Change Your Image
jhgxjnhb
Reviews
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
yawn... except THAT scene...
Just OK. Six out of ten is probably a bit generous but as I'd be willing to give really appalling films a "solid" 4/10, six feels right. And it gives me something else to write about to take the review solidly over the word threshold.
So yeah, a bit of an underwhelming film. I actually really liked Dr Strange, but it became less strange and way too special effects dominated in this sequel - and not enough storytelling and plot.
Except for ONE scene - which OMG I have watched over and over and over - where America and Dr Strange travel through the worlds of the multiverse - utterly stunning and so perfectly storyboarded, designed and executed - bravo.
Time for us all to demand brilliant storytelling; special effects are lovely but they do not act as a proxy for a good fricking story.
Beyond the Light Barrier (2023)
Well-produced and well-paced
From the outset, I get bored quickly... but this well-crafted, produced and filmed package kept my attention throughout.
Why I watched this: I'm just starting to delve into Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena after having freaky and repeated stuff happen which cannot be explained by reference to anything secular and this-worldly - and this has also provoked me to speak with relatives and friends about stuff they've seen that's weird. And now the stories come - stories that people never told because they thought (no doubt rightly) that others would write their accounts off as fabrications or hallucinations, and write them off as loop fruits.
Having watched this: none of us can attest as to the veracity of this but the message and warnings this woman conveyed are all too convincing. The film as a whole is very well put together - balancing honest critique with honest enthusiasm. I also really appreciated the part at the end where there is also an acknowledgement of the fact that Mrs Klarer was human! Her writing while allegedly having otherworldly input, also definitely had very human input - and as such her account is strongly influenced by her own very problematic views about race and hierarchy. Where those ideas emerge they should not go unchallenged - as a human species we should strive to be better and challenge any views that spread hate and division - all in favour of a world where we flourish and enjoy the fruits of this brilliant planet gifted in part to us.
Saltburn (2023)
Awkward, alluring, disgusting, funny, sexy, horrible, shocking ...
This film takes you through a huge feast of emotions - if you'll let it. I can see reviews that absolutely hate this film and every character in it - and those that adore this film and believe it to be artfully created. For me, I both hated and loved this film. I've seen the typical array of films which some have likened it to - The Talented Mr Ripley, stands out in particular - but it is not TTMR. It's a cleverer, grittier and dirtier version of that, with better casting decisions, a very imaginative director, and a much better script to start off with.
I really really really liked this film.
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Exceptional
This is a spectacular film. Having just sat through it for the first time I already want to watch it again to pick up the many nuances I know I'll have missed.
I find it quite tough to categorise this film as it weaves in so many genres - but hey, categorisation smaterisation. Just watch it, enjoy it and revel in filmmaking at its best.
Great performances, excellent prosthetics, some playful visual effects (including some that were sending a message that I haven't yet understood), beautiful music, blah blah blah - I am now into the padding part of this review to meet an arbitrary 600 minimum character limit.
Stranger Things (2016)
Stranger and stranger
An excellent series which I think just gets better and better as the show progresses. Brilliant scriptwriting, acting, and special effects - a show that should appeal to different generations who will all get something different from it.
There's a smash of genres which really works so well but for those nostalgic for the 1980s OMG - the music selection is fun as well as the series serving a sharp reminder that clothes in the 80s truly sucked.
The show is full of community, friendship and love as well as highlighting some of the difficulties and struggles that come from living in a tight knit community or indeed of just being a kid who's a bit different. It quietly tackles a range of issues that are perennially germane about sexuality, domestic violence, gender, xenophobia, loss and grief amongst others and I think it does so quite elegantly (others might disagree).
Altogether a really great show!
How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (2019)
So happy a fourth series coming!
This is an excellent series and we've binged through it FAST. Brilliant acting, compelling characters and so funny. There's great chemistry between the characters and I like them all - even Moritz has redeeming qualities.
Would also recommend for people who like this and need something to keep them going whilst they wait for series four to watch Buba (film) which is kinda a pre sequel involving Buba and the fake Albanians.
I don't have more to say other than watch this - whatever your view on drugs you'll find this amusing and engaging. Probably. Possibly. Maybe. Perhaps.
Bring on series 4 of this super show asap please!
RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) (2022)
Masterpiece
This is a spectacular spectacular spectacular film. I've never given a film or TV series a 10 before, but this movie was - for me - utter perfection.
I'm not going to regurgitate the description of the movie as people can see that already. What is less obvious about the film from the trailer is how it is a wonderful mix of genres and how - despite this being a super long movie - the time will whizz by.
So much is happening in this film and from scene to the next I was surprised - and wowed by the music, the beautiful cinematography, the dance scenes, the character development, and overall choreography. And while I'm someone that typically hates musicals (no judgement on those who love them!) the parts of this that fell into that genre, were fabulous. Found myself almost overwhelmed with pleasure and excitement at points - and cried at the most unlikely point, just because a tonne of dopamine was hitting my system and I was in awe of what humans can imagine, create, and pack into this movie. I'll definitely watch this movie many times in the future - it's a keeper.