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Reviews
The Bridge (2013)
Potential - until the English subtitles stopped
On Prime & a couple of episodes into series two and the English language subtitles disappeared and couldn't be selected. This made it very difficult to follow the plot as it shifted from English to Spanish and back to English quite quickly and frequently.
Did they expect viewers to pick up a working knowledge of Spanish in a few episodes?
The Bridge is a very dark story indeed and very well acted by all.
Not for the squeamish but the plot isn't gratuitously violent.
The main characters from both sides of the bridge have very different and flawed personalities and those personalities are portrayed superbly.
I''ve watched as far as episode 5 of season two and stopped at that point.
However, I intend to buy the bridge on dvd, in the hope that the subtitle issue was resolved for dvd (or the fault was limited to the Prime version).
Hurricane (2018)
Appalling!
Script: probably written by a ten year old. **BASED** on a true story, (think lip service)
Crammed with clichés. It's hard to comment on the quality of acting, the script is so poor that the best actors in the world couldn't get 2 stars for their efforts.
Cgi aircraft and battle scenes, just really really bad. 'in flight' scenes look more like a gentle joy ride than a fight for your life.
I don't know how much this movie cost to make but it would be more meaningful if the producers just donated the money to battersea dogs home.
Dauntless: The Battle of Midway (2019)
Cheesey and naff cgi
If it was scripted in 1949 it would still have been rated then as cheesey. If a movie is going to use a LOT of cgi like this one has, for heaven's sake make it quality cgi.
This has the same quality of a 1985 spectrum computer.
The worst movie I've seen in more than 30 years, total drivel.
The Killing Field (2014)
Not a patch on the TV series
Dreadful. Half baked plot matched by half hearted acting.
Escape from Pretoria (2020)
A must see!
Based on fact - and superbly delivered! No special effects, just great acting.
A real nail biter.
Without Remorse (2021)
Lots of fx but a plot with no substance.
110 minutes of your life that you'll never get back.
Don't waste your time.
The Mauritanian (2021)
Absolutely a *must watch*
I can't really express my feelings properly, without 'spoilers' so I'll just say please, don't pre judge this movie or write it off as something that you wouldn't want to watch, the story, the casting, the acting brings a man's story to life - its worth two hours of your time.
Justified (2010)
A story with everything...
Plot, script, casting, acting, cameras and direction ; all wonderful.
The storyline included violence, drugs gun crime and yet still found time for some unexpected touching moments too.
The acting was superb, thanks for many hours of really great entertainment.
Bombshell (2019)
Only 1 award? Really??
I find it difficult to heap praise on a film and cast when the film is a true and shocking story that deals with manipulation, of the worst kind.
With any production, stage or screen, my first thoughts are; did I engage with the characters? In 'Bombshell' - completely. Yes I cared about them, for the three principals, I wanted justice for them. For their demon of a boss, I'd willingly pull the lever that would leave him swinging at the end of a rope.
The truth dodgers left me cursing their lack of courage.
Of course, I know this is a film, a reflection of a great script delivered by acting professionals at their very best, great direction and a wholly wonderful production.
Beyond that, having been given some idea of what all of those ladies were really put through, I admit to being angry and not a little emotional about the manipulative men who were so accomplished at what they did.
I'd encourage all to watch this film... and be prepared to reflect on what they've just learned.
The Drowning (2021)
The cast must have been desperate for work!
How could those actors, some well known and respected for their work, have read that script and said 'yes'??
Four hours of my life sank to the bottom of that lake.
Locke (2013)
Epic - and they say that men can't multi-task!
Outstanding, in every department.
A slow burn at the beginning, but the pressure just builds to the point where I was expecting to see a nervous breakdown, possibly one of my own!
I don't want to leave any spoilers here, I'll just say that the situation that the main character finds himself for almost 90 minutes is so well written and acted, by all.
Confession: My only disappointment was not seeing Ruth Wilson on screen (and that's not a 'spoiler')
Watch and enjoy!
Falling from the Sky: Flight 174 (1995)
90 minutes of your life you'll never get back!
Based on a true story?
If so, you'd think that the screenplay would have been written by someone who was older than 10.
I thought that the actors involved with film would look back on this production and be really embarrassed but I guess that they have to work to the script.
I do hope that they fired their agents though.
Keeping Faith (2017)
It's got it all
Strong plot, great cast delivering a super performance.
Oh! And a damned good soundtrack too!
Shock and Awe (2017)
Thought provoking..
The most engaging dramatisation, based on true events since Costner's 'JFK'.
Superb screenwriting & directing.
The acting was outstanding, 'casting' got this one absolutely right.
Saw the movie and its now in my blu-ray collection.
1917 (2019)
Great cinematography - naive storyline!
Underwhelmed!
Clearly the film won much, deserved, critical acclaim for the cinematography itself but the plot?! Really?
Within the first few minutes, credibility just fell apart! *Before* 1917 our RFC aircraft were liaising with ground troops, artillery and infantry.
In the circumstances that the forward unit found themselves, a written order would have been dropped by air - mission accomplished.
I know that this film isn't a documentary but there are limits to what the audience will tolerate.
The script was third rate, at best. Cliche after cliche that had more connection to 'Blackadder' than a drama.
My 4k blu-ray will be in a charity shop before the weekend, I certainly won't watch it again. (watched on top quality large oled screen & 7.1 surround)