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Reviews
Akira (1988)
Incredible animation, stylish, atmospheric and dystopian - complex and dark horror sci fi
I watched Akira not due to word of mouth VHS but because of aesthetics video set to music I saw on X. I watched it for the animation, ans obviously I'd heard of Akira as anyone who even has a minimal appreciation of anime or manga would.
And the animation doesn't let down, one bit. It is staggeringly beautiful, vivid colours and with every character interesting and unique. The atmosphere of the dystopia conveyed is spot on, the world built is quite special.
The story Is interesting but soon veers into horror territory where it loses momentum, and just becomes a bit too dark and depressing. The violence, while never gratuitous or unnecessary to the plot is still quite a lot and its not a film for kids by any stretch.
It's a bit too complex, and the characters actions and motivations don't always make sense- in fact there's too many it's hard to really get to know them or what makes them tick.
I don't think it's the legendary film some say it is, but even if I don't feel the story of the Anime is that great (not Manga. I hear very good things about the manga) the animation and beauty is undeniable.
Also some of the jokes and lines don't hit well in translation.
The Long Goodbye (1973)
Like stepping into a time machine. But also slow, indulgent and unrealistic
This is a film that is filmed in the 70s LA, and the best thing about it is the quite brilliant filmography and atmoshpere.
As Marlowe walks through a late night convenience store aisle, we feel as if we're there with him. I feel it's a great representation if what America was, what its lost since then but also what it's gained.
But even with that talent, this isn't a good film. It has a very very slow and meandering, seemingly aimless start.
The people in the film are frankly ridiculous, Marlowe is boring, but yet lives next to some hippy girls who are always partying and one is conveniently always topless on the balcony (I know it's hard to find a thriller/action movie in the 70s and 80s without nudity, however completely unnecessary and unbelievable).
Even when he meets other characters, police etc they just don't act or empathise like real people, almost like NPCs.
Couldn't get through this one - but doesn't recommend as a nostalgia trip.
Ex Machina (2014)
A very well done AI Sci fi film however with some suspension of logic required and unnecessary female nudity
This was a very good Sci Fi film - it wastes no time in starting off strong, and the setting, an isolated, secret, island home of a tech genius is extremely well done and immersive immediately.
There's a lot to like about this film, the cinematography, the vibes and especially the writing, with the discussion of AI, philosophy intellectual but not a barrier to others understanding. Twists are also well done. The acting, especially from Oscar Isacc and Alicia Vikander is standout and entirely believable.
However it's not perfect - I didn't feel any real connection between any of the characters, so Caleb wanting to break Ava out didnt make sense to me - i could he was attracted to her physically (and maybe thats enough) but their interactions were ridiculously cold and boring. But also not enough to demonstrate a connection. And it seems Kyoko turns from being a compliant AI to rebellious and murderous out of nowhere - are you telling me this couldn't have been picked up before by one of the most brilliant coding minds? Just didn't make sense.
However the point the film makes, and the lead up to and the final conclusion of the story are satisfying (although arguably no need to show Ava in the city, nor Caleb still struggling to get out).
Mr. McMahon (2024)
Probably the best history of WWE documentary series, don't expect
Don't expect a big beat up of Vince McMahon here. Being mostly filmed before the last damaging allegations, this is more a focus on Vince McMahons business mind - and how he swallowed the whole wrestling world under his ruthless ambition and business acumen.
It's at its most interesting giving an insight into the workings of Vince McMahons mind, he reveals more than he needs to at times (including how he has sometimes said things to get ahead and sway/program others as promotion), the other most interesting is the history of WWE. I learnt a lot although some WWE die-hards will prefer the Dark Side of the Ring.
It doesn't shy away from the allegations, and is better for it. Bret Hart, Dave Meltzer and Eric Bischoff are great interviews. Vince is too reserved at times. He's a brilliant mind, and a brilliant villian, but potentially not a good guy. Time will tell so enjoy this documentary for what it is.
The Maze Runner (2014)
8-9/10 for most of the film, but the ending falls off
As a teenage sci fi action based on a book goes, this is pretty entertaining and violent enough fare (not as good as the first Hunger Games however).
The movie start well, with another amnesiac teen boy being dropped off in a trapped box with a whole lot of them - only way put is the maze.
The intrigue grows nicely, the world building, mystery and characters are multi layered and very good. The acting, is also quite good.
The action sequences are good, however the film really loses some steam in the last part- with a couple of twists that aren't really smart or interesting, just illogical and confusing (many questions of why someone thinks that makes sense).
I'm not sufficiently enthused to see the next but there's enough there I might review the next.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Iconic, Cutting, hilarious, the only film that's aged both badly and very well - watch the extended (intl) version
This was one of the films that was quoted ad nauseam in high school, watching it back after all these years I'm staggered how many lines came from this film - anything Dr Evil said became an instant quote and meme - what a character.
Austin Powers thankfully achieves as a film it's primary goal: to be entertaining. Its very funny, with some humour that wouldn't ride these days. Mike Myers is brilliant and Liz Hurley, is stunning and a perfect "bond" woman.
One thing I appreciate as older is how much this is a cutting critique of Bond films, theyre ridiculousness but also a respectful homage. The extended international version has a couple of scenes that aren't funny, but make you think. The jokes are a bit too sexual at times that's my big problem with it, sorry for being a prude.
But thank you Mike Myers for the many lines and jokes at high school lockers, the laughs and If I recall correctly and equally good sequel.
Iconic comedies (Napoleon Bonaparte, Happy Gilmore, Step Brothers) are rare so Mike Myers legacy of otherwise forgettable films after this one doesn't matter, he gave us Austin Powers and Wayne's World.
Tracker (2024)
A great lead character and premise but some by the numbers support
This show has promise. The scenery, in particular is breathtaking and reminds me how beautiful America, away from the capital cities can be.
The premise of a man who hunts for missing people and collects the reward is an interesting one, even if the episodes follow the typical episodic format. Justin Hartley is very good as the main character, Julian Renee is also a lot of fun and energy as his attorney assist.
Halfway through the season, after teasing a big family issue, it's barely been even acknowledged in the last couple of episodes even when looking at being the overarching story- which has been weird and disengaging. And also apparently he swoops into a new town and picks up female cops - yeah okay.
But the big flaw in the season is the DEI characters - a lesbian couple who don't really do much but are there:check. A black it computer geek:check (it's like going back to the 80s). Judt doesn't feel natural. Still this show is better than most.
Deepwater Horizon (2016)
A very solid disaster film - if hard to understand
This is just a good to very good disaster film. The build is great, filming is excellent and characters are suitably moral (or cheap and evil). This movie passes the Time, and Mark Wahlberg does a great job, as do all the actors, no complaints there.
One thing the film does not so well is explaining what happens. A lot of use of industry terms, and insufficient explanation of what's going on, which is fine if you don't base your tragedy around understanding what happens and why x is a bad and selfish decision. It makes rhe film hard to follow at times.
I really enjoyed it, however it did plod around at some stages and I just feel it could've been better with a slightly shorter timeline.
Next Goal Wins (2023)
Funny and heart-warming mostly. But pulled in too many directions to be good enough, including a strange focus on the tran s player
Taika Waititi is losing it. Hasn't lost it but getting close. When the film started with him as a buck toothed unfunny preacher character, I lost any hopes for the film.
But it actually got better, not as funny as it could be but better. The plot moves around, and I feel focus on the American Samoa culture was lost by trying to push the Trans player to the centre of the screen every chance they got (yes I know based on a real player, but they're given an over the top starring role, for some reason). It wasn't really respectful of their regions beliefs. There also wasn't much individual development of the player characters shown, frustratingly.
Oscar Kightley is the star of the film, hilarious and always great to watch with an honourable mention to David Fane. Acting wise- Fassbender is solid ofcourse and even if I'm not a fan of the character Kaimana Is good too.
The setting of pacific islands is gorgeous and looks like paradise.
There is heart, and feel good throughout the movie, which means despite its flaws and propaganda I enjoyed it... just.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Deadpool/Ryan Reynolds fans won't be disappointed- one liners, violence, cameos and mayhem, just lacking a strong enough story
Overall, good fun, very crude, CGI bloody and gorey (so know what youre getting into) but with some great cameo appearances for marvel fans.
However it didn't take place in a great setting, villians were lacklustre and as uninteresting as you could get. I'll give it a pass for going to joke where most Marvels don't (even if too far, but that's the point) and mostly avoiding woke or political nonsense, see Disney it makes a difference!
Ryan Reynolds is on top of his game, with a lot of funny lines, although I and the cinema I was in more chuckled than erupted with laughter. The one liners aren't always a hit though. Too many already dated pop culture references and Easter egg jokes that I appreciated but not many got.
Great to see Hugh Jackman back and great to see Wolverine in his proper costume (it looks better in animated, proof the filmakers got it right with the original X-Men).
Will Deadpool revive the Marvel universe? I doubt it. Deadpool has always been its own thing, it's own weird world so no, and after the hype wears off people will settle to where it really lands.
Life (2007)
Very good after a rocky start of sleeping around and overdoing character eccentricities & unrealistic actors
Very good show - main character Charlie Crews is great besides all the sleeping around - once the first couple of episodes get past that the show improves. Acting is great, with Damian Lewis starting out annoying and unrealistic but becoming better as the show develops and Sarah Shahi as Dani Reeyes similarly unrealistic as a tough cop alcoholic physically but acts well and always great to look at. The overarching mystery of the series is a very good one and develops well with all characters having more to them than meets the eye.
The murder mysteries of each show are smart and bring you in, always very well written.
Music is on the whole pretty horribly inserted into the show. Also some completely Unreal chatacter interactions - "she'd like you .. you're broken" and randomly kissing someone you exchanged glances with - no one speaks or acts that way.
The Invisible Man (2020)
A white woman fantasy - so bad it's good
I can't say anything better than what Shane Gillis said - youtu.be/HWWujHFkmuQ?si=dZ-FMNZScGQNR9SQ
In fact this review just for honesty sake is his review, not mine I haven't seen the film but now might for laughs.
But pretty much the movie follows an ugly woman who somehow is married to a ridiculously attractive and successful man, who is obsessed with her rather than the much better women he could get who also is completely in the wrong. He makes an invisible suit technology just to mess with her. Really.
But thankfully and ofcourse the mid white woman is able to find a ridiculously jacked and kind black cop saviour male friend and his lovely daughter, who take her in and care for her.
Cleopatra (1999)
Inconsistent
This is a made for tv film and should stay there.
Much has been made of Timothy Walton's acting by other reviewers, as it should because he is excellent, as always.
Leonora Vayela looks the part of Cleopatra and can do the pretty very well but can't seem to carry as much of the rest. However Kassandra Voyagis playing the sister is fantastic in her short screen time, looks stunning and is charismatic, and it is a shame she is not in more of the film when she could have been.
A strange bit of excessive violence early in the film throws things off and it never really recovers after that.
The setting and costumes are first rate and very accurate and battle scenes are quite well done.
Hate to Love: Nickelback (2023)
90 minutes of PR... Dont expect a real examination of the reason for the backlash
I can see a lot of comments stating "I never understood the Nickelback hate" Well as someone who grew up and witnessed it in real time the backlash was never because they were "played on radio too much", it all started with the cringe now and cringe then single "Figure you out" - which was misogynistic trash sandwiched between a couple of written for radio ballads, which lyrically read like theyre from another band.
If you watch this documentary you just come away with the thought that they're just a bunch of great guys who worked real hard and just got backlash because of social media hate . Might all be true, but even the reason and controversy of them firing their original drummer is completely avoided (look up wikipedia for the truth, it wasnt because 3 doors down just had a better drummer), but in this it's all hugged out and forgiven, which is such a stark gap in the story I had to go google straight away. Also the drummer has horrible facial hair, a pre request for all the Pearl Jam light bands of that era so I guess he completed things.
The first 30 minutes is very good, looking at their beginnings in a small town and extra hard hustle to be a success (a good note for anyone actually wanting to be in a successful music act - you have to put in the complete focus of hours and sweat with little return to even have a chance of taking off). But after that anything that's deep and dark with their history is completely skipped over to just continue to pump up the band's image like they dont expect any of us to google.
Nickelbacks over the top hate might have been unfair, but it was certainly earned. Maybe this doc will change things, because most people are too lazy to even google on the same phone they're watching the thing. Guess we'll see.
And with the interviews with the bottom price lawyer - he's an old man wearing sunnies inside trying to be a cool dude, even that is cringe.
Long Story Short (2021)
Rafe Spall quick wit and humour carries the film, especially through most of the film
This was an enjoyable film, with a good heart and message behind it and a good ending. Rafe Spall was a pleasure the whole way through, hilarious and acting realistically how you would in that situation. As an audience you really felt along for the ride with him. And he's always funny.
The small supporting cast is also great, too. The film is shot in beautiful parts of Sydney, although I'm astounded a young even professional couple could afford that kind of house in Manly (Sydney house prices might be the worst in the world).
Slight spoilers - The only problem with the film is that for the whole it's a bit depressing and actually gets more so as it goes on. Also being Australian, it has to out woke the US so it inserts some gay relationships, which are just so inserted in its painful. But some might like it, and it at least supports the story.
The Accountant (2016)
A good, if strange action movie to pass the time that takes to many turns at the rnd
This was a film of two halves. Firstly following out main character, an artist brilliant with numbers but also with a particular set of deadly skills.
So this is an action movie, but with some corporate espionage. Oh and also he's extremely resourceful and practically unstoppable.
The first half of the film is great, a solid 8 with great action, character development and building intrigue.
However this seems to be all thrown out in the last 40 minutes, where the bad guy, (by then already obvious) is just revealed, but then the twists.
For some reason an investigator hired another investigator to answer questions he already had so she could... answer the phone!? And Affleck just happens to run into his brother in the final shoot out? Which also robs us of a final shoot out resolution, instead we end with family issues.
None of these twists or exposition work, and it damages the film a lot.
The Final twist of the autistic daughter being the one on the phone to Affleck is a nice one and slightly redeems the last 4p minutes, which is important because Affleck is fantastic and I'd gladly watch the character he plays in sequels
Sometimes films don't need to have all these twists, sometimes the most simple is the way to go.
Abbott Elementary: Smoking (2024)
This is one of the worst episodes - trying to inject a pro-drug message
I can see Abbott Elementary going down the path a lot of these comedies go, a la Brooklyn 99, using episodes to deliver social proof and put across political views. Unfortunately unlike Brooklyn 99 it's never been that funny.
I know how widespread drug use is these days, because most people are in pain and would rather numb it than address the underlying problems. Disappointing episode. But it's not that widespread that everyone does it, especially a healthy guy
Also inserts a racist joke about whites, which if went the other way would never get through. Also a dumb white woman ofcourse.
Here come the downvotes!
Tires (2024)
A weirdly good Netflix comedy with no woke - could do with less of the over the top porn style jokes
This was a pleasant surprise. Fans of Shane Gillis will enjoy.
I am very trepedatious about Netflix originals, because they focus on woke or sex and sometimes violence over story. But Shane Gillis (the hottest comedian right now) was enough to get me over the line. And he's worth it, pretty much plays himself, which means he's the funniest part of the show, and worth a watch just for him.
Being familiar with his comedy, I knew which way it would go, and thankfully Netflix have put no restraints on him or the writers. However he steps over the line. Trust me, I've worked in male workplaces more extreme than Tires (could write ten seasons of a sitcom with what I saw) and nobody ever simulated oral sex on a co worker to the minute details. It's gross and not funny. Barely edgy these days.
However besides that it's a good watch, not laugh out loud funny enough but the potential is there to be a real first class comedy if it's not "netflixed". Supporting cast, even Andrew Schultz surprisingly are great too.
Wayne (2019)
Very good, with depth even if not great - if at times trying to be a little too weird too weird
This was a good show but I think the high reviews are more because people are genuinely surprised that it was good, especially after not starting as much.
The acting is great across the board, the characters are all multi-dimensional, interesting and the story builds and takes turns in an enjoyable way. My favourite part of the show are the sets and mood, you really feel like you're transferred into another world.
It's not a great show in my opinion - it leans to much into weirdness, swearing and violence, although I didn't mark it down because of that it does become grating. The shows last episode is both brilliant and stupid depending on the scene.
Wayne also falls into the need to add in gay throwaway characters who add nothing to the story and a strip club visit because they had to do the Amazon "show some boobs because it's edgy" route.
Also the lead actor for Wayne is great but he doesn't look 16, at all. He's got more wrinkles than me and I'm nearly double his age.
Shelved (2023)
Soulless, unfunny, by the numbers, progressive cringe- AI? Looks nice though.
This show is a rip off of Abbott Elementary, and unfortunately not a good one. It's so by the numbers I wonder if AI helped write it.
Earnest lead black female character- check.
Nerdy black young male - check
Conservative old white guy - check
Overly progressive hippie - check
Characterless and boring LGBTIQ+ to make up the numbers - check
Progressive plot episode early to virtue signal and meet quotas yep that too.
But worst of all, it's just rarely funny. Not laugh out loud funny and not cringe funny. Just try hard funny.
Sad becuase the setting had a lot of potential and the actors are all really trying. Lyndie Greenwood shows she can act and is a pretty face, but she's not from what ive seen a FUNNY actress.
And the show also contains the most annoying and unfunny character I've seen in a sitcom for a long time- Wendy the homeless lady. You can skip her scenes.
Breaking Infinity (2023)
It doesn't grab you, at all
Warning - I only got 15 minutes through this till I decided it was no longer worth my time so bear that in mind.
A cool concept maybe but it literally has so many jumps between different scenes it's confusing, but not interesting.
You're given nothing on the characters to make you interested either, the actors have no real chance to show any personality. It starts off in a treatment facility of some kind, and rather than building the interest takes you out of that space, the moment the movie starts to build interest it jumps away from the interest and starts again
The only good thing is the look of the film.
The Anarchists (2022)
Not a great advertisement for anti-capaitalism or crypto bros and as a study of the people involved, hard to tell the truth
This was an interesting, well out together overall and tragic documentary.
I think "Anarchists" (no anarchist apparently would call the people in this documentary anarchists) have a viewpoint which is borne out of a need for personality and faux-intellectualism (although the people interviewed in this documentary, are all smart, but can't understand nuance, grey areas, or that their ideology is a product of their time and experiences rather than being the best one).
I couldn't work out, even at the pretty satisfying conclusion of this who was telling the truth, who were the good guys (the ones you probably see the least of), and what really happened at key events. Which perhaps is the point just like politics and government, it's muddy and not clear cut, but that doesn't mean you should throw out the whole thing.
The documentary lost a bit of steam as it went on, but the end of the last episode did end each of the characters stories well.
I have no interest in being an anarchist after this, but heck they were right abiut bitcoin. Maybe anarchy is not so bad?
Oppenheimer (2023)
Film is mostly hype, won't age well, Nolan sells his soul to get Oscars. He might have lost it. Murphy isn't even that good.
I reckon that time will tell that even With the Barbenheimer craze this movie was hyped up, cleaning up in Oscars season and receiving heaps of plaudits and a box office hit this movie, actually wasn't that good.
Sure, it looks beautiful, the backing music is great (still too loud) and has that Nolan energy that always keeps the movie going with quite jump cuts and witty dialogue. But this is his most disappointing work. It's too long and indulgent, played more for the academic awards and film reviewer types rather than the audience, which is not something I'd ever say about a Nolan film, even if they're always long and complex.
Downey jnr and Matt Damon are very good. Cillian Murphy does all the right things, and he's obviously working hard. But his accent, and the way he portays the character it - it's just obvious he's acting to me, which is not good acting.
One other thing to comment on is the completely unnecessary and badly done sex scenes. They jump at you, meant to shock you and sear into your brain, heightening your adrenalin and interest, which I think even makes some people think the film is better than it is. Another thing I respected about Nolan thrown out here. It's nearly evil the way it's done. It sounds crazy but once you see what is being done you can't miss it.
To me this film is an obvious play for awards and greatness, Hollywood loves ww2 and nazis. Oppenheimer isn't even presented as interesting here. Nolan will probably get more free reign to do what he wants now, I hope this is a bump on the road to more great films rather than the decline which hardly any can see.
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Case study in a how a cringe ending can ruin a movie(bad, try hard but also cringe)
I try to avoid doing spoiler reviews because it's less likely to be read but I need to say some things about the movie that need to reveal spoilers. Let's work back shall we?
The ending was very cringe. Not entirely bad, but like the whole movie, try hard, trying to wrap things up in a smart way but doesn't really. Besides the weird cultural fact that a 13 year old girl in 2023 likes watching Friends and the West Wing (cmon). She leaves her family and his into a bunker to watch friends into an unknown mansion. Also she has no charisma so to end the film with the most forgettable character is an error.
The good is the rest of the acting is great, good cast. The filming and sets look great, but the music and weird camera angles (oooo arty) at times are also quite ridiculous.
I didn't mind the lack of explanation and unlike some I felt the film went somewhere, but it just finished flat. And I'm sick of cultural callouts to daggy shows or music from the past.
Speed (1994)
A classic action film with stnadout bad dialogue
Ahhh Speed. Always referenced, copied, but never bettered. There's a lot good about this film. Keane Reeves is a damn badass, great cop and great hero. I love Keanu Reeves acting, he does what he does very well.
The films action scenes are top, the setting is u ique and although ridiculous is always taken seriously and believable in its own way. The action scene to start the film. Is great, the one to end it less so. Sandra Bullock is on peak form and so is the supporting cast, and a very evil Dennis Hopper.
The bad - the last action scene wasn't needed. And the dialogue is so bad. The ending of the film, the last couple of lines are so bad, you have to either think the writers ran out of ideas, they genuinely were trying to be funny, or... something more subversive. Saving that it's a fun couple of hours.