iannicholson Reviews

Deadloch (2023– )

Tries hard to be funny, but isn't.

[1/10 · 4 June 2023]

This show suffers a major identity crisis. As a 'crime mystery' it has serious undertones that are quickly ruined by abject silliness posing as 'comedy'. In that respect, it just tries too hard to be funny - and falls embarrassingly short.

It looks like the efforts of some high school theatre - you know it should be funny, but you can't laugh - even out of politeness. One or two characters play their parts well, the lead is actually good, but even she seems tired of the whole charade at times.

Most annoying are the NT detective and Tom Ballard's character. Even as a stand-up, his 'comedy' is mostly insufferable at the best of times, and here he's no different.

Finally, I get this show contains/is about/made for gay people, but I find it limits its appeal to that demographic, focusing a little too much on that aspect in a way that makes it feel it's there for the sake of being there, while adding no real value to the storyline. It probably helped them get extra funding from somewhere .

Trauma Center (2019)

Awful, cliche-riddled script.

[4/10 · 18 September 2020]

Poor Bruce. He got saddled with this lame script. You can tell he knows it, and he's not enjoying the experience. The lead actress gives a good performance, but let down by the substandard screenplay.

Coffee & Kareem (2020)

Obnoxious kid with no endearing qualities ruins movie.

[2/10 · 5 April 2020]

I don't know when it became fashionable for kids to be portrayed as foul-mouthed, entitled, racist and obnoxious, but if there was an Oscar for such attributes, he'd win hands down.

The Gloaming (2020– )

Slower than a wet weekend.

[2/10 · 7 January 2020]

I wanted to like this show, I really did, being Australian and all, but, as others have already pointed out, it is clichéd with angst-filled characters that offer nothing fresh nor original. If the pace was a little faster, the characters a little happier, it might have been a lot more watchable. Just sayin'!

How It Ends (2018)

Pretty good road-trip at the end of the world.

[8/10 · 15 July 2018]

So many negative reviews here which are undeserved. Sure, the ending could be seen as abrupt, but we see our hero accomplish his mission - so what else do you need to see? It doesn't need a sequel as many have suggested. It isn't 3/4 of a film as others accuse. There's a very plausible theory provided as to how the event occurred, so I don't understand why do many 'reviewers' say no clue was given. Perhaps they had their faces in their phones instead of paying attention to the movie. All up, it was quite a good film with some thrilling moments and good special effects. As a fan of post-apocalyptic movies, I quite liked it.

Atlantis (2013–2015)

Entertaining show with few flaws...

[9/10 · 13 May 2018]

I like this show. A lot. It has good story lines with likeable characters. True, the writers have taken a LOT of 'artistic license' in weaving mythological characters into the story, but if you take it all with a grain of salt, it's still very entertaining. For me, the most bemusing aspect of this show is that it's main character, Jason, is mysteriously transported from the 21st century to ancient Atlantis, but appears to have forgotten everything about the 21st century! Even his initial Yorkshire accent disappears! I'm surprised he never mentions or uses any 21st century knowledge to solve or overcome any challenges. After episode 1, there's never a hint or mention of the fact he's even from the 21st century. Still, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment. Good performances from all, but especially from Sarah Parish as the deliciously evil and manipulative Pasiphae.

The Brothers Grimsby (2016)

Puerile comedy slapstick - I loved it!

[9/10 · 26 May 2016]

I don't think I have ever written a review on IMDb before, but on this occasion, I feel I must.

Thank you, Mr Cohen for giving me the biggest belly laughs I've had from any film in years.

This film is comedy gold. Sure, the story-line is wafer-thin, but who cares? Although on this turn-out, this film is a bit of departure from Cohen's previous outings - less mockumentary and more narrative, but it is gag after gag - non-stop. My sides were hurting before the end of the first act.

Some of the other sourpuss reviews here miss the point. If I go to see a comedy, I'm not expecting an Oscar winning, thought-provoking drama. I want escapism. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief completely in exchange for a few good laughs.

This film delivers that in spades - and more.

For when a film causes you to bury your mouth in your elbow in fear of disturbing your fellow film-goers with your laughter, you know you're having a good time.

And that's all I want from a movie.

Thanks again, Mr. Cohen!

The Divide (2011)

Better than most give it credit for...

[6/10 · 10 November 2013]

I was quite surprised by many of the negative reviews here. This film is what it is, a low-budget post-apocalyptic movie.

That said, the acting was nowhere near as bad as some claim, and the slow build-up of tension was sufficient for me to watch it through to the end.

It would have been nice to have gained a bit more information about the men in white and their purpose. They seem to bring a distraction from the main story line - how a group of people degenerate when confined in a bunker following a nuclear attack.

The subject matter is a bit grim, and some claim to have been 'disturbed' by this film. There are a few 'gross' moments, but nothing like what you could describe as out-and-out horror. I have seen gorier films, but this film is not gratuitous with the gore.

All up, a pretty good story with good depictions of the aftermath of a nuclear war.

Let's face it, this film was never going to win any Oscars, but it kept me hooked until the end.