Julesecosse Reviews

A Promise (2013)

A must for Jane Austen fans

[7/10 · 29 July 2017]

Tis a classic story of forbidden love told throughout the ages from ancient Greece up to the present day.

I enjoyed it as much as it goes, with excellent performances from the cast. I would have liked to have seen more of the young theatre talent Shannon Tarbet, who plays the initial girlfriend of the protagonist.

I thought that to update it for the modern audience an odd plot twist would have been good, especially for the men who might find this story somewhat ponderous.

A must for those who like Jane Austen, male viewers may fall asleep!

The Red Tent (2014)

Dinah, Jacob and Joseph

[7/10 · 16 April 2017]

The Red Tent is a TV mini-series about Dinah the daughter of Jacob and half-sister to Joseph (he of the technicoloured dreamcoat fame). Told from a woman's point of view (unusual for TV/movie biblical stories) it revisits Old Testament family goings-on.

I enjoyed it at three hours, any longer would have been pushing my attention span. It was pretty realistic, as far as I know - my knowledge of this era/area being somewhat limited. The acting was fairly good, bar one or two exceptions (perhaps some rushing through the production at times caused this?).

All in all: a good thing for the family to watch during a festive season such as Easter or Christmas; but perhaps a little bit mature for the truly wee ones.

The Escort (2015)

Not quite but almost

[6/10 · 16 April 2017]

I thought that it was a brave role for the lead Lyndsy Fonseca, who from outward appearances at least, seems to have delicate sensibilities. In my opinion she doesn't really pull it off and doesn't convince me that she could be a prostitute, high class escort or not.

I have seen her in the Kick Ass franchise and believe that she would be more suited to the rom-com genre.

As to the rest of the cast, I liked the character of her father, who was a regular in Hercules the legendary Journeys and Xena. He is a versatile actor whose talents haven't been exploited to the full in my opinion.

I also liked the rest of the characters but was not totally enamoured with the film as a whole. It seemed to tread a well worn path and didn't elicit any emotion from me, bar the final scene, which I had hoped would end differently.

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

A romp across the Galaxy to the sounds of the eighties

[9/10 · 2 January 2017]

Great fun, a romp across the Galaxy to the sounds of the eighties. A space opera in the vein of Star Wars, but with more humour, rather than a superhero movie - to my mind at least.

Very imaginative, with a lot of quotable lines that really make the movie. The script is excellent and the acting better than one would expect. Assembled is a group of fun, interesting and diverse characters, who (like the film) don't take themselves seriously. The movie plays out in variety of exotic CGI locations, which along with the special effects would account for the high budget.

Fun for all the family, easy to watch with something for everyone; there shouldn't be many complaints.

Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010)

Right up my alley!

[7/10 · 2 January 2017]

I enjoyed this Ozzie version of Red Dawn, it is similar in many ways, but an Australian take e.g. more laid-back. The likelihood of an Asian invasion has been a low level threat for half a century; a sort of a boogeyman for the Austalian populace, after the attack on Darwin during World War II.

I reckon it would make a good TV series, as due to it's box office loss; they are unlikely to make a sequel. Plus, I am not sure what they spent all the money on, it could probably have been made for much less. This is the second time I have seen this movie; after the first time I decided to read some of the books.

If you liked Red Dawn, you will enjoy this movie; I believe that it is suitable fare for all the family, except perhaps for the very young.

Agora (2009)

Ponderous then explosive

[7/10 · 11 December 2016]

Somewhat ponderous at times, then explosive episodes, in which there is a lot of action.

I like ancient Roman fiction; and this is a deviation from the norm, which is unexpected. Rachel Weisz seems to have put heart and soul into this, as if she really believes in the film's message. At times, it wanders into doco territory with learning at the core; the fictionalised aspect seems unrealistic, but apparently is backed up by historical sources.

I would recommend to historical fiction fans, but the layperson might not find much of interest here.

Rome (2005–2007)

Fan of ancient Rome

[10/10 · 23 November 2016]

I have always liked ancient Roman history, from when learning Latin as a wee lad.

Historical fiction varies greatly in quality, often depending on the research, writing and target audience. Accuracy is up to debate, but doesn't lessen enjoyment unless glaringly obvious.

Who can say with certainty, exactly what went on two thousand years ago? The main attested historical events are adhered to in this magnificent production. The devil is in the details as they say.

In Masters of Rome (a fictional literary account of the late republic) the author has stated that she would take a small fact (learnt by extensive research) and expound upon it. This is what the creators and writers of this show have done over and over, to great effect, but without veering from historical events. For example: history states that Pompey Magnus was murdered by the Egyptians to the horror of Caesar. The show weaves a story, that no-one can any longer contradict!

I love the acting: particularly Polly Walker, Indira Varma and James Purefoy.

I am amazed by the production values; it's not surprising the beeb in particular couldn't afford more episodes. A shame though, as I have seen this show again on Netflix and can recite quotes as I can with I Claudius(a beeb mini-series, based on the book by Robert Graves). There are so few shows of this era, which is a pity, but understandable, considering the work involved to do the period justice. Netflix have condensed the show(a bit) for some reason and missed out some good phrases and character moments.

I would heartily recommend this to any adult.

Résistance (2014)

Illuminating

[8/10 · 23 April 2016]

Good solid drama.

For some reason we don't get a lot of French TV in the UK; so it was great to get this mini series. I'm not too au fait with the French resistance movement during the Second World War (I only knew of the French Maquis because of Star trek DS9!), but have learnt a lot from this show, for example: I was amazed at the ages of the most of the characters in the underground movement; would the youth of today be up for it?

It's not spectacular or particularly dramatic, but instead paints a picture of what I imagine life would have been like then. It pulls on your heart strings towards the end; but the rest is quite straight forward, matter of fact and life-like. That is except for the lead role: she seems natural in front of the camera and is very pretty and all that but plays it a bit smiley and vapid for the character that she is portraying. The rest of the cast is universally solid.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about France in the Second World War, it's the sort of thing I imagine that would be useful for educators.

Woman in Gold (2015)

Maslany and Mirren shine

[8/10 · 13 January 2016]

I thought that this was a very entertaining and informative film, which sets the scene naturally.

It was not overly dramatised or forced and with excellent performances; particularly from Helen Mirren and Tatiana Maslany who played the same character at different ages perfectly in harmony with each other; showing how history can change people from youthful optimism to pragmatism and a wistfulness for a glorious past.

History buffs will find it a fascinating foray into the glory of Vienna's past. Though art stolen by Nazis is a theme recently explored by movies such as The Monuments Men, this part of the Second World War has not been really explored by the movie industry; I am sure there are more stories to come. There have been a few movies about Austria and the Third Reich, the Sound of Music springs to mind. This one compares favourably with both the aforementioned films.

FairyTale: A True Story (1997)

A true fairy tale

[13 January 2016]

I loved it. It is a fairy tale in every sense of the phrase. Thoroughly enjoyable.

It is a charming tale of innocence with the horrific backdrop of the First World War. Like all fairy tales is not a totally happy story; but has several tragic elements.

I was not keen on the fairies being shown; I thought that that part of the story could have been left to the imagination and would have made the story more interesting.

I can't imagine many people disliking this movie as it has much to offer; but probably not one for the young.

I Give It a Year (2013)

Ana Faris yay!

[11 January 2016]

This film is inappropriate, politically incorrect and at times even offensive; but, occasionally it is uproariously funny, to the point of tears (for me at least).

For some unknown reason I am a fan of Ana Faris - maybe it's her total American cuteness which catches this bloke from across the pond; I'm not sure, but I do like her in movies.

I wouldn't recommend this movie to those of a sensitive nature; and it certainly isn't one I would take my mother or grandmother to; but is probably more in the age group of my son and nephews; the 20 to 35 year old demographic would probably find it apropos to the current times and funny.

Contrary to what I have read in other reviews; I would recommend concentration as there is the odd nod to the leslie Nielson movies such as Airport and the Naked Gun series where things happen in the background separate to the main story; admittedly though they are not that frequent.

Music and Lyrics (2007)

Good casting

[10 January 2016]

For me it got off to a rocky start but settled down into a gentle romantic comedy.

There are no surprises here, it is fairly predictable fare. But is has it's charms. The leads work well together; indeed they are the heavyweights of their chosen genre: light and fluffy stuff; I don't think either Drew Barrymore or Hugh Grant have ventured beyond light entertainment; but perhaps that is a good thing; it's where they belong; neither seem to have other aspirations.

I thought that the casting was near perfect; the peripheral characters were very believable. I particularly liked the agent(the older brother in Everybody Loves Raymond) and the young singer Cora, who represents everything you can imagine in a young modern pop star. I also liked Justin Timberlake's near cameo (he certainly gets around), he doesn't mind taking the mickey out of himself, though I felt he could have pushed it a little more for comic effect.

Definitely one for a relaxing time, when you don't want to use your brain-power.

Baby Mama (2008)

Funny

[7/10 · 2 January 2016]

A lot of laughs are to be had in this movie, an engaging buddy comedy with the excellent proved comediennes Amy Poehler and Tina Fey.

The leads seem to work really well together as I believe that they have done so in the past, perhaps on Saturday Night Live? The dialogue is excellent and is the main component of the film. I feel certain that a lot of it is ad-libbed. The best lines were definitely reserved for the father of the baby (Dax Shepard), said sometimes with an almost embarrassed air; as some of them are somewhat politically incorrect, but generally just outrageously idiotic and ignorant.

A jolly entertainment for most modern adults, possibly not however for those of a conservative bent.

Possession (2002)

No worries mate!

[30 December 2015]

I liked this film; and had no concerns whatsoever about watching it, despite the relatively low financial return, which I don't understand and also, the relatively mediocre percentage on Rotten Tomatoes, which I also don't comprehend - the latter of which I generally check before watching a movie, the former to see whether it's an indie or not.

I guess that this genre is not for everyone; to me it's a Jane Austen with added intrigue or a sophisticated Dan Brown with less intrigue.

There is lots of innuendo and suggestion, which unfortunately is generally bluntly explained shortly thereafter; it would possibly have been more interesting to keep it more mysterious and therefore make the viewer think longer than a few seconds.

I enjoyed it overall and would recommend it to those of a literary bent, it's not a popcorn flick.

The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

Humorous

[8/10 · 23 December 2015]

It is a giggle a minute, I thought that it was funny throughout the entirety.

The humour probably doesn't translate universally and could offend some; as it is a tad inappropriate and not for general consumption. That is probably where Jason Segal has the slight edge, his take and comment on the present. I guess you have to push a bit to gain notice and differ from the herd. It does push the boundaries but does not exceed them in the manner of Borat for example. It's not crass or gross at all.

Fun, but adults only, I wouldn't recommend it for children or those sensitive to political correctness.

Never Let Me Go (2010)

Thought provoking

[8/10 · 21 December 2015]

I thought that the plusses of this production far outweighed the minuses.

The movie is based on the book of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro. There are quite a few things that don't make a lot of sense, but they don't detract from the beauty of the movie. The author was using the setting to put forward his ideas and provoke a reaction. It's all about people and their interactions with one another, plus the more blatantly obvious.

The acting of the three leads is superlative, in my opinion. They all have substance and are not just pretty faces. The rest of the cast is just as good. The scenery is beautiful and being set in Southern England many people will recognise various locations, head down to Bexhill-on-Sea, if you ever in the area (next to Hastings on the South coast).

Ishiguro also wrote Remains of the Day, which was also turned into a movie. If you liked Remains of the Day you will also enjoy this movie.

Byzantium (2012)

Vampiric pleasure

[8/10 · 21 December 2015]

Not another vampire movie, well it is; but it does not feature your regular diet.

Red is a recurring theme, which reminds you (if you have forgotten exactly) what it is that you are watching.

Great performances from the leads. I am not a fan of Gemma Arterton, but have watched Saoirse Ronan's progress with avid attention, she is becoming better and better, if that is possible; and chooses interesting roles.

An interesting story, told well, I would recommend it to the serious movie goers - who enjoy a decent production; not for the younger audience or the faint of heart - needless to say.

The Family Man (2000)

Enjoyable

[7/10 · 21 December 2015]

I liked this movie. What starts out as a light life change comedy turns into a drama with a message to all those in the rat race.

Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni play well against each other in a movie which is more than the some of it's parts. I was gently sucked in, then hooked by half way; and almost a little teary at the end.

I thought that it was going to be like those body change movies, which are fun but have no substance. This is definitely better than the aforementioned and I recommend it to anyone of working age, especially those city lovers or even the reverse: suburbanites with a desire to seek their fortune in the big smoke.

Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story (2003 TV Movie)

Top notch TV movie

[8/10 · 11 November 2015]

Sometimes TV movies out do themselves, this is one such.

A truly inspiring true story, is almost unbelievable. I believe that the protagonist will go on to do great things, I am sure she will make a great mark in society and that we will hear from her again: perhaps the source of a sequel! To come from such a background to excelling so impressively is an inspiration, the sort of movie that could be used as a motivation tool.

The production values and the acting - particularly that of Thora Birch - are very impressive.

I would recommend this movie to all.

The Love Letter (1999)

Not a big fan

[4/10 · 8 November 2015]

I am not a big fan of this movie.

When Tom Selleck is involved you know pretty much what to expect: a light, silly and fluffy comedy without much substance. That is not to say that The Love Letter is totally without it's charms: the scenery and setting are fabulous, it makes you almost want to live there or at least visit.

I am a bloke, but atypically like a good romance; but this was not one of them. However with a few tweaks I reckon that I would have thoroughly enjoyed it.

I don't recommend this film, to those of you who haven't already seen it.

Life Partners (2014)

Undecided

[7/10 · 6 November 2015]

I am not too sure whether I like this movie or not. It doesn't grab me, but on the other hand it's not too awful.

I enjoyed it to a point. It's a light hearted friendship comedy. I thought that the dialogue was excellent, on point, intelligent and well thought out; but I don't believe that the story went anywhere, it was a bit meandering, somewhat like this review!. I didn't think too much of the acting ability of the leads, but the supporting cast was uniformly excellent.

I would still recommend it to men and women alike, but not as a priority must see.

Fletch (1985)

Chevy Chase - on the money

[7/10 · 6 October 2015]

I wasn't sure about watching this film, but am glad that I did.

It is not exactly high brow but Chevy Chase's performance was a cut above his average fare. It just shows that inspired material can inspire actors to reach greater heights than perhaps is their norm.

I may be focusing on Chevy Chase, but this was basically a one man show. The (reasonably large) supporting cast were all very jolly but had little input than to enhance Chase's character. Some of the younger actors went on to appear in other 80's and 90's films, for example: Geena Davis.

Definitely worth a look, but concentration sometimes needed as locations can jump without notice.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Thoroughly enjoyable

[9/10 · 2 October 2015]

I found this movie thoroughly and surprisingly enjoyable. I am sure anyone can relate to it.

In some ways it is now dated: hairstyles, technology and attitudes for example, but this in no way detracts from the marvelous script.

I wonder where the influences came from and what it influenced in the future: Seinfeld and Sex in the City spring to mind as of course (I believe) are set in New York. Another possibility is the Before trilogy. I am sure there are many more.

I also wonder if it was entirely scripted or if there was a fair amount of ad-libbing.

If you haven't seen it before, it is definitely one for the watch list.