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RəX Regent (349 KP) rated Triangle (2009) in Movies
Mar 7, 2019
Warped
Contains spoilers, click to show
This was an interesting, small budget Sci Fi/Horror flick. It is revealed at an early point during the story that this is primarily a time bending loop narrative, following a small group of people who board an apparently abandoned ocean liner after a storm.
There is some set up at the beginning which introduces the star, Melissa George as she makes her way to meet the rest of the group. Once they board the ship they are fighting for their lives, with varied levels of success and the a time loop takes hold.
This is a well told, acted and directed Twilight Zone episode that just about manages not to out stay it's welcome. The premise is simple but the execution is a little more complex and to an extent, this borders on contrived but overall this an effective thriller.
The twists and turns, though for the most part expected, are generally delivered well and there are certainly memorable moments. Recommended.
There is some set up at the beginning which introduces the star, Melissa George as she makes her way to meet the rest of the group. Once they board the ship they are fighting for their lives, with varied levels of success and the a time loop takes hold.
This is a well told, acted and directed Twilight Zone episode that just about manages not to out stay it's welcome. The premise is simple but the execution is a little more complex and to an extent, this borders on contrived but overall this an effective thriller.
The twists and turns, though for the most part expected, are generally delivered well and there are certainly memorable moments. Recommended.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Mile 22 (2018) in Movies
Mar 11, 2019 (Updated Mar 11, 2019)
Depressing, pointless action movie that doesn't seem to know how to make use of its assets. Sociopathic American black-ops officer Marky Mark must take double-agent Iko Uwais 35.4 kilometres in order that he will spill the beans on some terrorist McGuffin or other; lots of people shoot at them on the way.
The premise is decent high-concept stuff, but the director clearly felt it was a bit too straightforward and so a potentially engaging thriller is smothered by too many dead-wood subplots and over-wrought plot twists and character bits. Iko Uwais is a brilliant martial artist, but you'd never know that from the frenetic way this film has been directed and edited (his acting performance is a bit of a revelation though). Much too low-key and down-beat for what's ultimately a thick slab of jingoistic nonsense; a surprisingly bad film considering all the talent involved.
The premise is decent high-concept stuff, but the director clearly felt it was a bit too straightforward and so a potentially engaging thriller is smothered by too many dead-wood subplots and over-wrought plot twists and character bits. Iko Uwais is a brilliant martial artist, but you'd never know that from the frenetic way this film has been directed and edited (his acting performance is a bit of a revelation though). Much too low-key and down-beat for what's ultimately a thick slab of jingoistic nonsense; a surprisingly bad film considering all the talent involved.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Everybody Knows (Todos Lo Saben) (2018) in Movies
Mar 12, 2019 (Updated Mar 12, 2019)
Spanish-language Euro-drama from Iranian director Asghar Farhadi is about as odd a fish as you might expect. Family wedding is going well until Penelope Cruz's daughter is kidnapped; much stressed is placed on everyone involved and their relationships, causing secrets to bubble to the surface in an unwelcome (to say the least) manner.
The thriller elements are definitely a bit of a red herring, as for much of the film the plight of the missing girl seems to get rather forgotten about while everyone sits or stands around articulating their personal baggage and unfinished emotional business. It does get a bit slow and talky (I believe I dozed off for a few moments), but the performances are meaty, involving ones with Cruz and Bardem showing every bit of their star quality and acting ability. Too well-scripted to really qualify as a melodrama, but certainly slices itself a thick slab of theatrical ham; performances make it a worthwhile watch.
The thriller elements are definitely a bit of a red herring, as for much of the film the plight of the missing girl seems to get rather forgotten about while everyone sits or stands around articulating their personal baggage and unfinished emotional business. It does get a bit slow and talky (I believe I dozed off for a few moments), but the performances are meaty, involving ones with Cruz and Bardem showing every bit of their star quality and acting ability. Too well-scripted to really qualify as a melodrama, but certainly slices itself a thick slab of theatrical ham; performances make it a worthwhile watch.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Parker (2013) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019
Fun if slightly nondescript Jason Statham action thriller. Master criminal (J-Stat) is betrayed by associates, embarks on vengeance; this involves pretending to be Texan. Comely estate agent (J-Lo) is, somehow, completely taken in by the wholly ridiculous accent her co-star adopts. Much twisty-turny plotting and violent mayhem ensues.
Not much here to disappoint fans of the great man: plenty of faintly absurd moments are mixed in with him kicking people in, and there are some pleasingly tense and effective moments. That said, it is a bit overlong, and - like quite a few films from around this period in his career - you do get a sense of a star perhaps a bit too firmly lodged in his comfort zone, as there's not much to distinguish this from Safe, The Mechanic, and so on. On the other hand, I kind of miss the days when you could expect two or three Statham movies like this one every year. Hey ho.
Not much here to disappoint fans of the great man: plenty of faintly absurd moments are mixed in with him kicking people in, and there are some pleasingly tense and effective moments. That said, it is a bit overlong, and - like quite a few films from around this period in his career - you do get a sense of a star perhaps a bit too firmly lodged in his comfort zone, as there's not much to distinguish this from Safe, The Mechanic, and so on. On the other hand, I kind of miss the days when you could expect two or three Statham movies like this one every year. Hey ho.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Unleashed (2005) in Movies
Apr 4, 2019
Bonkers martial arts thriller off the Luc Besson action conveyor belt. Danny (Li) has been raised as a human attack dog by senior gangster Bart (Hoskins); one day he stumbles into freedom and is befriended by a blind piano tuner (Freeman) and his daughter. But will his past catch up with him? (All this supposedly takes place in a Glasgow almost exclusively populated by Asians, Americans, and Cockneys.)
The plot is barking mad (not inappropriately for a film with the alternative title of Danny the Dog) and impossible to take seriously, but that's hardly new for a Besson film, nor necessarily a disincentive to see it. This one is lifted by genuinely good performances from Hoskins and Freeman, and extended sequences of Li beating the living daylights out of everyone in sight (at one point there's a kung fu fight in a toilet cubicle, which is surely a first). Not to be taken remotely seriously, but still highly entertaining.
The plot is barking mad (not inappropriately for a film with the alternative title of Danny the Dog) and impossible to take seriously, but that's hardly new for a Besson film, nor necessarily a disincentive to see it. This one is lifted by genuinely good performances from Hoskins and Freeman, and extended sequences of Li beating the living daylights out of everyone in sight (at one point there's a kung fu fight in a toilet cubicle, which is surely a first). Not to be taken remotely seriously, but still highly entertaining.
Dean (6927 KP) rated Hotel Artemis (2018) in Movies
Apr 5, 2019
This is no 5 star Hotel
I was intrigued by the trailer for this a while back but missed it at the cinema. It features a secret hotel in LA for members only, usually those on the wrong side of the law. Set in the near future during a city riot.
There are a mix of characters at the Hotel which is mainly used as a patch up service for those injured and need treatment no questions asked.
The main issue of the film is it gives a glimpse into this world and tries to give some info to the back stories of the characters with varying success. Also leaving a few things unexplained and some plotlines thread bare. The direction is all over the place, part action, drama, thriller. It doesn't seem to know which one it should be. It's still an enjoyable film but it had much greater potential.
There are a mix of characters at the Hotel which is mainly used as a patch up service for those injured and need treatment no questions asked.
The main issue of the film is it gives a glimpse into this world and tries to give some info to the back stories of the characters with varying success. Also leaving a few things unexplained and some plotlines thread bare. The direction is all over the place, part action, drama, thriller. It doesn't seem to know which one it should be. It's still an enjoyable film but it had much greater potential.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Greta (2019) in Movies
Apr 24, 2019 (Updated Apr 24, 2019)
Fans of watching talented creative people slum it in productions unworthy of their abilities will find much to enjoy in this roaringly bonkers psycho-thriller. Kind young waitress (Moretz) finds a handbag on the train, returns it to the owner (Huppert), a lonely old widow. The pair soon strike up a close friendship. And then ---
Some talented people here, not least director Neil Jordan, but this film is not nearly as subtle or restrained as you might expect it to be: it can't wait to get going with the ominous strings and half-baked jump scares. Full marks to the cast for taking it as seriously as they do; Huppert is in majestic form and Moretz is not bad either. The film is never actually scary at all, but the story is so uproariously overwrought that it's an entertaining watch throughout. That doesn't change the fact that if it featured a less-distinguished cast, this would almost certainly be going direct to DVD.
Some talented people here, not least director Neil Jordan, but this film is not nearly as subtle or restrained as you might expect it to be: it can't wait to get going with the ominous strings and half-baked jump scares. Full marks to the cast for taking it as seriously as they do; Huppert is in majestic form and Moretz is not bad either. The film is never actually scary at all, but the story is so uproariously overwrought that it's an entertaining watch throughout. That doesn't change the fact that if it featured a less-distinguished cast, this would almost certainly be going direct to DVD.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Us (2019) in Movies
May 25, 2019
Performances are on point. (1 more)
Engrossing plot is well-paced throughout.
Enthralling thriller that promotes discussion.
Having only seen the trailer and done all I could to avoid spoilers. I wasn't sure what to expect with this film. The only thing I knew was that being a Peele film, I knew it would make me think and would be deeper than the average horror flick. The suspense and action are taut throughout and keeps you enwrapped. Little pieces of the plot are paced beautifully throughout and the performances are on point. You're left with questions well past the final reveal and the movie's message promotes inner thought. Any movie that can keep you enthralled from the opening scene to the final one and also promotes discussion is a win-win in my books. May have to rewatch this just to take in more of the messages throughout.
Film and stuff (30 KP) rated Kin (2018) in Movies
May 30, 2019
Underrated
Contains spoilers, click to show
Kin is a modern twist on a story that feels very familiar.
Our hero is a boy that we assume was sent back in time to live in relative safety until his time to do something pivotal in a future war comes about.
The biggest issue is the ending. Audiences are unforgiving of sequel bait endings and this isn't subtle either.
Franco is a cookie cutter bad guy that just about reaches entertaining.
The relationship between our three main characters is thin and underdeveloped.
The beginning catalyst of the father dying suffers from an underdeveloped relationship between him and his sons as well as the father figure being largely unlikable.
All this being said, as an entire piece of work there is plenty to enjoy and that's what you will need to do with this film.
A mild recommendation
Our hero is a boy that we assume was sent back in time to live in relative safety until his time to do something pivotal in a future war comes about.
The biggest issue is the ending. Audiences are unforgiving of sequel bait endings and this isn't subtle either.
Franco is a cookie cutter bad guy that just about reaches entertaining.
The relationship between our three main characters is thin and underdeveloped.
The beginning catalyst of the father dying suffers from an underdeveloped relationship between him and his sons as well as the father figure being largely unlikable.
All this being said, as an entire piece of work there is plenty to enjoy and that's what you will need to do with this film.
A mild recommendation
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Pretty Baby in Books
Feb 8, 2018
Heidi lives a busy life, trying to keep up with a busy job in public service, her role as a mom to her distant 12-year-old daughter Zoe, and juggling marriage to her husband Chris, a corporate lawyer. One day on the way to work, Heidi spots a young teen holding a baby-- the two are waiting for the train in the pouring rain. Heidi is haunted by the image and when she spots them again, she reaches out and makes contact with the teen, Willow. Eventually, Heidi's life becomes embroiled with that of Willow's and the baby, Ruby.
This book certainly lives up to its psychological thriller billing. It's a page-turner, even as it gets slightly more bizarre as the plot thickens. It captivated my attention and has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. The plot is definitely a little "out there," and I'd probably rate it as 3.5 stars overall, but still a fun and intriguing read.
This book certainly lives up to its psychological thriller billing. It's a page-turner, even as it gets slightly more bizarre as the plot thickens. It captivated my attention and has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. The plot is definitely a little "out there," and I'd probably rate it as 3.5 stars overall, but still a fun and intriguing read.