mjharrison247 Reviews

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Truly remarkable

[10/10 · 2 July 2022]

A war film with a difference.

Desmond Doss enlists to become a medic yet refuses to carry a gun. Despite a lot of adversity he stands by his convictions and goes off into battle armed only with his medical supplies and his Bible.

Although this appears so far fetched and so Hollywood, the remarkable thing is that it is true .

Cruella (2021)

An Estella performance

[8/10 · 20 June 2021]

Like other reviewers I was intrigued by this film but with low expectations. Traditionally I would not consider myself a Disney fan but what Disney have done well recently is their live action movies. Jungle book and Maleficent.

Like Maleficent our main character is a misunderstood villian with a backstory of how she came to being. We are introduced to all the characters and see our well known tale developing nicely. There is one puzzling question at the end of the movie that would certainly give you material for a sequel or another live action 101 Dalmatians.

There is not a single weak performance among the cast and the film has a killer soundtrack to boost. It may appear a little long and it it does dip once, but generally it just gives you longer to enjoy this entertaining and funny film.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

What Spike Lee does best

[9/10 · 29 October 2020]

A typically brilliant Spike Lee movie. Powerful, comedic, dramatic and holds your attention throughout.

The unexpected plot of a black undercover cop infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan based on a true story and deserved of the Oscar win.

As with many Spike Lee movies he goes right to the core of American values and is not afraid to address controversial issues. The movie itself was released following the protests and violence in Charlottesville where Trump choose not to dissociate himself with white supremacist.

He discusses history, stereotypes, race, politics and ethics as well as the continuing power struggles between black and white.

Spike Lee will be remembered as one of the great filmmakers of our time questioning society and Hollywood. He has and will continue to lead the way for subsequent black filmmakers documenting our own history.

The Cave (I) (2019)

Remarkable

[9/10 · 27 February 2020]

This poignant, important documentary is one of the most important pieces of filmmaking of our time. Everybody should be made to watch this as it depicts the atrocities that man is capable of. Set in a Syrian hospital during the ongoing humanitarian crisis of the Bashar regime, Dr. Amani and her team battle relentlessly in their bid to help the war injured. Under immense pressure and with little medical necessities, this team are true heroes. This documentary will have you crying, laughing and smiling throughout this true rollercoaster of emotions. The work of these people are admirable to remain in hell and continue to help, whilst others flee. Dr Amani faces not only the struggles of war and separation from family but also societies norms in a antiquated male heirachy where women are seen as inferior.

Basket Case 2 (1990)

cheesetastic

[10/10 · 4 February 2015]

I have always loved basket case since I was a kid. It was up there with evil dead and American werewolf. So when it comes to the sequel I was a little dubious. However,I can tell you this is one of the best b movie horrors I have seen in a long time.

Basket case 2 is what evil dead 2 was to evil dead. Only with evil dead 2 they were deliberately trying to be funny whereas with this I'm not so sure. Ash had his chainsaw hand balial ends up with a claw. Its almost as if they were parodying evil dead 2.

With a huge cast of monsters,kind of like comedy cenobites,this would easily rival American horror freak show. And now for the spoiler...there is even monster sex.

If you are a fan of b movie horror you will love this.

Basket Case 3 (1991)

laughable

[5/10 · 4 February 2015]

How can a movie go from sublime to shocking in one movie. Never before have I seen such a bad sequel since police academy.

If you are looking for a movie review then this is not it. It is worth watching for curiosity or a laugh. If you haven't seen basket case 1 or 2 then don't bother with this one.

However if you are looking for comedy acting or just like bad horror then this is definitely for you.

I'm afraid there is not much more I can tell you and would have to let you decide for yourself. Its hard to come up with the minimum ten lines of text. I give this a generous five.

Drive (I) (2011)

disappointed

[6/10 · 23 January 2015]

I had heard a lot of great things about this movie and was looking forward to watching it but was sadly disappointed.

Although a little dark and of a similar style to Oscar winning million dollar baby,this film was a little slow and lacked any real tension. Perhaps it could have contained a little more action and the action that it did contain was a little ultra violent for my liking. Maybe I'm a bigger fan of Hollywood than I like to admit. This said it makes it a perfect candidate for Hollywoods biggest accolade,the Oscar.

Its hard to judge the acting when there is not enough action or dialogue. Overall,there was some good acting with some good supporting roles but perhaps even too Hollywood for Hollywood. Even the biggest gosling fans might find this one disappointing.

The Muppets (2011)

best Muppet movie ever...

[8/10 · 11 January 2015]

...if it were a Christmas movie. A brilliant slice of nostalgia,pure genius.

The Muppets go on a road trip as only the Muppets can. This time they have to save the Muppet studios.

The genius is how this film manages to combine all the elements of the old movies whilst paying homage to them,yet somehow bring it right up to date.

This will not disappoint old fans like myself as well as create new ones.

With more celebrities than a whole season of the show,a catchy new song plus rainbow connection and even the Muppet show itself. Magic for all ages.

Roald Dahl's Esio Trot (2015 TV Movie)

charming

[7/10 · 8 January 2015]

A charming story from one of our great authors of both child and adult fiction.

The story of one mans infatuation with his neighbour and the lengths he will go to to win her love.

With the always excellent Dustin Hoffman and Judi dench. Even the sometimes annoying James cordon puts in a stellar performance as the on screen narrator.

An enjoyable feel good movie that wanes a little,retains all the character of a Dahl novel or short story. This film will enchant you and frustrate you feeling melancholic. Suitable for all ages,a must for all Dahl fans and fans of the actors.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

clever ,entertaining

[6/10 · 25 December 2014]

Clever ,entertaining Sci fi movie about a super intelligent chimpanzee the son of a research chimp.

Stars James Franco and Andy serkis and feels very much like Spiderman with monkeys. As for serkis,its hard to rate a man famous for playing a middle earth creature.

Love interest gets a bit sloppy and Franco's relationship with the monkey is also a little sentimental.

In the closing scenes you are torn between feeling sorry for and siding with the apes or just letting them have it. The final scene feel s disappointing. Will I watch the sequel? I don't know.

Hugo (2011)

enchanting

[7/10 · 23 December 2014]

An enchanting kids movie about a young orphan boy trying to connect to his fathers memory via an automaton but instead discovers French film maker George melies.

Fantastic acting from all the actors involved including Sacha baron Cohen of Ali g fame. Also good to see Frances de la tour and the late Richard Griffith in one of his last films.

The only negative is perhaps the length of the film as it does feel a little long and boring at times.

Otherwise a superb spectacle of Sci fi akin to A.i. Ben Kingsley is also noteworthy as he is in most of his films.

The Fox and the Child (2007)

Beautiful

[7/10 · 19 November 2014]

A wonderfully crafted story of the relationship between a small girl and a fox. Watched the English version narrated by Kate winslet. Thoroughly enchanting. Opens to beautiful scenery and plenty of wildlife to rival the best of nature documentaries. However the film wanes a little as it ventures further into the realms of storytelling. It is not all sweetness and light and has plenty of edge of your seat moments to keep you gripped. My three year old daughter was completely engrossed and mostly quiet for the entire movie,watching it from beginning to end in a single sitting,a first in our house. I am sure she would give it a ten and will doubtlessly be watching it many times over. It probably deserves a higher score on the visuals and is up there as one of the better kids movies,better than the usual mundane animated nonsense Disney and Pixar churn out every two minutes. Makes you want to pack it all in and move to the wilderness.

Office Space (1999)

not funny

[5/10 · 18 November 2014]

Work sucks,so does this film,not just Jennifer Aniston. Maybe because I don't work in an office I just don't find this film funny. Its trying to be so many other movies but failing miserably. I struggle to find much positive to say. I did chuckle a few times,its an easy going movie and as bad as it was I did still want to see it through to the bitter end. Another movie for Aniston to add to her resume of dross. Glad I don't work in an office if that is the Neanderthal idiots I would have to put up with. It is however on the level of many IT people I know. Absolute rubbish. I choose movies to watch according to IMDb ratings and are normally very reliable. This is one time I have been let down.