NeilBarnett Reviews

Planet Earth II (2016)

Best thing on TV since last Planet Earth

[10/10 · 14 November 2016]

This is without doubt the best thing I have seen on television for years. The photography, narration and general story telling of the lives of the animals is simply breath-taking.

Episode 1 was animals that live on islands. As others have mentioned I have never seen such a more terrifying piece of natural-history photography in my life. I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it or caught it on YouTube but I never thought I would be shouting at the TV for Iguana's to run.

Episode 2 was mountain living wildlife from Grizzly Bears coming out of hibernation to Snow Leopards.

This programme is one of the few examples which envelopes you in its documentary telling. You are seeing things for the first time and you are left with wanting more. Roll on episode 3, jungles.

Star Trek (2009)

Simply Great Entertainment

[10/10 · 7 May 2009]

Went into a preview showing this morning half excited half worried on what they had done with the Star Trek universe. I didn't need to worry, it was truly great entertainment. Excellent set action pieces The story flowed from one piece of excitement to another with incredible special effects. These bits of CGI not only looked beautiful but not once did you say to yourself "Oh look its badly done CGI". But unlike the Star Wars prequel films these special effects did not overtake the film they were just there to tell the story.

The music score was very enjoyable especially the final few minutes of the film. I was very impressed with the direction and the acting was excellent from actors who are relatively unknown.

Will be seeing the film again and bring on the sequel.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

Excellent Fast Paced Film

[9/10 · 12 July 2007]

Queued up like many more to watch the first showing today of the film at 11am and I'm pleased I did.

The film was beautifully acted not only by the side cast which there are many, but the main trio. Each brought there character to life unlike in previous Harry Potter films. Dumbledore was Dumbledore from the books and not like how he was played in the Goblet of Fire.

A special mention must go to Imelda Staunton who was fabulous as Umbridge, a right nasty piece of work.

The special effects were amazing and although I wish the wand fight at the end was longer it was beautifully shot.

As one of the shortest Harry Potter films I did feel that perhaps another 10 to 15mins additions might of been nice. Maggie Smith is hardly seen.

But as other people have said you need to remove yourself from the very thick book and just have a roller coaster of a ride.

This has been the best blockbuster film of 2007 so far after a year of big disappointments namely Spider-man 3 and Pirates 3.

Its beginning to feel like the days of the Lord of the Rings films, you look forward to the next chapter and will miss it once its all gone.

Lets hope The Half Blood Prince brings more of the same.

Spider-Man 3 (2007)

3rd time unlucky.

[6/10 · 5 May 2007]

From seeing the trailer so many weeks ago, this was the movie from the list of summer blockbuster movies (mainly sequels) I was looking forward to seeing.

Spider-man 2 was without doubt the best comic book genre film ever, it had everything. So with Spider-man 3 out and the trailers looking fantastic I pre-booked my ticket and went to see it.

Everything that was good in the second film was bad in the third. It was basically a re-run, going over the same story lines from the first two films.

But my main problem with this film was the special effects. Apart from one or two scenes they were terrible. Where in the second film the CGI effects had depth and felt and looked right in the third film they stand away from the background and neither the foreground or background matched in light and shadow.

Another issue I had with the film was how the film flowed. It was just a collection of scenes sellotaped together, and not very well. Perphaps if it was 30 to 40 minutes shorter, had one bad guy less it would of been a much better film.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

What a laugh out loud movie

[9/10 · 17 February 2007]

Being a fan of the creators of Shaun of the Dead and Spaced I was looking forward to going to see this film. But I was also wondering whether the boys had lost their touch. I did not need to wonder any more.

The film is wonderfully funny and consists of great one liners to full blown comedy moments.

Like Shawn of the Dead this film is not a spoof film like the rubbish Scary Movie. Hot Fuzz is more of a parody of big action Police movies like Bad Boys 2.

The other really good thing about this film is the acting standard both Simon Pegg and Steve Frost are fantastic. Simon plays the straight laced, by the book police officer with a bit of a sense of humour by-pass. Steve Frosts character is the laid back slob with dreams of being a sharp shooting police officer. The chemistry between them both is wonderful and helps to raise the film from a good movie to an excellent film.

The other cast members are also really good, Timothy Dalton plays the slimy supermarket owner wonderfully.

The only small problem I have with the movie is the ending was possibly 10 minutes too long, but what the hell there was still plenty to laugh through.

If you want to have a good laugh go and see this movie, terrific!

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

What a fantastic funny and sad film

[10/10 · 26 January 2007]

I heard so many people on both TV and radio on how good this little low budget film was.

I rented it on DVD and goodness me is everyone correct.

It made me laugh out loud and cry. The actors are all fantastic its all beautifully played.

The script flows well and is never dull. The first time directors should be congratulated for giving us first rate entertainment.

At the time of writing this piece Little Miss Sunshine just received 4 Oscar nominations, including one for Abigail Breslin. What a wonderful little actress.

I strongly recommend for everyone to go out and rent / buy this film.

Casino Royale (2006)

Most exciting Bond but too much product placement

[9/10 · 13 December 2006]

I did a very sad thing I watched all previous 007 films on DVD then went to the theatre to watch Casino Royale.

What a difference this film compared with the past 007 adventures. The pace and style of the film is perfect, I didn't think there was a boring bit to it.

Daniel Craig is superb as James Bond his acting skills are shown off with the help of an excellent script; making Bond a much more of a floored character.

Not so much of the cheesiness we have become familiar with from our favourite British spy. But when a one liner is delivered its very sharp.

But my biggest bug with the film is the constant product placement, was the whole Sony product range on show, I think so. But the line on the train regarding watch styles takes the prize.

I can forgive the film for this all in all Casino Royale is a very good film.

Extras: Jonathan Ross (2006) Season 2, Episode 6

DeNiro what a surprise

[9/10 · 31 October 2006]

This was without doubt the best of the second series. In my opinion the other episodes in series 2 have been slow and in places just obvious and boring. But the best was left to last, love the pieces with Jonathan Ross, really funny; with both of them rolling around like children with new toys. But the biggest surprise was Robert DeNiro, that was fantastic when his eyes lit up when he saw the naked lady pen, that was comic genius.

It was a nice touch as well that it wasn't Ricky Gervais meeting Robert DeNiro but his agent.

What a shame the rest of the series 2 episodes didn't match this lone episode.

Superman Returns (2006)

Very Enjoyable but a little long.

[8/10 · 15 July 2006]

Really enjoyed the movie, from the beginning to the end.

It was so nice to hear John Williams Superman theme again and out of the three blockbusters this year, X-Men 3, Pirates and Superman I thought this was the best.

Could of been about 20 - 30 minutes shorter but at least the film didn't plod along like Pirates did at times.

It had Bryan Singers directorial style which was missing from X-Men 3 , the special effects were very good however, as normal the CGI characters were very noticeable at times; but as this seems to be a common theme in the three big films this year.

This is only a slight moan because overall the director and cast should be congratulated on an very good production.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Just a Fantastic vehicle for Bill Murray

[10/10 · 14 July 2006]

This is my favourite comedy of all time.

Bill Murray is such an underrated and brilliant dead pan actor. It's not what he says on screen its the facial expressions that just crease me up.

Groundhog Day has everything, a very good and original script, great acting from all the cast, a little romance and best of all Bill Murray's sarcasm.

If your looking for a film to cheer you up with some great comic timing this is the film for you.

Well done everyone involved.

Doctor Who (2005–2022)

THis show gets better and better

[8/10 · 8 July 2006]

I have just watched the season 2 finale of Doctor Who, and apart from a couple of dull episodes this show is fantastic.

Its a sad loss that we say goodbye to a main character once again in the season final but the show moves on.

The BBC does need to increase the budget on the show, there are only so many things that can happen in London and the surrounding areas. Also some of the special effects all though on the main very good, on the odd occasion do need to be a little more polished.

It was a huge gamble for the BBC to bring back a show that lost its way a long time ago and they must be congratulated for doing so.

Roll on to the Christmas 2006 special, the 2005 Christmas special was by far the best thing on television.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

Very enjoyable but

[5/10 · 6 July 2006]

A little drawn out.

I thought the first half of the film was very good, second a little long winded, which is a shame. I thought some of the jokes were excellent, some of the jokes played by characters in the first film were repeated in the second by different characters.

Johnny Depp was superb and I love the way he runs, very funny. Unlike the first film more time is spent on the other characters like Orlando Bloom, which is a shame as his acting isn't as sharp as Mr. Depp's.

One other thing was the special effects in the first film were fantastic, the second were also as good right up to the Cracken, the CGI stood out very badly from the live action film.

The above are minor complaints on an excellent film that's why I rate it 8 out of 10, but lets hope the third installment picks up the pace a little more.

QI (2003– )

Great comedy platform

[10/10 · 28 May 2006]

I really enjoy QI. It has what most 'quiz' show's lack. It never takes itself seriously, the guests are always witty and have fun making the show.

Back in 2005 I was lucky to watch them record an episode at the London Studios. What a great night's entertainment. The stuff that they leave out is just as funny so although it takes them over 2 hours to record a show the time flies.

Stephen Fry is such a clever man , the best bits are always when the other guests take the pee out of Stephen for being too posh.

GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Can't put my finger on it

[7/10 · 25 May 2006]

As much as I enjoyed the film, I felt that something was not quiet right about the film.

It's style isn't as polished as the other two films and I feel X-Men: The last Stand's loss is Superman's gain. Some of the special effects were not as solid looking as perhaps they should be. It's one of the few films that I've seen that I wish was slightly longer, the demise of Mystique and the quick dismissal of her character was not as it should be. After all in the first two X-Men she was central to everything Magneto was doing.

Overall the film is worth seeing but it was a little disappointing.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Heard the critics and wondered

[7/10 · 20 May 2006]

After reading and hearing the critics of the Da Vinci Code I wondered whether it was worth going to see it, but in the end I'm glad I did.

OK its not a perfect film but its very watchable, even if its for Tom Hanks hair style. The film has good pace and the acting is OK, Jean Reno is as normal very good as the Police Captain.

So the only thing go and see the film with an open mind you may surprise yourself and enjoy the film.

Although the external shots in London were of Westminster Abbey the internal shots were from Lincoln Cathedral, I was very surprised when visiting the cathedral that this was so. The cathedral had some photo's on display of them filming inside the cathedral. so if anyone gets a chance its worth a visit.

Top Gear (2002–2022)

Best motoring show

[21 February 2006]

The main reason is its on the BBC, so the presenters can say what they really think without worring about upsetting any sponsors or advertisers who might appear during the commercial breaks.

The car reviews are both informative and entertaining.

The stunts of racing across Europe, Jeremy in a car, the other two going my ship, train or plane is so good , what a fantastic idea.

The winter Olympic special was the funniest thing I have seen on television in such a long time. Its so good to see three people who love there job and this comes out on screen.

I only wish I could afford some of the super cars they review.

The Producers (2005)

Fantastic

[8/10 · 15 December 2005]

Managed to see this early thanks to free tickets via the BBC Film 2005 programme. I went to see the stage show version twice in the west end of London, lucky the first time was with Nathan Lane, he is so talented. This new version of the film is just the same, Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick are fantastic in the lead roles.

Uma Thurman is also up there with a great performance, if this is the first time she has danced and sung in a film lets have more, great legs! The show stealer as in the stage version is the character Franz this time played by Will Farrell. Will is very good not to mention his pigeons.

Thank you Mel Brookes.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

Role on Order of the Phoenix

[8/10 · 18 November 2005]

I always think the sign of a good film is how quickly into it you look at your watch. Well I didn't the two and a half hours went very quickly.

I read the books last year when ill and have been listening to the Stephen Fry audiobooks this year, so you do notice the holes where the book takes you further into the story. Some bits that I was hoping to be included were not, but I guess they had to make cuts or I still would of been in there watching the film hours later. With any luck the DVD will be extended.

Fantastic special effects the boom ride with the dragon was fantastic. The film like the book is a mix of emotions it has laughter and at the end sadness, bring on Order of the Phoenix.

Enjoy!