julianxbishop Reviews

Dead Water (2019)

Boat with some action (towards the end)

[5/10 · 5 August 2019]

We went to the "World Premiere" of this movie along with 30 or so others. It's a distinctly average action picture set mostly in the middle of the ocean on high end boat.

The acting and production are OK, but the film is let down by its structure and its general lack of suspense. I think it is supposed to a mixed genre film: action/suspense. A fundamental problem is that the action really only comes in the third act. The low budget for the film means that the action is of relatively low impact. Another fundamental issue is the lack of suspense in the movie. One of the main characters is obviously a sleaze-ball, so there is no surprise later when he isn't what he seems.

There is a lot of scenes of the high end boat which really could be taken directly from the manufacturer's sales video. One of these is used twice in the movie!

Ok to watch if you are streaming one evening, though frankly there are better things to watch.

River (2015)

Fantastic UK mini-series

[10/10 · 27 June 2019]

I'm currently re-watching this mini-series having given up hope of a second series.

This is a very unusual example of this genre. It doesn't conform to most of the stereotypes which is why it is such compelling TV.

The basic story is of a police detective (River, Stellan Skarsgard) who loses his detective partner (Nicola Walker). He suffers from psychiatric issues including hallucinations where he talks to people who have died. Not surprisingly, this is of great concern to his other police colleagues.

The acting is exceptional. You will probably recognize most of the cast from other shows/films.

Other elements are also strong: the script, the mise en scene and the music (mainly 1970s disco).

Strongly recommend that you give this a go

Lost Fare (2018)

Very likely to be the worst movie of 2018

[2/10 · 12 September 2018]

Lost Fare very likely to be the worst film of 2018. This is a shame because it is made by an accomplished filmmaker involved in many great films over decades & the movie does has some attractive and memorable cinematography.

However, the script is appalling:

• unbelievable dialogue, including many lines that have never been uttered by a real person
• spelt-out conclusions. The audience for this type of movie is going to want to work out the meaning of this film themselves (and will have the ability to do so)
• verbalized backstory
• plot that is fundamentally too complex
• unintentionally funny.

The actors didn't stand a chance.

Playing the Moldovans at Tennis (2012)

Very worthy cause but ultimately a home movie

[5/10 · 23 June 2012]

As a family, we had enjoyed Round Ireland with a fridge. Its quirky sense of humour had greatly appealed to both my daughters (10 and 12). We were therefore looking forward to this film (which has been in production for a long time).

The distribution model for this film seems largely to be via internet streaming. There appears to be a tour from Tony Hawks of the film and a very limited cinema release. I personally don't believe that the film is anywhere strong enough for a wider cinema release.

So what's wrong with it?

1. It's not nearly funny enough. There are many smiles, but few big laughs. 2. The book is good. It revealed that the author learned a lot about himself from his experience in Moldova. This only vaguely transfers to the screen. 3. The plot is reasonably but not compellingly constructed. If the streaming had stopped half way through (it didn't, it worked well), I am not sure I would have felt any need to find it again to see the end.

In summary, it's an OK film. This is a shame, because Tony Hawks has funded the film himself from his retirement savings. All proceeds (and these will be low) go to a hospital for mentally handicapped that Tony himself has founded in Moldova.

Had it been a better film (perhaps by involving others in the production? NB Tony performed most jobs himself to keep costs down), maybe it would have raised more money?

Please buy it anyway; treat the £4 streaming cost as a charitable donation

Flirting (1991)

Coming of Age Film - one of best ever made

[10/10 · 1 March 2006]

Intelligently written piece that combines sub-genres of Coming of Age and inter-racial films.

The plot is fairly straightforward and the message of the film is not deep. Nevertheless, it is an original film which is simply and cheaply made.

The first strength of the film lies in the exquisite performances from great cast of the then unknown actors, 3 of whom have gone on to great performances in many other films (Taylor, Newton and Kidman).

Secondly (assuming you are over 14 years old), the audience will have a strong feeling of resonation with the subject matter (growing up, alienation the school "norm", being allowed to behave differently etc). The fact that the film is by a British director about an Australian boarding school probably means that the film has a wider appeal to all anglo-saxon nations.

Finally, the humour is understated but engaging.

I loved this film on release. It has not lost any of its charm since, though you are slightly distracted by seeing well-known actors in their youth.