Ruskington Reviews

Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer (2023 TV Special)

What the hell was that ending?

[5/10 · 2 January 2024]

In general this was an ok set by Chappelle, maybe a bit half-hearted and repetitive but still better than most of the garbage out there that passes for stand-up comedy.

But then it came to the finale, a 15-minute bit about... errr... not sure what exactly? Dreams? Being a dreamer? Something about Russian mobsters and Lil Nas X? Where was he even going with this?

Turns out it was nothing more than a self-aggrandizing monologue that lacked humour and humility. He really seems to have developed something of a God complex and his shows are suffering for it.

It's a pretty spectacular drop from being arguably the best in the world at his profession to this. Like I say, it's still better than most comedy but, by the standards he has set, this is a huge fall in grace.

Robbie Williams (2023)

Didn't expect him to be so dull

[5/10 · 17 December 2023]

I've generally quite liked Robbie over the years. Decent music, decent voice and one of the best live performers of his generation.

I was hoping to get some deep insights into his real life exploits and learn more about him as a person. As it turns out, there wasn't really any of that. In fact, there wasn't much of anything whatsoever.

The old footage is mildly interesting but there's nothing groundbreaking that will shock people. There isn't much of a deep dive on any particular area of his life whether it be his childhood, his family, the Take That days, the mental health issues etc.

In fact, across the four episodes, Robbie doesn't really say anything at all. He just interjects a few cliches here and there about how hard everything has been. He just comes across as a bit narcissistic and self-involved. Fully understandable I guess, given the life he has led, but not really a great subject for a 3+ hour documentary.

The Lewis Capaldi film is a much better story about the highs and lows of celebrity. This is just fairly boring and self-indulgent.

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)

Do yourself a favour and read the book instead

[1/10 · 27 September 2023]

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was my favourite Roald Dahl book as a kid, possibly my favourite book by anyone in fact. I always felt there was the potential for an incredible film adaptation and was excited to hear about this project.

And then I saw that Wes Anderson was at the helm...

Possibly the most overrated individual in all of cinema, Anderson butchers this great story in a way that even I couldn't have predicted. I was expecting the silly dialogue and cartoonish visuals but why he felt the need to cram this into 40 minutes I have no idea.

The story races by so fast that you never really get a hold of what's happening. The rapid narration is borderline stressful to listen to and completely unnecessary. The best bit of the book, the backstory of Imdad Kahn, is virtually neglected altogether and there is no time to appreciate the character arc of Sugar himself.

A truly awful but utterly predictable hatchet job from Anderson. Get a copy of the book instead and spare yourself from this self-indulgent drivel.

Strangers on a Train (1951)

Something of a Hitchcock hidden gem

[8/10 · 12 September 2023]

Many films from this era can be quite a chore to watch, even if you can appreciate how impressive they were for their time.

Strangers On a Train, however, is a brilliant ride that is captivating from start to finish. A great storyline, strong character development and an array of Hitchcock's signature touches all combine to make for one of the most impressive movies of the 50s.

The biggest standout though, is the incredible performance from Robert Walker whose mixture of desperation, evil and vulnerability is phenomenal. Farley Granger and Ruth Roman are less impressive, both quite wooden and one-dimensional in contrast to Walker.

If, like me, you're on a quest to unearth great films from the 20th century, this is one to add to your watchlist.

King Richard (2021)

A very pleasant movie on the surface...

[6/10 · 12 September 2023]

For the most part, King Richard is an enjoyable and captivating watch. It plays out like the standard cheesy Hollywood Sports movie and does a very good job at that.

There are however, at least for the more cynical amongst us, a couple if major issues.

Firstly, the portrayal of Richard Williams is at best generous and at worst misleading. He is depicted as a fairly loveable tryer and devoted Dad but there is very little mention of his illegitimate children and previous failed relationship/s. And as many others have mentioned, it does feel at times like the Williams sisters themselves are little more than a sideshow to 'The King's.

It is also hard not to feel that this film was written with the Best Actor Oscar for Will Smith very much in mind. There are a few too many contrived scenes for my liking and seeing both Smith and his wife in the credits doesn't sit right.

Overall, a well-made vanity project for both Smith and Williams.

Alan Partridge Live: Stratagem (2022 TV Special)

I'd have to say, the worst of Partridge

[2/10 · 4 August 2023]

There's no question that Alan Partridge is one of the greatest comedy creations in British TV history. The subtlety and sharpness of Mid Morning Matters or The Oasthouse podcast is about as good as comedic writing gets.

Stratagem, however, is complete trash. This format simply doesn't work well for this character and I think Coogan knows this. Every joke seems forced and the overall performance is far more slapstick than parody.

The reaction of the crowd tells you everything. They are quiet and look visibly bored. In fact, many people look quite agitated as if their intelligence is being insulted by this shoddy effort.

Really terrible stuff from Coogan. Not my words, the words of Shakin' Stevens.

Cunk on Earth (2022)

Trying way too hard, this type of satire needs more subtlety

[5/10 · 17 March 2023]

As a big fan of the satirical comedy of people like Steve Coogan and Ricky Gervais, I had very high hopes for this show. Sadly, Cunk On Earth just manages to miss mark.

What makes something like Alan Partridge so effective is that it could almost be real. The character is so well observed that a large percentage of the dialogue could easily pass as normal television. Diane Morgan however, just takes it a step too far. The punchlines (albeit mostly very good) come too thick and fast and many are way too coarse to fit the mockumentary vibe.

It's quite frustrating on the whole because for me this is very close to being extremely good. I'm more than happy to be in the minority however, as I do like Diane Morgan on the whole.

Up 'n' Under (1998)

Nothing groundbreaking but has its own charms

[5/10 · 1 March 2023]

Up 'n' Under is a predictable paint-by-numbers sports movie that attempts to follow in the footsteps of The Full Monty and Brassed Off but has a significantly weaker script and rather poor acting (Neil Morrissey was seriously stealing a living during the 90s). The storyline is remarkably unfeasible and none of the characters stand out in any way.

However, despite its shortcomings, the film captures the era quite well and is perfectly enjoyable for people of a certain age. The shower scene is probably the film's most memorable moment and, one must say, for good reason. In those innocent pre-internet-porn days, it was scenes like that which kept many a teenage boy happy.

Capernaum (2018)

The most impressive child acting performance ever?

[9/10 · 18 February 2023]

I've seen some incredible child acting performances over the years, most notably Leonardo DiCaprio in Gilbert Grape, Justin Henry in Kramer vs Kramer and Tatum O'Neal in Paper Moon. However, what Zain Al Rafeea achieves in this devastating movie is arguably on another level altogether. It should not be possible for a boy of 12 to be able to convey emotions in such a nuanced and delicate manner. It was genuinely astounding to witness. The fact that he was not a trained actor just makes it all the more incredible.

Al Rafeea's brilliance is made possible by the phenomenal direction and writing of Nadine Labaki. Capharnaum is a truly heartbreaking piece of cinema that manages to convey the sheer horror of the subject matter without laying it on too thick or labouring it's point.

What Is a Woman? (2022)

Essential viewing

[9/10 · 10 February 2023]

I am not a big fan of the Daily Wire and I certainly don't agree with everything Matt Walsh says, but on this particular topic he may well be the sanest voice in the planet.

This is a truly terrifying documentary in many ways. The most disturbing aspect is not the impressionable, lost children who are entering this dark world, but the so-called adults who are facilitating the entire thing. Listening to these supposed academics and clinicians proudly defend their untenable position shows just how much of a clown show western society has become.

It's easy for some people to file this type of documentary away as hateful right-wing bigotry etc but there is no political element to this whatsoever. This is about science and science only and the views expressed by some of these people are about as scientific as Flat Earth Theory or the dismemberment of albinos.

Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

Surprised to hear that this is Hitchcock's personal favourite

[6/10 · 23 January 2023]

Having been on a bit of a Hitchcock binge recently, I was especially looking forward to finally watching this highly regarded movie that many, including the man himself, consider his greatest work.

It's certainly watchable and intriguing but nowhere near the likes of Psycho or Notorious. Cotten's dark and nuanced performance is the film's standout feature along with some crisp camera work and clean editing.

However, the suspense element is relatively tame and Teresa Wright's sickly character is hard to adjust to. I found it to be a slightly laborious viewing experience once the truth was known and I didn't expect or receive any memorable moments during the final act.

To each their own I guess, but nowhere near my favourite Hitchcock movie.

The Watcher (2022– )

So bad it's almost good, but it's not

[2/10 · 2 January 2023]

The true story of how Jordan Peterson and his wife Diane Selwyn purchase a $3m home next to a lake the size of the Indian Ocean despite having only one car and one notable income.

I don't want to spoil the rest of it for anyone and luckily I couldn't even if I wanted to as I don't really know what happened. In fact, does anyone? This was just a random sequence of illogical events that don't tie together and don't lead anywhere.

Very sad to see Naomi Watts appear in something so bad, especially while delivering such a drab soap opera performance. The only saving grace was the idea of Shooter McGavin struggling to get it up for Stiflers Mum.

The Drowning (2021)

One of the worst TV shows ever made

[1/10 · 20 August 2022]

Not much to add to the scathing reviews on here. This is truly one of the worst things I've ever had the misfortune to watch. Shame on everyone who was involved.

Tim Dillon: A Real Hero (2022 TV Special)

Needs a lot more Ben

[4/10 · 17 August 2022]

Let me preface this by saying I'm a huge fan of Tim Dillon and his podcast is one of the best things on the internet. Unfortunately however, being funny in one setting doesn't always translate to another and Dillon's stand-up is a good example of this.

Very much like Bill Burr (also much funnier off the cuff than doing scripted shows), Dillon comes across as a bit of a ranting Facebook boomer with the increasingly tiresome anti-woke jokes. And yes wokeness is societal cancer but it seems like every comedian is making the same old jokes about it in a weak attempt to be edgy.

Dillon's humour works best in an intimate setting with a guest or two and his hilarious producer Ben who's background giggling is the perfect complement to the material. Alone on stage he seems a bit lost and it felt like a constant battle to keep the crowd onside. Certainly had it's moments but compared to his podcast this is pretty lame stuff.

Senior Year (2022)

This film made me cringe so hard I had a retinal bleed

[1/10 · 10 August 2022]

A strong favourite for the worst film of 2022. Rebel Wilson's attempt to be a real-life It Girl is barely hidden under the guise of 'comedy', making this one of the most indulgent movies I can recall. The squalid corniness of the final scenes show just how delusional these people have become. Complete and utter trash.

The Internship (2013)

Hey Google, book me in for a lobotomy

[2/10 · 16 April 2022]

A truly ghastly attempt at a movie. I didn't think it was possible to find Owen Wilson anymore annoying but here we are. If this is propoganda then it has certainly had the reverse effect on me.

Hard Cell (2022)

Disappointing and confused effort

[4/10 · 14 April 2022]

While I wouldn't criticise it as heavily as some other reviewers have done, it's fair to say Hard Cell is a bit of a mixed bag. It has a few funny moments but generally just misses the mark. Tate's characters are somewhat one-dimensional and hard to buy into. I dare say it would have been a lot better with her only playing the Warden and letting some other actors take on the major roles.

There is an awful lot of stylistic similarity to Rivky Gervais' work, especially Derek, but the execution is nowhere close. The ending caught me by surprise but is basically a bit ridiculous and well off keeping with the general tone. I like most of Catherine Tate's stuff but this is a bit of a sloppy effort.

The Teacher (2022–2024)

A truly pathetic attempt at a drama

[2/10 · 24 March 2022]

I'm generally a big fan of short English drama series but this debacle is a notable exception. How Sheridan Smith gets a lead role in anything is beyond me, it feels like she took acting classes at community college to bulk out her CV. One of the most ridiculous storylines you could imagine, gaping with plot holes and stumbling to an unsatisfactory conclusion that leaves more questions than answers.

Gangs of New York (2002)

One of the great disappointments

[5/10 · 20 March 2022]

The combination of Martin Scorsese, Daniel Day Lewis and fascinating subject matter really should have made for an all-time classic. Sadly however, Gangs of New York is a grave disappointment that leaves you strangely empty. Given who the director is, there is a surprisingly amateur look and feel to the proceedings. And while Day Lewis is always captivating on screen, his character is overcooked and hard to take seriously. I rewatched this recently after many years, hoping find some new passion for it but unfortunately it left me as uninspired and unmoved as before.

The Silence (2010)

Solid drama with a few strong performances

[6/10 · 16 February 2022]

While the writing is a little convoluted and hardly watertight, The Silence is nevertheless a fairly engrossing drama. The villains and the teenagers are quite cringey to watch but there are some excellent performances from Gina McKee, Dervla Kirwan and particularly Douglas Henshall. Not grade A stuff by any means but worth watching.

Rooney (I) (2022)

It's hard to make an interesting documentary about such a boring man

[3/10 · 13 February 2022]

Wayne Rooney is without doubt one of the best footballers of recent decades but as a person, he is quite astonishingly dull.

This is footballer cliche talk taken to a whole new level. There actually seems to be a complete detachment between the words coming out of his mouth and the look of vapid confusion in his eyes. Throw in some incredibly drab interviewees such as David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard and I often felt my eyelids wilting with fatigue.

While there are some interesting moments in his career, the events of his personal life are just plain awful. It was particularly difficult seeing his wife squirm through questions about his endless infidelities while Rooney stares helplessly into space.

A Wayne Rooney highlight video on YouTube is well worth a watch but overall, this is not a 'personality' worth making a film about.

Tamborine (2018 TV Special)

Does anyone still find this guy funny?

[2/10 · 8 December 2021]

A grim blend of withered material including the highly predictable racism, sexism and rape jokes. This stuff was barely passable in the 90s, let alone now. Simply not relevant anymore.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

A smorgasbord of bad acting, obnoxious characters and cliched storylines

[4/10 · 31 October 2021]

The doe-eyed camera hog Robin Williams accepts a job at a prestigious school knowing full well that the school's values are in direct contrast to his whimsical hippy-dippy teaching style. In his desperation to be popular, Williams leads his barely distinguishable pupils down a path of dead-end careers, sexual harrassment (Dad, how did you and Mum meet? Well son, she was unconscious and I just started groping her) and academic self-destruction yet still bows out a hero. Possibly one of the most overrated films of the 20th century.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Highly overrated movie, heavily redeemed by the brilliant Ralph Fiennes

[5/10 · 30 October 2021]

I'm no fan of Wes Anderson movies and Grand Budapest Hotel is sadly no exception. It's quirky, easy on the eye and often quite funny but at all times it feels like you're watching a stage production that thinks it's cleverer than it actually is. Fiennes, however, is absolutely sublime.

Cool Runnings (1993)

Corny as hell but sometimes that's not a bad thing

[6/10 · 30 October 2021]

Cool Runnings is a lighthearted and somewhat slapstick depiction of a fairly fascinating true story. It may be excessively sentimental and rather clumsy in its portrayal of Jamaicans but the movie is wholly enjoyable if you don't take it to seriously.