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Reviews
Grotesquerie (2024)
A Mixed Bag with Potential but scripts are really bloated
"Grotesqueries" has a lot going for it, but it also stumbles in some critical areas. The crime element is intriguing and well-executed depicting gruesome horror on screen that you don't often see in a crime procedurally. The inclusion of a nun reporter is a nice touch, adding a unique and interesting angle to the mystery. These moments keep the plot ticking along, but unfortunately, they're weighed down by the weaker aspects of the show.
The personal life of the female lead, especially the storyline involving her comatose husband, it feels like filler. It's bloated and boring, dragging the pace of the show down whenever it shifts focus. Maybe this will have puropose later but this early on it's just annoying. On the subject of annoying, Her interactions with the English nurse are particularly hard to watch - the nurse seems like a caricature from the 1950s, with stiff dialogue and an unbelievable demeanor that feels completely out of place.
If Grotesqueries wants to hold onto its audience, it needs to tighten up quickly. Otherwise, viewers will likely bail early, despite the promising crime elements.
The Blacklist: Raymond Reddington (No. 00): Good Night (2023)
Lackluster ending but not horrible
The final episode of The Blacklist didn't quite live up to the expectations that the rest of the series set. After 10 seasons of intrigue and mystery, Reddington's real identity was still not revealed, leaving one of the most significant plot threads unresolved. It was especially odd watching Ressler go around asking people if they'd seen Reddington while showing a 40-year-old photo of him-because, obviously, that would help, right?
Reddington's death itself felt underwhelming. The buildup led to what should have been a dramatic or poignant moment, but instead, his death felt rushed and unsatisfying. And Ressler's reaction when he found Reddington dead? Let's just say it lacked the emotional depth or gravity you'd expect after all their years of friendship/work
Despite the weak finale, The Blacklist was a great show overall and provided 10 years of great entertainment. It just feels like the final episode didn't quite match up to the thrilling ride that preceded it.
The Crow (2024)
Bad but not in the way I was expecting
The Crow (2024) promised to resurrect the cult classic with a modern touch, but what we got instead was a soulless retread that falls flat in nearly every aspect. From lackluster performances to poor character development, this reboot fails to capture the spirit and emotional depth of the original. The inclusion of talented musician FKA Twigs as the female lead was initially exciting, but her performance left much to be desired, and the movie as a whole is riddled with issues that make it a painful watch for fans of the original and newcomers alike.
FKA Twigs: A Failed Experiment
FKA Twigs is a talented musician with a distinct style and artistic vision. However, her transition to acting in The Crow (2024) is a major misstep. While it's clear that she brings a certain aesthetic appeal to the role, her performance is wooden and devoid of emotional depth. The character she plays, the love interest of the main protagonist, is supposed to be a source of intense emotional connection-a driving force behind the protagonist's actions. Yet, there is no chemistry between her and the lead, and their relationship, which is central to the narrative, feels forced and superficial.
Throughout the movie, FKA Twigs delivers her lines with an awkward stiffness that makes it difficult to connect with her character. The raw emotion that was needed to make the love story believable is utterly absent. Her portrayal lacks the vulnerability and strength that the character demands, leaving her scenes feeling hollow and unconvincing. As a result, the tragedy at the heart of The Crow-the love lost and the desire for revenge-fails to resonate with the audience.
A Relationship That Never Takes Flight
The relationship between the two main characters is the cornerstone of The Crow's story. In the original, the deep bond between Eric Draven and Shelly Webster was palpable, making Eric's quest for vengeance all the more powerful. In the 2024 version, however, the relationship feels like an afterthought. There is little effort put into establishing their connection, and what little development there is feels shallow and undercooked.
Rather than showing the audience why this relationship matters, the film relies on clichéd flashbacks and disjointed scenes that do nothing to build a believable romance. The moments meant to illustrate their love are few and far between, and when they do occur, they are marred by poor acting and weak dialogue. Without a solid emotional foundation, the entire premise of the movie crumbles. The audience is left questioning why they should care about these characters and their fate, which undermines the entire narrative.
A Wasted Soundtrack
One of the few redeeming qualities of The Crow (2024) is its soundtrack. The film features a collection of atmospheric, moody tracks that perfectly capture the dark, gothic tone that the story aims for. However, this positive aspect is almost entirely squandered by how poorly the music is integrated into the film.
Instead of using the soundtrack to enhance the emotional impact of key scenes, the film frequently misuses the music in scenes that do not warrant it. Too often, the beautiful, haunting tracks play over scenes of the protagonist simply walking down the street, creating a jarring disconnect between the music and the visuals. These long, meandering sequences contribute nothing to the plot or character development, making the music feel like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the storytelling. The result is a film that feels disjointed and tonally inconsistent, with a soundtrack that, while good on its own, is rendered ineffective due to its poor usage.
The Opera Set Piece: Gratuitous Brutality
The original The Crow was known for its dark and violent tone, but it balanced this with a sense of poetic justice and emotional depth. In contrast, the 2024 version indulges in violence to a gratuitous degree, most notably in the opera set piece. This scene, which could have been an intense and emotionally charged moment, instead comes across as needlessly brutal and disturbing.
Rather than using the scene to further the narrative or deepen the character's motivations, the film seems more interested in shocking the audience with over-the-top violence. The brutality on display is excessive and feels out of place, lacking the sense of purpose that made the violence in the original film meaningful. Instead of feeling cathartic or justified, the violence in this scene feels cheap and exploitative, contributing nothing to the story other than to add to the body count most of which are security working at the ooera house who had nothing to do with the death of Eric.
The opera set piece also suffers from poor pacing and direction. What should have been a climactic moment instead drags on far too long, with the violence becoming increasingly numbing rather than impactful. By the time the scene finally ends, any potential emotional weight it could have had has been lost, leaving the audience feeling more exhausted than engaged.
A Hollow Remake
Ultimately, The Crow (2024) is a hollow remake that fails to capture the magic of the original. The film's problems start with its miscast lead actress, whose lackluster performance makes it impossible to invest in the central relationship. Without this emotional core, the rest of the film falls apart, leaving the audience with a series of disconnected scenes that fail to build any meaningful narrative momentum.
While the soundtrack is undeniably strong, it is wasted on scenes that do not deserve it, and the film's overreliance on graphic violence feels gratuitous rather than impactful. The opera set piece, in particular, is a prime example of how this film misunderstands what made the original great-substituting shock value for substance.
In the end, The Crow (2024) is a disappointing and unnecessary reboot that fails to justify its existence. It takes a beloved story and strips it of its heart and soul, leaving behind a shell of a film that does little more than tarnish the legacy of the original. Fans of the 1994 version will likely find this remake to be a pale imitation, and those new to the story will wonder why it was ever considered a classic in the first place. Instead of soaring to new heights, The Crow (2024) crashes and burns, a testament to the dangers of remaking a film without respecting the source material and what made it special in the first place.
Twisters (2024)
Such a let down
"Twisters" (2024) is an abysmal sequel / reboot that falls far short of its predecessor's impact. Where the original "Twister" (1996) captivated audiences with its groundbreaking special effects and adrenaline-pumping storyline, "Twisters" crashes and burns with a sluggish narrative and lackluster execution.
One of the most glaring issues with "Twisters" is its abominable exposition. The film spends an inordinate amount of time on mundane details and tedious dialogue, sucking the life out of what should be a thrilling disaster movie. Characters drone on about their backstories and motivations in ways that feel forced and unnatural, dragging the pace to a crawl. This heavy-handed exposition not only bogs down the story but also makes it difficult to form any emotional connection with the characters. Instead of developing a coherent plot or meaningful relationships, the film feels like a series of disjointed scenes with no real direction.
Moreover, "Twisters" utterly fails to deliver on the spectacle front. Given that the movie is supposed to center around the awe-inspiring and terrifying force of nature that is a tornado, it is inexcusable that the special effects are so lackluster. The tornado sequences are few and far between, and when they do occur, they lack the intensity and realism that made the original film so memorable. The CGI feels dated and unconvincing, robbing the tornadoes of their menace and making the action scenes feel flat and uninspired.
The characters, led by a surprisingly lackluster ensemble cast, are bland and unremarkable. Their interactions are stilted, and their reactions to the disasters unfolding around them are inexplicably subdued. The film's attempts at humor fall flat, and any attempts at drama are undercut by poor writing and wooden performances. It's hard to care about what happens to any of them, and as a result, the stakes feel nonexistent.
In addition, the direction and cinematography do little to elevate the material. The film lacks the dynamic camera work and creative shot compositions that could have added some visual interest. Instead, we are treated to a series of uninspired, static shots that do nothing to enhance the tension or excitement. The soundtrack of mostly country songs is forgettable and fails to add any emotional weight to the scenes.
In conclusion, "Twisters" is a colossal disappointment that had me looking at my watch every 20 mins hoping for it to end. It doesn't surprise me that the reviews for this are overwhelmingly positive. We live in an idiocracy and this dumb summer movie sums up it's equally dumb audience. Save yourself the time and skip this uninspired disaster of a disaster movie.
Army of One (2020)
Had potential but...
When you have a cast of mostly people who are bad actors the ones who can are sadly dragged down to their level. The acting is so bad at times it looks like the audio is dubbed. Maybe some dialogue was added in post but it stinks whatever the reason. The strength in this movie is the stunts / action which makes sense given who the main protagonist is but even those are let down by poor direction. E.g straining to pull a stick out of someones abdomen and then revealing it was barely 2 inches into the stomach is horrible and someone on the crew should have acknowledged this would look awful on camera. The whole production sadly screams amateur. Like a lot of reviewers I barely made it through. What's infuriating is that there is a budget here and it's a solid screenplay albeit for a run of the mill action movie but I think anyone watching this is just after a good old 90s throwback revenge movie with a high body count and that's what this is, it's just a shame the acting makes it almost unwatchable to most
It gets a generous 4.
Red Eye (2024)
Far fetched but great
Red Eye, the captivating ITV drama starring the talented Richard Armitage, is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling and riveting performances. From its gripping plot twists to its impeccable character development, this series delivers an enthralling experience from start to finish.
Armitage shines in the lead role, effortlessly embodying the complexities of his character as a doctor seemingly framed for murder His portrayal of a man caught in a web of intrigue and deception is believable, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout
But it's not just Armitage who steals the show. The supporting cast is also great for the most part. There's a few dodgy turns from the so called American cast members (probably Brits)
One of the most impressive aspects of "Red Eye" is its storytelling. The series weaves a complex and multi-layered narrative, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the final moments. Just when you think you have it all figured out, "Red Eye" throws another curveball, leaving you guessing with anticipation for what will happen next.
In addition to its thrilling plot, "Red Eye" also tackles important themes and issues, from the nature of trust and betrayal to the consequences of past actions. But rather than simply delivering heavy-handed moral lessons, the series explores these themes with subtlety and nuance, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions and engage with the material on a deeper level.
Overall, "Red Eye" is a must-watch for fans of gripping drama and compelling storytelling. With its stellar performances, atmospheric visuals, and thought-provoking themes, this series is sure to have people talking. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained by one of the most thrilling dramas to hit the small screen since.
Twisted Metal (2023)
A big thumbs up
Twisted Metal" revives the adrenaline-fueled chaos of the iconic PlayStation game into a gripping TV series. Anthony Mackie's portrayal of the enigmatic driver Jon Doe is electric, capturing his character's sinister charm flawlessly. With stunning visuals, intense action sequences and a great soundtrack, the show stays true to the game's essence. Each episode delves into the dark pasts of contestants, adding depth to the narrative. The incorporation of classic vehicles and familiar arenas from the game is a nostalgic treat for fans. Despite some pacing issues, the series maintains a thrilling momentum throughout, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. "Twisted Metal" successfully translates the gaming experience into a compelling television format, offering a wild ride for both fans and newcomers alike. A particular highlight is the 2 actor portrayal of sweet tooth voiced by Will Arnett and physically acted by the hulking Samoa Joe. Looking forward to a second season.
Knox Goes Away (2023)
Great directorial debut from Keaton
Knox Goes Away is a riveting addition to the hitman genre, offering a fresh perspective with its intriguing storyline and stellar performances. The acting is top-notch, with each character bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The direction is impressive from Keaton, who seamlessly weaves together action-packed sequences with moments of suspense and introspection. What sets this film apart is its unique take on the hitman archetype, offering viewers a thought-provoking exploration of morality and redemption. From start to finish, "Knox Goes Away" delivers a thrilling cinematic experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended for fans of gripping thrillers and innovative storytelling. Solid 8 stars from me.
Road House (2024)
Should have been called Key West
Why is this called Road House?
It' started off OK setting the scene for the fighting element but it quicky becomes quite a mediocre drama with some action. 45 mins in and theres only 1 significant bar fight involving Gyllenhall at the bar which is disappointing. Unlike the original that is almost all set at the Road House bar and as the title suggests is about the bar there is very little of this movie actually set in the Road House. Instead Liman has opted for franky uninteresting drama set pieces in and around the Kew West areas of Florida that add nothing to the story other than make you forget about the reason he is there, which is to bounce the bar and eradicate the bad element from it. Gone are the scenes of Dalton sussing out all the issues with the bar staff, the thieves, drug dealers and inept bouncing staff, also gone are the scenes training the competent staff on how to deal with unruly patrons. This was the stuff that was both charming and fun in the original movies so it's baffling this has been removed. It's less about the bar now and his ability as a fighter / cooler and more about Key West as a whole. Local businesses and residents. There's probably about 15 mins of this 1hr 40min movie actually set in the Road House which given the title is utterly stupid. Why even bother calling this a remake? Gyllenhall is great as per usual but he shouldn't have been involved with this. It's beneath him to be in this calibre of movie and for him to say he is a big fan of the original and then strip it of everything that was great about it shows he isn't a fan..The supporting cast with most screen time are just horrible in this. The love interest Daniela Merchoir is average looking and she can't act, McGregor is cringe prancing around in his little shorts (when he is wearing any) delivering crap one liners and Billy Magnusson is as clichéd as they come and isn't menacing in the slightest so never poses a threat. Unbelievably the cast members who are great don't get much screen time.
The job Dalton was hired to do he failed at miserably. In fact he destroyed the bar he was there to help and failed to turn it around in any way other than eliminate the son of the busineman who wanted the bar. He also gave the money he took to the bookstore owner and left the roadhouse with thousands of dollars worth of damage. It's ridiculous.
Really had high hopes for this after seeing the trailer but as they've just removed every element of the original movie that was good we are left with a Florida set action flop which rightly deserved a straight to VOD release.
Don't get me started in the completely unnecessary cut scenes to his time in the UFC that are peppered throughout the movie.
It's getting a generous 5 stars only because the music was decent and the fighting when we actually get any is well done.
Rob Beckett's Smart TV (2024)
Absolute wasted opportunity
10 mins into first episode and they have asked 1 question on a supposed TV quiz show. Had high expectations for this and thought we might have a return to a telly addicts sort of format but featuring celebs instead of families but this is telly tragic instead of telly magic. I felt like a was watching a podcast most of the time as 7 celebs sit discussing their careers and TV appearances. Absolute waste of money and everyones time but it's what you expect from panel shows made by Sky who constantly try to recreate the magic of A league of Their Own by slapping the same format on all their quiz panel shows even though the format isn't applicable to anything else other than sport. I think this will be a one and done for most people as it's a painful watch.
LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland (2024)
The Irish are too good at not laughing
I've watched all of the iterations of this show and this was the most frustrating. All the comedians are great fun and there are plenty of laughs for the audience however because this group are particularly good at resisting the humour of there peers the producers and host (Norton) gave out yellow and then red cards for the slightest infractions which as a viewer was frustrating. I get that the show needs eliminations but c'mon. Most of the cards were given for smiles, yes smiles and most of them took place alone away from the comedy or were self inflicted. Booooooooring!!! This put a whole dampner on the show overall. It's funny but not the best of this series.
Fast X (2023)
It's way better than 9
Fast X redeems the franchise with a much-needed shift from its disappointing predecessor which I hated and was the reason I didn't spend my money watching part 10 at the cinema this year. The film's narrative is more engaging, rescuing the storyline from the pitfalls of its predecessor. Notably, Jason Mamoa's character brings a delightful touch of humor, providing a breath of fresh air amid the usual chaos.
While still embracing its over-the-top signature, Fast X wisely tones down the excessive stunts seen in the ninth installment and by that I mean there's no cars going into space. This adjustment allows for a more balanced viewing experience without sacrificing the franchise's core essence. The ensemble cast continues to display strong chemistry, adding to the movie's overall appeal.
Fast X may not reinvent the wheel, but it successfully corrects the course, making it a more enjoyable installment. Mamoa's very amusing portrayal adds a layer lacking in previous films, and the film strikes a better balance between action and storytelling. For fans disappointed by the previous entry, Fast X offers a welcome return to a more satisfying Fast and Furious experience, setting a more promising trajectory for future films in the series
Don't get me wrong it's still over the top far fetched nonsense but it's more pallatable this time for some reason.
Tex Mex Motors (2023)
It's no rust to riches
I've just binged this entire series and the premise is great. Sourcing scrap type cars cheaper from Mexico and bringing them across the border to Texas to refurbish them back to their former glory. The problem however is the cast and the quality of the restorations. Apart from Rabbit the team on this show are pretty lacking in personality and their time on screen isn't very engaging as a viewer. Is this because they are serious car people and not TV personalities? Sadly no, the quality of work these guys do in comparison to other shows of the same kind is way below par. When they finish cars and take them for buyers to see you can see shoddy finishing on camera, bad paint work or the design they have chosen is just not nice. Take for example the Opal in the 1st episode with the honeycomb design. Just a horrible colour choose and hood design. The worst bit about the show though is the terrible scripted dilemmas and accidents that happen to find them. From an angry lady with a shoe as a weapon who thinks they are stealing a car to being stopped by federales moments after buying a car it's all insulting to the viewer. I've watched 5 seasons of the Gotham Garage show Rust to Riches which is also a Netflix show and this one is obviously try to emulate it but Gotham are leagues above this garage and the production on that show is so much better. Rust to Riches is obviously also scripted but it's done in a much more subtle way. If you haven't seen it spend your time on that and leave this one alone until it improves if it isn't cancelled first.
Maestro (2023)
Spectacular but dull movie
This movie is brilliant in every way except for the story which frankly was quite boring even for someone who has an appreciation for classical music and some musical scores. There's no doubt Bernstein was a creative genius of his time but his bisexual lifestyle and the relationship with his wife as controversial as it would have been at the time just doesn't make for an interesting 2 hours of cinema unfortunately. The acting, cinematography and directing here is absolute top tier and I spent a lot of the movie reminding myself that Bradley Cooper made this movie which is incredible to me having followed him since his turn as supporting character Will Tippin in the TV show Alias. Oscars will no doubt be dished out in abundance come March especially for the acting on display however I would hope the best picture and screenplay go to other movies (probably Oppenheimer) as it was a challenging 2 hours. That said this is exactly the sort of movie that the Oscars and critics fawn over and there is a history of movies like this winning over better movies e.g. English Patient (1997) for a masterclass in film production this is up there but it's not one many will return to for entertainment. 5 Stars.
It's a Wonderful Knife (2023)
Ho Ho Holy Cr@p this was a Xmas miss
Let's start with the title. Dreadful. Yes it's a play on the beloved Xmas classic but as a title it's lazy and stupid. Doesn't even make any sense.
The slasher genre is so overdone now that to really stand out you need to focus on your kills and this movie simply doesn't deliver. All of the victims are killed in really straightforward and frankly boring ways.
Characters. There's not a likeable person in this entire movie. Justin Long gives a good camp performance as the Mayor but other than that you won't be invested in anyone and you simply don't care who gets killed
The gimmick here is Christmas time travel and they wasted an great opportunity to have a movie horror fans return to every year. Sadly that won't happen here as this is a one and done experience
If you want to see a decent groundhog day style slasher then Happy Death Day has it in the bag.
4 stars and that's a festive gift as it's really only worth 2 or 3.
Home Improvement: The Long and Winding Road: Part 2 (1999)
Fairly lame compilation episode
Thankfully this wasn't the last episode as I'd thought and there is a 3rd part to the finale. It's a weak clips show signifying that they couldn't really be bothered ending this excellent sitcom strongly with a real storyline. Tim and the boys reflect on their lives in Detroit and 10 years of Tool Time. I hate compilation episodes in general but to have one to end a series is just insulting to viewers. Even the first part of this 3 part finale was pretty terrible quality. It really feels like the writers dialled this in. Hopefully the last episode saves this as it would be a shame to end on a low.
Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)
Better than others will have you believe
Here we go again. Grown adults complaining about a kids film. Honestly some people need to get a life. I'm a huge fan of the original movies and this one is a great addition to the franchise. Way better than 3 and 4 and It's actually very funny which I wasn't expecting and has loads of nods to the original movie and most importantly the kids loved it. My only criticism from an adult perspective is that the threat Max faces is from a married couple trying to retrieve something he stole so doesn't have the joepardy of the original criminals but perhaps this is a sign of the times and was deliberate given the target audience. Maybe for a sequel (optimistic I know) they should set the movie in the U. K and have a couple of seasoned British actors play the criminals. That said Kemper and Delaney are great and get put through their paces in the same way Pesci and Stern did. Slapstick to be proud of. Archie Yates who was introduced to the world in Jo Jo Rabbit is also excellent in this and has the charm Culkin did back in the 90s. One thing that is completely lost however and I will accept isn't as good is the journey of the mother travelling to get back to her son. They really lost the emotional journey element of the first movie and her arrival back to Max is glossed over. This is one part that made the original so good so it loses some stars because of this. It's not brilliant but it's a very entertaining Xmas romp and one this generation will grow to love. A solid 6.5 out of 10.
Hypnotic (2023)
A Sci Fi wrongly marketed as a crime thriller
Was excited to see this as I enjoy Ben Affleck and Fichtner as actors and Rodriguez occasionally hits a home run but sadly not here. Years of making bad kids movies such as his Soy Kids franchise proves here that Rodriguez no longer has the creative intellect to make an action movie for adults. All the talent in the world can't save the dialogue sounding ridiculous and the premise as great as it sounded on paper / in the trailer is handled really really badly. Its too far fetched for a regular crime drama and isn't fantasy enough from the get go to be taken seriously by any self respecting movie lover. Had Fichtner and Braga's characters been supernatural beings manipulating humans this would have sat better with me but as super mentalists it's just farcical. It takes too long to reveal that this is very much a Sci Fi movie and not a regular crime thriller as suggested in the trailer. We are almost immediately meant to be on board with the fact there are government created David Blain types wandering amongst us with mind control powers and its simply proposterous. What really annoys me about movie making these days is that these things pass through the hands of producers and execs and then multiple test audiences and no one questions the believability of what they are making or if they do they choose to ignore the glaringly obvious flaws and this is exactly why a 65 million dollar movie makes 15 million at the box office. Also where exactly was 65 million spent on this movie? It's pretty effects light and the action set pieces or nothing out of the ordinary. You see similar or better in most TV shows nowadays so I must have gone on salaries as it's certainly not up on the screen. At one point everyone is dressed in red jackets which is the sort of thing you'd see in a student movie that has no budget. It's laughable when it happens and completely unnecessary as a plot device. This could have been a great little sci Fi movie has they just leaned into it and marketed it properly but as it stands it's a big ol' stinker on the Affleck résumé. It's a generous 4.5 stars.
Justified: City Primeval (2023)
I like it more than the original
Everyone comparing this to the original obviously forget how boring and repetative it got towards the end. I've just recently finished watchin Justified and it was extremely hit and miss between seasons and by the end was a complete chore to finish seasons so I was apprehensive of this new show. Turns out I didn't need to be. It's far more engaging being set in the city. The original being set in such a small town as Harlan where drug dealers and criminals seemed to run rampant killing people left right and centre with almost zero repercussions from the police was so far fetched and unbelievable it amazed me it lasted as many seasons as it did. Givens is far more suited to the city and has aged out of his former wreckless behaviour it seems which I like. As many have pointed out the casting of his real life daughter as his character daughter Willow is a mistake. She is very unlikable personality wise and is completely the wrong age to be playing the role so hopefully her exit in episode 3 is permanent as it was terrible casting by the showrunners. Boyd Holbrook is great as usual and plays bad guys very well (see Logan) so look forward to see his character ramp up the threat throughout. It's a solid 7 stars.
The Fanatic (2019)
I liked it
I think people just like to criticise Travolta these days due to his Scientology. Personally I don't care. I have much more issue with other religions to care about that one and it has zero impact on how he acts. This is a decent take on the stalker genre and Travolta having first hand experience with autism plays the character very well and for some reason reviewers think this part of the acting is funny. Clearly never had first hand experience dealing with adults with autism as if they had they would understand this is pretty accurate behaviour for some and his performance should be applauded not ridiculed but hey people are ignorant,what's new. The story nicely conveys the negatives of celebrity and highlights that some actors are indeed A holes to fans as we've seen all too often recently in the news. The ending is a bit weak as it implies Moose gets off scott free despite his actions but this isn't Oscar material so it gets a pass. Especially as his character is a likeable oaf. Not the best but still a very watchable 5 stars.
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Excellent Conclusion to a Brilliant Trilogy
Went into this with apprehension purely because in my opinion movies that move their location to Europe usually take a hit in quality (Rush Hour 3, Taken 2) but part 3 of the Equalizer really turned out to be the exception. Paced in such a way that the bad guys doing bad things builds the anticipation of the destruction you know is coming their way. Having McCall injured lends really well to Denzel who lets face it is getting on in years so prob doesn't want to be doing a lot of stunt work, not that there isn't any and when the action takes place it's impressive. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy what appears to be the end of the franchise I think it's actually my favourite of the 3. It's beautifully shot, the location and his intentions lend perfectly to the characters original role as a man helping others out of bad situations and the dispatching of the baddies when it happens is brutal and satisfying. If I had a complaint about plot it would be the end set piece could have been better and was a bit basic. The final boss got off far too lightly in my opinion. The conclusion of the first movie in the home depot type location is hard to beat for this and is just a great bit of cinema set to a brilliant soundtrack. Complaints wise. Dakota Fanning being in the movie was completely pointless and was obvious fan service for those who saw and love Man of Fire. She's a pretty terrible actress now despite being a pretty good child actor and they would have been better off casting someone else in the role especially as she is barely in it. Other than that it's one I look forward to owning and re watching when it's released on blu ray. Solid 8.5 for me.
The Blackening (2022)
It could have been the black Scream. It wasn't
There are a lot of lazy reviews on here saying this movie was predictable and contained loads of horror tropes which is kind of the point, it was a send up of other movies but that isn't the problem with the movie. It's just not very good. It's a shame as I expected more from Tim Story who has directed some decent stuf over his career. This movie looks very low budget and it doesn't really know what it wants to be. It's a slasher movie from a black perspective which is a great hook but its also a comedy and it does neither very well. The jokes are bad, bordering on slap stick and any of the well written gags were shown in the trailer so you are left with barrel scrapings. The protagonist isn't scary partly due to the humour and you won't care about any of the characters. This should have been played straight as a horror such a scream and taking notes from something like Jordan Peel's Us but instead it comes across like a poor man's Scary Movie. I had been looking forward to this since I saw the trailer but I spent the majority of the screening looking at my watch and contemplating leaving as it was very boring.
If you are desperate to see this I'd save your money and wait for it to appear on a streaming site and even then only give it your time if you have absolutely nothing else on your watchlist.
Atlanta (2016)
Lost its way
Im writing this as Season 3 concludes and I honestly don't know what happened to this show. First 2 seasons were some of the best TV I'd seen in 20 years. Dramatic, funny, gritty and at times absurd but the third season has leaned hard into the absurdity of say the Teddy Perkins episode from episode 6 of season 2 and it now plays like some sort of Twilight Zone type show that alternates between the main characters plot line and odd standalone episodes that have nothing to do with the adventures of Earn, Paperboi and Darius. It doesn't work. Don't get me wrong the random episodes at times are great but they don't belong in this series and I think Glover et al should have created a separate show to showcase the political and racial satire that they have done so well. Instead we get a horribly disjointed season that's taken me the best part of a year to watch because it's simply not engaging any more. I really hope season 4 gets back on track as I don't think I'll make it thru another season like this and will just give up watching what was once my favourite show to binge and to tell others about.
Heart of Stone (2023)
It's actually terrible and I'm being polite
It genuinely angers me to think how much money was spent on this movie. Right from the start the pre credit set piece is lame and unengaging. It thinks it's Bond but it's more like a bad Alex Rider story . Dialogue is cringey, special effects are some of the worst you will see in recent times You won't care about any of the characters. Both protagonist and antagonists are one dimensional. Gadot is completely unconvincing as a secret agent despite her history in the action genre and her poor acting bring the rest of the cast down. The female antagonist is about as threatening as a call centre scammer. Jamie Dornan is instantly identified as the bad guy because why would he be in this movie playing 2nd fiddle on an Mi6 team so when the reveal happens quite early on that he's a baddie it has zero impact. Even the music in this movie sucked. The annoying theme music they play constantly any time Stone does anything remotely hi octane will get on your nerves repeatedly and it happens a lot. In case I'm not making myself clear here I hated this movie. It's offensively terrible and anyone reviewing this saying it's actually good obviously hates cinema or themselves
If films like Sharknado are the B movie equivalent of Jaws, Heart of Stone is this to James Bond. This feels less like a Netflix / Sundance production and more like a bad 6 part action drama you'd find on the British TV channel ITV.
I don't give 1 star reviews for movies as there is always something redeeming about a movie no matter how bad it is (usually music). In this case it's Paul Ready who I always watch baffled whenever I see him in acting roles as his portrayal of Kevin in Motherland is so bizarrely funny that it amazes me to see him doing anything else other than that character. Usually Sophie Okenedo would garner some stars but even she is awful in this movie playing a 3rd rate M character
For Paul it gets 3 Stars and that's me being very generous.
American Horror Story: Something's Coming (2022)
Gay Horror Story
Yeah we get it. Ryan likes men
This show used to be so good but now it just seems like an outlet for Ryan Murphy to include gay imagery in every season with plot and writings taking a massive backseat. He feels like a Hollywood scandal waiting to happen. That said giving gay actors the opportunity to play gay roles is great but when the characters are so unlikable is that helpful in advancing the industry view on inclusion? Especially when It's clichéd stereotypes every season. Having spoken to male & female friends who are gay and loved this show in the early days when it was actually a horror show they are a bit tired of this force feeding of LGBTQ stereotypes and like my wife and I have gradually given up on seasons because they simply aren't written well enough anymore. Viewing figures and reviews def reflect this. Poor crime dramas being peddled as horror are the real horror show here.
We know Murphy is capable of so much better as the Dhamer series showed us but this is just watered down nonesense
3 stars is generous and I'm only giving that as It's great to see Russel Tovey on screen.