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Reviews
Oppenheimer (2023)
Nolan is back with another gem
I know I have seen a great film when I spend the remainder of the day after viewing, with my brain firing with thoughts and ideas provoked by the viewing.
A story of perhaps the man that oversaw the greatest of moral dilemmas. Navigated perfectly Cillian Murphy. A film that can leave you with an impression of how haunted he lived out his days with.
Science = can we do it?
Religion/humanistic principles = should we do it?
A war ravaging inside Oppenheimer.
A very important representation of the damaging McCarthyite attack era in America still very much alive today. Stifling debate and reducing the Overton windows in western governments to Neo liberalism with a dash of identity politics on either side.
Also the inception of the military industrial complex shifting away from the concept of true American values into the tyrannical path that has ravaged too much of the world and America itself.
Gattaca (1997)
Can the human Genome measure the human spirit
Beautiful film with a timeless, art deco, not so distant future setting. Beautiful score which I'm surprised has not been referenced much in the other reviews I have enjoyed reading.
On reflecting on this marvellous film it feels like an allegory on the American Dream. People entrenched in class systems (biological ones) that effectively determines one's future at birth. Where as one man unbounded by these restrictions, who will only allow himself to be limited by his own ambitions. Reaching for the stairs and saving nothing for the journey home or the deadly pitfalls of failure.
Some marvellous performances, and top talent on show. This film did not get the acclaim it deserved in its time. I particularly love the ocean scene with his brother. It was poignant and really strikes a chord for those that may feel disadvantaged in life to seek out their limits.
Interstellar (2014)
I watched this film in an empty IMAX Cinema.
One of the most profound Cinema experiences of my life. It's rare a film can leave you exhilarated and bring you to tears. The music is epic from the genius himself. What a film. I own it now, but I envy anyone who could watch this for the first time. Do not miss the chance to see it on big screen if they show it again.
Children of Shanghai (2021)
Lovely story about the importance of family.
Possibly one of the most unlikely career switches. Professional footballer to social worker, certainly by today's financial picture. However what a thoroughly decent man and family. It's so beautiful to see how the efforts and sacrifice of a small group of people could help shift the future for so many children. The villages where they took in 100s of disabled children were incredible. "Who wants a mama?"
Nomadland (2020)
Stunning dissection of the decay of capitalism
A film that does not try to do anything but point the lense at real people living real lives. They are the story. Promised so much by the American dream. These wholesome, hard working people, chewed up and spat out by a country that lost its way. Greatest country in the world, yet so many people are just about getting by. Wonderful performance from FD who is so authentic, and believable as always.
I think It's always worth remembering that despite many countries having truly repulsive governments representing them (I certainly include the UK in this). That there are some really nice harmless people on this planet that never had a chance.
Film won't be too everyone's tastes obviously. But if you have an active interest in the world, and don't mind watching films that make you think/reflect on the real circumstances of others, then this one might be for you.
What's the film about? Socialism being the only way we can dig ourselves out of this mess clearly.
His House (2020)
Well worth a watch.
Expecting a more standard horror story, I was pleasantly surprised to see a different take.
Overall I felt it was a dissection of the horrors many asylum seekers leave behind or bring along with them. The haunting in this instance being symbolic for survivors guilt and ptsd suffered. Living in the UK where the media and the conservatives devote a lot of time and energy to denigrating & dehumanising these people, it's Refreshing to see a film really humanise them and give them a voice. Especially in a time when children are dying in the channel whilst sociopathic Patel files her nails.
It's not often a horror film inspires you to go out and find a way of help people.
The Clovehitch Killer (2018)
Good film, worth a watch.
Heavily inspired by BTK (bind torture kill) real life murderer.
Spoilers.
The film interestingly seen through victims not considered, the family of the said serial killer as well as the child of a unconfirmed victim.
I don't agree with the plot hole aspect as the woman would have no way of identifying or knowing who attacked her. With respects to the failure to provide closure for the other victims. Quite simply he gave her closure at the expense of losing his own father. I think it's possible they would have agreed to protect his mom and sister, despite the sad fact it would deny justice to many others.
If only he had taken the id's... if you enjoyed this film. Watch drama series "mindhunter" on Netflix if you haven't. It will blow your mind. It contains some out of context background scenes that may appear very familiar to this film.
Mignonnes (2020)
Actually bloody watch it.
What a performance from the young girl playing Amy. It defies her years. I hope this is the beginning of a stellar career for her.
The film isn't about sex. It doesn't promote sexualising young girls. It explores the sexualisation of pre pubescent girls through mainstream culture. This is Something that happens In the real world, and the film seems to critique French/reality culture in particular with respects to this. This exploration is made even more interesting by viewing it through the lense of a girl born into a culture completely at odds with this culture of girls only finding value through their sex appeal.
I also feel It also explores the difficult nature of friendships and prevalence of bullying and difficulty with school and friendships and fitting in. Especially for an immigrant child, coming into this in a difficult family situation.
It's on Netflix. If some of the dancing scenes shots go on a bit too long it's not difficult just to skip forwards. The story and performance is interesting.
It was interesting to watch a film where they show a matriarchal side of Islam rather than it being dominated by male characters.
Backcountry (2014)
Not great not that bad, worth a watch.
I might of rated this film 7 if they just hadn't shown the bear in the tent. Showing a big fake bear head detracted for me. Directors should not be afraid to just not show the creature. Especially if you build tension for the best part of an hour to deliver a paper bear head. I personally think Watching the reaction of someone being eaten by a bear would have sufficed.
In terms of the premise of the film.
Now I'm no camping expert, but I'm pretty sure some major mistakes were made here. The biggest danger camping in the U.K. is probably stinging your unmentionables dropping the kids off to the pool. All you need is a doc leaf, maybe a bit of aloe Vera gel and bobs your uncle. Canada however appears to be a whole different kettle of fish.
Mistake they made.
From my keen but amateur eye...
If I took the missile camping and had a pretty unsettling experience with a chap claiming he lived out there, I'd take this as a foreboding sign of deliverance style rape or impending murder. This may have proven incorrect, but we'd have lived to tell the tail, they were all wrong for each other anyway.
Mace type substance (I assume it was as the bear swiftly pissed off before returning for seconds) was only utilized after initial mauling of boyfriend. I just feel like it could have been used before the bear latched round the groin. Great story to tell the grand kids became no grand kids very fast. In marriage you get used to carrying resentments. But if they got through that experience both alive he'd have been feeling those phantom scrotum "being eaten by a bear" pains and would be proper miffed that the substance was deployed slightly earlier.
Flare only utilized many hours after helicopter flew over. It was day time I know, but you'd still be tempted, rather than using it as a way to attract bears and serial killers at night.
A more experienced camper took out a completely green novice, and determined that she would be totally ok in the event something happened to him. This is in a wilderness that contains giant human excavating beasts. This is without a knife or Fire arm (I'm no proponent for the right to bear arms. But if those bear arms are coming for my junk, I'm supplying some lead in return). No map, no phone, no compass or maybe as it's the 21st century, I don't know maybe a device that utilized satellites to tell you where you are. This however Might of made the film a bit boring, if they just navigated out based on the knowledge of the moss growing on the north side of trees. If that got mentioned it would have been a 5.
I don't have experience of bears, but the bloody sock looked like a red rag to a... b ...bear to me. Like a restaurant staff offering tasters at the entrance, and an all you can eat buffet inside.
Got to say though it does exciting. Will we survive tonight? Will I get eaten alive, lovely way to spend the weekend and some might even say he took the less painful route than marriage.
Last thing to add is my Tag line for the film. "Just when you thought humans were the most dangerous animal, it actually turned out to be bears, as they will literally eat you alive"
Farming (2018)
A really hard watch, but worth watching.
I hesitate to call watching this film an ordeal, when you see Emi's childhood, I'm not sure I know what an ordeal is. It makes you face up to an ugly past not so distant past that still feeds into today.
The story almost feels like a study Into how to displace, and tear a child's mind apart. Destroying their identity and refusing them love, leaving them alone in a cruel environment. The only love and acceptance could be found in a skinhead gang.
I'm glad he made the choice and found his way, I just wish the film dedicated more time to his rise. I felt the short montage at the end detracted from the story. The process of deradicalisation itself would have been interesting.
This film without doubt brings to attention, not just this issues of race/immigration. But also class and economics. The pitting against each other of working/non working class vs immigrants invited to the Uk to rebuild it. The sickening era of skinheads losers, cut adrift and with little to hope for. Only able to find "superiority"and pride in the denigration of immigrants.
Joker (2019)
Unbelievably Good
I had high expectations and they were exceeded. Take the Joker aspect of this film out of the equation, and I'd simply describe this as a Oscar worthy performance from Joaquin Phoenix, of The descent into madness and psychosis of a man allowed to slip through the cracks.
This film completely adds on every level to a joker character. The comparisons between Bruce's charmed life turned tragedy, to the Authur's never had a chance, trampled, abused and tormented from birth.
This film works on so many levels. From a class war perspective. With the perfect veneer of the Wayne Dynasty allowed to slip and looked upon from the perspective of those with nothing. This was really interesting and is the first time we are allowed to see a billionaire industrialist philanthropist being much like you'd expect a billionaire to be like.
The most impressive aspect of the film was the view point of mental health and how it's viewed and prioritised. Much like we see in the world today, these terrible spirals could be avoided with good social services and health care. But when we allow children to be abused and brought up in abusive households. When we allow support for people with mental health issues to slip through the cracks and to live unsupported outside of medicating correctly and being cared for, this can be a consequence.
Finally the Victorian philosophy of serving up the mentally ill for ridicule for entertainment purposes. As the joker calls it. In a cruel world where no one cares for each other, the mainstream get to set what's acceptable not acceptable and what's funny or not funny. The reality is this usually oozes hypocrisy. I feel like I could watch this film a few more times and take much more from.
If Phoenix doesn't win an Oscar he's been robbed.
Skif (2018)
Well worth a watch.
Surprised the reviews are so polarised. It seems some people were expecting Tarantino dialogue in a Conanesque historical action fantasy.
If your willing to suspend disbelief, and are just looking for a classic revenge/hero storyline with some great fight scenes and some decent performances. Then this is your film.
If you need a film to be historically accurate or to have a stellar script or a plot in which you can't guess most of the story within 10 mins, I wouldn't bother.
I will definitely be looking to check out more Russian films.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Your gonna love these apples.
I don't even know how many times I have watched this film. Every time it gets me, without fail. Superb acting, script, story. This film is some of Robin Williams finest work, in an incredibly illustrious career. It's no surprise that Damon and both the Afflecks went onto so much success.
Top drawer film and in my top ten of all time.
A Star Is Born (2018)
Well worth a watch, the good parts out do any flaws.
I found it challenging to believe that Ally would have gone from writing performing heartfelt music, to do quickly descend into that terrible asses and texts songs and dance routines. I think this bit was a bit over the top, but understood it's purpose as part of the film and relative to the demands/pressures of a young female artist at this time.
I have to say for me, the relationship in the film that steals the show is Jack and Bobby. This for me supplied the most powerful moment of the film even if it was perfectly understated and internalised acting.
Overall it's a fantastic effort from Cooper in both his capacity as an actor and now a director. Talented chap.
China Moon (1994)
Decent enough film.
Worth watching for Charles Dances attempt at an southern American accent. They should of just made his character British. Haha
The Last of the Mohicans (1992)
What a epic ride. Absolute gem, must watch.
Superb soundtrack, incredible actors and acting, brilliant story and script. This film is a real gem and part of the Day-Lewis legacy. The story is poignant, thrilling and climaxes into a incredible crescendo. Wes Studi (Magoa) is one of the great screen villains. I must of watched this film 50 times over the space of 20 yrs, and I keep coming back.
Tasogare Seibei (2002)
A film that made me fall in love with a genre
Exquisitely beautiful film, moved me so much. The acting was sublime, the story/journey timeless. To be able to portray a swirling storm of emotion, heartache, passion and pain just beneath the surface of a seemingly serene exterior. This film led me to explore this genre although it's evident that this is a very special samurai film, even when compared to some of the classics.
Black Mirror (2011)
As brilliant as it is disturbing in equal measure
Quite simply this show is an example of why it's worth watching television. Supremely talented writers with an ever improving budget and wealth of great acting talent creating satire and poking holes and turning our own reality, values and ideas about the world on its head.
This quite simply can not be missed, I've rewatched almost every episode multiple times. It's the rarity of a thoroughly enjoyable from a dark comedy and cerebral slice of modern world reflection.
Calibre (2018)
High Calibre production
This film really borrowed from the premise of "A lonely place to die" and maybe "Eden Lake" creating an intense foreboding atmosphere that a remote and beautiful Uk location can create.
Where "A lonely place to die" started off so brilliantly but staved off to very average near the end, I felt this film managed to maintain momentum and avoided straying from a film that explored moral dilemmas into something ludicrous.
Well acted, thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommended.
Surprised that one of the reviews stated they felt the ending was unjust. I have to disagree on many levels. To take a clearly conscientious man who's crime was to accidentally shoot a boy and to have agreed against his good nature to cover up the crime, and turn him into a murderer seems pretty just to me. Clearly the end scene was lost on this viewer in which it's clear to me that not only is he haunted by his actions, but Likely wondering if they will come back to take retribution against his own son. As well as looking at his own son, and seeing what he extinguished.
I did wonder if the option to save himself by killing his friend was a test to see how "noble" he was in reality in comparison to the story he told.
If you enjoyed this definitely check out
A lonely place to die
Eden Lake
Them (ils)
Blooded
Closure
Off the top of my head. Enjoy
Peep Show (2003)
What a show!
Absolutely love this show. One of my favourite comedy series of all time. Spineless, weak, cowardly, depraved, insecure, self loathing, vindictive comedy at its best. Highly recommend. Series 10 please.
Argo (2012)
A Brave Move, or an opportunity bottled?
After watching this film, i can only say i was left extremely conflicted. This film outlines near the beginning the despicable actions of the US and British governments to obtain oil by installing corrupt borderline evil governments and letting them torture, kill and TERRORISE their own people as long as we get oil.
The film then descends into crazy foaming mouthed Iranians (id like to see how America would react if the had liberated themselves from a foreign backed leader) and talk of US hostages, don't even get me started on Guantemno. If these handful of workers from the states are worthy of empathizing for, then what about all the people of Iran who had their freedom stolen by American foreign policy? A film with good actors and good production completely lost the message by turning it into posturing against Iran. Coincidentially, the film also really comes across as a we don't want the Canadians getting the credit ploy. Rather than congratulating themselves, maybe the makers of this film, the real people involved and the American people can reflect on another story in which their country has left a legacy of blood, murder and torture in another foreign nation.
I'll give it a 5 as its shot well and it did have the guts to outline the bad ways in which the west behaved. If you have a conscience you will not come out of this film with the sense of triumph it attempts to install with all the cheesy American back slapping. You will reflect on the plight of the Iranian people and that poor Iranian girl (the actual hero) escaping across the border into Iraq (the irony). The cynic in me lets me believe they only even bothered to show that scene to make it OK for the film to seem triumphant.