SamJamie Reviews

Back to Black (2024)

A decent & respectful biopic.

[6/10 · 1 May 2024]

Singer Amy Winehouse wrote and recorded the groundbreaking album "Back to Black" inspired by her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil.

"Back to Black" is a biopic that respectfully portrays the life of a talented but troubled singer. While it deviates from the typical biopic tropes, it may be difficult for those unfamiliar with the singer to follow. The film starts slowly, but picks up pace with a mid-way montage that could have been placed earlier for a better flow. Marisa Abela gives an impressive performance and her singing voice is outstanding.

Although I recommend the film, it doesn't offer anything new and at times, it struggles to depict Winehouse's story cohesively.

Poseidon (2006)

Thrilling, popcorn entertainment!

[7/10 · 20 April 2024]

On New Year's Eve, a massive wave hits the Poseidon, a luxurious cruise ship, causing it to capsize. Amidst the chaos and panic, the passengers must find a way to survive.

I'm a sucker for a disaster film and "Poseidon" is one I've never seen, in fact never really heard of or knew much about. However this film delivered for me, the film is full on action and doesn't leave a moment for you to catch your breath. The special effects are fantastic and hold up amazingly, films released in 2024 don't even have special effects this good. It's a popcorn flick, nothing more nothing less, plot and character development take a back seat and the thrilling action scenes keep the film afloat. Recommended!

Cocktail (1988)

A fun and underrated film!

[8/10 · 17 April 2024]

Brian works as a bartender in Jamaica, where he meets his mentor Doug. Doug challenges him to pursue a wealthy girl but things get complicated when Brian's girlfriend sees them together and decides to leave him.

I just watched this film for the first time. Despite being poorly received by audiences upon release, I found it to be both charming and fun, with some deep and touching moments. The film's underrated nature only fueled my curiosity and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was a hidden gem.

The chemistry between the lead actors, Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue, was palpable and their performances were utterly charming. I found myself rooting for their characters and was invested in their journey throughout the film. The story mostly stays light and entertaining, but also has some darker and serious moments throughout, which adds depth to the plot.

One of the standout aspects of the film was its ability to balance humor with heartfelt moments. It was genuinely funny at times, but also had some poignant and emotional scenes that left me feeling touched. The film's soundtrack was also noteworthy, featuring a mix of upbeat and nostalgic songs that complemented the story perfectly.

Overall, this film is an underrated gem that deserves more recognition. It may not have been a box office success, but it has gained a cult following over the years, and for good reason. It's a heartwarming and entertaining film that will leave you feeling satisfied and uplifted.

Twisted (I) (2004)

Predictable Thriller.

[4/10 · 14 April 2024]

After being transferred to the homicide department, Jessica Sheppard and her partner Mike Delmarco find themselves dealing with a serial killer who primarily targets people with a connection to Jessica. Despite the film's supposed twisted nature, there isn't much happening in terms of plot.

Only her mentor stands by her, but the complications run deeper than expected. The movie stars Ashley Judd, Samuel L. Jackson, and Andy Garcia, but they are not given much to work with in their roles. As a result, the film drags on for an hour and thirty minutes, and if you are not completely surprised, you will likely guess the culprit within the first twenty minutes. The San Francisco setting is appropriately atmospheric, but I found myself questioning the movie's $50 million budget since there is little action or elaborate set design. Even the finale is anticlimactic.

The movie turns out to be just a typical thriller and doesn't stand out. You can skip it without any hesitation.

6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain (2017)

4/10

[4/10 · 13 April 2024]

While on a High Sierras expedition, a young snowboarder finds himself lost in a snowstorm. With no one around to help him, he must rely solely on his wits and survival skills to endure the bitter cold and harsh winter conditions. As he struggles to keep warm and find his way back to civilization, he faces numerous challenges and obstacles, including limited supplies, treacherous terrain, and the constant threat of hypothermia and frostbite. Despite the odds stacked against him, he refuses to give up and fights to stay alive, pushing himself to the limit both physically and mentally.

I recently watched the film "6 Below" for free on the streaming app Pluto TV. I didn't have high expectations and unfortunately, they were met. The film is based on a true story and while it's watchable, the acting is melodramatic and predictable.

Josh Hartnett delivers a strong performance, but Mira Sorvino overacts in almost every scene. The plot is your average survival story, and every twist can be guessed before it happens.

Doctor Foster: A Woman Scorned (2015–2017)

Gripping!

[8/10 · 10 February 2024]

Dr. Gemma, a successful and respected professional, finds herself in a heart-wrenching situation when she suspects her husband of being unfaithful. Determined to uncover the truth, she launches into an investigation that takes her down a dark and mysterious path. Along the way, Gemma uncovers shocking revelations that challenge her beliefs and force her to confront the harsh realities of love, betrayal, and the human heart.

If you're looking for a gripping TV show to watch, I highly recommend Doctor Foster. The show is centered around the story of a woman named Gemma Foster, played by Suranne Jones, who discovers her husband's infidelity and sets out to exact revenge. The plot is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Suranne Jones' portrayal of Gemma is truly remarkable, capturing the character's emotional journey with depth and nuance. The show also explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions. All in all, Doctor Foster is a must-watch for anyone looking for a well-crafted drama with superb acting.

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Brilliant!

[9/10 · 29 January 2024]

Adam is a talented screenwriter residing in a solitary tower block in the heart of London. His mundane life is interrupted by an unexpected encounter with his mysterious neighbor Harry, who sparks his curiosity and disrupts his daily routine. As their acquaintance deepens, Adam feels a strong urge to revisit his childhood home, where his parents passed away over three decades ago. However, upon reaching there, he is surprised to find his parents still living in the same house, unchanged and untouched by time.

This film is a masterpiece that employs a fantastical approach to delve into the depths of complex and profound emotions that arise from deep grief and love. Despite the presence of fantastical elements, the movie never loses sight of its focus on human emotions, which makes it a remarkable work of art. The movie is both gentle and powerful, effortlessly conveying grand themes such as loss, loneliness, fear, and most importantly, love, in a small and compact format that is both poignant and effective.

The movie's ability to capture the essence of these emotions and themes is truly awe-inspiring. It does so by creating a captivating and deeply moving story that is both imaginative and thought-provoking. The movie's characters are beautifully crafted, and their experiences and emotions are depicted with a rare sensitivity and authenticity that is seldom seen in cinema. The movie's cinematography is equally impressive, further enhancing the movie's deeply emotional and immersive experience.

Overall, the movie is a work of art that is bound to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it. It is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the depths of human emotions and themes with unmatched sensitivity, imagination, and creativity. It is a must-watch for anyone who values great storytelling, powerful emotions, and unforgettable cinematic experiences.

Mirror's Edge: Catalyst (2016 Video Game)

A very underrated and fun game.

[8/10 · 29 January 2024]

Faith Connors, who had been detained in juvenile delinquency for a period of two years, has finally been released back into the City of Glass. Although she had hoped for a fresh start and a chance to turn her life around, her return has been anything but peaceful. Instead, she finds herself caught in the crosshairs of a ruthless and diabolical leader who has devised a sinister plan to seize complete control over the entire city. Faith's life is thrown into utter disarray and turmoil as she struggles to survive in a world where danger lurks around every corner and her every move is being watched. Will she be able to overcome the odds and emerge victorious, or will she fall victim to the tyrant's twisted machinations? Only time will tell.

Many people tend to overlook this particular game; however, it's actually quite enjoyable and entertaining once you give it a chance. Despite not receiving the recognition it truly deserves, it's definitely worth trying. From my experience, I can say that the game has a unique and engaging storyline, with well-designed gameplay mechanics that keep the player hooked for hours. The game's graphics and sound effects are also top-notch, adding to the overall immersive experience. All in all, if you're looking for an underrated gem in the world of gaming, this one is definitely worth checking out.

Cat Person (I) (2023)

Witty & Clever!

[7/10 · 25 January 2024]

A young college student, who works part-time at a movie theatre, reluctantly agrees to go on a date with an older man she met online. As the night progresses, she begins to sense that something is off about her date. He seems to be hiding something and she can't shake the feeling that he may be a murderer. The student finds herself struggling to maintain her composure as she tries to uncover the truth while also keeping herself safe.

Picture this: a thought-provoking exploration of the stark differences between our real-life connections and those we form in the digital world. The lead actors, Emilia Jones and Nicholas Braun, deliver outstanding performances that will leave you spellbound. As the story unfolds after a typical relationship breakdown, the movie takes you on a journey of self-discovery and reflection. Get ready to be captivated by this gripping tale! Intricacies of human connection, both in the physical world and in the digital realm, portraying the ups and downs of such relationships in a nuanced and captivating manner. The performances of the lead actors are outstanding, adding a layer of depth and authenticity to the story. Highs and lows of in-person dating to a violent, psychological thriller. Fogel deals with this change of pace well, leaving an air of mystery.

Boo (2005)

An ugly, dated slog.

[2/10 · 12 January 2024]

Jessie Holden is invited by her boyfriend, Kevin, and two friends, Freddy and Marie, to spend one Halloween night at Santa Mira Hospital, abandoned years ago due to a fire. Their friend, Emmett, is preparing the props to scare Jessie when he and his dog, Dutchess, are attacked by a ghost.

How does a film from 2005 look more dated than films from the 90s? "Boo" is such an ugly and dated-looking film with very few redeeming qualities. Confusing storyline, poor acting, cinematography, special effects, sound mixing and editing and just about everything else apart from a few surprisingly impressive practical effects. Avoid.

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Emotional & Very Moving

[9/10 · 21 March 2023]

When a lively young family moves in next door, grumpy widower Otto Anderson meets his match in a quick-witted, pregnant woman named Marisol, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world upside down.

I don't often feel compelled to write reviews on new movies as often few and far between are worth talking about. However, I found this film to be particularly moving. The story itself is nothing groundbreaking but the characters and performances bring the film to life. The film is emotionally impactful and has strong messages about grief and moving on. The film is strongly led by Hanks but I found the standout performance was from Mariana Treviño as Marisol. Every scene with her character was genuinely captivating and superb.

I've seen multiple Oscar nominees from this year and last and for me personally, none of them impacted me emotionally as much as this film did. I can't recommend this film highly enough.

Ticket to Paradise (2022)

A predictable, laugh-free comedy.

[4/10 · 21 November 2022]

A man and his ex-wife race to Bali, Indonesia, to stop their daughter from marrying a seaweed farmer. As they desperately try to sabotage the wedding, the bickering duo soon find themselves rekindling old feelings that once made them happy together.

'Ticket to Paradise' may be one of the most formulaic and predictable films I've seen all year. Normally I can get away with this, but sadly this film plays it so safe it sacrifices a lot of the enjoyment and comedic elements which normally can be the saving grace for a mediocre film such as this. There are a few charming moments, in between all of the plodding dialogue and it's nice to see Roberts and Clooney back together but sadly the film for me was D. O. A.

Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

Beautifully shot, absorbing melodrama.

[6/10 · 29 July 2022]

Abandoned as a girl, Kya raised herself in the dangerous marshlands of North Carolina. For years, rumours of the marsh girl haunted Barkley Cove, isolating the sharp and resilient Kya from her community. Drawn to two young men from town, she opens herself to a new and startling world. However, when one of them is found dead, Kya immediately becomes the main suspect. As the case unfolds, the verdict as to what happened becomes increasingly unclear, threatening to reveal many secrets.

Where the Crawdads Sing is fairly clichéd but absorbing enough film. It's beautifully shot. I found it to be both moving and sentimental in moments yet heavy on melodrama, a series of emotional punches to the heroine hold together a somewhat compromising story. While it doesn't feel like a film built to see on the big screen and the plot points are often predictable -- There is enough here to make book-readers appreciate the effort and Daisy Edgar-Jones elevates every moment she is on screen.

Elvis (2022)

Stylish...Thrilling...Film of the year.

[9/10 · 29 July 2022]

From his rise to fame to his unprecedented superstardom, rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley maintains a complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, for over 20 years. Central to Presley's journey and happiness is one of the most influential people in his life -- Priscilla.

Elvis is a highly entertaining, stylised and thrilling biopic of a music legend. The musical numbers captivate and a winning performance from Austin Butler makes this film my favourite of the year so far. Baz Luhrman directs the film with a colourful, energetic pallet and the film bursts with dazzling attitude.

Lovestruck High (2022)

Prime tries it's hand at Reality TV.

[6/10 · 26 May 2022]

Fifteen UK singles are transported into a US high school environment, where they date their classmates in hope of finding "the one". However, dating won't be the only thing on their minds as the crowning of Prom Royalty comes with a $100,000 prize.

Lindsay Lohan narrates this reality TV show seeing a group of UK twentysomethings head to a US-style school, pretend to be teens, and compete for prom dates. It's unapologetically trashy - and also very addictive.

The show works due to the strength of the contestant's bold and outlandish personalities - strong, unfiltered, and occasionally controversial people stepping up and gamely participating. The show isn't afraid to have diversity either, with multiple members of the LGBTQ community, a concept the likes of Love Island are yet to take on.

It's fun to watch the different dynamics this brings - the fabulously confident Junaid, the hunky Welshman Alex and the misunderstood Megan stood out to me. It isn't high art - by any means, but it's an entertaining diversion and an interesting concept that keeps it light, fun and addictive.

Firestarter (2022)

A serviceable Stephen King adaptation.

[5/10 · 22 May 2022]

A couple desperately tries to hide their daughter, Charlie, from a shadowy federal agency that wants to harness her unprecedented gift for turning fire into a weapon of mass destruction. Her father taught her how to defuse her power, but as Charlie turns 11, the fire becomes harder and harder to control. When a mysterious operative finally finds the family, he tries to seize Charlie once and for all -- but she has other plans.

Although this film is no horror classic and misses out on some of the joys of the original, it's a perfectly decent horror-thriller, with a lot of touches that bring this adaptation of Stephen King's 1980 best-seller into the present day. Albeit maybe not enough to warrant its existence. It isn't perfect itself but it captures that Stephen King 80s & 90s heyday that I deeply miss. And whether you love King or not, that sweet spot is where adaptations of his work thrive. Ryan Kiera Armstrong and Zac Efron both turn in good performances here, managing to balance emotion and terror in equal measure.

"Firestarter" is a film I would overall describe as OK or average, as it never rises above this due to simply retelling the same original story with only a few minor changes. I believe it would have benefited in taking a slightly different direction. Or continuing Charlie's story from the original film.

Fair Game (1995)

An underrated thrill-ride.

[8/10 · 19 May 2022]

When Kate McQueen, a family lawyer, finds herself as the target of ex-KGB agents, it is up to Max Kirkpatrick, a Miami detective, to keep them both alive.

"Fair Game" is n underrated film in which time may have been kind on. I found the film to be a high-intensity thrill ride without a single dull moment. It isn't over-plotted or filled with annoying characters. It's quite simply a slickly enjoyable and fast-paced action movie with two sizzlingly attractive leads. Although the movie was poorly received on release I think this film was highly entertaining and very re-watchable.

Senior Year (2022)

Wildly clichéd, woke & sporadically fun.

[5/10 · 16 May 2022]

A high-school cheerleader falls into a coma before her prom. Twenty years later, she awakens and wants to return to high school to reclaim her status and become prom queen.

Senior Year" is not an original movie by any means, but it's mostly a sweet one, and occasionally funny. Rebel Wilson commits her part and her signature personality and quick wit are entertaining as usual. In general, It's an easy-to-watch nostalgia trip that uses the stereotypical jokes we all recognise but it's let down by falling into tired clichés of the genre.

"Senior Year" is a just-OK movie, but it's elevated by a fun Rebel Wilson performance as well as Angourie Rice as her younger self. It's a fast and undemanding take on how much high school has changed - and not changed - over the last two decades.

9½ Weeks (1986)

6/10

[6/10 · 1 May 2022]

Two strangers, Wall Street trader John (Mickey Rourke) and art gallery assistant Elizabeth (Kim Basinger), become involved in a new relationship. What begins as a courtship, though, becomes extremely sexual, as John begins to push for more daring and kinky scenarios, including striptease and bondage. Although their passion is strong, Elizabeth starts to realize that John is not sharing any part of his life besides sex. She must decide what she wants from their relationship.

For me, 9½ Weeks is a film in which its various flaws are overcome by the sizzling chemistry between the two leads. I say this because the film often feels like the thin plot is overshadowed by the intensely erotic and outrageous sex scenes which the film is known for. So although the film isn't rich in story or direction, Rourke and Basinger's erotic tension makes the characters and their relationship convincing and the film worthwhile and enjoyable to watch.

The Disappointments Room (2016)

A stylish and entertaining thriller.

[6/10 · 10 April 2022]

Dana (Kate Beckinsale) and David (Mel Raido) move from Brooklyn to a once-grand southern mansion with their 5-year-old son looking for a fresh start. But Dana's discovery of a secret room unleashes unexplainable events that test her sanity and slowly reveal the home's terrifying past.

Going in, I didn't expect a great deal from this film, mostly because of the unfavourable reception the film has received. However, I found this to be a stylish and fairly well-executed thriller. The storyline is intriguing. The cinematography is often stunning, making the most of the house's dark and eerie corners. The sound design is impressive. Beckinsale delivers a taut and gripping performance. Overall this film not only exceeded my expectations but also surprisingly surpassed them. I was in the mood for an undemanding, entertaining thriller and this one delivered just that for me.

Deep Water (I) (2022)

5/10

[5/10 · 18 March 2022]

A well-to-do husband who allows his wife to have affairs to avoid a divorce becomes a prime suspect in the disappearance of her lover.

On the surface, Dark Water is an erotic thriller that plays itself far too seriously. But once the story begins to unfold, it becomes more convoluted and unbelievable as the film unfolds. Unfortunately, two admirable performances from Affleck and De Armas don't stop the film from giving in to cliches of the genre, ultimately resulting in an overall lacklustre film with an unsatisfactory pay-off once it reaches the climax.

Barb Wire (1996)

Trashy, campy & fun.

[6/10 · 10 March 2022]

In the now-fascist USA, Barb Wire, a mercenary and bounty hunter, is forced into a secret government plan involving biological weapons when her former lover asks for a favour.

To be honest, the only reason I watched this movie is that I recently finished the brilliant "Pam and Tommy" on Disney plus. And although I was aware of the existence of this movie, I only thought to watch it now because it's heavily featured in one episode of the show.

Don't get me wrong I wasn't expecting greatness from this film whatsoever, the show even made it quite clear the movie didn't meet its expected reception even on release. But I found the movie carries its self-aware campiness right through to the end, with enough wit and craziness to freshen the mix. Pamela's sexy and serious, scene-stealing performance deserves more respect than it almost certainly got. There isn't a scene that Anderson walks through that didn't grab my attention.

The director David Hogan keeps the action moving and loaded with fights, gun battles and other action-trashy thrills. The focus remains on Lee throughout, and (except for one flashback scene, in which we see the young, compassionate woman she once was). It's one of those outrageous, over-the-top comic book style movies, and as such, it delivers.

The Murder of Gabby Petito: Truth, Lies and Social Media (2021)

Gripping, heartbreaking and poignant.

[8/10 · 20 February 2022]

The story of the disappearance and murder of Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old, who had embarked on a road trip across the US in 2021 with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie. Gabby's final months are told through the prism of the internet and found footage.

This is a heartbreaking retelling of a case that gripped social media and the world last year. I followed the case closely on Tiktok and this documentary pieces together the story using clips, dash-cam footage, YouTube videos and news reports to cohesively retell the shocking story that unfolded before us.

We see the sense of community the internet can have, although it can be a hateful and toxic place. Her parents were able to remain calm and reflective as the documentary is part of their campaign to help other victims of abusive partners. To quote Gabby's mother; "The planet came together for Gabby," "Her legacy will help everyone." Nobody can begrudge her that glimmer of positivity.

Desperate Housewives (2004–2012)

A classic, self-aware & smartly written drama.

[10/10 · 11 February 2022]

A close-knit group of housewives reside in Wisteria Lane. It may appear to be a seemingly perfect neighbourhood but it hides many secrets, crimes, forbidden romances and domestic struggles.

Desperate Housewives is a fantastic show that takes place in a surreal world filled with drama, secrets and absurd and outrageous characters. The show grips with its delicious and glossy visual style, witty language and overall classy attitude, it stands on a mountaintop above the average soap opera. The shows blend of clever humour, classic drama, alongside a stellar group of leading ladies - each with their own deep and complex problems, masked with a Stepford-Wife exterior - make for a winning combination. It's one of the best dramatic shows of all time.

I'm desperately hoping for a Season 9. 10 years later and it's a perfect opportunity! (I'm looking at you Marc Cherry) - Until then, I'll enjoy diving back into the world of Wisteria Lane for many years to come.

Pam & Tommy (2022)

Raunchy, outrageous and captivating.

[8/10 · 2 February 2022]

Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee's honeymoon sex tape is stolen and leaked to the public.

Pam and Tommy is a scandalous look into the wild life of actress Pamela Anderson and Musician, Tommy Lee - portrayed by Lily James and Sebastian Stan who bother deliver with their compelling performances. The pacing is sharp, the tone is raunchy and wild & the soundtrack is nostalgic and awesome. The show cleverly explores the invasion of privacy, celebrity life & the rise of the internet.