sidneyleeberthier Reviews

Free Guy (2021)

Great fun

[9/10 · 26 November 2021]

A witty script, interesting concept and outstanding performance by Ryan Reynolds make this the perfect Friday night outing. Visually stunning, Free Guy makes use of CGI in all the right ways with its lovely cast and good pace.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

A triumph for DC

[8/10 · 26 November 2021]

James Gunn dares to go further than his Guardians of the Galaxy movies with this profane, graphic and colourful film. It's a tad too long, but makes up for it with actual character development, great sense of humour and incredibly precise direction. A triumph for DC, similar to the Harley Quinn animated series on HBO Max.

Army of the Dead (2021)

Solid zombie flick

[7/10 · 26 November 2021]

This could be Zack Snyder's best movie. Where previous efforts have gotten bogged down in seriousness, faithfulness and reverence, this film takes a decidedly creative and irreverent spin on a well-worn concept. The cinematography is beautiful and noticeably character-driven, taking you on a journey through hell. A solid zombie flick.

The Call (2020)

Incredibly creative

[8/10 · 26 November 2021]

There is so much "movie" in this movie. It's an incredibly creative and entertaining take on the thriller genre. There are too many surprises to mention, but rest assured you will get your money's worth. If only there were more genre films like this!

A Quiet Place Part II (2020)

A meaningful story

[8/10 · 26 November 2021]

The second chapter in this franchise is more confident and character-driven than the original. It's perhaps even more enjoyable. Whilst many of the scares are less effective, the palpable tension and emphasis on expanding the ideas of the first film create a deeper, more meaningful story.

Minari (2020)

Isn't just Oscar bait

[8/10 · 26 November 2021]

Don't let the slower pace deter you. Minari offers many sweet and deeply intimate moments amidst this flawed but brave set of characters. It's a gentle movie that brushes on many hard topics such as immigration, the American Dream and race. This is the kind of film that earns the attention it gets from critics and audiences, and isn't just Oscar bait.

The Kid Detective (2020)

Well worth the watch

[9/10 · 26 November 2021]

I've been waiting for a film like this for a while. Similarly to Rian Johnson's Brick, The Kid Detective takes the familiar genre of noir and reinvents it. Adam Brody is excellent as the jaded child prodigy. The witty script provides plenty of gags as well as much darker and more serious psychological challenges for the characters. Let's hope a sequel gets made!

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

Overlong, overwrought but a stunning improvement

[7/10 · 21 March 2021]

This is a completely different film to the original theatrical release. It's a sprawling, mini-series-esque depiction of a group of lost heroes searching for a solution to the apocalypse. Too much slow-motion, and the pace can be frustrating - but there are undeniable pleasures to watching this epic story unfold.

Alice in Borderland (2020– )

Memorable characters, great action and suspense

[8/10 · 18 December 2020]

A thrilling suspense ride through deserted Tokyo streets, featuring engaging character drama, moral dilemmas and impressive set-pieces. Reminiscent of the Hunger Games, in a good way.

The Boys (2019– )

Subversive and exciting

[8/10 · 16 December 2020]

This controversial and exciting take on the superhero genre is worth the binge. The show simultaneously tackles corporate America, racism, sexism and (anti-)heroism. It manages to reconcile many diverging viewpoints into action-packed episodes, while remaining character-driven. Top points for the gorgeous 6K cinematography.

Alex Rider (2020–2024)

Well-crafted and modern take on the novels

[8/10 · 2 December 2020]

Finally, a take on Alex Rider that delivers exactly what the novels cannot but tease: glamorous action, slick editing and an awesome soundtrack. The main character is grounded and well fleshed out thanks to an array of good supporting characters and a gritty London setting. It's a shame this took so long to get made!

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Season 2 improves on its predecessor

[8/10 · 2 December 2020]

With more focus and tension, the second season of Mindhunter really demonstrates what this show does best: meticulous research, character drama and real-life horror.

The Mandalorian (2019– )

Outstanding show

[8/10 · 2 December 2020]

What can be said about this show that hasn't already? It's a visually dazzling, well-directed story with great moments and interesting mysteries at its heart.

The Purge (2018–2019)

Season 2 is a highlight

[7/10 · 2 December 2020]

An underrated action show that manages to flesh out some of the ideas broached in the movies themselves. Whatever the story lacks in depth makes up for with sheer thrills and endearing characters who just want to get through the Purge.

Aunty Donna's Big Ol' House of Fun (2020)

Crazy, all over the place and heartwarming

[8/10 · 2 December 2020]

An over-the-top sketch show whose leads cannot but charm you. It makes no sense whatsoever and is reminiscent of shows like Danger Five with crazy gags and stream-of-consciousness comedy.

Teenage Bounty Hunters (2020)

Real shame it's been cancelled

[8/10 · 2 December 2020]

A real gem of a show, with charismatic and funny leads who stumble through their early adult lives while trying to do their jobs as bounty hunters.

The Umbrella Academy (2019–2024)

Funny and touching

[7/10 · 2 December 2020]

A human and comedic look at a dysfunctional family of 'heroes' who all have reasons to hate each other. Very engaging and well directed.

Snowpiercer (2020–2024)

Gripping action drama

[9/10 · 2 December 2020]

A tough, political action drama with plenty of ideas and engaging characters. In 2020, the idea of a group of people in a confined setting yearning for freedom couldn't be more relevant.

Altered Carbon (2018–2020)

Dazzling

[8/10 · 8 November 2020]

How do I even start to describe this show? It's Blade Runner on TV, a dystopian science fiction cyberpunk murder mystery. Its ambition doesn't always reach great heights, but you've got to admire it for even trying when it could just have been another generic action series.

Maniac (2018)

Funny, sad and warm

[8/10 · 8 November 2020]

A dystopian yet warm tale of two people brought together by a drugs test in a local laboratory. Emma Stone and Jonah Hill bring it home with top-notch performances, rounded out by a great supporting cast and strong direction by Cary Fukunaga. Its sensitivity lingers long after viewing.

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018–2020)

Horror and aesthetics

[7/10 · 8 November 2020]

Blending the commercial aesthetics of 'Riverdale' with a compelling story about adolescence, change and identity, this show captivated me to the point of binge-watching the entire programme in a couple of days. Kiernan Shipka is great as always.

Dear White People (2017–2021)

Unmissable

[7/10 · 8 November 2020]

I was dubious of this adaptation at first, given my appreciation for the original film. However, the show lifts its material to new heights, with cinematic visuals, great character-driven episodes and a sense of humour like no other show I've seen. It's unmissable.

Swamp Thing (2019)

A lost gem

[7/10 · 8 November 2020]

It's a real shame this show was cancelled immediately after its first season. With lots of atmosphere, grit and genuinely disgusting body horror, DC's Swamp Thing excels at telling a kind of small-town horror story wrapped in 80s-style low budget filmmaking techniques.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

The most intimate Potter

[9/10 · 8 November 2020]

This is a movie which demonstrates big-budget special effects franchises can be about something more. Adolescent longing and the feeling of being trapped and misunderstood pervade this story. Although a tad too long, this might well be the richest of all Potter movies in terms of themes and characters.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011)

One huge payoff

[9/10 · 8 November 2020]

Featuring some of the best scenes of the franchises, as well as conveying a sense of epic doom and wartime resilience, 'Hallows' Part 2 successfully ends the saga with a bang, which not many movie series can claim to do well enough.