susanpenter Reviews

Taking the Reins (2021 TV Movie)

Lazy research

[8/10 · 3 October 2022]

As the Hallmark style movie goes I enjoyed this one. The characters were nice and there was no over the top other character getting in the way when there was zero chance the lead was interested in them - that always vexes me if it lasts too long. It didn't have all the feels that some of the Christmas ones do but was pleasant and relaxing.

The scenery was beautiful and the house was amazing - as a Brit one of their rooms was nearly as big as a whole floor of our house. 😆

One of the things that irked me the most was when it came to the show jumping. A one minute search of the internet would tell them that knocking down a fence is given a score of 4 and yet they referred to it as 1. It is hard to imagine that there wasn't anyone on set at the time that could have corrected this. (Unless some US States don't use the International/Olympic scoring conventions in which case I apologise.)

No Greater Love (1995 TV Movie)

A little relaxing nostalgia

[7/10 · 21 April 2018]

I used to watch as many Danielle Steel films as I could many years ago and this is one that I missed at the time. The link to the Titanic was an added bonus because as tragedies go there was something beautiful and romantic about it. I couldn't help wondering where Rose and Jack where! As often with this type of movie the sacrifices made by Edwina were colossal. Her life could have been made easier so early on after the crisis (no spoilers) how many of us would have chosen the easier route. Was this one of those films that stay with me for many years and become a firm favourite, no. But it was a pleasant way to spend a morning on the sofa distracting myself from a headache.

Bright (I) (2017)

The second half was better than the first

[7/10 · 5 January 2018]

Magical creatures living amongst humans is no new concept let's face it the Harry potter and Twilight franchises prove that. It could be argued that they were aimed more at a younger audience but I thoroughly enjoyed them and I am in my forties...

The initial comment I have to make is the language, I am not a complete prude and totally understand there are times when strong language is appropriate but for the first twenty minutes or so there was little else other than strong language. If I was watching solo rather than with my husband I admit I would have turned it over however we were watching together so I persevered.

As the story line developed the language improved throughout the whole second half of the movie there was less swear words than in the first scene. It came across as lazy scriptwriting and depreciated the character of the protagonist.

I completely agree with the review by Nasser74 that the racism towards Orcs was overkill a few rouge cops would have been more realistic.

If a series is made I would hope it builds upon the second half of the film rather than the first, if so I may add it to the viewing list.

Lion (2016)

A touching story of an epic journey

[9/10 · 17 February 2017]

I would describe this film as a wonderful piece of storytelling if you are a fan of action movies or comedy it is probably not going to be up there with your favourites however for a fan of coming of age or biopic tales I would certainly recommend that you see it.

The young Sunny Pawar is adorable and has a captivating presence for such a young inexperienced actor. Dev Patel picks up the role and captivates you with the anguish his character is going through.

Nicole Kidman almost blends into the background and that is a major compliment for a Hollywood leading lady. She is clearly putting the story before her own presence, something other leading men and ladies never quite manage.

Bravo all concerned.

The Decoy Bride (2011)

A pleasant surprise

[8/10 · 14 October 2016]

I stumbled across this film on Netflix, I hadn't heard of it but decided to watch it based on the fact David Tennant was in it and I am a fan of his work. I confess the opening few moments nearly lost me but I'm glad I stuck with it. There was a host of actors I respect in the supporting cast and the lead actress was lovely (I didn't think I had seen her in anything before but after checking I have seen quite a few of her performances so for me this was a breakthrough role). The scenery was beautiful and the camera work excellent from the broad sweeping panoramas to the intimate glances between characters. I loved the fact that the age or the supporting cast was put to good use and they were given comedy roles, so often characters over 70 are little more than furniture (except of course when the characters age is important to the plot). I actually thought the Island's Priest was played by an actor I was familiar with but couldn't find anything else he has been in so must look like someone else... 8/10 is actually a really good score for me. I've seen hundreds of films and only a small number make it higher than 8!

War Horse (2011)

Beautiful film

[10/10 · 20 February 2012]

This film is stunning full credit for the cinematography. The movie has been filmed true to Michael Morpurgo's excellent novel if you have read the novel you will not be disappointed, if you have not read it the film stands up in its own right. Expect to be taken on an emotional roller-coaster throughout. The war scenes have been filmed in a sensitive and honest manner, there is no glorifying war here simply an illustration of a very human experience told through the life of the lead character the "war horse". The fact that the film was not awarded during the Bafta's seems a major oversight and the horse featuring in the film adds weight to the fact that there should be some sort of recognition within the award ceremonies for the contributions that animals make to film.