Change Your Image
jamesjpherman
Reviews
Renfield (2023)
Not subtle at all.
And I loved it. Yeah, it was predictable and gory and stylish. And it was humourous, fun, and all with a blatant message just lurking below the surface.
Mr Cage does star in some marvelous movies and he also stars in some absolute stinkers. This was definitely one of the better choices he's made.
Mr Hoult - the kid from About A Boy all those years ago - has forged himself a decent acting career.
Awkwafina isn't doing too bad for herself either.
Amongst others.
Is a decent story. Not prefecture heeled together but one to watch if you want some mindless bloody humour or indeed if you are, or have ever been in a toxic relationship.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Great movie. As in great. Greatness. One of the greats.
I just had a look through the bad reviews for this movie on IMDB.
I wasn't interested in Werewolf prior to it being released. I didn't even know of the character. But I watched it as I had nothing else available. And I watched it again the moment it finished.
What a skilfully mastered piece of art. It incorporates the feel of a comic, the old 1950s style horror movies, good story telling, decent characters... I expecially enjoyed the sound track (I have since learned the director is also the composer). All perfectly observed.
So I can only guess those who don't like it were expecting an action packed romp along the lines of Avengers. Shame then because this movie shows that some of the old ways are not yet extinct and a different beast has arisen.
Predator 2 (1990)
Hmmmmmmm
So, I just watched this again. First time in years. It is mediocre at best. The creature is useless in comparison to the original. The characters' were forced and the LA gangland backdrop makes no sense for the creature to be out ahunting. The gang members aren't disciplined hunters like soldiers or hunters in the wild. They're just drugged up idiots.
I watched this because Prey recently came out and so many reviewers seem to favour this pile of trash over what was a very thoughtful and beautiful movie. IMHO. Predator 2 was just out to cash in on the original. Not the best. But not the worst. OMG Mr Black!
Prey (2022)
Well worth the wait
Awesome movie. Simple, like the first movie. There were so many purists citing concern before it was released. Simply put, the heroin uses brains over muscle.
The Gray Man (2022)
Enjoyable, entertaining and I don't know what more people want.
The action is brilliant. The characters are well fleshed out. It's entertaining and not one boring moment in a 2 plus hour movie. I'm not sure what more people want. Yes, we've seen it all before in many other movies: the all good hero, the all bad villain, the female side-kick, the father figure, and the faceless henchmen. But this movie was well thought out and the execution is spot on. Worthy of an evening of escapism.
The Umbrella Academy: Meet the Family (2022)
Not for everyone it seems
I find this episode incredibly enjoyable. A dance off dream sequence demonstrating one new characters powers, surreal humour all around, a fight sequence and good character building.
Anything with magical, pseudoscience superhero logic surely calls for one to suspend one's grip on reality. So I don't understand the bad reviews. But I like it.
Copshop (2021)
Loved this movie
Twisting and turning the whole way through. If you like movies like Freefire, this is your typr of movie.
All the characters are spot on. The dialogue is on point. The action is decent and the story just kept me gripped.
Nobody (2021)
Marvellous
Just that.
Good action. Good, understated comedy. It is just that.
American Gods: The Rapture of Burning (2021)
Episode full of emotion
It's true this season is moving slowly towards something. And it's true that so far, the visual story telling is not as hot as it was in the first season. But I have invested a fair amount in this production and I'm quite satisfied with it.
But now, this episode has lay bare Laura's complex character, her drive, and her most vulnerable side. Why the hate?
American Gods: Conscience of the King (2021)
Interesting
I understand why a lot of viewers are turning off this show and maybe I'm looking too deeply into it as I've invested a lot in it.
Odin is vulnerable for the second time since the suicide of Donar. Technical Boy is too and we can see his arrogance is a façade for his lack of self belief. The Jinn is still missing and Salim is grieving his loss. And Laura is actually displaying some respect for the (as yet still) dead Sweeney.
It may be yet another filler episode but I think (and I hope) that this leads to decent finale by the end of the season and the production as a whole.
Only time will tell.
Doctor Who: The Ghost Monument (2018)
It's pretty decent
I'm not sure why this is getting such bad press. It's Doctor Who. It's fantasy. If you find this sort of fantasy enjoyable, why criticise it?
My favourite Doctor thus far is Matt Smith with his madcap gestures and inexhaustible energy. But I'm giving Jodie Whittaker a chance and I think she's doing a grand job.
The writing by Mr Chibnall is pretty decent and this story is a good one, as Doctor Who stories go.
As always, there are story devices made up along the way to get the heros out of trouble. What can I say: this show is for adults and kids alike. You should know this when you watch it, so settle down and lose 50 minutes in entertainment. Or don't.
The Man in the High Castle (2015)
Outstanding
Very few serials can keep my attention.
I've just seen the third series in full and I'm eager for more.
The production of High Castle is second to none. The attention to detail, each character, and the overall steady telling of the story is perfect.
This truly is another world in itself.
The Equalizer 2 (2018)
Beautiful, thoughtful and a worthwhile sequel.
This sequel is worthwhile. It's not just a money-spinner, it's a decent film in its own right. It's doesn't rush its way to the action, but instead strolls thoughtfully to the inevitable showdown.
As in the first movie, the opposition is worthy albeit lacking the discipline of McCall. Robert McCall knows he is at a disadvantage as he is one man against several. He makes up for that disadvantage by simply using his time in preparation and baiting himself in familiar surroundings, leaving his enemies constantly trying to catch up.
I love both movies and will give myself about six months before watching this again. No point in rushing a good thing.
The Beyond (2017)
A fairly decent piece of sci-fi
Both Dulull and Blomkamp began their careers in visual effects and have moved onto writing and directing their own films.
I feel Blomkamp's works are better but I certainly cannot dismiss this film.
Alright, so it has its flaws and many others who have written reviews highlighted these flaws. But, I appreciate the movie and the work and passion that's made it what it is.
It does well to portray a documentary on the workings of an organisation in crisis. It's slow-paced, much like its inspirations such as Interstellar and Contact. It doesn't try to be clever but it is intelligent and knowledgeable.
So what if some of the science is questionable? It's fiction people!
Nigel Barber's character seems inconsistent and indecisive throughout, torn between his friendships and his urgent willingness towards the mission - a bold step in such a small production, that adds a very real dimension to the character.
Another bold step was the unexpected death of what could have been a very pivotal character undergoing the transhuman procedure.
Entertaining; thought provoking; sometimes emotional. Well done to all those involved.
Ultimately a very good story balanced nicely with very good visual effects.