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ehartland1
Reviews
Safer at Home (2021)
Great 1st person movie
I've seen a lot of films made since the beginning of the pandemic; some good, most bad. This is one of the cleverest. To be able to make a movie using Zoom-like media and keep it entertaining is quite a feat. We've seen plenty of copycat Blair Witch first person filming since that was released but this seemed to have more urgency; more impact. When it moves outside the apartments they keep the first person PoV throughout but the pace quickens. You get so invested in the characters you won't know where the time went.
Can't Take It Back (2017)
1hr 28mins. I definitely can't take it back!
This isn't the worst teen film I've seen but it's in no way the best. The genre is tired now and I'm amazed producers still think it's worth putting money into scripts like this. It has some good creepy moments but is lacking overall. It's nothing special.
Residue (2015)
Good cast, slick production, worth watching
I don't review many films unless I really enjoy them. This is one of those. I try to watch British productions where possible. They are sadly few and far between and often up against US movies. So it was great to find one with a promising cast and plot. It's a slow burner but has the intrigue to keep you watching. It's always a pleasure to watch Iwan Rheon, Natalia Tena (both GoT) and Danny Webb (Dr Who). The production is slick. Alex Garcia Lopez (Utopia, Misfits) doesn't disappoint. It wasn't until I read the other reviews that I discovered it's a pilot. This is worth a series or a film sequel. I'd like to know if this is in the pipeline. If someone knows the answer and would like to post I'd be a very happy bunny.
The Rizen (2017)
I had high hopes, but,,,,
The "zombies" are covered in bandages which gives it a Silent Hill vibe which was cool. But that's where it stopped. It felt more like a stage play than a movie. In fact, I have to wonder if this was made for the US market as the British accents are so over the top it felt false - everyone sounds like they went to Eton. I only gave this more than one point because the actors showed up...
Exit Humanity (2011)
Interesting take on the zombie genre
This film is pretty good. You might find it slow if you're used to action films but if you prefer more character based films you should like this. I was a little sceptical to begin with as the costumes looked a bit out of kilter with the era, especially the sister's 'suit jacket' after they rescued her. Also, I had to look up the word "exit" as it felt too modern (ok, so I'm a pedant) but it was first used in c.1580, so go researchers. I love Brian Cox who did the voice over but wondered why they just didn't use Mark Gibson to do it. All in all, this is worth a watch if you like zombie films but want a refreshing take on the genre.
Autumn (2009)
Oh dear
The only thing that saves this film is David Carradine (such a loss). Although I do like Dexter Fletcher (cos I'm that old I remember him from Press Gang - Sorry Dexter). I was so disappointed. Loved all the books but this film seems to have been produced without any thought. There was so much that could have been done with this series of books but it seems to have been rushed too much. It feels like they only had so much money and wanted to squeeze too much of the plot into too little space. The story moves too quickly and doesn't care about the characters, unlike the book. I don't feel that the screenplay gives this story the credit it deserves. I have seen many low budget films that are much better. Shame on you Steven Rumbelow. However, one of the saves is the cheap camera-work that makes it feel somewhat like a documentary. Biggest bugbear though is not being able to get 'Knocking at your door' on download or CD.