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Reviews
Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
Shockingly awful
I went to see this film with my son. Firstly I thought the first film was okay and had potential. Then the second film came out and was woeful. You may be asking why I turned up for this one..because my son wanted to go, so I came along. I had hoped that they would have learnt from the second film, but clearly that was not the case. How does a studio allow so much money to be spent when you have a script that has virtually no story? This film tries to be funny and apart from a couple of mildly amusing comments, it really is not. The recent deadpool/wolverine movie worked so well because the comedy was truly funny and so the fact that that film had not much of a story either, didn't matter. Venom doesn't have a story and isn't funny so is just a yawnfest. Two films in one..venom trying to be funny with one scene after another pointless scene not having any connection to the other half of the film where everyone else feels like they are in a totally different film. What a waste of great actors! So many pointless back stories that had zero relevance. If you did not like either of the first two, you will definitely dislike this one. But..if you are a fan of the first two, then I am sure that you will enjoy this one too.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Average at best.
Best 3 films in my opinion of the franchise are Alien, Aliens and Prometheus. Went to see this film thinking that it may be a worthy addition. Extremely average acting at best, no tension throughout, story is not compelling at any point. Extremely flat film. I did not go into this film expecting any originality but did still expect a well told story but this really is a bore fest, that just makes you want to watch the original two. Effects are fine. Dialogue is simple. The action sequences are really basic with zero attempt for even trying to create a scene that you have not seen before. Pointless.
Trap (2024)
Better than critics stated
I saw the final trailer for this film and had high hopes. I then saw both the professional critics reviews, which in truth I have learnt to ignore over the years and I also saw the mixed reviews from the public. This did make me go into this film with low expectations. I actually quite enjoyed it. Yes, some of the ways Josh Hartnetts character manages to elude or solve obstacles does need you to leave your brain in neutral, but overall it is a nice bit of fluff. Great acting by all the cast. Not a film to take seriously and if you can manage that, then you will find it an enjoyable two hours of entertainment.
Tokyo Vice (2022)
Quality first two seasons.
I have never had the pleasure of visiting Japan but this series certainly makes me feel like I have a proper feel for how it would be to work there. Quality script matched by quality actors, directors and production values.
The series drips of noir and really pulls you into this world.
So many character stories and all of them very interesting. All characters are three dimensional. The early episodes help to immerse you in Japanese lifestyle within the working environment before settling in to the main thrust of the plot. The two lead actors are excellent and equally supported by class actors around them. Season two really comes alive and you will be rewarded by seeing both seasons through.
IF (2024)
Not as funny as I had expected
Really hoped that this would become known as a family classic. I took two thirteen year old boys and both thought it was average at best. Effects are good but there was a serious lack of jokes. A film that will not live long in the memory. Cast is great, film also looks great but there was no sense of excitement at any point. Quite flat throughout the whole film. Felt like the film is aimed at children under ten but I think that age group will also struggle as it just has no magic. Needed alot more jokes, less schmaltz and some excitement. Waste of a very good cast. I really did want to love this film.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
Disappointing and I really wanted to like it
I saw the original on its cinematic release back in 1984 when I was 14 years of age. I went to see it four times on consecutive weekends. I really wanted to like this new film and took my thirteen year old son with his friend. The fact that we all found it dull and not too many jokes says it all. The baddie doesn't even get much screen time and the movie never gets going. Story line is really basic and it feels like I am watching a steady pulse on the screen right through the movie. Not a flatline, but the pulse is just laboured. Too many actors which is a shame as they are all wasted. These films have great potential for amazing story lines but this is just a by the numbers retread. Very sad.
Wonka (2023)
Great family heartwarming fun
Don't we need so many more of these types of films? Heartwarming feelgood wholesome fun. Friendship and dreams. Great songs. Remaining positive even in challenging times. One hour and fifty six minutes floats by gently and yet swiftly. Not a bad note throughout the film. Kids under ten will love it. Even my thirteen year old son gave it nine out of ten. The director also made the Paddington films and whilst it was not as good as them, it was still a great way to spend two hours. All of the actors were exceptional and you could almost tell that they had as much fun making it as we did watching it. Take your children to see it. You and your family will not be disappointed.
The Lazarus Project (2022)
Season 1 and 2
Love this show. Great acting and writing. First season is darker than the second, but I still enjoyed the second series. The second series makes you think about, what would you do? Who is right or wrong? First season asks of you different questions but it again makes both seasons compelling. Tight script, well directed and characters that are all likeable. Sincerely hope that they make a season three. Eight episodes for each season swiftly fly by. Good humour but never at detriment of serious story plot. I would highly recommend this great slice of entertainment. Well done to sky television. High quality.
The Creator (2023)
Loved it!
Took my nearly thirteen year old to see this film. I am fifty three. We both gave it nine out of ten. Extremely well made, the special effects were very impressive. The acting was first rate. Have we seen many films about artificial intelligence before? Yes, of course but then you can also state that we have seen many films about many other topics as well. This is a very well made film that might not necessarily make you think about A. I. afterwards but it is still an enjoyable evenings entertainment. My soon to be thirteen year old son loved it as did I, so clearly a film that can be enjoyed across the age range.
A Haunting in Venice (2023)
Atmospheric
Firstly, I am a huge fan of David suchet as Poirot on the long running TV series from UK. I was also disappointed with the first two Kenneth Branagh outings as Poirot. I was intrigued by the trailer for this third outing, so decided to give it a go. Much better than the first two. Not great but an atmospheric murder mystery that would be nice to watch on a winters evening at home. All the actors were excellent. The story could still have been more developed and interesting, so whilst I enjoyed it overall, it still lacked excitement and the feeling that you wanted to know what would happen next. Not enough time spent on each character but still decent over all with great visuals. Took my 12 year old son who gave it 8.5 out of 10. Film moves well and I did not get bored.
Haunted Mansion (2023)
Average fare
I really wanted this film to be good. Not ever seen a really funny haunted house movie. The cast were great, as were the effects but there was just not enough laughs. Opportunity for slap stick missed. Some jokes hit the target but most were really quite lame. What a waste of a great cast! This whole film is aimed at a family audience but I felt that kids under ten may be a little scared, whilst kids above ten will find it pretty dull and with virtually no laugh out moments. Fine to watch at home if you are really bored but happy to have it playing in the background whilst you get on with something else but save yourself a trip to the cinema.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Not bad but not great either
For a three hour film, it still proved not enough time to cover any part of his life with enough time to explore. Music all the way through the film which at times made me struggle to hear what was being said. Also felt that some scenes would have played better without music. Due to what felt like a rush to complete so many strands of his life, I never felt connected or to understand the man. A great cast but a film I would not watch again. I was never bored but it just did not have any emotional impact which surprised me. I am not a fan of nolan's previous film Tenet either. Three hours felt more like a rush job and was, in my opinion, average.
The Flash (2023)
Good story
Classic example where I am glad that I ignore the so called professional critics.
This started a little shaky with a baby scene that didn't work for me, but other than that I found it funny at times, nostalgic at others and with a story that was interesting enough.
Much better live action film than any other DC or Marvel film that I have seen in ages.
Very good acting by all. Disappointing to see opening weekend Box office figures, as I would have loved to see a flash sequel, but have a feeling that will not happen.
Effects were decent overall. Some good emotional moments and I never got bored.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Great moments but not a great whole
Firstly, I loved the first spiderverse film and it is my favourite spiderman film of them all. Sam raimi's spiderman 2 being my second favourite. That's just to let you have a feel if my review is likely to be similar to yours, if you agree with my top 2. Ten out of ten for the first film, so to be fair, this one had a lot to live up to. First half of the film, I found my mind wandering a bit. Nice animation but at times, the action shots were really not clear. Family stuff was very well done but the main baddy was hard to take serious. The film definitely got much better in the second half which is a huge relief as I really did not want to not like this film. It doesn't have the humour of the first film or as good music, but it still improved enough, for me to go and see the third film.
65 (2023)
Enjoyable family film
Went to see this film, with my twelve year old son. We both enjoyed it. Whilst no surprises, this was still entertaining with some good moments thrown in. Good acting by both of the lead characters. Won't live long in the memory, but it is still decent enough to watch. Much better than the last three jurassic films put together! Special effects are decent. Story is pretty basic but that is fine, as it doesn't need to be complex. Kids younger than eight may find it too scary but definitely ten upwards will be fine. Harmless family entertainment. A reasonable way to spend a Saturday afternoon at the cinema.
The Rig (2023)
Good cast let down by dull script
Thought this might be really good. Some good actors but this is not a good story. Directing is also not great. The series never lifts off. It feels almost pointless. Won't be watching a second season if they make one. It is just kind of boring. Not one exciting moment in it. The interaction and responses of characters to events are just not realistic. The whole explanation is so vague and just not gripping. Effects veer from poor to acceptable. I did really want to enjoy this, especially when it contains some very good actors but it was just tiresome. A real shame as it ended up as a missed opportunity.
Glass Onion (2022)
Awful
Wow! So many great reviews for this awful tripe. Not one funny moment despite reviews stating it is hilarious. Most of the characters are annoying. Story is dull and uninspired. A waste of good actors. Daniel Craig has no charisma, as always. I could have switched it off at any time really but saw it through. I would watch David suchet as poirot anytime over this. The plots in TV series father brown are better than this! This film that thinks it is clever but yet is woefully up its own rear, is just so bad that it is laughable. How hard can it be to get one decent murder mystery film. Disappointing.
1899 (2022)
Great cinematography let down by average script
I had high hopes for this series, but found it to be quite dull. Overlong episodes that did not really have enough in them to justify the length. None of the characters were interesting enough or charismatic enough to care about. Parts of ending were predictable. You still do not get a satisfying explanation at the end of how or why. Visually looked great but story became repetitive. No need for 8 episodes.
Age old problem that you must have a great script. You can throw all the money at the screen as you want, but without a great script, you will never have even a decent show. Wish I hadn't bothered. Devil's hour is much more satisfying.
I Used to Be Famous (2022)
A feel good movie
In this world of depressing news, this is exactly the type of film that we need. Make you cry, laugh, smile and want to help others and be a friend.
A film that gives you pause about your own priorities. Acting is great. It has a rawness to it that works.
Not sugary at all. Just what you need to put a smile on your face and give your heart some extra warmth.
The equivalent of a rom com but this time it is about a kid with autism and an adult with his own challenges.
Their friendship will help both of them find themselves in this world that we all know is a tough one.
Loved the music as well.
Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Average and too long
I managed to see all of the jurassic movies at the cinema and had my favourites. First Spielberg film was favourite and then the third one followed by the second. I found jurassic world part 1 enjoyable enough. Didn't really stretch the story but it was fine. Second was ok but lost its way around the midpoint and to the end. This new one I credit with attempting to find a new variant to the story but in the end, where can it really go? But back to the same tried and tested formula of the other five. After all, it is a dinosaur movie! The action was routine, story pretty basic and too many holes where you know it doesn't make sense that governments etc would not be aware etc. Effects were great but in the end this is a by the numbers plot and the cast are wasted with standard dialogue. I got bored at about the half way point and that stayed with me until the end. Not awful but not great either. Great effects wasted on an uninspired script.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Lazy
Story and some scenes are just embarrassing to watch. The action is poorly managed. Feels like this has been made by amateurs. Great actors wasted with poor script. So much wrong with it. I can't even think of what works and I had so much hope for this series. Embarrassingly bad.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)
A magical reality
Went to see this with my eleven year old son. It was quite long but as I enjoy being immersed in the whole Harry Potter World and these films only come out every three years, that did not concern me.
It was hard work at times, but I am just a sucker for this Harry Potter world.
But nowhere near as good as the Potter films.
Great acting and special effects along with incredible cinematography and directing. Looking forward to the next chapter.
No Sudden Move (2021)
Flat
Very flat and dull story that never gets out of second gear.
By the numbers which is a real shame with such a great cast.
I somehow watched it to the end and it just reminded me of watching a flatline on a heart monitor.
The Last Vermeer (2019)
Well made and well acted.
Both of the lead characters are excellent in a compelling story.
The fact that it is based on truth makes it all the more fascinating.
It was a film that I was initially drawn to due to Guy Pearce who was excellent.
The film as a whole was very well made and well worth watching.
Sing 2 (2021)
Good family film for all ages
A fun positive movie with great song choices and a great sequel to the original.
A good wholesome message.
Plenty of humour and emotion.
My eleven year old son loved it and so did I, at the sprightly age of 51.