rickcorbishley Reviews

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

I really enjoyed this film

[9/10 · 4 July 2020]

This is a typical Will Farrell film I guess; silly, funny, not so funny at times but thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining. It also captured the contest perfectly for me; I can't believe no one has done something like this before.

I'm humming the Jaja Ding Dong song as I type; it is one of the stupid Eurovision type songs that gets in your head and won't go. But the song Sigrit sang in the actual competition is brilliant. Apart from being a funny film I actually found it quite moving and had a headache at the end from trying to control my emotions and not get laughed at by my wife for crying at a comedy film.

It is a classic loser underdog who comes good in the end film. And a love story. And a comedy film. And a great observational film on the Eurovision; it captures the quirkiness of the competition brilliantly. I can also see why Icelandic folks would love it; I would if I was from Iceland. Made me want to go visit. And I will again be supporting them when they are next in the World Cup competition. I love an underdog who achieves great things.

Bottom line is that I loved it.

The 12th Man (2017)

Wow. what a great story and great film, well told

[10/10 · 1 July 2019]

This came up first in my Netflix list so I decided to have a look. I am so glad I did. This is one of the best films I've seen for ages. It is graphic, violent at times, harrowing, nail biting (in more ways than one), heart rending, heart warming; but overall inspiring.

It is very realistic and is well acted by everyone. The lead roles are excellent and very convincing. That it is a true story is mind blowing. I was absorbed in the film from the start and it just got better.

It is different than most war films I have seen, quite a low key production, but it tells this story in a way that takes you right into the conflict. You can't help but feel for the characters involved and marvel at their resilience and bravery. It will have you cringing and crying and watching mouth opened.

I was blown away by it. Very very highly recommended.

I can't believe I have not come across it before. I guess being Norwegian and subtitled it just staying the background of mainstream blockbusters, but for me it was a marvel.

I am so glad I watched it. It inspired me, moved me and educated me.

There was just one thing I wanted at the end, that was not to be, but that's real life I guess.

After Life (2019–2022)

Wow

[10/10 · 15 March 2019]

I loved The Office but not so much of Ricky Gervais's work after that.

Until this. It is brilliant in so many ways.

There is too much swearing for my taste although I appreciate it adds some comedy at times. But that out of the way, it is a serious subject, treated with compassion, sensitivity and comedy. It is in turn moving, thought provoking, comedy brilliance, profound and funny funny funny. I found it increasingly compulsive viewing and was sad when it ended. Ricky is the writer, director and lead actor and has done a brilliant job of each. However, it's not a one man show as there are so many excellent characters. I just hope there will be more of this type of writing from Ricky Gervais; it is such a pleasant surprise. If ever there was an award winning series, this is it. If you watch nothing else this year, watch this. I loved it.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

Just WOW

[10/10 · 3 January 2019]

Rarely have I seen a film where I have blown away. This is one such. So different, so unique, so amazing.