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mikejonesundisputed
Reviews
Calvary (2014)
Hidden Gem
I wasn't expecting much from this Irish drama but was pleasantly surprised at the content and thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
The ever-reliable Brendan Gleeson plays Father James a quietly well-meaning priest who is threatened by an unknown during confession. The movie shows the following week as Father James tries to go about his duties whilst having the threat hanging over his head.
It is no one-man show and excellent support is given by Game of Thrones actor Aiden Gillen as well as Dylan Moran and the 79 year old M.Emmet Walsh along with a few other familiar faces.
The sensitive drama, accompanied by some darkly humour and often thought-provoking situations, is brilliantly acted, beautifully shot and is certainly a hidden gem.
You will enjoy this movie and also come away thinking a lot about life.
The Ghoul (2016)
Could have been so much more
This movie could have been so much more and it's a shame there were not just a few changes which would have changed this from a slightly below-average offering to a truly great and well-meaning film.
The plot revolves around a detective who is suffering from severe depression and enters psychiatric treatment to try and solve a murder case.
As the story progresses it's hard to say whether the lead character is indeed a policeman or simply a very mentally ill man who suffers delusions.
The main criticism for me is a complete lack of action during most of the movie. This means the plot is wholly bulked by verbal exchanges and little else. I'll also say a lot of the story is fairly samey and there's no real change of pace at any point.
The movie is shot in a gritty way and the acting is good as it doesn't (like a lot of modern acting) feel forced and fake.
An hour in and I was thinking this could be something special but overall the problems mentioned above as well as a confusing ending left me unsatisfied.