r96sk Reviews

Spring (1969)

I personally didn't really click with this 1970 Estonian picture.

[6/10 · 6 June 2024]

'Spring' is a decent watch, if nothing all that more.

I personally didn't really click with this 1970 Estonian picture. I imagine that has a lot to do with the fact that I am, indeed, not Estonian and/or not from this sorta era, as it is a movie that is heavily nostalgia-driven. I will say that it is well made for its time, at least. The main reason for my lack of connection, aside from the aforementioned, is actually the main characters, both those portraying and being portrayed.

I found the kids quite annoying, all of them in fact; especially the more, eh, 'emotional' ones. The flick does go for the 'kids will be kids' angle, but even so I don't think they needed be quite so irritating. The actors aren't the best either, though I can look past that without the noted issue. The adult actors are the better cast members.

As somewhat of a completionist, I now feel the need to check out the three sequels; which, interestingly, were released in 1976, 1990 and 2020; ought to make for an interesting time capsule of sorts through Estonia's recent movie decades.

Debbas (2014)

Given I didn't dislike watching it I can't really say it's anything worth filing under 'bad'

[6/10 · 5 June 2024]

Not a good movie, though honestly it kept me watching.

'Debbas' is an evidently low-budget film out of Eritrea, one that I actually think does a better job than expected, relatively speaking. It does at least attempt something above ordinary, which I respect. The effects used for the titular character are effective enough, albeit not high quality.

Awet Abraha is a decent lead, while Rusom Kibri certainly commits to his role. Those elsewhere are all fine, none of which took me out of events onscreen via their acting ability. The pacing is alright too, I wasn't ever bored or longing for the credits. Of course, there are many, many improvements to be made, but I think there's a watchable story in there.

Honestly, for what it is, I'm cool with this movie. Most definitely not able to be classed as 'good', though given I didn't dislike watching it I can't really say it's anything worth filing under 'bad' either.

American Fiction (2023)

There are a range of emotions to be felt throughout.

[10/10 · 4 June 2024]

Great movie!

This only solidifies my desire to view more, if not all, of Jeffrey Wright's filmography, such a fantastic actor to watch. In this he is no different, he is outstanding all the way through. Not that he is by any means the only strong performer, because Sterling K. Brown is also superb. Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Uggams impress, too.

There are a range of emotions to be felt throughout, the film entwines humour into events supremely well - it's much more amusing than I was expecting, especially given what happens early on. The latter is part of the sadness that constantly rears its head as well. No matter what, though, it is all seamlessly put together onscreen.

One scene in particular actually had me welling up, which is extremely rare for me; mentioned it before, unimportant long story short: I can't help but look at movies as fiction, so my brain just doesn't associate real physical emotions with films. Anyway, the scene is with Cliff (Brown) and Lorraine (Myra Lucretia Taylor). Proper touching!

Every now and then a film manages to break through! Probably a character flaw and all that but it is what it is. Fwiw, proof of the rarity is that the only other time I remember a film making me well up for real was, randomly, 2014's 'Two Days, One Night' a few years back with an (relatively) equally non-major scene with Timur Magomedgadzhiev. 2022's 'The Whale' did come very close, mind!

Back on track... I remember hearing positives about 'American Fiction' when it came out and thankfully it delivered; 'twas unfortunate that it didn't line-up with me to watch it at the cinema on release, though. But hey, I belatedly have it logged. A quality picture!

Paradox (II) (2018)

One to avoid.

[4/10 · 2 June 2024]

Bizarre. Barely a movie.

Nothing much to say about 'Paradox', the above says enough. I will note that the music and, particularly, the visuals are actually quite good, the latter is basically what kept me watching - along with the 73 minute run time, which admittedly doesn't drag as much as it ought to. The plot is extremely thin and the acting isn't the best. One to avoid.

/// the cast includes Neil Young Lukas Nelson Micah Nelson Corey McCormick Anthony LoGerfo Tato Melgar Willie Nelson Dave Snowbear Toms Charris Ford Robert Schmoo Schmid Tim Gooch Lougee Dulcie Clarkson Ford Alexandra Dascala.

Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

I wanted to enjoy this but I honestly didn't.

[6/10 · 1 June 2024]

Properly underwhelming.

'Kick-Ass 2' isn't a bad film in and of itself, it just feels like a serious miscue on all counts - or perhaps I was just expecting something different. In my eyes, I feel like this plot is the type you do for the original movie in a series - not the sequel. It's a character-building story, whereas I think with a follow-up it needs to be a greater continuation.

It's also nowhere near as entertaining. 'Kick-Ass' has a lot of fun and knows it, this just disappoints as it aims for something more sincere - which didn't quite work, for me. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloë Grace Moretz felt off it too, at least in comparison to last time out.

Jim Carrey feels wasted, this is probably his most forgettable performance that I've seen - and I've seen alot of Carrey's work. It is at least a showing of slightly different ilk compared to his usual schtick, I guess. Olga Kurkulina plays a good character though, while Iain Glen makes himself known in a tiny role. Elsewhere, there are annoying (albeit minor) recasts, always a pet hate of mine.

In conclusion, I wanted to enjoy this but I honestly didn't. Feels like a missed opportunity.

Kick-Ass (2010)

What a great near two hours this is!

[9/10 · 1 June 2024]

A blast!

What a great near two hours this is! 'Kick-Ass' is a fantastic superhero movie, one that doesn't take itself seriously and that is actually the biggest compliment I can make. It's such a fun movie! That isn't its only strength though, there are some awesome action sequences and the costumes, albeit silly, are great.

Aaron (Taylor-)Johnson is a terrific choice of lead, this is the best work I've seen from that guy thus far - up there with his amusing performance in 2022's 'Bullet Train'. The same could be said for Chloë Grace Moretz, who is equally as brilliant. She brings the character of Hit-Girl (arguably should've been her movie tbh) to life incredibly well, suiting both the comedy and the superhero elements.

Nicolas Cage is entertaining too, in a role that is undoubtedly right up his alley. That opening scene with him and Moretz is very fun. Everyone onscreen does worthy work, the standout being Mark Strong - a welcomed staple (among others) of director Matthew Vaughn's filmography, of course.

Hopefully the sequel didn't disappoint.

American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules (2020 Video)

Surprisingly, given how languid this film is throughout, the cast actually aren't a problem of the movie's.

[3/10 · 31 May 2024]

Ah, that was painful!

Granted, any movie from this franchise that doesn't involve the main bunch is always going to struggle. The other four releases without Jason Biggs & Co. Are hit-and-miss, I liked two and disliked two to be specific. I remember thinking 'American Pie Presents: The Book of Love' was particularly bad, yet somehow this 2020 release has managed to drop the bar even lower.

On paper an 'American Pie' flick from the girls' perspective, rather than the boys', sounds cool and I could see that working well with creativity and effort attributed. Unfortunately, what's produced here is awful - from pretty much the very first few scenes. For a 90min movie, this dragged hard! I'm not sure who it's made for either, I can't see it's supposed demographic gaining anything from it; nor the general audience of this series.

Surprisingly, given how languid this film is throughout, the cast actually aren't a problem of the movie's, like at all. The acting standard is, at worst, decent, but sadly for them they are given absolutely zero to work with. Madison Pettis, Sara Rue and Lizze Broadway are solid. The latter is a relation of the Stifler, for no real reason, mind you. Oh, and Danny Trejo is in this... well, kinda. He bizarrely just lingers in the background of a few scenes, literally.

'American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules' could've been good made-for-DVD fluff. In actuality it is the definition of utter rubbish. An extract from Wikipedia sums it up, really: "It is the first film in the franchise to not feature Eugene Levy and also the first to contain no nudity".

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Chris Hemsworth is outstanding!

[8/10 · 31 May 2024]

I enjoyed 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', which is a rightful addition to the 'Mad Max' franchise.

I personally would say that the run time is way too long, like this does not need to be a 2hr 20min+ movie. With that said, I still got the desired amount of entertainment from this 2024 flick. Chris Hemsworth is outstanding, easily the most I've wanted to see a character onscreen from this series; he fits the role perfectly.

Anya Taylor-Joy puts in a very good showing as well, her character doesn't say much so a lot of the performance is reliant on her visual emotions - which Taylor-Joy portrays on point. The rest of the cast are on the same level to me, all support the show well without rising near the lead two; similar-ish story for the whole franchise, in truth.

Visually the movie looks cracking, while the action matches prior installments in providing the vast majority of what makes these films so worth the watch. This prequel/spin-off is one I'd put in the top bracket from this series, it's up there with 'Mad Max: Fury Road' - which does just slightly edge ahead.

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

I appreciate both films, albeit in different ways.

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

A rather good sequel!

'T2 Trainspotting' is exactly what I expected it to be. Turns out, it was also exactly what I wanted it to be. I thought it was great! I mentioned in my review of the original that I didn't like the characters, at all. Whilst that is indeed the case for that film, in this follow-up it does a grand job at making you care for the main bunch more; well, aside from Franco but we don't talk about Franco.

It probably is missing out on as much substance (pardon the pun), if only when compared to the 1996 flick, but evidently I'd argue it makes up for that with improved (harsh/wrong choice of word, perhaps) characterization. Even though I only watched the other movie for the first time a mere few hours prior, it was still cracking to see Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle back together in their respective roles - aged 'n all.

I appreciate both films, albeit in different ways. This one I actually 'properly' enjoyed, whereas before it was more an appreciation of how effectively it was told. Terrific productions either way, really.

Trainspotting (1996)

'Trainspotting' does have plenty to say - and boy does it portray it!

[9/10 · 30 May 2024]

Not the most enthralling, but 'Trainspotting' does have plenty to say - and boy does it portray it!

There are particularly strong performances from Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner and Robert Carlyle. I didn't like watching the bunch of characters given how severely unlikeable they are. Of course, that is very much the intention so it's a credit to the actors and the filmmakers at how convincing it all is. The humour is weaker than expected, perhaps due to the horrors of the plot taking centre stage.

Their struggles are showed in a heavy manner, to the point I did feel uncomfortable seeing them do their thing. I do feel post-watch that I'm missing something from it in regards to being able to appreciate it higher, I can't shake that feeling. That's probably the only negative at nailing the realness so much, you miss out on other bits to enjoy about a film; or at least to me.

Cool to see this on the big screen, mind. I think it's the first movie I've ever watched at the cinema that isn't a contemporary release. I evidently hadn't seen this before so thought what better way to watch it for the opening time! Now for the sequel (albeit back in the doldrums of home release!😁).

The Ladykillers (1955)

Amusing viewing

[9/10 · 30 May 2024]

A film of real quality!

'The Ladykillers' is amusing viewing. Its style of comedy is very fitting of its era, but I only mean that positively as the slapstick is undoubtedly fun to watch unfold. The cast are all worthy of a mention, though the standouts for me are Alec Guinness, Herbert Lom and Katie Johnson. The flick looks splendid too, love the set of Wilberforce's home.

Entertainment from start to finish, ya can't ask for more than that.

/// interesting to see the cast list of Alec Guinness Cecil Parker Herbert Lom Peter Sellers Danny Green Katie Johnson Jack Warner Philip Stainton Frankie Howerd!

Where the Road Runs Out (2014)

Has charm to it

[7/10 · 29 May 2024]

Undeniably has charm to it, as such I can't say I had a negative time watching this.

'Where the Road Runs Out' is nothing truly memorable and it isn't a movie that is worth shouting from the rooftops about, but what is produced by Rudolf Buitendach & Co. Makes for a fairly swift 90 minutes. The plot is straightforward, while there are plenty of nice shots of Equatorial Guinea; as well as a few places in Europe.

Isaach de Bankolé is a likeable lead to follow, while Juliet Landau and Stelio Savante offer firm enough support. There is also a pleasant performance from youngster Sizo Motsoko. I wouldn't say the acting level throughout is all that strong, though again - like the whole production - it is all suitably watchable.

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)

Ahead of its time, that's for sure.

[8/10 · 29 May 2024]

Bit of a slow-moving picture, one that might've ended sooner, though I do class 'The Man with the Golden Arm' as something rather quite good.

Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak keep events moving along with strong showings, Sinatra especially. Eleanor Parker is, though, the person onscreen that I appreciated most whilst watching, there's just something about her performance that puts her ahead of her co-stars; I'd even say she overacts in parts, yet it absolutely still worked for me.

The story does go round the houses a little, but even with that being the case it didn't actually affect my personal enjoyment all that much - it just totally could've been trimmed and we probably wouldn't have missed anything. Elsewhere, the score is excellent - especially the theme for when Frankie desires his habbits.

I'd have to be in the right mood to revisit this. Nonetheless, it do be a very good film from 1955 - ahead of its time, that's for sure.

Human Traffic (1999)

Odd in a lot of ways, but basically all of which are positive.

[8/10 · 28 May 2024]

It commits to its schtick and does a great job at nailing it, to be fair.

I did like the opening portion of 'Human Traffic' more than what followed it, though even so it's a fun time from beginning to conclusion. John Simm, Lorraine Pilkington, Shaun Parkes, Nicola Reynolds and Danny Dyer are entertaining and bounce off each other well. I did not know Mr. Andrew Clutterbuck was in this, was almost shocked when he first appeared - great to see him nevertheless!

Odd in a lot of ways, but basically all of which are positive. Fair play to all involved for sticking the landing, it could've been severely cringe otherwise.

Girlfriend's Day (2017)

It is a bit of a strange ol' film

[7/10 · 27 May 2024]

I couldn't fully buy into the absurd plot, but 'Girlfriend's Day' manages to make itself work... just about.

Bob Odenkirk is good. I know it's a lazy claim, but this could definitely be a sequel to 'Better Call Saul'; there are even alums from that universe in this in Steven Michael Quezada and Ed Begley Jr. - I thought I saw Tina Parker appear too, though it is in fact Stephanie Courtney. There are many known faces in this, which is a tad surprising given the Netflix filler-esque feel; especially with the run time at just 70 minutes.

All in all, it's all watchable. It is a bit of a strange ol' film though, so I can see why some would dislike it.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Without a doubt the franchise's best work thus far.

[8/10 · 26 May 2024]

Without a doubt the franchise's best work thus far.

'Mad Max: Fury Road' starts off perfectly good, though the movie properly clicks into gear when the characters of Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron join forces. From then on it's entertaining and I certainly enjoyed watching it all unfold. The action remains super effective and visually epic, the stunt work really is fantastic.

Hardy and Theron put in convincing showings, definitely an improvement on anything from the original trilogy in terms of the acting talent; no disrespect to those from the first three, it's just a noticeable upgrade for me. With all that noted, I still don't think the characters in these films are as strong as they could/should be (but still good) - and that's what probably stops me from utterly loving this.

A prequel with Anya Taylor-Joy portraying Charlize Theron's character sounds great on paper, so I'm very much up for checking out 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' at some point soon!

Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985)

The weakest of the series, for me.

[7/10 · 26 May 2024]

Feels like a watered down version of 'Mad Max', albeit one that is still worth watching.

'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' turns out to be a problematic title, given the most entertaining moments happen at the Thunderdome - so when events move away from said location, it isn't quite as interesting. I didn't really like the 'Peter Pan' Lost Boys-esque parts, not that what's produced is bad it just isn't what I want to see from this franchise, personally.

Mel Gibson is good value as the lead once more, while it is noteworthy to see one Tina Turner in a big supporting role. Yet again, though, I didn't get that much off the cast performances. I'm sounding like a broken record, I know, but it's very much the action that keeps these movies ticking over.

The weakest of the series, for me. Here's hoping 'Mad Max: Fury Road' is the best one, which - based on murmurs down the years - I am led to believe that it is; with Tom Hardy as the main man, I imagine that I will enjoy that 2015 flick - fingers crossed!

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

It's a good watch!

[7/10 · 26 May 2024]

I got more enjoyment from 'Mad Max 2'. It's a good watch!

Everything felt a bit more fleshed out to me personally. Mel Gibson's titular character is improved, as are his sidekicks and their antagonists. The action is still at the same high level, there's plenty to gain entertainment from in regards to that along with the more amusing aspects; but disappointing to see that the wacky eye bulge gag did not reappear! I will say that final sequence overruns, not a big deal though.

Most importantly, the story is more interesting. It is, in my opinion, much better befitting of the movie's dystopian setting and is, just generally, a more noteworthy watch compared to its predecessor's plot. Gibson puts in another solid showing, as do Bruce Spence and Michael Preston in this entry. Honestly, mind, across these opening two flicks the cast don't really stand out to me all that much - it's all about the action!

Intrigued to find out what 'Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome' had to offer!

Mad Max (1979)

The action is stupendous, but the rest is a bit of a drag.

[7/10 · 25 May 2024]

The action is stupendous, but the rest is a bit of a drag.

When the attackers be attacking it's all great to watch, like I got a lot of entertainment from seeing Toecutter's gang do their thing; and vice-versa with the MFP, really. However, the film kinda goes through peaks and troughs in switching from the action to the more mundane and the latter parts did bore me a little.

The characters of Max and Jessie do act noticeably dumb in bits too, I don't necessarily mind that as the whole movie is silly and all those onscreen chew the heck out of the scenary. But it does get a bit annoying to watch, I can't lie. I do like how much extra the characters act in general, though.

The whole 90 minutes of 'Mad Max' are over the top completely, but it does fit for the majority. I just wanted wall-to-wall overexuberant action, rather than that sprinkled amongst some fairly dull attempted storytelling. Still, I am looking forward to viewing the sequels/spin-offs, particularly those modern-day releases.

Layer Cake (2004)

I loved every second, quite literally.

[10/10 · 25 May 2024]

Absolutely tremendous!

I haven't got much (edit: five paragraphs later...) to say about 'Layer Cake', but that's only because it's simply one of those movies that is undeniably outstanding, to the point it's plain and simple that it requires little explanation. I had heard this bandied about down the years as being arguably Daniel Craig's best, though that is all that I knew about it.

What a film! I knew it was one of my favourites because I got goosebumps as soon as the credits rolled as I processed it and that only happens for the movies I adore. Going back to Craig, that man is superb in this, definitely one of the best performances of his that I've seen - up there with 'Knives Out'. That's also saying something, given his other stellar stint as that spy geezer.

Michael Gambon is, though, the one I enjoyed most. I'm already a big fan of his, though here he is also a notch above; his voice is up is just so iconic. Away from Craig & Gambon, I lost track of all the known faces that appeared insert Rick Dalton meme here. Crazy to see Tom Hardy in this and that he's used the least of his whole crew! I also didn't even recognise Sally Hawkins, despite seeing her name in the opening credits!

Simply put: It's brilliantly entertaining! I loved every second, quite literally. It gave me exactly what I wanted from a British gangster flick, so many from this subgenre fail to correctly tow the line between the crime and comedic gangster elements so it can either be cringe or boring, or even both.

This, however, utterly nailed it for me. It also holds a pleasing score, you give me that, an entertaining plot and a fantastic cast then, I'm afraid, I am gonna love your movie. It does surpass (the great) 'Stardust' as my standout Matthew Vaughn flick.

The Present (2024)

Surprised me big time!

[9/10 · 24 May 2024]

A cinema release without any prior reviews on a few major websites?! How about that!

I gotta say, 'The Present' surprised me big time! The lack of awareness that I had for it prior to watching (to be expected based on the earlier mentioned, evidently), a bog-standard poster and a meh-sounding premise meant that I wasn't expecting much from this 2024 flick. However, I had a seriously good time viewing it!

It's, in my opinion, a well crafted movie and, unexpectedly, quite amusing, it is also extremely touching when all is said and done. Isla Fisher and Greg Kinnear make for a solid onscreen pairing, while the trio of youngsters in Shay Rudolph, Easton Rocket Sweda and Mason Shea Joyce - even if the latter has less to work with - all give good performances.

One bad thing about me leaving the first review is if everyone else dislikes this, so here's hoping that a barrage of low-rated reviews aren't forthcoming!😆 Hey-ho, I had fun with it and that's all I can say!

The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)

A let-down

[5/10 · 23 May 2024]

'The Strangers: Chapter 1' is a let-down.

It sets the scene well with some tension and is held together by a strong score, visually in terms of cinematography and literally in the case of the masks it is fairly effective too but the film doesn't really do anything - with those aforementioned positives and just in general. It starts onscreen by describing forthcoming events as "brutal", yet by the end I saw little that was all that noteworthy; just your standard horror fare, at best, really.

Madelaine Petsch and Froy Gutierrez are good in the lead roles I will say, though some of their character decisions (as is typical with this genre, I guess) are frustratingly dumb; I'm looking at you in particular, Gutierrez's Ryan. Some of their dialogue isn't much better, either. All in all, I'm disappointed as this could've been real great. Instead, we're left with something that I'd personally class as poor, unfortunately.

Chapters 2 + 3 might improve things, let's hope so, but I wouldn't be surprised if this basically just gets rehashed in those next installments, let's hope not in that case. 'Twas, nevertheless, nice to see the cinema screening busier than usual for this, even if there were more dissatisfied chuckles than desired scares from those nearby.

The Stranger (1946)

My feelings post-watch are of wanting more from it

[7/10 · 23 May 2024]

A good movie, albeit one that finishes weaker than it started.

I really enjoyed the set up of 'The Stranger', though once the cat is let out the bag events do move along at a notch below. The final 30 feels a little drawn out, admittedly only in a relative sense because it is still perfectly watchable - but I personally wasn't as interested as I was across the opening chunk.

There is a commanding showing from Edward G. Robinson, the best of those onscreen for my money. Orson Welles is good too, particularly visually. Loretta Young has a couple of impressive moments in there too, even if her character is quite baffling at times. Billy House stands out in my memory from this too.

Taking everything into consideration, this 1946 picture is one I'd recommend; even if my feelings post-watch are of wanting more from it.

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023)

I'd more than happily revisit this one.

[9/10 · 22 May 2024]

Great cast! Great movie!

'In the Land of Saints and Sinners' is a film I enjoyed, in fact I don't have any complaints with it at all. It features a very interesting story, one that left me engrossed from beginning to end. The tension is built well, while it's easy to care about the characters that appear. It's also wonderfully shot and holds a lovely score.

Liam Neeson puts in a top performance, he is undoubtedly a terrific actor. He is matched onscreen by Kerry Condon, who portrays her character tremendously. Many a familar face appear elsewhere, most notably Ciarán Hinds and Colm Meaney. Good, too, to see Jack Gleeson, who I thought retired after his stint on television but he is seemingly back in the game - and rightly so, a very talented actor.

Undoubtedly worth your time. I'd more than happily revisit this one.

BlackBerry (2023)

A quality film!

[9/10 · 22 May 2024]

Thoroughly fascinating to watch this unfold.

'BlackBerry' reminded me a lot of fellow 2023 flick 'Air', two movies that were in fact released within months of each other interestingly. Both are great watches, with this being one I particularly enjoyed. It's super well put together.

The two hours go by fast, the story is presented in such a way that there wasn't a single moment I was even the slightest bit uninterested - there's a great flow to proceedings. Jay Baruchel is excellent throughout, so is Glenn Howerton. The whole cast do good work, amusing to see SungWon Cho (aka ProZD) appear too!

I remember BlackBerry being huge at my high school back in the day, though based on the timeline shown in this movie it was very much during the company's spiral - guess our parents couldn't afford iPhones at that point!😂 I am still yet to own an iPhone mind you, guess I'm in the severe minority with that one. I did own a Blackberry though and I'm with Lazaridis: keyboard >>> touchscreen, all day! Same goes for buttons >>> sensors for TVs, while we're here. I'm stuck in the dark ages, I know I know.

Tangent over, this is a quality film!