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rowenroberts1960
Reviews
Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire (2023)
All the hype but yet so disappointing on so many levels
I was so looking forward to this first instalment, but having watched it I'm left feeling so disappointed, on so many levels.
It is a mish mash of ideas, of themes, drawn from far superior sci fi epics, such as Star Wars, WH40K et al. It ultimately is a pale shadow of what it could and should have been.
Try as I did, I could not invest in the story line, the characters, I had no buy in, I just couldn't get behind the "good guys" because they were so one dimensional and so predictable.
The acting is average and the visuals? Please don't get me started and what's with the constant slow motion action "scenes"? It's just so overdone.
A very poor effort.
The Great Escaper (2023)
A lasting tribute to Glenda Jackson
A touching and lasting tribute to Glenda Jackson, who puts in scene stealing performances even though this film is predominantly about the exploits of her husband, played by Michael Caine.
It is a heartwarming story that really comes to life in the second half of the film as Caine arrives in France and is befriended by an ex RAF pilot, played by John Standing. The relationship between the two is a touching one and both have their own personal demons to exorcise. It is this part of the film that I personally found the most poignant and I just wish it had been explored more, especially during and immediately after the visit to the cemetery. I was still left wandering if both of them had found peace afterwards, especially in the case of the RAF officer.
Dad's Army: The Deadly Attachment (1973)
RIP Ian Lavender
RIP Ian Lavender, who enjoyed one of his best ever appearances in this classic episode of Dad's Army.
This is TV comedy at its very best and it is so pleasing that 50 years on (gosh is it that long ago?) that we continue to enjoy repeats of this comedy classic; I really do hope that it continues, to be aired for years to come.
I would go so far as to say that this is one of the best, if not the best episode of the whole series, it is 30 minutes of sheer joy and contains comedy acting at its finest. Special mention to Philip Madoc who plays the U boat Captain with an air of arrogance despite being captured.
Predator (1987)
RIP Carl Weathers
Far and away the best in what was to follow in the franchise and it's a film that stands the test of time, nearly 37 years on from its release.
A classic of the 80s that is still often repeated on TV.
It is, in my opinion a Sci-fi classic with a simple but more than effective story that builds in suspense until it becomes a fight to the death.
Arnie is the main man but you also end up rooting for all the other members of his platoon as well, even though it doesn't end well for them, bar one.
It's poignant as I write this as the much loved Carl Weathers has passed away and will be much missed.
One Life (2023)
A masterclass from Sir Anthony Hopkins
A truly inspirational story that has finally been brought to life to the big screen. I felt very humble watching this story unfold, it certainly packs an emotional punch.
One notes that the Director is very conservative in the way that he allows the story to unfold but I still feel it plays well with a fairly seamless transition between the two timelines.
The casting is superb, led by another masterclass acting performance by Sir Anthony Hopkins, who is so convincing in playing the role of the great man himself, Sir Nicholas Winton.
Fine support too from Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Flynn,
Lena Olin, and Jonathan Pryce.
Rogue One (2016)
Disappointing entry into the Star Wars saga
I've just attempted to watch Rogue One on Sky cinema. My goodness, what an effort it was to see it through to the end. It was painful.
What has happened to the enthralling story telling that we loved so much from the original trilogy? This film lacked any sort of credibility. Weak plot lines, poor if any character development, poor CGI, rushed ending.
Sharpe: Sharpe's Peril (2008)
time to call it a day
My wife and me are big fans of the series so tuned in this latest 2 parter with anticipation. Unfortunately as the story began to unfold we we felt that that we had been here before. By the end we felt disappointed with the outcome.
Although the scenery was magnificent, the story itself just dragged and it was just too clichéd. You just knew what was going to come next...sorry but it's time to draw a close on the TV adventures of Richard Sharpe.
I just wish Captain Fredrickson and the chosen men could have magically appeared to give us a break from the Sharpe and Harper show!