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Aftersun (2022)
Extraordinary! (For the wrong reason)
One of the film critic reviews stated "you will walk away a different person" after watching this film. I would love to know what he/she meant. Frankly i don't understand how anyone could watch this film and be any different in any way. I can't construct a proper review as, quite literally, nothing happens. You endure a very slow first 20-30 minutes because you convince yourself something will happen. Nothing happens but you stay with it assuming there is some significant ending that makes sense of the previous hour and half but no, absolutely nothing. I only review to share. If i can spare one person from a thoroughly frustrating waste of their time i will have been of service.
Nelyubov (2017)
Loveless and Pointless
I thought twice before deciding to review this film - simply on the basis I was not sure I would be able to come up with the 600 characters required for submission. The first half of this film provides limited detail and background to the premise of the film - two "parents" unable to provide and warmth or love to their son due to have not receiving any themselves (nothing new here). The second half of the film is simply the search for the boy who has runaway having overheard his parents discussing their lack of feelings for him. The dark and rather depressing nature of this film would be fine were it not so remarkably boring.
Zero Dark Thirty (2012)
Zero Zero Zero
In some ways I guess I should not have been so surprised or disappointed that this film proved somewhat dull. The idea that you are hunting down the most wanted terrorist in the world is a massive story and would surely have the potential for a great film. In reality I suspect much of the 10-year search was full of rather painstaking, slow and boring research and analysis - with some torture thrown in. And so, in that sense, perhaps I should at least give this film some credit for its realism - it is very slow and very boring. At the end the main character looks rather tired and relieved it's over, rather than overjoyed - I know how she feels.
Living Next Door to Putin (2023)
Living Next Door to Katie
Wow! You have to admire it in a strange, kind of sick, way. Out of the the terrible misery and suffering that is the current conflict in Ukraine Katie Adler manages to find the positives as she courageously navigates the top gun flight, dares the hot air balloon and ski's her way through beautiful Nordic countries. She remembers, occasionally, to remind us of the conflict but this is all about Katie. A serious journalist in the past who has clearly decided that it is time for her to be the story. Too much time spent in the comfort of reporting in the EU institutions she decided it was time to return to the "front line" and complete her bucket list. Fame is a drug and Katie needs some rehab.
The Departed (2006)
So So Boring
One guy is bad guy (gangster) pretending to be a good guy (policemen). The other guy is a good guy (policeman) pretending to be a bad guy (gangster). We watch to see who gets caught first and in the end everyone (literally) dies. I guess there was an intention to be somewhat more thought-provoking or interesting than my summary but, if there was, it was not evident. It's not the film was "bad" per se just so damn boring. Is it really possible to put this director with this cast, with this budget and end up with a complete nothing of a flim - prior to seeing i would have said absolutely no way - i was wrong! And yes i watched it twice because i thought it was me.
Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland (2023)
First Class
Wow, what a find. First its a wonderful history of the "troubles" - if you want know the background of how it all started, the conflicting beliefs and views and where all the anger came from it does a great job. But the real tribute to this production is how it does it. Interviewing all sides, exploring all the different perspectives and revealing all the pain, anger and suffering on all sides. The futility of all this hate and violence, the unbearable suffering and pain inflicted by all parties on each other - the sheer waste of so much life. A truly remarkable insight into this terrible period of life in this part of the world. A must watch.
Elvis (2022)
What a shame!
I knew very little about Elvis going into this movie - apart from obviously his music. I knew almost no more after over 2 and half hours later. Austin Butler's performance was very good but not even this could save a movie so disjointed and frankly boring. How you can take such a massive subject like this and make it so dull is almost an achievement. I don't think i ever recall seeing a film that lack continuity to this degree. It was likely watching a large number of scenes arranged in no particular order providing no content, story or emotion. We decided to rent this at home rather than at the cinema. I saved a lot of money but i still feel like asking for my £1.99 back.
USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016)
Wow - Seriously Bad
The great films are a rare beast - thankfully the really bad's one are as well. USS Indianapolis is rarer still - this might just be the worst film ever made. I actually watched this because the reviews were so bad - is it so bad its actually worth a watch i thought. I appreciate most people will only be able to stomach maybe 20/30 minutes but i would actually recommend you do. It reminded me that, in the main, we are quite blessed that the majority of films produced are pretty decent. Most are not great or particularly memorable but are broadly worth a couple of hours. If most films were like this there would be no film industry. There is not enough time to describe what is bad about it which is why i would encourage people to see it. Which is worse - the script, the performances, the casting, the action scenes, who knows where to begin. Amazingly bad - go see it.
Thirteen Lives (2022)
Close To Perfect
This one should not work anywhere near as well as it does. The vast majority of us will be very familiar with the story (unless you have been leaving in a cave - shocking pun intended) including the ending. Its 2 and hours long and essentially shot in a single location where a rescue team initially locate and then extract a group of stranded young children from a flooded cave. The story is remarkable and touching but in the wrong hands it could have been so ordinary - Mr Howard is becoming a master of his craft. A big shout out to all the actors, wonderful casting and perfect performances from all. First class film.
No Time to Die (2021)
Sad Finale
A disappointing end to Daniel Craig's reign. Responsible, in my opinion, for two of the very best Bond films in Casino Royale and Skyfall and two of the very worst in Quantum of Solace and now this, No Time To Die. To echo many of the other reviews the custodian's of the Bond franchise will need to tread carefully when they decide how to develop the next phase of this precious series. This film, perhaps more then any other, felt like a "standard" action movie. Perhaps Bond needs to adapt and change as the world does but if it is at the expense of removing the ingredients that made it so distinct and special in the first place then the change will simply result in this type of film - ordinary. Please be careful with our Bond.
Arlington Road (1999)
A Superior Thriller
I don't understand why this did not receive more impressive ratings. Such a clever idea and great performances, as usual, from Bridges and Robbins. The late and great Ebert scored it particularly poorly suggesting there were too many flaws with the plot but, for once, i disagree with the great man. There certainly are moments where you question the action of certain characters, but it is, in the main, plausible and the overall message / challenge is both important and believable . Leaves you discussing and thinking and that is always a good thing. Shout out to Joan Cusack as well - seriously scary.
À bout de souffle (1960)
Apparently important - Certainly Boring
Apparently a landmark film. It has historical importance, it introduced techniques and methods to film. It has been copied but never matched. I am not an expert in the technicalities of film. I understand jump cuts and other concepts. I do not watch films to appreciate the "style" - i watch them to be engaged, to enjoy, to make me think or to entertain. This film does none of these things. It is boring. You have no empathy for any of the characters. There is almost no plot or purpose - no message, no meaning. It's only redeeming feature is its not that long but its still 90 minutes that feels like 3 hours. Really poor and pointless. I watched it because its a "classic" - it is not, don't bother - you will miss nothing.
The Craigslist Killer (2011)
So Bad
If you read the summary of the plot you do not need to see the film - it provides no greater insight. No need to look at why, the motivations, the history. I have no idea how a film like this gets funded. Serious, intelligent people - directing, producing, acting and not one of the went wow what a waste of time. Almost so bad you should watch!
The Prince of Tides (1991)
Perfect
Of all the films on IMDB i cant think of one more underrated or poorly scored than this one. I cant imagine anyone watching this and not being thoroughly engaged emotionally. Perfect performances around a wonderful story (albeit a tough one). Perfect in every way - this is not just a good film its a great one.
Deep Impact (1998)
Highly Underrated
I don't understand the low rating for this film. I thought it was a cut above the standard disaster movie. Combines action and drama well. Good performances, believable characters and genuine emotion. Thoroughly recommend.
Den skaldede frisør (2012)
Beautiful Film
I really don't understand the overall low score here. This is such a beautiful and moving film. We should expect nothing less in the hands of Susanne Bier and Trine Dryholm who always deliver and Pierce Bronson is an underrated performer. A simple and familiar story but told in a lovely engaging manner - poignant and funny. Highly recommend.
Empire of the Sun (1987)
Spielberg is human.
I often wondered if Spielberg was capable of making anything other than great movies - he is. Very long, very slow and thoroughly uninteresting. Big, lavish sets and shots do not make up for a lack of story or emotion.
Hollington Drive (2021)
Truly Awful
Felt compelled to drop a quick note. Don't want anyone else to waste their time. This is right up there with the very worst in TV. Nothing redeeming whatsoever - story, acting, script - truly awful.
Our Friend (2019)
Such a Beautiful Film
If you can watch this one and not get emotionally engaged you might want to seek some help. Such a beautiful film. One of those destined to to gain great praise through word of mouth - love it when you find one like this -you have never heard of, take a chance and it blows you aware. Watch it!
Before I Go to Sleep (2014)
So slow and boring
Just begs the question why 2 big hitters like this would get involved. One of those really annoying ones - you stay with it because your sure something will happen but it never does. As a big film fan rare for me to wish i could have my time back but with this one certainly true. Really poor.
Secret in Their Eyes (2015)
Original First Please
Nothing wrong with this version. Not particularly good, not particularly bad. Very important to watch original first - this is a masterpiece and watching this "re-make" first will certainly detract from the impact of original - now that would be a crime!
Time (2021)
Wonderful Jimmy McGovern
It seems he can do no wrong. Every time this guy puts pen to paper magic occurs. Not sure what it is (that's why he is him and i am me) but there is something so honest about his stuff. He never shoves an opinion or position down your throat, just tells the story truthfully from all angles and asks you to observe, like he does. He shows the complexity in almost all situations and invokes such feeling and empathy for all his characters. Just a genius.
The Accident (2019)
Wow - So poor
I very rarely feel compelled to write reviews (good or bad) - beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that but this demands a few words. I have always believe (up to now) that great actors can make even the poorest of scripts watchable but now we know. We have several great actors in this - the fabulous Sarah Lancashire the most obvious - but wow this is beyond even her. No point in an actual review - suffice to say this is so bad i think its actually worth watching the first episode. When you have finished just think someone quite experienced and senior actually looked at it and when yep this is good to go - amazing!
Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
I want to talk to the director!
Wow this was super for so long. I watched this because I like what he did with Negotiator and remake of Italian Job. This, for 95% of the movie, was even better. First class revenge movie, great plot, great performances and then the ending. What were they thinking (or rather not) - this should have been a classic but someone just lost the plot at the end. This is still a great watch but all concerned must look back at this ending and despair. You cant create this level of emotion and then rip it up in the last 5 minutes. Want to talk to the director, producer, writer - what was the thinking?
Life Itself (2018)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
I agree with this. What pleases one is enough. There is no such thing as a piece of art that appeals to all. If you like it its good enough. My collection is full of "classics" and "rubbish". That said I confidently predict the critics have got this very wrong. This is destined to become "great" as more and more watch. Its nothing like Shawshank but it will go the same way. I will not criticise anyone who does share my view on how good this movie is but I will go as far to say if you were not moved by this film I will not pretend to understand what makes you. To everyone else, watch this, you will smile, you will cry, you will think and you will be enhanced because you watched.