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ahowroyd
Reviews
Behind Enemy Lines (2001)
Deserves higher score
This is a film I have watched many time. I'm fully aware of the factual inaccuracies but it it gets the feel right and creates an exciting thriller around a conflict that is almost forgotten. Owen Wilson gives probably his best performance and apart from at the end the action is believable especially when they are shot down by the SAM at the start of the film. It's far more realistic than Top Gun. It does lack technical detail around the ejection process ( read Eject Eject to understand how an ejection seat actually works). If you like action films the film is top rate. Its a shame the sequels were so poor.
Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver (2024)
Bad movie
I so wanted to be positive about it but it is so bad. The budget has been blown on special effects and no script. It's like one of those rip off B movies you get on the free to view movie channels. I just don't understand why it was made. The Creator and both the recent Godzilla films are far superior to this. The only reason I am giving this a 4 is for some of the special effects and action scenes- the acting is so wooden especially when they tell each other about their pasts. Part 1 is superior but I would stil only give it 5 as it at least attempts a Magnificent 7 in space type film. This was just a waste of space.
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
Wow! A brilliant monster movie
This is one of the best movies of any genre I have seen in a long time. Intelligently scripted, well acted with seamless CGI (10 times better than the Indiana Jones movie or The Hobbit where the CGI often did not work and looked unnatural) Godzilla was truly scary when he appeared on screen - a lesson to recent Dr Who episodes. Setting in post war Japan added to the sense of realism. The film is well paced and allows the story to unfold. It never seemed rushed and all the science appeared believable- something Marvel and DC have lost track of. It's all kept together by a a great soundtrack- you have to stay to the end of the credits to fully appreciate it.
Culprits (2023)
Enjoyable Heist Series
I did not have high expectations after reading some reviews but I enjoyed the season and was not disappointed by the end. A cross between a Guy Ritchie and a Tarantino movie it certainly had a high violence content - but not cartoon violence as seen in John Wick It's well paced but lacks a bit of character development. It makes good use of flashbacks which were confusing at times and part of the storyline seemed a bit underdeveloped but it did not have much impact on the overall story. Eddie Izzard's role was a bit underwhelming. If you are looking for a series to binge watch it's not a bad choice.
Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence (1983)
Highly underrated
I'm not going to write a detailed review as many of the reviews here are superb and more than do the film justice.
The film has aged very well with one of the best soundtracks of all time.
Miss Sloane (2016)
Well worth watching
This film was a big surprise. Intelligent and thought provoking about the ethics of lobbying and the issues around gun control in the USA.
I thought the acting was top class and it had a genuine kick/shock at the end!
Seal Team Eight: Behind Enemy Lines (2014)
As bad as other reviews made out.
I can watch rubbish and still enjoy it. I lasted 40 minutes before turning off. I cannot find anything right about the film. The script is clichéd and looks and totally lacks a proper storyline. It looks cheap and unrealistic. None of the SEALS would last 10 minutes in a war zone.
What a shame as the first film was brilliant. This is a total insult to the franchise. There are no spoilers in this review as I am sure everyone would struggle to watch such dross. There is better action in a power rangers episode so don't waste your time. I would suggest watching Platoon, Full Metal Jacket or any other war film. This film makes Battleship look good.