Change Your Image
pete-470
Reviews
Doctor Who: The Power of the Doctor (2022)
Hahaha
A great story... one or two things I didn't get.. like where did Graham come from, or the Doctor-from-the-future-hologram (the one that got the cybermen to shoot each other) and the usual time travel shenanigans that tie your head in knots. Some sloppy stuff towards the end, but that has to be expected given this particular version and the whole Dr Who team behind her. For what it's worth, I have loved Jodie as the Doctor. She has been let down by some ropey writing and at times, two too many assistants crowding the place not allowing her bonkers approach shine through. As for the ending. Hahaha.
The Harder They Fall (2021)
I really did like it
Two things about me. I love westerns and I love reggae.
BUT, although it was nice to hear Barrington Levy and Dennis Brown, all it did was remind me that I was watching a western populated by black actors. The story and acting was superb and I felt a little miffed to be brought out of the dreamworld by music that was out of place. Although I really liked the funky piece during the final mass gunfight. Gonna head off to Discogs now...
Doctor Who: Revolution of the Daleks (2021)
Trouble ahead??
I enjoyed the episode and wasn't going to write a review but I've just seen the news that John Bishop is going to be in next season. Don't get me wrong, he's an alright comedian, but what the hell are the producers thinking? You know a series is screwed when they start getting non-relevant celebrities in to try and bolster viewing figures. Bradley Walsh was a step down that road and I fear John Bishop will lead it to a dead end. I hope I'm wrong as Jodie is a great Doctor and shedding two characters was in my mind a step in the right direction to really allow her to give it some bite.. I've said so in previous reviews. Adding another celebrity companion will keep it watered down.
Blue Murder at St. Trinian's (1957)
Good for a larf
I haven't watched one of these in 40 years or so but this was just on tv.. A bit dodgy in parts (schoolgirl sitting on mans knee; school swot being letched over etc) but really well acted by all and so funny in places. It's no wonder the old folk voted Brexit because it portrays a simple, innocent and by and large happy England (although this is a British film, it is quintessentially English) that they would like to return to... if such a reality ever existed.
I want to see more now.
Star Trek: Discovery: Die Trying (2020)
Great story, poor dialogue.
The stories are inventive and intriguing, but I made the mistake of watching this with subtitles on. Absolute dire. Over the top in sentimentality and in explaining things to us, the 21st Century viewer, they are doing no more than telling each other what they already know. I will still watch it because the ideas are good and good sci-fi is dependent on good ideas. I won't watch it with subtitles anymore, though I think the damage is done. I won't be able to ignore it's crassness anymore.
Star Trek: Discovery: Far from Home (2020)
Good, but..
Why the Wild West metaphor? It made it cheesy. The whole story could have been done without something we can 'relate to'. Especially as the scenario is only based on Hollywood (and Italian.. take a bow Mr Leone) visions. Ruined a very good episode.
Casablanca (1942)
Why does this film work?
It's old
It's black and white
It's a romance (bleah)
All these things are reasons which make it difficult for me to look forward to enjoying. Don't get me wrong.. there are plenty of films that fall into one or more of these categories that are 'alright' but many of the films of the era have dated badly. This is timeless. It makes me laugh a lot but I also find it very emotional. Not just because of the story or its' brilliant performances, but because of its perfection. I could draw on any scene, many of which have been written about a thousand times. My view would be worthless. The more I watch it though, the more I realise the film is about Ilsa and my favourite shot is the steady camera on her face as Sam sings As Time Goes By. The turmoil of her memories and love for Rick and her loyalty and love for Victor Laszlo are laid bare with no dialogue or flashback.
Watch it if you haven't. There is a depth to it that gives it a richness that is so rare in film. I can guarantee it won't be the last time.
The Wrong Missy (2020)
Brilliant over the top performance
Lauren Lapkus? Never heard of her. But now I'll never forget her. She was like Miranda on amphetamine. A total natural to be able to act like that. In fact I'd be a little scared to meet her in case that's how she really is.
Doctor Who: Can You Hear Me? (2020)
Scary
I genuinely found this episode rather creepy and I'm sure it'll give kids a few nightmares like Dr Who used to back in the 70's and 80's..
But in response to the reactionist in these reviews moaning about it being preachy on mental health..?? Get a grip, matey. Mental health is not political so don't get sensitive.
Doctor Who: Praxeus (2020)
Not bad but...
...got a little bogged down in technobabble. It started off nicely as a mystery of 'what-is-going-on-here' but once they found out it dragged a bit.
One thing I would like to see is the faces of the anti-gay brigade going purple with rage as they watch this episode.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
I liked it
I've never been a Star Wars geek but just taken each film as a story. I have seen them all on release at the cinema taking me from a 10 year old to 52. This isn't going to be a pros and cons review. I just want to say this is the first time since the first film back in 1977 that I haven't come away feeling slightly disappointed. Well done all involved.
Doctor Who: Spyfall: Part One (2020)
Almost..
A brilliant story let down by pointless 'jokey' writing. I feel sorry for Jodie as she's a great actress and could, given the right material, stamp her name on the list of great doctors. I'm not saying they should be out and out serious. Just not cringy. Someone else said they liked the music. I found it intrusive. A move in the right direction, though.
21 Bridges (2019)
Worth spending a few notes to see
This is the type of film I've seen a hundred times or more on DVD, Netflix etc, but for some reason never think of going to see at the cinema. Our multiplex is getting renovated so they're a few screens down and when we got down there it was the only thing about to start in the next half hour. It's not going to win awards but it will entertain you.. it's not really going to keep you guessing but you will want to see how it pans out. It's not going to stay in my memory but it does make me want to see more of this type at the cinema rather than at home. Good, honest film.
Star Trek: Discovery: Such Sweet Sorrow, Part 2 (2019)
That were good that...
I've just read all the reviews and don't have much to add really. There were times the battle scenes were a little messy.. All of the time, actually. One mark down. The other mark was lost when Hugh decided to go to Discovery after all. At least the half Klingon fella stayed put. Just the one overhammed love story is better than two.
I reviewed the last episode and I hoped Discovery would stay in the future for the third series, but predicted they'd find a way back in the nick of time so everyone could carry on as normal. I'm so glad I was wrong. Season 3 has now got so much promise to be something genuinely inventive, brave and exciting.
Star Trek: Discovery: Such Sweet Sorrow (2019)
Nearly there..
An episode with long drawn out goodbyes with the occasional bit of excitement and tension..
I hope that Discovery DOES get stuck in the future so that the minimal crew can go exploring a universe vastly different from the one they left. My guess is though that they'll somehow make it back so the third series can continue it's weaknesses by exploring relationships instead, which can be done in any genre. I'm not saying that relationships shouldn't play a part in sci-fi, but in the future they probably won't be based around 21st century morals and standards.
Oh, and would the 17 year old queen of a whole planet be beamed aboard an orbiting starship all by herself??
Star Trek: Discovery: Through the Valley of Shadows (2019)
Roller Coaster series..
..with lots of ups and downs. This was an up episode, but not the peak. The down episodes are pretty dire, but the improvements are such they make me realise even more how consistently flat the first series was. Now to make the third series consistently good.
Star Trek: Discovery: If Memory Serves (2019)
Game changer..
The first series looked good but was overly complicated in plot and heavy going, but I was glad a second series was commissioned. Lessons have been learned and this series we're getting episodes very much more stand alone but with connections substantially easier to follow so the mind doesn't get bogged down. Without going into details, this is one of the best yet from any of the franchise and gives faith that the writers really know how to write good sci-fi and put it into the Star Trek universe rather than try to please an audience whose only experience of sci-fi is via the little box that sits in the corner of their living room. Talking of whom, I see there's still a couple of numptys giving 1/10. Maybe they won't be happy until a cute little schoolboy who happens to be the son of the captain's ex, or a mischievous but lovable Ferengi behind the bar are introduced to the series. Glad to see a third series is in the mix.
Star Trek: Discovery: Saints of Imperfection (2019)
When push comes to shove...
... I think I'd rather be in Special Circumstances than Section 31.
Side Effects (2013)
"Three Months Earlier"
Would have been higher if it wasn't for the pointless opening scene that tells you that someone was going to die three months after the story begins.
Doctor Who: Resolution (2019)
Better than others make out
The series has been awful which has been down to the writing and too many main characters.. I really liked this episode though. Not because it has a Dalek - it could have been any creature - but because it actually kept me riveted.. I hope Jodie stays on, I hope they ditch two (any two) of the companions and I hope they get writers on board that understand science fiction rather than attempting to perceive what the audience wants.. personally I'd like it to be a little more serious and a whole heap more intelligent. I've given it a 9 but I think I've done that by comparing to other episodes in the series. I might not have been so generous if the others had been good. A step in the right direction.
Doctor Who: The Battle of Ranskoor Av Kolos (2018)
Better..
The third of this series I've rated. The other two I gave a three for being weak and nonsensical. This I've given an eight because I thought the story was a lot stronger. Best of the series so far (with only the one more to go).
Doctor Who: It Takes You Away (2018)
Oh no...
The writing is horrific.. the frog was stupid as an idea and in execution. I hope Jodie doesn't become the fall guy (or gal) in the mess Dr Who has become. With the right material she'll be as good as any. My advice.. get shot of two (any two) companions and get writers on board who do not equate sci-fi with trippy nonsense and a desire to hammer 21st century British ideals across.