wembleyfm Reviews

The Green Mile (1999)

Moving, Gripping, Thought Provoking

[9/10 · 15 February 2016]

I have to admire the brilliance of Stephen King. It was his novels that inspired Frank Darabont to screenplay and direct Shawshank Redemption and Green Mile. I also admire the brilliance of Darabont who seems to be a genius at interpreting King's tales onto celluloid. This story is spell-binding and the performances of the actors were riveting. Its hard to think of a more memorable and imposing stature of an actor than Michael Clarke Duncan who is wonderfully cast in his central role. Hard to imagine that he was a novice actor at this stage of his career. There are plenty of tear-jerking moments throughout this film and it offers up a message to its viewers. 3 hours well spent in the company of this story.

Making a Murderer (2015–2018)

Extraordinarily Compelling

[10/10 · 19 January 2016]

Conspiracy theories and miscarriages of justice are continually flouted and rarely proved. If this documentary was actually a work of fiction, viewers would have been forgiven for turning off due to the flimsiness of the prosecution and outrage at the final verdict. It is because this is a real life documentary that the viewer is transfixed on an unfolding plot of deceit, manipulation and spin to protect a County Justice system that is reeling from accusations of impropriety. This documentary is so well presented, so well edited and so intriguing that the viewer will no doubt binge watch to unfold another incredulous development in the plot. Lets hope that this brilliant documentary is a catalyst to ensuring that proper justice is served.

The Intern (I) (2015)

Surprisingly Intern-resting!

[7/10 · 18 December 2015]

Without knowing too much about the plot, I assumed this was taking De Niro down a familiar trodden path of another "Fokker" type role. How wrong I was! This is a very endearing, gentle and easily watchable escapade that sees an ageing De Niro being given an internship with an e-commerce fashion company and becoming surprisingly useful at bestowing his considerable knowledge to his new colleagues. I can't remember ever seeing De Niro play such a likable role without seemingly any flaws to his character. Hathaway charms her way through the film and there's a nice cameo from Russo as a love interest. A film that doesn't try too hard to be funny and comes across better for it.

Damages (2007–2012)

Addictive Drama

[9/10 · 17 November 2015]

I watched the first season in a day. Now, I'm not proud of binge- watching 13 episodes, but so gripping is season one, that I just had to keep watching. A twisting plot, brilliantly acted and with all the ingredients that make a compelling thriller. Glenn Close plays the main character to perfection, in some ways it was reminiscent of her "Fatal Attraction" role; she plays a cold, calculating, manipulative character with so much going on in her life that you wonder how her head doesn't explode. Rose Byrne plays her role to perfection as her life slowly spirals out of control. What makes this series so good is that the plot is so believable. Gripping stuff, I wonder how long season two will take me to watch!

Hall Pass (2011)

Farrelly Fun

[6/10 · 16 November 2015]

This is one of those typical Sunday afternoon on the sofa in front of the TV kinda films. Lazy, easy watching, no need to engage brain and laugh out loud at a couple of unexpected crass moments. Its what the Farrelly's do best and this does not disappoint in that regard. It also seems to try deliver a moral to the story...that bored husbands soon realise that they can't deliver a week of debauchery without feeling guilty and missing their loved ones. The plot did deliver some unexpected twists which keeps you entertained. There's also plenty of eye candy for both sexes to drool over. Harmless fun but instantly forgettable, not a must see but does deliver a few laughs.

Inside Out (I) (2015)

Mentally Challenging

[4/10 · 16 November 2015]

I'd read that this movie is a contender for not only Best Animated movie, but even Best Picture at the Oscars. This is a very different film to one I've seen from Disney/Pixar tackling a very adult theme in human emotions. It's clever in the way it portrays the emotions and takes us into the world of the subject's mind. What loses it for me is that the film seems lost between playing out as a psychiatric experiment and being a film to entertain little children. The moral of the story seems lost amongst the confusing adventure within the subject's brain. The concept is certainly original and no doubt will be used as a talking forum in biology or human development lessons for years to come...it belongs in educational circles.

V for Vendetta (2005)

Compelling

[8/10 · 6 November 2015]

After reading of the recent protests in Central London on Guy Fawkes night by Guido mask wearers, it reminded me that I still hadn't seen this film. What a brilliant film this turned out to be. The wonderful prose that flows out from V when he first meets Evey is delightful and there is something almost Shakespearian with the way it is delivered. The story is very intriguing and keeps you hooked throughout. The violence is comical in places and then quite disturbing in others. Brilliantly acted with a stellar cast, this is definitely a film I will have to watch again to take in the richness of the dialogue and the acting. Very entertaining!

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

A Sombre Tale

[6/10 · 5 November 2015]

Given this is an Oscar winner for Best Picture, I had high hopes for an entertaining film. After the opening hour, the plot seemed to take on a Rockesque narrative, a rookie boxer, taken under the wing by a has been coach who manages to turn her into a fearsome unit. Then, suddenly, the movie takes an unexpected twist and the dreams of the boxer are shattered. Eastwood plays the trainer, a man who visits church every day and regularly writes to his daughter in the hope they will reconcile. We never find out how they fell out but it seems that his reluctance to initially work with the female boxer is made up for using her as a substitute for his daughter. The acting is impeccable from Freeman and Swank. However, I can't quite see how this film was given Best Picture...I'm a big fan of Eastwood's other work, such as Gran Torino, but Millon Dollar Baby lacks charisma and is not a film I would watch again in a hurry.

Spy (2015)

Too Many F's Spoil the Plot

[5/10 · 4 November 2015]

After reading the reviews of this film and watching the first 10 minutes, I thought I was in for a treat to match goofy comedies such as Naked Gun, Johnny English and Hotshots. However, the scriptwriting seemed to be caught in perpetual and unnecessary use of the F word. Not really sure why as this being a comedy, the use of such vulgarity did little to raise a smile and actually became tiresome and offensive. I did like the overall premise of this movie, that a dowdy office agent gets put in the field to infiltrate a criminal plan. Bravo to Melissa McCarthy for an entertaining performance, ably supported by Miranda Hart and a nice hammed up cockney turn by Jason Statham. Just disappointed by the script. Given the box office success, I'd imagine a sequel is in the pipeline, I just hope they provide a few less F's and more laughs next time :-)

Unbreakable (2000)

Captivating

[8/10 · 4 November 2015]

The suspense in this film builds up nicely. It keeps you wondering what is going on and I have to say that what happens at the end is totally unexpected. Willis and Jackson are perfect in their respective roles. The film starts with Willis chatting up a woman sitting next to him on a train and you could easily imagine you're actually watching another Die Hard sequel...however, immediately the direction of the film changes as you realise that Willis has become the sole survivor of a train crash. The plot takes unexpected twists and turns, indeed it is wholly unpredictable as to what happens next and therein lies the reason why this film is so captivating. You just don't know what to expect next!

Hannibal Rising (2007)

Toothless

[3/10 · 3 November 2015]

The success of Silence of The Lambs was unexpected. What Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins achieved with that film surpassed all expectations. It prompted Thomas Harris to write more books and this film serves as a prequel to provide the back story of how Hannibal became the cannibal. The premise is that he is traumatised as a young boy from being imprisoned during the war where his young sister is feasted on by his captives. An older Hannibal seeks revenge on his former captives and gains this in numerous sadistic ways. The plot is weak, the acting mediocre and overall, this film lacks any sense. Rather than watching Hannibals feasting on humans, you are best off avoiding this film and dining out in style!

Everest (2015)

Sunday Afternoon Watching

[6/10 · 3 November 2015]

Despite the stellar cast, this adaptation of the doomed summit in 1996 fails to capture the intensity of similar tragic-docu-films. Perhaps watching on a small screen spoils the majesty of the Himalayas in the cinematography? I guess what the film really lacks is the element of suspense because if you know the synopsis of the plot beforehand, you know that as soon as the weather turns, the events that unfold are not going to bode well for those on the mountain...although there is the surprise survivor who, despite suffering frostbite on his hands and face, manages to stumble to camp and is airlifted in a precarious helicopter rescue. A film worth watching, if only to remind ourselves how foolish adventurers can be in achieving their goals.

Die Hard 2 (1990)

Fun in the Snow

[7/10 · 24 October 2015]

It was always going to be difficult to produce a sequel to match the suspense and action of the original Die Hard. Instead of tension, what you get is a whole lot more explosions! Why change the trusted formula, its once again set before Xmas, McLane's wife's life is once again in danger; and the annoying television reporter is back to add more irritating screen time to the proceedings. You have to suspend belief at the number of times McLane manages to spring back to life after numerous life threatening escapades, but if Rambo can get through an entire movie without being killed then why can't McLane? A glorious and spectacular finale to see off the fiendish enemies and a cheesy ending which sees Mr & Mrs McLane reunited in the snow :-)

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Quintessential Dramatic Entertainment

[10/10 · 23 October 2015]

This programme defines binge watching. I was immediately hooked by the unique premise of this show. Mesmerised by the superb acting of the ensemble cast. The script has everything. Walter White, a normal science teacher, with a normal home life. Suddenly, his world is turned upside down at the discovery of having terminal cancer. He has poor health insurance, so how is he going to afford to foot the enormous treatment bill? What ensues is an unpredictable sequence of events. It is this unpredictability that makes this show compelling. Things really get interesting (and comedic) with the introduction of Saul Goodman and his resourceful ex-cop accomplice, Mike. I binge watched all 5 seasons within 2 weeks. Then, a year later, I did it all over again. That is the first time I've ever done that. Why? It's because this really is that good a show. I wanted to relive every moment of the superb acting. Watching that final episode was tear jerking...the end of the most compelling drama series I have ever had the fortune to watch. Thank you Vince Gilligan, you are a genius!

Die Hard (1988)

All Action Fun

[9/10 · 23 October 2015]

I'm amused to learn that this has been voted as one of the best Christmas films. Well, it is set in the run up to Xmas and there are Xmas trees and Xmas parties in full swing, not to mention the obligatory renditions of "Let it snow, let is snow, let it snow". However, my idea of a Xmas movie is something that the whole family can sit down to and feel all warm inside! This film is not for the faint hearted and its amazing how this film still feels so contemporary when watching in 2015 when you realise it was made in the late 80's. Bruce Willis was finishing his comedy role in Moonlighting when he starred in this and was the casting director's final choice behind Arnie who turned the role down. What a stroke of luck for Bruce. You have to admire his acting in this film and I couldn't help but think how he is so much better an actor than someone like Keanu Reeves who is so wooden in comparison. Great plot, great characters and I loved the fact the FBI guys were made to look like idiots. Interesting to learn that in Germany, the bad guys were made to be British! Well, that's what you get for casting a British actor, Alan Rickman, to play a German terrorist. Love this film, always worth a repeat watch :-)

Orange Is the New Black: The Chickening (2013) Season 1, Episode 5

What's with the chicken?!

[8/10 · 23 October 2015]

This series has really impressed me with its originality, superb acting and LOL moments. But really...what is with the chicken in this storyline?! The flashback scenes remind me of LOST, providing more insight into the characters back stories and giving their personalities more depth. What I really like about this series is that it is so unpredictable. The characters are totally multi-dimensional and you want to learn more about how all of them got there. There's a character who claims to be a religious "Sister"...but then what has she done to be interned? This has so far been a very colourful and absorbing series and so refreshing. I am binge watching my way through the season as each episode is so effortless to view and time just flies by for all the good reasons!