comps-784-38265 Reviews

Abigail (2024)

Good vampire horror with humour

[7/10 · 26 April 2024]

First off, why oh why, did the trailer reveal so much about the plot.?

It seems absurd to deprive the audience of discovering a major plot twist surprise.

The film is a well made vampire horror, that does not take itselt too seriously and does inject a fair amount of humour . It's surprisingly funny to watch.

Good acting all round.

Also, unlike many of the genre, it is logical and plausible (if you accept vampires). So often people are creeping around in dark houses in dim light, for no apparent reason, whereas with 'Abigail' it is explained. It does make sense rather than the film makers being lazy.

Very entertaining to watch , solid 7.5/10 . It did fizzle out/lose steam (to a degree) in the last 15 minutes. But this and the trailer reveal, are my only real gripe.

Well worth a watch. Would I watch it again? Probably not, but very much enjoyed the film.

Monkey Man (2024)

John Wick meets Dev Patel,

[8/10 · 17 April 2024]

The advert for this film looked good. However, from experience, this can often be deceiving.

Pleasant surprise and the film is very good.

What I liked

From the outset, you are 'hooked' into the story and want to know more of how the character evolved and became as you see him.

The cinematography is stunning, the 'look', the 'feel' combined with the interesting story, set in India (unlike most action films of this ilk) really make it stand out

Acting is very high standard, as is the fight choreography and the gore factor.

I was totally absorbed for the first 3/4 of the film. If you like the John Wick, Jason Bourne films etc. This film will not dissappoint.

What I liked less This is minor criticism, there is a 'holyman' bad guy, doesn't really have much explanation.

The film has a slow build up, which heightens expectations in one respect but also I had a 'back of the mind' feeling (in the last 20 minutes) ' get on with it', or perhaps, put another way, the film was a bit too long.

But a very very solid 7.5/10. A well made, well acted and superbly filmed offering. Well worth a watch.

Fallout (2024– )

You don't fall out with Fallout

[7/10 · 15 April 2024]

I've watched the first 3 episodes and I started watching with great scepticism, that it would be a 'starts good but fizzles out' series.

I also like a good post apocalypse story, this is definitely one of those.

I gather it's based on a game, i've never seen the game, but it does have an interesting game vibe that is appealing. It doesn't take itself too seriously, yet you are engrossed in the characters and their individual stories (however bizarre)

Now I have to watch the remaining episodes and I do hope it continues to the same standard as the first 3 episodes.

Solid 7.5/10 and may well increase to an 8/10 by the end .

Very watchable.

The First Omen (2024)

disappointing, disjointed, tedious and boring

[1/10 · 11 April 2024]

First of I feel like invoicing whoever wrote this for the cost of my cinema ticket and the 2 hours of my life I will never get back.

It obviously had a big budget and some good actors but that is definitely all.

After the first 30 minutes I began wondering when something was actually going to happen?

Then you realise this is another of the ever growing number of films that at a glance look cosmetically good. However, on watching you quickly realise it is all hype and hot air. There is no substance let alone a credible story.

The acting was mediocre at best. Script /plot is just a collection of disjointed scenes that lack the connection of a coherent story.

In short I paid good money to watch absolute bilge. 1/10

BTW the tenuous ink to the Omen is a picture of Gregory Peck right at the very end.

Seriously don't waste your time - you have been warned.

Ricky Stanicky (2024)

Consistently Funny Throughout

[7/10 · 1 April 2024]

Watched this on impulse, with no expectations, and I was surprised and delighted to find it a very funny and enjoyable comedy romp.

Ok it probably won't win any Oscars. But the acting and comedy and story is consistently high, with many laugh out loud moments.

The premise is that 3 friends, have used an imaginary friend since child hood, basically to take the blame for their own mistakes/pranks.

As adults they continued to use 'Ricky Stannicky' as a convenint excuse/lie. However, they then found themselves a dilemma. They had to produce the fabled 'Ricky Stannicky' , or be revealed as liars.

So they hire an alcoholic actor (Cena) to play the elusive friend for one day. What happens is really funny.

Again it's not Oscar winning, it's not deep and meaningful, but it is hilarious .

A proper saturday matinee feel good film, that has you laughing all the way through.

Very enjoyable, well worth a watch and a very solid 7.5/10.

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Great premise but ending needed more detail

[7/10 · 31 March 2024]

What I liked : After a lot of mediocre 'horror' films, with lame lighting, lame 'jump scares' , lame acting and plot holes you could drive a train through. At last something that is of a higher standard and a bit different.

Set in a 1970's TV studio for a late show (not the usual old church/monastry) with 'ordinary' people (not nuns and priests)

Yes there is poor lighting and cheap sets - but (at last) with good reason - it is set in a tv studio 'set'.

Even more unusual you can watch, it's not totally predictable , e.g. Here comes a jump scare, when he looks in the mirror there will be a shape in the back ground etc

Very interesting scenario, a halloween late night chat show, the host interviews a possessed child, her paraphysycologist doctor, a sceptic, and a medium. All live 'on air' with breaks for advertising.

Liked the scenario of you are part of the audience watching the live screening.

What I didn't like I felt the ending could have been tied up better. References to the secret club and sacrifices didn't tally up. I thought the ending was left 'hanging' to a degree.

But well worth a watch, something different, that relies on telling a story rather than dim lighting, jump scares and gore. Solid 7/10.

Road House (2024)

Potential lost in testosterone nonsense

[6/10 · 30 March 2024]

What was good

The overall premise looked interesting, and Gyllenhaal played his part well, a good guy with a bad past, essentially the good the bad and the ugly set in florida keys

Not so good

It falls apart with the cardboard gangster bad guys and absurd mobster boss son .

I'm ready to enjoy the 'all action nonsense' genre but not 'all action ludicrous'. E.g. The mob owns everything including the cops and they still can't take care of one bouncer . Throw in a random crocodile and you get a sense of how absurd the whole film becomes.

Having said that, I did watch it to the end, But it was dissapointing, I was left with a sense this could have been a good film if it had a more believable storyline.

Would I watch it again? Definitely not.

Love Rat (2024– )

El Dorado set in Cyprus

[4/10 · 19 March 2024]

We started watching this because at first it looked interesting.

Steadily it descends to the level of 'El Dorado' (if you remember that) mixed with a particularly bad 'mills and boon' novel.

The acting is largely appalling and the characters wooden cardboard caricatures.

The plot holes are so many and varied you could drive a car through them.

The series generally has all the authenticity of a painted on sun tan.

But, it's saving grace, is it is so bad, it becomes comical. We ended up having to watch it to the end just to see the terrible acting and absurd script to the bitter laughable end.

Like others I have questioned - how did this get made ? It beggars belief

2/10 and that 2 is for comedy.

Immaculate (2024)

Not immaculate, but a very flawed story

[3/10 · 16 March 2024]

Just watched this at the cinema and my thoughts

What was good : Acting generally good, location/costumes etc good.

I also liked the general premise and thought it had a huge amount of potential, that was totally wasted !

The film is quite short, so you don't need to endure it for too long.

What was not good and down right bad

From the start the it was filmed in a sort of dark drab, even if it was sunny it was dark. Presumably the makers thought this would set a 'dark tone'. In fact it was just irritating to watch, imagine going to the cinema and finding you only had your prescription sunglasses. Visuals should be used to enhance a story, not instead of. This is lazy story telling.

Absurdities. E.g. The location is sort of a hospice for elderly nuns. It has modern medical equipment and electricity. For some reason everyone walks around with candles in the dark, there are lit candles about - particularly absurd when you have people with dementia. Lazy story telling to have people wandering about in shadows for those 'jump' scares.

The big 'inquisition' as to had she ever had sex. Meaningless, as we discover the inquisitors know all, so pointless scene.

Gore and horror that really had no great meaning, didn't add to the sory or put you 'in the story' . Just blood a guts for the sake of it.

Would I watch this again ? Definitely not, 3/10 tripe.

Very dissappointed and was glad when the film ended (which it did abruptly)

Wicked Little Letters (2023)

Interesting comedy well worth a watch

[7/10 · 5 March 2024]

We watched this last night and found it an entertaining little comedy.

Characters are interesting and there were numerous laugh out loud moments

It's a quirky unusual story set in 1920's little village . It reminded me a bit of the Suchet Poirot series, similar time period and it has that quality feel about it.

One thing I did like was there was no using it as a platform lecturing on modern 'values' . It was a proper 'old fashioned' rather charming and funny story.

It kept it's pace consistently thoughout, no highs and no lows, but a consistent pace and good standard with a good but not unsurprising climax.

Olivia Coleman and Jessie Buckley really shone, supported by a good cast.

Well worth a watch - solid 7.5/10.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Enjoyable if you've not read the books albeit long.

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

I recently watched the part 1 and was surprised to found it enjoyable, therefore wanted to continue the saga.

I've not read the books and certainly believe in any film it should not required prior knowledge from books. This and the previous film I found enjoyable and explained everything

It's a bit like game of thrones in sci-fi fantasy world. Star wars meets game of thrones (I gather Dune pre-dates Star Wars and so I can see where perhaps Star Wars borrowed a lot from Dune)

Very watchable, very loud, good acting, visually very good, my only minor criticism at 2hrs 40 minutes it's quite long

Yes I enjoyed it, haven't read the books (and don't intend to) but solid 7.5/10 Well worth a watch (provided you watch part1)

Dune (2021)

Lot better than I thought and enjoyed it

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

I remember not watching the 1980's film as it was just too confusing. Happened to start watching this and surprised how watchable it was. Sort of game of thrones/the borgias/Dallas in space fantasy world

Acting is very good and and cgi/filming is extremely good (I thought)

So I went in with a roll of the eyes remembering the nonsensical Dune from the 1980's and found it entertaining.

I've never read the books but i firmly feel if you make a film of a book (or books) then the film needs to explain to the audience, not assume prior knowledge. This film appeared to do this and I enjoyed the story.

Very solid 7.5 /10 well worth a watch and I might watch it again.

Masters of the Air: Part Six (2024) Season 1, Episode 6

Series goes from mediocre to bad

[5/10 · 23 February 2024]

Started watching this episode and in my opinon this has now gone down hill to absurd

multiple captured US aircrew taken into a bombed german town and then killed by civilian mob . Just to be clear that the devastation is not the Americans fault it's stated that this was RAF damage. (as if this somehow makes the Americans innocents)

This did happen on both sides but , when aircrew bail out into the population, but, (I suggest) not when they had been captured by the authories, particularly with high ranking air crew prisoner e.g. A Major - They go for interrogation .

The German mob proves incompetent and 2 of the 6 men are left unknowingly alive. Surprisingly the bodies are then taken out into the countryside on a cart, so lazy writing allows one of them to escape . WTF

(Afternote: I have since discovered the 'Rüsselsheim massacre' which is what the scenario is based on. So is based on a real event)

Never the less, this series is a poor relation to the classic band of brothers and war in the pacific which were totally factul accounts.

This series is largely fictional CGI dross, with cardboard caricatures (particularly of the British) It is not worth any further of my time. Deeply dissappointed.

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001)

Two stories that didn't really mesh

[7/10 · 21 February 2024]

First off i'm not from U. S. so i've no idea on who this film is based 'as based on a true story'

The story of the journalist and his father was interesting in it's own right and well acted.

Mr Rogers, ably played by Tom Hanks, I found just creepy. The story could have showed he was an alien, or a hannibal lectur, or anything and I would not have been surprised. But there was no surprise.

It's not the film is bad, it attracted your interest but then (for me) failed to deliver anything satisfactory. It was very underwhelming and dissappointing because I expected something a lot more riveting with Tom Hanks in it.

It doesn't seem to know if it's and exciting story or a feel good story or something else.

Would I watch it again ? No definitely not

A mediocre 6.5/10.

The Iron Claw (2023)

Well made but not a happy story

[7/10 · 17 February 2024]

The Iron Claw is brilliantly acted by all, and undeniably a well made film all round.

Having said that, would I watch this again ? No, definitely not.

It's just a too darn depressing tale ,of an over bearing father, ambition, suicide and tragedy. All brilliantly acted and portrayed etc., I'm glad I watched it but would not watch it again.

I do like a story that ends with a feel good factor and this doesn't have it, so definitely won't watch it again.

Don't get me wrong, it's well worth a watch and i'd give it a solid 7/10

But not for me I'm afraid, interesting story, but i prefer something more uplifting .

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

Fabulous animated film for all ages

[8/10 · 11 February 2024]

One of those classic animated stories for all the family that you can watch multiple times

Set in viking times in a fantasy world where assorted types of dragons flying around and the vikings have to complete with them for resources (like sheep)

Good old fashioned story with happy ever after ending

Can't say much else but on a par with Shrek, Bed knobs and broomsticks, Toy story etc Great film to have in your DVD collections

Just padding out the review now to meet the word count as this is just a good family film, good old fashioned story and doesn't use anything to excess to tell the story.

Masters of the Air (2024)

Too much CGI and lacks authenticity

[5/10 · 8 February 2024]

Band of Brothers and War in the Pacific both had one major thing in common. They were recreations of eye witness accounts and so, combined with good acting etc recreated authentic stories of war and of the men who fought and died.

Where 'Masters of the Air' lacks authenticity starts with CGI , it's obvious and overdone and detracts from the telling of the story.

The 2nd thing is you don't really care anything for the characters they are too wide ranging among the crews.

It may have played better as the story of one aircraft and it's crew - as in 'Memphis Belle' . The same as it was Winters and his platoon/company etc.

I've just started episode 2 and it's 'alright' but nothing more. To many flavours of other films on this subject and (so far) lacks any uniqueness or authenticity in it's own right.

The anti-English sentiment is annoying, but again shows the lack of authenticity and the writer(s) scraping the story telling bottom of the barrel

Perhaps it will get better but so far 6/10.

UPDATE: Having now watched episodes 1 - 4 of Masters of the Air has clarified by thoughts that Masters of the Air is dissappointing.

It is not terrible by any means, but, being a fictional story, told with excessive use of CGI, it doesn't fair well in comparison to Band of Brothers or War in the Pacific.

The latter both being vivid, factual, and true accounts of war, and both will stand the test of time, as classic productions.

Nor did the PR fanfare, of how Masters of the Air was made by the makers of the same, do it any favours. It raised the viewers expectations and failed to deliver (which would have been difficult and near impossible for any fictional production)

Inside Job (2010)

Shocking illustration of why banks can never be left unregulated

[8/10 · 4 February 2024]

After the great depression. United States banks were regulated to prevent a repeat of the mistakes before

Banks and big finance worked to get these removed, quoting all the economic benefits and suprise, surprise, history repeats.

What is really shocking is how they (the finance industry) now have so much power that they effectively control politicians and pay billions on lobbying to ensure there is no reform (unless it is with the banks approval - i.e. Toothless) They also pay universities and economists to give 'expert opinion' that corroborates that reform is unnecessary.

In addition how the culprits across the U. S. financial industry have never been held to account for their actions. Have walked away scot free with millions in bonuses and, the final travesty, are still in major positions as advisers and controllers of the same system .

The film really illustrates the worst elements of U. S. capitalism, how the rich get richer and the poor can get screwed .

The taxpayer has to pay to bale out the mistakes and greed of the bankers who face no consequences nor take any responsibility for their greed.

Argylle (2024)

Fun, all action spy romp, with a cat

[8/10 · 1 February 2024]

First off we went to see this on the spur of the moment and had absolutely no idea what it was about.

I saw 'Argyll' and a picture of a cat ,so assumed it was going to be some form of 'talking cat' type movie. (which it's not)

Immediately hooked into the story that unfolded - a spy/espionage all action romp.

Imagine a mix of the 'Kingsman' and 'Jewel of the Nile' and you get the flavour of 'Argyll'. We found it highly entertaining, the script and storyline works well, particularly with such a strong cast.

We went with no expectations and came out having really enjoyed it (which is quite rare these days)

A very solid 7.5-8/10 . Well worth a watch.

DCI Banks (2010–2016)

You can bank on Banks for a good story

[7/10 · 30 January 2024]

Binge watched a lot of the episodes, and the story lines are generally good. Tompkinson is just excellent as Banks and ably supported by the rest of the cast.

Yes there are things you question e.g. The absurdity of Banks being left in charge, even when it's his daughter who's been kidnapped.

Yes there are minor flaws, in what are good storylines, where we are kept in taut suspense for each episode, each with satisfying finales.

Very consistent high standard of both story and acting, for each episode and thoroughly recommended if you like the genre, although slightly dated now.

One of those series like prime suspect, a touch of frost etc that you can rewatch.

Judge John Deed (2001–2007)

Enjoyable Romp on Righteousness

[7/10 · 21 January 2024]

Watched Judge John Deed over the years and it is like episodes of 'A touch of Frost' or 'Inspector Morse' and others.

You will question how the central character gets away with these things and realise in the 'real world' they would not. As well as other flaws that don't stand up to comparison to the real world.

But, never the less, for the purposes of artistic license and putting on a good drama, despite these flaws it is entertaining and watchable .

Martin Shaw as the bewigged crusader, plays the role extremely well, as the 'not so little' , little guy, righting wrongs and bringing the establishment to book.

If you like a good old fashioned story of good triumping (despite all the odds) over evil . I found the episodes well written, yes it's not the real world but then we don't watch drama expecting a documentary

7/10.

Silent Witness (1996– )

Dirge Music and Scientists who are Idiots

[2/10 · 10 January 2024]

This looked to be good but, perhaps because I remember thie original silent witness, I found it irritating

First off the repeated dirge music at every turn began to get very, very annoying.

How the basic plot is full of holes e.g. The pathologist who is involved and has his wife murdered is still allowed on the original case.

As others have noted having one central character, I thought was too central, too much. Many of the characters were very cardboard and the dialogue (combined wth the dirge music) just boring

I watched it and thought it was naff 2/10 but my wife watched it and thought it was great 8/10 and thought it a great twist at the end.

So best you watch it yourself and come to your own conclusions.

I still much prefer the original 'silent witness' as a classic series.

Hijack (2023)

Security inconsistencies mars episode 1 and 2

[6/10 · 2 January 2024]

Started watching this and immediately hooked. Interesting concept and well acted with Idris Elba in the key role

First jar out of what looks to be a good series, is pilot reporting an incident on board shortly after takeoff, to Dubai air traffic control. Then so easily he can cancel this and it's dismissed by air traffic control in Dubai.

Then a passenger also texts to relative in london of 'incident' and glibly this is also dismissed as previously raised as 'false alarm' so nothing to worry about . Police/security services are similarly very easy going and accept this. WTF !

It's only when and another controller raises the issue of it's 2 seperate reports and explains the fundamentals of security to her superiors (and international colleagues) who are clearly not fit to be in post and don't have any operating procedures covering this (remarkable post 911.)

It's this kind of unbelieveable/illogical things , where aviation professionals are collectively stupid, that totally spoil what looks to be a good series .

I'm just starting episode 3 if there are more absurdities I'll quickly loose interest.

And 27 minutes into episode 3 I realise this is another Apple series designed to 'go on, and on, and on' . Unnecessarily prolonging and prolonging the story.

Excuse the pun but i've baled out and won't watch any further.

Mr Bates vs. The Post Office (2024)

A true story of injustice and gross corporate misconduct

[8/10 · 2 January 2024]

This was riveting and we binge watched the 4 episodes and then the seperate Mr Bates the true story . The latter shows how accurately was the depiction of a true (and ongoing) story.

Really well made and acted

A shocking example of how corporate management will protect their brand image. That they can do no wrong and therefore cannot admit any mistakes or errors.

No matter who has to suffer as a consequence.

And when an organisation like the post office has the power to investigate itself and is virtually a law unto itself how the senior executives abuse that power.

The lengths the post office executive would go to try to cover up software mistakes was shocking.

Even more shocking was there has been no. Prosecutions of the post office management nor Fujitsu, (The post office CEO Paula Vennells was even awarded a CBE in 2020 )

You really feel the injustice to hundreds of sub-post masters who were persecuted, prosecuted and sacked. Which went on for years, despite the fact there was plenty of evidence something was wrong and post masters themselves had been saying so for years.

The issue was described as the biggest miscarriage of justice in Brtish history (and it is still yet to be resolved)

A vivid real life example of how big companies can never be trusted to 'do the right thing'. They will always follow profit and self interest.

How chief executives when allowed to be a law unto themselves abuse this power and the arrogance that they do not have to answer to anyone. (nor have they to date)

Riveting watch.

One Life (2023)

Great film

[8/10 · 1 January 2024]

I actually remember the episode of 'That's Life' in 1988, where Esther Rantzen asked everybody in the audience: Who here owes their life to Nicholas Winton,? Then please stand up.

The whole audience standing, was very very moving then, on TV and it's equally powerful when recreated in this film.

The story is, as part of volunteers, he and others, managed to get 669 children out of Czechoslovakia as the Nazis marched in.

It's a slow starting film, but builds to the very moving finale.

Anthony Hopkins is just brilliant playing Winton.

Well worth a watch as it is a true story (not Hollywood writing history)

Also thought provoking is that 48 years after the start of WW2 and there was Winton in our 'modern world' on TV in 'That's Life'. How could such terrible events be within one persons life time ?

Then you look at the wars going on in world today and realise, with all our civilization and technology, barbarity is always lurking nearby,