phil_johnson-28736 Reviews

No Time to Die (2021)

A brilliant beginning but a hollow end

[7/10 · 29 December 2021]

The first half of this film shines with some of the finest moments of Daniel Craig's tenure. The action sequence with the DB5 is simply amazing. However the second half of the film suffers from terrible writing for Remi Malek's villain. The motivations and story written for 'Safin' were so weak and unclear that they leave Bond's eventual death feeling hollow and confusing. At one stage Safin shows an iPad with a simulation of the destruction of the West, but his reasons for the murder of 1 billion people are never explained, nor is his motivation for killing himself to take down Bond.

I liked the idea of the a DNA based weapon meaning that bond could never interact with his loved ones, but this idea was poorly used in the end.

Overall some nice moments but a weak ending for one of the best bonds.

Dune (2021)

Excellent sound design

[9/10 · 29 December 2021]

A fantastic experience. Even for book readers with high expectations, and who know the story well, the film is still delivers a fresh experience. The soundtrack and general sound design is unbelievable, and the casting was excellent with all the big names melting into their characters. This sets up the second part without trying, and delivers all the world building needed without being obvious or losing focus. A very well directed film!

Free Guy (2021)

Just another Ryan Reynolds movie

[4/10 · 29 December 2021]

The movie is supposed to be about the life of an NPC in a game like Grand Theft Auto, but it seems like the people who made it don't really do video games. Taika Waititi is normally hilarious no matter the role but his character as the ceo of game developer is excruciating. It seems like this movie is supposed to just ride on the fact that people like Ryan Reynolds, but even he barely carries this along.

Red Joan (2018)

Underrated

[7/10 · 1 February 2020]

Critics blast this film as a missed opportunity. I heartily disagree, spy films do not all have to be fast paced intrigue. This film is a slow burn and thoughtful character study on the motivations of a woman in extraordinary positions.