Holly2468 Reviews

Friday Night Dinner (2011–2020)

One of the last great British comedies

[11 July 2022]

I do believe this to be one of the last great comedies. Memorable characters and performances. I do believe its solidified a firm place in the eye of British comedy. However, I do believe it to be an example of a series that drags on for too long, that it loses its magic. Some gags become repetitive, and characters (such as Jim) used a scapegoat to make up for a weak episode.

Very keen on this serial. Tragic news about the actor who played the dad. He'll be fondly remembered by the fandom.

Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010)

Top Drama

[8 August 2021]

I have been having a marathon of great British dramas as of late.

I find this series, in some cases, better than Life on Mars. I do believe a lot of it is likely biased, considering I'm an 80s girl, and love the music of the era, but the story and characters are still strong!

Some of Gene Hunt's one liners goes over my head. Likely due to the fact I'm not British.

Still... Give it a go!

Toast of London (2012–2020)

Absurdly Brilliant.

[8 August 2021]

Matt Berry conquers the screen once again with Toast of London.

Brilliant, dry, dark humour, with a hint of tragedy and... Ray "bloody" Purchase!

Rocky (1976)

Timeless

[8 August 2021]

Sylvester's debut feature. Its rare your legacy is solidified in one film, but Sly was able to accomplish that!

Pretty Woman (1990)

Never Gets Old

[7 August 2021]

One of my top favourite movies of all time. It goes to show that chemistry is key, especially a film like this that surrounds a plutonic relationship that grows into something more.

The casting is just priceless. Richard Gere defined that middle aged men CAN be sexy. The poster boy of silver foxes. Julia Roberts is always on point, and is such a loveable and likeable character.

I may watch it again on my next weekend off.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Timeless

[7 August 2021]

Magical, timeless, and beautiful. There really is no place like home, where the heart is, and this movie has so much of it!

The performances from the actors are beautiful. The sets are gorgeous, the colour is bold and wonderful, but equally beautiful in black and white.

I truly can't get enough of this timeless fairy tale.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Iconic

[7 August 2021]

This movie is iconic. I watched it when I was younger, and didn't watch it again until last christmas.

Viewing it again with fresh eyes, I forgot how long the movie was, and it took a while to get to the point. However, if there is anything I've learnt about in my adult life, it's that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Iconic, timeless. Instant classic!

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Great FUN

[6 August 2021]

This movie was great fun to watch. I wasn't overly familiar with Elton John, but I became a fan overnight.

He's one of those success stories, where they're talented, have a HUGE downfall, only to have a TRIUMPHANT return.

This film strongly reflects that, in its own campy, stylised fashion. And you know what... it's gorgeous!

Such great fun, powerful, funny, and tragic.

Just let this film wash over you!

That'll Be the Day (1973)

It's Okay

[6 August 2021]

Saw this a few nights ago. It's okay. I got bored very quickly. A bit of a "hangout" movie, like Tarantino.

Ringo Starr is surprisingly a good actor.

Give this a go. Make your own mind up.

Dandilicious (2021)

Long Overdue, But Worth The Wait

[6 August 2021]

A low budget independent movie that took years to make, a crowdfund campaign, COVID, and they were still able to complete it! What's my excuse?!

I've been following the journey of this production since 2019, and pledged to their Kickstarter. It's taken a while since then for obvious reasons. But was it worth the wait and the $10 I gave to the campaign? Yes!

The movie looks stunning, and the sound is crisp. The writing is strong, and the performances were amazing. Watching this it reminded me of a few favourites of mine- A Clockwork Orange, The Outsiders, Brighton Rock, and Alfie with Michael Caine.

For a character like Marty who evokes so much dislike, this could have been handled poorly if in the hands of the wrong director. However, its sustained really well through its writing and performance. There is more than enough subtlety and nuance to suggest a completely different person behind the Teddy Boy façade.

The movie is very polished, and I forgot this was an indie, being bought into its world. Sure, there were moments when I was reminded this was an indie movie, but I slipped back in without struggle. The actors and actresses were fabulous, and were cast appropriately. There were a handful of characters I wish I saw more of, or had a chance to learn more about.

The style is my vibe, but I can see this alienating a lot of people who may think its too 'arty farty'. Personally, I think this is a movie that takes risks, challenges the audience without spoon-feeding information to them, doesn't follow a conventional method of storytelling, or in other words its 'not very mainstream'. It's very self-aware, it knows its boundaries and limitations, it doesn't try to be anything it isn't, or to be pretentious. It's Dandilicious, and that's fine.

As a filmmaker myself, I finished this movie feeling motivated and inspired. This production had so many obstacles in its way, and its here to watch and enjoy.