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mrfish5000
Reviews
Travel Man: 48 Hours in...: Bergen (2019)
They didn't get on... *Lou's fault*
This is the only episode I haven't enjoyed very much. Lou made some off hand comment about his acting being like moving through a crowded street, didn't say sorry apparently, and they then stewed in passive aggression for the remainder. Richard was not to blame for this, and kept it afloat until it ended, also Lou was patronising. I wouldn't be surprised if Richard went back there and tore that plant out of the ground lol.
What We Do in the Shadows: The Trial (2019)
My highlight of 2019
Oh my god, this episode was such a joy AND a great surprise! I've enjoyed the new series but wow, as a vampire fan I was shot to the moon by the end of this one, couldn't have been much better for me, all aspects of it were fantastic. THANK YOU TAIKA!
Johnny English Strikes Again (2018)
Like a coiled viper - Rowan Atkinson is brilliant as always.
Don't be fooled by tired reviews, this film is a comedy classic for the new age, and merits a rewatch like it's predecessors.
The film is full of entertainment, nostalgia and British throwaway humour, and if you liked the first - then you won't be disappointed.
Supporting actors are enjoyable in their roles and are more numerous than previous instalments. I enjoyed Boff's return, a real treat for the fans, and the technological aspects throughout the film maintained a spy theme nicely.
The only thing I would have liked to add would be a cameo from a previous villain, or one of the leading women, but the film lacks in nothing.
Johnny English Strikes Again.
* * * * *
Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
Entertaining, with good chemistry
The film is possibly one of the most unfairly rated in history. This has all the components a movie like this needs, and it delivers entertainment through a cool cast and a textbook action movie, with some surprises thrown in.
A decent movie for men and women, my guess is the PG rating flung a certain kind of fan into a tantrum, but the movie totally fulfilled it's purpose.
Ghostbusters (2016)
Hocus Pocus plays Scooby Doo at the expense of the Ghostbusters
The movie was funny, but mainly in a 'bring along the kids' way, which would be fine were it not for the stripping down of features that made the original so iconic.
I love the SNL cast a lot and Hemsworth's casting as the comic relief was pretty well placed, but a lot of the light humour spread across the movie tends to fall flat due to a severance from the original movie.
For example the biggest issues for me were the neon cgi of the ghost and the erasure of the original characters (though not in spirit, heh). Despite any negative focuses - some solid soundtrack, cast chemistry and abundant well-meaningness make this a good outing, just perhaps not to the cinema (unless you have kids). More kite than balloon, but a sequel is possible though uncertain.
X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
An X-Men movie that needs a look in the mirror, or a better editor.
The film itself is good, though storyline minimalist and motivations rabbit-from-a-hat style, it is 'saved' by a few good (though inconsistent) performances, and classic comic-book visuals. My favourite part in this one was too-cool-for-school Quicksilver, who gains a little depth (though considering what usually is at stake in these movies, the comic relief is usually a deeper role than meets the eye.
-Before I go any further, I'll just say my opinion on the film is basically like comparing the original X-Men scene of Eric in the camp, with the new remade version: I think the original is vastly superior, especially emotionally, if only because the 'comic book pretense' of the new approach is holding them back from a heartfelt depth-
My feeling on this is that they don't always follow through on a good idea - I think the Rogue version was better as it bridged the original relationships when they had to help each other, though the payoff with Jean's return was equivalent but not as connected to the desperate situation.
Seeing how the timeline 'returned' was one of the biggest emotional payoffs for fans obviously, having seen characters die one by one fighting in the future (twice), but Apocalypse just doesn't pack the same depth. The emotional truths or even character archs are quite bare in this one, with most performances and concepts falling flat (even the actors seem to be distancing themselves from the storyline - Jennifer's freedom fighter is stale, and Fassbender's conjured-up life is shallow to the point where seeing him in the iron mill is more interesting than having a family.
The film's main motivation is to see how the characters would react with a major villain strolling into-shot, and in that regard the movie was a success - X-Men as a series has a lot to give in terms of storyline chemistry, but of course this needs to be given the care and love of it's predecessors. The storyline is weaker than First Class (having little thought for collateral damage or even civilian representation), but Oscar as EnSabahNur was a successful enough distraction from what was lacking in shallow/ thin character weaving. For example Storm showing up next to the bad guy being little more than a shell of a person (contrary to the assumption of being in Africa and using her powers to manipulate the weather as in the traditional character), and Nightcrawler inexplicably being (yes an emo) included in some ridiculous fight club - which if done right could have been a successful reference to Logan in X-Men, but too many fumbles and shallow details make this fall flatter than Spider-Man's wrestling antics.
Finally - the best part of this film is the simple continuity of basic chemistry and roles formed in previous films Ultimately the film could have done with using details from past outings to enhance it's emotional focus and flow within the film (the Auschwitz scene was a good mention here, which helped boost the essential theme of the film - power and domination, the return of Moira's memory was a solid emotional reference, all paling to the flashback of the origin of Charles and Eric's friendship). However it lacked the ability to invoke the set-ups presented in Future's Past which were particularly relevant - the 'lost' future that is essentially wiped away now, involving Jean etc and the emotional journey Charles went on in light of the phoenix saga would have made a brilliant few seconds in enhancing the mind-battle. They seems to be taking the genre into a more skin-deep direction, which disappoints after the last film especially. Some real headway has to be made in character development (which it does touch on in Jean's nightmare scene etc, but the fact remains that this is not a comic-book, you can't gloss over everything and hope the audience holds onto something flimsy when it doesn't effect other areas - the phoenix and 'unleash the power' is an undercut to whatever the previous film achieved). Whatever happens next, they just need time to assemble the pieces properly (they're only human after all, heh), allowing characters to step into a reality more than seemingly 'welcome to Xavier school, care to try the danger-room?' type approach. As long as regulars like Nic Hoult and (duh) James McAvoy are around, this shouldn't be a problem.
For the next film, I think they should actually consider doing another future-based movie, in the same region as Deadpool seemingly is - with Cable etc) - as after such massive destruction and unmasking of 'these guys are mutants' that Professor X tried hard to prevent in the past, it's only natural that a witch-hunt would be accelerated in this timeline. I would suggest that a storyline similar to X-Men 2's mind-control be a good stepping stone for character chemistry - perhaps like the Ultimate Alliance 2 game's nanites etc.
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
A film worthy of Thor
I loved Thor's original introduction, I think Kenneth set a prime example for the mythologies, and this film exceeds and refines the efforts that came before.
The score was terrific, characters alive, and the effects stunning. The screenplay balancing humour and emotion stunningly well. Thor: The Dark World is my favourite Avengers outing thus far, Captain America shouldn't disappoint either.
Criticism and Spoilers However, I did think that Odin was too solid of a character, not encompassing the mythology of his role, or mirroring examples seen in other Marvel animated movies.
Reference to Jodenheim was good, and I hope Loki's 'see you in hell' line will be a reference to his participation in a Surtur storyline for Thor 3, maybe so given Marvel's interest in maintaining his involvement due to his fan following.
What I thought should have changed - was that Odin intervene in the end by means of the Tesseract, aka cosmic cube - to combat the aether spread, as it would bring a much more direct contrast to the artifacts, and interest in Odin's armoury again.
Iron Man should have at least been in touch somehow, worldwide panic is a big deal lol, but Cap's inclusion was hilarious (and maybe referencing skrulls later), but again is no big deal as Iron Man 3 could have said the same thing about including shield and Cap.
I didn't like the fact that the collector was portrayed so strangely, and not introduced, but I'm guessing that will come later. Thor should have fought the horned guy longer, making Malekith a trickier enemy calling for Odin - who would have come down to earth to help, and then coming to terms with human interaction - acknowledging his saving them in the past with the frost giants in himself etc.
Also - I think he should have revived Freya with the Cube if it were possible - maybe revealing after Thor and Loki banded together - and locking Loki away (although proud of his progress). And the ending was somewhat misrepresented - I think if Loki was to take over Asgard (which he believably could after that speech) - he would use an artifact, reflecting the scene in Thor with the casket - but I think he should have fled to Jodenheim with the creature at the end.
"There is a purpose to everything your father does" - 9 out of 10, a triumph for the genre.
AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007)
Considering the budget - stays remarkably true to what the series could have delivered - what do you want?!
Great SFX, stays true to horror concepts, and traditional character roles with enough depth to keep you engaged throughout. The music was spot-on, and the characters/ town reacted in a realistic way - crazy aliens invade, call in the national guard lol. Disturbing scenes, new creature, making the predator a badass, gives you heroes, heroines, and still provides enough victims for people seeking the opposite from the movie, so what more could you realistically want from it considering that it was made for the same amount as an indie-flick.
If you put simple judgements aside for the sake of enjoying what the movie provides in quantity and quality, you should enjoy it as much as I did, step off haters.
Man of Steel (2013)
Visually fantastic, a reflection of cinema, but it's not the Superman I know and love
Unbelievable (and huge amount of) effects, beautifully imagined concepts, and some cool references - some I even thought were inspired by some Marvel titles - like the showdown in Smallville. These for me took the same meaning as the films - like in Thor when he goes to fight in protection of Earth, even when he knows he may not be able to. But they paled for me in the fact that Superman wasn't really in any danger - and there was a cataclysmic amount of damage otherwise *but don't worry, they remembered to throw in him saving the girl, and an army dude lol (winning favour much?)*.
But for me character development, relationships and true depth of intimacy was just lacking, and I definitely don't think this Superman should have anything to do with Justice League - Clark Kent wouldn't have let... you know what happen... etc. But the true gold in this film was in it's relevance in cultural terms - drawing similarities with Prometheus style designs (the suits btw were truly AWESOME) - the concept of alienation and home etc, and it's originality in approaching the superhero movie in a non-superhero way - *minor spoiler* - he F's up some guy's truck lol.
In conclusion - it made sense that 'Superman' was danced around during the movie, and wasn't in the title - as Superman isn't really what to expect here.
But regardless the movie was remarkably entertaining - if only for the newest action-based special effects, but I don't think Cavill really 'found' Superman, and in my opinion Routh's Superman would make for a much better Justice League movie.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Baz Luhrman's style restrains the true drama and meaning
The Goods The visuals were nice, the party being a highlight of course. The wonderful Carey Mulligan was superb at the best of times, the highlight for me being her garden. Some of the music touched on parallels between modern day and the past, and worked on occasion.
The Bad The obscure vision kept an uncomfortable distance between the audience and the true potential of the film, grinding down to a shallow 'Virginia Woolf' style train-wreck, which has it's merits, but pales in contrast to the true point of the story. For me, what the film should have been trying to do was put more emphasis on 'decent men in an indecent time' and vice-versa.
Nick Carroway's perspective carried little weight from the opening scene, being almost nothing more than an empty spectator/ a device of storytelling. And the distance between the characters and any real definition created a domino effect, making attempts at intimacy bizarre, and every 'old sport' pathetic. From the point of Tom Buchanan's house, things were clearly not going to change - making a large novelty-esque sketch of life in that period, rather than approaching the characters in a noire gritty style, with Gatsby's fascade as the relief.
The musical ideas brought some interest, but were ultimately poorly conceived, and simply added to the chaos. Luhrman's Moulin Rouge was evidently perfect for his style, but trying to apply the same 'lense' to a dramatic piece like this simply distorts what could have been a much better connection to the true themes of the original story. Reading the book will give you a much more refined sense of the personalities which were to a large degree lost and jaded in the film.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)
The best attempt to tie everything together, except for Eclipse
The film was great, had more varied characters, had more insight into the mythology, and showed more of a living reality of the series. It wasn't perfect, a few minor tweaks would have made the film a bit better - Nahuel's style choice etc. Lol. All in all this gave a stunning happy ever after to a series that rivalled the following of Harry Potter, but most importantly, showed that indie films that have small beginnings, can develop, and with enough care, can capture the attention of a generation.
A valid *attempt* to improve everything that the series had offered previously, and if you're willing to see it's value, you won't regret having been a fan of the series. The casting for me was one of the best aspects of the movie, really diversified the field, lowest point was that Mackenzie didn't have many lines, and that the cgi for Renesmee and a lot of the action was a bit lacking - like vampire speed etc.
PS I will even admit that I shed a tear at THAT omg moment :)
Go here for full criticism of details etc.
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt1673434/board/thread/207210078
Supernatural: The Mentalists (2011)
That's more like it!
This is the show back to it's best, gory and thus more engaging than a blood splatter cut, which is almost as effective as throwing paint at a wall whenever a guy is punched. Here though there are good effects, which used to be what the show thrived on - I remember watching the SFX reels on the dvds - like the ghost ship, and the relationship between the two is more realistic, and also manages to balance the humour very well.
With all the underwhelming Leviathan stuff, and the increasingly annoying touchy-feely stuff which defies character style - Bobby in particular, which I can't help feeling is the responsibility of a misunderstanding, and probably female writer who doesn't hold the atmosphere in as much of a high-regard as the more classic episodes.
They needed the Leviathans to be genuine monsters, with massive presence, instead they are the typical personality bad guys, which is really disappointing - even the Egyptian Osiris god, was like a soap show villain. Leviathans as a concept should have been walking hannibal lectors, and although the head morphing is good in theory, it's not very appealing to see 1 second of a weird head and typical blood splatter. Their shifted form should be more close to ouroboros tentacle stuff in resident evil, or the very ambitious mayor-snake from Buffy.
This is Supernatural, not frackin gossip girl.
Parents (2012)
Sally is a very welcome return to TV, but show could use some tweaking
The show has been good, seen 2 eps so far, and it shows hints of a promising future. If I was to give advice to the creators, I would say that the consistency of recognisable songs is maybe a little dense, it would be better to go instrumental and focus on the flow of the show more like inbetweeners for example. And the show could be great, it just generally needs to aim for more of a positive 'Friday night dinner' than a 'miranda' meets 'outnumbered'. Sally is definitely capable of more subtle genius, so the use of so much energy and corny atmos feels desperate, but the show is capable of such growth, and I'm happy to see new UK shows on the rise, like 'trollied' etc.