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Life (2017)
Analyse this
Not one for over analysing what I watch. Movies either hold my attention or they don't, make me feel something or leave me cold.
Many have made comparisons with Alien and it's easy to see why. Alien is a classic, it genuinely scared me and still does. In the same way that Psycho will always generate a palpable feeling of unease no matter how often I watch it. I knew nothing about the movie Life so I watched with no expectations, free of the reviews of others. I guess I knew things were gonna get nasty once they began to poke the bear...or rather the alien micro organism but what followed was a growing feeling of discomfort as a single cell rapidly evolved into a terrifying life form. Not a Predator/Alien like monster but monstrous and pretty damp scary all the same. Derivative maybe, echoes of Alien and The Thing definitely but still effective even if you do want to scream 'no, don't do that, please don't' at the screen more than once. And of course they do it anyway, things spiral out of control and just when you think the day might be saved....well, with analysis comes conclusions.
Go with Me (2015)
Decide for yourself
I don't understand some people. Or perhaps I just don't like them. You know the ones. They are here to dictate and implore you not to watch 'the worst movie ever'. I mean really? Does anyone actually follow advice from these idiots.
Ok so this movie isn't the best ever but still I enjoyed it. Anthony Hopkins is always worth watching so right there is one reason not to listen to the 'galactically stupid'. More subjectively I felt a sense of unease watching the story unfold. Who is this Blackway character? Why does he instill such fear in locals and law enforcement alike? Why does the softly spoken Hopkins get involved and lead the search for Blackway with a woman he's just met? Unrealistic cry the dictators and detractors. Maybe so but who amongst us watches movies hoping for wall to wall realism or sit with notebook at the ready for analytical dissection of every scene? Don't we watch to escape or feel something about other people and their unusual stories? Movies that mirror everyday life ain't that appealing for the most part. The good guy/bad guy face off isn't reality for most. And just desserts neither. For us apple pie and ice cream are just desserts.
So ignore those who want to feed you tripe and make your own decision. Watch and feel or don't feel. Like or don't like.
This movie has an unusual feel to it. For me anyway. But I'm not you and neither is the guy shouting 'don't waste your time'. Don't listen to him.
Remembering 9/11: 9/11: Science and Conspiracy (2011)
Achieves nothing & extremely irritating
I'm not a 'truther' or conspiracy theorist but I do think the official 9/11 report needs to be challenged. There are just too many unanswered questions and 'facts' that haven't been proven.
This film seeks to debunk some of the suggested alternate theories by way of amateurish experiments that might as well have been conducted by high school students. They prove absolutely nothing and rolling out a few workers in hard hats as evidence to support the official view and discredit all others is frankly ridiculous and absurd.
The truth is we'll probably never know the truth as evidence as been destroyed and investigators won't ever have the power to elicit answers from those who can provide them.
This film depicts all 'truthers' as conspiracy theorists in tin foil hats. No doubt there are some who are a little out there but the truth is most people just have questions they'd like answers to. Films like this just highlight the need for a proper and complete investigation rather than this type of 'he said she said' nonsense.
Stargate: Atlantis: Irresistible (2006)
Urgh
Really really disliked this episode. The television equivalent of sticking your fingers down your throat. It wasn't funny, it just made me cringe. Light hearted in the most vomit inducing way. Urgh.
Mile 22 (2018)
Distracted by the wig
A watchable action movie and quite intense in places but couldn't help but laugh at Malkovich in converse hi tops and a silly wig. Oh mother!
That said it was not 'the worst film EVER' as so many reviewers are keen on saying over and over again, probably about every other movie they watch. Oh...and 'that's two hours of my life I won't get back'. Oh please shut up, we really don't care. It's a movie, get over yourself. And to those who wish to tell me not to waste my time...that's my decision not yours thank you. Try and write something useful and lacking in cliche. Otherwise why waste your oh so precious time?
Goliath (2016)
Great show
Billy Bob Thornton is superb as the washed out lawyer taking on the mad click crazy Cooperman & co.
And forgive me for saying it but how hot is Tanya Raymonde? Far cry from the Lost look.
He Never Died (2015)
A different beat
By no means a comparison but watching this movie put me in mind of the likes of Repo Man directed by Alex Cox, Blue Velvet by David Lynch and Paris Texas by Wim Wenders. All movies I loved for being 'out there' in various degrees. Unconventional movies with dark humour and troubled characters. Rollins is both funny and menacing as a bingo playing immortal cannibal who isolates himself from others in an attempt to curb his gruesome bloodlust. Of course he's not successful but through no fault of his own. And so you find yourself sympathising with a monster with Azperger like social skills. It's all a bit odd and that's a good thing I think. Loads of people will hate it but hey, different drum and all that.
Benny & Joon (1993)
A rom com it's ok to like
I don't normally watch rom Coms as most of them stink or are just a little too sugary for me. This though is an exception. Depp is great in the oddball role who connects with the mentally unstable Joon in a way others can't. Unconventional, Depp's behaviour is at times amusing without descending into slapstick. Making toasted sandwiches with the iron was inspired and his routine in the diner was unusual and entertaining.
The supporting cast are good but Depp is the star. A 'feel good movie' yeah but ignore that phrase. It's definitely worth a watch.
Happy Hunting (2017)
Ridiculous....or is it?
Gun toting rednecks on a kill crazy rampage- the occasional riot or manhunt is surely their right under one amendment or another. No?
Unbelievable in this day and age. Silly movie with a sheriff not just apathetic but complicit and orchestrator of the redneck sporting event. Federal law - nah don't recognise it. Just choose your victims and hunt em down. I mean....they got a head start so that seems fair.
Ridiculous right? Right?
Capitol idea - let's do it. Oh...you did already.
The Professor and the Madman (2019)
Superb
Wasn't aware of the critics view so had no expectations. I guess it's all subjective but can't understand why it would have been panned. I found it compelling and fascinating throughout. Sean Penn and Mel Gibson were both brilliant but Penn especially. Great supporting cast - Marsdon is always good. Perhaps story of the creation of the OED isn't a subject that will interest all - it should - but it was superbly told. At times sad at times uplifting. I'm very glad I watched it. We need more movies like this. Not a car chase or explosion to be found. How refreshing.
Interstellar (2014)
Astounding
My view for what it's worth. Watch it....then watch it again....and then watch it again.
Only then can you catch all the small details that on first viewing you might miss....the handshake being just one.
Superb acting, incredible visuals and a wonderful score underpin a complex moving and compelling story. Never seen anything like it. An amazing cinematic achievement.
Kidnap (2017)
Not bad not great
Again I read the idiots who claim this is the 'worst movie ever. It's not, you're just not very imaginative.
Actually it's not a bad thriller with some intense scenes. Ok so suspend your disbelief in places but this is the movies not real life. Halle Berry coulda done this and shoulda done that but she didn't because the writers say she didn't. It's a movie, that's how it works. Root for the good guys and jeer the bad guys. Movie won't work if she stops and gives up the chase to have a good long chat to the police and file missing person report.
Get over yourselves and maybe enjoy it for what it is without overanalysing every scene.
A good late night watch that kept my attention. Do I care that's it's not totally realistic? No, why does it have to be? It's the movies.
The Town (2010)
Liked it but....
....but I don't get the meh brigade who consistently cite 'worst this' 'worst that' as if there is some accepted and standard measure used to arrive at such a conclusion. Ok you didn't like it but chances are it ain't the worst ever so be a little more imaginative. And, if you're tempted to add the phrase 'that's 2 hours of my life I won't get back'.....please don't. Like you might have cured cancer or ended global warming as the alternative. No, more likely you would have stared at your phone or your Xbox...so please don't make out like it's a huge loss. Urging others not to 'waste their time' because you feel you have....im not interested. Have something useful to say or just shut up. Next time consider the 2 hours as an experience. If ain't enjoyable why waste more time whining about it in print?
Mindhunter (2017)
Superb show
Some of the reviewers have tagged Mindhunter as 'boring'. Well perhaps they should get back to their Xbox. For me it's fascinating and unlike any other show in the crime show genre. Guess the lack of criminal activity and formulaic procedure all wrapped up and neatly concluded in 45 mins means it's 'boring'. Er..wrong. Maybe if you think that, you should concentrate and listen harder. Oh, you want it easily digestible and instantly forgettable? Go boil your head.
Fear the Walking Dead (2015)
I tried but OMG they're so annoying
Maybe just me but the characters are just so annoying. Into season 2 and I care less and less for them. Whiny self pitying Chris is perhaps the worst. Then there's psycho junkie boy wandering about soaked in zombie blood - ooh look how well I'm adapting to the new normal. Naive stupid adult characters who spend all their time wresting control from one another, never listening and forever repeating the 'I know best, they're just kids' mantra. Oh please just go away. Or at least wake up! And somebody please slap cry baby Chris.
Jessica Jones: A.K.A. You're Welcome (2019)
Beyond annoying
Trish Walker....just an almighty pain in the ass. Truly her mothers daughter. How Jessica hasn't punched her into next week I don't know. Now that would be worth seeing. Shame I won't happen. Pats....Take your Cray cray and do one!
Dude, Where's My Car? (2000)
And thennn?
Worth watching if only for the hilarious drive thru scene at the Chinese restaurant. Has me in hysterics every time. Silly? Yes. A bit un-pc? Maybe. But laugh out loud funny and up there with Abbot & Costello 'Who's on first' or Steve Martin car rental in Planes, Trains....
Just a classic comedy scene.
Three garlic chicken
And then?
I'd suggest 'Four candles' would go nicely.
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Boxed In (2006)
Nobody talks like that
Despite spending most of this episode in a sealed shipping container Dinozzo still manages to find a funny side and throw in one of his impressions - Not so much Cary Grant as Tony Curtis doing Cary Grant in Some Like It Hot.
'Very well darling but where are we going to put the dee-van.' he offers after Ziva rearranges the crates in the container to form a protective barrier.
Made me laugh out loud. I mean, nobody talks like that.
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: Bait (2006)
Really???
Interesting until the ludicrous short cut to the happy ending. A bit of webcam hijack trickery to show an empty classroom and suddenly Gibbs appears at the van window pointing a gun at the confused bad guys. They weren't the only ones. Did I miss how that happened? Steal the 'Speed' ruse, fair enough, but not in fast forward.
Still, least the mum was magically ok. Really??
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
Abandoned as the body count reached overkill level
Quite liked the first John Wick movie but this on.....I couldn't even reach the end.
Nothing against movie violence per se. Done well it's effective and appropriate but Reeves shooting dead anyone and everyone just became a tad tedious and a bit silly. A conveyor belt of gun toting assassin extras dressed in black despatched one after the other by the intrepid Keanu who iit appears suffers not a scratch - all that wood you'd think he'd have a few splinters at least.
Maybe it got better laterbut I was in no mood to find out. I like a good white hat/black hat movie where the the baddies get what's coming to them but watching cannon fodder lined up to be reevesed was just ridiculous and lacking in imagination. I'll take Denzel in Man on Fire/equalizer or Spencer Tracy in Bad Day at Black Rock over Wick 2 - style and wit over a mountain of dead extras. Even Liam Neeson and Jason Statjam 'kill em all' movies had a bit of context. Just didn't care about this one enough to pick a side
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017)
Woody Allen meets Neil Simon?
For months I saw and ignored trailers for this show on Amazon Prime. I thought....nah...not for me. How wrong was I?
Aimlessly flicking through shows looking for something to grab my attention, and finding nothing, I hit 'play' on Mrs Maisel and was hooked from minute one.
Rachel Brosnahan is brilliant as Midge Maisel, the rejected wife turned comedienne. Smart, funny and gorgeous but without the 'I know I'm gorgeous' force-field that often repels. What on earth was hubby thinking when he left her? Of course, no break-up and you have no show, but still, he needs his head checked. I'm too old for crushes but.....well, maybe I have just a little one.
Midge Maisel may be the budding comic and star but she's not the only one who can crack the funnies. Alex Borstein (Susie the manager) and Tony Shalhoub (Abe the father) had me laughing out loud. And Marin Hinkle (Rose the mother) is gloriously uptight and neurotic "Get a new fiend Miriam, I'm tired of this one".
The writing is slick and punchy and manages not to overdo the 'we're Jewish' self-mocking thing. I speak as a 'Gentile' of course and, to others, it may be interpreted as hackneyed or reinforcing stereotypes but here it manages to stay on the right side of comic effect. Jewish humour is, after all, funny. It worked for Woody Allen and Neil Simon. If you liked The Goodbye Girl, Barefoot in The Park and Brighton Beach Memoirs or Annie Hall, Radio Days and Manhattan then chances are you'll like this. And yes I know, Robert Redford isn't Jewish. At least I don't think he is.
It's all subjective though and there are those on here who believe Mrs Maisel is less than marvellous.....the 'worst show ever' brigade. Ignore them. Midge Maisel and her family and friends will put a smile on your face, you'll see.
A Place to Hide (1976)
Gripping and intense....well it was for the 12 year old me
Even now, 40 or so years after this show was aired I can still recall the sense of unease I felt watching this. It seemed it could explode at any second under the tension and stress created when a family of bank robbers take refuge in an isolated guest house run by a former illusionist and his wife and two kids.The behaviour of the new arrivals raises suspicions with their host and things only get worse from then on. The discovery of a gun and disguises used in the bank robbery increases the tension several notches as the threat and potential for violence is suddenly very real.
The arrival of a Police Constable making enquiries further intensifies the pressure while one of the family is struck with acute toothache, that alone was enough to strike terror into any 12 year old who devoured Fruit Salad chews by the boatload and still enough money for have change for 10 gobstoppers and a Wagon Wheel (they were bigger then right?)
Anyway, the guest house owner, a former illusionist, uses skills honed in his old magic routine to outwit the thieves but this only serves to increase their desperation as they consider using violence to regain control. As the threat increases PC Plod seeks to shield the family by offering himself as a hostage and avert the potential disaster. I won't say more.
Frankly all this was mildly terrifying for me watching as a kid and when it concluded I felt like I'd held my breath for the duration of the crisis. But what a show it was. On a late Sunday afternoon after footy with Brian Moore on 'The Big Match' and before it was time for tea, bath and another schoolday looming. It was uncomfortable with a real sense of impending nastiness. Sort of like school could be I guess. Unlike school however I'd like to revisit it to check my memory is in tact and confirm that gang leader played by Arthur White was really as scary as the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Cruella de Ville in 101 Dalmations. Surely he can't have been on their level can he? I'd love the chance to see it again and find out.
Stranger Things (2016)
The Affectionate Punch
Stranger Things is a witty, affectionate and nostalgic look back at the 80s horror/brat pack movie. Geeky kids on a mission to rescue their friend, adults who are deliberately colourless or non-existent parents (Winina Ryder excepted) or alternatively evil men in suits. Hazmat or business, suits are not to be trusted. White coats are also to be avoided. And avoid they do - on bikes of course - with a little help from a special power. Sound familiar? The parallels with ET are obvious but references to cult 80s movie abound - the evil force in the parallel universe (Poltergeist), the search that follows the train tracks (Stand by Me), the jock vs geek teen love interest (Heathers, Pretty in Pink) and maybe a nod to the smoky hallway finale in Assault on Precinct 13. Stranger Things is an entertaining ride - just the right amount of shock - and the kids as main protagonists is engaging without being cringe worthy. No doubt some will point out that kids avoiding baddies on bikes is unlikely and unrealistic, that no one can hide a superpower in their basement den for days on end without the parents knowing. Well, they did it in the 80s so it must be possible and frankly who cares if it's not. It was fun. If this was the 80s the soundtrack album would be a killer - The Clash, Echo and the Bunnymen, Joy Division, New Order. A thoroughly enjoyable trip down memory lane and an affectionate punch (look it up).