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brendanhickey
Reviews
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Underplayed beautifully
I believe this to be one of Meryl Streep's finest performances. She plays the role exquisitely- underplaying her character brilliantly. So many others would have over played the arrogance of this powerful character. But this film is far more than just the fantastic performance of Meryl Streep. Emily Blunt plays her role so well: in a world if dog eat dog, she adds a comic element to this life which is brilliant. The story itself is one of many levels. One could watch this film at a very superficial level, but this film is about priorities, loyalty, courage, power and a feeling of being trapped in a job. Don't watch this film and think it is about the world of fashion. It is about politics and far more. One of my favourites. Enjoy!
One Day (2024)
Beautiful
Having read the book over 10 years ago; being the best book I'd read for years, I was really disappointed by the subsequent film. It has been a long time since I read the book and I can't remember it's details but this mini series brought back the emotions I felt when I read the book.
It is not something you should watch when you're feeling low or in love with a best mate. This was a beautiful series played by a wonderful cast. I didn't really believe the relationship between Emma and Ian, but I think that is the point! I would definitely recommend the book and, hand on heart, I couldn't say whether this series reflects the detail of the book, but loved it. Btw- some lovely direction and acting. Well done.
A Matter of Life and Death (1946)
Terrible
I was intrigued by the comments on here saying it was the best film and if you like it's a wonderful life, you'll love this. Honestly, it is so poor. I am disappointed that David Niven (and Richard Attenborough) had anything to do with it. The story is poor. The script is shocking. The direction is abysmal. I stuck with it in the hope it would improve, but it didn't. It all pivots on the premise that you can't die if someone loves you (or that someone fell in love with you after you've 'died': a flawed premise. Most people wouldn't be allowed to die of that were the case. Don't waste your time like I did.
The Girl in the Spider's Web (2018)
Miscast
I like Clare Foy and I like Stephen Merchant but, I'm sorry, they were miscast in this average sequel. Possibly, as a stand-alone, it would be a better watch but Foy is just unbelievable as the character, Lisbeth, which has already been defined by two previous portrayals. Foy's depiction doesn't have the same quirky, mentally tormented traits of her predecessors and as such, is unconvincing. The actor performing the Mikael character was also unconvincing following the previous incarnation. Overall, an average, but disappointing watch that doesn't live up to the previous outings for these characters. Disappointing.
The Killing Field (2014)
Good concept. Poorly executed.
Good concept poorly executed. Quite a good story. Poorly scripted. Poorly acted. Poorly directed. Shame.