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mclartyd
Reviews
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Slow for a reason
After all the negative reviews, I watched with trepidation. Yes, it was slow in parts and I believe that was deliberate to give you time to think of the impact that something like this could indeed happen in our tech dependent world, where we blithely go about enjoying all it has to offer without thought for consequences that inevitably must result. This movie showed me that. Maybe not everyone will look at it the same way and expect a more Hollywood ending. But I thought the ending was well done and the actors certainly conveyed a sense of fear and helplessness that may very well be coming for us all.
Elvis (2022)
Superb casting
Wow, what an entertaining couple of hours. Some amazing talent showcased in this movie. The story gives a clear insight into the racial injustice of the day. What a sad history the USA has to live with. Without the input from such talented African Americans the music industry would not be what it is today. Go see it for the performances that left me wanting more.
Hamilton (2020)
Am I expected to like this?
Perhaps it is aimed at a certain age demographic with excellent hearing or lip reading skills. So much dialogue went well over my 70yr old head. As an Australian with no knowledge of this era in American history, I was looking forward to being enlightened, sadly not so! Constant singing and obviously very talented actors did not capture my attention at all. Hip hop has its place and and it's place in a full length musical is not the one for me. Give it a miss unless you are related to the cast!
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
If not for the scenery!
Oh dear, surely casting could have found compatible actors! Wooden and prescriptive. An all round embarrassment. I'm sure the dog didn't realise what he was getting himself into.
Annika (2021)
Attempts at grittiness fall flat
I wanted to enjoy this production with such a great cast, but felt let down by what I can only describe as a beefed up Midsomer Murders type drama. Boring sub plots and the truculent teenager has been done so many times. I guess there are only so many who dunnit scenarios. Great photography let down by the writing.
Nomadland (2020)
Pause for thought
I'm so glad I didn't read the reviews before watching this gem of a movie. Connecting with people on so many levels. Real people, real problems, real emotions.
Living life on your own terms. It had it all, with superb acting, stunning cinematography and a realistic representation of human connections. It connected with me, I hope it will with others who are genuinely interested in how we might learn to see life from different perspectives and be respectful of our fellow travellers through life.
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
Needed a lift from somewhere
Was it the screenplay, was it the direction? This movie had potential but failed miserably. I tried to pay attention, but found my mind wandering. They tried the cute animals and grumpy old man story lines, but even they fell short in my opinion. It let down some great actors and made them look foolish.
The Dry (2020)
Did I miss something?
Eric certainly carried this film, with a few credible supporting performances. The scenery was well shot and so evocative of the true Australian bush.
That's where it ended for me. Once the token Asian, gay and indigenous characters appeared my cringe factor kicked in and I truly felt sorry for these characters that were given such scant attention. Not much of a whodoneit with the murderer being glaringly obvious and creepy right from the first scene! Glad I had no expectations!
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Back to basic entertainment
For those of us who have been around for the whole series this was a finale well done! Great aliens, great action sequences. Brilliant SFX.
A wonderful tribute to Carrie Fisher played out in the movie and presenting Chewie with his long service medallion was a hoot! Of course the droids should have also received them being original cast members. I think too many reviewers seem to be looking for something too deep and meaningful which at the end of the day is wonderfully entertaining, with uplifting music that we will all remember.
Palm Beach (2019)
Dares to show male vulnerability
As a whole story this movie could look pretty mundane, but watching individual performances from a stellar cast, this movie will push some home truths to a wide audience. The setting is stunning and will resonate with anyone who has lived or visited the area. Brilliant and subtle direction and great Aussie humour makes this a must see for a very entertaining and uplifting movie.
Rocketman (2019)
Be entertained and enlightened
Great acting and the life of a great musician with all the facts laid bare. Excellent cast and a new slant on storytelling interspersed with the wonderful music so many of us have grown up with.