jc333-555-985156 Reviews

The Irishman (2019)

Good but not the anticipated masterpiece.

[8/10 · 28 November 2019]

This movie is Scorsese at his formulaic best. The initial long shot with the accompanying soundtrack and characters who are given time and scope to develop. The initial shock of the characters being CGI'd into their prime is initially shocking and a little unconvincing, but becomes acceptable fairly quickly. However there is no disguising that these are now old men and the stiff-hipped De Niro is simply unconvincing, especially when beating up a grocer who has mistreated his daughter. It is probably a scene where a body double could be justified.

The acting from all is, as can be expected, very good, however Joe Pesci is stellar and steals every scene. The look that he gives when a guy has to "go" is chilling. Pacino is also worthy of note and turns in an excellent performance. He has backed off from his "shouty phase" and it works.

All in all, it is a very good movie and well worth a watch.

I'm sure that with further viewings much more will surface.

Purge of Kingdoms (2019)

Wonderfully Awful

[4/10 · 10 October 2019]

It is a truly terrible movie and all the better for it.

It knows that it is bad and revels in it.

The Trump Schtick was bad. The acting was "purposefully" bad. Piff the dragon was the star. Angus McFadyen using different accents - sometimes within the same speech - was inspired and the part that was most enjoyable.

It's a knockabout film, made to a budget.

It's better than sticking pins in your eyes.

The Krays: Dead Man Walking (2018)

No, tweacle, just no!

[1/10 · 17 September 2018]

Utterly and truly awful. More ham than a pork butchers. From the casting to the dialogue, costumes, direction and acting it is a wonder that one of these actors didn't mention that it was bloody abysmal. It started slowly and finally ground to a halt. If you are considering watching this, take some advice and have a better time by sticking pins in your eyes.

Black Mass (2015)

Well worth watching

[8/10 · 12 October 2017]

First off, although he is no longer the golden boy, John Depp's performance is captivating. He imbues a reality and depth of character which is faultless and reminds the viewer that he is more than a foppish pirate or a Tim Burton stooge but an actor of great range.

The actual historicity is no doubt very much in question but this is still a good, entertaining movie.

I agree with some other reviewers that this could easily have become a masterpiece with just a little bit of tweaking. Scorsese instantly springs to mind although I doubt that he would have cast Depp.

Overall a very good movie with well fleshed out characters, well acted by a quality cast.

Give it a view.

The Crown (2016–2023)

Good but spoiled by miscasting

[8/10 · 14 January 2017]

This is a wonderfully filmed filmed program which stays fairly close to historical accuracy.

The actors all do a good job but the badly matched similarities to such well known figures tends to distract from their performances.

John Lithgow does a good job but he is no Churchill. Much the same with the King. To be fair most of the other cast do look and sound like they should.

Such a shame, but nonetheless a very good series.

But please do not let these small distractions (which may well be only my own) stop you from enjoying, what is a very well produced piece of historical drama.