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jack-davy
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An error has ocurred. Please try againHere's a list of all the films that have ever brought a tear (or two) to my eye, and no... they are not your usual tear-jerker type films. Some are emotional all the way through. Others offer raw and heartbreaking scenes right when you least expect it!
Enjoy!
**MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SPOILERS IN SOME OF THE DESCRIPTIONS**
Reviews
The Kitchen (2023)
Such potential...
Was really looking forward to this especially with it set in a not too distant London with an all black cast and such a promising story. The right idea was there. It was just executed so badly. So boring. It's fine to be avant garde and have long lingering shots if there is a reason. Here, it was just not retaining my attention. Things happened. There seemed to be no beginning, middle or end.
Deeply frustrating.
I can't even 'spoil' it for you as there simply is nothing to spoil. Nothing happend whatsoever.
Either Daniel Kalyuka needs to purely stick to acting (which he is great at) or he greaty needed some assistance with the directing. And the writing. And the editing. Sorry Daniel!
The Strays (2023)
Deeply unsettling drama. 10/10
Felt compelled to write a review after seeing how low people were rating this film.
I put it on late one night when I just couldn't stomach another true crime limited series or episode of 'Friends'.
To my surprised I was hooked within the first ten minutes. Usually it takes a litle longer.
Perhaps the reason for this low rating was that the film was unfairly labelled a horror with people expecting it to be full of jump scares and the supernatural. 'Unsettling drama' might be more close to home.
It's actually very real and the discussions of race, wealth, power and family are fascinating to watch unfold.
Also the acting from everyone is so good. Not one actor let it down. Everyone played their part brilliantly. 10/10 will be recommending my family and friends to watch too.
Scream VI (2023)
Dare I say - the best one yet?
I challenged myself to stay off social media, not watch the trailer, not over analyse any clips, because back in 1996 this is how it would have been done. Zero spoilers, zero expectations. Hadn't a clue what to expect and oh boy throughout this special screening on March 7th, I barely caught my breath. 10/10. Potentially my favourite Scream film of the whole franchise.
Wes Craven, may he rest in peace, would have wished he could have made a horror film as intense, fun and scary as this one. Although he would be very pleased indeed to learn he was a true inspiration for so many including the makers of the recent Scream instalments.
P. S. Avoiding all spoilers however small, will make a massive difference to your experience of this (or any) film!
Scream (2022)
It really does deliver!
Just back from the cinema and I cannot wait to go again. Am a MASSIVE Scream fan.
In some ways this was even more horrifying than the first film. 10/10 for sure.
Wes Craven would be so bloody proud!!
Friends: The Reunion (2021)
Could it have BEEN any better? 10 out of 10.
Honestly it could have been five hours long and it would still not be long enough.
It was the best reunion I've ever had the pleasure to watch. Really touched my heart, made me laugh so hard and just made me wish for an extended versions of this wonderfully put together reunion.
Hats off to the production team and editors - it was all stitched together so well. Thoroughly enjoyable. 10/10. Need to watch a second time ASAP!
Apostle (2018)
Avoid
You will be disappointed after watching this.
I was expecting a good horror based off the reviews on here and elsewhere. ("71% of users liked this film")
Hoping to be thrilled, scared, sad when my favourite characters died, satisfied by the overall experience....
I experienced none of the above. I wished they'd all just get killed off, and about 45 minutes earlier too!
A right bore of a gore fest. Please avoid.
You Were Never Really Here (2017)
Not a 'Thriller'
Not thrilling at all. It's a 'dark drama' I would say.
I was not gripped, hooked or thrilled in any way.
So many unnecessary lingering shots. Kept fast forwarding it every so often to "get to the action". But there was just nothing happening..
By the time we "get to it", the film is over.
Reading the plot afterwards on Wiki made it sound as if it could have been a MUCH better film.
AVOID!
White Lines (2020)
Recommended....
Woud highly recommend this ... if you were someone who had annoyed me and I'd want to p*ss you off.
Probably the WORST thing I have seen on Netlfix since EVER.
Honestly .... the WORST.
Sing (2016)
Let's Not Get Carried Away Here..
Okay, so I am very confused here as to how this film is so highly rated.
The animation itself and the sound design and music etc, is very well done. But considering its predecessors ('Illumination Entertainment') are Despicable Me & Minions, we have come to expect this high level of professionalism.
The film as a whole was underwhelming and felt very flat. Twenty minutes into the film and the story was already very much underway and much of the 'laughs' - sorry, ALL of the 'laughs' - I had already witnessed from the countless trailers and adverts I have been subjected too since they were released about five months ago. Hence, by the time the film was finally released (Jan. 27th - UK & Ireland) the jokes were neither funny nor interesting and I was very bored.
Moreover, the cinema packed with children and their tired parents let out VERY few laughs for the jokes and throughout the film, it was relatively silent from the audience. I could almost hear the children shuffling in their seats, eight rows behind me.
The characters offered nothing new and it was a happy ending for all. Which confused me even more seeing as the obnoxious mouse got away Scott-free with his slutty mouse friend in his snazzy red sports car, paid for by the money he stole from the bears by cheating at poker.
WHAT MESSAGE IS THAT FOR CHILDREN?!
I have no idea. I have NO idea.
Bottom line, the film suffered from being over-hyped, bringing us nothing new and a theme that was very confusing. The songs used were performed well and I appreciated the concept of the animated-take on today's singing competitions.
But let's not get carried away here, the film is just about average.
The Intern (2015)
Should Not Be Listed As 'Comedy'
I was led to believe 'The Intern' was a comedy film. This is how the film was marketed, sold and listed. Sadly this is not the case.
It is a 'feel-good' film. It's not a soppy love story and nothing climactic or 'explosive' happens at all.
So yes, I was disappointed not to be rolling on the floor and wetting myself with laughter. But I was genuinely happy for the 2 hours to watch two different lives come together and form a great relationship.
I just wish that this was not listed under the 'Comedy' category. They should put it under a 'Feel-Good' category or a sub genre a la 'Light Hearted Drama'.
Anywho, 6 / 10 for me. Nice, happy, jolly film. Goes on a bit too long and nothing really happens but still... Happy happy happy :)
Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016)
Better Than What I Thought
Just seeing this duo lights up my eyes and I was so worried the film version just wouldn't cut it... Think Mrs Browns Boys, or Sex And The City.
I'd compare it to SpiceWorld The Movie (ridiculousness, OTT, and NUMEROUS cameos) mixed with a UK Version of The Hangover (Drunken mess, lots of alcohol and sticky situations).
I saw a review where they said the funniness wanes when the cast head to France but this was actually my favourite part. Good ending too.
Only drawback...It all went pear-shaped a bit too quickly.. they could have dragged it out just a LITTLE longer and the 'happy ending' just seemed to come together very quickly!
WORST PART : WHY DID THEY RE-DO THE FAMOUS THEME TUNE WITH KYLIE EFFING MINOGUE! not happy about that!! :(
It Follows (2014)
Please watch this!
1. Fantastic storyline. Really makes you think. 2. Orgasm-worthy cinematography. 3. The score for this thing I even downloaded. And I RARELY download film scores. It is so different to other 'horror-film' soundtracks. 4. Very little jump scares. 5. This film alone is not enough. It's so interesting, we NEED a sequel. 6. For once, in a 'horror film' the characters don't do cliché things like 'return just to check if he's dead and OOPS - he's alive, and no longer where you left him'. Instead, they do the things we ALL would do in a similar situation. 7. Solid script and likable/realistic characters. The location and settings suit the plot yet do not fall in to the typical 'scary house' settings. 8. Does not rely on gore. The beautiful cinematography alone is enough to keep us watching, well past the first few credits have started to roll. 9. Unlike most horror films, this film feels so fresh and for fans of the genre, it really does breathe new life into it. I don't know why it isn't rated higher or why it hasn't received more exposure. It deserves it. 10. I couldn't think of a tenth. You just need to watch it.
Hunted: The War Against Gays in Russia (2014)
List of emotions this doc. will make you feel
Anger, Hatred, Disgust, Fear, Despair, Shame... The list could go on. The only downside to the documentary is there is no happy note to end on, but of course.. how could there be?
In fact, I was SO angry, it inspired me to write a song about it and how disgraceful people are still treated in the 21ST CENTURY simply because of who they love.
I'm not going to lie, I had some very evil thoughts in my mind about what I would do to these disgusting human beings if I had the power. Honestly, the level of anger brought me to tears because naturally, we are so helpless and there is nothing we can do.
The documentary definitely succeeded in its aims to shock, educate and upset people but only because there is not enough being done in this country for LGBT rights. Russia is not the only country, but it is the most prominent one that springs to mind on this subject.
*Distressing Viewing*
Gladiator (2000)
Not Living Up To The Hype
The film doesn't truly 'take off' until exactly 50 minutes in. The 'big battle' scene which kicks off the film should have got my pulse racing. Instead, it left me wondering why I bothered to watch.
The magnificent Colosseum doesn't get a look in until 1 hour and 20 Minutes and even then the graphics are very fake looking (even for the year 2000) and there is not enough shots to showcase the size of the historic amphitheatre.
The first battle scene in the Colosseum takes place shortly after this 1 hour and 20 mark, and at last - it's good viewing. Joaquin Phoenix plays the stereotypical spoilt brat Emperor with Daddy issues and having seen him in countless other films, it's fair to say his acting at it's height in this film.
It's now 16 years old, so I will forgive the cheap looking Colosseum shots, but with 1997's Titanic being 20 years old next year - it still stands a lot stronger than 'Gladiator'.
What annoys me is how highly rated this film is, as well as the hype and numerous accolades. I can only put it down to the fact that this film re-ignited interest in the Roman Empire and it was most certainly a good-looking film to kick off the Millennium.
Sadly, it's not for me.
Scream (2015)
I cannot believe how good this is. Did NOT expect it at all!
Glad I'm not the only one to feel the same..
I think my expectations were so low because it was a trilogy being turned into a TV series (like could you imagine tuning in to Lord Of The Rings; Episode 5 next Tuesday at 10pm?) It just sounded like this format would not work, and I truly believed it wouldn't. In addition to this, I was also put off by the fact this this was shown on MTV (The "music" channel which brought us the beautiful 'Geordie Shore' amongst other great works of television! (I hope my sarcasm is coming across well here!)
Anyway, I am delighted this show has surpassed my low expectations by miles and the writing is brilliant. Perhaps sketchy in some places but I will put that down to the inevitable matter of the 'American High School Cliché'. (On a side note, NONE of the 'students' look young enough to even be in their final year OF high school. That part is slightly off-putting.... but only slightly!)
The story is fresh, riveting and I am already upset that we are over half way through the first series.
Having heard it has been renewed for a second season proves I am not alone in being a fan of the show but I am already slighted unsure of how the story can progress if the show continues to be renewed each season. (Look at what happened to 'Revenge'... like how many plans can that Emily girl actually have up her sleeve?!)
Okay that's enough. SCREAM The TV Series is frickin' brilliant and if you haven't started watching yet, please do so A.S.A.P. Well done to the writers and the main actress who really suits the role!