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Reviews
The VVitch: A New-England Folktale (2015)
The haunting begins
Having read the reviews and looked at the cover of the box, I got more than I had hoped for. Atmosphere, period language and beliefs, with more than credible prowess by all the cast. Although, the goat seemed to be a prima donna according to the trivia section. This film hits hard and goes back to Wheatleys Devil rides out and digs further in time. The characters are strong, and beautifully played. The creation of atmosphere be it with the camera work, editing, effects, and score are a great success in giving you the whole experience of being back in the 1630's, facing a cruel existence, for some god knows why reason. This must have driven the sane, God fearing, hardy but naive settlers to the limits of insanity. The contemporary writings of the time are chilling.
Hey presto for a finish add suspense, great acting, and the overall production channel, you get a truly chilling film of great quality.
UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE.....Why oh why did you have to go base on us, leaving with this cheesy image in mind. Make your own directors cut at the appropriate point and you have a great film.Otherwise forgive the last minute...it's really not what the film is about.
The Hateful Eight (2015)
The film he wanted to produce...which is what you get
So as I have sat through the others, and enjoyed as much as they made me enjoy. From the stolen .. sorry..reinterpreted story of Reservoir Dogs (and yes I know that is not his first film), right through to the h8ful Eight. It is what he wanted to produce. Don't come looking for tempo, deep story, guffaws or tears. You won't get it...You won't like it..so Don't do it. However, if you wish to regale at his known brat pack pulling out stellar performances, with gimmicky voice overs, excellent wardrobe and settings. But then again as others have mentioned, it is a theater piece set on screen. It works well, as a backdrop to the Tarantiniesque blood fest that ensues. I don't agree with critics saying that Tim Roth was a playing a 'pompous' character which would not have been correct for his social standing....ofc not, he was playing Tim Roth, and the rest did exactly the same. The film smacks of the usual clichéd moments and soundbites, the verbal jousts are evident and in abundance. They always seem to end with Mr Jackson shutting someones mouth in one way or another. So if you liked Django (and personally I preferred Django Unchained). Then go see the new brain splattering, eye candy from the master.
The Legend of Barney Thomson (2015)
Worth a Watch
Looking for a film which isn't sat on a picket fence, or a CGI squeezed bag of eye hurt, then this could amuse you for the 90 minutes. Don't forget to plug the Scottish babel fish in before the film starts. Emma Thompson plays a perfect cemolina...Ray Winstone...plays Ray Winstone. There were some stereotypical 70's remarks linked with the typical regional British profiles....But Was he in The Bill or what?.. Anyway, nice start to Begsbies directors career. And the dark side of comedy was a challenge. Interesting, quirky, with a few guffaws, the speed is in tempo with the story, which sort of becomes 'gifted on a plate'. It's far from the trainspotting of old, and a fresh view on a little corner of madness. Worth a watch even if it is only for Emma Thompson showing why she is a great of the screen.