Search
Search results
Awix (3310 KP) rated Downsizing (2017) in Movies
Feb 13, 2018 (Updated Mar 30, 2018)
Rather charming SF comedy-drama in which Matt Damon has himself shrunk down to ickle-wickle size in the hopes of starting a new and idyllic life but discovers things are not so straightforward.
Ignore the deeply suspect science (even Ant-Man was more accurate) and the lack of strict narrative control and this is a thoughtful and quietly rather witty film that's more interested in exploring the ramifications of its central idea than hitting particular plot points. Eventually reveals itself to be something of a meditation on what it means to live well; poses many questions, doesn't thrust particular solutions upon the audience.
Well cast, full of ideas, made me think differently about the world (for a while, anyway). Meanders about a bit but is never actually dull.
Ignore the deeply suspect science (even Ant-Man was more accurate) and the lack of strict narrative control and this is a thoughtful and quietly rather witty film that's more interested in exploring the ramifications of its central idea than hitting particular plot points. Eventually reveals itself to be something of a meditation on what it means to live well; poses many questions, doesn't thrust particular solutions upon the audience.
Well cast, full of ideas, made me think differently about the world (for a while, anyway). Meanders about a bit but is never actually dull.
Hutch (9 KP) rated True Romance (1993) in Movies
Jun 18, 2019
Who said Romamce was dead?
Tarantino really burst onto the scene in unforgettable fashion in the early 90s and sandwiched between Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction is this often overlooked Tarantino penned gem.
Full of the witty dialogue, odd ball characters and great music that we've all come to expect from Tarantino, all bought to life by a stunning supporting cast.
I've always thought Christian Slater has been under rated and he proves my point here. Playing Clarence with so much charm and swagger that you can't help rooting for him and Alabama right from the start.
And the scene with Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken is so well written and played out that its gotta rank right up there with the best of Tarantino.
Full of the witty dialogue, odd ball characters and great music that we've all come to expect from Tarantino, all bought to life by a stunning supporting cast.
I've always thought Christian Slater has been under rated and he proves my point here. Playing Clarence with so much charm and swagger that you can't help rooting for him and Alabama right from the start.
And the scene with Dennis Hopper and Christopher Walken is so well written and played out that its gotta rank right up there with the best of Tarantino.
Allison Knapp (118 KP) rated Mrs. Henderson Presents (2006) in Movies
Jan 20, 2019
Brilliant and witty performances by Judy Dench and Bob Hoskins (4 more)
Full of charm and great character dynamics
Entertaining musical numbers
Plenty of humor balanced perfectly with the seriousness of the time period
Beautiful costumes and cinematography
Historical film about a vaudeville show with live nude girls during the WWII era in London
New widow Laura Henderson decides to use her wealth to purchase an abandoned theater out of boredom. Her sense of entitlement and class related arrogance can prove at times to be annoying and at times rudely persistent, especially when it comes to her relationship with the man who she chose to manage her theater, Vivian Van Dame, but with all her schemes and meddling, it shows that deep down, she always has the best of intentions.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Operation Avalanche (2016) in Movies
Jan 11, 2020
Yet another found footage movie, yet another film about the faking of the moon landings (these must surely outnumber films assuming Apollo 11 really happened by a considerable factor). An ambitious young CIA agent cooks up a plan to save NASA by fabricating footage of a successful moonshot.
Doesn't sound very promising, but just about pulls it off due to obvious knowledge of its subject and an unexpected level of technical proficiency - the team get the expertise they need by stealing it off the set of 2001 (a witty touch, but very well-executed). A bit larky most of the way through, which makes a third-act shift into a much more serious mode difficult to pull off, and not particularly original, but watchable and with some very nice moments.
Doesn't sound very promising, but just about pulls it off due to obvious knowledge of its subject and an unexpected level of technical proficiency - the team get the expertise they need by stealing it off the set of 2001 (a witty touch, but very well-executed). A bit larky most of the way through, which makes a third-act shift into a much more serious mode difficult to pull off, and not particularly original, but watchable and with some very nice moments.
Vicki Coyne (45 KP) rated The Bookish Life of Nina Hill in Books
Jan 3, 2020
The writing is conversational and witty, welcoming the reader right in (2 more)
The story flows really well to the point where it never seems like a good place to stop
It takes on anxiety, social awkwardness and modern family structures without breaking stride
Well written, funny and welcoming. Couldn't put it down.
Nina Hill is anxious, a control freak, competitive, smart and completely socially awkward. And you'll love her.
The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.
I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.
Completely engaging and unputdownable.
The story takes you briefly through her life growing up and gradually offers explanation for each of the character traits as her present story evolves.
I love that there are a couple of threads to the story and not just the love interest part.
Completely engaging and unputdownable.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943) in Movies
Apr 26, 2020
Classic drama from Powell and Pressburger. The life of a British army officer throughout the first part of the 20th century is explored, particularly his friendship with his German counterpart and the women he loves (all played by Deborah Kerr).
Typically inventive and imaginative stuff from the Archers, with bold and witty transitions across time and space, moving depictions of romance and friendship, and an understanding that you can deal with serious topics while remaining playful and creative. Terrific performances and direction: acknowledged as an influence by Scorsese and (less predictably) Tarantino. Churchill tried to have the production of the film halted, feeling it was unpatriotic, but as well as being one of the greatest British movies of all time, it is also one of the finest films about what it means to be British.
Typically inventive and imaginative stuff from the Archers, with bold and witty transitions across time and space, moving depictions of romance and friendship, and an understanding that you can deal with serious topics while remaining playful and creative. Terrific performances and direction: acknowledged as an influence by Scorsese and (less predictably) Tarantino. Churchill tried to have the production of the film halted, feeling it was unpatriotic, but as well as being one of the greatest British movies of all time, it is also one of the finest films about what it means to be British.
Queen Victoria: A Life of Contradictions
Book
A fresh, witty, accessible life of Queen Victoria. Not since Lytton Strachey has the irony,...
Simon: The Genius in My Basement
Book
From the author of 'Stuart: A Life Backwards'; a warm and witty portrait of a harmless, eccentric,...
Me Moir - Volume One
Book
Vic Reeves' vivid, enchanting, and utterly hilarious childhood memoir is a comic masterpiece. Before...
Mortality
Book
During the American book tour for his memoir, Hitch-22, Christopher Hitchens collapsed in his hotel...