prestonmick Reviews

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

For me this is hands down THE best film ever made. A masterpiece of cinema.

[10/10 · 7 June 2020]

The first time I saw this I was about 19 and it was maybe 1987 and my brother had hired it on VHS . I only started watching it at midnight thinking I'd give it a go until I got bored . But 3 and three quarter hours later I went to bed blown away, and in reverence of Sergio Leone. The following day (Sunday) I watched it again. The storytelling in this movie is something else and what tops it off is the absolutely perfect musical score that frames every scene, truly matching the emotions of both the characters, and little old you and me as we watch it! It's magnificent.

And yes although it is a little dated in technological nuances and its runtime would be difficult for a modern 19 year old in this super fast paced world, but most of us have happily binged a season occasionally so do yourself a favour and put the afternoon or evening on hold and just get swept away in the lives of Noodles, Max, Patsy, Cockeye, Fat Moe, Deborah and Peggy from childhood through to adults and follow their story. And it is one hell of a story, filmed brilliantly as it switches in time from the present backwards, and forwards again. It can be brutal at times, but also funny and deeply moving as well.

Most people I know who have seen this film not only watch it more than once but they all say this masterpiece goes straight into their top 5 movies of all time.

And yes, I haven't been living under a rock, and I have seen Godfather I and II, Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, Scarface, Taxi Driver, The Usual Suspects, Inception amongst other great films, but for me, this tops them all.

The only reason I'm now writing a review after all these years is because my 21 year old nephew has just watched it today and he messaged to say how amazing he thought it was, and it is now in his top 10 movies, not bad from a lad born in 1999. That made me go on eBay and order the remastered Director's cut from 2014 and add a review on here while listening to the music on YouTube!

The Pharmacist (2020)

Netflix delivers again with a gripping, binge-worthy docu-series.

[9/10 · 6 February 2020]

I found this to be an outstanding series, and at just 4 episodes it looks like Netflix have toned down their tendancy to drag out a story too.

What starts out as a murder case turns into something much bigger, darker and shocking at the scale of the opioid addiction crisis.

Dan Schneider is like a dog with a bone, and his sheer persistence and tenacity are remarkable, and probably quite annoying, as you'll see for yourself.

You'll be cheering Dan and his family on, and crying for them at the same time through the ups and downs of his investigative work. Ultimately, you'll also feel disgusted with corporate greed and especially big pharma, but it's still well worth watching. And, as usual Netflix manage to eek out those cliff hangers at the end of each episode......just when you were ready to go to bed.

Rocketman (I) (2019)

This film touched my soul, please go and see it!!

[10/10 · 27 May 2019]

I can't remember the last time I went to the cinema and went thro so many emotions.....ever!

This film is magic!

It flows so well, seamlessly, and you'll get what I mean when you watch it!

The next time I go and watch it , I'm gonna do what I was itching to do the first time .....'m gonna get up and dance!!

You (2018–2024)

Mindblowingly good. It's like Dexter for a new generation.......and on steroids!!

[9/10 · 9 January 2019]

What can I say except stop reading, and get it watched!!!! NOW !!!

This is such a good show and the protagonist, Joe, is likeable just like Dexter was. And Beck is just adorable. All the characters have depth and there's backstory that unfolds as you watch so there's always more that gets gradually revealed. Not only that but all of the reactions between the main two characters Joe, and Beck are real and believable.

But the biggest thing is the steady build up to the final 2 episodes which are just incredible. A powerhouse ending to a superb first season. Bravo!!

No more reviews needed, close this app and just watch it. Trust me.

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)

The irony of black mirror .....has just turned on itself!!!

[7/10 · 31 December 2018]

For all of you , me included, that love Black Mirror, I couldn't even begin to tell you how enthusiastic I was about this episode. But what a total disappointment when my TV (only 3 years old and expensive) didn't allow it to work!! I then tried to tell my family, and they had the same problem,, all except one , where I watched it!!

The irony is that Black Mirror in general teaches us that we are owned by media/technology.......and there we all are , being owned by media and new technology just with this episode!!. It's the biggest joke ever and Charlie Brooker has succeeded!! The joke is actually on us!!! Think about it. The irony now becomes ironic!

Now the question is, did I enjoy it?? Not really! but that's because I felt it was a bit too gimmicky!

Do I think it works?? Yes!! Because enough of us like gimmicks!! It's clever, and new and groundbreaking.

This is unique, but remember everything you already know from Black Mirror.......it delivers and the future has become reality, but you might need to update your TV just to watch it....and then you're owned! You'll think you're having the last laugh until you realise you're laughing at yourself. It's genius!

The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2017)

A beautiful and painful story of life, love and tragedy, elegantly told. Just watch it!!

[9/10 · 8 April 2018]

I find it hard to believe that there are some awful reviews about this film!! If you love films like Mr Nobody, and Benjamin Button then you need to watch this. Ok it's not as good as those in my opinion but it's close, and films like this don't come along very often.

Trust me, watch it and you'll be swept up in its non linear storytelling without wondering what's going on. It's not pretentious, it unfolds naturally and you get all the answers by the end. It'll make you laugh, feel uplifted, and it might choke you up too but it's sensational and definitely a work of beauty.

The acting is top rate throughout too. This is definitely a hidden gem you'll be glad you watched by the time the credits roll.

Brimstone (2016)

A film that packs a punch.....and then some. If you can stomach it you'll love it.

[9/10 · 14 April 2017]

My advice is don't watch this before bed because you probably won't sleep, but if you do sleep, expect nightmares! You think I'm joking, I'm not!! After saying that you'd expect a bad review but to be honest I thought this was a great film with a fantastic story, it's just very hard to watch.

What can I tell you other than you won't find it an enjoyable experience because it's deeply unsettling, disturbing, brutal and savage, but it's still an extraordinarily gripping film and Dakota Fanning especially is mesmerising.

I didn't watch a trailer before embarking on this journey into hell but I had read a couple of reviews but it still didn't prepare me for what was to come, so be warned! Saying that don't think there is gore and brutality thrown about simply as a shock factor. It's all very relative to the story, and one very twisted character which makes it so immersive and powerful.

An excellently made film and a gripping tale expertly told, incredibly acted out by a great cast.

Big Bad Wolves (2013)

All I can say is "You must watch this film! Amazing!!"

[10/10 · 27 January 2014]

I won't spoil anything for anyone. I watched this without knowing much about it except it was about a hunt for a brutal paedophile, and Quentin Tarantino rates it highly.

Deeply disturbing to watch in parts ( I had my hands up to my face more than once, and so will you trust me! ) but strangely enough the comic elements of the film really work. The script is snappy and humorous so you will laugh too which seems insane considering the subject matter and brutal scenes. The film is very atmospheric and is extremely well directed and shot with some imposing camera shots. The music also adds to the intensity of the film which just seems to increase throughout right up to the climatic last couple of scenes.

All in all an absolute classic film that you won't forget about any time soon. If you liked the movie SE7EN then you'll probably like this.

Breathe In (2013)

Outstanding drama. This is a must see, seriously!!

[9/10 · 8 December 2013]

I'm shocked this has such a low rating!! I thought this was fantastic. Yes there are no guns, no explosions, no mass destruction, but what it has got is intensity, power, and at times it's just beautiful.

Guy Pearce is outstanding as a father and husband in sort of a mid life crisis. Like the reviewer before me put so well, he is slightly insecure and regrets how he didn't follow through with his passion to play music. The British student that arrives at their home is young, beautiful and her visit changes the family unit. A lot of things that are said in this film are done with close up shots of eye contact, glances and reactions without having to spell it out to the viewer which can be patronising in some films.

The movie has honesty and makes you ask questions about where you want to go with your life and also about responsibility and consequences. Anyone mature enough to have experienced what happens in families and relationships will get this film. I loved it! It's powerful and thought provoking, and beautiful too, with great acting. Highly recommended in my opinion.