I thought I'd give this a go as I saw it was new on Prime. I love disaster films and can usually find them enjoyable behind the Hollywood cheese. However this is in a completely different league. Absolutely horrible, can't believe a studio thought this was worth releasing.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Life After Life
(2022)
Fantastic adaption of a brilliant novel
21 April 2022
When I saw Kate Atkinson's outstanding novel 'Life After Life' was being adapted, I was quietly hopeful, but also nervous as the book seems 'unadaptable'.
However, one episode in and I quickly realised this is a faithful, captivating and engaging adaption of the novel. First of all the casting is incredible. I especially loved the casting of Sylvie & Hugh, Ursula's parents. Ursula herself is beautifully portrayed by various actresses.
Although the story has a repetitive element, each 'life' had its own special moments to keep you engaged. Set against the backdrop of war and this becomes a unique period drama that stays with you.
10/10, couldn't fault it.
However, one episode in and I quickly realised this is a faithful, captivating and engaging adaption of the novel. First of all the casting is incredible. I especially loved the casting of Sylvie & Hugh, Ursula's parents. Ursula herself is beautifully portrayed by various actresses.
Although the story has a repetitive element, each 'life' had its own special moments to keep you engaged. Set against the backdrop of war and this becomes a unique period drama that stays with you.
10/10, couldn't fault it.
The Day After Tomorrow
(2004)
Great disaster film that's stood the test of time
6 November 2021
This movie has stood the test of time, and in my opinion, is one of the best disaster movies out there. With climate change swooping down on us, some of these scenes feel too close to home and make for compelling viewing.
The visual effects are still mesmerizing, especially in the hurricane and tsunami scenes. I've seen a lot of comments about the plot, and the 2nd half being dull, but no matter how many times I've seen this I still find myself at the edge of my seat with enough action to keep me hooked.
Dennis Quaid is the star of this; he's so convincing as the distracted father, trying to repair the relationship with his son. His mission to rescue him is truly rewarding.
Side note; I LOVE the sound effects during the 'eye of the storm' scene. Just amazing.
Enjoy the ride and don't take this too seriously. It is still miles better than recent CGI-obsessed disaster movies, but also a vast improvement on the old 90s cheese.
The visual effects are still mesmerizing, especially in the hurricane and tsunami scenes. I've seen a lot of comments about the plot, and the 2nd half being dull, but no matter how many times I've seen this I still find myself at the edge of my seat with enough action to keep me hooked.
Dennis Quaid is the star of this; he's so convincing as the distracted father, trying to repair the relationship with his son. His mission to rescue him is truly rewarding.
Side note; I LOVE the sound effects during the 'eye of the storm' scene. Just amazing.
Enjoy the ride and don't take this too seriously. It is still miles better than recent CGI-obsessed disaster movies, but also a vast improvement on the old 90s cheese.
Enola Holmes
(2020)
Lovely film, good fun for all ages.
26 October 2021
This was a pleasant surprise and good fun for children and adults alike. Millie Bobby Brown is wonderful in her role and has evolved into a talented and beautiful young actress. This position is perfect for her post-Stranger Things.
I love the energetic and fun breaking of the fourth wall and quirky editing, but there is still plenty of drama with some wince-worthy fight scenes. Enola's complex relationship with her distant, famous brother Sherlock Holmes adds an interesting dynamic to the movie.
I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel. This is well worth a watch.
I love the energetic and fun breaking of the fourth wall and quirky editing, but there is still plenty of drama with some wince-worthy fight scenes. Enola's complex relationship with her distant, famous brother Sherlock Holmes adds an interesting dynamic to the movie.
I'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel. This is well worth a watch.
11.22.63
(2016)
Highly underrated! Brilliant adaptation of one of King's finest novels
18 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I adored the book by Stephen King and this TV adaptation was no disappointment. It's a thrill to watch from start to finish. James Franco is fantastic in this role and made Jake feel as human as can be - flawed, funny, quietly heroic... it was wonderful to watch. The plot is thrilling, but the love story is what holds this together. There is so much heart, despite the darker themes and moments of horror.
Only criticism? I felt like the apocalyptic scenes at the end could've been explained a little better, and gone a bit deeper (I remember this unnerving part of the book being particularly jaw-dropping, but here it felt a bit lack-luster). Still encapsulating though and well worth a watch with a rewarding final couple of scenes.
Only criticism? I felt like the apocalyptic scenes at the end could've been explained a little better, and gone a bit deeper (I remember this unnerving part of the book being particularly jaw-dropping, but here it felt a bit lack-luster). Still encapsulating though and well worth a watch with a rewarding final couple of scenes.
Cinderella
(I) (2021)
Gen Z movie that fails to hit the mark
4 September 2021
In all honesty this movie is a mess. It tries too hard to cover a variety of topics, with very in your face, woke messages. The chemistry between the two leads was pretty awful (Prince Charming was completely cringe). There was also a weird mix of original songs and existing ones. Positively hated the end number and came away from this feeling empty.
I think if they'd stuck with complete satire, it might have worked, but they tried too hard to stick to the original plot and fairytale which has been done to death. Revamping Ella as a fashion designer isn't really enough when the whole film is centered around her marrying a prince.
Camila did her best with what she was given and she can sing, I do look forward to seeing her in other acting roles (hopefully with better material).
I think if they'd stuck with complete satire, it might have worked, but they tried too hard to stick to the original plot and fairytale which has been done to death. Revamping Ella as a fashion designer isn't really enough when the whole film is centered around her marrying a prince.
Camila did her best with what she was given and she can sing, I do look forward to seeing her in other acting roles (hopefully with better material).
The Spanish Princess
(2019–2020)
Worth a watch! Binge-worthy and entertaining
25 August 2021
I felt compelled to write a review after scanning so many negative ones on here. I was a huge fan of The White Queen and enjoyed The White Princess too. At first I wasn't too sure of this, but in the end I also thoroughly enjoyed watching The Spanish Princess, in fact I watched both seasons in a few days. The costumes, script, cast and locations are all fantastic.
Other than the fact she was Henry 8th's first wife, I didn't know much about Catherine. If you accept this as a TV show rather than a historical documentary I think you'll find enjoyment in it, especially the wider concepts such as patriarchy and politics. If you're looking for 100% accuracy, this probably isn't for you, although funnily enough this one is more realistic than The White Queen (no curses or spells, for instance).
Charlotte Hope is wonderful as Catherine, she's a star in the making.
If you enjoyed the others, give this a go and forge your own opinion. It's certainly worth a watch.
Other than the fact she was Henry 8th's first wife, I didn't know much about Catherine. If you accept this as a TV show rather than a historical documentary I think you'll find enjoyment in it, especially the wider concepts such as patriarchy and politics. If you're looking for 100% accuracy, this probably isn't for you, although funnily enough this one is more realistic than The White Queen (no curses or spells, for instance).
Charlotte Hope is wonderful as Catherine, she's a star in the making.
If you enjoyed the others, give this a go and forge your own opinion. It's certainly worth a watch.
The Tomorrow War
(2021)
Great blockbuster movie
2 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
After reading some negative reviews this film was actually a pleasant surprise. With a nice set up and introduction to the characters, it soon gets into the action and I felt myself glued to the screen for a few sequences. Is it predictable? Yes. It's no cinematic masterpiece but it was a great treat for the weekend.
My only gripe was with the ending. There is a whole focus on finding a 'toxin' that can destroy the aliens creatures, but this didn't really have much of an impact in the end. A load of explosives did the job. This took away some of the emotional impact for me (I mean, his daughter sacrificed her life to find a cure and it was almost meaningless!) Also, the voiceover at the end seemed unnecessary. Why would he never tell his daughter she saved humanity in another timeline? Doesn't seem to align with his character and their relationship.
Nothing major though. Enjoyable film overall.
My only gripe was with the ending. There is a whole focus on finding a 'toxin' that can destroy the aliens creatures, but this didn't really have much of an impact in the end. A load of explosives did the job. This took away some of the emotional impact for me (I mean, his daughter sacrificed her life to find a cure and it was almost meaningless!) Also, the voiceover at the end seemed unnecessary. Why would he never tell his daughter she saved humanity in another timeline? Doesn't seem to align with his character and their relationship.
Nothing major though. Enjoyable film overall.
Then Came You
(2018)
Good not great
15 July 2019
It's okay. There are some really sweet moments and the premise has potential. However, I didn't enjoy Maisie Williams' performance. For me the humour felt exaggerated and forced. Asa is great as always but the American accent is distracting. Nina Dobrev also seemed out of place as a love interest.
Changeling
(2008)
Angelina Jolie at her best - great film
24 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I honestly feel that Angelina Jolie was robbed of an Oscar win in this adaption of true events. She carried it from start to end, convincingly portraying a distraught mother who has lost her son, receiving no help from the corrupt police force.
The acting holds this film together. There are powerful performances all around, particularly from the child actors. It's well paced, intense, emotional, and thought- provoking.
Sometimes disturbing, the film does not shy away from the plight of women against the police force. It has a strong political message which is emphasised by the fact that it's a true story, and it's carried out with pure skill.
Fantastic. Well shot. Solid acting. This film, and especially Angelina Jolie, deserves more recognition.
The acting holds this film together. There are powerful performances all around, particularly from the child actors. It's well paced, intense, emotional, and thought- provoking.
Sometimes disturbing, the film does not shy away from the plight of women against the police force. It has a strong political message which is emphasised by the fact that it's a true story, and it's carried out with pure skill.
Fantastic. Well shot. Solid acting. This film, and especially Angelina Jolie, deserves more recognition.
The Impossible
(2012)
A film that will stay with you
24 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This film is one of the most outstanding pieces of cinema I have ever seen. From start to finish it is an emotional roller coaster, telling the true story of a family desperately trying to survive and reunite after they were hit by the 2004 boxing day Tsunami.
Tom Holland is the stand-out performance of this film. He is the boy that drove everybody to tears with a simple look or a sentence. Naomi Watts is fantastic (and the make up department did a great job by the way) and her Oscar nom was well deserved.
Their strong and exciting story creates a thrilling first half, and although McGregor had everyone in tears during the train station scene, many were left sighing at his character's often idiotic decisions (like leaving his kids with strangers on some random mountain?) - yet this is redeemed by the great final act of the film.
Lots complain about the focus on white tourists and not the natives, yet I don't think this ruins the film. People forget that the western tourists the family DO turn to for help are rude and selfish. Thai people could not be shown in a more positive light, helping those around them regardless of their race.
This is an incredible film. It's one that will stay with you, and Tom Holland has a very bright future ahead! 10/10
Tom Holland is the stand-out performance of this film. He is the boy that drove everybody to tears with a simple look or a sentence. Naomi Watts is fantastic (and the make up department did a great job by the way) and her Oscar nom was well deserved.
Their strong and exciting story creates a thrilling first half, and although McGregor had everyone in tears during the train station scene, many were left sighing at his character's often idiotic decisions (like leaving his kids with strangers on some random mountain?) - yet this is redeemed by the great final act of the film.
Lots complain about the focus on white tourists and not the natives, yet I don't think this ruins the film. People forget that the western tourists the family DO turn to for help are rude and selfish. Thai people could not be shown in a more positive light, helping those around them regardless of their race.
This is an incredible film. It's one that will stay with you, and Tom Holland has a very bright future ahead! 10/10
Kick-Ass 2
(2013)
Disappointing unlike the first - but still good fun
23 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I'll be comparing this film to the first, as I feel like they took away the best elements that made 'Kick-Ass' so special! I went into this film feeling pessimistic. The trailer had disappointed me, and I strongly believed it would not be able to top the first film.
When the music and Dave's Voice-over started, I felt better. It had the same feel to it, so I silently cursed myself for being so wary about seeing this movie.
However, an hour in, I realised this was a VERY different film. Hit Girl is obsessed with popularity, and she's sadly absent for a lot of the action scenes in the first hour. Jim Carrey is hardly in it. They replaced the actors for Todd and Chris' mother (even though she as well is hardly in it) - a sequel should be continuous. Also Dave's girlfriend Katie is almost completely written out with hardly any explanation!
The first hour falls flat on its face. We're supposed to believe that something in Chris has snapped and he becomes a psychopath who has no redeeming traits, therefore he is unlikeable and somewhat annoying during the film compared to his character in the first. There's not enough humour, and Hit Girl's story arc is basically Mean Girls. Even though we know that she could kick all their asses, she lets them ditch her in the woods and drive off?
Lots of violence. The last hour was fun and things started kicking off a bit more. I loved the epic fight at the end, but it still wasn't as exciting or tense as the finale of the first film. It became predictable. Aaron Johnson's acting was still solid, Chloe Mortez really shone as Hit Girl, but not so much as Mindy.
It's a fun, average movie, but my expectations were higher and they made too much effort to make it more mainstream (don't get me started on the Union J music video scene. It was horrendous.)
Not the cult classic that Kick-Ass was!
When the music and Dave's Voice-over started, I felt better. It had the same feel to it, so I silently cursed myself for being so wary about seeing this movie.
However, an hour in, I realised this was a VERY different film. Hit Girl is obsessed with popularity, and she's sadly absent for a lot of the action scenes in the first hour. Jim Carrey is hardly in it. They replaced the actors for Todd and Chris' mother (even though she as well is hardly in it) - a sequel should be continuous. Also Dave's girlfriend Katie is almost completely written out with hardly any explanation!
The first hour falls flat on its face. We're supposed to believe that something in Chris has snapped and he becomes a psychopath who has no redeeming traits, therefore he is unlikeable and somewhat annoying during the film compared to his character in the first. There's not enough humour, and Hit Girl's story arc is basically Mean Girls. Even though we know that she could kick all their asses, she lets them ditch her in the woods and drive off?
Lots of violence. The last hour was fun and things started kicking off a bit more. I loved the epic fight at the end, but it still wasn't as exciting or tense as the finale of the first film. It became predictable. Aaron Johnson's acting was still solid, Chloe Mortez really shone as Hit Girl, but not so much as Mindy.
It's a fun, average movie, but my expectations were higher and they made too much effort to make it more mainstream (don't get me started on the Union J music video scene. It was horrendous.)
Not the cult classic that Kick-Ass was!
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