brought up about what makes life worthwhile and what makes us us. Also, a very effective use of 'I think therefore I am'. Nothing heavy but all the better for it perhaps.

Alongside that there is much humour and fun characters to enjoy spending time with and getting to know. An ongoing joke is that capitalism and marketing are very much features of this man-made heaven. It is also a mystery, a thriller and not smooth sailing by any means so it doesn't get too sentimental. A mix of real-world and virtual-world action.

An example of its more reflective side is a real-life person talking with an upload (transferred and stored on a computer):

Upload: I was a bit of an ***. But now, my eyes have been opened to a lot of things. I'm starting to really appreciate what I have...

Real-life (surprised): You actually have some depth to you

Upload: Maybe even a soul?

Real-life: At least a personality

Upload: I'll take it :)

All in all, original and wonderful! I am gutted that we will have to wait a long time for the 2nd season.

Russian Doll (2019–2022)

The softening of cynicism

[9/10 · 31 May 2020]

The central character, Nadia, is cynical, depressed, potty-mouthed and pretty outrageous. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea but I immediately liked her! The fact that she has 2 close loyal friends was enough to indicate a warmer core. She also grew on me even more as the series progressed and she grows as a person (or perhaps just emerges from her cynically depressed state) and I suspect initial haters will warm to her by the end. Whilst still cynical, the edge is softened and the warmth that has been kept hidden is allowed to shine.

Quite a feat and the actress, Natasha Lyonne, must get most of the plaudits for this. Credit must also be given to the creators and writers (Natasha Lyonne is one of them as well) but with her performance reverberating around my mind it is difficult to imagine anyone else bringing their intentions to life as convincingly.

Throughout all, the humour is laugh out loud funny to me but perhaps dark humour to others. There are other characters and the nature of the piece allows them all to be well drawn. This is Nadia's show though. This is so even though the other critical character, Alan, does get increasingly interesting as the piece progresses.

Whilst there is a moralistic message to help your fellows there is more subtlety and power in this story than that. Nadia and Alan become more rounded individuals, particularly in thinking of others rather than being too self-centred, and getting and giving much more in their lives as a consequence. Also perhaps highlighting a path out of depression.

The Orville (2017–2022)

More than just a Star Trek homage

[8/10 · 30 May 2020]

Comes across somewhat as amateur dramatics but the spirit is very much Star Trek. It improves and hits its stride the more it goes on. Quite early on there is an episode where the ending was very much real-world rather than an idealistic happy ending. That made me sit up and take more notice as not just an affectionate tribute to the original Star Trek series (which would obviously be good in itself).

Naturally, the riskiest assignments are undertaken by the ship's senior officers. There are some good and original storylines. The characters are likeable and we get to know them more and more. An optimistic adventure into the unknown with the most important element being honourable with good principles.

Like all good sci-fi there are profound observations of other species/civilisations that can be applied to our own. Such as: "They refuse to accept a truth because it would put them in the wrong".

There is genre mickey-taking such as: "Captain, I respectfully submit that the attractiveness of the ship's occupant makes the rescue imperative".

What is there not to like?

Space Force (2020–2022)

Surprisingly fun

[9/10 · 29 May 2020]

Funnier than I was expecting. There are some fairly weak jokes, perhaps intentionally so, and also many laugh out loud ones. Some of the speeches are purposely pompous but also contain genuinely inspirational thoughts and aspirations. I thought this would just be some sort of spoof or mockumentary but it is something more than that. It doesn't just go for laughs surrounding Space Force. There is character development and observational humour as well.

Great chemistry between Steve Carell and John Malkovich. Steve Carell's character comes across partly as a figure of fun but then displays some real depth and insight such as judging someone to be over-cautious due to having an umbrella on a cloudless day. Some great other characters, particularly a genuine dad/daughter relationship and a spirited pilot. It does have a cartoon bad guy and other caricatures but this mix all seems to work. It even has an AOC clone directing some typically incisive questions in committee but prompting a good reply!

Earthquake Bird (2019)

Engrossing psychological thriller

[9/10 · 29 May 2020]

I usually find the IMDB rating close to my own judgement but this is one of the exceptions and I feel impelled to write a review.

It is slow but this is normal for a psychological thriller and it is not just in the mind. There are murders involved after all. It stands or falls on Alicia Vikander's performance which had me totally captivated. Her character is immediately likeable but one senses she is also protecting a repressed emotional fragility and it seems perfectly natural she falls in with an obsessive relationship. She is an outsider but clearly gets Japanese culture and is accepted up to a point on that basis. A challenging role and an astonishing performance. At the end one has high hopes of a brighter future for her, freed somewhat from her repressed past.

It is full of understated emotions which worked well in its Japanese setting and the whole had an authentic feel (verified by other reviews).

I actually saw this at the London Film Festival and so had the benefit of insightful comment from the director and actors. Whilst this helped inform my opinion I had already been enthralled. It is telling that it is still fresh in my mind as I write this review.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Charming vision

[9/10 · 28 May 2020]

The romantic thread plays out against a very normal but charming backdrop and cast of characters and, above all, with wit. It escapes being overly sentimental and one is just left with positive energy. Some of the best lines and humour are delivered by supporting characters which I think is usually a sign of a great production.

The leads, James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, are both charming and bring to life believable characters. The whole is just flawless.

The remake in 1998 is perfectly pleasant but the sheer perfection of this production raises the story to a different level. There is nothing obviously profound about this story but we are being memorably transported to an uplifting vision and warmth in the midst of normal people's lives. In itself, this is profound or can be if we let it.

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

A bitter-sweet time with love and family for company

[8/10 · 23 May 2020]

Not much happens without any real surprise.

However, it didn't drag at all for me and I enjoyed living through the bitter-sweet lives of the protagonists. Under-privileged and discriminated against, love still raised the mundane to the sublime. I think the main plaudits go to Kiki Layne who was very believable and brought her character to life. Support was also good, Regina King got an Oscar as the mother after all.

One also felt angry at the blatant racism and the way this is simply accepted as a fact of life by the protagonists. The way this blocks aspirational paths over and above particular incidents.

One or two scenes were a little forced for me, such as insisting the lawyer referred to her fiancé as Fonny. But there was enough warmth and genuineness to keep my attention.

Beautifully shot. Although slow, the pacing, with most of the story being told in flashbacks with sporadic voice-over, worked for me. As I say, I was absorbed for the whole 2hrs even though there was no real surprise or twist. The filmmakers must have been doing something right.

L.A.'s Finest (2019–2020)

Engaging buddy romp

[8/10 · 22 May 2020]

I thought this was great fun. The leads have great chemistry and plenty of engaging supporting characters with good lines.

Similar to other cop buddy series having each other's back and not following the rules although even more so. I actually thought too much but it did mean they could have a lot of fun and going with the flow was a great ride.

Some predictability but also some genuine twists and the various characters got into some interesting situations.

Devs (2020)

Artistry let down by scifi nonsense on stilts

[5/10 · 8 May 2020]

Devs has some good artistic and intriguing aspects and characters one cares about.

However, it contains such nonsense on stilts that I felt impelled to review its myriad absurdities. If they hadn't made such a point of quantum mechanical interpretations to give it a veneer of science I might have felt less impelled and gone with the flow. I will try to do so briefly.

1. The whole universe, or perhaps just the earth, is being modelled inside something much smaller (in size and complexity). If this does not sound absurd, consider that Devs itself is presumably in the world and is being modelled in itself? If one considers, in addition, that this representation is also in devs ad infinitum, the absurdity explodes.

2. Even if possible how has the information of all particle/energy states in the whole world been loaded into Devs? Even theoretically this is heretical to the very quantum mechanics it keeps playing lip-service to e.g. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle of not knowing the accurate momentum and location of even a single fundamental particle.

3. Even if deterministic the leap to the fatalistic stance of not being able to make a difference and make choices is nonsense. 'We', understood as a network of processes or any within-world conception, are very much part of the determining factors so our choices are very much relevant, even if predictable if one knew everything about the world and us. I think the confusion must be due to a conception of our being a soul separate from the world.

4. Extrapolating backwards is, at least, an interesting speculation. Personally, I don't think possible as I don't think all history of a system has to be uniquely present in its current state. That is, there could be multiple histories leading to the current state. Certainly, one would need to have the whole universe modelled to have a hope. Extrapolating forward is Devs nonsense. According to the Everett/Many-worlds interpretation they keep espousing all possible futures happen, just splitting into separate worlds. Thus, looking into the future should see all possible futures rather than just one. (As an aside, the issue of predictability is a serious problem for Everett as any introduction of a privileged timeline/world seems to undermine the point of the approach.)

5. Being given a vision of the future leads to serious paradoxes. It is envisioned that this does not affect their behaviour. They even refer to having seen situations previously in their dialogue in those situations. It is basic quantum mechanics that observing a situation alters it so this is particularly heinous.

6. I thought they did at least have some fun with it in the last episode at the expense of an additional absurdity or two. At a certain point, who's counting?

I am also not sure some of the characters' actions make much sense but will leave it there!