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cmarlborough
Reviews
All of Us Strangers (2023)
Beautiful
An absolutely beautiful story about loss and regret. At the start I thought it might be hard going but within five minutes of that thought I was completely captivated. Andrew Scott is a beautiful actor. Every expression is perfectly timed. I lost my mum when I was young and the interaction he has with his parents really resonated. I've had dreams like this about my mum and have imagined whole conversations with her that felt like this film. The ending is really gut wrenching and unexpected and had such an impact on me that I immediately watched the film over again- I've never done that before but I'm really glad I did, the second watch was even better. Ive cried at lots of films but rarely this much or for this long! I can't believe Andrew Scott didn't get an Oscar for this. Just amazing.
Bodies (2023)
Worth a Netflix binge
This is good! Original, clever, well acted and full of surprises. Well developed characters and some lovely tender moments as well. Complete escapism, I really did enjoy every moment. And hidden in the credits, it's based on a DC comic, which they don't make much of but the story is quite reminiscent of comic book
sci-fi.
Special credit goes to the detectives in each time who were all very strong, and the kids. Stephen Graham is his usual brilliant self as well.
Also loved the fact that the story felt over two episodes before the end but then took a turn and gave everyone a chance at redemption.
Not a poor episode among them. Well done all!
And Just Like That... (2021)
Awful.
This is like meeting up with an old friend who you loved and discovering that everything you liked about them has completely disappeared. It's dreadful, none of the characters are likeable. The new characters are horrifying. In an effort to be modern the writers have managed to kill all the fun from Sex and the City and alienate the core audience from the show. There is no attempt to try and understand what that generation of women is grappling with at all. None of the characters seem to hold down a job, there isn't even a mention of the awful political backdrop that exists in America and the storylines are fractured and unrealistic. I keep watching it, waiting for Auden and Sam to rescue them but I don't think they will be able to.
Succession: With Open Eyes (2023)
Perfection... but!
A fitting end to a perfect show. Every episode has been sublime. Fabulous acting.
Kendall, Roman and Shiv were so close to being united, which really was a brilliant scene, but in the end a life of potent and aggressive rivalry isn't so easy to turn your back on.
The mother as ever is spectacularly crap at mothering, and the worst parts of their characters still shone through- like how little Kendall cared about his brother being almost as broken as he was in season two. The hug between them toward the end felt like a conflict between compassion and irritation.
At first I was irritated that Tom came out on top- not my favourite character (though as ever scenes between him and Greg were gold) but then I thought about how Shiv treated him and actually perhaps that's karma. Relegated to the subservient wife after years of stamping carelessly all over him.
And in the end I dared to feel happy for them all despite their despicable natures- freedom from a toy they have fought over all their lives might actually do them good.
I love to hate them all but I'll still miss them!
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Bravo James Gunn
By far the best Marvel film since Endgame, and so anticipated in our house that we were all really excited by the time the trailers finished. I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the weight of expectation but James Gunn is a master and, thank goodness, was given free rein to make something truly special. The music was great, dipping into the 2000s perfectly. The story focuses on Rocket this time and is heartbreaking in places. There is more gore and swearing in this film that any we have seen so far which might be problematic for more sensitive kids, but my kids (8&11) loved it.
The film is long but doesn't feel it at all, the pace is consistent and the timing is brilliant, with a mix of classic Guardians humour and serious, character developing plot lines.
In particular there are a few stand-out moments. Peters conversations with Gamora are really heartfelt, all the young Rocket scenes are sad and borderline traumatic, Drax character arc is fabulous, there are a couple of near-death scenes that brought us all to tears and I love that Peter's family finally find out that he is alive and well at the end (I hate loose ends!)
There are two end credit scenes in which the prospect of both another guardians film and a future Starlord appearance are set up so worth a watch.
Overall I loved it.
To watch this and understand every reference you need to watch the first two films, plus Infinity Wars, Endgame and the holiday special.
Succession: This Is Not for Tears (2019)
Oh my god yes!
Kendall!
I am speechless. The build up was exquisite, every second of this episode was perfection. I felt the injustice as if it were happening to me. The table conversation revealed the worst of each of them. I love Kendall and Roman- brilliant characters with some many layers that the show could go on forever and they would still be interesting. Shiv is less and less likeable as the show goes on. Logan is despicable beyond measure. I can't wait for the next episode. He needs to burn!
Also- how brilliant is Greg at the end. Just a big fat YES!! Brilliant twist, got to hand it to the writers!
Succession: Return (2019)
Heartbreaking for Kendall
Great acting all round but Kendall's story is just heartbreaking. Logan is truly a man with no soul, his manipulation of Kendall is cruel and seems to be a response to Kendal daring to try and find a flicker of happiness after a season of devastating pain, guilt and remorse. The scene in the kitchen is devastating in a really quiet and sensitive way. So well done.
The mother is just dreadful and you get a glimmer of what life must have been like for them as children. You wouldn't wish it on your worst enemy.
Brilliantly acted, I love the show. It just gets better and better. A masterpiece all round.
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
Pretty good actually
Not sure what everyone's problem is- Marvel is moving on to a new storyline, if you don't like it then stop watching! I like the multiverse story- it brings a bit more depth to things. Love Paul Rudd and interested to see where they are going with the new villain. Also great to see Loki in the second end credit. Yes- you have to have Disney plus to really keep on track with the whole film/series split but I quite like that, give us all something to watch in between the films! And they do need to bring in the next generation so Cassie is a good addition to the crew.
Overall I'm still very much onboard. Can't wait for Guardians!
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)
A must for women in their 40s and beyond!
I wonder about the age of some of the people who wrote 6 or 7/10 reviews because this film sums up what it is like to age and suddenly discover that you aren't what society deems desirable anymore. Emma Thompson is amazing, she completely captures how older women feel about sex and their bodies after the end of a long marriage. Her relationship with 'Leo' develops over time from an awkward start to a place where they help each other. It's no surprise that Nancy feels an overwhelming urge to get to know Leo- it's part of what turns sex into passion. He is the perfect tonic for someone who desperately needs to feel young, alive and desirable again. Brilliant job by both of them. Loved it.
The Walking Dead: Faith (2022)
That's better!
Much better episode than the last few, though still struggling with a lack of good transitions between scenes and continuity. But at least this episode actually focuses on people we care about and follows them consistently rather than jumping to people I couldn't give a hoot about. And I feel a bit more positive now I know where they are heading- seems like a good end to the story is finally in sight. My one slight worry is how they plan to tie it all up and lay foundations for a link into Ricks story. I miss Rick a lot-especially this season which has been far from the standard I've come to expect from TWD- but it needs to be done well.
The Walking Dead: What's Been Lost (2022)
Truly depressing
I hate watching the characters I love get such a badly written ending. No idea what other viewers are watching but it's not what I just saw. Terrible, just give up on the commonwealth altogether asap and give us a good end. The conversation between Carole and Ezekiel is just strange, the trial of Eugene is weird and going nowhere, the plot is thin, badly hung together and even Carole and Daryl can't save it. I'm hating this season, and it's the last one so I can't even hope that they realise their mistake and pull it back! I can't even say anything nice to fill up the rest of the space. Terrible, terrible, terrible. Make it stop. Please.
House of the Dragon: The Green Council (2022)
So, so good.
Brilliant! Had me on the edge of my seat, love the wrestle for power, brilliant acting by Olivia Cooke and Rhys Ifans. I love the way that this series is panning out, can't even decide who I'm rooting for yet, they all have despicable elements to their characters which is what makes the series so gripping. The creepy Larys foot fetish scene is just about the most uncomfortable viewing so far this season and that's saying something. Queen Alicent on the face of it uses .men with an obsession with her to her advantage but she's also a victim and I'm on the brink of supporting her but it could all change next week.
The Walking Dead: A New Deal (2022)
Oh dear
Oh come on... I love the walking dead, love the central characters and am watching because I can't give up so close to the end but I really do feel gutted that the writing is so poor. The acting from the Commonwealth characters is just dreadful and scenes aren't at all joined up. We leap from plot to plot with no continuity, sometimes no point at all, I feel like a traitor giving such low scores but this is far, far worse than the last season of Game of thrones. It's everything- the cinematography, the music, scripts, acting, direction. None of it works and it's starting to feel like a really bad joke. Gutted.
The Walking Dead: Lockdown (2022)
I miss the old walking dead
I'm here til the end but I really do miss the early writing in TWD. This season is really disjointed, things move on away from the camera in a way that makes it difficult to follow the story, the candlelit vigil seemed off kilter with the rest of the episode and Kelly and Connie look like they are lost! There were good bits (pleased to see Neagan return and always love Daryl) and some of the scenes with the horde were really well filmed but I'm not really feeling the love yet. I really hope it gets better- I was so excited for the last season and I feel a bit let down so far if I'm honest. Come on TWD. Make me feel like I'm on the edge of my seat one more time.
The Queen (2006)
Feels all wrong
Though I might be feeling overly sentimental towards the royal family given recent events, the feel of this portrayal of the aftermath of Diana's death is all wrong. There is very little appreciation of the shock and grief that the family must have felt and no real empathy or understanding in the portrayal of why they chose to stay in Balmoral with the boys, sheltering them from the British press who have always been vicious and ruthless when there is a story to be sold.
Charles fares better, given the passage of time but even his character is portrayed as weak. The Crown (Netflix) does a far superior job of telling the story of the Royal family and I can only assume that this anti-establishment version was a political message. Not my favourite I'm afraid.
The Control Room (2022)
Meh
I watched this because I loved Iain de Caestecker in Agents of Shield. However the storyline really does need some work. I can't quite work out what happened in the fire that was the backdrop of the story, or why everyone was in the pub, or what bound the two main characters together to the extent that the main character took a hand grenade to his life as soon as he heard her voice?! The flashbacks are just too much and yet don't explain anything properly. His mum died, and someone else died but was it one of the boys or someone's dad?! Just a mystery! Also the stuff with the van was a bit ridiculous.
Such a shame as Iain de Caestecker was as good as I remember- his agent should find him some better roles!
Marriage (2022)
Perfectly humdrum
Solid acting, takes some patience as it is not the fastest of plots but there is unspoken tension all the way through it. I loved their relationship, you can feel the years of history in every silence, every look and every touching moment. There are also painfully cringeworthy scenes which just make your toes curl with embarrassment on their behalf. I liked it but I can see why some people didn't. It's quite painful viewing at times.
Overall I would recommend giving it a try- you'll know whether it's for you reasonably quickly! Sean Bean really stands out and Nicola. Walker is her brilliant self.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
A good addition
First of all, this is actually a good addition to the MCU. Love the fact that we get to see a lot of Mark Ruffalo and that the origin story is dealt with early on. The series looks like it will be up there with Loki and Hawkeye, which were both great.
Second of all, am quite tired of people who write negative reviews because they actually just hate the Marvel franchise or don't like the fact that female superheroes are being introduced. Just don't watch them if you hate it so much! We've had years of male superheroes who provided good male role models for boys. I love that the girls are getting a look in.
Captain Phillips (2013)
Tom Hanks is amazing
A great film, kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Tom Hank's is brilliant, as are the actors who play the pirates, I felt like I was there, completely terrifying.
Elvis (2022)
Stays with you long after the end
Great film,Austin Butler is perfectly cast and does an amazing job of capturing the essence of Elvis, his acting is absolutely superb. Tom Hank's plays Colonel Tom Parker and again, does an amazing job of making the audiences skin crawl. The story is told from his perspective and by the end of the film I felt so angry with the way that Elvis was ruthlessly exploited for Parker's financial gain that it stayed with me into the next day. Such an absolute tragedy that Elvis was never able to realise all his ambitions and the Vegas industry seems to have destroyed him.
My one slight criticism involves Lurmans direction- I love Baz Lurman films but there was 'too much' Lurman and it wasn't necessary. The beginning of the film suffered for this which is a shame because I almost felt I didn't see enough of Elvis - his career spanned so many years but a lot of it was skipped over - I could watch Austin Butlers portrayal of him all day. The surprising thing that made me almost gasp was towards the end when there is footage of Elvis and his raw charisma bursts from the screen. You realise that however well Austin plays him, there's no one quite like Elvis. Excellent.
The Boys: The Instant White-Hot Wild (2022)
Stars for Starr
Another solid season and a really brilliant last episode. This is probably the only show I watch that isn't afraid to take risks, all through this season I've been surprised and sometimes completely grossed out! The best for me were:
- Anthony Starr. An amazing actor, perfect portrayal of a complex and hateful character who is permanently on the edge. Deserves all the awards. The last scene with him in the crowd was so satirical of politics in the US and the UK - the baying mob perfectly summed up hard line Republican/Conservative supporters who blindly follow people like Trump and Johnson.
- Colby Minifie. I love to hate her, she's brilliant and doesn't often get a mention, I think she's one of the strongest characters.
- Butcher. Always.
- The twist when Ryan shows up with Homelander and changes the game. Butchers Achilles heel.
- The Frenchie and Kimiko storyline.
The only thing that stopped me giving it a ten was the soldier boy ending. I loved watching Jenson in a villain role but it's been quite a limited run for what could have been in iconic character. I was expecting to see some decent character development there but he didn't get a chance to shine.
Gerald's Game (2017)
Not good.
The trailer is deceptive. Actually the film drags, the conversations during her hallucinations are really misplaced. The worst bit is the ending, five minutes of her telling us what happened, could have been done so much better than that. The dog was the truly horrific bit, actually would have worked well on its own without the added monster.
Stranger Things: Chapter Seven: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab (2022)
Just outstanding
I honestly didn't think the series could get any better but it just exceeded all expectations. Our jaws dropped to the floor! Acting perfection from 011 and 001. Absolutely amazing. Can't believe we have to wait a month to see what happens next. Cruel, Netflix, just cruel.
This Is Us: Us (2022)
Beautiful from beginning to end
This was a beautiful, simple end to a really powerful story about family. I feel bereft that I won't share in their story anymore but what a story it was. I've never cried so much, or felt so close to the characters before. So well made, perfect casting, I really can't fault it. Good bye- I'll miss you all.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Wanted to love it...
I was a real fan of the trilogy and wanted to disagree with the bad reviews for this one. The film started well but the cinematography ruined it. It needed to feel like the matrix and it didn't. It felt like a cheap version. The story could have been good, but it wasn't well executed, particularly the second half. We didn't see enough of Carrie-Ann Moss or Keanu Reeves, both of whom are great together. I feel a bit robbed in all honesty. Not for me.