alison1963 Reviews

The Speed of Thought (2011)

The book was better!

[5/10 · 30 May 2020]

As another reviewer has said, this is very obviously based on a book called The Sensitives by Herbert Burkholz, despite not a word saying so anywhere in the credits.

It's a mediocre adaptation with rather wooden acting, enjoyable enough but not at all as complex or interesting as the book.

The book I enjoyed very much, bought it in 1988 when it was released. I've always wanted to see it made into a film - but one worthy of it.

Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams (2018)

An interesting inslight

[8/10 · 31 August 2019]

My brother, who prefers blue grass music, once said about Coldplay that they are a band you really want to hate but just can't quite bring yourself to do so. I understood exactly what he meant. I thoroughly enjoy their music when it comes on the radio, sing along happily, but have never contemplated buying any of their music or going to a concert.

With all of that said, I found this a really interesting film to watch. To see how a band started off is always fascinating, to see how they really are together as people helps give another dimension to their music and to hear their love for their music, their bandmates and their supporters really is a pleasure.

This film is really well put together and because it was filmed by a friend through their career, it doesn't ever feel fake or forced.

The pieces from the current concerts are just amazing, the shows that Coldplay put on are obviously spectacles and the amount of energy Chris Martin exhibits whilst singing - performing - surprised me.

A very enjoyable film, whether you are a fan or not. Well done.

Battle (I) (2018)

It's what you expect it to be

[7/10 · 4 December 2018]

You go into watching a film like this generally knowing what to expect. It's not great art but, for a teen dance film, it's enjoyable.

Hip-hop dancer Fabian Svegaard Tapia is a terrific dancer and, I have to say, doesn't do a bad job on the acting either. On top of that he's very very easy on the eyes, with a pleasant amount of charisma and intensity about him. Lisa Tiege isn't dreadful either. They do have a good chemistry and their final dance scene together I found very expressive and intense, aided by a really good song, haunting with great lyrics (Youth by Daughter).

All-in-all I enjoyed it. but then I'm a bit of a closet teen romance kind of woman; perhaps I never grew out of the brat pack phase despite my advancing years! Throw in some good dancing and I'm content.

Circle (II) (2015)

An enjoyable watch

[7/10 · 16 October 2015]

Just finished watching this enjoyable indie film, which is somewhere between an episode of The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror.

50 people trapped in a room who quickly come to realise that they have to vote who will die next, each death at 2-minute intervals.

What we see is the obvious discussions and arguments regarding race, sexuality, who has lived the most valid life, should the oldest be first, etc. ... anything that can be argued to be a black mark against somebody who isn't you, so that they you have a reason for them to be the next victim (and you to live).

The film moves along at a good pace, it never felt like it was dragging.

I found the acting to be pretty good and the twist at the end was a surprise.

Well worth a viewing in my humble opinion.

Rudderless (2014)

A wonderful, enjoyable surprise!

[8/10 · 17 October 2014]

Only my 3rd review on here, but I just have to praise this film! The story of a man who has suffered a horrific loss and how he comes to know his son through listening to his wonderful music and performing it, finding a modicum peace, comes to terms with his grief and guilt, finding a renewed interest in a new kind of life.

The cast in this film is just terrific (apart from the small role by Selena Gomez, but blink and you'd miss it). All original songs are very good, especially the lyrics, and so well performed by Crudup and Yelchin.

Although the subject matter sounds depressing, it really is an uplifting film, with quite a bit of gentle humour from Crudup ... man is he good in this film.

It's a film I didn't expect much from, so I was more than pleasantly surprised, which is always a great way to spend a couple of hours - enjoying and being surprised.

Well done William H Macy on your directorial debut, well done indeed.

White Frog (2012)

A charming, touching film

[7/10 · 7 June 2013]

Nick Yung has a brother whom he adores, and he has Aspbergers. He comes from a seemingly perfect American/Oriental family, but perfection's not all it's cracked up to be.

On the death of his brother, life starts to unravel and he slowly uncovers the truth that lies just beneath the perfect veneer of his life.

Nick conquers his differences and goes on a journey to discover that not only do people keep secrets, but that uncovering those secrets can set you free and make you whole.

The acting in this film is terrific, especially from the young man who played Nick so well. It's a lovely little film that made me smile and cry in all the right places.

Well worth a viewing.

Twilight (I) (2008)

An enjoyable film and great introduction to the books

[7/10 · 23 February 2009]

Although I'm 46, I wanted to see this film and find out what all the hype was about. I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially Robert Pattinson's role as Edward Cullen. Kirsten Stewart I found rather flat, but she did have great chemistry with Pattinson.

What I didn't know, though, is how it really only picks the bones of a much deeper book, a book that it would really be impossible to religiously transfer to screen. After seeing the film I sat down and read all 4 books in about 3 days, thoroughly enjoying the much fuller detail and characterisation, which made me realise how little of the story could be put onto the screen, the books being so much inside the characters heads instead of spoken (especially Twilight).

So, it's an enjoyable film and a nice interpretation, but if by some chance you haven't read the books, do so as they are much more meaty and satisfying.