Mr-Mingz Reviews

Extraction (2020)

Some nice Cinematography in a bland copy paste thriller

[5/10 · 18 May 2020]

The one redeeming quality this movie has was the cinematography. Some of the scenes are very well constructed including the epic 11 minute 'one shot' part following the characters around in the chase. Having said that, I wasn't a fan of the widescreen which felt very claustrophobic or the constant orange filter because I obviously need reminding that Bangladesh is a hot place. I thought the characterisation was barely noticeable. You don't learn much about them and when they're being sad or determined, the viewer hasn't been put in a position to empathize with them. Chris Hemsworth was a decent enough actor for a 'merc' but the part needed a lot more fleshing out in the script to make his character have more prestige. In other words, he needed a (better) backstory, a clearer motive and a personality!

The narrative felt like it was pasting tropes from other movies it had copied from. You get very typical chases, car stunts, twists and 'military movie conventions' sloppily thrown in if you ask me.

I see on the grapevine that a sequel is possible...oh dear...

The Human Centipede 2 (Full Sequence) (2011)

Calling this a 'film' would be an undeserved compliment!

[1/10 · 27 February 2018]

What on earth was this supposed to represent?!

Movies are supposed to provoke emotion in a creative manner and present an artistic plot easy to understand. Comprehending the plot wasn't the problem, and the only emotion I felt through the entire feature was DISGUST! If the movie wouldn't scare and revolt you with one plot point, it would follow up with something much worse. The performance from the main character was good regardless of lack of dialogue....but why the actor Lawrence R. Harvey or indeed Ashlynn Yennie from the movie's first installment would want to take part in this horrid feature film 'art' is anyone's guess. Performances can't even save my 1-star review of this abomination.

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

A great retelling of an inspiring story

[8/10 · 14 December 2017]

I was very impressed by the direction considering the large gap between productions Mel Gibson taken on and directed. I feel the screenplay really captured the atmosphere in a platoon you would expect from a soldier who doesn't want to carry firearms into battle. I did feel that Andrew Garfield maybe wasn't the best choice for the role and I hadn't even heard of Pvt Doss before this. The lack of funding may have contributed to this and I guess the family members of the real Pvt Doss were happy enough so go figure. Hugo Weaving however, was brilliant, and it took me to the middle point of the feature to realise it was Hugo Weaving. The biggest surprise was seeing Vince Vaughn in a serious war movie...he makes a few jokes towards the latter half....but he actually pulls it off surprisingly well. Sam Worthington brought nothing to his role and might aswell have not been there. Being a thrilling, dramatic and story-telling war, I do feel we were not given enough character development for his fellow comrades besides the 10 minutes or so during his introduction to the platoon. I feel this is crucial in gripping war movies. The movie lasts longer than 2 hours as it is...but still. The other thing that was missing was a lot more intensity. There were really 2 scenes or so which really had you on the edge of your seat yet the set design for the battlegrounds were created incredibly well so it was a shame not to make better use.

Wicked Blood (2014 Video)

Sean Bean's accent was the best thing about this

[3/10 · 9 June 2017]

Like the subject says, Sean Bean did a sterling job in this movie and really took the accent and retained it throughout. It may be arguable that he did not acquire as much screen time as the other cast members, but clearly it was an imperative decision to spend the majority of the production budget on an English actor Sean Bean and a dialect coach for his accent rather than an interesting screenplay or quality locations and props for drugs which looked very cheap.

I really wasn't feeling generous when I slugged across the finish line with this one.

Son of Rambow (2007)

An educational joy to watch

[7/10 · 8 April 2008]

I thought this film was simply easy to watch and was entertaining in the form of an 80s schoolboy dream.

I found it astonishing, how two very young actors, Will Poulter and Bill Milner can make the film what it is today, an utter joy to watch. Both of these boys are fantastic actors and prove their skill in this production of heart-filled drama and mild humour.

I found it a shame that Jessica Hynes (Nee Stevenson) was her usual funny self but nevertheless she brought her motherly role to life. This film was certainly educational and it was interesting how Garth Jennings gives us a lesson in school-life in the 80s.

This film certainly goes in my good books.

The Cottage (2008)

Low Budget Rubbish

[3/10 · 14 March 2008]

I had a bad feeling about this movie as soon as i saw 'funded by the lottery and the UK Film Council'.

Then i watched and noticed a couple of interesting stars: Andy Serkis caught my attention at first, i knew he would put on a good performance and i wasn't disappointed. On the other hand, there was Jennifer Elison. Now i must agree that she looks fine on the big screen and she can act but...i just saw her as Jennifer Elison...not her character.

As for the rest of the film. I found some mild humour quite entertaining but apart from that the storyline was here, there and everywhere and was NOT very believable. I noticed continuity errors and mistakes and to be honest i haven't seen anything this bad since Straightheads!

sincerely Mr Mingz

The Bucket List (2007)

A fantastic duo brings in the money

[7/10 · 6 March 2008]

I must say that watching this film was certainly a joy I was told that this was a must-see and i wasn't disappointed.

Morgan Freeman and jack Nicholson put on a great performance and made the film great.

Besides this, i think that the storyline is certainly well-developed and had a strong hold on me.

The only downer i cold point out would be the depressing beginning but that's about it! The rest was lovely.

I can guarantee that many elders will find this a warm-hearted flick to see.

Jumper (2008)

Jumping into the 'rejects' bin

[3/10 · 22 February 2008]

When i thought of watching this film, i had my instinct on it being a high-power thrilling chase across the world by amazing teleporting individuals...let's just say i was right about some of it.

I watched the film and was tempted to walk out of the theatre about 30 minutes through it. The narrative is very very slow from the off-start and you aren't sure what's happening.

As the film progresses, the narrative is reasonable but is very weak. If someone demanded that i back up such an 'offensive comment' then I would merely point out how you get people with an ability to teleport...and nothing else. They're teleporting, yet at the same time they are being chased by professionals. Answer me this, how do you chase someone who can teleport anywhere in the world and have they heard of wanted posters? However on the flip side of the coin, i was very impressed by the performance of one Jamie Bell. I think his portrayal of an independent 'soldier of fortune' was fantastic and his character was most entertaining.

To conclude i would say that half way through the movie...you'll wish you could 'jump' into a different movie altogether!

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane (2006)

Another poor slasher?

[2/10 · 17 February 2008]

I was not very impressed when watching this particular film.

However the way it was directed as a 'teen' movie was admirable because of the issues and conventions you would normally see.

However i felt that was the narrative progressed, it became more and more vague, until the drama hits and i became extremely confused and lost the entire plot.

Disregarding the narrative, i was impressed with the performance of Amber Heard, Michael Welch and Anson Mount, but sadly felt that some of the actors were rather lazy when it comes to dying.

It seems the director spends more time finding genius, gory and elaborate ways to kill people rather than come up with a convincing story to go with it.