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The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (2023)
Simply perfection
I'd never heard of this story before. The story and the production are simply exceptional. Nothing else like it (and I've been keenly watching films and tv for 40+ years).
The cast are all A-list. The story is captivating and mesmerising.
The only disappointment is that the film is a short and therefore ends sooner than any "normal" film.
It seems to be an all-British cast.
One of the unusual (and effective) things is the pace of the narrative: it's rapid. Every character speaks fast.
When they ends, the credits roll in silence. The contrast between the fast paced narrative and the silent credits leaves a chasm. It's incredibly powerful. Leaving me to wonder whether in fact such a story could be true. Perhaps what is intended.
Highly recommend this.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Just plain awful
The summary says it all really: it's awful.
Three hours of my life wasted. It's Christopher Nolan - who has made some great films - but, sadly, this one is a dud.
If I could give it zero stars I would, but IMDb requires at least one star. So that's what I gave it.
My friends and I (all in our late 40s, I might add - we've see a few films in our time) we're expecting great things. In IMAX no less. We were disappointed. Several times through the film I found myself looking at my watch wondering how much longer I'd have to endure the tedium that is this movie.
I have no idea how others have left such high praise in their reviews. Emperor's new clothes perhaps?
As another reviewer pointed out, the acting is very good, but the story is poor. No amount of A-list celebs can save a rubbish story.
Glass Onion (2022)
Good story, visually sunning, great acting
An unexpectedly good watch. It's like a modern-day mashup of Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock with great cinematography and high res picture quality.
Really entertaining and the plot keeps you guessing til the end. Lots of twists and turns.
If you can find a big screen to see it on, do it. Even a projector in your own house. The visuals do call for a large picture.
As an aside, casting a black woman as a successful and influential public figure is a wonderful thing to see. Inspirational to many, I'm sure.
Looking forward to the next in the series. At the time of writing, it does look like the third film is being planned.
Chaos Walking (2021)
Disappointing
Has a couple of good actors in the lead roles (Tom and Daisy) but even they couldn't put life into this dead film. It kind of limps along for 2 hours, promising something good at every turn but ultimately fails to deliver.
I should have followed my rule for a film and I would have got almost all of that time back for something else. The rule is: if a film doesn't captivate me in the opening sixty seconds or so, then I just turn it off. I must have done so earlier, because when I started watching this time, Netflix resumed from about a minute in, and I had to start from the beginning since I couldn't remember much. Moral of the story: listen to your inner voice.
Night Sky (2022)
Awesome and original
Great acting. You really connect with the characters. Story is original. Bit of a slow burner, but it's genuinely pleasant to watch.
Really hope there's a second season.
Archive (2020)
An original, heart provoking and thoughtful story
What can I say? Every once in awhile you stumble across a film purely by chance that is a gem. This is one of those films. There is a unique story. The acting is genuine - you feel like the people are really going through these experiences. Brings a depth of character that even the big budget Hollywood films struggle to achieve.
The Age of Adaline (2015)
Perfect in every way
A beautiful film with wonder, love and amazement. A hidden gem. Acting is excellent. Watch without reading any cast info or reviews. If only there were more films like this.
Upload (2020)
Amazing!
The most original, captivating, funny things I've watched in months, and that includes films. Worth noting that I watch lots of film and TV and have done so for decades. This series really stands out. Can't wait for season 2!
Alien Code (2018)
Actually not bad...
Quite watchable. Better than some Hollywood big budget films. The story could be better but it kept me watching until the end. Strong start, but did flag a bit at the end.
Duplicity (2009)
Style over substance, without the style
Utter, utter drivel. Complicated, no empathy with leading characters. And the two leads are very wrong for these roles. Avoid.
Notting Hill (1999)
One of the best romantic movies
Fantastically well portrays British humour. Underdog, understated, yet full of emotion. A great movie. Excellent performances from Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.
Titan A.E. (2000)
Awesome film
Underrated but awesome. A-list lead cast. Not sure why this one was missed by the cinemas. Deserves more support.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Another disappointing Luc Beson film
Too many whizzy shiny things and too little character development, and too little real acting. Just awful. Give up Luc. Go and be a gardiner or something.
Gattaca (1997)
An inspiration
These lines from the script say everything:
Irene: it's not possible.
Vincent: You are the authority on what is not possible. Aren't you Irene? They have got you looking so hard for any flaw that after a while that's all that you see. For whatever it's worth, I am here to tell you that it is possible. It is possible.
Gisaengchung (2019)
What's all the fuss about?
I watch a lot of films. Many are good. A few are great. Sadly, this one was barely watchable. I persisted until the end, but it actually got worse. Odd film.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
An undiscovered gem
What a treat! My five year old and I were glued to the screen. Gripping from the start. Great story. Inspirational for young and old alike. Fantastic animation. Gentle jokes throughout. If only more films could be like this.
The Island (2005)
Great story
Original story, good acting, great effects. Really is something unusual. Underrated
Jerry Maguire (1996)
Great film
I saw this for the first time today, 24 years after it was made. I finally saw where lots of famous quotes came from. Overall, a touching film that was very well acted by all of its main cast.
Casablanca (1942)
Okay but not one of the best movies ever
So, I'm going against the populist view here, I know that. I saw this film for the first time yesterday. I'm 45. Many years of no Cassablanca and now... I've seen it.
I watch a looooot of films. A lot. Everything from Hitchcock to Marvel, and many others too.
Cassablanca did not stand out for me as a great film. Neither the story nor the acting. It was okay, but nothing special.
For its time it might have been fantastic, I can imagine that, but in the years since, many better films have been released. Many, many better films, imho.
Friday Night Dinner (2011)
One of the funniest things I've seen
Had me laughing out loud throughout. Simply fantastic. Hidden gem.
Contact (1997)
Amazing, touching, riveting
One of the best films I have ever watched. A touching, heartfelt story, with a just astonishing performance from Jodie Foster. If only they made more films like this.
North by Northwest (1959)
A masterpiece
No special effects. No gimmicky story. Just masterful cinema.
A gripping tale with amazing actors and a director who knew exactly what he was doing. This is real cinema.
Interstellar (2014)
One of the greatest films I've ever seen
I reviewed this a few years ago and I gave it a 9. Since I've become a father and I've watched the film again. 10 out of 10. A hugely powerful and well thought out film. The score is masterful as well. Truly a work of art... and science. Find a quiet moment and watch this on a large screen.
Tomorrowland (2015)
Just amazing
Watch it twice. First time is just getting familiar with concepts. Second time is amazing. Leave a gap of a few days so it's almost like new the second time.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Wonderfully enjoyable rom com
Both Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock give funny and complementary performances in this rom-com. Hugh's lines are genuinely funny with quirky twists. Sandra is the lovable girl-next-door. They don't make 'em like this anymore.