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craighartwell
Reviews
Shot Caller (2017)
Shot caller
Shot caller - The filming and narrative keep a fantastic pace, brilliant voyeuristic style all the way through, you are engaged from the start, especially with all the flashback scenes. The acting is fantastic especially the lead, but I can't think what I know him from! Jon Bethnal and I didn't guess the ending until the last second, I gave this an 8 as the only tiniest thing that let it down was his parole officers backstory it just seemed to disappear, but loved this film going to look for a special edition! And so some research on the writer/director's other work - Highly recommended go see it now!
Manhunter (1986)
Brian Cox is the best Hannibal
Hannibal Lecter from "Manhunter" is the best and scariest out of the four onscreen versions.
Anthony Hopkins is still great and iconic in his own way, but it admittedly does feel like he's TRYING to be Lucifer in the flesh. To put it simply, it does feel like a performance. A good performance, but still just a performance.
Brian Cox in "Manhunter" feels more like an actual serial killer, who tries to put up a facade of normalcy, but is clearly mentally unwell. If you've ever watched any interviews with Ted Bundy, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about. And yet, he's still charming and manipulative. When he talks to Dr Bloom's substitute secretary on the phone, he sounds like a witty, likeable person who you'd never suspect to be a cannibalistic killer. As Cox himself said in an interview, "real evil is something that is so scaringly normal, that it becomes really nasty".
Again, Hopkins is still great and "The Silence of the Lambs" is still an excellent movie. I just prefer Cox overall for being more realistic and natural.
Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
Mulvey must love it!
"Love Lies Bleeding" captivates with its stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail, crafting a visually arresting experience that lingers in the mind. While it strives to champion Laura Mulvey's theories, challenging traditional narratives by eschewing a male antagonist, it paradoxically succumbs to the allure of the male gaze through its portrayal of flesh. The film's metaphysical climax may elude some viewers, but its thematic depth is undeniable. With director Rose Glass at the helm, her visionary approach to filmmaking promises a captivating journey ahead, compelling audiences to eagerly anticipate her future works.
Spaceman (2024)
Beautiful beautiful trauma
Anticipating the release of 'Spaceman' with high hopes, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the film exceeded my expectations. It delves into the profound theme of loneliness and the lengths one must traverse to truly understand solitude. Through the lens of trauma, the film showcases the shattering effect it can have on an individual, compelling them to flee from confronting their own reality. The protagonist's journey is accompanied by the enigmatic presence of an alien spider, a tangible entity rather than a mere figment of imagination as some might assume. In the book, this spider is portrayed as undeniably real. The evolving relationship between the protagonist and the spider serves as a catalyst, propelling them both towards a transformative journey, not towards an end, but rather a new beginning.
Wyvern Hill (2021)
Fascinating film
Delving into the cinematic realm akin to the gripping narratives of 'Following' and the eerie intensity of 'Evil Dead,' Wyvern Hill, despite its modest budget, unveils a directorial debut that tantalizes with the promise of Zaurin's future endeavors, undoubtedly with more substantial resources. Rather than banking on conventional cheap horror tropes, this film offers a cerebral experience, reminiscent of early De Palma, entwining a rural psychological horror tale with the complexities of dementia.
Eschewing the typical jump scares or exploitative elements, Wyvern Hill opts for a more deliberate, operatic, and abstract approach. Unfortunately, some reviewers may have misconstrued its depth, missing the film's intricate layers, leading to a common misunderstanding. To clarify, this isn't a film for everyone, but it is impeccably crafted. Directing a micro-budget horror film with such confidence and impact is a feat in itself, surpassing many productions with budgets several magnitudes larger. Its only cinematic sin is assuming an audience's intelligence.
Sumotherhood (2023)
Adam Deacon back on top form
"Sumotherhood," the follow-up to "Anuvahood," showcases Adam Deacon's return with a performance that mirrors his real-life mental health struggles. This film revolves around two desperate road men caught in deep trouble at every turn. Deacon's portrayal in the film contributes to raising awareness about important mental health issues.
The movie also boasts an impressive cast with brilliant cameos from notable figures like Ed Sheeran, Jennifer Saunders, and Jeremy Corbyn. These appearances add a layer of intrigue and entertainment to the storyline.
"Sumotherhood" leaves the audience eagerly anticipating what's next in Adam Deacon's career, as he continues to use his talents and personal experiences to address significant societal stereotypes and challenges.
The System (2022)
People are thinking about this all wrong
This is a good film, people are thinking it's low budget and poorly made, it's not, the director is clearly paying homage to all the 70's 80's action films and at the same time making it his own. Look at the wardens chair watching the fight! Look at padding they wear it's MEANT to look like this! I watched it, I think everyone's acting was perfect for the type of film! Dallas Jackson has made a new fan right here! And I can't wait to see what comes next! Ignore all the hate ignore all the haters! Go watch this film! Tell a friend tell all your friends! It's brilliant! Hope there's a follow up to this!
Renegades (2022)
I enjoyed it!
As an aspiring film maker myself there's plenty of flaws like the lip syncing and the completely out of focus shots, and the dialogue is forced. I think it's great! Good story! Brilliant cast and I think this is a great stepping stone for the director and can't wait to see what they do next! So ignore all the bad reviews and give it a go! Nick Moran and Billy Murray are fantastic and it's soooo relatable age wise! It's great to see a lot of the cast that we haven't seen in a long time! Patsy Kensit and Paul Barber which is amazing to see alongside the legend that is Danny Trejo so ignore the bad reviews and give it a go!
Emily the Criminal (2022)
Unexpected gem
Typing in new trailers into YouTube and this took my eye, it's an absolute gem of a film. No more damsel in distress this is damsel takes charge, the whole voyeurism effect brings us in as an audience and keeps us there all the way through. Most films I watch you can predict the ending - this one I couldn't, I made several assumptions - all wrong. Performances are solid from start to finish! Highly recommend. I knew Theo from Sons of anarchy and this shows he has so much range as an actor (inc his Kevin Hart series) and Aubrey Plaza has awards written all over her! But mainly I'm now a fan of John Patton Ford I'll watch this space !
Catfish UK (2021)
Why the bad ratings guys?
The chemistry of these two is amazing there's no forced friendship great team great show. Each episode has offered a new twist and not the same formula over and over again. This is brilliant I hope there's more!
Bullet Train (2022)
If Guy Ritchie and Tarantino had a baby!
I was a little put off by other reviews showing on social media, but never the less I went to see this today and from the first few minutes in the whole cinema was roaring with laughter. The cast are phenomenal! Where Brad Pitt can carry a film by himself you find yourself rooting for everyone (almost) in the film. The writing is amazing the direction is beautiful highly highly recommend!