martin-lynch-713-581715 Reviews

The Great War of Archimedes (2019)

Entertaining and offering a different perspective on history.

[9/10 · 14 November 2023]

First of all, this is not a traditional war movie. Think of it more as a documentary. You will understand it a little easier before you watch.

I think this is the first time I've ever seen a Japanese take prior to World War 2. It's certainly gives you food for thought.

For most the battleship Yamamoto, we'll be in the distant past. The story does put a certain amount of humanity which I don't think has been shown to western audiences before.

If you watch it expecting guns, blazing and action hero swinging in you will be sorely disappointed. The story centers around one young man and some admirals, including yamamoto himself and the story behind getting the yamamoto built.

So if you are into history by all means, give it a watch. You won't be disappointed if you're looking for action find something else.

The Killer (2023)

Slow

[2/10 · 13 November 2023]

In keeping with what seems to be the new normal, take great actors and give them a tool to ruin their careers.

The first 20 plus minutes is probably the longest introduction to a plot and sets the pace for the rest of the movie. Music that is outdated for any creative affects it may want to have had.

It comes over nowhere near the hit that "fight club" had. It is edited more like a flim school offering or an artsy project. If you are a fan of Michael Fassbender or Tilda Swinton, prepare for some disappointment.

A-list actors who seem to be more interested in the paycheck than the quality of the product that..... at the end of the day, will have a very real affect on their future prospects and earnings should think twice.

Honestly, not worth the time to watch unless you have insomnia.

The Ritual Killer (2023)

Nope

[7 August 2023]

One has to ask how big names like Morgan Freeman and Cole Hauser thought this was a script worth doing... it also begs the question of how people put money into it!

Farcical is a good description, not the best acting by any of the names you recognize. It's simply a disappointment from start to finish. If this is going to be the standard for the future then, I'm happy the screen writers and actors are on strike.... long may it continue if for no other reason than to save the embarrassment of doing this type of dribble.

Do not waste your time, honesty it is worse than Freemans mistake of doing Vanquish (I never thought anything would surpass that black hole of film)

No stars, just bewildered and feeling used.... and not in a good way!

Mrs. Davis (2023)

Worth watching

[8/10 · 5 May 2023]

In a rare quirk TV has finally spawned something that for the first time in far too long is a welcome break from the PC shows invading our screens.

The cast a are great, the story has you guessing, the special effects have you both horrified and laughing at the same time and for the Hour each episode is on, your mind won't wander to the mundane tasks of life.

A good cast of characters with great actors matched perfectly to them. 5 episodes in and I'm looking forward to the next and beyond.

It's not a show for everyone, I'm sure some will take offense and try to have it stopped but, good luck with that.

It is a good start to what I'm sure will be more than just one season!

True Lies (2023)

Please do not renew this show

[1/10 · 5 May 2023]

If you liked the movie, you are going to be so disappointed with the show. Everything seems to require an explanation (as in explaining anything to a 4 years old) in the show. I think the whole show is aimed at a pre-pubescent audience.

Tasker "the super spy" (Austin Powers has more credibility) and his Wife (who didn't know what he did bit, now does because..... who knows!) Turns out the a regular housewife manages to switch from yoga to Krav Maga in less time than it takes to cook the Christmas Turkey...

With the various gadgets (poorly done BTW) are reminiscent of the Roger Moore Bond Films...

Audiences deserve better, it is run of the mill at best. The acting is passable but the overall idea.... should have been left on the big screen.

The Pope's Exorcist (2023)

Predictable

[4/10 · 5 May 2023]

Russell Crowe saves the day (and the movie) it is predictable, not a great deal of expense for special effects or sets. The movie is based on the files of Gabriele Amorth (the actual Chief Exorcist for the Vatican).

From the beginning you kind of know how it ends. The special effects are "simple" and for the most part, cheap. Both Crowe and Daniel Zovatto do have presence on screen, the family...... meh, they are there..

It would have been nice to see Franco Nero (the Pope) and Cornell John (Bishop Lumumba) have more screen time as both are brilliant Actors and worth watching. I would say that would have made for a more interesting experience.

The ending seems to leave it open for a sequel or series of follow-ups (still waiting for Crowe to return as Robin Hood.... hint, hint!)

Not a movie the will rock your world, don't rush home to watch it... more of a case " if it's on and your home then play it"

Renfield (2023)

The best role Johnny Depp never had.

[3/10 · 5 May 2023]

It is amusing for a while but Nicholas Cage just doesn't carry it off. He really doesn't make his own mark but, more of an imitation of Johnny Depp.. he is better than the character he played.

Over all it is a mixed bag, you will either love it or hate. Some good scenes with the other cast member's but, it is not just "camp" it's full on glamping for the most part. Think Michael Keaton's Batman movies and you get the idea.

Nicholas Hoult plays well as Renfield, Awkwafina ....... copy and paste from most of her previous performances. Even with the beautiful and wonderful Shohreh Aghdashloo giving a good performance, it is still not a remarkable movie by any standard.

Is it worth watching, that is entirely a personal matter, would you watch it more than once... nope.

MH370: The Plane That Disappeared (2023)

Not a Documentary!

[11 March 2023]

NO STARS, just disappointment.

This has been advertised as a documentary, it is not! It is random conspiracy theories woven into a barely watchable show.

The idea that a documentary should be educational and based on known facts seems to have fallen through the cracks with this offering. Some relatives of those lost who participated in this come across as "conspiracy nuts"

The whole show twists theories to the maximum and for whatever reason one person is given center stage with wild theories and absolutely no facts to back them.up.

Sorry Netflix, you have canceled better shows than this dribble.

To surmise, passing this off as a "documentary" is like passing "Blazing Saddles" off as one of the Wild West.

The Ark (2023– )

Makes you wish for a power cut

[4 March 2023]

No stars (this show does make you wish you could remove any it actually has!)

We are required to have a minimum of Six Hundred characters in a review, unfortunately it doesn't take that many. This is bad, really bad to the point that I now put it on just to shout at the Television and blow off some steam.

A typical premise, ill considered with a cast of characters that are truly cringe worthy. Bad acting, bad story, bad script and special effects that make Red Dwarf look like Avatar in comparison. (FYI, Red Dwarf is a far better show in every respect and more believable)

The standards for entertainment has taken a dramatic fall over the last few years, this offering is more proof ot that.

Don't waste your time.

Interceptor (2022)

Walk away

[3 January 2023]

*NO STARS* A barely passable "B" movie with a tired plot that makes little too no sense at all. Predictable from the beginning and honestly expected to see Steven Seagal make an appearance, yes its one of those....

The premise is far from original, the only bonus is the cameo by Chris Hemsworth (leading lady's real life Husband)

Bad premise, bad script, average acting and just for extra cringe the bad guys do a "Charlie's Angel's" pose around the 35 minute mark. If you have a low IQ, you will undoubtedly enjoy it but, if you can use words with more than two syllables in the right context then you may wish to skip it.

Detective Knight: Rogue (2022)

Dismal

[1/10 · 9 November 2022]

EDIT: I wrote this review before Bruce Willis diagnose became public knowledge. I do stand what I wrote but, knowing now about his illness I do feel that if nothing else maybe his performance may act as a advisory to others.

END EDIT.

The story is OK, what let's in down is everything else. Bad acting, bad editing, quite possibly the worst special effects to ever be seen on screen. The list goes on.

Bruce Willis looks like he may have been either under a considerable amount of medication or realized he messed up signing the contract.

This offering is yet another bad idea that should have never made it off the drawing board.... unless it was straight to the shredder!

Save yourself the time watching this, you will regret the time wasted. One can only hope that as this is the first of a trilogy..... they actually scrap the next Two installments because honestly, there really is no coming back from this.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Nope

[3/10 · 22 December 2021]

To be clear, if you are one of the few who have never watched the franchise before, you will enjoy it..... you should probably stop reading my review now.

If you have watched the others then here are two options, rewatch them again then... maybe watch this one. Or option number Two, dont bother. The money spent on making this would have been better spent remastering the original films.

It comes across as another attempt to cash in on a franchise and fails hard. There is an old adage "if it ain't broke, dont fix it" words to live by, shame all involved didnt think it through.

I'm being generous with 3 stars.

Fronteras (2018)

Missed opportunity

[1/10 · 28 November 2021]

What could have been good was made virtually unwatchable. The story is ok (betting it was inspired by Sicario) it's hard to pick a good scene because there really aren't any.

The acting... rubber, wooden, abysmal spring ro mind. The only saving grace would possibly be the cinematography, at least they tried but, it really is a case of putting Lipstick on a Pig.

Not worth you time.

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

I'm not a Cat Person, but.....

[8/10 · 23 November 2021]

Before you watch it, read the Bio on Louis Wain. Biographical Films are difficult to nail down, I do think that this one has got it (overall) right.

Benedict Cumberbatch has done it again, he did a wonderful job that will have you smile, laugh and maybe give you a lump in your throat. It really is a beautiful Film in all respects and deserves a chance... even if your not a Cat person. A fine cast, a great story wonderfully Directed.

It may not stick all your boxes but, you wont have wasted your time.

Invasion (2021–2024)

No Stars... on this review or in the show

[23 October 2021]

I made it through 2 full episodes and as the 3rd started I took my dogs for a walk.... came back in about half way through and honestly, I dont think missed anything.

A peice of advice for Apple, playing thing in real time works for a Film that is 2 too 3 hours long... not in a series. They could have had a real shot at an outstanding performance by all but, it is slow to the point of curing insomnia.

The performances are ok but, nobody stands out because of the way it has been edited. Your call but, dont get excited..... you will be let down.

Kin (2021– )

Slow but worth watching

[7/10 · 7 October 2021]

I was looking forward to this show, I'm from Dublin, I know all the locations especially the Church as it's the one I grew up going to.

This was written for a North American audience not an Irish or European one. It is painfully slow getting the story across, to the point that with a week between each episode you will most likely forget what happened the previous week. (Binge watching would be a good plan and make it a far better experience)

The writers obviously don't know many Irish Women, certainly none from Dublin! They are shown as subservient which believe me is the furthest thing from the truth, the vast majority of Dublin Women are far stronger than the Men in their lives. It covers every demographic possible and to be honest doesn't do very good job of it.

Despite my negative comments, I think it will turn out to be a good Show. The Cast are great and some legendary Actors do a great portrayal given the script. I've wait until episode 5 to write this, it would have been easy to make a judgment after watching the First episode but I wanted to give it a chance.

It is worth watching but, by the same token you won't be rushing home to watch it.

FBI: International (2021– )

As Original as a Chinese knockoff

[22 September 2021]

NO STARS for this.. Where do you start, 1 minute in and the bad acting from the henchmen, the FBI field office the was ripped off from NCIS New Orleans, the camera movements from Criminal Minds, the loud brash FBI Boss... and it just keeps getting worse!

For the love of Humanity make it stop!!

Justified (2010–2015)

A true Gem

[9/10 · 15 September 2021]

It's now 2021 and this is the first time I've watched the Show... it is a true gem that puts today's offerings to shame.

Brilliant performances by all involved, an ongoing storyline that certainly takes you down a lot of Rabbit holes, great writing, good editing and holds your interest.

Everyone will have a favorite Character for sure, mine is Dewey... lovable, dumb and provides some comic relief throughout.

It does make you wish for a follow up season , which is entirely possible thanks to how the show finished. Grab a Beer, order a Pizza and enjoy.

Educating Rita (1983)

Still a wonderful classic

[9/10 · 6 September 2021]

As I do this it's 2021, 38 years since the Film was made and you know what? It is still better than most of the Cinematic offerings available today.

Well written, stellar cast, perfect director and it shows. Despite being set in England, it was all filmed in Trinity College Dublin. For me some nostalgia at the location's and a great reminder of what Cinema should be about.

A wonderful story that even now is relatable and funny.

Worth (2020)

The forgotten side of 911

[9/10 · 6 September 2021]

Reading quite a few of the reviews here leaves me wondering if people actually understand that it is based on actual facts?

Yes, I'm sure there was some artistic license used but, it is based on what really happened in the aftermath of the 911 attacks.

Honestly, it is a bit dull, slow but it will hold your attention if you remember where you where when it happened. I doubt many of us even thought about this side of the fallout and as we have all matured over the last 20 years, maybe we might just have a better appreciation for the human side show in the Film.

Take the lower Star ratings with a grain of Salt. Watch it, make your own mind up.

The truth is seldom as exciting as fiction but, it will speak to you on some level. Great cast and well written.

Jungle Cruise (2021)

The Older you are the more funny it is.

[8/10 · 23 August 2021]

Not just for kids, I didn't expect much but, laughed through most of it. The Dad jokes are so bad they are brilliant. Think Peter Pan meet's The Pirates of the Caribbean and you have the story.

It's worth watching more than once..... not many of today's movies can say that!

The Green Knight (2021)

Do some shrooms before watching, it might actually make sense!

[23 August 2021]

Why anyone thought this was a good idea is beyond reason.

Stillwater (2021)

It's ok for a rainy day watch but.....

[7/10 · 23 August 2021]

Good Actors, interesting premise, the story doesn't really flow, no real context of time during it and the editing is what really let's it down.

One of Matt Damon's better performances, Camille Cottin is as always a pleasure to watch but, Lilou Siauvaud as Maya steals every scene she is in.

If your a fan of European Films you will recognize quite a few of the Supporting actors throughout it.

If it's one of those lazy day's, then watch it.... it is slow and more of a Love story than a Whodunit.

Reminiscence (2021)

Lacking

[2/10 · 23 August 2021]

I've read a lot of the reviews and just watched the movie and, I cant disagree with the majority of them.

You will find yourself continuing to compare it with Bladerunner, Inception with smaller elements of Wolverine (in the tub) and just to ad some more amusement.... his love interest starts out as a lifelike Jessica Rabbit (yes, younger viewers will have to Google her)

Overall, forgettable as a movie. It is really a case of "I think I've seen it but, I'm not sure"

Cruella (2021)

Surprisingly brilliant

[9/10 · 30 May 2021]

I didn't know if this would be any good, pass away some time on the couch but...... it is brilliant, I've not watched any of the other variations of the story, so honestly I didn't expect much.

A fantastic Film, great story, Character's and if nothing else, by far the best soundtrack in years.

Well worth watching even if your not a fan of the stories done previously.