tim_dearing-1 Reviews

Exhuma (2024)

Excellent watch

[8/10 · 16 May 2024]

It starts off a little disjointed and doesn't flow as well as it might, but that may partly be because of course I'm reading subtitles and therefore may not be following as well as I may be as a native tongue. However, after twenty five minutes, it comes together very nicely and offers some great scenes. It has a decent level of suspense and a perfectly adequate sprinkling of dark scary effects. Acting is well on par with anything else at this level of cinema, and I've no idea why someone has whittled on about Japanese disrespect or that the female in the movie was just to tick a box. Some people are truly bizarre.

Overall, very enjoyable to watch and doesn't seem overly long even at two and a quarter hours.

Give it a go.

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023)

This is not what we've come to expect from Liam Neeson

[8/10 · 18 February 2024]

If you feel like watching this because it's a Liam Neeson movie and you think you know what to expect - then think again.

This is not the usual light but generally enjoyable tat that passes away an hour or so.

This has way more depth, a vastly superior story, characters that are far more fleshed out and where required, thoroughly loathsome.

Set in Ireland amongst the hight of the troubles that plagued them with tit for tat killings in the seventies. Each side with what they thought were justified reasons for killing.

With that in mind, also don't expect that it places Liam in the heroic part - I'll leave you to decide that for yourself.

It's a well made relatively slow burn film, that's certainly worth a watch, and offers a glimpse of the acting craft that you might be forgiven for normally forgetting that Liam Neeson obviously has.

Night Court: The Next Voice You Hear... (1986) Season 4, Episode 1

One of the best episodes

[9/10 · 27 November 2023]

This is one of the best U. S. series ever to be produced and this episode stands very tall.

The whole group perform well as always, but stealing the show by a wide margin is the genius that is John Astin. His performance is fantastic. No one comes close to be able to play a man who has a screw loose better.

Excellent.

Rinse and repeat.

This is one of the best U. S. series ever to be produced and this episode stands very tall.

The whole group perform well as always, but stealing the show by a wide margin is the genius that is John Astin. His performance is fantastic. No one comes close to be able to play a man who has a screw loose better.

Excellent.

The True Don Quixote (2019)

Quirky but charming

[7/10 · 27 November 2023]

I enjoyed this film a quite a lot. It has a great deal of quirky charm whilst covering a subject of mental illness without being maudlin.

The writing is witty and at times rather funny and the characters well portrayed and very well acted.

The resemblance to the Don Quixote original story is greater than you might expect, but it's modern setting does it justice.

Overall it is a gentle ride with a good story, fine acting and some good wit.

I can't really give it a 10, and it's certainly not for a general audience - no special effects, no murders, indeed, not much of anything of note, however in that lies its charm, so it definitely deserves a seven and a half and I suspect I will watch it again, which is the very essence of a good experience.

Haunted Mansion (2023)

The very definition of adequate

[5/10 · 7 October 2023]

It's not really bad, but it certainly isn't really good either. There's some great people in it, but they just seem to using tired lines that all come from other movies. A number of times it's cringingly predictable. There's a barely perceptible laugh on one or two occasions, anything more, I find difficult to recommend. The likelihood of this film having the charm for a second viewing is slim beyond belief. It's a movie for the time you find yourself stuck in a house with nothing to do and you literally have no other choices. Under those circumstances, it'll just about make the grade, but only just.

Vandits (2022)

No where near as bad as expected.

[7/10 · 6 September 2023]

So I found this almost by accident and I've got to say, I have seen films that must have cost 1000 times more to make, that are far less entertaining.

It's obviously been made on a bit of a shoestring budget, (indeed, during the end credits, it even points out that all of their gear was stolen the night before they started shooting) but they really did an alright job. There's no real bad acting and the story is more than acceptable.

It's hardly Oscar material, but you could do a whole lot worse if you're bored and want some Indi entertainment with some quirky laughs.

Well done to all involved.

Renegades (2022)

It's a bit of a grin but otherwise......

[4/10 · 15 December 2022]

Really, all the marks I give for this are based around the fact it contains some people that I've always liked. Ian Ogilvy, Lee Majors, Danny Trejo, Paul Barber, etc. And in essence, I have seen a lot worse films, but if you're expecting too much, you're in for disappointment. The plot is net curtain thin, the b part actors and henchmen are really pretty awful and the editing and dialog are pretty poor at times. Also, the lady who played the investigating police officer called Moore was really awful, plus she looked like maybe she was made up to look really odd, maybe it was the intention of the film as I can't imagine anyone would choose to have things done to make them look like that on purpose.

However, in the end, it provided a basic level of entertainment and there was a element of fun, so if you're caught short for something to watch, there are worse things out there........probably....... somewhere..........with a bit of a search.

Mad God (2021)

Disturbing, nightmarish & indescribably brilliant.

[10/10 · 24 June 2022]

Take a dash of Eraserhead, add a pinch of your most harrowing nightmare and throw in a dollop of mad as a box of frogs disturbing visuals and Voilà.

In a World full of thoughtless and woefully unimaginative movies comes a work of genius. So far from the mainstream as to be utterly ridiculous in the best possible way.

I can't imagine that this will be for everybody, or indeed, many at all, but for those who find its stunning visuals and incredible stop motion artistry appealing, I believe you will watch open mouthed from start to finish.

To even attempt to sum up its story would be foolish beyond belief. It is not a movie but an entire experience.

It's surreal brilliance and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Car 54, Where Are You?: Christmas at the 53rd (1961) Season 1, Episode 15

Exceptional writing

[9/10 · 6 June 2022]

The ver entertaining Car 54 hit a new hight with this episode with some wonderful mini sketches all pieced together under the guise of a Christmas show at the precinct for the officers family and friends.

Some surprisingly good singing, an excellent HMS Pinafore parody, and several other extremely well written and presented skits.

Nat Hiken really was a bit of a master.

Enjoy.

1984 - BBC Live TV Productions (1954 TV Movie)

Sombre and bleak - an excellent portrayal

[9/10 · 21 April 2022]

I cannot believe that nearly seventy years on this program is so powerful. I can only imagine the effect it had on the viewing public at time of release.

By far the best of the three versions of 1984 with Peter Cushing putting in an inspiring performance.

Hardly a cheery watch, but impressive nevertheless.

The Man from Earth (2007)

A totally different perspective on what many see as written - highly entertaining

[9/10 · 18 April 2022]

I am some what caught unawares by this film. It's certainly a TV movie by style, quality of picture and list of actors - with nothing derogatory intended - and yet it has managed to capture with its subject matter an entirely new take on old established facts.

I don't want to spoil anything or give anything away, but the thought that was put into writing the answers the main character gave when asked about things, were really quite excellent. They were almost without flaw and incredibly thought provoking.

Is it Sci-Fi? Not in the usual sense, but since it is fiction and uses a premise that is certainly away from fact, then the title suits it fine.

Don't expect bells, whistles or effects, it's not that kind of film. I'd give it a ten, but as a production, there were flaws, so it's only fair to mark it down one. Maybe it won't suit everyone with strong beliefs, but that's not for me to presuppose.

Really quite and entertaining film that is far removed from the normal fair.

Silent Night (I) (2021)

Not what you might be expecting.

[8/10 · 11 December 2021]

Wow, that was not at all what I was expecting. It's not comedy, it's not horror, it is the very darkest of British black comedy, which means not much comedy at all. However, go into it without those previous preconceptions, and you've got to say, it's a pretty good film.

Don't rely on it for Christmas cheer, but for enthralling watching, good acting and a mostly unexpected layout, you'll get more than you bargained for.

Happy Christmas everyone, well perhaps not everyone.......

Old Henry (2021)

A proper western treat

[8/10 · 9 October 2021]

Tim Blake Nelson heads up a great Western treat. Complete with a good plot, great scenery and some good shooting scenes. A solid quality of acting backup means that the whole movie gels together well

If you like a good build up, a solid plot and a well concealed ending, then you are in for a whale of a time.

This really is a bit of old school and all the better for it.

Astro Loco (2021)

A Dark Star feel movie for the 21st Century

[6/10 · 11 September 2021]

This film has all the hallmarks of a future cult classic. The acting is not at all bad, the sets are relatively good for a movie with such an infinitely minute budget, the humour is great and the entire plot is one step to the left of box of frogs mad bonkers. What's not to love?

If you think you're going to be watching a movie with the effects of the latest Star Trek, the budget of Guardians of The Galaxy and the plot complexity of a John le Carré novel, you're in for a rude awakening. But if you love completely independent movies with wit, originality and a dose of mad cap Dark Staresque plot lines, you're in for a genuine treat.

Enjoy................. or not.

Sideshow (2020)

Complete surprise and delight

[7/10 · 24 June 2021]

Completely unexpected gem. I can't see it being widely appealing, but its combination of dark humour, plot twists and excellent acting was a real treat.

Quintessentially English in its layout, but completely left field in the best possible way.

Four principle actors all turn in an excellent performance and first class writing. Plus Les Dennis - I wouldn't have expected it, but clearly he deserves a thumbs up. Well done chap.

Apex Predators (2021)

Nothing to get your teeth into, or indeed anythings teeth

[1/10 · 16 May 2021]

Quite atrociously bad in every respect. No story to speak of, certainly no followable plot, absolutely no acting, and without seeming offensive (as I'm certainly no looker), some of the ugliest people I've ever seen on film that are supposedly attractive!

Add to the list of awfulness the fact that there is, visually speaking, NO shark attacks what so ever, then you get what is basically a lot of stock footage interspersed with chronic camerawork and no story line.

Seriously, put your body parts in a blender and watch them liquify - it's more fun to see.

Fail Safe (1964)

How have I not seen this before

[10/10 · 2 May 2020]

This is a movie lovers dream, and I am a movie lover. Why? Because I'm nearly sixty years old, and for some reason, I've never seen it before, and more importantly, it is an incredible film.

To discover on your Sunday off a film that is so well made, so well constructed, so well acted and so intense is an unbelievable treat. And it is all of those things and much much more. This is the very meaning of edge of the seat stuff.

Forget what seems like the stone age technology of what is portrayed as cutting edge, pay no attention to the old fashion presentation, so far removed from todays slick standards, what matters here is the acting, the plot and the subject matter, and everything here is spot on.

Watch this film when you know you have the time, uninterrupted and without pause, and If it doesn't leave you with a cold tremor about how something like this could well have been representative, you're already dead!

A rare ten out of ten.

(as a foot note, I have subsequently watched the 2000 remake and, good though it is, it does not posses the outright tension and poignancy of the original).

A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon (2019)

Interstellar entertainment for everyone

[9/10 · 16 February 2020]

This is an incredibly entertaining journey into ET sheep style. They doesn't miss a trick in including references to just about every Science Fiction film of note from the last seventy years, from Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy (look out for Milliways - the restaurant at the end of the Universe - in the high street!) to Close Encounters and many many more. It's an absolute blast.

With a surprisingly touching ending and laugh out loud moments galore you'd have to be short on heart not to find this mix of beautifully crafted stop shot animation and Sci-Fi parody a winning way to spend ninety minutes.

Just as much a work of genius as many of the movies it emirates.

Enjoy.

Avenue 5 (2020–2022)

Look away BBT & Friends fans - no obvious humour

[8/10 · 9 February 2020]

The first show as an introduction was adequate, the second much better. The third now has the characters established and was completely laugh out loud excellent.

However - if you're expecting obvious humour, such as one might find with How I met your Mother, Friends, Big Bang Theory or Two and a Half Men, then you are watching the wrong program.

Unlike some on here, I won't tell you those programs are rubbish just because I don't like them, only that that style of humour is most definitely missing from this show. From where I sit though, this is a huge positive. This is proper sarcasm and back humour of a grand scale. Brilliant acting by Hugh Laurie et al. He has comments that would make Basil Faulty proud.

All the notable performances are wonderful and fitting, the set design is excellent as is the camera work, writing and directing. It's all first class stuff. Try it, it may just float your galactic boat, but if it doesn't, don't be an arse and say it's rubbish, just tell us you didn't like it.

I am genuinely looking forward to the rest.

Chernobyl (2019)

A uniquely harrowing but riveting viewing experience

[10/10 · 17 June 2019]

Here is a series of programs detailing one of the most thrilling and deeply harrowing experiences man kind has endured, and, it would be a viewing triumph of story telling were it not for the fact that it is not fiction - it is a factual epitaph to an episode of humans ability to be profoundly stupid. What so many people had to endure as a result of lies and subterfuge is beyond any mere work of fiction. The production, acting and re-telling of this entire event is beyond reproach. It is a masterpiece of modern TV. Be prepared to be at once amazed at incredible bravery and deeply saddened for those who endured such a horrific turn of events.

Hellfjord (2012)

Mad as a box of frogs on speed

[9/10 · 16 March 2019]

You might watch the first episode of this and be forgiven for thinking it's a simplistic slapstick comedy that doesn't seem to work - but you'd be wrong.

There's a lot to turn you off in this series if your previous idea of comedy is Friends or The Big Bang Theory - not that there's anything wrong with those choices, it's just that if that is your taste, this may a long long long way away from that style.

There is a great deal of thought and side angles to this humour. It's well written, very well acted and packed with ridiculously mad character interaction - non of which I'll cover here for to do so would spoil it for those few who will go on to enjoy this short series. And those characters are fabulous. Each with their own dire flaws and foibles and each acted to perfection.

I urge you to try this series and understand that only ten percent of the people who do will be glad they did. But for those ten percent who's humour this fits with, they'll be forever grateful.

Enjoy.

The Marker (2017)

Gritty, real and captivating

[7/10 · 14 October 2018]

If you're sort of person who watches a movie and rates it as one star because it's depressing, then you're clearly watching the wrong films for your timid mind -you might want to get a Disney movie next time.

This is a well acted and well plotted movie, and yes it has many depressing elements, but this certainly doesn't detract from the fact that it's a fine movie. The acting is fist class, and the depths of the underworld it describes and delves into appear realistic and grim.

Good camera work and seedy locations are all spot on.

Roll on redemption to those that need it however it comes.

The Castle (1997)

Accidental brilliance - I don't think so.

[10/10 · 15 April 2018]

On first watch, it's quite possible to think this film as something that was hastily put together on a shoe string budget in the hopes it might make some cash. It will seem so completely cheesy as to be ridiculous.

But then, as you watch, something rather amazing happens. You realise that the acting is first rate, the timing is impeccable, the humour quite outstanding. This is no accident at all. There is in fact so much more here than meets the eye.

Simplistically speaking, at the very least there is the interplay between family members and friends that makes you feel that you wish you could be their friends as well. There are also so many quotable phrases that will stick with you that you'll find yourself using time and time again, and when you do, you'll find yourself smiling. It's not for me to point them all out to you here, discover them for yourself and you'll feel all the better for it. Dig deeper and you'll see how important the sense of camaraderie is to all of us. Here, with this David versus Goliath storyline you'll also find an incredibly important reference regarding the Marbo decision regarding Aboriginal rights to land that reflects to this modern day parable.

Most of all however, you'll find yourself caring for the people on the screen. Oh to be a friend of the family, to be invited to Bonnie Doon, to bask in the mutual respect and admiration that these people share between themselves. But finally, you'll revel in the humour, and what humour there is. It is quite simply sublime. Grins that would seem utterly ludicrous elsewhere, will leave you with a warm glow and a smile from ear to ear.

This is not a lucky accident, it is as much a work of genius as might be The Seven Samurai, Jaws, Pulp Fiction or The African Queen.

Bravo to Australia for its making, but even more bravo for you for having the good taste to enjoy this superlative piece of divine comedy.

Dunkirk (2017)

Not the film you might be expecting - and all the better for it

[9/10 · 30 March 2018]

If you're expecting to watch this movie and grow to care and attach yourself to the major cast leaders, you're going to be in for somewhat of a disappointment. This is not a film about and individual, or indeed a number of individuals (as many people have pointed out, but for the wrong reasons). To achieve this would have been to focus on persons rather than the events. This is a movie that takes in the entirety of what happened without sub plots or the romanticies of just a few soles for you to attach yourselves. If you need this in a film - as by reading some peoples reviews a lot of you do (and I'm not saying that if that's what you like then you're wrong), then your watching the wrong movie.

The people here who define a good movie only by whether they liked it would appear to be the very same people who would perhaps tell you a band is rubbish because they don't like the music. I was like that myself when I was twelve, but most people grow up and realise that what defines something as well made is not based on your own individual taste. You should be able to watch or listen to something, not like it, but realise that it is well made, thought provoking and something that others may find impressive. It's really quite amusing to read some of the comments on here from one or two star reviewers. A quick read will find you comments like - Music rubbish - Boring - It's disjointed (referring to the way the story is retold from several timelines) - required better CGI - Acting poor - Not factual - Why were there no Americans - Unromantic - Poor plot! Seriously people, if you don't find it to your taste, there's no issue, but come on, get a grip on some of the comments.

If you want a new Private Ryan, don't watch it, if you want a love story, don't watch it, if you think the real events at Dunkirk lacked PLOT, don't watch it. If you want to see a pretty reasonable facsimile of a major event in history (according to survivors of the real event who went to the opening of the movie), be captivated, impressed and on edge, then this is the movie for you.

If you don't like it, that's fine, but please, don't give one star to something that clearly elevates an entire genre of movies.

Thunderbirds (1965–1966)

Way more than a kids TV series

[10/10 · 15 October 2017]

Thunderbirds represented something that kids had never had before - a completely serious near hour long program with action, plot and real dialog. These weren't programs that were just thrown together for a twenty minute entertainment package. These were meticulous movies.

When your watching and involved in storyline, marvelling at the incredible special effects (which quite amazingly still look good now), the strings are completely un-noticed. These really were mini movies. It even had music by the legendary John Barry (AKA Dances with Wolves, James Bond etc). These movies contained people (puppets maybe - but real people when you're watching) that drank alcohol, smoked, chatted up women and tried to kill people - and it was aimed at children. But all of this had a spill over effect. Adults loved them too, and indeed, kids even now get just as involved, just as excited and just as enthusiastic as we did when the show was new. It is incredible long lasting in its appeal in a way virtually no other program of that age is.

As a side line, watch them now and be amazed at how many Thunderbirds inventions are now reality - it makes you wonder if this didn't stoke the ideas of the young then and consequently become real now.

Gerry Anderson famously said that he regretted in many ways Thunderbirds because it pigeon holed him as a kids show maker and stopped him being able to make "real" movies. Except of course in the ultimate irony, what he made has ended up being far more memorable and long lasting than any movie he could possibly have made.

Out now as a remastered Blu-Ray collection, it is in every possible way the epitome of perfect family viewing. Enjoy.