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Fran Donohoe (856 KP) rated Squid Game in TV

Oct 24, 2021  
Squid Game
Squid Game
2021 |
7
7.6 (7 Ratings)
TV Show Rating
good premise and acting (0 more)
it was a little predictable (0 more)
squid game has many legs to it inthat it could have gone in any direction
personally i didnt see what all the hype was all about , having said that it was an addictive show just to see what happens next ,the acting was good (we watched in dubbed english but the original korean apparently is better with englisg subtitles) it was a little violent for younger viewers but other than that it was a good couple of hrs viewing on a cold autumn night
  
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David McK (3547 KP) rated Sharpe's Waterloo (1997) in Movies

Jan 8, 2023 (Updated Jan 8, 2023)  
Sharpe's Waterloo (1997)
Sharpe's Waterloo (1997)
1997 |
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
The final part in the original run of TV movies based on the Bernard Cornwell books of the same name (although there was another such book to go at the time - 'Sharpe's Devil'), in which the now-retired Sharpe - alongside Harper, Hagman and Harris - find themselves partaking in the final decisive battle of the Napoleonic Wars: that of Waterloo.

As befits such an epic battle, this is an epic retelling of the events of the same (although, as always, liberties are taken and the lack of budget sometimes shows!)
  
Boss Level (2020)
Boss Level (2020)
2020 | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
7
7.4 (9 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Great Action scenes (1 more)
Funny
Level up
This Amazon Original does feel like a big budget cinema Film. It has a good cast, big budget effects and some great action scenes.
A mix of @Happy Death Day (2017) meets @Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow (2014) as an ex special forces guy lives and dies the same day over and over. Can he survive long enough to find out how to break the cycle. If you like the films mentioned along with some good humour and plenty of action, then load this up.
  
Anthropoid (2016)
Anthropoid (2016)
2016 | Drama, Mystery
10
7.8 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Performances (2 more)
Direction
Script
That its true (0 more)
Must see
Contains spoilers, click to show
For people who know little about operation Anthropoid this movie should be amazing. But people who knew about this bit of history prior to viewing, the final product is ridiculously accurate. The scenes in this film felt so original, you felt like you were a part of it, almost living it. The performances were great. There were high stakes and unbearable inhumanity in this story and these people suffered terribly. It was a piece of history that needs to remain very much on the front page.
  
The boogeyman (2023)
The boogeyman (2023)
2023 | Horror
9
7.0 (3 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Watched today don't watch that many movies at the cinema based on a Stephen King story think the last one was the second part of it as I read the original short story the movie is based on so I knew what the movie was about anyway the movie I liked it even for a movie that realies on jump scares not on gore which I liked by keeping the creature mostly in the dark helpled alot ramped up the fear factor overall good film hope there's a sequel
  
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ClareR (5854 KP) rated The Hike in Books

Jan 23, 2024  
The Hike
The Hike
Lucy Clarke | 2023 | Contemporary, Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This was a frustrating, yet very enjoyable read. I kept asking myself why on Earth these women were going on such a technical walk on their own. But let’s face it - this was all a huge part of the tension. Would they survive? I mean, everything is against them: from their lack of experience, to the weather.

I really think they should have stuck to their original plan of a beach holiday.

But boy did I enjoy this! The twists and turns made for an addictive, unputdownable read!
  
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009)
2009 | Adventure, Comedy, Family
Second film in the 'Night at the Museum' franchise, with this one moving the setting to - guess where? - the Smithsonian, and following on the same themes as in the original movie.

This is the one with the Oscar the Grouch and Darth Vader cameo, and that also stars Amy Addams as Amelia Earhart, receiving top billing alongside Ben Stiller.

Personally, I didn't find this as enjoyable as the first - perhaps a case of familiarity breeding (not quite) contempt? - but did none-the less find it amusing enough
  
The Wolfman (2010)
The Wolfman (2010)
2010 | Horror, Mystery
During the golden age of cinematic horror, Lon Chaney terrified audiences with his portrayal of the Wolfman which launched the character as a cultural mainstay.

Over the years there have been countless updates to the tale which ranged from Michael Landon in “I Was a Teenage Werewolf, to the more contemporary “An American Werewolf in London” and “Dog Soldiers”.
With remakes being all the rage in Hollywood, Universal has returned to the original source material to offer an updated version of the original classic.

Set in England near the start of the twentieth century, the film stars Benicio Del Toro as an actor named Lawrence who is summoned home when his brother goes missing. Upon returning to the lavish familial estate, he is greeted by his estranged father, (Sir Anthony Hopkins), who informs him that his brother mutilated body was discovered earlier.
Dismayed by the condition of his brother’s remains, Lawrence decides to stay and get to the bottom of the mystery. When a clue provided by his brother’s fiancé leads him to a Gypsy encampment, Lawrence learns of a curse, but before he can obtain the information he desires, the camp is attacked by a mysterious creature that leaves a horrific path of carnage in its wake and leaves Lawrence badly wounded from a bite.

Lawrence makes an amazing recovery from his wounds and in doing so raises the suspicions of the locals who now see Lawrence as cursed and a threat to their society.

Lawrence has also raised the suspicions of Scotland Yard Inspector, (Hugo Weaving) who is convinced that Lawrence may be a key player in the local horror, as he was confined to an asylum in his childhood following the death of his mother.

At first Lawrence is outraged at the accusations, but when he transforms into a deadly creature and embarks on a deadly killing spree during a full moon, he soon learns a dangerous secret that places not only his life in danger, but endangers all those around him.

In a desperate race against time, Lawrence attempts to get to the root of his troubles and set things right before the next full moon, when his animal side will take over once again.

The film is a stylish update of the original and the cast is strong. Sadly they are given little to do with the by the numbers plot, and spend much of the time looking like they are simply going through the motions which makes it difficult for the audience to develop a deep sympathy or attachment to the characters.

Oscar winner Rick Baker has done some amazing makeup work and the effects of the film are solid. It was reported that the film was delayed so Universal could punch the film up by adding some new fx and sequences.

The final result is a mixed bag as while the film is a nice update on the original, audiences have seen more so many variations of the story over the years it is hard to be surprised by anything in the picture. Despite the best efforts of the creative talent, there is little tension or drama in the film and by the time the finale plays out, many may think they have seen it all before.

Universal has released the 1941 original Lon Cheney version of the film on DVD and for those who like film history; they may gain a new insight into the film by watching the original version prior.

In the end, “The Wolfman” works as a matinee or a DVD rental, but I would not suggest it as a full priced theatrical experience for anyone other than those looking for a piece of nostalgia.
  
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
2021 | Action, Sci-Fi
Back in 1984 when big hair and neon were the norms; a movie appeared that soon became a cultural phenomenon. The movie involved a team of unlikely Paranormal Investigators and the mix of comedy, FX, and Ghosts turned the movie into a smash hit and a Pop Culture mainstay. The abundance of products that followed and the inescapable theme song and tagline soon gave rise to a sequel which while a success; did not resonate the way the original film had and thus the “Ghostbusters” film franchise became dormant.

While a successful video game and merchandise line kept the franchise alive; the 2016 reboot with an all-female team failed to capture the magic at the box office and again put the franchise’s cinematic future in question.

Thankfully after several delays due to the Covid 19 Pandemic; “Ghostbusters Afterlife” has arrived and is the worthy sequel that does justice to the original film and sets the stage well for future cinematic exploits.

The film follows a down on her luck mother named Callie )Carrie Coon) and her children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard); and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace), as they are forced to move to a dilapidated farm in rural Oklahoma following the passing of Callie’s estranged father and her subsequent eviction.

A series of unexplained earthquakes clues the smart and precocious Phoebe that something is up and with her new friend Podcast (Logan Kim), and teacher Mr. Grooberson (Paul Rudd); help her uncover her connection to the original Ghostbusters and the abundance and significance of the gear that her Grandfather has left on the farm.

Things soon take a turn for the worse and despite skeptical locals and the emerging danger, Phoebe, Trevor, and their friends have to battle the forces of evil to save the world.

The movie takes its time getting to the action and spends plenty of time establishing the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with one another. There are abundant homages to the original film; some of which are very subtle and clever but never seem gratuitous or tacked on.

The film also does not rely on the FX to tell the tale as while there are some solid effects in the film; this is a character-driven tale and the new cast works well with some surprise guests who pop up throughout the film.

Director Jason Reitman; son of the Director of the original film; clearly knows and loves the material as he not only helped craft the story but deftly weaves a new tale into the franchise which also fits well with the first film and does not attempt to reboot but rather continue the franchise.

There are two extra scenes in the credits that you will not want to miss as not only are they great fun; but also tease of future adventures to come.

The film also has a few touching moments that caused some unexpected emotion from the audience at our Press Screening and helped establish “Ghostbusters Afterlife” as not only a winning entry into the series but also one of the most enjoyable films of the year.

4.5 stars out of 5.