stevehallcharles Reviews

Prometheus (I) (2012)

It's actually not as bad as all the uptight reviewers make out!

[7/10 · 8 May 2023]

So, just watched this again as I just felt like it on a rainy bank holiday afternoon...

Have just read a few reviews and a couple things to note:

1) the majority of reviewers have no idea what the 1-10 scoring system means. Let's assume we are talking about cars. A "1" would be a car that rarely started, wobbled all over the road, nothing worked, could not drive up hills, barely made 30mph and was shocking quality. A car that was in all effect totally unusable. A "10" is almost unobtainable. It is the perfect car in every way. Awesome performance, efficiency, quality and reliability. Everything is perfectly designed and has every option currently available - all for a reasonable price. There is no better car available. Every other car is in the scale - and to be fair, most live in the 5-7 range. Usuable, but flawed in some way. To rate a film "1" or even "10" is impossible. Even particularly bad B movies with terrible plots, effects and scripts are still only a 2 or 3.

To label this film as s 1 is ridiculous. It is flawed, and there are some pacing issues, and not Ed bough depth given characters, but a "1"??!! Come on, it's perfectly watchable and even though most reviewers feel that they can only offer a 1,5 or 10, it really doesn't deserve to be thrown in the bin like that. If I have to be honest, a 6 or 7 is perfectly right.

2) stop comparing it to Alien. The original was a Good film, but not perfect either. It did well with a limited budget and technology available, but there was room for improvement. At best, I would give Aliens a 8, but they'd mainly for originality and working with the limitations of the era. You don't need to compare this film with the original. There are a lot of similarities to the plot, and both sets of characters are flawed and make mistakes. The key antagonist is very similar to a character in Aliens, although the build up is much more subtle. Always review a film on its own merits. On this basis, a "1" would be obtuse.

I have watched this film twice now, and although I would change a few things, it's perfectly watchable as I said earlier. More character development would have been better, though all the character mistakes such as removing helmets and other actions are spot on. They are not hardened experts. If this are a film about Tier 1 seal operators, I would expect them to be perfect in their actions. But this film contains a collection of mercenaries and subject experts that make irrational and illogical mistakes, just like you and me.

If you don't like creature features or science fiction, don't watch it. If you want to watch a film that about those chasing their dreams, only to find something else, then watch this film.

Just don' pay any attention to the reviews giving it a 1 and making it sound like a 1 legged centipede trying to bake a cake using only nails. 😎

It has issues, but give it a chance!

Ross Kemp: Shipwreck Treasure Hunter (2022– )

Good photography and history, aimed at non-divers

[8/10 · 16 April 2023]

It's a tricky one to rate. There is a lot of quality, with fantastic photography and camera work, and a lot of history to fill in the gaps.

For non-divers: probably very interesting and eye-opening to see the process of learning to dive, what goes into it, risks and seeming deep ish wrecks.

For divers, it comes across as very "diving for dummies", especially if you are a seasoned UK wreck diver - abs let's not forget how many HAVE dived, if only on holiday. Having dived on a Few of the wrecks covered, they added mystery that really doesn't exist. The M2 is a very well dived wreck (done it 3 times) and the Thistlegorm which has been dived on for over 30+ years and has been slowly stripped by divers over the years. Last time I dived it, it was significantly different and butchered by all the dive boats mooring to it, divers bumping into it and stealing stuff. Totally different than in 2004.

The Treasure part of the title is a little misleading, as many of these programmes are. Nice to actually see fresh wrecks as nd treasure found for a change.

Would like to see a series 3 with a bit more adventure.

All that said, Ross is easy to watch and not annoying like many of these shows. Yes, there is some dramatic non-events included, but they are only selling the excitement to the non-divers, so I can forgive them that!

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

It's a fun film that got my attention

[8/10 · 13 April 2023]

I don't get the haters for this film.

So OK, at a Guy Ritchie film, is it as complicated, quirky and clever as son of his? No.

Let's assume for a minute that you watch this film not because of Guy, but because it's a bit different and to be honest, I thought the script was clever in terms of dialogue and how the characters worked together. Not sure about Gary, he came across as pretty flat but I loved Hugh Grant. He played a very similar role vocally in the Gentlemen, and I think it worked.

I'm not a film critic, but I like to watch as many films as possible. Does this deserve a 4? God no. A 4 would be Moulin Rouge or Showgirls. I enjoyed it, and kept my phone out of my hand.

Watch it with an open mind and the time will fly by. Watch it expecting Lock Stock or Snatch, and yes, you'll be disappointed. I honestly think 8 is fair.

Tetris (2023)

Don't skip past it!

[9/10 · 9 April 2023]

I had seen this flash up a few times, but I just assumed it would be rubbish. A story about Tetris. Sounds boring, right? Well, that's what I thought.

But, it's Sunday evening and I thought why not.

I can't actually explain why I enjoyed it so much. It actually had nothing to do with the topic or the actual story, but how it worked. Essentially, it's about the politics of Russia, the demise in the late 80's and corruption. There have been loads of films about this, but not done in the same way. Using Tetris licensing as a plot, we see how capitalists tried to do a simple deal in communist Russia and how it unravels. It was actually quite a gripping story. You want the right parties to win, and before you know it, the films over.

I started off watching it and playing with my phone as I assumed it would be boring. After 10 minutes, phone on sofa and I watched it with my full attention.

Great story, great film and really glad I watched it.

Far more engaging that most of the big budget action films! Like the Tetris animation as well!

The Liability (2012)

Thank god it was low budget

[8/10 · 8 April 2023]

With all the money spent on films these days, some scripts just need a low budget to make it work. It's a short story that needed fleshing out, and to be honest, it works. It's not a mega exciting glossy action flick. It's a simple plot and simple story. You kind of know roughly how it's going to turn out, but even then, there are some nice twists and turns. It's simple, and short.

Loved the use of older cars that are kinda the UK version of the equivalent US cars that would have featured in a road trip film, plus the quirky soundtrack. Also liked the much grittier real-world look at the assassin. Not some highly cultured rich dude in a multi million pound house in the sticks with great hair and brimming with gym muscles.

Give it a try, and enjoy it for what it is.

Outer Range (2022– )

Intriguing start

[8/10 · 15 April 2022]

Well, 2 episodes in and it's certainly different, and whilst not the most thrilling watch, it is intriguing.

One thing I can't work out is what reviewers are going on about it being too dark. Buy a decent TV people! Picture is perfect on my TVs!

That aside, there is a nice creepy metaphorical darkness to it...

Worth giving it a try, though it might be a bit slow for many.

Siberia (2018)

Stop copying all the bad reviews

[6/10 · 23 May 2021]

When I scroll through the reviews after watching the film, it seems like most of the reviewers are just copying each other. Most are saying, "worse film ever". Worse film ever?!! Seriously? Maybe you only ever saw a few films then...

OK, so compared with John Wick, it is nowhere near as good, but it's not that kind of film. No, it's not really good, and is a little flat and isn't exciting. But, it does make a nice change. Things don't always work out for the better in life, people's lives are a mess and can be depressing. This film captures that. Another reviewer remarked that you knew it was going to end badly for someone. But for who? The ending is not "weird", "pointless" or "rubbish". The ending is actually kind of perfect. If you want exciting, ignore this film. If you want a film that is slow paced and more like reality in a place where things are done differently, watch it. I will say that the Russian gangster was the best casted and what I expect from someone like this - enjoyed their scenes.

Give it a try, but don't expect John Wick.

Predestination (I) (2014)

A clever and thoughtful time travel experience

[9/10 · 13 March 2021]

Thinking of all my favourite time travel films, and they are as ll a bit obvious - there is a twist in there and it's always about a paradox.

This one has twists and you won't see the conclusion coming until nearly the end. Great actor and cleverly put together to make you think it's about one thing and it's about another.

Had a nice high quality feel to it and it wasn't made to be flashy. I liked that.

Hawke did great and he should be proud of this one.

One thing- it is a bit slow to start and I urge you to give it a chance.

Also, you need to pay attention, if you watch it whilst playing with your phone, you'll miss the important bits and you'll h thy ink it's rubbish.

So, pay attention!

Escape from Pretoria (2020)

Literal escapism

[7/10 · 13 March 2021]

If it's free to watch, I don't read reviews first as this avoids any spoilers, keeps my review honest, and, well, it's free.

It's a strange one to review as it's got a lot of aspects to it; historical, real-life event, political, drama, intensity and the mcgyver touch.

It has a low budget feel, but I liked its simplicity and the fact that it's not too busy. You get to concentrate on the core of the film, which as the film title eludes to, is escape.

I never heard of the characters or the escape and how they did it which was refreshing and enjoyed learning this in the film. It's simple, and before I knew it, the film ended. I have never been in prison, South Africa or a guard, so I can't comment on the authenticity of these aspects though I question the number of night guards. I didn't think much of the accents as they seemed odd, particularly the court scene. Other than that, I thought it seemed pretty authentic.

Worth a watch - it's all about the stress of getting caught, beaten and your sentence being doubled. Not about hanging from steam pipes Or jumping from building to building whilst firing two machines guns at the guards!

John Wick (2014)

Impossible but fun!

[9/10 · 7 March 2021]

I must have watched the JW trilogy about 4 times now and recommended it to a whole bunch of friends. But why?

It's an action film and people die. That sounds like a lot of 80's action films so far. Except this is done to a high standard and is very classy. There is minimum cheese, and it's about a world that we can't really imagine exists.

Yes, it's impossible, both in his actions, success and the world it's in, but that's the whole point of film, right? It's escapism, not a documentary. At least, I hope it's not a documentary, because if it is, I as never going outside again.

Give it a try. This is the cleanest of the three as it was only meant to be a single film. But if you want more than guns, keep watching the series...

The Art of Self-Defense (2019)

Weirdly interesting

[7/10 · 7 March 2021]

Now, I'm not into artsy clever films. I normally like stuff with some action or drama. The only reason I watched this was that I was looking for a film to watch on a Sunday night rather than just another series.

It definitely has that low budget feel and almost film student look about it, but for some reason I was dragged along with it. It's definitely a bit different, dark and a bit clever. You think you know where it's going - and it does go there, but has a bunch of other directions that you didn't see coming. Some might argue that it's a bit random - like someone had a bunch of ideas, but only one film so they mashed them altogether. Either way, for me, it worked.

It's not going to appeal to everyone and this is evident by the reviews. Give it a try. It's certainly different to the usual copycat rubbish.

Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Better than the first one!

[7 March 2020]

I loved Zombieland. There was something about it. That simple almost series feel it had. A bit of fun, using the actors and personalities to make it work.

When I went to watch Double-tap, both my son and I really didn't expect much. The trailer looked poor and I assumed it would be a waste of time.

So wrong. Can't work out why I liked it so much, until I realised that the analogy with a series worked. It was a clear and obvious roll-on from the last one as a Series 2, episode 1. Catching up to where the first series finished to see how the characters had got on. Personally, the girl they meet was an excellent addition to the story, though not sure about the doppelgängers they meet. Thought that was a bit too much like the scene in Shaun of the dead. Good film, and recommended it to friends!

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Fine as a stand-alone action film

[6/10 · 7 March 2020]

If you watch this as a standard action film with good effects, action scenes and finale - then it's fine. But as always, when part of a franchise, it has to keep up to more than 'OK". It has to be awesome and wow the franchise fans. And that's where it goes wrong. Forget the screwed up timelines and other versions. It just didn't keep me interested.

As an example, I watched Zombieland 2 with no expectations, but it held up as a sequel as it had the same look and feel, quality and felt part of the same reason I loved the first one. Arguably, better.

Dark fate? Nah. Just another money maker without even pretending it's not.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Kept me mesmerised somehow...

[31 January 2020]

Son got me to watch this s as d to be honest I wan't sure when he described it as a serious Adam Sandler film. Having seen most of his films, I was not expecting much, plus an early morning and I figured I was going to fall sleep half way through.

Sandler plays an annoying, obnoxious loser with expensive habits including gambling, cheating and lying. And he plays it so well it almost felt like wasn't acting. One minute you hate him, then like him, then realise who he is.

It flows really well and is one of those "day in the life" formats but over a few days and it works. Is it a thriller? Drama? Sports film? Or gambling film?

I saw it as a desperate descent into chaos with a great ending.

Not sure why the negative reviews, but then it's not for everyone.

Give it a try and remember, he is supposed to be a cringey character!