I do not often like musicals. I am, as I'm sure millions of other people are a massive fan of Roald Dahl's work. I was very sceptical of what this may be like. I was surprised and delighted with this film. I think anyone who is very familiar with Roald's work will see that the creators of this really understand how he wrote and why and have honoured his brilliance in respectful and intelligent ways. Yes sure it's a total fantasy and quite silly, but once you tune in with that and allow yourself to enjoy what it is it is a great ride. Some songs are irritating and a bit poor but others are beautifully written and really funny. What this film really excels at is the delightful design of everything, if you enjoy that in a film you will love the world created here it is beautiful, magical, ingenious and spectacular. The score is also very nicely woven and had me a bit teary a few times. I really admire how it has been linked in many ways to the original, respectfully and tastefully. It goes without saying the cast is brilliant. Watch it. It's lovely.
Reviews
11 Reviews
Kingpin
(1996)
Quite touching
21 August 2022
Personally I didn't find this that funny, it's packed with basic gags and slapstick, which isn't really for me. However there were moments that did make me laugh - some subtle facial reactions and apparent improvisations that were genuine and wittier than the predictable jokes. Anyhow, it is a very immersive and enjoyable journey and at its core, is a heartwarming tale of determination and redemption. Murray and Harrelson absolutely inhabited there characters and were, as always, brilliant. Perfect Sunday flick.
Hustle
(2022)
Sandler has arrived
18 June 2022
On one hand we have Sandler's adorable rom coms, on the other we have the fabulous, uncomfortable and gritty Uncut Gems. They are all great for their own reasons. In this, Adam seems to have found a respectable and enjoyable middle ground, but importantly his true self. This is a classic tale of a heavily trained underdog becoming triumphant against all odds, sitting comfortably aside Rocky and Karate Kid. It has some good twists and does not feel like a duplicate. This genuine and passionate flick embraces Adams obvious love and knowledge of basketball and shows a dignified maturity to his film making. I really admire what he has achieved here and look forward to seeing where he goes next.
Genius
3 January 2022
A really well observed and skilfully produced homage to 80's and 90's Saturday morning TV ( which is sadly non existent now). Not only is it very clever and cool, it's really well written and genuinely enjoyable. It absolutely transported me back to a very happy time in life, lying in bed enjoying those wonderful cartoons. It somehow has bottled the energy, fun and optimism of that time. More art than skit. Fantastic.
Awful
10 October 2021
This is the worst film I have ever seen. Cleo Rocos and Pamela Stevenson are both adorable and made this watchable, Otherwise it is absolute junk. It is in no way funny. Im actually surprised it's still being broadcast as some of the gags are very inappropriate.
Postcards from the Edge
(1990)
Masterpiece
19 September 2021
Fisher blows the walls of everything here. A magical, honest work which skilfully melts the boundaries between reality, art and entertainment. I've never seen a film quite like this before. I cried almost all the way through this.
Beautiful Boy
(I) (2018)
Deeply touching
15 February 2021
As a father of a late teens son and once a troubled teen myself I was able to relate to both viewpoints this astutely observed film presented. Beautifully shot, powerfully scored and understatedly acted. Steve is a great straight actor but really excelled in this for me. I often am embarrassed about becoming emotional whilst watching these kind of films but just let go with this and wholeheartedly went along with the ride. I really can't fault this, it's a real work of art.
The Man with the Golden Gun
(1974)
Silly fun
25 April 2020
Take it for what it is. It's a carry on film with James Bond. Great locations. Just watch it for and fall in love with Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland. Or giggle at all of the inspiration for Austin Powers, especially Nick Nack's Mini Me tantrums. I love this film. A real snapshot of the 70's.
Welcome to Marwen
(2018)
Honest and brave
1 January 2019
I watched this with uncertainty, sceptical of how it would play out but it was rather delightful and immersive. An absolutely original concept, which is quite an achievement, tackling a super weird subject. The result was bizarre and quite touching. It's no Back to the future ( although the references to it were fun) and thankfully it's no Polar express either, ( as the animation is really rather good). I'd say watch it if you have a spare afternoon, you might like it.
Victor Frankenstein
(2015)
Great Fun
21 February 2016
In short this is a low brow, brilliant popcorn movie. If Alton towers made a Frankenstein movie - this would be it. Great theatrics, costume, atmosphere, energy and spookyness. If your looking for deep Art-house movie making, this is not it, but why should it be. Its a great, freaky tale of mankind going crazy and this is my favourite version of it - I believe that I've seen them all. In my opinion, the harsh reviews are from pretentious, wanabee critics and are snooty and irrelevant. If you want a great fun tale filled with spectacular razzle dazzle to watch with your kids - this is perfect - which I think is what it sets out to be.
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