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Reviews
The Book of Esther (2013)
Stick with the Bible avoid this movie!
The Biblical story of Esther is wonderful whereas this low budget Hollywood version is very disappointing. The Biblical account has great insights about human nature and how this plays out in government but the movie deviates significantly true story. I bought it via Amazon Prime and soon realised this was a mistake. The script was hammy, acting a bit wooden and the stage set unrealistic. After watching Cecil B Demils "The Ten Commandments" maybe my expectations were too high!? To be fair one of the first statements to appear on screen was a warning of fiction up ahead and an encouragement to read the Bible account!
End to End (2022)
Landscape, adventure and music
The context is No10s covid lockdowns, mask wearing and other mind-bending mandates. Perhaps some of the motivation comes from a feeling if performance burn out? George and his two mates decide to break free into the wonderful British countryside. It's an epic adventure interspersed with musical interludes along the way. One of the highlights is their quick visit to Glastonbury but there's just the pyramid stage in an empty field. George tells his remarkable stage story with flashbacks. The landscape, the banter and the music blend nicely together. However, I would have liked more information about the places they passed through. Attacks by the infamous Scottish midge evoke deep sympathy!
The Last Legion (2007)
Colin Firth should have known better
Colin Firth has a reputation as a serious actor... so why would he take on a role in this light hearted drama? Aimed at teenager lads who are looking for Hollywood's retelling of history. Fast moving action. The movie provides light entertainment and stirring background music. The story line is predictable in the short term but there are a lot of twists and turns long term. Some of the natural landscapes are beautiful but the CGI isn't always convincing. There's bit too much blood and gore for my liking and the plot became implausible so I switched off and missed the final 30 minutes. May be return another day...
The Rescue (2021)
A modern day miracle!
A nightmare situation which is made bearable to watch because of the testimony of various key individuals most notably the British cave divers whose expertise was initially snubbed by the local authorities. By 2nd July 2018 the lads hadn't eaten for 10 days. Whilst there was widespread relief about finding them alive, the divers were almost at a loss as to how they could be rescued. With hindsight we all know what happened but the film still makes for a gripping experience. Full of technical challenges and political hassles. The film has high production standards by the same team as "Free Solo". It hints at the faith and prayers of family members (not to mention millions of others around the world) which were so wonderfully answered.