hchmmyzv Reviews

Challengers (2024)

Camp 2 hour plus long advert

[5/10 · 27 April 2024]

I don't know what I was expecting - yeah, tennis, but with three good actors and the director of Call Me By Your Name, I guess I was not expecting this. Nothing much happens - it's supposed to be a love triangle story but really it is a homoerotic friendship between the two male characters that supplies the most chemistry and drama. Josh O Connor and Mike Faist are good with the material they have and are almost tongue in cheek acting at some points - the sauna scene is particularly funny (is it supposed to be funny? I have no idea what genre I was watching). It was a pastiche of the men's locker room scene with Ryan Gosling and Steve Carrell in Crazy Stupid Love. The film felt like an overlong advert with product placement throughout (not as bad as Bridget Jones 2) and the seemingly retro clothing supplied by JW Anderson matched the kitsch music. There were no surprises in the plot and I knew what was going to happen 10 mins before they got round to it. My friend who watched it with me also sighed at every signpost in the film. Despite all this, probably because of the great actors, this camp, funny, strange, overlong advert, stays in my head. Maybe I'm just trying to work out what I've just watched, or wondering why I didn't wait for it to stream?

Ripley (2024)

Anxiety inducing for all the right reasons

[8/10 · 10 April 2024]

I loved Minghella's film. It's glorious Technicolor and beautiful actors... However, I also really enjoyed the Ripley series - surprisingly funny, slowly building anxiety and making the audience confused as to why they're rooting for a despicable murderer/crook. I thought this is one of Andrew Scott's finest performances - where he was Ripley instead of Andrew Scott playing Ripley. I loved that Dickie and Marge were almost background characters - and the scene with Dickie talking about his painting and Ripley's reaction to the terrible art works is brilliant, the same with Marge's 'book' - very funny. The murders worked well in black and white and the production design was superb by adding texture to our visuals. The only weak link for me - a miscasting - was the character Freddie. It is impossible to play a role that Seymour Hoffman was magnificent on. Moreover, Instead of focusing on what Freddie was saying I was irritated by their voice and mannerisms - really distracted. The casting should be seamless - we should believe they are that person...this series is not theatre, with the theatrical suspension of disbelief.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

The best film of 2023/24

[10/10 · 24 February 2024]

I do not watch Holocaust films - the last one I watched was Life is Beautiful which I abhorred. I was persuaded by a critic. I am so glad I watched this gobsmackingly creative and devastating film. I have not stopped thinking about this film since I watched it. Not only was it a fresh innovative take on a Holocaust film but it is so relevant today: the rise of nationalism, the dangers of nationalism, moral compartmentalism, how children are able to instinctively know what is right and what is wrong, corporate greed (the Siemens representative fearing Hoss would kill off too many potential workers for their factories), slave labour, how what is seen to emblematic of a specific culture eg German re Folk tales/fairytales, is also inherent in eastern, Jewish and Romany cultures which was anathema to the Nazi regime, how your body will convey signs of distress despite moral compartmentalism... Sandra Huller and Christian Friedel are brilliant as is all of the cast. The sound design is chilling and brilliant. The camera work, the production design... it's a perfect movie.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023)

Sandra Huller is the reason for watching this film

[8/10 · 24 February 2024]

I watched this movie purely because I had seen Sandra Huller in The Zone of Interest. It's an interesting film but the majority of the court room setting would have not kept me watching but for Sandra Huller's performance - especially the argument scene which is played out aurally, in the court room cross examination, 'real time', and also through the boys imagination. I need to ask If French courts are really like this? With little evidence and pompous pretentious prosecution and a Greek chorus of voices chipping in? The argument scene is the best thing in the film - superbly taut and fraught.

Past Lives (2023)

Understated quietness

[10/10 · 24 February 2024]

I'm late to the party but I loved this quiet understated beautiful film. At first I thought it was going to be the unrequited love and melancholy of a golden age movie but it was much more and the tension was held between the characters all the way through. Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro give beautiful performances and the awkwardness and restrained passion of Teo Yoo's character, where he doesn't know what to do with his arms or large hands, plays wonderfully against Greta Lee's vivacious, passionate, creative and ambitious character - and yet it is the gap, the missing bit in Greta Lee's character's life- in which the Korean life she would have lived had she stayed creates this magical longing between the two.

One Day (2024)

So much better than the film

[10/10 · 9 February 2024]

It's so much better than the film. Leo Woodall is a warm believable and much more likeable Dex. And Ambika Mod is just right as Emma (loved her in This is going to Hurt). I think it works really well as a series and we get to know more about the characters and why we should we care about their narratives with regards to the people around them. A great cast and well done to the production design people in their attempt to make the scenes look like the periods they're supposed to be representing. The Edinburgh streets were much dirtier in 80s than seen here but there was plenty of smoking and so that was good. They also got the colours right. Congratulations to all on a successful production. And also ensuring Leo Woodall's rise to stardom.

Wonka (2023)

Tom Davis perfection

[9/10 · 27 January 2024]

I saw this film on a rainy Sunday afternoon with my husband and adult son and we loved it. Paul King perfection that is a delight to watch, and which lifted our spirits and provided momentary escape from the real world. I loved the entire film but Tom Davis performance was a highlight. I cannot I see him in a mini kimono with a tiny tea cup and saucer. Comic genius no doubt facilitated by partnering with Olivia Colman in the film. It's not as wonderful as Paddington or Paddington 2 but that's ok, a tough act to follow. However, I would happily watch any Paul King film multiple times - there's no side to the humour - pure joy.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Beautiful film

[9/10 · 27 January 2024]

I cried throughout the film but my tears emanated from various emotions - nostalgia, regret, recognition of flawed mothers etc not just sadness. I thought Jamie Bell and Claire Foy were brilliant - their lines killed me. Foy apologising for being a crap mother but that she was starting to get a little better... And Jamie Bell's gentle tenderness and yet brutal honesty to his son... Paul Mescal's talent for knowing when to quieten his performance, to adjust his energy was superb. No doubt Mescal's and Andrew Scott's performances fed off each other. I loved the soundtrack and of course it evoked memories of being a teen in the 80s -:the cultural and social references - it was a gritty period in time with a lot of social anger.

The reveal made my heart sink a tiny amount - the Shyamalanesque ending - but that was ok. It just made the reaching across time theatrical rather than visceral like in Aftersun. This was evident in the decision to leave the perfect shot of Mescal and Scott together at the end of the film and take us into the world of kitsch Frankie Goes to Hollywood pop videos. But that was ok too.

I found Andrew Haigh's intertwining of his autobiography within the narrative of the original Japanese text interesting. It helped me to understand Scott's performance a little better. However, at the beginning of the film it felt like Andrew Scott playing Andrew Scott (like Martin Freeman is Martin Freeman in every film) but his performance at the end of the film was nuanced and beautiful - the heartbreaking scenes of having to say goodbye to his parents in the diner, the snuggling in between his parents in bed... the tenderness and comforting of Mescal's character at the end... all beautiful. It's a good film that disturbed my sleep last night, but it's not a great film like Aftersun, which without me realising, grabbed my throat and wrenched my heart out.

Poor Things (2023)

dark, magical, and entertaining ride

[8/10 · 14 January 2024]

Saw this today and enjoyed this dark and entertaining ride with its roots in European folk tales and Shelley's Frankenstein. Emma Stone is excellent as Bella Baxter and absolutely nails the progression from baby to toddler to child to tween etc (surprisingly, former dancer Margaret Qualley was less so as Felicity). I absolutely loved Mark Ruffalo's performance which made me laugh out loud. So good. Willem Dafoe is good but his Scottish? Accent came and went ... so many great supporting actors - Vicki Pepperdine - and the servants from Alfie's residence - whoever played Allison and David... The production design, costume and hair and make up should win awards. However, I don't think this film is perfect- the Paris section dragged a little and then the return home to 'God' and move to Alfie's residence was speedy before the final return home. Loved the ending.

Saltburn (2023)

Entertainment

[8/10 · 3 January 2024]

This is an entertaining film. It is nothing deep, it's not about anything, it won't change your life... but it will entertain. All the cast are great. The lighting, art direction, make up, wardrobe, locations etc are all great. The music is good (I will never be able to listen to Murder on the Dance Floor again without thinking of BK's dancing). I saw the film at a cinema and the film format gave the audience an intimate, voyeuristic view of the action. Every person on screen brings a good performance - Paul Rhys's butler, Alison Oliver's Venetia, Archie Madekwe's Farleigh, Barry Keoghan's Oliver, Jacob Elordi's Felix, Rosalind Pike's. Elspeth etc are all perfect.... And yet, it's nothing more than entertainment - nothing memorable apart from the shock scenes and Elspeth's wonderful monstrous character (surely imitating someone real who is a married to a minor distant royal or titled cabinet minister). It's not a great film but it is fun to watch.

Fool Me Once (2024)

Did all the money for this production go on location and actors?

[5/10 · 3 January 2024]

I can't concentrate on the narrative because the lighting and make up is terrible on this production. Unforgivable lighting that makes this series look like BBC Doctors. The production designer has also tried too hard with overdressing scenes that don't need it. Absolutely bizarre. The money for this production has obviously been spent on the 'stars' and the locations and not the crew.

I watched the previous Harlan Coben on Netflix and that was bearable. Apparently he took his last script to Amazon - not surprised. The reason for my complaints is because a lot of money and time has seemingly been wasted on this production. A student film production would have done better.

The After (2023)

Great cast and locations

[4/10 · 26 October 2023]

The right casting saves a film that is missing something. This is how I feel after watch The After. The cameo performances in the taxi which represent life going on for everyone else - the minutiae of life - except for the central bereaved character, are good performances. David Oyelowo is never bad. It's the sparse script, and the direction (It feels like I can see the director standing there thinking about shots and discussing them with the DOP) that is not strong. I love the great locations - it costs a lot of money to film in these locations - maybe invest in the narrative more? It's not a bad film it's just puzzling why it's feted or on Netflix - I have been fortunate to see many short films in film festivals and on TV - this small film is ok, but it's not a great film.

Black Ops (2023– )

Laugh out loud

[9/10 · 24 June 2023]

Several laugh out loud moments in episode 1. Can't wait to watch episode 2. Funny - watch it. Anything that Hammed Animashaun is in is worth watching - he has funny bones, and is a brilliant actor (stage and tv/film). Such a great cast - what a treat. It should be advertised more. Silly, funny, witty, definitely British humour with class actors. This is definitely funnier than many programmes that get more attention advertising and press wise. More of this please. There's room for many types of humour on TV and it's always pleasing to get humour which manages to highlight something troubling or something blatantly suspect in society without being 'in your face'. It has that feel good subversiveness of Young Offenders.

On the Rocks (2020)

I can't help it - I enjoyed it

[7/10 · 5 May 2023]

I just like the rhythm of the film and the characters in it. It's also a love letter to New York. I love the way it is filmed - the art direction and lighting. The chemistry between the couple is absent but I guess it works because they're falling apart. Love the relationship between the lead and her father. So it's a sad movie... sometimes you just want to wallow and watch a slower paced production. Indulge in a fantasy of someone on tour side when the worst thing in a marriage or relationship is realised - betrayal by the one you loved and invested your life in. So, if you're expecting a rip roaring comedy this is not it. If you're expecting action this not it. It's a rekindling of a relationship between a father and daughter.

Stars at Noon (2022)

Faithful to the novel

[9/10 · 24 February 2023]

This film is faithful to the novel - in which the narrative is atmospheric, grimy, sultry, sweaty, lots of sex - sex that is sordid, sexy, as a means of comforting each other, as a means to temporarily forget. The novel also lacks plot, has an ending which leaves the reader going back a few pages to re-read what just happened.

The film is like this.

It's the perfect novel for a French director to adapt!

The actors do a good job with the material and direction given. Joe Alwyn is better looking than the character in the novel but he's a good actor and Margaret Qualley too. I enjoyed the movie.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Beautiful to watch

[10/10 · 23 January 2023]

I was expecting the Danny Kaye movie (which I loved as a child) but i got a lovely surprise. What a beautifully shot movie and the production design is gorgeous. Everything about this film from the performances to the directing, lighting, wardrobe, casting... it's perfect. A film you don't ever feel anxious watching - you're in safe hands. A film to watch with all the members of the family. I can watch this film many times over and still enjoy it. One of Ben Stiller's best performances and certainly following in the genius of his parents in acting. I also enjoyed the music used in the film. A classic.

Copenhagen (2014)

Better than I thought

[8/10 · 5 January 2023]

I'm glad it was not a Lolita scenario because that would have totally ruined it. I really enjoyed the film and it was better than I thought it would be. I primarily watched it because I love Copenhagen and it fulfilled that desire to see the city... it was an interesting premise and interesting characters. Am I being a snob saying I was disappointed that the two male leads were from the growing pool of privileged public school actors? Kind of disappointing to see that. 'They can't help being rich/privileged...' Anywho. Enjoyed the film and the lead actress was great. A sucker for Scandinavian drama.

Lady Chatterley's Lover (I) (2022)

Gorgeous costume design

[7/10 · 6 December 2022]

This film is worth watching for the costume design by Emma Fryer.

I really love Jack O'Connell's work - he did his best with the script and comes across as a sensitive Mellors.

Emma Corrin is fine. Looks the part and we get a few Diana moments.

The sex scenes are well done - I'm guessing thanks to the intimacy director and sense of trust between the actors.

I think all of the cast are great - I just find the script thin. Also, Mrs Bolton's dialogue was meh.

I love the cinematic ending - we didn't need to see a follow on of the reunion?

Some historical aspects included in the script were interesting.

So, worth watching as its beautiful to look at but maybe read the book for the full Lawrence experience?

Aftersun (II) (2022)

Achingly Beautiful

[10/10 · 8 November 2022]

This film crept up on me. I was worried it was a gimmicky art film (plus at the beginning the dialogue was hard to decipher) but as the film went on I was swept up in it - purely down to Paul Mescal's and Francesca Corio's performances. Achingly beautiful. I was crying without realising and also on the tube home - the tears just kept coming but it was nothing to do with me.

Alison Willmore from Vulture at New York Magazine perfectly articulated what I felt :' It's about wanting to reach across time, and to meet a loved one in an impossible space where, for once, you're both on the same level, and you can finally understand them for who they are - or who they were.'

Catherine Called Birdy (2022)

Enjoyable

[10/10 · 7 October 2022]

It's not the comedy I was expecting. However, it is delightful due to the actors' performances - the chemistry between Bella Ramsey (who leads the film brilliantly) and all the other actors is so good that it makes up for any weaknesses in the script. Bella Ramsey's performance at the monastery made me laugh out loud as well as Paul Kaye's and David Bradley's performances. I found Birdy's relationship with both her father, played by Andrew Scott, and Uncle George, played by Joe Alwyn, unexpectedly moving. I loved Sophie Okonedo - what a coup to have all these talented actors in this film. I also enjoyed the soundtrack esp. The 'girlish' fantasy scene with her Uncle. Great to have a new family film to enjoy. And can't wait to see more of Bella Ramsey.

Bad Sisters (2022– )

More from Horgan and more from Ireland pls

[10/10 · 17 September 2022]

Loving Bad Sisters - the whole family is hooked. We all desire (demand) a grisly death for Jean Paul. What a brilliantly horrible character. I can tell the cast and crew must have had a ball making this series.

More from the creators, more from the actors, and more from Ireland pls! I would definitely like to see more Irish actors in U. K. mainstream programmes (not just James Nesbit). It's been so great to watch Normal People, Conversations with Friends, Dublin Murders etc The talent and artistry (from a relatively small pool of professionals) is so good to see.

Small thing - please think about the image used for the upcoming programme - episode 7 - on Apple TV as it seemingly spoils what we've just seen on episode 6?

See How They Run (2022)

Enjoyable nonsense

[7/10 · 10 September 2022]

It doesn't pretend to be high art. It's silly and enjoyable and was the equivalent of enjoying a good piece of cake - pleasurable but soon forgotten.

The performances are good and we loved the butler at the end. We could even guess some of the lines and also the ending, but it didn't matter. Yes, there were Wes Anderson type moments and yes, the make up and hair was wrong for the the period for Saoirse Ronan, and there was an absence of smoke in the pub etc it's supposed to be 1950s England... but I guess it was going for theatrical rather than realism.

If you want an easy going film that makes you laugh and smile - this is the film. (And so much better than the remakes of Agatha Christie)

Operation Mincemeat (2021)

Thank goodness for the actors

[8/10 · 5 August 2022]

A stellar cast saves this movie. It's such a great story - I learnt about it from a trip to the London Library whereby the widow of the Library's deceased director donated his underwear to the corpse (as an officer would need appropriate underwear and no serving officer had spare under clothes to donate). I found the facts of the deception more interesting than the love story thread. Still it's better than your average movie.

Benediction (2021)

Editing is a nope

[3/10 · 5 August 2022]

Think Jack Lowden is a great actor. I was looking forward to this film - interested in the poetry, the topic etc. Stopped watching after 12 mins. My god please just give us the story - the poetry voice over is fine - but pls shut whoever is responsible for the annoying edit out of the editing room?

Conversations with Friends (2022)

Artistry

[10/10 · 5 August 2022]

I liked the TV series much more than the book because the characters played by the actors were more relatable and likeable. Fantastic performances, directing, gorgeous lighting, art dept. Editing with music was perfection... such good music. Congrats to all involved. I know it's a marmite show for most but seriously, it transformed the book.