linkedin-12192 Reviews

Emily the Criminal (2022)

Surprisongly good for a film that had limited options towards the end

[9/10 · 25 February 2024]

Tension maintained throughout, this film carried its narrative well. Good performances all round. It felt like an almost inevitable (=predictable) end that was somehow well-directed making a sound landing. Some of the undertones (e.g. Exploitative workplaces, lack of redemption for those who pay their dues to society) are explored well and shown for the interrelated phenomena they are. The slow descent into crime and the opportunism it offers makes sure that the lead actor is herself coming off as no angel. Being transactional and not reflecting on her consequences helps add the needed realism to this film.

Nine Days (2020)

Great movie that promotes self-reflection

[9/10 · 5 November 2023]

Touching and thoughtful movie that attempts to trace out the meaningfulness of life through simple moments and experiences and how we choose to judge them. The fact that uniqueness is tied to tension and that conformity promotes banality is found throughout the movie. I also like how the interview process is slowly (but perhaps rather pedictably) turned upon itself. Something you'll probably want to watch more than once.

While I was watching this I couldn't help thinking that this is very like "After Life" ( also known as "Wonderful Life" in japanese) by director Hirokazu Kore-eda. If you enjoyed that then you'll likely find parallels here too.

American Gods (2017–2021)

It takes god-like stamina to keep watching this

[26 December 2020]

It seems that each episode is trying to out awe the last leaving the viewer just wondering where it is all going at such a pace. No surprise then that it all lost its steam later on. Yes, we get it with the mystery and suspense but that needs kindling and careful character development. Instead it looks like production team were split on how best to achieve this - did they all read the book?

StartUp (2016–2018)

Promising...but not sure where all the praise is coming from

[7/10 · 26 December 2020]

The premise is gripping: unethical bankers, morally insensitive technologists and opportunistic crinimals. The delivery is also good striking a healthy balance between not patronising viewers (who probably know more about cryptocurrencies than the producers) and being unneccessarily complicated. Where it falls down a bit is the acting from Freeman's awful "American" accent and uninspiring villany to the gratuitously frequent sex scenes which are doing litterally nothing for the plot. Probably enough there though to binge fill a slow week.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)

Like all SBC films, a consistent disappointment

[3/10 · 24 November 2020]

Continuing his trademark slapstick comedy that we're expected to believe really did just play out like that, this film picks up where Borat left off but without sufficient momentum to make any point. The chief exposé reveals a Rudy Guliani, who is already alleged to be a person of poor judgement, to be also found to be susceptible to intense flirtation and flattery - hardly worth watching just for that (might remind one of the deflated Pamela Anderson "kidnap spoof"?). Mostly cringworthy, I'm prepared to believe that others enjoyed it if something else funny was happening around them at the time.

The Lives of Others (2006)

A lesson for all of us - our chance to learn from history

[10/10 · 14 November 2020]

Having lived through this period and spoken to those directly impacted by the tranistion and reunification I find the historical account as disturbing as it is accurate. For those who think that this is all about "bad foreign regimes" be advised that this could happen where you live too!

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Intense, Heart-renching but maybe also clichéd?

[8/10 · 14 November 2020]

This is an intense and at times conflicted movie that demands that you attend to the issues surrounding drug abuse whilst forcing the doctrine of the continuum on you. There is certainly an aesthetic element to this that is nonetheless heart renching. Be advised that you are in Dancer in the Dark terroritory!

After Life (1998)

Add this to your bucket list

[10/10 · 14 November 2020]

An incredibly subtle and beautiful film that shows restraint and a deep respect for the struggles we are faced with when confronted with death. I have watched this over again (rare for a hit-and-run watcher) and simply can't recoomend it enough - watch it with dignity.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

The transformation of a crinimal in the making

[10/10 · 7 November 2020]

Every now and again there emerges a truly engrossing series that surfaces issues like no other. I honestly cannot say at what point I became hooked but it was doubtless quicker than substances in this series. An absolute must watch in the current day obscession with drug-related dramas. You litterally have not lived until you have seen this...and then there is Saul to follow up.

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Great series that gives centre stage to a strong female role

[9/10 · 7 November 2020]

I binged my way through this one completely identifying with the chess playing character of the protagonist. It was great to explore this complex role and give voice to the predujice that women face (without over playing it). There are several plot inconsistencies but it seems curlish to be pointing these out. Sit back and enjoy this one with a good wine.

Up in the Air (I) (2009)

A touching and unique perspective

[9/10 · 7 November 2020]

A very touching and uniquely different account of downsizing. I was touched particularly by the maturity of this film that attempted to embrace both sides of the equation. Admitedly its not perfect but the subplots are a convenient distraction from what would otherwise have been a very intense movie. I am always happy to watch this again.

Tron: Legacy (2010)

Wow, so beautiful for a sequel

[9/10 · 7 November 2020]

Being instinctively concerned at any attempt to dig up the past I watched Tron with great trepidation hoping my childhood memories would not be dashed. I was so NOT disappointed. This is a beautifully rendered and captivating story that works at so many levels. Seldom do I get to say that the sequel was better than the original but by god I'm close on this one!

The Spy (2019)

Well produced simplistic propaganda

[3/10 · 7 November 2020]

This retelling of tense political events is presented in admirable cinematophraphy and choreography. Tellingly its weakeast point is SBC himself who seems to have demanded the character of a likeable and honourable Spy. Literally no political context is provided resulting is a genuinely well-produced work being reduced to medicocre propaganda.

Operation Christmas Drop (2020)

Old Christmas Romances Reinvented

[3/10 · 7 November 2020]

Christmas romance movies commonly focus on recasting a "career woman" through a series of (challenging) events back towards finding their "true self" as a wife and mother figure. Whilst the narrative has changed over the decades this one clearly follows this mould. This film completely drenches the awful treatment of the residents of Guam island by the US military in a sickly treakle of sentimentality. Best avoided over the festive period.