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The_Biscuit101
Reviews
The Last of Us: Long, Long Time (2023)
Brilliance
An outstanding episode. A masterful character study. The story was set in episode one and two, episode three has now shown us the world in which it is set. Two stand out performances, some of the best TV of the year.
The episode has also told us that The Last of Us is not another Walking Dead. The writers have stories to tell and are willing to turn over whole episodes over telling them. It gives you confidence to keep watching and investing your time in the story.
The Last Of Us writers also seem to realise that nothing replaces good dialogue. Without sounding too soppy, the underlying theme of the game was love. This episode reminds me of that fact.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
All work and good acting makes this a good film
At first I was sceptical that any sequel would be able to stand next to the weight of The Shining. Though, I really enjoyed this film. The plot, the pacing and the acting were all thoughtful and complementary. It's a horror film as much as the original was a horror film, more of a psychological piece. Thankfully, the carpet from the original Overlook hotel is back too!
White Lines (2020)
Time jumping Spanish island crime adventure
You know people always say there's more to Ibiza than the clubs? Well, White Lines gives you a glimpse at those beautiful homes, beaches and lives outside clubland, before chucking you back into a drug fuelled beach rave. DJs, bouncers, drug-dealers, the police, Romanian mafia all have a role to play. Notably, a very well filmed show, it must have been a real pleasure to put together on set.
It's a time jumping Spanish island crime adventure. The story revolves around Zoe (Laura Haddock) travelling to Ibiza to find her brother's killer 20 years after his death. Meeting her old friend Marcus (Daniel Mays) along the way, who's stayed on the island for the last 20 years and plies his trade as DJ/drug-dealer. Mays performance is real standout of the show, without him, I don't think I'd have stuck it out for all the episodes. Other strong performances include Nuno Lopez as Boxer, the local Spanish bouncer/hardman/enforcer (think Spanish cousin of that SAS TV chap with the beard). The show flips between present day and 20 years prior, an engaging narrative device to allow both storylines to progress along together.
Unfortunately, it's Haddock's performance in the lead that flops. She plays the lines very flat and doesn't seem to have spent long trying to develop the character. Her character has spent some time in a psychiatric institution. One wonders if that was in the original script or added later to explain the acting.
A large supporting cast carry this through to its conclusion. The ending being reasonably satisfying, though it's the journey that was the real entertainment. Especially Mays dealing with his banana boat full of cocaine.
6/10
Unser täglich Brot (2005)
Enthralling filmmaking
Probably the most unusual film I've ever seen. Not a word is spoken to the viewer throughout the film, via neither interview nor voice-over. A great way to look at such an important subject; without a voice-over telling you what to believe and trying to influence you.
The subject is food; the whole process of modern food production. I found it enthralling as without any voice-over to guide you through the film you're really left to explore and understand for yourself what is happening. The footage is not for the squeamish nor children exactly, but undeniably takes an inside look at an issue to which we are all involved. The modern, efficient, sanitised, stainless-steel production process is on display; from giant agricultural projects to livestock. Farming in the 21st century is quite an experience, an experience that we all rely on.
I highly recommend this for anyone looking at different methods of documentary making, whilst it wouldn't be suitable for all subjects; it is an inspiration in this case.