cpj79 Reviews

The Burial (II) (2023)

Confusing, lost plot.

[6 January 2024]

Being a Brit, not sure if I just don't "get" this movie or if there are cultural differences that just dont translate across the pond.

This movie is about the little man taking on the big awful corporation, and could have been a great story to tell if done properly, similar to the movie "Percy" with Christopher Walken, but it misses the mark.

Race is a major theme throughout this movie and I just don't get why. It doesn't add anything to the movie, story is not based on anything racial, and seems like a lazy writing attempt to tackle a sensitive subject.

This is also supposed to be a drama/thriller, but is too whimsical to successfully deliver up that genre, not really a comedy either, just missing the mark.

In short; this movie is bit of a mess for my liking. Poorly written, lost storytelling where it just fizzles out. Avoid it, not worth your time.

When the Lights Went Out (2012)

Let down with poor CGI

[12 April 2023]

As a few other reviewers have mentioned, this is the telling of an average, unoriginal ghost story, but it is well acted, filmed, good sets etc, but the let down for me, was the actual showing of the Ghost. It was shown for too long onscreen, which meant that actually you could study it and in really was just poorly executed.

I thought the two kid actors were great and am surprised that they have not archived bigger things after this movie.

Overall, it is worth a watch as it an enjoyable movie, but you'll certainly not loose sleep at night over it and will most probably forget about it as soon as the credits roll.

War of the Worlds (2019– )

Excellent take on the story

[18 March 2023]

This is not your typical end of the world, alien take over movie that you might see from American movie makers. It's not focused on explosions nor macho manly men shooting everything in sight, but is rather a spin on the original tale that follows the human element of survival after the alien attack.

It is slow paced, but well paced character driven show. The separate stories of characters slowly become interwoven as the episodes develop. I will admit that not all the characters hit the mark, but most do.

Personally, I felt it was an excellent show and well worth a watch over a few evenings.

Only downside for me, is that it did go for a few too many episodes. Could have been a better, tighter story if seasons three didn't exist.

Moonfall (2022)

Completely OTT but enjoyable.

[22 August 2022]

The story is so completely over the top, the borderline comedy script is clichéd but works, and the GCIs are fantastic.

This is not a masterpiece of movie making, but just an en enjoyable rain afternoon movie.

Invasion (2021–2024)

Pointless.

[2 August 2022]

Just a slow, meandering story that does not seem to have a point. It's also more of a drama than a sci-fi as such, around the interaction of various people, not a typical humans vs Aliens thing.

It's also filmed with very dark scenes (light levels not morbid) which made it a struggle for me to actually view quite a lot of it.

It had so much potential, but as the episodes went on it just feel flat. Such a shame.

Vigil (2021– )

Had some much potential...

[27 September 2021]

Started of great then just got bogged down on obscure, silly side plots. If the writers had kept with a tighter script, this could have been a great season. Having said that, it's still an enjoyable show and worth a watch.

Cinderella (I) (2021)

Nowhere near as bad as some people are saying

[4 September 2021]

Some of these reviews seem to be from people who either have issues with men, wokeness, POC, the story in general, or a whole other list of issues. So bloody what if the godmother is played by a black man?

Reality is that this movie is not going to win an Oscar but is an enjoyable movie aimed at a certain crowd, I.e children.

Take it at face value, sing along with your kids, and enjoy the moment.

How to Build a Girl (2019)

Completely miscast.

[8 August 2020]

Having a 27 year old American play a Northern English teens is a complete miscast. Distracted me the entire movie.

127 Hours (2010)

Had potential, but falls flat.

[17 May 2020]

I felt that that Danny Boyle was the wrong choice to direct this movie. It could have had so much potential, but choices in filming style, music choices, etc detracts from what could have been a genuine drama into the torment that faced this man in his life threatening moment.

Into the Night (II) (2020–2021)

Clichéd characters and Slow to build.

[8 May 2020]

Putting the story of the sun killing people to aside for a second, the people that make up the group of passengers on the plane is so unrealistic that it detracts from the story. Terrorists, Guns, Medic, another pilot, a diamond smuggler, dying kid, soldiers on the run from the law, the cliched, unbelievable list just goes on and there are only about 12 passengers on the plane to begin with!

Troll Hunter (2010)

Awful English dubbing.

[21 April 2020]

Enjoyable movie but I did find that the voice over/dubbing into English language was awful. Just any lack of emotions, simply sounded like people just reading lines out loud.

The Final Countdown (1980)

Advert for the American Navy

[30 June 2019]

Macho fueled rubbish that's basically an advert for the firepower of the American Navy. A dated movie that should be left in it's day.