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Awix (3310 KP) rated Biggles (1986) in Movies
Mar 28, 2018 (Updated Mar 28, 2018)
Biggles Cocks It Up
Startlingly incompetent big-screen version of the classic boy's-adventure hero. New York yuppie discovers he is 'time twin' of First World War fighter ace, is plucked back through time to help him destroy a German secret weapon. Don't worry, it doesn't make any more sense in the actual movie.
Potentially charming adventure movie is utterly torpedoed by fatal uncertainty of tone; what started off as a 'straight' period movie is reduced to gibberish by the addition of witless time-travel plotline, which drags crass 80s 'comedy' bits in with it. The fact it largely seems to be the work of people who've never actually seen a film before, let alone worked on one, is the just the coup de grace. Even Peter Cushing's usual near-supernatural ability to lift a dubious script mostly fails him; no wonder this was his final (non-CGI) big-screen appearance. Soundtrack contains Queen bassist John Deacon's only recordings away from the band; this is almost certainly not a good enough reason to watch the damn thing.
Potentially charming adventure movie is utterly torpedoed by fatal uncertainty of tone; what started off as a 'straight' period movie is reduced to gibberish by the addition of witless time-travel plotline, which drags crass 80s 'comedy' bits in with it. The fact it largely seems to be the work of people who've never actually seen a film before, let alone worked on one, is the just the coup de grace. Even Peter Cushing's usual near-supernatural ability to lift a dubious script mostly fails him; no wonder this was his final (non-CGI) big-screen appearance. Soundtrack contains Queen bassist John Deacon's only recordings away from the band; this is almost certainly not a good enough reason to watch the damn thing.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Starship Troopers (1997) in Movies
Feb 22, 2018
Not so much an adaptation of Heinlein's novel as a parody of it, Verhoeven's SF spectacular works equally well as storming action movie and outrageous black satire. Johnny Rico (Van Dien) joins the army for the wrong reasons, finds himself rising through the ranks as Earth provokes a war with the invertebrate Arachnids and finds itself facing a much more dangerous opponent than expected.
Verhoeven displays his usual uncanny ability to turn a movie on a dime - one second this is a deliberately cheesy deadpan comedy about growing up in a fascist utopia, the next it's delivering a genuinely thrilling action sequence that pushes the boundaries of CGI. Much, much smarter than it initially appears - even the decision to cast good-looking but essentially wooden young people (e.g. Denise Richards) in the lead roles seems calculated to make a point. Michael Ironside is genuinely good as the grizzled old soldier; another belting score from Basil Poledouris. Also weirdly prescient of the way the US and its media reacted after 9/11. Thoroughly enjoyable on many levels.
Verhoeven displays his usual uncanny ability to turn a movie on a dime - one second this is a deliberately cheesy deadpan comedy about growing up in a fascist utopia, the next it's delivering a genuinely thrilling action sequence that pushes the boundaries of CGI. Much, much smarter than it initially appears - even the decision to cast good-looking but essentially wooden young people (e.g. Denise Richards) in the lead roles seems calculated to make a point. Michael Ironside is genuinely good as the grizzled old soldier; another belting score from Basil Poledouris. Also weirdly prescient of the way the US and its media reacted after 9/11. Thoroughly enjoyable on many levels.
Arlie (10 KP) rated RuPaul's Drag Race in TV
Jun 21, 2018
Yas Queen!
I've enjoyed watching RuPaul's Drag Race since the first episode. Each season of Drag Race has added new challenges and even more drama to the show. Personally I'm not that happy with drama on competition shows but it's difficult not to have it when it comes to any type of performer. (Speaking as an A.S. and B.A. degree holder for theatre and costume design, there's always drama in theatre. lol) The language is the only thing about the show that I really dislike, but it's not a game changer for me but it might be for others.
My favorite episode of every season is always The Snatch Game, watching the Queens pull out their celebrity impersonations, there are always a few that should have listened better to Mama Ru. Then again that's every episode when she goes around to talk to them about what they are doing for that maxi challenge.
I highly recommend this show to people who enjoy reality t.v., competition shows, and of course Drag Queens.
My favorite episode of every season is always The Snatch Game, watching the Queens pull out their celebrity impersonations, there are always a few that should have listened better to Mama Ru. Then again that's every episode when she goes around to talk to them about what they are doing for that maxi challenge.
I highly recommend this show to people who enjoy reality t.v., competition shows, and of course Drag Queens.
Lexi (8 KP) rated The Death of Downton Tabby in Books
Aug 15, 2018
Definitely unique (2 more)
Good murder mystery
So many puns
So this book aims to be a comedy take on a murder mystery. This is achieved by making all the characters names (including the famous author Downton Tabby) puns on real life characters. So many puns in fact it would give Dad's a run for their money.
I spent a good half of the book just trying to figure out the logistics in my mind of how cats could ride motorcycles or have a profession like a Baker. After getting through that, it was time for the murders to start.
I will say, for a slapstick take on a murder mystery it was a lot more gory than I had predicted. So if you don't like descriptions of gore then this is not the book for you.
Although I read it to the end, it was more because I had gotten this far rather than enjoying it. It was good. I really enjoyed the puns scattered through the book but I didn't really enjoy the plot. However, it is an entertaining summer read.
I spent a good half of the book just trying to figure out the logistics in my mind of how cats could ride motorcycles or have a profession like a Baker. After getting through that, it was time for the murders to start.
I will say, for a slapstick take on a murder mystery it was a lot more gory than I had predicted. So if you don't like descriptions of gore then this is not the book for you.
Although I read it to the end, it was more because I had gotten this far rather than enjoying it. It was good. I really enjoyed the puns scattered through the book but I didn't really enjoy the plot. However, it is an entertaining summer read.
Ross (3282 KP) rated The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018) in Movies
Sep 17, 2018
The trailer and title do the film no justice - better than expected
On the surface, the storyline to this film is nothing new - child loses parents, child moves in with creepy distant relative in creepier house, weird things happen (Miss Peregrine, Series of Unfortunate Events etc etc)
However, I think this variation on that story is carried out in a much scarier way - should the word "necromancy" ever really be used in a kids film?
The film is definitely a case of style over substance as the plot is quite thin, but the film is enjoyable. There are pretty much no laughs to be had.
I'm not actually sure who the target market for this film is - the film in general is too scary for under 7s, over 10s won't like it because the main character is too young/childish. Seems like a very narrow market being aimed at.
Overall, an enjoyable film but nothing stands out about it and Jack Black's comedy talents are wasted (he actually made it feel like a sequel to Goosebumps).
However, I think this variation on that story is carried out in a much scarier way - should the word "necromancy" ever really be used in a kids film?
The film is definitely a case of style over substance as the plot is quite thin, but the film is enjoyable. There are pretty much no laughs to be had.
I'm not actually sure who the target market for this film is - the film in general is too scary for under 7s, over 10s won't like it because the main character is too young/childish. Seems like a very narrow market being aimed at.
Overall, an enjoyable film but nothing stands out about it and Jack Black's comedy talents are wasted (he actually made it feel like a sequel to Goosebumps).
Micky Barnard (542 KP) rated Gentleman's Guide To Vice And Virtue in Books
Dec 6, 2018
Amusing historical romance
This was a fun read in lots of ways. I would say the book had a storyline of a ‘farce’ in the old meaning of the word. It very much reminded me of a black and white comedy without sound, some laurel and hardy-ness.
The characters in this historical are very much out of the box. Henry being the ultimate in immaturity but hey, he was only 18 years old. This man-boy-lad-about-town was his own worst enemy getting into constant scrapes that usually included inappropriateness and less clothes than one would expect. His forever friend Percy kind of stole the show for me, I adored him and his character, his difficulties made me feel all the feelings.
As said already, the story was farcical but in a way that didn’t irritate. I felt the need to suspend reality and that was fine by me. I enjoyed the writing, the wit and the dialogue. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book after so many friends have enjoyed it.
The characters in this historical are very much out of the box. Henry being the ultimate in immaturity but hey, he was only 18 years old. This man-boy-lad-about-town was his own worst enemy getting into constant scrapes that usually included inappropriateness and less clothes than one would expect. His forever friend Percy kind of stole the show for me, I adored him and his character, his difficulties made me feel all the feelings.
As said already, the story was farcical but in a way that didn’t irritate. I felt the need to suspend reality and that was fine by me. I enjoyed the writing, the wit and the dialogue. I’m glad I finally got around to reading this book after so many friends have enjoyed it.
David McK (3204 KP) rated The Book of Ultimate Truths in Books
Jan 30, 2019
When reading books, I go through phases of genres, where I might read 3 or 4 of one type before switching to another. Recently, I'd been reading a lot of historical fiction and felt it was time to switch it up, moving on to comedy instead, hoping this would prove to be a hit.
Unfortunately, it wasn't. :(
Perhaps I should have known: I had read some Robert Rankin before and had found him (generally) to be more miss than hit, with this novel only serving to reinforce that opinion. IMO, I found this rather surreal and just not that funny with it rarely raising a smile, never mind a laugh! Indeed, what humour there is I found to be rather childish, almost infantile. Doubt I'll be looking for any more in this series: the only reasons this doesn't get 1 star is because A) a book has to be really, REALLY bad for me to give it that and B) because it was free (but now I know why!) from Amazon.
Unfortunately, it wasn't. :(
Perhaps I should have known: I had read some Robert Rankin before and had found him (generally) to be more miss than hit, with this novel only serving to reinforce that opinion. IMO, I found this rather surreal and just not that funny with it rarely raising a smile, never mind a laugh! Indeed, what humour there is I found to be rather childish, almost infantile. Doubt I'll be looking for any more in this series: the only reasons this doesn't get 1 star is because A) a book has to be really, REALLY bad for me to give it that and B) because it was free (but now I know why!) from Amazon.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Cold Pursuit (2019) in Movies
Nov 8, 2019
Confused
Let's face it, any film released nowadays with Liam Neeson as the main character is likely to be very similar to everything else he's done recently and also pretty poor. And sadly Cold Pursuit is no different.
The plot isn't anything new. It's Liam Neeson getting revenge on people again. Admittedly the setting and scenery are beautiful, it's just a shame the rest of the film can't live up to it I found the entire film very confused and wasn't entirely sure if it was meant to be a thriller, an action or a black comedy - it had aspects of all three and sadly not all of them worked, especially the humour. It was all a bit weird. And I adore Tom Bateman but his American accent in this is far too odd and I cringed every time he was on screen. And then there's the wasted Laura Dern and the pointless cops.
This is vaguely entertaining, but it dips in the middle and sadly suffers from a few acting faults and confusion on what genre it seems to lie in.
The plot isn't anything new. It's Liam Neeson getting revenge on people again. Admittedly the setting and scenery are beautiful, it's just a shame the rest of the film can't live up to it I found the entire film very confused and wasn't entirely sure if it was meant to be a thriller, an action or a black comedy - it had aspects of all three and sadly not all of them worked, especially the humour. It was all a bit weird. And I adore Tom Bateman but his American accent in this is far too odd and I cringed every time he was on screen. And then there's the wasted Laura Dern and the pointless cops.
This is vaguely entertaining, but it dips in the middle and sadly suffers from a few acting faults and confusion on what genre it seems to lie in.
Otway93 (567 KP) rated What? (1972) in Movies
Nov 15, 2019
Well Improvised (1 more)
Humour
Story (1 more)
Acting
Rather pointless...
Contains spoilers, click to show
Despite the controversy surrounding Roman Polanski for the past few decades, he has made some astounding movies over the past 50-something years, Rosemary's Baby, The Fearless Vampire Killers, The Pianist, and many others.
Unfortunately, this 1972 x-rated comedy doesn't come up to their standards, it's rumoured that the whole point of the film was so he could see Sydne Rome naked, which would explain the lack of effort put into this film.
The film itself has very little story, a woman (Sydne Rome) escapes from 3 rapists and comes to a luxurious Italian house full of strange sexual deviants, all of whom fit perfectly in with 1970s sex-comedies, but couldn't really do serious acting. That's basically the film.
The script itself is for the most improvised, and the humour from this is probably the best thing about this film, and does cause some funny moments.
For the most part though, the film is only good for those with a particular sense of humour, not dry, but also not crude, somewhere inbetween.
Unfortunately, this 1972 x-rated comedy doesn't come up to their standards, it's rumoured that the whole point of the film was so he could see Sydne Rome naked, which would explain the lack of effort put into this film.
The film itself has very little story, a woman (Sydne Rome) escapes from 3 rapists and comes to a luxurious Italian house full of strange sexual deviants, all of whom fit perfectly in with 1970s sex-comedies, but couldn't really do serious acting. That's basically the film.
The script itself is for the most improvised, and the humour from this is probably the best thing about this film, and does cause some funny moments.
For the most part though, the film is only good for those with a particular sense of humour, not dry, but also not crude, somewhere inbetween.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Expendables 2 (2012) in Movies
Nov 22, 2019
Mumble Mumble Mumble Part 2
This one, this one to me is the best one out of all three of them. It has more action, more comedy, more one-liners and more mumbling is that a good thing probley not because you cant understand one who that their saying.
The Plot: Mercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the Expendables team reunite when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) hires them for a seemingly easy job. But things go terribly wrong, compelling the mercenaries to seek revenge for a comrade's murder. With the odds against them, Barney and his team are hell-bent on payback and cut a path of destruction through opposing forces, only to encounter an unexpected threat: six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium.
Is Bruce and Arnold in this one more yes their are and their say each other's one-liner's to each other. Its really funny.
So which 80's star is in this one? Liam Hemsworth, who? Oh the brother of Chris Hensworth.
Anways its a great time and fun to watch.
The Plot: Mercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the Expendables team reunite when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) hires them for a seemingly easy job. But things go terribly wrong, compelling the mercenaries to seek revenge for a comrade's murder. With the odds against them, Barney and his team are hell-bent on payback and cut a path of destruction through opposing forces, only to encounter an unexpected threat: six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium.
Is Bruce and Arnold in this one more yes their are and their say each other's one-liner's to each other. Its really funny.
So which 80's star is in this one? Liam Hemsworth, who? Oh the brother of Chris Hensworth.
Anways its a great time and fun to watch.