Scotthigginsmre Reviews

Dog (I) (2022)

A beautiful movie

[8/10 · 10 March 2024]

The 2 stars of the film work beautifully together. The bond they develop throughout the film was wonderful to watch. More than once I had tears either in my eyes or streaming down my cheeks.

It's not perfect but it is still very good and very emotional. There were comedic moments for sure but I consider more a drama.

Tatum was very impressive and proved he's not just a pretty face. Lulu is amazing and not just a dog. Give it a watch.

I need 600 words? Why, I said everything I needed to say. I can ramble if you want but it won't add value. Concise and to the point. Maybe make it 300 words. 600 achieved!

The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon (2023)

A great movie headlined by a great lead performance

[9/10 · 7 March 2024]

Incredible movie. I expected a crime drama, and it is that but so many different layers to this movie.

At times very violent, at times quiet emotional, at times funny, at times leaning into spiritual, a hint of a love story and some great action scenes.

I found myself thoroughly engaged in the story, albiet somewhat disjointed and the great performance of Ethan Juan (Chen Kui-lin), the anti-hero of the film.

The end of the movie was both happy and incredibly sad, as Chen Kui-lin seems to find peace, and maybe love, but tragically too late.

Thoroughly recommend. Don't be dissuaded but the very poor review. I get this movie might not be for everyone but I feel sorry for those that trash a movie for no reason.

Freakshow (2007 Video)

See Freaks instead of this

[3/10 · 19 September 2023]

I don't really know what to say about this movie. The movie is either a remake, a homage or loosely based on Tod Browning's 1932 classic Freaks. However, it falls short in nearly every aspect.

Firstly, the music is horrendous. It is of the period I guess but it's just terrible. I'm guessing they just sampled the first royalty free music of the 30's they found and tacked in when they thought they should.

The 'acting' is equally bad. The main character Lon in particular gave frequent monolgues with over the top delivery. In saying that, he almost gave the impression of being trained to act, unlike the rest, that seemed to have zero acting ability. The dialogue was bad though, so they could only do what they could do I suppose.

No one is likeable. Even the 'Freaks' in the original had charm and you had empathy for them. Every character in this film was equally unpleasant. It was hard to differentiate between who were the good guys and bad.

The ending was extreme. I'm guessing the budget was limited, and it looked like they saved the majority for the end retribution. To me, it was excessive, lingering, bordering revolting, unequal in distribution and straight out torture p**n. It failed in that I felt empathy for the villain and dislike the ones I was supposed to support.

I watched it through and wish I hadn't. No redeeming qualities and definitely not one I recommend.

Hellraiser (2022)

They care about Riley why?

[5/10 · 31 March 2023]

We are introduced to Riley, a self-centered, obnoxious and extremely unlikable character, who is recovering from addiction.

For some reason, the other characters in the movie fall all over her dumb behaviour and, as a result, they nearly all die running after her. The end attempts to give a redemption of sorts but I disliked her so much by then I didn't care.

Outside of the Riley hate, the tone of the movie is inconsistent. Initially the horror is blurred into the background, giving the impression they were trying to get a PG rating. We then have a lot of Riley running around desperately trying to work out the puzzle, which seems to go on forever, and then there's a dull twist.

The last 45 minutes or so ramps up considerably with blood and gore. I don't know if this was intentional to shock but it was too little, too late, as the rest of the movie is bordering on being boring.

The Cenobites were ok. Only one of them seemed vaguely threatening. Most were not scary, or bloody, or gritty, or something. Pinhead in fact almost looked angelic.

Overall, an average movie. I would fast forward to the last 45 mins to get to the interesting part. In doing this you might also actually care about the fate of Riley.

The Promotion (2008)

Not enough of anything

[6/10 · 20 January 2023]

I'm really on the fence with this one. There were a few comedic moments and a few dramatic ones but they were not compelling. Other then management, no one was especially mean and there wasn't really a good guy to root for or a bad guy to hate. In a lot of ways this was a good movie as it was often times based in reality but in doing so, it came across as a bit bland and the pay-off at the end didn't satisfy.

One glaring point to note was Lily Collins character using a Scottish accent. I waited the movie out to understand why this was necessary. Maybe I missed it or maybe I'm dumb but I didn't see why this was necessary and it was just off-putting.

Wheeler Dealers (2003– )

Why change a perfect format?

[7/10 · 20 October 2022]

So difficult to rate this show. Earlier shows in the UK were fantastic. Educational, interesting and fun. Restorations by Ed that seemed achievable by anyone with some skill with the tools. Brewer's involvement primarily just doing the used car salesman bit. That's as much of him that is necessary.

The move to the US seemed to phase in a bit of unnecessary 'entertainment', with Brewer more involved in forced situations. This transitioned completely with the introduction of Ant. Restorations became very complex and to the level of the most skilled mechanic. Still, not terrible despite this. What made it rubbish was the embarrassing skits with Brewer, who is neither a good actor and came off more as a prat. And the play off against with Ant was cringy. This added nothing to the show other then a part you want to fast forward through. Show went from a solid 9 to a 3.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Extraordinary Attorney Woo is just that

[10/10 · 28 July 2022]

What an incredible show. 10 minutes in and I'm rolling my eyes at what I thought was a generic k-dramedy. 30 minutes in though, I was intrigued. By the end of the episode, I was hooked and in love with Attorney Woo. Little did I expect that the following episodes added just further depth, amusement and moments where I literally had tears running down my face. The acting as at times a bit OTT but that just adds to the charm or this show. I'm fascinated to know where the show will go and have my fingers crossed that it continues to deliver so beautifully.

Is It Cake? (2022– )

Another terrible, unfunny, desperate host..

[2/10 · 20 March 2022]

I have little to say as I could barely watch the first episode of this show, though I was keen to. Yet another host that wants the limelight, when the contestants and food should be the star. Stop putting very unfunny comedians in these shows. Talking loudly and gesturing like an idiot does not equal funny. Have people with actual baking knowledge. I don't care if they are boring, just stop with the "comedians".

School of Chocolate (2021)

Good potential but needs some tweaking

[7/10 · 3 December 2021]

Enjoyed the show overall. The concept of keeping the same contestants to the end was a nice change. The host actually being a skilled practitioner with chocolate was again a nice change, instead of a barely funny comedian.

I didn't like that that there was little time spent demonstrating the baking and the chocolate seemed to be prepared already, minimising the skill factor.

There was also a significant disparity in skill levels between the contestants. It was pretty obvious by about the 3rd episode that the top 2 were a long way ahead of the others. A closer contest would have been more exciting.

And, while I do appreciate that editing is involved, I am very glad that Melissa didn't win. She is a petty, self-centered person that needs to work on her leadership skills. Leadership, is not, as she states, making people do something and having them believe it is their idea. That is manipulation. I almost couldn't watch the last episode in fear she would win.

Metal Shop Masters (2021– )

Ditch the host and it would be good

[5/10 · 17 September 2021]

Oh, when will producers learn. It is not necessary to have an irritating comic as a host. Jo Koy may be a decent standup (I don't know) but if his performance on the show is any indication, I wouldn't be going to a gig. His 'jokes' are forced, annoying, awkward, very unfunny and distracting from what could be an enjoyable show, and it is very obvious he knows as much about metalwork as I do about brain surgery.

Aside from that, the talent of the contestants is amazing. The designs and fabrication are amazing and while I have little understanding of the process, I can still appreciate the skill and the art.

The judges are a bit meh. I would prefer them to input a bit more into the process rather then just critique without context.

Overall, ditch the host. Just use the judges or include a host with a genuine personality and with an understanding of what is going.

Jaws (1975)

Despite imperfections, this movie is perfect

[10/10 · 4 January 2021]

.Jaws used to terrify me when it first came out and probably for 2 decades after. After that, I started to appreciate what an absolute great movie it is. The 3 leads, Quint, Hooper and Chief, are just fantastic and are well deserved of the joint credit at the beginning of the movie. The leads plus the supporting characters are great. There are just wonderful moments, scenes, segments of dialogues and just little looks that make this movie something special and at times, very real. I could watch the dinner scene from the interaction with the young boy through to drinking wine, over and over. My only negatives are a couple of awkward scenes with bit players and a few weird shots that feel a little out of place. I won't mention the dated effects with the shark as I still love Bruce. I would have this movie take all the Oscars for 1975 but wow, what a year for movies!!

Klaus (2019)

Warmed my Scrooge heart

[10/10 · 19 November 2020]

Wonderful movie. Have watched several times now and I'm possibly more enchanted by the unique Xmas story and brilliant animation with each viewing. Probably like many, started watching this just to pass the time but was quickly involved in the story and intrigued to the Xmas connection. Several moments had tears streaming down my cheeks (the sled scene crushes me) and laughing out loud on occasion. A charming, sweet movie without ever being sickening at all. For someone that despises Xmas and the usual dirge that is produced for the holiday season, Kraus was an absolute exception and a must see.

The Half of It (I) (2020)

A sweet take on the Cyrano de Bergerac tale

[9/10 · 6 May 2020]

Wow, what a lovely surprise. I nearly didn't watch as it is clearly a teenage movie....but, so much more. All the leads are wonderful. Ellie Chu is fantastic, as was Aster and Paul Munsky (Show names used). Sure, there were the usual tropes spotted along the way but with an original and fresh take. I genuinely went along for the ride and totally enjoyed the movie. A few moments of heartbreak, happiness and revelation and a moment toward the end reminiscent of a classic movie gave the heartstrings a tug. I'm probably over scoring it as it definitely no Oscar winner but based purely on my gut feel. A win by Netflix.

The Color Purple (1985)

Spielberg crushing my heart

[9/10 · 6 May 2020]

Review following a 2020 rewatch of this brilliant movie. Tears streaming down my cheeks on several occasions throughout and writing after a few minutes to reflect and recover. Leads all fantastic, particularly Whooping Goldberg. She was gentle, pathetic, strong and fierce and times throughout and all felt honest and believable. I was truly taken in her journey and came out almost exhausted from the roller coaster of emotions that she, and me, went through. Danny Glover does the impossible by being genuinely unlikeable through the majority of the movie. Oprah was another standout and well deserved of her Oscar nom. Overall, an outstanding movie that crushed my heart and had me sobbing but beautiful at the same time. Long yet fast paced. I'll watch again in a decade and have no doubt that I will be crying again.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Feels like a big hug

[10/10 · 22 March 2020]

The rating I gave might seem excessive for this movie. It's an animated fantasy. It has subtitles (has to be watched thus way IMO). However, the way this movie makes me feel is deserved of being a perfect 10. Firstly, the characters are a delight. The girls are loud and annoying but at the same time so cute you love them. Totoro and every other fantasy being are wonderful and creative. The story itself, minus the fantasy element, is almost inconsequential but is enough to keep you engaged. The animation is incredible. Every scene a piece of art itself. Again, my rating is based on an emotional level. The movie has incredible heart. I finished watching with a dumb smile on my face and warm feeling in my heart.

Locke & Key (2020–2022)

Fun and surprisingly dark but lots of bad bits

[7/10 · 22 March 2020]

Firstly, I enjoyed this show. Storyline itself was interesting, the kids are mostly likeable and it was extremely binge worthy. I expected it to be a bit on the teenie side but for the most part, it wasn't and oftentimes was quite dark. The special effects were well done and the way the keys were used was clever....sometimes. A very good, in my opinion, evil character. Mysterious . The acting by lead sister Kinsey and younger brother Bode were great. The bad bits were several. Some very, very bad acting by some of the characters. With exception of Bode, the male characters were lifeless or exaggerated. The mother and her actions throughout show were extremely irritating. Choices with the keys were inconsistent. Smart and then stupid and then ignored. The awkwardness of the male characters with Kinsey were difficult to watch. Little chemistry to be seen for me. Twist at end was sort of no surprise but at same time, was inconsistent with narrative. Seems like I really hated it but it was honestly a fun series and I look forward to next season. Wouldn't be saddened with some recasting though.....

6 Underground (2019)

To be fair, I only lasted 15 minutes...

[2/10 · 22 March 2020]

Was I really expecting anything more from a Michael Bay movie? The first 15 minutes is pretty much one long action scene with a weird yellow filter that is just one ridiculous car crash/explosion after another, laced with typical Ryan Reynolds quips throughout. After 15 minutes, I was exhausted from boredom rather than excitement and pulled the pin. It wasn't fun, it was just a mess filmed at every camera angle known to man in half second cuts. Maybe there is a plot later in the movie but I couldn't hang around to find it.

Spenser Confidential (2020)

Constantly distracted by terrible female lead - Slight spoilers

[5/10 · 22 March 2020]

Fairly enjoyable yet predictable flick. Obvious bad guys, evil assassins easily becoming inept when needed for plot and unlikely characters brought together in friendship. Action scenes decent and Wahlberg doing his usual tough guy with heart of gold thing throughout. Easy to switch the brain off for majority but consistently distracted with annoyance at the appalling female lead. For some reason, she is written as foul mouth, aggressive and annoying, an extremely overdone accent, with no indication why her and Spenser like each other, except for sex. Even toward the end, where I thought there would be redemption in her character, she is seen stuffing her face and making stupid remarks with food hanging out of her face. Ugghh...! Maybe I'm being too delicate but if I ever saw a relationship like that in real life, and I do, it's usually connected with domestic violence. If you can ignore her character, which seems largely irrelevant to the story, you should have an enjoyable enough time watching. Probably a 7'ish if you exclude the female lead or rewrite her completely to someone that it marginally likeable.

Rapture-Palooza (2013)

Dreadful

[2/10 · 1 July 2013]

What a terrible, terrible movie. The main purpose of this movie seemed to be to test a viewers tolerance for foul language and vulgar comments. I'm not a prude by a long way but after 30 minutes of pointless profanity, it wasn't funny and became boring.

I stuck it out to the end to see if things turned around or if had a good finale but amazingly, the end was more disappointing than the middle.

Anna Kendrick, you have proved yourself to be better than this dreg.

I give 2 stars generously because the initial premise was promising. See this if you find Adam Sandler comedies too intellectual.