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davidwilliamwoodrow
Reviews
A Star Is Born (2018)
Just about the perfect film
I've only ever given 3x 10* ratings. The only reason this is a 9* is due to minimal multiple re-watchability.
It's a dichotomous 2 hours of gut wrenching beauty and pain. Cooper and Gaga's chemistry is on another level, both delivering outstanding performances. The acting all round is exceptional, the cinematography superb, and the music world class.
I cannot recommend enough watching this film.
The Haunting of Bly Manor (2020)
Don't treat it like a horror series and you'll enjoy it more
I really, really wanted to love this. The fact is that the 9 episodes 100% could be be condensed down to 6 hours, and the negative feeling of it being stretched out for the sake of it is too hard to omit.
Firstly - this isn't a horror story. Make sure your expectations are aligned on this point before watching and you will enjoy it more.
The cinematography is great. A decent bit of suspense and atmosphere, but if you're expecting the same levels as Hill House you'll be severely disappointed.
The storytelling is wonderful, and the cast really do a great job, with Henry Thomas'
excellent performance of the lost, alcoholic Uncle of particular note. That said, I found myself checking my phone during episodes, not lost to the show, and for those moments of boredom and aforementioned feeling of unnecessary elongating of scenes, it pains me to only score this 6/10. Hill House is a 9 and one of my favourite ever series - if you haven't done so already, please start with it instead.
Love Wedding Repeat (2020)
Very British humour
Imagine vaguely Inbetweeners-esque comedy, but they're now 30 and you're attending your mate's wedding. It's very British humour and for a certain generation - if you sit outside of that vertical I can understand the sub-par reviews. If however you do find someone being called with precision timing rather humorous, this will keep your well entertained for 100 minutes with plenty of laughs. 7/10.
Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)
Boring
So frustrating. Yes I get the social commentary on how we don't really have free will, but Christ the whole 'recycle old scenes if you pick the "wrong" option' is tedious.
Fair play they swung from the fences, but for me this was a miss.
The Purge (2018)
If you like the films, definitely watch it
We've absolutely ploughed through the episodes without any of it dragging. The series breathes new life and direction into the franchise, and does what the films can't with their restricted 90 minute run times.
My only gripe is Penelope. Her character is beyond annoying. I'm confused if the writers want us to sympathise with her - if they did, they massively missed the mark.
7/10, but 100% worth watching if you enjoy the films.
The VVitch: A New-England Folktale (2015)
So dull
We persevered through this, and really wish we hadn't. By the time people were talking to goats it was too late. As the screen went black and we declared 'that better not be it', lo bad behold a wasted 90 minutes was concluded with a ridiculous non-ending.
The only saving grace is some decent acting from the eldest sister. I would; however, invest your time elsewhere. 3/10.
Blair Witch (2016)
The ending saved it
This was heading for a 4/10 after the first three quarters of the film was just a poor rehash of the original. The originality of the ending and exceptionally uncomfortable viewing when Lisa is in the tunnels gave the title some genuine chills and a redeeming feature. If you've seen BWP just just skip to the final 20mins of this film safe in the knowledge you're missing little before it on BW.
Riviera (2017)
Too obvious
We really enjoyed the series until the finale. Gripping enough that we binge watched it over a couple evenings, with some seriously excellent performances from Julia amongst others. The ending, however, was far too obvious, and even with this didn't have any gravitas whatsoever.
Worth a watch, but the ending made our rating plummet from a solid 8/10 to a steady 'easy to watch' 7.