Yes, very complex plot that I lost on a few occasions, but managed to enjoy the ride without full comprehension. Can't imagine how some of the scenes were filmed even with fx. Thinking backwards, what feeling do you want when you exit the cinema? Then build a plot to fulfil that feeling. It had a lot for a four course meal of so many proven film components but constructed in a unique way. I'm not certain how many viewings it would take to piece every scene together - the editors must still be having flashbacks. To be completed. Or started later. Branagh was terrifying. Didn't connect other actors to their other major roles. Superb cast. I did watch key scenes the second night after watching quite a few explanatory YouTube videos and it helped with some of the plot elements. Some people have perhaps questioned my comments and a rating of 8 - how good can it be if I don't understand it. Well, I think I understand enough to enjoy the ride. The fx were mind boggling, acting was strong, locations exotic and the action top drawer. So there's a lot to like. And I always enjoy the experience of leaving the cinema and having lots to talk about
Reviews
17 Reviews
The Dig
(2021)
How special and important it is to find and connect with our past
31 January 2021
There was a beautiful feeling throughout this lovely film. There was drama and tension, but it was smoothed out by heartfelt characters and super acting. There was a coincidental cross-over I enjoyed with a Bill Bryson book I've been reading with chapters explaining the challenges of the archeology of the human race. It's too easy to picture the fiction of TombRaider and Indiana Jones and miss how special and important it is to find and connect with our past. A simple main plot set in unique times that had layers of rich sub plots.
The Trial of the Chicago 7
(2020)
Frightening demonstration of political power, a warning around the perils of true justice and the power to make things right.
10 December 2020
So many interesting and important parts to this well-made historical drama. What would we do without movies like this? Do we expect everyone to read their history books - are stories like this taught in regular US history courses. And what if you happened to be a descendant of judge Hoffman? Superb cast, troubling dangers, but the value of a democracy remains intact. For now and hopefully for a long future for the free world. Frightening demonstration of political power, a warning around the perils of true justice and the power to make things right.
Color Out of Space
(2019)
Fantastic fright
10 December 2020
Wow, quite the ride. Combination of The Thing, Poltergeist and The Shining.
Didn't know what cosmic horror was before. Fantastic fright. Perfect crazy creepy cocktail. And believe it or not, some humour. Really well done, sure a few odd plot bits, but I haven't enjoyed a scare like that since cabin in the woods. Cage was perfectly cast, horrific scenes created by top notch fx- beauty cosmic goodies at times, perfect setting and sets.
Didn't know what cosmic horror was before. Fantastic fright. Perfect crazy creepy cocktail. And believe it or not, some humour. Really well done, sure a few odd plot bits, but I haven't enjoyed a scare like that since cabin in the woods. Cage was perfectly cast, horrific scenes created by top notch fx- beauty cosmic goodies at times, perfect setting and sets.
Darkest Hour
(2017)
"It takes the power of leadership to unite a nation"
10 December 2020
I'm not blind to the dark past of the British Empire and I'm very well aware that Churchill was far from a perfect man. But I felt very proud to be a fellow Englishman and witness an incredibly important part of our history. Of course there were liberties taken in the screenplay but it just made for a little more colourful storytelling (especially that wonderful scene on the underground). I did miss a few lines his the characterization of Churchill's mumbles but thought Oldman was superb (Gary - you come a long way from Sid and Nancy). Well done indeed chaps. I could not help but think of a certain US president while watching Churchill's portrayal. A tag line of the film perhaps sums up a potential comparison - It takes the power of leadership to unite a nation. I'd add that a united nation is critical in dark times facing a common threat. In today's world - are we clearly agreed on the real threats to our country, to our city, to our world? And Lily James was adorable as usual.
Greyhound
(2020)
No fuss, some mess and an important retelling of wartime sacrifice, allied cooperation and high stakes military operations
10 December 2020
A simple ("inspired by actual events") WWII naval battle superbly led by Hanks and a great sense of pace, war history and personal drama. A high degree of realism brought to life by some fabulous CGI and real warships. Hanks' screenplay didn't shy away from keeping the dialog accurate (as far as I could tell) and kept it to the hard driving sea battle. No fuss, some mess and an important retelling of wartime sacrifice, allied cooperation and high stakes military operations.
Interstellar
(2014)
Could be worse, but argh, disappointing (again)
16 October 2020
I'm struggling for words: I watched it again (over 3 nights) and I was really hoping for more this time around. But still a disappointment from such grand ideas.
Big stars but poor grumbling. Solid FX but was that the point. Drawn out like a bad McConaughey Lincoln commercial.
Gave it a 7 last time; lowering to a 6.
#argh #ValueYourTime
Big stars but poor grumbling. Solid FX but was that the point. Drawn out like a bad McConaughey Lincoln commercial.
Gave it a 7 last time; lowering to a 6.
#argh #ValueYourTime
Expedition Happiness
(2017)
Special, personal filmmaking with simple storytelling
5 July 2020
A wonderful journey that was not purely care-free. A wonderful range of casual video with grand drone landscapes. Beautiful scenes of nature, culture and love. Really liked Mogli's soundtrack and was truly touched at many emotional turns. Special, personal filmmaking with simple storytelling.
Joker
(I) (2019)
Masterful. Gutsy. Playful. Style. Real.
5 February 2020
Playing Joker was a masterful job my Phoenix. A gutsy project for all involved. Although the complexity of character was the main draw, I loved the sets, cinematography and even the soundtrack. The tension was cut with a naughty, playful mix of a madman's smile and style. Phoenix disappeared into his character as he has done in so many excellent past performances. It fits well with the Batman story, it's a strong scary companion of the Dark Knight and has a lot of uncomfortable reality.
Long sentence ramble warning: The mix of DC comic fantasy storytelling and setting with serious modern day concerns about mental health and accessibility of guns could have tipped a viewer to safer ground, but there was a level of believability of Joker's world that left no doubt we were beyond comic book fantasy and forced to face the real dangers of today's unfair and uncaring world.
Long sentence ramble warning: The mix of DC comic fantasy storytelling and setting with serious modern day concerns about mental health and accessibility of guns could have tipped a viewer to safer ground, but there was a level of believability of Joker's world that left no doubt we were beyond comic book fantasy and forced to face the real dangers of today's unfair and uncaring world.
American Factory
(2019)
Honest, insightful and heartfelt interviews, intriguing business angles and opening up a dialogue about the impacts of globalization
10 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
American Factory is a fascinating documentary film available on Netflix that delves into the culture clash and factory labour conditions when a Chinese auto glass manufacturer takes over a shutdown GM assembly plant in Ohio.
There is a follow-on short on Netflix where the Obamas interview the filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert. This answered a few questions I had about inside access, explained the natural telling of all corners of the story and managing to avoid independent commentary (which must have been very difficult to resist).
Beautiful cinematography foundation with honest, insightful and heartfelt interviews, intriguing business angles and opening up a dialogue about the impacts of globalization and automation (although I disagreed with the doom & gloom written comments towards the end).
Loved how they got access to factories and people in China (putting aside the likely government controls) - any Westerner who watches this should come away with some level of deeper understanding of global cultural and work differences.
Well worth your time, not just a well made doc, but a view into the challenging times for the globe's working classes.
There is a follow-on short on Netflix where the Obamas interview the filmmakers Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert. This answered a few questions I had about inside access, explained the natural telling of all corners of the story and managing to avoid independent commentary (which must have been very difficult to resist).
Beautiful cinematography foundation with honest, insightful and heartfelt interviews, intriguing business angles and opening up a dialogue about the impacts of globalization and automation (although I disagreed with the doom & gloom written comments towards the end).
Loved how they got access to factories and people in China (putting aside the likely government controls) - any Westerner who watches this should come away with some level of deeper understanding of global cultural and work differences.
Well worth your time, not just a well made doc, but a view into the challenging times for the globe's working classes.
The Two Popes
(2019)
A tasty mix of art, history, geography, humanity, religion, news, drama and personal reflection
10 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
After seeing the Golden Globe Award nominations included The Two Popes, I thought I should give this new Netflix docu-drama a chance. Although I'm not a religious man (but married in a Catholic church and both my children are baptized), I was curious about the history and the mystique of the papacy. Of course, I also went into the film with some trepidation due to the many serious sexual misconduct charges and crimes that continue to damage the church's status and teachings.
I loved it. I was amazed how the filmmakers got access to the real-world locations and the cinematography was simply stunning. I was also incredibly impressed by Hopkins' and Pryce's acting in as many as 4 different languages (English, Italian, Spanish and Latin - Hopkins' also spoke German in the film). Their portrayals of the two famous popes was magnificent. I'm not certain how close to reality it was, but I really like how we got to learn something behind their grand public personas, how different they are and how "normal" they could be. I kept asking myself, who in the Vatican approved this film, how did they get the access to these very special places. The inclusion of real-world TV footage and social media bits was a nice balance with the fictional and speculative elements. And how did they handle the controversy? - quite well I think - some may say too soft, but it was enough to say there are serious issues underfoot, but not enough to distract from the beauty of their world and the touching human story. Even the soundtrack was lovely, who knew Pope Benedict was a gifted pianist. And bring in some Argentina versus Germany footy and you get a tasty mix of art, history, geography, humanity, religion, news, drama and personal reflection. Well done 9/10.
I loved it. I was amazed how the filmmakers got access to the real-world locations and the cinematography was simply stunning. I was also incredibly impressed by Hopkins' and Pryce's acting in as many as 4 different languages (English, Italian, Spanish and Latin - Hopkins' also spoke German in the film). Their portrayals of the two famous popes was magnificent. I'm not certain how close to reality it was, but I really like how we got to learn something behind their grand public personas, how different they are and how "normal" they could be. I kept asking myself, who in the Vatican approved this film, how did they get the access to these very special places. The inclusion of real-world TV footage and social media bits was a nice balance with the fictional and speculative elements. And how did they handle the controversy? - quite well I think - some may say too soft, but it was enough to say there are serious issues underfoot, but not enough to distract from the beauty of their world and the touching human story. Even the soundtrack was lovely, who knew Pope Benedict was a gifted pianist. And bring in some Argentina versus Germany footy and you get a tasty mix of art, history, geography, humanity, religion, news, drama and personal reflection. Well done 9/10.
Coherence
(2013)
Highly recommended for nerds
6 April 2018
Must see for anyone who finds quantum theory highly entertaining. Low budget indy film that does a tremendous job of exploring the impossibilities? of coherence and demonstrating the fun you can have thinking about Schrödinger's cat. Solid acting, all the twists you'd expect, find you way bread crumbs, heavy dramatic scenes and a little nuttiness. Brilliant. Highly recommended for nerds.
In Search of Fellini
(2017)
In search of art and found it
1 April 2018
I don't recall exactly how I found this film just a short while ago, but it looked like a light, pleasant tale that included some beautiful Italian settings and an interesting arty plot. I was right with the settings, but this film delivered quite the punch just as it very likely planned to align with the beauty, but also the dramatic content of Fellini's films. I'm far from an expert on Fellini and I've only glimpsed a few scenes over the years, but I think I understand the stature of his work. So if the emotions conjured up by this little modern gem is similar to that of the maestro, I should try have a deeper look at Fellini's work.
So, I was rather surprised and taken aback a few times with the seriousness, fear and emotional weight of some of the scenes in this film. Many other scenes were almost pure art form and created quite the ball of confusion. What was she really experiencing and seeing? And how could the opening message of "Inspired by a almost true story" be true? In IMDB, it says that the film was inspired by a real adventure taken by co-writer Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson. I'm going to rate this is solid 7 or possibly an 8 for the simple reason I think I want to watch it again.
It was beautiful, sad, sexy, scary, joyful, hopeful. It was a real rollercoaster of a ride. But it's not for everyone, maybe not an enjoyable ride for many people. But I liked it, a lot. 7/10.
So, I was rather surprised and taken aback a few times with the seriousness, fear and emotional weight of some of the scenes in this film. Many other scenes were almost pure art form and created quite the ball of confusion. What was she really experiencing and seeing? And how could the opening message of "Inspired by a almost true story" be true? In IMDB, it says that the film was inspired by a real adventure taken by co-writer Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson. I'm going to rate this is solid 7 or possibly an 8 for the simple reason I think I want to watch it again.
It was beautiful, sad, sexy, scary, joyful, hopeful. It was a real rollercoaster of a ride. But it's not for everyone, maybe not an enjoyable ride for many people. But I liked it, a lot. 7/10.
Dunkirk
(2017)
Top draw work of art
15 August 2017
Exceeded expectations - superb filmmaking that brought home the horrible precarious nature of fighting for your country and how dire events can become. Perhaps more comparable to Apocalypse Now than Saving Private Ryan - gobs of dramatic acting with minimal dialogue. Stunt work, digital effects and engrossing cinematography were spot on. Storytelling thru synchronized Tarantino like scenes was brilliant. Emotional without a doubt, but a top draw work of art.
The Imitation Game
(2014)
Great Hollywood fashioned important story, but mixed emotions
8 January 2015
Great story well played out in Hollywood fashion. Beautifully made and well acted - worth a few awards I'm sure, but didn't quite live up to the billing I'm afraid. I think maybe the Hollywood treatment didn't jive with the meek, uncomfortable, genius of Turing (expertly portrayed by Cumberbatch).
I'd seen an earlier, much lower budget movie about Turing called Codebreaker over a year ago. Plus I had heard a little about Turing, the Enigma code and had been carrying a story of my own relating to the consequences of the code breaking for many years.
How important was Turing ? Some have claimed his part in the real story is overstated. But to me, I feel he could be very important. My education, my career and now my centre of expertise directly relate to his work. But, also perhaps my life, my family and my homeland.
I don't feel people still quite understand what Turing and others managed to do, how creative he/they were and what we take for granted today in many facets of life, we potentially owe to him and his contemporaries.
But I'm still bothered by the fact the he never enjoyed the attention, praise and love he deserved. It is shocking how recent this inhumane law existed. What joy would he have today to see the power of what is at our fingertips.
My reaction wasn't one of inspiration, but one more of sadness. I felt rather lonely walking home.
I did read a number of reviews on IMDb and adjusted this review slightly to take into consideration that the code breaking was in reality not just the creation of Alan Turing, but a number of brilliant men and women who worked behind the scenes.
I'd seen an earlier, much lower budget movie about Turing called Codebreaker over a year ago. Plus I had heard a little about Turing, the Enigma code and had been carrying a story of my own relating to the consequences of the code breaking for many years.
How important was Turing ? Some have claimed his part in the real story is overstated. But to me, I feel he could be very important. My education, my career and now my centre of expertise directly relate to his work. But, also perhaps my life, my family and my homeland.
I don't feel people still quite understand what Turing and others managed to do, how creative he/they were and what we take for granted today in many facets of life, we potentially owe to him and his contemporaries.
But I'm still bothered by the fact the he never enjoyed the attention, praise and love he deserved. It is shocking how recent this inhumane law existed. What joy would he have today to see the power of what is at our fingertips.
My reaction wasn't one of inspiration, but one more of sadness. I felt rather lonely walking home.
I did read a number of reviews on IMDb and adjusted this review slightly to take into consideration that the code breaking was in reality not just the creation of Alan Turing, but a number of brilliant men and women who worked behind the scenes.
Newlyweds
(2011)
Worth opening a good bottle of wine for
25 October 2014
It actually took us three goes to complete the viewing of the Burn's indy gem. Quite Allenesque in it's deep examination and joy in the the humour of everyday relationships. Superbly acted, interestingly shot, but most importantly, very truthful. A normal couple gets turned every which way with Shakesperean ease and we can relate to the finesse of dealing with family. Burns was type-cast, but his supporting cast were tremendous. Delighted to see the range from Bishé (who I loved watching in Halt and Catch Fire). I think the title is rather disappointing. Worth opening a good bottle of wine for and enjoying with the love of your life.
Big Night
(1996)
A multiple course feast for the film fan
3 January 2003
A multiple course feast for the film fan. A great cast. A simple story that leaves just enough unsaid. A great soundtrack. Beautiful cinematography. Some great lines. 7.5/10. This was my 2nd viewing of the movie, with the first viewing quite a few years ago.
Warning - don't watch this movie if you're hungry. Anyone that loves Italian food, will love the talk and images of the meals that are created throughout the movie. If only we had the technology to truly capture the aromas of the food, then the only thing missing would be to actually be on the set and taste it all.
I also found it also rather sexy. I won't comment on the appeal of the suave Italian lead men, but the ladies were just beautiful. A couple of my favourites Isabella Rossellini and Minnie Driver grab lots of sexy shots and the early role from Allison Janney is a pleasant surprise. Like other movies centered around food, the food itself adds to the sex appeal of the movie.
Best line of the movie - "what's the matter?...my Mother was such a terrible cook". The small part of the car salesman played by Campbell Scott contributes more than its fair share of great lines, incl..."beautiful place though, Italy...yes it is, have you been?...no, never".
I've had the soundtrack for quite some time and I use it to accompany activity in the kitchen or dinner music, but I got a better appreciation of it seeing it in the context of the movie again.
The movie conjures up feelings of passion, perseverance, love and pride, as well as providing glimpses of a deeper understanding and appreciation for the human heart. Great movie, probably a keeper.
Warning - don't watch this movie if you're hungry. Anyone that loves Italian food, will love the talk and images of the meals that are created throughout the movie. If only we had the technology to truly capture the aromas of the food, then the only thing missing would be to actually be on the set and taste it all.
I also found it also rather sexy. I won't comment on the appeal of the suave Italian lead men, but the ladies were just beautiful. A couple of my favourites Isabella Rossellini and Minnie Driver grab lots of sexy shots and the early role from Allison Janney is a pleasant surprise. Like other movies centered around food, the food itself adds to the sex appeal of the movie.
Best line of the movie - "what's the matter?...my Mother was such a terrible cook". The small part of the car salesman played by Campbell Scott contributes more than its fair share of great lines, incl..."beautiful place though, Italy...yes it is, have you been?...no, never".
I've had the soundtrack for quite some time and I use it to accompany activity in the kitchen or dinner music, but I got a better appreciation of it seeing it in the context of the movie again.
The movie conjures up feelings of passion, perseverance, love and pride, as well as providing glimpses of a deeper understanding and appreciation for the human heart. Great movie, probably a keeper.
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