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adeysmith
Reviews
Red Eye (2024)
It's not Hijack, but it's okay.
I've given this one a 6, because although some of the acting is questionable, it is watchable, and I found myself wanting to watch the next episode at the end of the previous one. I won't launch into an in-depth review of every character and their storylines, it's not that type of show. I watched Hijack with Idris Elda recently, and although that was pretty highly rated, I found that to be a bit average too. Anyway, Red Eye isn't bad by any stretch, it's just the usual formula, nothing unique, but I ended up watching all 6 eps over 2 days and it kept me entertained enough.
The aircraft they showed in the external shots, could in no way have been the aircraft used in the interior shots, and I don't just mean the cabin and the galley; of course that would have been filmed in a studio. The aircraft was a B777-200, and the flight deck rest area on that type of aircraft is behind the flight deck, and above the first few rows of passengers. The cabin crew bunks are also above passengers, but at the back of the aircraft. Either way, they're not downstairs or below passengers, and in no way are the rest areas as big as we were led to believe in the show. I mean, it didn't spoil anything for me, but I rolled my eyes during those scenes.
Will it win a Bafta? No. Is it Christopher Nolan? No. Do I love Lesley Sharp? Yes. Is it a weekend watch? Yes.
The Bear (2022)
Season 2 lost it for me
Season 1 is epic, season 2 not so much. I can see what they tried to do with a deep dive into the main characters and their journeys. I like that, usually, but it was too drawn out for me, and it felt like a very slow burn to get to the opening of the new restaurant (where I would definitely want to eat, if it really existed). Something about Jeremy Allen White is completely compelling, I just want to watch him....well, do anything, really. Also loved the Will Poulter and Jamie Lee Curtis scenes.
Some will love the season 2 contrast, I didn't, but I watched and enjoyed it, of sorts. Draw your own conclusions.
The Old Man (2022)
A great watch, but dragged a bit towards the end
Overall I enjoyed it, but I did find myself seeking distraction on my phone at some points; it lost my attention.
There are some questionable fight scene moments where I really don't think Jeff Bridges would have come off as the winner. And some of the actions of his love interest character were just plain weird, she didn't make sense (some of the time).
The actors who played the younger versions of the protagonists were well cast, and acted well in copying their older selves (I feel like that didn't make sense).
I'm a glass half full kinda guy, and some people will think it's a 9, but comparatively, it's a solid 6 for entertainment. Bridges and Lithgow are legends, obviously.
The Code (2019)
It's not a few good men......
.....of which I'm a MASSIVE fan, but I enjoyed this for that it was, and it as good.
I've read the comments about some of the military elements being inaccurate, and the aesthetic being unrealistic, but I still really liked it. I actually cared about the main characters, which is difficult to accomplish these days.
It's a TV drama, not a fly-on-the-wall documentary. Give it a go.
Dr. Death (2021)
Good, but long......
At 8 eps, the series was a bit too long, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless. I didn't know anything about this (based on real life) story, so I watched it without any preconceived ideas.
Two things that were seriously unrealistic, were the prosthetic makeup attempting to make Dr Death look older and heavier set; it was terrible. The second, in the final ep, was the sheer volume of hearsay testimony that was allowed to be admitted into evidence. All of it should have been objected to by counsel, but none of it was, and all of it was totally uncorroborated. In fact I saw little in the way of the objections, which is very unusual.
Outside of those 2 things, it still amazes me that this guy got away with as much as he did, for as long as he did. It was a very well acted drama, I binged it over 3 days.
Servant (2019)
Season one ✅ Season two ❌
My title says it all. Season one is interesting, intriguing, and compelling. Season two is confusing and ridiculous, I had no idea was what going on half the time, it was a mess. Best thing about it was the homemade pizza, it looked delicious.
The Man Without a Face (1993)
Never connected so deeply with any film
I was a boy who felt unloved by his Dad, disliked by his sisters, I told white lies to sound more interesting. I escaped into music, helped by a teacher who took a real interest in me, who always went that extra mile, and became my friend. In many ways, I was Charles Norstadt. I became a tutor in later life, so I also understand the innate desire to educate, just like Justin McLeod.
I can't be overly objective about this film because of my deep connection to it. That said, this is one of those early 90's absolute gems, and having just watched it for the 25th time in 25 years, I still teared up, and I can assure you, this movie stands the test of time.
Watch this film, it's beautiful, especially the scenery, and the moments of vulnerability shown by the two protagonists are very touching. Anyone can pull a film to pieces, but it's okay to just watch, immerse yourself, and let go. Not everything can be Merchant Ivory or made for academy awards, and it can still be something really special.
Think about what their respective relationships really meant to Justin and Charles; man and boy, tutor and student, friend and friend, it's very powerful. The Merchant of Venice scene almost took my breath away.
I realise this review is more cathartic than informative, and if I'm moved enough to put that in the public domain, consider how good this film might be, to a lot of people.
A Fall from Grace (2020)
It's all about the last 15 mins....
As I was watching, I thought it was decidedly average and wasn't going to finish but, something held my interest. It was the unnerving feeling I got from a couple of the characters. Almost like you knew there was more to their stories. There was, most definitely. Watch it, and find out.
It could have been done better in parts but, just stick with it. Not all films need to be Merchant Ivory, or created with academy awards in mind.
The Hustle (2019)
Oh dear....
I'm a big fan of Oscar-winner Anne Hathaway, so why on earth she couldn't play this part any better is beyond me (her upper class English accent was borderline insulting). Wilson can play only one character, so she was as expected. It could have been a great film, but it was very poorly executed. Not everything needs to be Merchant Ivory, but even this type of comedy flick can be great. Sadly, it wasn't. I watch literally thousands of films, it pains me not to be able to find anything more positive to say.
Gold Digger (2019)
Depth and intrigue.....
Not all TV drama has to be Merchant Ivory,
it can just be good and interesting, without the need for every reviewer thinking they're writing for Rolling Stone.....
This is not a unique story, young guy is after rich older woman (or is he?), but, I really feel the main actors worked hard to embody their characters, especially the children (though they're not kids). I'm a fan of Julia Ormond and at times, I'm not sure if she was just acting naturally, or so embodying the character she's a genius. I binge watched, which I never do, and I really enjoyed it. I would love to see another season, there's definitely scope character-wise, with perhaps a different storyline. I'm currently watching the last ep, and it hasn't disappointed so far.
Lad: A Yorkshire Story (2013)
A charming and endearing film
I didn't want to like it but, it drew me in, and I really enjoyed it. A real life story, set in the Yorkshire Dales, not too far away from where I was brought up, though I was definitely a townie, and not so rural as in this film's setting.
My main issue with this kind of film is the accent and its perception by some viewers. No-one's winning a Nobel prize, or discovering a cure for cancer, and it could be interpreted by some, to suggest Yorkshire folk are dated and simple. We're not, I can assure you.
See this film for what it is, an every day story of a family and how it deals with a real life situation, with some character development thrown in.
Sometimes the best stories are the ones which could happen to anyone. Not the ones where superheros battle to save the earth. This film has some stunning scenic shots.