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John Garrett (27 KP) rated La La Land (2016) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Cinematography (1 more)
The leads
The ending (1 more)
Pacing
A musical love letter for hollywood
this charming movie is an unashamedly nostalgic love letter to years of cinema gone. The musical numbers to the impromptu dance routines make this a throughly enjoyable film for lovers of film old and new.
the 2 leads in this film Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are superb. They both manage beautiful nuanced performances. They have fantastic chemistry as shown in previous films (crazy stupid love & gangster squad) but it really comes alive in this film.
the direction and cinematography of this movie is sometimes visually breathtaking. Damen Chiselle has proven what a versatile director he is with this movie and is willing to take a real risk.
where this movie does fall flat unfortunately is the pacing. At times the movie feels like it drags and could do with slimming out. At just over 2 hours this film is fairly long for a musical of modern standards. Also I felt the ending to be rather disjointed and jarring.
That being said I still found this movie to be absolutely charming and has a brilliant musical score you will be humming and whistling for days to come.
the 2 leads in this film Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are superb. They both manage beautiful nuanced performances. They have fantastic chemistry as shown in previous films (crazy stupid love & gangster squad) but it really comes alive in this film.
the direction and cinematography of this movie is sometimes visually breathtaking. Damen Chiselle has proven what a versatile director he is with this movie and is willing to take a real risk.
where this movie does fall flat unfortunately is the pacing. At times the movie feels like it drags and could do with slimming out. At just over 2 hours this film is fairly long for a musical of modern standards. Also I felt the ending to be rather disjointed and jarring.
That being said I still found this movie to be absolutely charming and has a brilliant musical score you will be humming and whistling for days to come.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Hurricane Heist (2018) in Movies
Apr 9, 2018
Well at least it lived up expectations
You know it's not a good sign when a film is released on Sky Cinema the same day it apparently comes out in actual cinemas (despite the fact it isn't showing anywhere local to me).
Yes this film is bad, but it just about verges on so bad it's vaguely entertaining for an hour or so. It reminds me a little of Sharknado (although Hurricane Heist is nowhere near as ridiculous), with the pretty poor CGI, terrible script and bad acting. Some of the Southern accents are hilarious, even you Toby Kebbell, and Maggie Grace is really not a good actress. And casting Ralph Ineson? He's a good actor but he's got bad guy stamped all over him which makes the first part of this story a tad predictable. I'd have been more surprised if he'd have turned out to be a good guy. The plot is silly although doesn't come across quite as farfetched as the trailer made out.
But despite all of this, it is partly entertaining brainless fodder, just don't go expecting too much.
Yes this film is bad, but it just about verges on so bad it's vaguely entertaining for an hour or so. It reminds me a little of Sharknado (although Hurricane Heist is nowhere near as ridiculous), with the pretty poor CGI, terrible script and bad acting. Some of the Southern accents are hilarious, even you Toby Kebbell, and Maggie Grace is really not a good actress. And casting Ralph Ineson? He's a good actor but he's got bad guy stamped all over him which makes the first part of this story a tad predictable. I'd have been more surprised if he'd have turned out to be a good guy. The plot is silly although doesn't come across quite as farfetched as the trailer made out.
But despite all of this, it is partly entertaining brainless fodder, just don't go expecting too much.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Hereditary (2018) in Movies
Feb 16, 2019
Terribly dull
After having finally seen this, I really cannot believe the hype surrounding this film. I don't know what film some people had been watching, but for me I didn't see anything particularly shocking or scary.
For the first 90 minutes, with the exception of one scene (anyone who's seen this will surely know which scene I'm talking about), nothing particularly interesting happened and it was all very dull and boring. A lot of talking and a lot of silliness and over the top music.
Sadly this film does pick up a little in the last half an hour, and there is a hint of the creepy sharpness that I was expecting. However this is just so crazy and bonkers that it doesn't make up for the previous 90 minutes of dreary monotony. I just found it laughably bad, which is a shame because if dealt with in a different manner, the plot itself could have had some potential.
No 2 hour film should take 3/4 of its run time to get interesting. I'm just very glad I didn't bother seeing this at the cinema as I actually don't think I could have sat through this.
For the first 90 minutes, with the exception of one scene (anyone who's seen this will surely know which scene I'm talking about), nothing particularly interesting happened and it was all very dull and boring. A lot of talking and a lot of silliness and over the top music.
Sadly this film does pick up a little in the last half an hour, and there is a hint of the creepy sharpness that I was expecting. However this is just so crazy and bonkers that it doesn't make up for the previous 90 minutes of dreary monotony. I just found it laughably bad, which is a shame because if dealt with in a different manner, the plot itself could have had some potential.
No 2 hour film should take 3/4 of its run time to get interesting. I'm just very glad I didn't bother seeing this at the cinema as I actually don't think I could have sat through this.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Anon (2018) in Movies
Jul 18, 2018
Plot doesn't live up to the technology
I don't want to be judgemental, but when a film gets released on Sky Movies the same day it apparently comes out at the cinema, it isn't a good sign. Whilst Anon isn't terrible, it isn't particularly good or memorable either.
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Hot Fuzz (2007) in Movies
Aug 24, 2018
Hilarious
I've re-watched this again recently and it's just as funny now as it was when I first saw it in the cinema.
It's hilarious, full of wit and British humour. Not only is it a brilliant comedy, it's a great action and mystery flick too. The pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost works as well here as it did in Shaun of the Dead, and there's a great supporting cast in Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine and the rest, including those blink and you'll miss it cameos.
Whilst I work for a large urban police force, there are a lot of areas of policing I recognise in this film, which for me makes it even funnier watching it back. From having to bring cake (bribes) in for colleagues, to the old school Vauxhall cars, office banter and the more onerous side of policing, they really have done their research. Although I can safely say I've never met an officer quite as dedicated as Angel! But I do reckon a lot of our new recruits have the same view of policing as Danny does...
Such an entertaining film that doesn't get old.
It's hilarious, full of wit and British humour. Not only is it a brilliant comedy, it's a great action and mystery flick too. The pairing of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost works as well here as it did in Shaun of the Dead, and there's a great supporting cast in Jim Broadbent, Paddy Considine and the rest, including those blink and you'll miss it cameos.
Whilst I work for a large urban police force, there are a lot of areas of policing I recognise in this film, which for me makes it even funnier watching it back. From having to bring cake (bribes) in for colleagues, to the old school Vauxhall cars, office banter and the more onerous side of policing, they really have done their research. Although I can safely say I've never met an officer quite as dedicated as Angel! But I do reckon a lot of our new recruits have the same view of policing as Danny does...
Such an entertaining film that doesn't get old.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Sucker Punch (2011) in Movies
Sep 20, 2018
All style, no substance
Apologies in advance to all of the male Smashbombers, but this film basically feels like a teenage boy’s fantasy. I saw it when it first came out at the cinema and wasn’t impressed in the slightest, but I thought I’d give it another go in case I was wrong. Unfortunately I wasn’t.
Girls wearing barely anything, mental asylums, brothels, monsters, war zones, robots, dragons, zombies.... did nobody stop to think that this was maybe a bit too much? Zack Snyder has compared this to Alice in Wonderland, but it is far from it. The plot could’ve worked better if it had just stuck to a girl resorting to a inner fantasy world to escape reality in a mental asylum, but instead it just gets far too ridiculous and silly. Visually it looks very good, although I don’t think the CGI looks quite as good on the small screen as you’d hope, and the soundtrack is great, it’s just a shame the rest of the film is so dull and laughably bad. You’ve got some great actors in here (even a brief cameo from Jon Hamm) but they really are wasted in this.
Girls wearing barely anything, mental asylums, brothels, monsters, war zones, robots, dragons, zombies.... did nobody stop to think that this was maybe a bit too much? Zack Snyder has compared this to Alice in Wonderland, but it is far from it. The plot could’ve worked better if it had just stuck to a girl resorting to a inner fantasy world to escape reality in a mental asylum, but instead it just gets far too ridiculous and silly. Visually it looks very good, although I don’t think the CGI looks quite as good on the small screen as you’d hope, and the soundtrack is great, it’s just a shame the rest of the film is so dull and laughably bad. You’ve got some great actors in here (even a brief cameo from Jon Hamm) but they really are wasted in this.
Lee (2222 KP) rated A Star Is Born (2018) in Movies
Oct 6, 2018 (Updated Oct 6, 2018)
Bradley Cooper (1 more)
Lady Gaga
Disappointing
Last night I took Mrs B along to see this, much anticipated, much hyped movie. And to say we came away disappointed is an understatement.
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are both amazing in this, particularly in the early parts of the movie as we're introduced to both characters - music legend Jackson Maine and aspiring singer/songwriter Ally. The songs they sing, the story of them meeting up, falling in love and touring together, it's all good. But then things begin to go downhill for Jackson, while Ally gradually becomes more and more like Lady Gaga. There are some great moments in the latter half of the movie, but it's mostly Jackson slurring his words while you try and work out what he's saying and Ally doing choreography with her dancers and playing big gigs. And it drags, it really drags.
I actually heard some people behind me in the cinema complaining how boring it was. That's a little unfair, but there are certainly a lot of boring moments and I didn't feel it was worthy of all the hype.
Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga are both amazing in this, particularly in the early parts of the movie as we're introduced to both characters - music legend Jackson Maine and aspiring singer/songwriter Ally. The songs they sing, the story of them meeting up, falling in love and touring together, it's all good. But then things begin to go downhill for Jackson, while Ally gradually becomes more and more like Lady Gaga. There are some great moments in the latter half of the movie, but it's mostly Jackson slurring his words while you try and work out what he's saying and Ally doing choreography with her dancers and playing big gigs. And it drags, it really drags.
I actually heard some people behind me in the cinema complaining how boring it was. That's a little unfair, but there are certainly a lot of boring moments and I didn't feel it was worthy of all the hype.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Small Soldiers (1998) in Movies
Dec 24, 2019
Lots of fun
I remember watching this as a child at the cinema when it was first released (I was 11), and absolutely loved it. And to be honest watching it again now, i still think it's a huge amount of fun.
This is like the antidote to Toy Story. Yes there are good toys in this, but the stars of this film are the rather nasty Commando Elite led by Chip Hazard, voiced perfectly by the wonderful Tommy Lee Jones. The idea of toys playing out real life war games against other toys (and humans) makes for such a fun and entertaining film. It's not scary but not entirely child friendly either, and is really quite funny at times. And unusually for a kids film made in the 90s, the script isn't completely terrible or cheesy. The special effects are for the most part fairly decent and the cast too (both voice and real life) are all very good. Considering this is made by Joe Dante who brought us both Gremlins films, it's no surprise really it's such a fun film and yet strangely underrated.
This is like the antidote to Toy Story. Yes there are good toys in this, but the stars of this film are the rather nasty Commando Elite led by Chip Hazard, voiced perfectly by the wonderful Tommy Lee Jones. The idea of toys playing out real life war games against other toys (and humans) makes for such a fun and entertaining film. It's not scary but not entirely child friendly either, and is really quite funny at times. And unusually for a kids film made in the 90s, the script isn't completely terrible or cheesy. The special effects are for the most part fairly decent and the cast too (both voice and real life) are all very good. Considering this is made by Joe Dante who brought us both Gremlins films, it's no surprise really it's such a fun film and yet strangely underrated.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Terminal (2018) in Movies
Jan 13, 2019
Such a bore
I’d never really heard of this film until I saw it on Prime, I’m not even sure it’s been out at the cinema over here but I figured it couldn’t be that bad.... I was wrong.
This film is trying to be a sort of neon version of Sin City, but sadly it fails in every aspect that film succeeded. The plot is just dull and boring, with every predictable plot twist that you could think of thrown into a short 90 minute run time. The script is terrible, and I’m not sure some of the acting is any better. The usually fantastic Margot Robbie is bad in this, and her accent is downright terrible. It’s always pleasant to see Simon Pegg and it was nice to see Mike Myers back, but both were let down by the rest of this very poor film. For a film with such a short run time too, it didn’t half drag on and seems to have taken most of its plot points from other more well known (and much better) films. Now I know why this didn’t get shown in cinemas.
This film is trying to be a sort of neon version of Sin City, but sadly it fails in every aspect that film succeeded. The plot is just dull and boring, with every predictable plot twist that you could think of thrown into a short 90 minute run time. The script is terrible, and I’m not sure some of the acting is any better. The usually fantastic Margot Robbie is bad in this, and her accent is downright terrible. It’s always pleasant to see Simon Pegg and it was nice to see Mike Myers back, but both were let down by the rest of this very poor film. For a film with such a short run time too, it didn’t half drag on and seems to have taken most of its plot points from other more well known (and much better) films. Now I know why this didn’t get shown in cinemas.
David McK (3425 KP) rated The Dark Tower (2017) in Movies
Jul 7, 2019
Well, that was nothing at all like I expected.
I've read the first book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and (honestly) hadn't really thought it was all that great or understood what all the fuss was about - for my money, David Gemmell did a far better job in his Jon Shannow trilogy of novels.
Having said that, I recognise that Gemmell's name may not have quite the same resonance, the same 'pull' as Stephen King.
I wanted to see this when it came in the cinema, and now haven't watched it on Netflix, honestly? I'm glad I didn't waste my money.
Having only read the first book in Stephen King's series, I can't say how true (or otherwese) this is to the novel(s), but I've always thought the best book and movie adaptations compliment each other: watching (or reading) one, say, would make you want to hunt out the other. This was far from the ideal: only an hour and a half long, but felling MUCH longer, I found this to be slow, plodding, and lacking any real originality or flair or excitement.
One to avoid!
I've read the first book in Stephen King's Dark Tower series, and (honestly) hadn't really thought it was all that great or understood what all the fuss was about - for my money, David Gemmell did a far better job in his Jon Shannow trilogy of novels.
Having said that, I recognise that Gemmell's name may not have quite the same resonance, the same 'pull' as Stephen King.
I wanted to see this when it came in the cinema, and now haven't watched it on Netflix, honestly? I'm glad I didn't waste my money.
Having only read the first book in Stephen King's series, I can't say how true (or otherwese) this is to the novel(s), but I've always thought the best book and movie adaptations compliment each other: watching (or reading) one, say, would make you want to hunt out the other. This was far from the ideal: only an hour and a half long, but felling MUCH longer, I found this to be slow, plodding, and lacking any real originality or flair or excitement.
One to avoid!
