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stefanbabicki
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Reviews
The Real Charlie Chaplin (2021)
Neither here nor there
Not much new, but some interesting clips. Could have been so much better. The narration was dreadful. Unless it was deliberately meant for five year olds. It also appeared to be trying to add momentum by randomly inserting flashy images. Yet it only served to annoy this viewer. Occasionally, it promised to be a deeper examination of the man, but quickly resorted back to flippant, and almost childlike observations. Overall, a wasted opportunity.
The Many Saints of Newark (2021)
Not for The Sopranos fans.
There are several reviews suggesting that only die hard fans of the series will enjoy this. Not true. My son and I had watched the entire series twice in the last 12 months. So we were well aware of the references made throughout the film. It just doesn't work as a movie. There are a lot of character introductions at the beginning that become tiresome. Somehow, the Italian Mafia are portrayed as weak and insignificant in the 60s and 70s. And while the Newark riots may well be an important part of Black America history, it felt tagged on and misplaced here. Overall, we left the cinema underwhelmed and disappointed.
The Birdcatcher (2019)
Unconvincing
The old cliche of 14 year old girl(going on 30) cutting her hair and being taken for a boy doesn't work. The plot, narrative and overall feel of the film appears fake. Have the people involved in this film never seen an authentic portrayal of the Jewish situation in WW2. Or did they take little bits from all over the place and mash them up hoping for the best Very poorly made movie. Unconvincing, uninvolving and occasionally embarrassing.
The Sinner (2017)
Watchable first season. Don't bother with others. Pretty good, but so many tears.
Slightly above average TV series. Gripping and intriguing for the most part. However, it came to a point where I wanted to scream each time I saw Jessica Biel's face dripping in tears. And without her facial expression changing once. I am not sure how they do it these days, but whoever had the responsibility of squirting those teardrops deserved a special mention in the credits. They were obviously the most overworked crew member/members.
Mindhunter (2017)
The more I think about it, the angrier I get
What could have been a classic mini series fails in too many areas. The main plot line of FBI using known serial killers to create profiling is intriguing, but the addition of so many pointless and unnecessary subplots drags it down. What annoyed me most of all was the lead actor Jonathon Goff. I don't know where he came from or why he was cast, but his acting verges on the embarrassing. His face never changes. Happy, sad, angry or excited, we are never really sure as his range appears to have only one dimension. Was this really the best Fincher could find? Conversely, Holt McCallany is excellent as his partner.
I do wonder if directors are sometimes given too much time in these mini series because this could have been much better without the tedious subplots. If it had been more focused and tightened to half the running time I might be less angry. Although, there is no getting away from the poor acting unfortunately.
El hoyo (2019)
Imaginative parable on society
It could be seen as depressing because as history tells us nothing changes. Those at the top look down at those below them, those at the bottom look to the top for salvation and those in the middle think everything is fine.
There is a lot more to this story and it leaves the viewer to interpret it for themselves. A lot of people have complained about the ending, but that's the point...there is no end.
Congratulations to the makers of this film. It is imaginative and thought provoking. Much better than the usual repetitive rubbish churned out these days.
Ava (2020)
Embarrassing
A hardened cold blooded assassin spends half her scenes crying. Not even sure what she is crying about. Maybe it's the time and money spent on creating this drivel. Thought I'd watch a simple action film to chill to, but it actually makes you angry with yourself for not watching something else. Almost anything else.
Shirley (2020)
Disappointing
Feels like it had potential, but themes and narrative become a mishmash of ideas. Several pointless and irrelevant scenes. Not one to recommend.
Life Itself (2014)
Could have been better
It was interesting to a point because I didn't know that much about his history and his partnership.I thought that it dwelled too much on his final days. While this is obviously relevant it would have made a better documentary if it was included in the last five minutes. Also, while trying not to trivialise it, someone dying of cancer has been done before and could maybe be a separate documentary altogether. I wanted more of his wit, insights and pros. He won the Pulitzer after all. What actually made him great in the first place. Not what killed him. I looked at some of the deleted scenes on the dvd. Some were of his political comments and things he'd said in the past which I found more revealing than watching him have his throat sucked out...twice!