falcradine Reviews

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

70 minutes was quite enough

[4/10 · 13 May 2022]

The running time of Doctor Strange was 2 hpurs 6 minutes but I had had enough after 70 minutes and left,

A messy and film which was overlong and just plain silly! The storyline was also confusing

On the positive side the film had great special effects and Dominic Cumberbatch was great. The costumes and sets were also good as was some of the script. The music was also good. Also good to see Patrick Stewart, Charlize Theron and a few other well known faces

However, our overall verdict is a messy film which I would not pay and go to see having gone to a private viewing. Could have been far far better

It was rather disappointing and I have been left wondering why on earth the Daily Mail gave it 5 Stars! Not half as good as the original Dr Strange film.

What Doesn't Kill You (2008)

Late night watching

[6/10 · 5 July 2020]

I had not heard about this movie movie before and was on this evening during a bout of insomnia. As it had Ethan Hawke & Mark Ruffalo in it I thought it ought to be good and was not disappointed. They have done great justice to the characters.

What impressed me the most was the acting of Ethan & Mark. The chemistry is fantastic throughout the movie.

The music score was great as was the visuals. The final reveal as to what the two main characters are doing now is interesting

Two Days, One Night (2014)

Grabbed my attention whilst burning the midnight oil

[8/10 · 5 July 2020]

I stumbled across this movie this evening whilst suffering with insomnia.

Two Days, One night is a story of a woman's desperate attempts to persuade her co-workers into making a very important decision that determines her future. The story focuses on human nature and our ability to give something up for someone we barely know. It is intimate and human throughout and there were times where the emotions were very raw.

The plot is simple and there is a sense of unpredictability and tension as the story unfolds.

The acting was excellent.

I thoroughly enjoyed Two Days, One Night because it tells a human interest story that could happen to anyone. It was involving, emotionally raw, and just very human.

Jack Taylor (2010)

Rubbish

[2/10 · 15 June 2020]

In a word this series is serious crap . Plot sketch acting bad and all a total waste of tine - complete waste of money making this series- honestly- don't bother

Space Force (2020–2022)

Worth watching and quite funny

[8/10 · 31 May 2020]

Space Force is unpretentious and light hearted and will not leave you in hysterics but Steve Carrell's script and acting make this funny and different. The cast is also good with an excellent performance by John Malkovitch

If you just let yourself go with the flow and don't take it too seriously you will find it quite enjoyable.

Especially enjoyed Episode 2 with the chimpanzee and look forward to see how it progresses in season 2.

Phantom Thread (2017)

A sublime film that encapsulates the era with stunning performances

[10/10 · 4 February 2018]

Phantom Thread is the latest film from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson, director of films such as Magnolia and There Will Be Blood.

The film is Anderson's second collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis (the first being There Will Be Blood) and is a strange portrait of a dominated man and the women who control him.

Set in 1950s London, Day-Lewis plays a highly regarded couturier named Reynolds Woodcock, Lesley Manville is his sister Cyril, who from the opening minutes gives a very strong impression of omnipotence and dominance without having said anything.

The other key player in the film is Vicky Krieps's Alma, a waitress who Reynolds meets in a B&B for his breakfast. Woodcock then takes Alma on a date, and then returns to his house where Reynolds takes her measurements to discover that Alma has the prefect shape for his dresses.

What then follows is spiraling obsession and jealousy from the three players. Alma becomes obsessed with Reynolds and jealous of his own obsession with his work and loyalty to Cyril. So she contrives to make him dependent on her, by any means necessary.

As this continues the audience becomes acutely aware that Reynolds himself is powerless in his own world as the Cyril and Alma control him and manipulate his being to their will. By the end of the film each party has had to make compromise to leave them all as happy as is possible.

It is worth noting that the costume design, unsurprisingly for a film about making clothes, is sublime and Jony Greenwood's score perfectly encapsulates the era of the piece and of course the performances are stunning.

This with Anderson's pinpoint direction leads to an entrancing viewing experience that is a pleasure to watch.

The Prestige (2006)

After a third viewing this film gets better and better

[10/10 · 16 June 2017]

Love this film despite all its conundrums.

It has been postulated that in the Prestige (the third part of any magic "trick"): the trick is right in front of us, but it is not easy to spot.

It is established that when Angier uses the Box, the double is produced practically instantaneously. The scene where Borden rages about how quickly Angier (which we know to be the double) appears on the balcony underlines that the film-maker wants the viewers to know it (at least, if we are paying attention). Why, then, (and this is the fundamental point) does the double fail to appear on the night that Borden barges backstage?

It has been suggested there are two explanations.

First, it has been suggested that the copy hears Borden as he hacks at the tank containing the original Angier. Yet we are shown several seconds of silence, at the end of which we hear Borden shouting from underneath the stage. If the Angier copy simply hears Borden, then we need to explain why he didn't appear within a second as in every other performance.

An alternative explanation is that Angier allowed Borden to sabotage the show, in order to see him jailed. But the same problem applies: either Angier and his latest clone are telepathic, or they knew he was coming in advance. And neither of these possibilities is suggested in the movie, nor, for that matter, the original novel. Nevertheless, Angier's clone does survive; in fact, the narrative relies upon it.

Although the person postulating this says this makes no sense it is clear the first theory is incorrect whilst the second is obvious but it is not the clone that survives but the real Angier

I shall be watching this again

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Devastatingly good

[9/10 · 26 April 2017]

This superbly crafted movie must be one of the best I have seen for a long time.

The story line,photography,characterisation and story within a story is unique and gripping from start to finish.

The opening scenes and the exploration of the female and male bodies and the scenes of violence reminiscent of Straw Dogs (Sam Peckinpah).

Even at the 95 minute stage of the 116 minute running time it is difficult to guess what the denouement is going to be. The scene in the art gallery with an art piece saying REVENGE and the use of white on white continues the aura of mystery and suspense.

Essentially, this is a story of romance and violence with a lot of twists and turns thrown in.

This is Tom Ford's second movie after a gap of 7 years and bears all the hallmarks of his first - beautifully filmed, great plot and superb story line which holds the viewer from start to finish.

Watch it and watch it again.

Spectre (I) (2015)

Highly disappointing

[3/10 · 3 November 2015]

I was expecting a lot of this film with all of its pre-launch hype. To be honest the film was a major disappointment and I found myself falling asleep at times through sheer boredom.

The plot was non existent, the villain played by Christopher Walz unconvincing, the location shots were all filched out of old Bond movies and something of a cliché. In fact the star of the movie was the DB10 and even that had a brief appearance and was a corny car chase. The film was too long at 150 minutes

Daniel Craig was OK but the dialogue was stilted and predictable

In fact it is difficult to say anything positive about the movie other than saying a few of the action scenes were quite fun.

I have watched Skyfall numerous times and love it and maybe after viewing Spectre again will change my mind. However, having seen Spectre only last night my feeling is to consign it to the rubbish bin.

Witchfinder General (1968)

Ian Ogilvy outshines

[8/10 · 30 October 2015]

Shown on 31 October 2015 on BBC2 what is impressive is that this movie has stood the test of time. Not only is it beautifully made but also sees Vincent Price excelling.

Based on a true story the historical facts are adhered to and it is hard to imagine this movie was made for less than £100,000.

This is a stunning low budget film. Vincent Price is excellent and Ian Ogilvy also gets a chance to excel with his dashing persona.

Sad to think that the director Michael Reeves committed suicide within a year of the films release after well known spats with Vincent Price.

The photography is beautiful though not particularly good quality. Costumes and sets are very authentic as are the location scenes.

Having not heard Vincent Price for quite some while now it is refreshing to hear his stilted diction and takes me back to his films of the 70's

There Will Be Blood (2007)

Dark and boring

[1/10 · 30 September 2015]

This must rank as one of the dullest and most boring films I have watched. Such a great opportunity to tell the story of oil prospecting in the early 20th century has been missed.

From the very start there was not very much going on. The first 10 minutes was extremely boring.There is virtually no plot and it is very difficult to know what to say when the whole thing was so dull and uninteresting.

Even the acting had a lot to be desired and the scenes were almost excruciating especially the religious ones. Can't think why Daniel Day Lewis also was so acclaimed for the movie - just awful and uninteresting.

The film is also very dark and dialogue almost non existent and cannot see why this film had so many applauds.

Don't waste your time sitting through nearly 3 hours of garbage.

The Face of an Angel (2014)

Simply awful

[1/10 · 7 March 2015]

This must be the biggest load of tripe I have seen in ages.The so called story of Amanda Knox is embellished and confused introducing unnecessary anomalies and fantasies.

From the cocaine snorting journalist to the disjointed storyline incorporating mythical creatures the story does not stack up at all.

If they were going to tell the story of Meredith Kercher why did they feel it necessary to change people's names.

I cannot see the purpose if this movie and why it was made - totally pointless, boring and uninteresting .

There is simply no redeeming features that can recommend this movie

Do not waste your money in watching this rubbish

Agent 8 3/4 (1964)

Dirk Bogarde at his best

[9/10 · 3 March 2013]

Dirk Bogarde excels in this spy movie.

Although Hot Enough For June also known as Agent 8 3/4 is portrayed as a spoof spy movie in the James Bond mold, the movie is not a comedy although it has it's funnier moments.

It is a thrilling and suspenseful drama directed by Earl St John with some lighter moments.

The movie takes a serious look at spying in the Cold war era and which was very enjoyable.

Whilst the lighter moments are welcome in that it keeps your attention the underlying message highlights the skulduggery that went on at the time.

The movie changes from one one location to another thus moving at brisk and exciting pace.

Mid movie things get very serious for Dirk, when his life is threatened and holds the attention of the audience.

Whilst Dirk is portrayed initially as a bumbling idiot it soon becomes clear than he is smarter than initially portrayed.

Eric Morley excels too and it is good to see Leo McKern on the runway tarmac in the closing scene giving a nice twist when Dirk climbs onto the BEA Vickers Vanguard.

Definitely worth the watch and getting the DVD if available.

Sinister (I) (2012)

Grim

[1/10 · 2 October 2012]

Grim, gruesome and tedious film with very little to redeem it. The storyline is slow , the acting monotonous and I find there is very little to recommend this film unless you enjoy seeing gruesome scenes.

I went to see this because I have always enjoyed Ethan Hawke films but even his character lets him down. The filming locations are not attractive and everything about this film does not gel.

As for the other actors I knew nothing about them , the children were not particularly good and the make up for the spook children was like something out of a pantomime. The dialogue was dreadful and this must rank as one of the worst films I have seen in recent times.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Brilliant - no, utterly brilliant

[10/10 · 16 January 2012]

There is only one word for this movie and it is brilliant - no, utterly brilliant.

Loved the story ,location , acting, filmography and could not find fault Loved Rooney Mara too.

Daniel Craig surpassed himself and was so much better than his role as Bond.

Scandinavia is wonderful to see and is definitely the future trend for movie goers.

The brutal scenes are brutal but the film would not be the film without them.

The Garden of Eden (2008)

The best of the best

[10/10 · 25 February 2011]

Great movie based on a great book - brilliant photography and wonderful costumes by the same person who won an Oscar for her costumes in Elizabeth 1, Alexander Byrne, and the editing is second to none from one of the best editors in the business.

The best of the best with a few minor flaws.

Mena Suvari is superb and Jack Huston as her on screen husband is fitting in the part. John Huston's direction is flawless.

Is is just a pity that the film has not come to Europe yet and had a wider audience. The film should be viewed on the BIG screen as this is the only way to do justice to a Hemingway film.

The film went on limited release in the USA on 10th December 2010 to critical acclaim.

What more can be said?

Green Zone (2010)

Curveball by another name

[9/10 · 22 March 2010]

Green Zone is an outstanding film.

Matt Damon's character, Warrant Officer Chief Roy Miller, gets frustrated after going on countless missions hunting for Weapons of Mass destruction (WMD), only to find nothing. He is concerned that he is risking the lives of his soldiers, and wants to know what is going on.

Greg Kinnear plays a Pentagon Senior official intent on feeding poor intelligence to Damon's team ( where have we heard this one before?).

The intelligence supposedly comes from "Magellan," (NB references to Magellan are very similar to the true story of "Curveball") a senior officer in Sadaam's army. As the movie goes on, we learn that Kinnear's character has lied about what Magellan said during a meeting. Kinnear said that Magellan told him Sadaam had a WMD program, but in actuality, there was no program. Kinnear's lie gave the US justification for the war.

Green Zone is heavily based on what really happened in Iraq. The War was initiated under the premise that we had to stop Iraq's WMD's. Whether it was a reprisal for 9/11 is another matter. However, it would appear that WMD's were never found.

The film has some excellent fighting and action sequences and seems to be accurate as to the portrayal of what life in Iraq is currently like.

This film is to be highly recommended to anyone who appreciates a good solid war movie.

2012 (I) (2009)

Two words describe this film

[2/10 · 14 November 2009]

Absolutely dire - however, as you have to write 10 lines here the only other comments are that the film is much too long and also it is incredibly schmaltzy.

The film starts well enough but goes from bad to worse. The crowning glory is when you see giraffes and elephants being helicoptered to China.

Also the date of the event is supposed to be 21.12.12 yet reference is made to cancelling the London Olympics!

All in all a wasted evening -the only saving grace was I saw it for free.

O Lucky Man! (1973)

Brilliant allegory

[10/10 · 23 September 2008]

Malcolm McDowell (Mick Travis) stars as an innocent young man in this epic comedy.

Armed with ambition and a work ethic he hits the road and finds that desire alone can't bring wealth and status! He meets rich and poor alike and finds cunning and cruelty across the social spectrum.

Mick's picaresque adventures lands him in a lot of trouble and the rest of the film you really must see to work out what this allegory means to the individual.

The wit and irony is supported by a fabulous score written by Alan Price. Once you meet Mick you end up being the lucky one.

Casino Royale (2006)

Now you can tell all your friends that you died scratching my balls.

[5/10 · 24 November 2006]

and oh what balls Mr Bond has in this film!

Pleased to see that at last the correct recipe for the Bond Martini is given "Three parts vodka to one part gin and half measure of kina lillet and a twist of lemon poured over ice"

Whilst the film is one big advert for Sony ;Sony Erickson;Ford;Branson(he has a cameo role)and Virgin the fabulous locations still look good but three words that came to mind when I came out of the cinema was trite, hackneyed and boring - quite unlike the original book!

Daniel Craig was superb. He is an excellent actor with incredible fitness and stamina with a great physique - what a role model.

The torture scene, whilst eye watering, was nail biting stuff excellently executed.

Again, whilst the plot is fairly true to the original book you do get the impression, at times, whether there is a plot at all.

The card game was too complicated whilst not being a card player myself most people are referring to it as Poker thought Fleming went out of his way to explain how the game of baccarat ( 21 or twist?) works.The game should have been better explained in the film.

There were no really good car chases like the Bourne supremacy despite having the vehicles to do it although the overturning Aston Martin Vanquish was a brilliant piece of filming.

So far as the other actors are concerned worthy of note are Le Chiffre who was excellent and Vesper Lynd who was pretty average but did a reasonable job albeit unconvincing.

Overall the impression that was left was of a film that was decidedly mediocre albeit with the feeling that when I see this again I will really like it and give it a higher overall rating.

Let's hope Daniel Craig is here to stay.

Stormbreaker (2006)

Alex Pettyfer an excellent Alex Rider deserves AA award

[8/10 · 21 July 2006]

From the word go this film moves along at a fast pace. Alex Pettyfer is a credible Alex Rider in his debut on the big screen and it is pleasing to see so many other well known actors appearing in a supporting role.

Despite a few name and plot changes the film is pretty much faithful to the original storyline.There are also several witty moments which keep the viewers attention throughout the 93 minutes this movie runs.

Of special mention is Bill Nighy who plays Alan Blunt impeccably with wonderful face contortions at times. Further, the action scenes are worthy of some of the most expensive American productions.This is essentially a British film to be proud of filmed on location in London and the Isle of Man (posing as Cornwall). However, the film was a let down at the end when Alex Rider is on the roof of a skyscraper in London with Yassen Gregorovich played by Damian Lewis. In one shot you see the helicopter with a registration of G-ORMA and then the next it re-appears as G-ICSG only to return in the closing shot to G-ORMA which has smacks of unprofessional-ism, lack of attention to detail, poor advisers and a film which maybe was running over budget? Nevertheless, this is a thoroughly watchable and entertaining movie which is worth seeing. It definitely has stimulated my interest enough to look forward to the next film, Point Blanc currently in production.

Ocean's Twelve (2004)

Engaging heist in the Topkapi vein

[8/10 · 25 April 2005]

The twisted and convoluted plot of this engaging film with gorgeous locations is on a par with Oceans 11 if not slightly better.

The downside is that it is slow to start but once underway Pitt, as Rusty Ryan, and Matt Damon excel themselves. It goes without saying that Clooney is as good as ever and as for Julia Roberts - you are left wondering whether it really is Julia Roberts or a stand in by the time the film ends - a neat twist. Quotations abound including the old saying "Problems are just a possible opportunity and even the " Do I look 50?" quip whilst a bit trite is still quite funny.

The round table scene where everyone is talking in code extempore is difficult to follow but the closing Damon comment is memorable: "I have been a traveller in time and space which brings me here". Go see and you will enjoy it.

Seven Years in Tibet (1997)

A true story about a living deity

[10/10 · 22 February 2005]

This spectacular film set in the main in Tibet begins in Austria just before the start of the second world war. 7 Years in Tibet is a memorable if not riveting movie of a living deity which transforms the belief of the watcher. The wonderful background drops and scenery and equally dramatic music are superb as the story follows the progress of Heinrich Harrer (still living today) and his relationship with the current Dalai Lama, as a young boy. The peaks of the Himalayas and in particular Nanga Parbat never understates the achievement of this fine film. The Lhasa set is convincing and the spirituality felt throughout the film crescendos to a moving close. You are left with the feeling that you must know more and that wisdom transcends all. Watch it and watch it again and again.

The Dark Side of the Sun (1988)

An excellent start for a newcomer and an interesting storyline shot shortly before the war in Yugoslavia

[8/10 · 20 February 2005]

This well shot and well located movie is complimented by an interesting debut by Brad Pitt. Set in 1988 just before the Yugoslavian conflict the story follows the fortunes of Rick (Brad Pitt) in meeting with a young American girl whilst suffering from a potentially fatal skin disease.

Set in a small town on the Adriatic the film is beautifully shot and is worth anyones time and money who appreciate a well made film professionally acted.

Just watch for that part of the film covering the final three days - it is not predictable. On top of all this the history of the film is intriguing - shortly after the film was finished the completed work went missing only to be discovered 6 years later after the Yugoslavian conflict ended in 1996. The Director(check him out) certainly had his work cut out in obtaining distributors for what by then was rated as a poor performance from an established actor.

Especially watch for some close resemblances to Joe Black. The music was good too.

Torson Falcradine 20:ii:MMV (c)T Falcradine