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Reviews
Stillwater (2021)
Good story but too long
A clever but simple story, beautifully acted, shot and scored, but it felt too slow, took too long to reveal what was it was about and hence to buy into the characters and situation. However, I also felt the ending was rushed and unsatisfying.
The Pentaverate (2022)
Silly but clever too
I binge watched all episodes and loved it. Yes, it is silly in places, crude in others, but the story races along at a cracking pace and is funny and clever in places. I loved the way it references a whole load of old TV and film, although much of this will probably go over the heads of anyone under 50.
Spike Island (2012)
Nostalgia for 90s teenagers
I was a teenager in 1990 when this film was set and The Stone Roses formed a backdrop to my angsty early 90s teenage years. The use of music, clothing, hairstyles etc. in this film is very evocative and true to the era and positively influenced my score above what it probably really deserves.
The story itself doesn't really know what it wants to be. Most of the film is light comedy romp, a fun celebration of youth, but after coming to a seemingly ecstatic climax, we get an unexpectedly harsh comedown of an ending. Whilst this improves the film overall, a bit too much drama is injected in too short a time which jars with the tone and pace of rest of the film.
Four Kids and It (2020)
Adaptation without magic and sparkle
This movie is a flat adaptation wasting a great opportunity that the underlying story could have provided. It is presented without any real magic, chemistry between the characters or any sense of tension. What should be a warm, humorous family movie just comes across as cold, unfunny and cliched. Michael Caine's voice work is a highlight but his appearances are too brief. Russell Brand in contrast appears completely miscast in his role. Maybe young kids will love it, but in my eyes it doesn't have enough depth to work as film to be enjoyed by all the family.
Bad Education (2019)
Grade A story telling
This is a simple story of fraud in the public school system elevated to a captivating drama by a strong script, solid direction, and above all, wonderful performances from Hugh Jackman and Allison Janney.
Ad Astra (2019)
Looks Good, Sounds Good, shame about the story
This is a film that looks good, sounds fantastic but fundamentally the story is nonsensical and full of seemingly irrelevant action sequences which are more there as a filler. Scientific errors and unfeasible stunts are irritating. Maybe it works if this is interpreted as a dream/therapy session but it doesn't play that way on screen.