ianjameswatson Reviews

Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)

If you like Blunt Objects, you might like this.

[5/10 · 22 September 2021]

I stuck with it, even though I felt there were too many characters that seemed a bit hollowed out for access to the main storyline. I don't really get why Ben & Jessica were in there but my hands are up... I'm slightly bewildered because a big part of me liked it. A big part of me also didn't have a lot of closure, which I don't always mind (Blunt Objects comes to mind, which isn't too dissimilar in atmosphere to this) but it was tiny things without much explanation that really just annoyed me. I thought Nicole Kidman was fine, I don't know what the bad criticism on her is about. Maybe not her best work, but certainly not her worst.

I think overall the character build in general was a bit off or weak? I have so many questions and will most likely need to chat this through with someone because I constantly feel like I'm missing something and all the characters mainly annoyed me immensely at least once throughout.

I'm also slightly worried about the blasé drug taking. Drugs aren't good! I most certainly didn't feel like the show reflected how bad this kind of drug taking can seriously be damaging but of course I understand that art is objective but it just seemed a bit unrealistic.

It was good, or was it? I certainly felt moved, or did I? I'm just not sure how I feel about it but I don't regret watching it. I think the budget probably pulled me though more than anything.

Thirteen (2016)

Potentially damaging for those who may be trying to seek help.

[5/10 · 9 January 2021]

I'm not one to leave reviews, but I must encourage you not to watch this if you are a survivor or haven't yet found help for an abusive relationship/situation.

I truly felt saddened by Jodie Comer's role, not in the way you might think. As a survivor of such a traumatic event (in her role), there wasn't a lot to show the audience that if they are suffering something similar or an abusive situation that they can trust in the police or those in place to help. That's not her fault as she acted perfectly, even if the writing was a bit silly. Least to say, I'm obviously still a fan...

What mostly saddened me was the way the script or storyline was heavily offensive for probably a real police officer to watch and also a survivor of abuse/abusive relationship. It portrays a narrative that imo was truly damaging to those seeking or thinking about seeking help and I seriously think it shouldn't be available to watch or the information needs to say "This is not a fair representation of the police and if you have suffered abuse or need support, this WILL... NOT... HAPPEN".

Jodie Comer is a fantastic actress and played the role well. Valene Kane played the part she was given well, even though I detested her character. I think Richard Rankin is a fine actor and made the cringey bits he had to act through seem somewhat believable.

There were some plot holes for me... I admit, I like a bit of closure and it seemed like there were characters in there that either didn't need to be or were just made to give a problematic dramatic effect, which ultimately left me feeling angry.

The mum role was like a caricature of an enneagram type 2 on crack... An extremely unhealthy type 2 at that, but oh my gosh... I was almost screaming my lungs out at how badly written her part was. As for Tim's wife's character... It's like the writers had to portray all the wives as attention seeking creatures, suffocating the life out of every situation, inspiring you to hate all that is potentially loving, gentle and protective... Can you tell I'm angry...? Don't get me started on the sister and her fiancé's role.

I think, if you fancy something a bit dramatic to watch, it's decent. I think if you've experienced abuse or have been in an abusive relationship and not had freedom or help yet, please do not watch this. It is not a fair representation of how you'll be treated and could be very damaging. As a drama, it was still watchable, but mostly frustrating.

The Secret Garden (2020)

For the classic introverted child to showcase their imaginations.

[9/10 · 11 August 2020]

This was one of those stories I remember being read to as a child. It was good quality time with my mum and I always remembered how much she loved reading it even though as a child I could tell it was probably more girly than I'd want. I loved the classic superhero stuff as a boy. I always thought the film with Maggie Smith was a bit odd, especially between the cousins but enjoyed the story anyway. Now I'm older, maybe I just appreciate it more, but I thought this was really heartwarming. I felt like the CGI worked well and wasn't overdone but understand if people see it as otherwise, I felt like it fed the imagination of the writer or director reading their own version of the story and it just seemed like a bonus if anything. I think the storyline was much clearer than the 1993 version and could really help those struggling with loss with a ton of happy emotions. The actors were great and for those annoyed by the children, they're not supposed to be likeable characters in the story, that should be fairly obvious but I don't understand how people can't appreciate the growth of a character. I think this would be a great film to watch with the family and I'm looking forward to sharing it with my girl when she's grown and we've read through the book together. I also think it might help children who find it hard to process their emotions and can potentially be too introverted. I remember as a child, because of this story I felt inspired to have an imagination and with the added bonus of the CGI in this, it'll surely help children express their creativity on what they see. Give it a go! It's a stunning film.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Great film to take the whole family!

[10/10 · 24 February 2018]

At first, I'll admit I was sceptical. I never read film reviews anyway, however I was a bit shocked at how critics have really put this film down. It was so good I couldn't stop thinking about it. I went with a group of friends and we embraced the nostalgia of it. It really makes you feel young and free.

I'd say it was perfect to show young people too but just because there isn't any swearing g, sex or bloody violence, does that mean it's not worthy of a decent critique. It was so good, we're considering going a second time to the sing-along screen showing as it will be surely a lot of fun.

I'd give this a 10 as I felt it could've been a bit longer, but if you're considering it, I'd recommend the cinema as there are some amazing trapeze scenes that looked and felt like you were up, close and personal with a circus.

A side note. I was pleasantly surprised with Michelle Williams performance. I expected it from the other actors but she really showed versatility and it was refreshing to watch.

I genuinely hope critiques think again as I'm finding it hard to wrap my head around some of their bad reviews.

Redemption (I) (2013)

Jason Statham finally does some acting!!!!

[7/10 · 12 December 2013]

This was unexpected. If you're expecting a film with glorious car chases and fantasy, unrealistic explosions, then this isn't it. However, don't let that put you off. It's great to see Jason Statham finally do some acting. Not kick-ass acting, but actual talking. It's dark, but captures inner city London very well. It's a great story line that I can't say I've ever seen before (too much!). It's gloriously filmed mostly at night, and transforms London from the trashy soapy scenes depicted from The Bill into this glamorous, expensive city, that looks very pleasing to the eye.

I would like to point out, the main character doesn't really have much of a reason to be in the film and his storyline is slightly dull. But because Jason does a pretty good job at the character, I didn't want to stop watching.

It's slightly physiological, it's slightly a thriller. It's got slight action and slightly does some epic violet scenes. It's all down to the acting really, and that's what did it for me.

Anything negative from this film would be down to the writers. It was directed beautifully. Acting was great. Costumes were outstanding.

Great effort. Now let's hope Statham will put down the cheesy fights and stern staring for a bit more acting!

The Wee Man (2013)

Unrealistic, but enjoyable.

[2 December 2013]

It was incredible to watch, but it put me off knowing that it was a true story, as it just seemed like a gangster fantasy. It was violent for no reason and slightly annoying at times. The main actor playing Ferris was brilliant. I almost felt myself acting his scenes after I watched it. He played the script off realistically and I really wanted to believe him. It's very rare that I'm on the edge of my seat. He was so intense, in the right way for this role. Great job, someone give this guy more work. Some of the accents were a little confusing. I'm pretty sure none of the actors were from Glasgow, but whatever, I'm sure anyone outside Scotland won't notice. I would've liked to have seen Ferris and his Dad act more together. Those scenes with just him and his dad were beautiful to watch. Fantastic acting! In some parts, I really caught a glimpse of working class Glasgow, however, I think it should've been portrayed slightly darker. It was a bit candy floss compared to "NEDS". I didn't feel like I was watching Glasgow. At times it could've been based in an old London setting. Overall, it's a great film to watch with the boys. It was intense but I could imagine it would be fun to watch it with others. It shouldn't have been portrayed as a true story as it may have been slightly more successful. But great film, decent acting and visually entertaining.