Darkskynet Reviews

Spaceman (I) (2024)

Can't understand the low ratings?

[7/10 · 2 April 2024]

As far as entertaining sci-fi film goes, this one hits the nail on the head in many ways.

Adam Sandler coming out with another respectable performance since UncutGems, his appearance and mental health is something to be believed in the film.

The various camera/editing choices they decided to make emphasises the sense of uneasy-ness, something you can assume Sandler's character must feel during the film.

The connection between characters as well is one that may pull on heart strings. It certainly did for me!

However, this isn't by no means a blockbuster of a hit. Story wise it's not very original and reminded me of the films Ad Adstra and Interstellar. I'd also say the ending could have been cut shorter, but I suppose the alternative wouldn't have made much of a difference for a viewing.

Overall, it's a very dark, artistic sci-fi film, that often leaves you questioning what's real and what isn't.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

A standard drama vibe

[7/10 · 19 March 2024]

The film has a strong set-up, style and it's clear why it won Best Sound Design at the Oscars. But it was played safe.

There were many missed opportunities imo to blend what was happening outside of the wall, within the 'zone' so to speak. Although there are a few elements of this, more would have given this film some edge, compared to what it currently is, which feels more like a domestic drama.

A lot of the film is fairly subjective, but in some cases, the subjective-ness wasn't necessary, and just added to the feel that they wanted to play it self. We know what went down in history, and this film depicts itself as based on true events, so why want the audience to try and make assumptions on facts?

Overall, it was enjoyable, and there were some really great and stark shots, but if you're after a historic film based on these events, with more grit and horror, then give this a miss.

Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)

Difficult to follow if you're not Artsy

[6/10 · 11 January 2024]

One massive issue with this film is unless you are already in the Art world, it can be difficult to understand the communication between characters.

Obviously, characters are suppose to be pretentious here following the stereotypes, but I had a hard time understanding who was who, what they were selling, to who and so forth, because the language they use was often over the top and made up (artist names for e.g).

I also don't fully understand how the name of the film was at all relevant as it didn't seem to go anywhere in my opinion.

Aside from this, I think some of the casting was a good choice, despite their being lack of chemistry in places, and there were some humorous poke's into the art world.

Overall, a film that is probably more suited to a niche audience.

The Strays (2023)

Rushed with no context

[4/10 · 14 November 2023]

It gets a 4/10 based on the budget and set, but that's about it.

This film really doesn't understand pace. It rushes over a lot of themes leaving little context. You end up feeling confused and disconnected with the characters because their actions and words don't really have any meaning.

The title font doesn't set a accurate precedent to the film, and the film location begins in the UK, but then appears to look US Suburban. It's as if the filmmakers don't understand consistency.

Overall, it was just a bit of a mess with some poor acting. Which is a real shame as it could have been an interested plot, if they just slowed everything down a bit and removed a lot of unnecessary moments.

Willy's Wonderland (2021)

Trash

[2/10 · 6 November 2023]

I honestly don't understand how this film has had so many high ratings.

From an unoriginal storyline, to incredibly unlikeable characters, this film clearly tries appeal to a younger audience based on the edgy lighting and what's suppose to be quirky one liners, but it comes across really try-hardy.

As well as some poor acting from supporting actors, Nick Cage thinks of himself as a badass, when in reality, he's like the Terminator who has let himself go way too many times. Bloated, stiff and creepy.

On top of this, the characters have little to no back story and the motives of some made no sense.

Finally, the ending did not tie up the film well. In fact, it just posed more questions and raised concerns.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

All for visuals and nothing more

[6/10 · 13 January 2023]

The trailer made this film appear edgy, fast paced and grungy, everything that I was expecting. But I was left feeling a little under whelmed by the whole experience.

Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston were nice touches to the film and had chemistry, though their performances came off very wooden in places. Definitely caused by some questionable directing.

The aesthetic of the film is a complete mood, one that gives off a neo-noir/retro vibe and is rather pleasant to watch. Though this is the only edge you'll get in the film. A fair few of the scenes were long-winded with nothing really happening. I understand directors want you to 'take in the moment' sometimes but this was rather a lot and slowed the pace of the film.

The story was okay - it all came off rather pretentious and that was down to the characters themselves. Overall, it was an 'alright' watch, just don't expect something edgy, go in with the mind it's going to be almost a 'relaxing' watch.

Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities: The Murmuring (2022) Season 1, Episode 8

Saving the best till last

[8/10 · 18 December 2022]

Compared to the previous 7 episodes, this one is by far the strongest.

Both Essie Davis and Andrew Lincoln worked very well together, they clearly had good chemistry on screen. Each scene in this episode was shot so beautifully in terms of lighting, location and set that every shot looked like a painting.

Most importantly, this episode stood out by its "less is more" approach that the previous episodes did not follow. There was more suspense, and more emotion portrayed by the characters.

Finally, I was left feeling teary eyed but positive towards the end of the episode. A feeling that I did not have in previous episodes. Definitely the best one out of the 8!

Dashcam (I) (2021)

Annie made this film

[5/10 · 10 June 2022]

It was Annie her really made this film. Sure, she's a pretty unlikeable character, but she had her charm and quick wit with her ridiculous one liners that made for a funny watch. Don't expect to really like anyone in the film though.

Generally it was an okay film. It had its funny and pretty grotesque moments. The text on screen though felt pretty distracting at times. Another thing is it's suppose to be viewed via a live stream, yet some shots had faces of the people in the background blurred out. This really takes you out of the immersion.

A film on similar lines with Spree (2020) and of course, the Blair Witch (1994).

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)

Entertaining but nothing more

[6/10 · 31 October 2021]

A fun, family film with some interesting characters and really quite grotesque moments that resonate with the Tim Burton style.

Eva Green is arguably the strongest character in the film. Her portrayal was well put together and stylised to perfection.

But, this is a family film, so don't expect any deep, meaningful undertones, or any unexpected trickery in the storyline. The film is what it is from start to finish. The ending was a little farfetched, but I guess you cannot expect much more from a kids film.

The Dead Don't Die (2019)

The dead pan comedy is dead

[4/10 · 31 October 2021]

What was advertised as a black comedy came across flatter than a pancake.

The whole film is incredibly slow paced with questionable shots and unnecessary clips that just elongate scenes and add nothing to the narrative. The satirical humour just fell really flat, partly to blame I think was the direction as many of the cast have well known credits in other successful films. Bill Murray is fantastic at dead pan one liners, but this film did not do him justice.

There were some really odd moments in the film that again, didn't add to the story and didn't enhance the comedy aspect as they felt unnecessary and came across awkward.

Overall a very disappointing zombie flick, I wouldn't even have this on as background noise.

Sound of Metal (2019)

It's all gone Pete.. Metal?

[6/10 · 15 October 2021]

I'm not sure what all the hype is about this film. It's just a metal version of It's All Gone Pete Tong.

Riz Ahmed was excellent in his role but that's the only original thing about this film.

The Undoing (2020– )

A Gripping Story

[7/10 · 17 August 2021]

A gripping story with well thought-out script and cliff-hangers at the end of each episode.

Hugh Grant has shown he can part-take in a more serious role while Nicole Kidman did feel a little flat against her partner. The dressed up hair and soft focus on her skin didn't help.

Would recommend if you're interested in detective/court-house style dramas.

Sexy Beasts (2014– )

Inner Beauty? Love Island Contestants?

[4/10 · 28 July 2021]

A show that promotes inner beauty... Yet only chooses young, conventionally attractive people to take part. These contestants look like they belong on Love Island. A big disappointment for something that had a lot of potential.

Aquaman (2018)

More cheese than a double cheese pizza

[5/10 · 25 July 2021]

I never expect much when I watch a superhero film, but this one really takes the biscuit. 90% of the film is a cringe-fest, with really cliché moments and awkward scriptwriting. It picked up near the end, but it really was hanging on by threads.

Nice costumes and scenery, however an overall bore-fest of a film. Best to watch as background noise.

Katla (2021)

Brilliantly eerie and clever

[8/10 · 6 July 2021]

Set up in a dark, eerie town in Iceland this series really captures a sense of unknowing just by how it looks on screen. It has a really interesting plot which raises questions through out and leaves you desperately seeking answers and wanting to binge-watch the whole season to find resolutions.

The final few episodes where everything was revealed was so well scripted and thought-out. Everything made sense, and in some way, almost felt like it could be real.

I watched the dubbed version which was well done, the voices suited the characters well and it felt like an easy watch.

A great series, well casted and constructed. A great watch for sci-fi fans who love psychological thrillers.

The Pursuit of Love (2021)

Okay for background TV

[5/10 · 2 July 2021]

A series which really tried to add that little extra spunk but it just fell flat.

I could not get over the first episode when Lily James and Emily Beecham were playing 15 year olds.. Why didn't producers cast younger women? Because they just looked like immature grown-ups running around, trying hard to act like children and it came across super awkward.

Plenty of scenes splodged together which looked a mess, and a whole show full of unlikeable characters.

A Star Is Born (2018)

A bloated mess

[5/10 · 22 June 2021]

This film received high praise so I went in with an open mind only to be closed off from the opening sequence.

This forced style "chemistry" between the two protagonists upon first meeting was cringe-worthy. Not to mention both characters at this point have given us an unlikeable presence from the get-go. From Jackson's alcoholism showing a sense of instability and creepiness from the constant touching of Ally, a woman he just met. To Ally, someone who feels she's to above it all to take out the rubbish at her job because she (like many others) has a life outside of work. Luckily for Ally, she has the comfort of a rich father meaning Ally is free to get whisked off into riches by a successful man... similarly to Fifty Shades of Grey.

Speaking of cross-over films, this plot also screams Coyote Ugly, a young song writer to afraid to get on stage, but luckily, once again she has her successful man to bring her into the light.

Lady Gaga is a mediocre actress at best, very wooden in places and the singing scenes where she was clearly miming looked very forced. Bradley Cooper however did portray an addict very well, the body language and his tone of voice were very believable. Along with some of the fellow cast members did create an entertaining ensemble.

Disappointing ending, not with the suicide as this can be predicted very early on, but the song at the end. I can't be the only once who was... really, really bored?

Deadly Illusions (2021)

Deadly dull...

[4/10 · 23 March 2021]

This film really has nothing on Baby Love (1969) and features some pretentious and questionable filmmaking. A film where it tries to make you feel a certain why through music, scene and acting.. but just falls flat. Overall, a very poor performance, slow scenes hitting a bum note.

Freaks (2018)

Such high-quality on tiny budget!

[8/10 · 25 June 2020]

I was more than impressed by this film. Set-up with dark undertones you're immersed in a setting having the feeling that something isn't right. It then continues to add more to the narrative and you end up asking many many questions... but good questions!

All this made on a tiny budget of $2000, that's unbelievable. I'd say it looks more around the $50,000 mark at least! Don't watch the trailer, don't read about it, just go in with an open mind!

The Domestics (2018)

A strong start, but that was it!

[5/10 · 22 May 2020]

Seeing a clip of the opening on Netflix was what made me want to watch the entire film. It was dark and intriguing, something I could get behind. Unfortunately that's the only part which I enjoyed.

The film then turns into a predictable Apocalyptic journey, often finding there's too much going on so any build-up of momentum was lost.

Shame, with more explanation and less action scenes, this could have been far more gripping.

I Am Mother (2019)

Enjoyable watch

[7/10 · 24 April 2020]

Expecting this to be a low budget sci-fi with all the cliche's, I Am Mother actually has a lot of depth to the storyline and characters. Daughter's performance was believable and felt genuine.

There is an unsettling feeling which overarchs the narrative, this adds to the plot and helps keep you immersed in the film.

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)

An enjoyable watch

[8/10 · 29 March 2020]

A great homage to the late Madam Walker, this mini-series goes into a fair amount of detail into Walker's life, most of which were true events. The story is brought to life by Octavia Spencer who put on a fantastic performance, and generally speaking it was all really well casted.

The modern style and music uplifted the story and worked well against Walker's character who herself was always looking to better the future for herself, her family and company.

Weekender (2011)

A poor attempt at an edgy film.

[5/10 · 21 February 2020]

A poor attempt at an edgy film.

The plot wasn't gritty enough to be passed off as a druggy film and with some areas, particularly the acting of a few, felt unrealistic.

A film to have on in the background, nothing more.

A.M.I. (2019)

Underwhelming and generally not good.

[5/10 · 19 February 2020]

This film struggles to create any impact for its audiences with weak acting and a really bad soundtrack.

A couple of logical explanations went a miss, meaning you were left thinking "how unrealistic".

However, it redeemed itself slightly by the ending which I felt was true to the protagonist and refreshing to see a "not so happy" ending.

A Film for background watching.

The Lighthouse (I) (2019)

An unusual experience...

[7/10 · 19 February 2020]

You're taken on a bit of a artsy rollarcoaster in this film.

Unsure whether to trust characters, managing what is real and what is in the mind and figuring out what actually is happening.

Dafoe and Patterson were excellent - incredible strong performances and they made the entire film.

This film definitely gives your brain a work-out, but in a good way.