Change Your Image
stuartsanderson
Reviews
Nefarious (2023)
Great gem of a film but more about listening and thinking.
I am not a horror buff, but I do like a good horror based movie.
Nefarious is such a film but very is dialogue heavy. Very few scares and little profanity. Rather than gruesome horror, this has a very much theological discussion about the possible existence of demons and can easily be interpreted as a view of the state of the world now.
If you do not mind little action but lots of talking which will make you think, I recommend this film to the house. And Sean Patrick Flannery is remarkable.
PS: it seems I can't leave it at that to have the review published so I am just going to find enough characters by typing lots of unnecessary words.
County Line (2017)
Good story, well acted without lots of blood or swearing
I saw the trailer on Amazon and thought that could be funny. Left it a few days and then had a look. It's another gem hidden amongst the mediocrity of so many modern films.
All the main actors are well known albeit not A-listers anymore, and it showed. Any one of them could have carried the movie but to have at least three good actors with oodles of experience just made for a great storytelling.
On top of all this, there was none of the ubiquitous swearing that appears in many movies (although some well placed cussing is useful) and no blood and guts.
I would like to recommend this movie to the house!
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Great ideas, brilliantly executed, let down a little at the end, but I guess it leaves an opportunity for another sequel
The idea to have discussions on the new game similar to what I would imagine discussions between the Wachowskis when deciding if it was ok to make another movie was a masterstroke. I understand Lily had nothing to do with this movie for personal reasons but you can see Lana and Lily in discussions about it over many years.
Neil Patrick Harris is fabulously devilish. He's come a long way from Dougie Howser!
Generally good to great acting and to have Trinity as an equal if not more powerful than Neo in the end is, considering the transitions the Wachowskis have made, maybe expected and welcomed.
Will make a fitting end to the Matrix story or, if an utterly mind blowing storyline can be created, a good link to another sequel, but I felt a bit short-changed as maybe more could have been done to show their dominance other than slapping the Analyst down.
13 Minutes (2021)
Not a blockbuster or the best film you will ever see but not the pile of doodah some would have you think.
To someone who has only experienced a tile fall of their roof, I think this conveys the horror of knowing what's coming, something of what it is like to experience the event and the horror of what it leaves behind. It also has to come up with 'people-based' storylines with which to add to the central event. To do otherwise would leave it entirely one dimensional.
Yes, the script could have been better, the acting could have been better but overall it has human life (regardless of you being 'woke' or bigoted) and how humanity comes together in the face of adversity but also the stubbornness of those who are so rigid in their world view that they cannot provide any exceptions.
The fact so many reviews focus on the humanity aspect of the film means it has gone some way to fulfilling it's intention of provoking discussion and debate. The fact that so many of those are negative, shows there is a long way to go in achieving anything like peace with ourselves and it will only get worse if we don't have films like this to make us look hard at how we handle our life and those of others.
Jack Ryan (2018)
A hit for me.
Firstly, I have not read a single 'Jack Ryan' book so I can only opine from what I see on the screen.
I can understand some of the more negative reviews but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole of series 3.
Standing out above all was James Cosmo. His list of roles goes back further than I have been alive, but I do not recall him playing such a character before. Completely unexpected, against type and brilliant.
The development of the relationship between Ryan and Greer. They now appear to view each other as equals which shows the respect Ryan has earned through his work.
I am already looking forward to series 4.
Wind River (2017)
Brilliant, just brilliant
I fell on to this on Film4 in the UK. I have since watched it another three times and still find it engrossing.
The unprepared outsider who comes to investigate the suspicious death of a Native American girl.
The hardened but sad white hunter who has become part of the native community, partially through marriage but also through respect for their values and way of life, who agrees to help.
The indigenous people who have a distrust of outsiders but treat them with wry wit rather than aggressiveness and their understanding of nature and life rather than the narrower non-local, non-native mindset.
How they all eventually form a mutual respect and trust.
It is heartbreaking and empowering and is well worth the time to watch it.
Emergency (2022)
Making an important point which will pass lot of people by
This film is funny but the undercurrent is clear from the beginning. I am sad that films like this have to be made to highlight an important fact of life for so many people in the world.
I am white and privileged (though not wealthy). I have a black cousin, who is well-educated and has a good job. I cannot begin to imagine his life. He shouldn't have to live his life in fear and nor should anyone who has anything other than white skin.
To those who lambast this as propaganda, watch it again and educate yourselves.
Line of Duty (2019)
All action with a message.
Ok, so there are many things which may not happen in real life, but when has that stopped successful film in the past (Lethal Weapon etc) so I'm gonna let them go.
It could be argued to be formulaic but that doesn't detract from the story and the performances. Eckhardt and Eaton are very good together as is the young guy playing D.
The main thing for me is the juxtaposition between potentially intrusive media, how it can be used to skew events and the use of live honest media to tell a real story which makes achieving a result easier. Could law enforcement and media work better together? If media outlets didn't have their own narrative or agenda to fulfil, would there be more truth? How long would it be before an honest media became hackneyed and cynical moving away from the truth? Is the latter what has happened already and no matter how hard we try, it will always be the same?
Forgetting the philosophical debate, this is a good film which I would recommend watching.
Freaks (2018)
Good story, well told.
I have read many of the reviews on here for this film. I can only think that those who gave up after 30-45 mins have a short attention span. It has intrigue and suspense in guessing where the story is going and then the finale with great acting.
I enjoyed this film immensely. Ok, it was no blockbuster but is definitely worth watching and sticking with.
Teleios (2017)
A cerebral story solidly crafted on a shoestring budget.
This is by no means a blockbuster but considering there are films costing multiple times more which are just dross, this is a pearl of a film.
The story is well thought out with an attempt at a twist towards the end.
The acting is reasonable and the FX are pretty good taking in to account the limited budget.
I would recommend watching.
Yakuza Princess (2021)
Not quite as bad as other seem to think
I look at this film as a stand-alone story. I had no preconceived ideas about what it may contain in terms of action, acting or direction.
The acting wasn't brilliant, nor was it as bad as other have suggested. If you go in to this expecting a full-blooded action movie, then you will be disappointed. It does have some action and again whilst it isn't the best you will see, but I have seen worse fight choreography in much bigger films with much bigger stars.
It is a story which is told slowly and revealed in sections. I understand this is the director's marque. If you allow it to be a story telling exercise, then it fulfils its intention, and yes, it does set up for possible sequels.
If you are a connoisseur of the genre and know a lot about Japanese history and custom, if you want lots of action and bloodshed, if you want John Wick-meets-47 Ronin-meets-The Matrix (yes I know they are all Keanu Reeves movies) then you will be very disappointed. View it as a individual story with different elements and you may find yourself satisfied, but don't dismiss it because it is not what you expected.
Grey's Anatomy: Love of My Life (2020)
Why the bad reviews
This episode gives some more background to the characters. It furthers the story about Richard. It might not be as fast paced as previous episodes or seasons, but it is all relevant and important to the development for future stories.
Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)
Beautiful
I can only think that those who gave this film a low rating either concentrated too much on the film making aspect (although I don't think it was at all bad) or don't have a heart.
It documents (in a theatrical setting) a chance but fulfilling relationship between man and dog which is sadly brought to an end by the man's death. It followed by showing the dog's continued loyalty which meant the community who knew it committed to looking after as best they could, without resorting to trying to find a new home or take him to the pound.
The film does not overly play for laughs. It doesn't overly play on sentiment. It doesn't give the dog a human voice so you can only assume what the dog is feeling by watching it's manner and actions. It makes you think about what must be going through it's mind and that is why it was so emotional for me.
I had watched the film in tears from the moment the dog didn't want his master to go that day and having stopped at the end of the film, I started again whilst writing this review.
Watch it with an open, compassionate mind rather one of cynicism, which many seem to have done.
Dark Encounter (2019)
It's worth a watch if you give a chance.
There are many low rated reviews abut this film. I may be wrong, but I think that is down to the mindset of the viewer before watching.
The description and associated marketing suggests a potential horror/sci-fi with battles against the invaders. It isn't that at all. In my humble, it's meant to provoke discussion. We all know the usual sci-fi alien stories but if they do exist, who are they and where do they come from? What is their purpose?
In this film, the suggestion to me (if you believe in religion) is that they may be angels who are giving a grieving 'good' family knowledge of what transpired so that those responsible may be brought to justice and the family can move on. But is that really the conclusion that is intended? I think it is made to consider one angle and leave the viewer with questions which may broaden their acceptance or understanding of what may or may not be possible.
As for the movie, the production is excellent, the sfx aren't too shabby and the score is wonderful. I do wonder why it was made in Britain, with British actors portraying an American family, although the actors do seem to pull off the 'deceit'.
In the end, watch without prejudice and see where it takes you.
The Road Within (2014)
Great hidden gem.
I watch a lot of movies on Prime. Every so often, these little gems pop up that I have never known existed. Anything with Dev Patel or Robert Sheehan in is usually worth watching and Zoe Kravitz's performance was an added bonus.
Not sure why there were a few poor reviews but then every film is not for everyone.
Whilst I laughed out loud at some of the situations, I did have a voice asking whether it was appropriate to make light of these devastating conditions. However, the way it resolves in the end just satisfied me enough that it was worth it.
Definitely recommend a watch.
Hostile (2017)
Solid movie.
Not the best film ever made but it's not so scary and tells a good story. Have a watch and decide for yourself.
Cold Pursuit (2019)
An unexpected gem.
I was expecting the usual Liam Neeson tough guy movie. Instead it turned out to be a fantastically dry wit of a film where no laughs were played for, but had me chuckling like a loon. Brilliantly underplayed by the whole cast whilst keeping your interest all the way through. Love it.
Swamp Thing (2019)
Better than expected
Having read the reviews before watching, I was in two minds whether to watch. I decided to go for it and I am pleased I did.
I am not an aficionado of graphic novels or the DC Universe so I had no other preconceptions about what the series should have been. It was a slow-burner but the progression drew me in further. I am sad that the series has been cancelled as I think it had plenty of room to develop. I can only hope that the decision is reconsidered or another producer picks it up.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: The Body (2001)
Brilliantly acted and directed.
This is the one episode that sticks in mind from the original run. It was so opposite to every other episode. Just superb.
Last Flag Flying (2017)
An unexpected gem
Beautiful. Sad. Funny. Poignant. Everything you would hope for from such a movie with the brilliance of the three main actors and a cameo by the superb Cicely Tyson.
A Dark Song (2016)
A good slow-burning story with a bit of a twist at the end.
I am not sure if what I am going to write would be classed as a spoiler but here goes.
The premise was suggested as a tale a woman's descent in to darkness in order to reap revenge on those who murdered her child. It shows the swings between total belief in what she is doing and not believing it at all. The portrayal of a plunge in to madness to realise that what she wants is actually different to her initial intention is the little twist at the end.
I can understand those reviews who say the ending is a bit wishy-washy and ought to be re-written but for me it worked.
Hope this hasn't spoiled anything for anyone.
Enjoy.
Remember (2015)
Brilliant story, acted fantastically.
I found the plot description intriguing whilst searching for movies to watch but it took me a while to get round to watching it on Amazon Prime.
The 'search' begins as expected but takes a turn for the third and fourth people on the list with surprising results.
There are reviewers on here who have said they kind of saw the 'twist' coming and must have some very in-depth knowledge of certain things to enable them. To me, it was unexpected and very well worked.
Christopher Plummer is magnificent, showing that you don't have to have younger actors, lots of action and bucket loads of swearing to make a film watchable. The acting was top- notch which, coupled with the excellent story, made this a film Iwould recommend to anyone.
What saddens me is that this film apparently only made back a fraction of its production cost. It deserves much more than that.