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Unlocked (2017)
Student film with lots of money
This film reminded me of a situation where a film company were told they have to spend some money for tax reasons. So they call Michael Douglas and Orlando Bloom and say ya wanna earn some easy money? The script is first draft seemingly directed by a kid straight out of film school? It is so badly written you never really know what's going on? The film does not redeem itself on any level in fact it is a insult to a average person's intelligence.
Rocketman (2019)
Bohemian Rapsody it ain't!
Mmm while this fantasy retelling of Dwight's life is vaguely entertaining to a point it does not have the flow and homely character of Queen's biopic. This is a film about a talented but self indulgent person who desperately wants you to forgive him for all the bad things you've heard about him. After a while it goes around in circles and peters out and instead of a rousing concert hit song to go out on you are left with a song that most people will not even know? The Gay love scenes were unnecessary and will turn many away I feel. Also the film does not know if it is a musical or a docu drama? Nice try but we've been spoilt with BH.
The Crown (2016)
The Crown is strangely enticing
Whilst I am not particularly interested in Royalty and such I find the Crown engrossing. I think the real reason is the superb cast and obvious amount that has been spent on the details. 90 % of the portrayals are totally believable and I think that's really how you judge a good production. Claire Foy does an impressive job as the Queen. She brings a lovely vulnerable side to the character that makes Lisbeth seem very human. Vanessa Kirby as Princess Margret is sultry and untamed. The other stand out portrayal is Alex Jennings as the abdicated King. Watch it, you won't be disappointed.
Two of Us (2000)
Two very different sides of a coin.
As I am a life long Beatles fan and have read nearly all good reputable books on the subject I feel the 'Two of Us' is fairly accurate in the relationship portrayal of John and Paul at the very least. Lennon the intellectual bully that hides a softy that just wants a cuddle and Paul always looking for acknowledgement (keep em mean keep em keen) from the bully. I thought the two actors did a magnificent job at capturing the essence of 2 of the most influential people of the 20th century. Michael Lindsay-Hogg brings a stamp of approval on this biopic as very few could. Definitely a true Beatles fan must see. For others interested in the Lennon & McCartney relationship dynamic this is a fantastic start.
The Maltese Falcon (1941)
Wooden and Cartoonish.
The Maltese Falcon is a perfect example of 'rose coloured glasses'. The script is so bad/'first draft' you have to witness it to believe it! OK emotional realism wasn't a big thing back then but these characters are so wooden that it's impossible to feel anything for any of them. Mary Astor's role is so corn ball theatrical you wonder how she was even considered a real actress? The rest of the actors are cartoons at best. Bogart is Bogart and almost likeable but the end not even he seems like a real person. If you're like me you put this on your 'films to see before you die' list know this, if you do see it you will have wasted nearly 2 hours of what you had left of your life. Why John Huston is considered a good director dumbfounds me to say the least? I wanted to stop half way through but like a car accident I just have to watch it thinking it couldn't get any worse, well it does, far worse. A stinker!
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Deliciously evil
What is so great about Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is it seems like a nice kids film but really it's a Grimm's Fairy-tale. Gene Wilder is fantastic and quite the sadomasochist in the most delicious way. As far as I am concerned this is really an adults film and one of my favorites of all time.Wilder was born to play this role. Forget Johnny Depp's version it has nothing on this.
The Pianist (2002)
Serious subject that goes nowhere.
For the 1st half of the Pianist you are presented with the set up and fair enough. The 2nd half is about the main actor hiding endlessly in secret apartments and that's basically it. I didn't really see the point of this film it would have a much better documentary? It also appeared to me it was designed to open old wounds with the Germans?
Afternoon Delight (2013)
1st world problems
There is a reason that film only gets a 5.8 score. Basically this film is about a bored live at home 30 something woman who seemingly has it all. This is not enough for her so she has a mid life (in her 30's???) crisis. She befriends a exotic dancer cum sex worker to add some spice into her life. The dancer ends up living at the family home as she wants to learn about her ways and eventually goes as a spectator to one of the 'dancer's' clients. No one made her go but she acts like she in fact was made to go. What insures is a sex scene with the client as she watches the other lady do her thing. (this is one of the worst sex scenes you will ever witness mainly due to the client's facial contortions, you've been warned!) In the end she alienates most of her friend's because of her new friend and due to her ridiculous excited out burst at a party about her multiple abortions. The husband leaves but they get back together and the 'dancer' moves out. This film is about a woman who is self centered and feels sorry for her self. It also is a very good example of 1st World problems.The film is self indulgent and basically pointless.
La passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928)
Joan is played as a mental patient.
Before I get into the movie it self I must pay my respects to the cinema photographer. Some of the shots are very innovative and unexpected. (1 of of my stars is for this aspect ) Now the movie, well in it self it's not bad but the woman playing Joan is quite obviously playing this part from a person with mental problems. Her never ending bug eyed frightened look and never ceasing crying are just plane irritating.
From what I read about the subject there are those that postulate that she did in fact have a mental disorder hence of 'visions'. Watch this for the photography but you have been warned about Joan!
Danger 5 (2011)
The Greatest black humour TV show in history!
Season 1 of Danger 5 may be the most perfectly executed comedy show in TV history. The minds that came up with this concept are genius's. The outrageous black humour is just enough without being being too offensive. Ilsa speaks Russian but everyone can understand her. Hitler and the rest of his henchmen are portrayed as cartoon baddies. Danger 5's boss is an Eagle. When featured characters die they always give a drink recipe. I have watched each episode dozens of times, it never gets old. I wish I could say the same for season 2. The edge they had in Season 1 was rounded off to an absurd degree. It was almost like the Best Boy on the first season became the director but didn't understand what made the first season so good.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Fun Guaranteed!
This is rare cute film that is quirky and if you have an imagination quite the trip. Excellent casting especially with the lead actress.
Hitler: The Rise of Evil (2003)
Historically inaccurate but worth the watch.
Whilst Hitler Rise of Evil may be historically inaccurate it is a riveting docudrama. Peter Stormare does a good job as Hitler but his portrayal is somewhat cartoon like. I don't blame him as I suppose they had to be careful as to not show Hitler in any sort of good light. Julianna Margulies does a magnificent job as Hitler's unrequited love interest. Moral of the story on one level is: Be careful when you crush and reject an 'Artist's' dreams. Well worth the watch if you want to get a quick over view of how Hitler was made possible.