Sy1975 Reviews

Legend (I) (2015)

Opportunity Wasted and comical Ron portrayal

[6/10 · 28 January 2016]

Firstly, I did enjoy this film, its well shot and the cinematography is great, it felt like London in the 60's, of course Tom Hardy's acting was excellent in regards to Reggie, the difference between the twins easy to see.

However, I'm not sure I can recommend it, certainly over the excellent 1990's Kemp brother biopic. The main problem for me was story, surely they missed a trick in really exploring the Kray story and really getting to the facts. I don't feel that I learnt anything new, there was no character development around any of the "firm" who were obviously faces also in the 60's, there was no real clue to their true crime empire apart from a few scenes with a mob boss in an apartment and where was the relationship with their Mother who apparently adored and protected her boys.

More importantly where was the grit, I expected more uncomfortable scenes, not because I want to see blood and guts but because the Krays were apparently the most feared gangsters in London. Apart from the George Cornell and Jack McVitie slayings and a dust up in a pub where did that reputation come from. Surely a focus on how that reputation was made could have been a bolder approach.

Again I had no real problem that the film was more of a focus on Reggie's relationship with Francis, but again they showed how they got together but the breakdown of the marriage felt forced, it all happened in one scene. Perhaps a lot of this film still lays on the cutting room floor, which is a shame really.

Lastly Ron. Obviously a nasty piece of work and Hardy did a good job, but I also found the portrayal a little comically. Anyone in UK who knows the series "Little Britain" may agree. He felt like a caricature by David Walliams.

So for me a massive opportunity to really create a Legend of a film but the Directors and writers decided to go safe and not really offer anything new. Apart from Hardy's acting I'm pretty certain this would have gone straight to DVD.

Everything Must Go (2010)

Everyman must hit rock bottom to break addiction

[8/10 · 11 November 2015]

I wasn't initially relishing watching this movie, I like Will Ferrell but was dubious as to whether he could pull off a straight role. However, I warmed immediately to Nick Halsey, how could he be sacked and on the same day be chucked out of his own home? So he takes the unusual step of camping out in his front yard (luckily he doesn't live in the UK) with all of his lifelong belongings.

It's a coming of age movie in some ways, albeit at 40+ years of age. Will Ferrell nails the helplessness of his situation, he drinks and along the way through relationships with a young kid, his pregnant neighbour and an old school flame he realises that he's a good man, that he has something to offer the world, that perhaps he doesn't need the booze after all. The direction is solid however its slow paced allowing the viewer snapshots as to why Nick turned out this way. I also liked the fact that you never meet the wife or the husband across the street, you don't need to. Its very uncomplicated, perfectly paced.

I loved this movie and the whole cast performance if anything its uplifting and ultimately a positive message via an unfortunate back story. Highly recommended.

Stonehearst Asylum (2014)

Inspiring Gothic tale - highly recommended

[8/10 · 6 November 2015]

The stella cast list – Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine, Brendan Gleeson, Jim Sturgess and the beautiful Kate Beckinsale is what drew me to this move. It looks like a cross between Sleepy hollow, Harry Potter and a Dickins novel. It so beautifully shot.

Set at the turn of the 20th Century the focus is the Stonehearst Asylum; it seems on first glance that an interesting social experiment is afoot. Ben Kingsley often gets type cast in these roles however he is so good and such a strong character actor, he commands the screen. Supported by a host of great performances that draw you into the story. Kate Beckinsale positively shines in a sea of darkness.

The Doctors almost modern treatment seems to be working at first, its certainly more positive than the barbaric Victorian treatment of the insane and infirm that was obviously the norm. The film then turns on its head and it all starts unravelling – not to say too much more there are further twists, you want the hero to prevail, but you also feel for the patients. It all climaxes to an acceptable conclusion. All very Hollywood but still acceptable.

I really enjoyed Stonehearst Asylum and would highly recommend.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

The main story is not the REAL story...

[5 November 2015]

So I watched NCFOM a few years ago and was not that impressed. Yes, it looks amazing, is well shot, the acting and characters are strong, but really an 8 plus rating and Oscars wins? I didn't think it was that good.

So I watched it again recently – I have to agree with a lot of people, the story really doesn't feel finished, if anything its all a little rushed, I would have loved to have seen more of Woody, its seems like a load of his scenes were left on the cutting room floor. Surely they could have padded the story out more and did it have to be so doom and gloom, so anti Hollywood?

But hold on a second. That's the point, it's what I believe after the second watch is what really makes this film great. The story is not so important, the money, drugs, Mexicans, third party, scary hit-man, Hero, Hero's wife, integral to the story but not the whole point.

Its Ed Toms story – his disillusionment with the world, how its change, how cold and bad it can be and of course the realisation that its always been like that and always will be. You just have to do your best and make a small difference where you can. Its not a country for old or young men!

Its still not my favourite film ever, but its up there and it's a thinker with a refreshing anti Hollywood ending.

Rounders (1998)

Poker fan or not - this is a great movie

[9/10 · 14 October 2015]

Why do some truly awful movies do well and other truly great movies like Rounders get lost in the dross. I just happened to come across this on UK Netflix by chance. Matt Damon, Ed Norton, John Malkovic looked a great cast for starters, its about poker, decent looking love interest - even better.

The story and characters draw you in immediately, the scene is set although not giving too much away. Norton's character is not introduced immediately, which I liked. Matt Damon holds the film together comfortably with some strong supporting performances especially from Malkovic.

Poker is the main theme of the movie, the question mark over the rights and wrongs of gambling, the obvious skills and intelligence that these professional poker players have. Its not really for or against the movie sits on the fence allowing the viewer to draw their own conclusions (another sign of a great Director).

To not give the game away, yes I saw the final act coming, there is no massive twist, but this does not take you away from the enjoyment and your willingness to watch till the final credits. You really want the best for Damon's character

Highly recommended 9 out of 10 from me.

Middle Men (2009)

Great film. As good as Wolf of Wall St

[10/10 · 7 September 2015]

As other reviewers have mentioned where did this film come from? Apparently it hardly received any exposure in the states and literally nothing here in the UK. I happened to come across by chance on Netflix buried within their non advertised titles.

Even on IMDb there are only a handful of reviews compared to other rubbish out there. So I felt compelled to write a few words in praise.

Firstly the cast is excellent, Wlison is so much stronger than his brother as a straight actor, really liked the character and wanted him to pull through, the supporting cast shine with strong performances. I really felt the film was well cast.

Script and story are excellent, based on true events (which highlights the .com bubble from a different and interesting perspective). It's well shot, great locations and the soundtrack supports the film. Yes there is some nudity but actually no sex scenes which actually was the right thing to do. How easy would it have been to over sex a film about internet porn.

Direction is tight, yes it has elements of Casino and Goddfellas perhaps, but why not? They are great films. In my opinion it has parallels with Wolf of Wall Street with the much over rated DiCaprio, in fact I enjoyed this film more.

Just goes to show that big budget and marketing with a studio really behind a film, makes the difference not the story, acting or direction.

Should be in your must watch list.

Employee of the Month (2006)

Really enjoyable comedy

[7/10 · 23 July 2015]

Really enjoyed Employee of the Month, Its laugh out loud funny in places and the writing and direction are solid, don't get me wrong it's not the comedy of decade but deserves more than 5.5 so felt that I have to write a few positive words.

Zack is a really likable character, well played by Dane Cook but Vince steals the show, a great comic performance, some great lines and situations, the supporting cast are all interesting and likable and are played well especially Jorge, Vinces sidekick and Glen Gary ( or Glen Ross) the store manager who really hams up the part and what's not to like or look about Jessica Simpson?

Well worth and hour and a half of your time.

Wasteland (2012)

Great British Film

[9/10 · 28 November 2014]

As someone else had mentioned this was sitting in my Netflix account unloved - a little bored I thought I should watch the first 20 minutes and see where it went.

Having not read any reviews I was pleased to see Timothy Spall pop up in the first 10 minutes, encouraged I gave the film my full attention. The initial dialogue was clever, maybe a little too clever but fresh with some good lines, giving a solid back story. I must admit I grew to like the 4 lads, especially the lead who delivers a strong performance. Expecting a typical revenge story with the usual violence and mayhem the Rise takes you in a different and refreshing direction.

It's well shot and the impressive director makes you really feel like you are on this gritty estate in the North of England. However he also offers hope, you want these guys to get their revenge and whatever they can take from the very believable drug kingpin.

As you get more engrossed by the film the cleverer it gets with some great twists and turns, although not completely original – it all works. There is not a weak performance from the whole cast while backed up by a fantastic soundtrack (if you like your dance music). What I liked most is that the film does not go too far either; there is no violence or nudity for the sake of it. It's a great British film that should not be left too long to watch.

The Suspect (2013)

Did not see the twist until the very end

[8/10 · 9 February 2014]

Refreshingly different thriller that although shot on a budget is well edited, shot and contains some great acting.

I must admit that initially I was not that impressed but as you watch more the plot evolves and the characters start to make an impact. There is some great editing that really pieces together the story, yes maybe the redneck police are a little one sided but situations like this are believable. Without saying too much it's a great scam!

The two key actors (cop and bank robber) deliver great performances and the twist at the end is unexpected till the last minute. Well worth your time and deserves at least a 7.