Change Your Image
chris-b-welch
Reviews
Bird Box: Barcelona (2023)
A very underrated misunderstood movie
I guess some people are upset about the exploration of the clear connection between mental illness and religion. Some see angels some see demons both are delusional.
Anyway, it was quite refreshing that the film was set in Barcelona, finally a film outside the American bubble! Especially considering the subject matter when set in such a strongly religious country. The film is also much darker than the first film, and that is not a bad thing. The bird box universe is intriguing and needs more exploration. I don't understand why the dogs were affected though by the entities. I know they're man's best friend and all but that just opens more questions left unanswered; an unecessary addition I think and not well thought through or executed.
The main character and his battles with his delusion, and the psychiatrist providing logic that opens holes in his thinking is recognisable also in those who "lose their faith" something I have seen first hand.
The story could indeed have been put together or perhaps presented on screen more cleverly, but it is not a bad film at all, and is a worthy contribution to the bird box universe.
Even if the final 20 minutes were a little ridiculous.
93 Days (2016)
Very slow paced
I feel that there's probably 30 minutes of extra footage that could be cut from this to help it flow better. Also Danny Glover's accent is appalling! That said this is a tribute to the medical teams who were on the frontline when this happened, which kept me engaged somewhat. The film just felt like it was moving too slowly and lacked something. It wasn't terrible but it wasn't great. I wouldn't recommend it unless someone was really interested in the subject matter. It was a movie that covered an important event in recent world history that sadly fell way short. The writing was just flat and factual.
The Kitchen (2023)
A vision of future Tory Britain.
No idea why so much hate is being spewed on this. It's excellent from start to finish, it depicts the state of modern Britain - the gentrification of cities in the UK, the poor getting shat on by those with money, the oppression of a minority, a future that is actually very real for many right now. Perhaps those who've down rated this vote Tory? Anyway, the film is well made, great cast, it's set on the future but the technology is relatable and realistic. The struggles the two main characters have are real and also relatable. The whole vibe is believable and familiar. So accurate I think it's touched a few raw nerves tbh. Watch it and judge for yourself, 10/10. And it's got Ian Wright in it too!
The Day of the Triffids (2009)
Great cast let down by crap script
There's just no flow to this production. It has the scent of a student submission for a university project. With the assembled cast this should have been brilliant and they keep it afloat. It also seems incredibly over edited to within an inch of its life. I REALLY wanted it to be great, but it's just not. It's a great story that could work as an excellent film IF the right person was behind it. Think how good LOTR is because a fan was as the director and cared passionately about his work. I have no idea what this director was motivated by. It wasn't a lovely for the writing or the story that's for sure. I'm so disappointed.
The Lazarus Project (2022)
Simply brilliant
This is a 10 out of 10 series that everyone who loves science fiction and time travel stories should watch. Brilliantly written, brilliantly shot, brilliantly acted. It has everything that is needed to keep the viewer guessing and to keep the viewer engaged and enthralled. I highly recommend you watch this series. It's British storytelling at its best. Each character has their story cleverly rounded out as the main story unfolds. The viewer is left guessing what's happening from outset and as the story unravels the confusion and realisation, alongside the admiration for each character makes it quite the journey! Watch it ,watch it, watch it!
Lo imposible (2012)
A true story of tradegy that rocked our world
When this terrible event happened in 2004 I had only become a step dad a few years prior. The thought of the parents who watched this unfold helpless to save their families was my worst nightmare. It's now 2023 and I am watching this for the first time. The subject matter is difficult but it has been handled respectfully and honestly. It shows just what it means to be human and should be compulsory viewing for all. It is a reminder than no matter who we are we all need each other and have a responsibility toward our species, our planet and those who cannot look after themselves, to give our best and to let love win over hate. It's the only way we're going to survive.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)
Why so much hate?
I don't understand why there's so much hate for this? It's tongue in cheek laugh out loud TV. It's part of Marvel history modernised for today. I honestly enjoyed watching it! I particularly liked all the cameo's and barmy adventures that ensued. I also think that the way the character has to deal with attempting to balance everyday life and her newly acquired super powers with varying degrees of success. It's good too that she's not just attractive, she's really smart. This doesn't take itself too seriously, it's deliberately silly and it works. I'd love more seasons, but I read it has been cancelled which is a real shame. We need more.kick ass girls on screen not less!
From (2022)
Fantastic, clever, stylish, brilliant!
This is one of the best horror TV series I have seen in a very long time. It is dark and moody, keeps you guessing, is so very clever and imaginative, and it pulls you in from the get go. The monsters are excellent too, realistic enough without being over the top. The viewer simply does not know what is going on as the story unfolds and there simply must be more seasons made! Each character fits the puzzle perfectly, and we're taken on their journey with them effortlessly becoming emotionally attached in a way we perhaps could not expect at the outset. The story, the idea of the who show is unfathomable, yet the viewer is drawn in and trapped by the superb writing. Everything is so familiar, so real, and yet so incredibly strange and eerie. Small town America hasn't looked so good since the early days of the X-Files, yet this is so much more! The depth of mystery seems to have no limit, what is behind all this? How did they get there? Why is it happening? Were they chosen? What IS going on!!?
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
Truly disappointing
I love MARVEL, and the initial Black Panther movie was fantastic! Whilst the visuals and actors make this film a 6/10, the storyline just fell short, by a country mile. It doesn't seem to flow, seemed rushed and the ending was just a bit rubbish. I'm gutted. It feels as though there were 2 movies here that have been blended to make a single movie. It's a darned shame really. The Wakandan addition to the MARVEL screen universe opens up so many opportunities for incredible stories and this one, so soon after Chadwick Boseman's passing just lacks 'direction' it feels like it was rushed out rather than put together in good time.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
A very fun yarn in the spirit of Marvel comics
I knew nothing about the storyline or this film, but I thought it was brilliant tbh. Natalie Portman and Chris Hemsworth reprise their on screen relationship superbly, and Taika Waititi did Marvel proud. Not to mention that soundtrack! I kept waiting for Jack Black to appear tbh. Hilarious cameo's and lots of fun make the film great for parents and kids to enjoy side by side, although Russell Crowe was awful and seems like a shoe in because of his name, so many better choices for Zeus out there, what were they thinking!? Overall it is a great addition to the Marvel universe, and the door is of course left open to continue adding to it. Let's just forget about Russell Crowe please. Think Green Lantern vibes Marvel.
Resident Evil (2022)
Don't believe the trolls
If you are a fan you'll enjoy this. It's a different spin on the lives of new characters that aren't predominantly American! And there's giant bugs. It's different certainly but the Umbrella universe is a funky place to live! So my advice is to ignore the trolls on here and give it a look. I'm certainly excited to see more.
Death on the Nile (2022)
Brilliant, clever, artistic
Another knock out performance as Poirot by KB and another beautifully shot film under his guidance. This is another wonderful chapter in the big screen version of the adventures of Hercule Poirot. Loved every minute of it especially seeing French and Saunders along with Russel Brand, just brilliant. I highly recommend this movie!
Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
Fantastic update on w classic
Kenneth Brannagh's vision is expertly crafted and deserves recognition as such. It does not disappoint from start to finish and I highly recommend it.
Eternals (2021)
Such a shame, missed the target.
I feel like this was 3 movies whittled down to the 1. There's so much going on but the story doesn't gel. The characters are not established so the audience doesn't connect or feel involved enough to do so. It's like Marvel were trying too hard to make the film work and tragically failed. This could and probably should have been split in to a few movies in order to flesh the story out. It feels as though the writers weren't allowed enough time to develop the characters, or the it back story and this is proven at the very end of the film's credits when 2 more are thrown in just because. I knew nothing about the Eternal's and I feel let down by whoever commissioned this.
It was so great to see a deaf superhero, a gay black superhero, and an Indian superhero and the wonderful cultural heritage of the Indian people, albeit briefly. But it's more of a shell of a movie than anything of substance.
I'm left simply disappointed.
Monster Hunter (2020)
Laugh out loud dire cinema
What was probably a good idea at the student bar should never have been born. A mash of ideas from the various universes of Pitch Black, Dune, Alien and Gladiator have been squeezed into a sand filled world of plot holes and nonsense. The best part of this film was the trailer. Avoid.
An American Pickle (2020)
Genuinely enjoyable movie
I don't understand why people have been so harsh with the movie, it's story, main characters, and photography are all excellent. Seth Rogan shows a very clever side to his acting abilities and is thoroughly believable in his portrayal. I stumbled across this film and loved it from start to finish. A witty and honest portrayal of recent history with poignant reminders that not much has really changed in 100 years for many groups of people in what we like to refer to as modern society. I think those who scored the film low didn't get it.
Goblin Works Mod Shop (2021)
Fun, different and a good idea.
Whilst I've enjoyed this I do think it's too "American" and wooden. Needs a rethink with regards to the directing. That said it's a great idea, especially when rewarding NHS workers. Please don't wrap anymore cars though guys 😉. It's not Top Gear, it's not 5th Gear. It's more... Pimp my ride, with less cheese.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Utterly brilliant
Beautifully shot, gorgeous sets, and a fantastic story, everything Marvel is known for. I thought that the cast were excellent too, a well deserved 10/10.
The Princess Bride (1987)
A delight for all ages
I saw this when I was a kid and today I watched it again for the first time since 1987. It was just as good as I remembered. Utterly brilliant stuff, a proper old fashioned story with laughs and genius writing. Missing this is simply INCONCEIVABLE!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (2014)
A proper feel good family film
This is a nice film to watch with the family. Funny moments follow one after the other, and the message is simple - we all have sh** to deal with but family is the most important component in our lives. Recommended viewing.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013)
Absolutely brilliant stuff!
This stands side by side with the cinematic film work of the Marvel Universe. A proper superhero series with some excellent cameo's and supporting stars to the main team. Really recommend this to all Marvel fans and those who simply enjoy a good yarn.
Bill Nye Saves the World (2017)
Excellent educational viewing
Highly recommended viewing for those who like to use their critical thinking skills and learn. This will answer questions about life the universe and everything! Excellent educational viewing and probably essential for young minds, he's the science teacher we all should have had. Well done Netflix for funding this.
Redcon-1 (2018)
Worse than rubbish. Avoid.
What a load of crap. When you look at Netflix series like Black Summer and then see this, you realise that not everything Netflix money sticks to is worth watching. This was probably a good idea at the time, but the execution is diabolical. This is offensive to the genre basically, it really is that bad. There's no attention to detail, the storyline appears to be a cobbled together bunch of short stories sellotaped together without any semblance of identity. As for the acting, there's better to be seen on YouTube. Avoid this.
Bosch (2014)
By far the best detective series for a long time
All characters have depth and are well developed, believable stories make for entertaining and engaging viewing. More please!
Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (2016)
Utterly brilliant!
The negative reviewers clearly didn't get it. Douglas would've absolutely loved this and there totally needs to be more season's forthwith! Witty, cleverly written and imaginative, everything you get from reading the books. Highly recommended viewing.