scotrep Reviews

Saltwater (2012)

Ok. Hear me out...

[8/10 · 11 March 2024]

Was it cheap? Yes.

Was it lacking atmosphere? Yes.

Would it have worked without cute leads? No.

Was it bad storytelling? No!

Ok. This was a hard watch because it was so stilted. BUT! The story and context are 100% realistic (give or take). The bedroom scene 'after' the night before was spot on! And it felt natural and genuine. I've been in those situations before and I thought it was well portrayed.

I liked the story and the main actors. The general acting and flow was terrible. But it spoke to me 🤷‍♂️

As a gay man...both actors were hot. Yes, it does help. So call me shallow 🤷‍♂️ The main character was lovely and his acting wasn't too bad. I felt myself quite liking him! I liked it.

Beef (2023– )

Just. WOW!

[10/10 · 11 April 2023]

Don't know where to start!?

Thought this started as a comedy. Then it became drama. Then it went REALLY dark. Then ended up with comedy and some deep stuff!

I've never seen anything like this. I also want more, but really hope there isn't a Season 2 because I don't know where it could go. It was a delicious rollercoaster ride from start to finish.

Every actor is so good in this and the characters are fully realised in Episode 1. Ali Wong has some serious acting chops! I've only ever watched her comedy specials (and that attitude breaks out occasionally). Cannot recommend this highly enough.

The Fabelmans (2022)

Overall? Very boring

[4/10 · 4 February 2023]

Ooooft. Where to start?

I went in knowing nothing as I deliberately avoided reviews and additional trailers. I wanted this to be a pure experience as I thought 'Spielberg and John Williams?! Of course this will be a memorable cinematic experience!"

Sadly wrong.

The first hour was so dull, we nearly left the cinema! I've never done that before. It perked up mid-way, and I thought we were going to get into some highs or lows. But not really.

The pace of the movie was consistent. But it was horribly dull and I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. The actor playing 'Sam' was very good, and I'm sure he will have a great career.

But this is a solid fail for me.

M3GAN (2022)

Not what I expected

[8/10 · 16 January 2023]

Ok. Not what I expected but that's no bad thing!

I'm not sure how to exactly place this movie. I expected it to be darker and more 'horror' than it actually was. But maybe that's what made it so good?!

The horror/slasher parts are done so well. But they mostly leave it to the imagination...Clever. Very clever! I've not seen this before.

There are some amazing one-liners and, of course, that dance sequence was superb. I could've watched more of that style for longer. It was hypnotic, camp, dark, scary and funny all at the same time!

Lots of laughs and giggles in the cinema. But also some shockers too. Overall a satisfying experience.

Definitely recommend.

Corsage (2022)

Quite dull

[6/10 · 3 January 2023]

This film was beautifully shot and I enjoyed the aesthetics. The lead actress was entertaining, and sometimes spellbinding. But that's about it.

It can't even be described as a 'slow burn' as that usually includes some ups and downs, but this really didn't. It was such a steady storytelling that I never felt any highs or lows.

I was very confused as this was supposed to be 19th century but had elements of 20th century. That distracted me as I didn't get a sense of place or time to try and plug into the story.

Overall a film that will probably appeal to those more intelligent/informed/interested than I am.

Black Adam (2022)

Not what I expected

[8/10 · 21 November 2022]

I really liked this.

It wasn't overstuffed with characters and it was a good linear storyline without any filler!

Visuals were good and it feels like the start of a new franchise. You definitely want to stay to the end for the post-credit vignette!

The world building is quite small but it's different enough to keep you guessing where it is. The main characters were good and the premise is solid.

It's a classic Good vs Evil watch with a bit of a twist about three quarters the way through. Highly recommend if you enjoy superhero movies. Best bit is I didn't need the loo or feel it was overly long.

Moonage Daydream (2022)

An assault on the senses

[7/10 · 23 September 2022]

There's much to like here. Visually interesting and it gave me a deeper appreciation of Bowie as a person. Some very sage quotes and sound bites. At one point I felt quite sad and thought Bowie was quite lonely/dissatisfied with life, but then the film ended with some brilliant statements from the man himself.

But. It was a bit of a mess with the story telling. Jumped about quite a bit and I can't help but feel it missed the last 15 years of his life? I also think it was too long and could've been easily less than 2 hours.

Interesting watch but not one I'd go back to. Definitely a one-time experience.

Dune (1984)

Low rating?!!??

[9/10 · 18 September 2022]

I watched the 80s Dune as a kid. One of my favourite sci-fis.

Then I read ALL the books during 2020 lockdowns. In hindsight, the 80s movie REALLY captured the dark, dirty dealings of all the factions. EXCEPT the prominent role of the Bene Gesserit...They are the central faction in all the books (in my opinion). In that sense, Lynch focussed on the world-building too much (Can't help thinking today it would be No.1 of 3 or 4 movies) Maybe that was his intention?

Don't get me wrong, I loved the AI spectacle of the 2021 version...but it lacked something intangible. It seemed the story-telling played second fiddle to the AI gorgeousness. Plus, Paul Atreides is too young in the 2021 version.

Im always disappointed with Hollywood's fascination with teeny actors taking on roles for 20-somethings. A bit like He-Man or She-Ra...seen my nieces and nephews watching a new animated series recently...both characters were about 12/13 years old! Far too young/shiny/peppy for what are roles for adults. Nope.

Nope (2022)

I wasn't bored. But...

[5/10 · 4 September 2022]

Wtf have I just watched? The storytelling is all over the place and flashbacks don't make sense. It's visually entertaining but I honestly couldn't really say what it was about.

The female lead is beyond irritating and doesn't seem to fit the rest of the characters. I liked the tech guy, he was the funniest character, but the other side characters didn't bring much.

Like I said. I wasn't bored but it wasn't a satisfying watch. If you're looking for a cohesive story/plot then look elsewhere.

I did like the concept though. It was definitely original and could have been much more engaging if the writing was better.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Too much cheese!

[7/10 · 8 August 2022]

Overall this was ok. Visuals are always stunning and I really liked Jane's story arc.

Just too heavy with the jokes! That works in GotG but not Thor.

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

Love it

[9/10 · 2 August 2022]

This is a space opera. Like you would read in a novel. I love the premise and the detailed world building is great. Shame it's getting such low scores. It's NOT cerebral, but an action packed romp with stunning visuals.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

8 stars for sheer GUTS!

[8/10 · 19 May 2022]

Ok. So this felt like a very long movie that is probably 30 minutes too long for comfort/entertainment. But it is ambitious and doesn't fail on that count.

What it also does is take you on a rollercoaster ride. So be prepared to keep up!

Quite enjoyed the premise and Yeoh is, as always, playing a character that demands your attention. Loved her acting in this! Jamie Lee-Curtis is hilarious and added some brilliant acting chops to the story.

Our Great National Parks (2022)

What?!?

[1/10 · 30 April 2022]

Ok....

I was eager to see this and excited Obama was narrating this.

Wow. What a flop.

One of the worlds best known raconteurs is reduced to observational comments on nature worthy of any third-rate documentary on an obscure channel.

This should have been insightful, inspirational, educational and uplifting (with warnings). I expected a First Class production. Whoever made this should have employed the BBC and consulted David Attenborough before starting filming.

This might be good for children up to age 8. After that it's pretty pointless and has nothing new to add. I only hope the message gets through to people who aren't already engaged.

The Batman (2022)

OK, but a bit long

[6/10 · 6 March 2022]

Not a massive fan of the Batman world but this was visually interesting and the score was great! Penguin and Catwoman were best performances for me and the car chase scene is fun. But oh my this is a looooong watch.

Scream (I) (2022)

Cheesey slasher romp!

[8/10 · 16 January 2022]

Not an avid Scream fan but really liked this. 2 hours of stupid scares but also gore. Loved Cox and Campbell in this!

Good twist at the end. Was unsure who it was all throughout but the tension built and the story was constant. No lulls or filler scenes.

Go. It's definitely worth 2 hours.

Aliens (1986)

Sublime!

[10/10 · 5 January 2022]

The cinematography alone is just stunning. I like that models were used instead of CGI....more modern titles should take note: It looks more realistic....because it IS real!

Weaver is fantastic in this and the Queen is terrifying. Music is too class too.

Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

Simply spectacular!

[10/10 · 22 December 2021]

I'm a 40 year old man.

Remember how this movie played on Christmas morning? After you opened presents, but before the meal?

A solid staple of Christmas with great tunes! I play 'Manhattan' every year.

Love the story and the music!!!

Dune (2021)

Beautiful but lacking

[7/10 · 21 October 2021]

Although, the feel of this offering was more like reading the book, I preferred the characters from the 80s movie. 2021 Baron was just a fat man....80s Baron was REALLY sinister and powerfully played.

Reverend Mother wasn't very commanding either. Shame.

Bit too long and stuffed with filler moments.

However, hat off the the production team. Wow! Visuals were stunning!

Candyman (2021)

I wanted to like it

[6/10 · 12 October 2021]

Not scary at all. Some slasher bits but that was all the 'horror'. I needed more atmosphere and story telling (the paper shadow thing was a distraction).

It really lacked suspense but I enjoyed bits of it. Not going to be a classic. Shame.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Was entertaining enough

[7/10 · 2 October 2021]

A bit drawn out with lots of flashbacks.

What's with those 10 rings? There's never any backstory.

Nice fight scenes and liked the creature at the end.

No Time to Die (2021)

Was OK

[7/10 · 30 September 2021]

Didn't go in with many expectations as not a massive Bond fan.

The opening scene is spectacular! It never got dull but I felt the villain wasn't up to much. Great shoot out scene in Cuba and Daniel Craig cuts a fine figure. Ending was a bit drawn out and disappointing.

BAM: Builders of the Ancient Mysteries (2020)

A good ride!

[7/10 · 21 May 2021]

I enjoyed this. I'm quite sceptical but I do love the mental gymnastics!

Edie (2017)

Sunday afternoon watch

[7/10 · 21 February 2021]

I had higher expectations for this but enjoyed it overall.

Could have had higher highs and lower lows? The pace was a bit slow with a 5 minute rush to the end.

Shiela Hancock was great in this though.

Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)

Wow!

[9/10 · 20 February 2021]

Not what I expected.

Definitely pay attention to the last statement on Episode 3!

Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (2021)

Not what I expected!

[9/10 · 14 February 2021]

I thought this was the story of a HOTEL with an infamous past. Turns out it was abut a person!

It really shows-up how social media can lead idiots down a path of accusations and conspiracy theories. Reminds me of what just happened in USA and the Trumpers/QAnon rubbish.

It's a scary world when people don't want to believe facts....OR wait until there ARE some.