st8627's Reviews

Squid Game: The Challenge (2023– )

1/10

23 November 2023

From the innovative genius that was season 1 comes this absolute pile of dross, 30 minutes in and I have given up hope and just cannot engage with it.

As I started , having not read any reviews I thought it had the feel of a reality TV show and unfortunately this is exactly what it is.

If you loved season 1, you will be utterly disappointed with this. As with so many great foreign films/series they are hijacked by English speaking studios and destroyed, it's as though we don't have the same brillian ideas that foreign studios have, I have never watched any follow up or remake of a foreign film and thought, wow that was as good/better.

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Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

8/10

Well worth a watch

19 January 2020

Do not walk away and pay attention, there are lots of little bits that add to the entire story.

After a group of strangers book into the El Royale the confusion starts, but in a good way.

The story is told by character initially and there are overlaps until it all becomes one. The back story on all these characters being important on how the plot line develops. Just how do a Vacuum salesperson, a priest, a singer and obnoxious woman all fit in together.

The twist are well thought out and not ridiculous as in some films.

Strong performances by all the leads and Chris Hemsworth is excellent as is Jeff Bridges. Sit back and watch a thoroughly entertaining film.

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The Haunting of Hill House (2018)

7/10

You will jump

26 April 2019

You do have to pay attention as we move from present to past but don't let this put you off.

It's a fairly slow start but quickly picks up, all the characters are important and have key roles within the show so dont think you can nip out or play on your phone.

Whether you find it scary or not is down to your own disposition but you will certainly jump at some of the scenes.

It doesn't get silly in any way and is a portrayal of what it might be like to be haunted and how it effects different people that are involved.

Maybe the ending could be a bit better, but overall a good series and well worth a watch.

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Only the Dead (2015)

9/10

Best Documentary Movie

23 February 2017

Let's keep this simple, if you're squeamish don't watch this. If you're judgemental of people don't watch this.

Using live footage the journalist goes deep into Iraq revealing footage never seen before received directly from Nationalists and then terrorists.

He express the emotions of the soldiers and himself a very do and meaningful way that makes him question himself hence my comments about being judgemental.

Sit down, don't get distracted and be ready

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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

8/10

Good but long

31 August 2016

Well it's hard where to start . Christian Bale made Batman his own , taking the character back to its dark roots. Affleck, well he was Daredevil.

We start the movie with the end scene of Man Of Steel but seen from the perspective of Bruce Wayne being in the city. This sets out the background for the strength of feeling of Wayne.

Lou's Lane is her usual self , out tying to get every big story which leads to conspiracy theories (can't go into depth or will spoil the plot)

In the meantime Clark Kent attempts to distract stories from Superman onto Batman and finds resistance.

Enter Jesse Eisenberg as Alexander Luthor to expand his character and what a job he does . He is a kind of R P McMurphy character (one flew over the cuckoos nest) you know he is up to something but can't quite figure out what or why.

The developments are slow but dramatic and when the film explodes into action it does so in exactly the way you would expect from Zac Snyder.

Is it to long, yes but well worth the watch , with me watching the ultimate edition which is supposedly better leaving no loose ends.

It's a superhero movie don't expect anything else....

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Kilo Two Bravo (2014)

9/10

Gritty , Emotional War Movie with difference

29 October 2015

If you are after all out American style action and drama and the story changed to make it more interesting in the mould of Lone Survivor you will be disappointed.

A group of British soldiers are based at the Kajaki dam in Afghanistan when a small number go on patrol .

What follows is amazing show of all emotions from laughter to cope with the gruesome sights that stand in front of them.

If you are not good with blood or gore and let's be honest this is not gratituitous but war as it it looks then maybe this film isn't for you.

You feel the emotions with them, get frustrated for them and hope with hope that they at least survive.

Watch with interest , don't get distracted and be ready for an emotional roller coaster

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The Riot Club (2014)

7/10

Another Awesome British Film

11 July 2015

This is a typical gritty Film Four presentation. A look at the seedier side of society groups and making us look at a side of people that we like to believe doesn't exist really but deep down we know they do. Very gritty , very thought provoking watch this knowing that you will be shocked .

A secret Oxford University club where if you have to ask to join you can't be a member who are all from affluent backgrounds and think they are better than anyone beneath their social standing.

We see how the club begins from its origins to modern day with the group needing new recruits . We see the process and induction of the new members and quickly realise that they are raucous to the extreme. They are preparing to book the annual meal and have to leave Oxford and end up in a beautiful family orientated gastro pub.

As the drink flows and the drugs are consumed the behaviour of the group becomes excessive. A pre arranged prostitute refuses to co-operate which infuriates the members further.

A violent assault tests their loyalty to each other and is played out with the involvement of outside parties.

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Oldboy (2013)

1/10

Can't bring myself to watch it all in one go - spoilers

26 September 2014

Warning: Spoilers

Sorry , I have seen the original and am a great lover of foreign films with these original 100% of the time better than the Hollywood remakes. If you cant watch foreign films this is just about passable.

The story line is thin but interesting but as I said I have seen the original and this is where the problem lies.

Our bad guy in this almost looks like he tries to come from the most recent Jagaur advert , where all the best villains are British , well this is wrong. In the original the bad guy is cocky but has reason for his action as warped as they may be . In this version we move so far away from the original plot line, which to be honest was the most amazing I have ever watched.

They cant even get the imprisonment length of time right, the extremely poor efforts at tension are pathetic, the stupid pathetically weak English accent offers no tension whereas in the original he was emotional , and purred with anger .

This film should not have the right in anyway to use the title Oldboy as it bears no resemblance to the great film and original Korean film, who can forget when the realisation kicks in of why he has been released and who everyone is in their roles as you finally unravel it all and become completely entranced by who is who and why the whole chain of events have taken place, to many classic scenes are missing.

What can i say , if you haven't seen the original give it a spin , if you have AVOID THIS FILM LIKE THE PLAGUE.

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The Raid 2 (2014)

6/10

Disappointing

18 April 2014

I watched The Raid and it was immediately in my top movies.

This second film has clearly had a big budget thrown at it and they have decided to introduce elements that are not necessary.

Far to long with unnecessary scenes this film has moved far away from the original concept of one building and the attempt to retake it by the authorities.

However don't get me wrong , the choreography for the fight scenes is amazing, the violence is ramped up to the next level and there is a real effort to aim for some sort of realism, with people actually getting hurt or feeling pain in fights.

Personally I would out this down as one to watch on DVD rather than at the cinema.

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Devil (2010)

7/10

Good Film , not to graphic

5 April 2014

This film is for those that enjoy a good story, a good horror movie but none of the over the top gore that comes with it.

Stuck in a lift 5 people have to endure what can only be described as a nightmare of a time as their fates become entwined.

We start with the detective taking a seemingly innocuous job of a suicide and from there on the story develops as all the characters enter the lift where in essence the entire story is based.

You will be good if you work out what has gone on and why , because this story doesn't give us the obvious "I will be right back lines" you know this character is going to die immediately.

Listen carefully to the story or you will miss the clues that are subtly hidden.

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U Want Me 2 Kill Him? (2013)

6/10

General Review

30 March 2014

A real gritty British film , slow moving but that is the point , this is not a story about fast paced action, but about relationships in a modern world where physically seeing someone is often not reality.

Moving between scenes you do have to pay attention but this film achieves this really well and the direction is excellent. Our characters are built up gradually throughout the film and you begin to like parts of them , whilst becoming annoyed about some of their characteristics during other scenes.

You will think you know what is going on and I do enjoy second guessing these types of films , but this comes straight out of left field and I genuinely believe you won't see it coming.

Do watch the whole film , it is very good.

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Need for Speed (2014)

6/10

Simple review

26 March 2014

A simple film as you would expect when it is based on a computer game, but that does not take away from the fact that there appears to have been a real effort put into unlike some with the same background.

It's a very simple plot line no difficult twists and if you do need to take the kids to the toilet whilst you watch it you will be able to join straight back in with no effort. There is a real effort with the race scenes and no CGI which really does detract in some films as quite clearly there is no real driving, in this you have to admire the skills of whoever is employed in this film to perform the race scenes , they are truly amazing. A car nuts dream of a film with an amazing selection of cars that we can only dream of owning after a lottery win and then watch them driven to the max.

Some have said it is just another version of the Fast and Furious franchise but it much simpler than that.

Sit back relax and enjoy.

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RoboCop (2014)

7/10

A remake or new film with the same lead character

14 February 2014

I am always wary of remakes of classic films but at the same time try and keep a clear mind in that just one day they might get it right.

I question if this is actually remake of Robocop or a new film with Robocop as our lead. Are there comparisons, well there is Murphy (Robocop) , Lewis (now male) and the bad guy. The role of the owner of the business is much different to that of the original.

The storyline is excellent and the transformation of Murphy to Robocop is explored much more deeply than in the original, however (and this is not a spoiler) you can guess which bit will be included in the conclusion. The emotional transformations are excellent as Robocop evolves . The scenes where the action kick in have kept the violence levels down compared to the original , which still has one of the best scenes ever with our melting man, but I still think this film has been lucky to achieve a 12a .

A good watch , is it better than the original said my 12 year old ? Genuinely I don't know , the original is great as it set the benchmark, this new version has more modern special effects and the telling of the story is better.

Whatever watch this.

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After Earth (2013)

4/10

Write this whilst watching it is so boring

14 February 2014

Let me put this straight i don't dislike Will Smith as an actor despite his many clichéd movies , old Jayden though ! I have not seen him in any movie where I have thought "wow !he can act and doesn't get the part just because of Daddy"

This has the potential to be a great film, the story clichéd , but good has great potential and when you see the name M.Night Shyamalan there is a modicum of hope.

Yes Cypher talks monotone but this is his character, strong , a leader and in control.

Kitai on the other hand , well he is meant to have emotion it is the key element of his character and his characters flaws. But with Jayden's complete lack of acting skills he is monotone when he shouldn't be, he can't show emotion for some reason and his voice just grates on me.

It is a classic rescue story with the usual,dose of overcoming adversity, strained relationships and a journey of discovery.

All you will discover is that this film is rubbish and someone out there genuinely believed that Will Smith would sell this film, what they didn't take into account is his son. There are films I won't watch because of poor actors in them , the only reason I have subjected myself to this is because my children want to watch it.

Time in my life I won't get back, thanks Will....

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Red Dawn (2012)

7/10

Review

17 January 2014

Far to many people are way to serious about some of the films they watch. Not meant to be awe inspiring , win any Oscars this is just a standard film to take you away from the hum drum of life .

Surprisingly better than the original (not often I say that) , it's never going to be realistic , the might of a huge invading force against a group of insurgents who are all young adults, unable to cope with their knowledge of the area and constant raids. At least on this occasion the leader Chris Hemson is a military man unlike the Patrick Swayze lead in the original.

There are not many twists from the original storyline , the action is better along with the effects . Sit back , relax and remember its a film , not real , not meant to be real , just to take you to a different place away from the daily grind for its duration.

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Shutter Island (2010)

9/10

Review (minor plot detail included)

8 January 2014

Brilliantly acted , brilliantly directed and a plot line that will keep you engaged throughout the whole film. Importantly stick with it , slow paced but a great watch, don't be one of this people that sits in on a conversation later with you being the only one that turned it off and everyone else explaining what a hit you have missed

We join the film with Teddy and Chuck , two FBI agents on a ferry headed over to the island to investigate a missing person.

Ben Kingsley plays the evasive Dr Cawley and you just know you are not going to like this character as he plays his own mind games with Teddy and Chuck believing him to be a superior person. Introduce Max Von Sydow , Dr Naehring , a man with a superiority complex of unbelievable heights. The two doctors are obstructive and you know they know more than they are letting on but you just can't put your finger on it.

As the investigation becomes more detailed and god forbid Teddy and Chuck try to interview the patients at the hospital , how they though that psychiatric patients would be of use is a point that still makes me think.

A gripping conclusion at a fairly fast pace compared to the rest of the film leaves you thinking , what did just happen, is it possible.

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Donnie Darko (2001)

9/10

Marmite - you'll love it or hate it

8 January 2014

Jake Gyllenhalal plays our lead character Donnie , a deeply disturbed individual in an all American family.

Donnie is a very dysfunctional and believes that a different power "Frank" is making him do these things. My friends and I have had many a debate over what Frank is but to me he still looks like a demented bunny rabbit.

As we move through the film in a countdown motion Donnie's behaviour becomes more and more disturbing resulting in an attack on the wholesome Jim Cunningham (Patrick Swayze) finally taking our film into the brilliant conclusion.

What happened ? Well you will have to decide my friends and I still argue over that but whatever conclusion you draw this is a fantastic film

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Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

8/10

General

8 January 2014

They say you are either Star Trek or Star Wars and I was formerly the latter , however these latest Star Trek movies and in this one in particular although not converting me , mean I will watch any future film in this series.

Obviously as elements of the film develop you know certain characters cannot be killed off but that does not stem from the action or get you thinking what is going to happen next.

A great start to the movie opening up the general plot line with the usual twist thrown in to make you question yourself whether you're original thoughts were right or wrong. The. Action is a constant but not ridiculously so, the scenes where the action is less the plot line keeps the film together. Moving from space to earth seamlessly and not confusing this is a great film .

However I cannot convert my 12 year old he is not a Trekkie.

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The Harry Hill Movie (2013)

5/10

If you were expecting Oscar material you're foolish

25 December 2013

Harry Hill The Movie , the title says it all. You are going to get Harry hill humour in bucket loads and nothing else.

If you were expecting Oscar winning performances, high quality scripts and plot then more fool you for going to watch this film. My son loves Harry Hill and his wacky humour and that is exactly what you get and unlike many British TV stuff that gets transferred to big screen there was less (in time) rubbish on screen.

The jokes are sometimes predictable and on other occasions not, they run throughout the film and you can't help but smile and yes god forbid all those people that foolishly expected more laugh out loud at some parts.

I think we can all honestly say that no British TV transferred to big screen has been a big success. Look at Keith Lemon , brilliant on TV yet the film was utter dross and had far more dull parts than this movie.

Go and see it for what it is relax and enjoy.

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Truth or Die (II) (2012)

7/10

Another good British movie

27 September 2013

The kind of film that Hollywood can't do. A gritty British thriller rather than horror I would say along the lines of Shallow Grave. You will either like this film or hate it. That is the thing with this British type of film.

Our characters are typical British teenagers going wild at a party when things get out of hand through the most obvious , jealousy.

Move forward and there is another party arranged and our teenagers turn up despite disliking the host because there is going to be free beer (and lets be honest who wont go to a party with free beer)

This is where our film takes a twist and a brother out for revenge begins a grisly version of truth or dare. Unlike Hollywood it doesn't take the violence to levels of extreme but you could genuinely believe that there are people out there that would do this sort of thing.

Plenty of twists and turns to keep you thinking again something that Hollywood tries to over dramatise but British cinema does so well.

If you enjoy gritty British cinema sit back and enjoy.

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Sinister (I) (2012)

7/10

Film Overview

23 August 2013

I started to watch this with a sense of trepidation in that "you have seen one you have seen them all" kind of mood. However this film throws up up its own surprises , none of which I shall give away.

This film does not go for unnecessary gore , blood and violence but uses good,old fashioned well built up tension with a music score that leads you into the story, you know something is going to happen, you even think you can guess what is going to happen but you will invariably be wrong.

Ethan Hawkes plays his character brilliantly going through all the emotions of a writer, father and husband, wrestling with his emotions as he tries to combine all three parts of his life.

Moving into the new house our story opens and really gets going on the discovery of home films which assist Hawke in his book writing. As he investigates further and starts to ask more and more questions strange things begin to occur. You may jump a little but there is nothing over excessive in the violence stakes with many scenes cutting away at the point where the most disturbance could be caused.

The speed of the destroy accelerates but not to quickly allowing the story to develop at its good pace making sure you don't miss anything as our other characters are introduced. The ending is not predictable (in my humble opinion) and maintains the integrity of the who,e film without going into the outrageous as many of these films ca do.

Sit back and enjoy like I did.

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Mama (I) (2013)

7/10

General Review

28 July 2013

I am not ashamed to admit I really enjoyed this film. It's not a horror movie per se but is certainly full of suspense and not the end I predicted.

Our story starts with the girls ending up in the woods with Mama making her first brief appearance.

We then fast forward to uncle looking for them and eventually uncovering them in the very same cabin we leave them in at the opening scenes. Clearly feral these girls are going to need lots of therapy and care to return to some sense of normality.

Uncle wins custody and moves into a new house but Mama is not far behind and taking an active part in the children's life. This is where all the jumps and shocks will start to happen, no unnecessary violence or gore but the thought of what has happened / is happening , you think as the story unravels the end is going to be predictable but thankfully it isn't.

Sit down with a pillow if you of a nervous disposition and be prepared for a quite decent film

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Point Break (1991)

7/10

General review.

27 July 2013

Here's to a great film, never going to win an Oscar but that's not why we watch this type of film.

A rookie cop and an apparent has been hook up on a whim about potential criminals active in the area.

Going undercover our rookie Keanu Reeves plays the part perfectly , I imagine that is what I would like like if I tried to surf but he is ever valiant and becomes quite competent, whilst carrying out his inquiries into the crimes.

As he becomes more and more involved you can start to imagine the complications that later arise with the famous chase scene and the gun being discharged into the air with a loud scream as the realisation kicks in.

An unusual way to lead towards the final scenes but lets be honest we could all see it coming

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