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Ragnarok (2020)
Teenage Thor angst
I thought i'd give this show a go not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised, decent acting and production. Decent climate crisis story line and character building. If you want a slightly different twist on the Norse mythology and the Thor character in modern day give this a go. I'm looking forward to season 2
Robert the Bruce (2019)
If at first you don't succeed
I had the privilege of seeing this in Edinburgh at a small screening, film was introduced by the main star and director.
This is clearly a labour of love and small budget dealing with The Bruce on the run and giving up on himself. Being hunted by other Scots who are after some coin, he has to hide out through winter.
Filmed mostly in Montana with a bit of Scotland at the end, seems a bit of a shame but this sort of thing happens a lot.
The film itself is a slow burner and a bit of a come down on the back Brave Heart, this is a beaten King giving up and hiding out, wounded he is taken in by a family who've lost their Husband/father to the battles with the English army. Some mixed feelings towards him but they come to terms in the end he is a good King and wants what's best for Scotland.
Bits of the film reminded me of old westerns like High Noon or 3:10 to Yuma, there's a showdown coming and the odds are against you but you have to fight regardless. It was good to see Angus back in the role of Bruce seems fitting and if they ever do a Bannockburn movie I'd want him back in the role.
Black Mirror: USS Callister (2017)
VR the final frontier
Great start to this season, clearly ripping of Star Trek, The Captain playing a James T. Kirk type hero and everyone fawning around him.
As the episode progresses you see he's actually quite pathetic and spineless but a nasty evil bastard within the game where he tortures digital clones of his workmates.
First of all he gets some of their DNA and has a way of digital cloning that person from the DNA but what it doesn't explain is how these clones have memories and personality of the original source right up to that point, so it's like they're waking up after a roofie hit on a night out.
Personally I would have suggested he developed some sort of full body and brain scanner that they must pass through in order to get into the building possibly hidden within the security entrance so they had no idea that is was happening.
However it didn't deter me from how good the episode was, thoroughly enjoyed it, I watched this with my son who's also a gamer and asked if someone had made a digital clone of you and was torturing you in a game would you care, you're not actually experiencing it.
He get's his in the end when they sacrifice one and fight back and free themselves to live out their lives in a progressively generated Universe (well as long as the servers remain in operation)
Great idea and well executed (with minor flaws)
The Terminal (2004)
Charming Spielberg/Hank comedy
I watched this again recently with my 16yr old son, who enjoyed it he was laughing and smiling throughout.
I explained to him this is based on a trued story of Merhan Nasseri who lived in Frances main airport for 18 years which in itself is remarkable. I've seen a few negative reviews on this movie and personally I don't see why.
They made the movie their own and in a comedic style and for me they pulled it off, yes of course you have to suspend belief with the likes of Zeta Jones who looks stunning in this falling for Viktor (Hanks) I mean would Zeta Jones fall for a much older guy in real life.....oh wait
Hers is a tragic character and I dare say there is some woman who are like that, keep falling for the wrong guy and keep going back for more.
The other sad character was played by Diego Luna stalking, yes lets be fair stalking Zoe Saldana and getting Viktor to get info from her then eventually presenting her with a ring. She still had no idea who was interested in her c'mon this is really where you have to suspend belief.
Give this movie a go it's up there with "Catch me if you can" another Spielberg/Hanks movie as an easy watch that is quite charming and sweeps you up.
The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Decent enough horror
My GF wanted me to watch this with her as she attempted on her own and didn't get too far.
It gets you asking questions right off the bat, the body is found in the basement of this house half buried but her skin is porcelain white unblemished, when she arrives at the morgue there is not a spot of dirt on her nothing and she was brought direct from the murder scene. Begs the questions the cops who dug her out didn't question why dirt didn't stick to her.
So she dropped off at the morgue for them to uncover cause of death and this is where it drags you in, it is gripping from the first slice. I worked out when they dragged out the cloth with the tooth wrapped in it what she was and what year she had died and where. But the reveals are handled well, especially the tattoos on the inside of her skin that was pretty awesome.
From then it was into the standard horror/suspense scenes but again handled well enough, this is worth a watch and you won't be disappointed
Jeepers Creepers 3 (2017)
Avoid this movie at all costs
As most of the reviews state we waited a long time for this to progress the story but for some reason they set the movie just before the 2nd one.
I think the creeper looked better in the 2nd movie than he did in this and they added more stuff to the creepers truck which had never been seen or mentioned before.
The bone spike thing that shoots out from the side of the seat WTF that low down what would have been the point obviously just to add what they thought was a cool scene in the movie.
The rear door spikes was pretty cool but again we'd never seen it before and if this movie is set between 1 and 2 they should have just kept it at the standard truck. Not to mention the bone spike rope that shoots out the back and can catch up with motorbikes.
Acting terrible, effects are terrible they have a 20mm gatling gun that hardly does any damage, I thought there was going to be some pretty decent effects when they fired up that bad boy but they might as well have used a nerf gun.
Nobody wanted a movie set at this point we've all been waiting for a movie progressing from the end of part 2 with the thing strung up in the barn and set 23 years in the future.
Which brings to the point at the end you see the girl from the original JC spouting vengeance for her brother Justin, Long since dead but given the time frame of this film she looks visibly older but obviously a cheap shot at getting us hooked for JC4 and if this is a teaser then the movie is going to be set again in this same feeding period.
I just don't get it unless they actually set it 23 years after JC2 then she'll be well older, after this fiasco I'm not assed about JC4 and don't understand why in this day and age anyone would want to work with this kiddie fiddler Director but then again people still work with Woody Allen
The Snowman (2017)
What did One Snowman say to the other Snowman
Do you smell carrots?
Bad joke for a pretty bad film, was hoping for something better, didn't know much about it other than Fassbender is in it and it looked a decent enough thriller.
Started out ok but it doesn't half wander off track, Three stars in it are totally under used, Val Kilmer, it took me awhile to realise it was him, looks like they dubbed him in this film. His character for all the screen time he got was useless and pointless as was Toby Jones, I mean did they just happen to be in Norway at the time on holiday and asked to be part of the project.
JK Simmons, a great actor who had some screen time but again wasted in this plotline seemed to serve no purpose, just allowed the film take away from the thriller side of things and keep you gripped.
By the time the reveal came around, I could care less
I know I put down this contains spoilers but it doesn't but then again the film didn't have any suspense
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
For those about to Ragnarok
I read through some of the hate reviews and they must be purists of Thor and Ragnarok and by the looks of things they are in the minority for now.
I had high hopes for this film after the disappointment of Blade Runner 2049 and all I can say is it didn't disappoint.
For me personally this is the best film I've seen this year and by far the best Thor film, great visuals, great action and very, very funny.
Some great cameos at the beginning that I wasn't expecting, excellent involvement of Dr Strange to get the ball rolling. my son thoroughly enjoyed and he's quite reserved when sitting watching a movie with me but he was laughing away and some of the scenes.
Again as usual sit right to the end the very last credit Roll on Infinity War
Jaws (1975)
This is my number 1 movie of all time
I never tire of this movie, it just takes me away. I can't remember when I actually first saw the whole movie probably early 80s when we got out first VHS player. For me this is a movie that's grown over time and lost none of what makes a genuinely great movie experience. I remember hearing people talking about it in 75 when I was in primary school and was desperate to see it. It was worth the wait
So many quotable lines, the charm of Amity Island oh how I wish I had the money to visit there. In the 90's I actually took an American girl out to dinner who spent her summers at her grans house in Martha's Vineyard she would regale me with stories of life there.
Spielberg really hit the mark with this three men in a boat experience you just can't beat just simple cinematography and atmosphere of them sitting around swapping injury stories and singing show me the way to go home before it all kicks off.
Ellen: Martin hates boats. Martin hates water. Martin - Martin sits in his car when we go on the ferry to the mainland. I guess it's a childhood thing. It's a - there's a clinical name for it, isn't there?
Chief Brody: Drowning!
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Visually Stunning but .......
I was so looking forward to this, Blade Runner is in my Top Ten films, I still remember the impact it made when I first saw it on VHS in 1984, totally blew me away.
2049 didn't, I forked out for IMAX 3D and don't get me wrong yes you can clearly see the effort that went into the cinematography and some scenes are beautiful but that doesn't make a film.
All through the film I kept thinking it's too light, it didn't have the dark atmospheric claustrophobic feel of the original. Interior/exterior all felt too light, soundtrack wasn't as good as the original and no memorable quotes or scenes. I felt it a bit clichéd dragging in bits from the original film as a reminder/flash back.
Ford couldn't seem to muster that old Deckard magic to the point I felt for the time he's in it was it worth it. The whole colours and visuals around entering what I think was meant to be Vegas was great and beautiful the giant sculptures reminded me of the Movie A.I. that scene where they hitch a lift to the pleasure city.
I will probably watch it again to see how I feel but sitting in the cinema it just felt way too long, I could see people checking their watches a good film shouldn't have people doing that.
Spoilers ******************************************* The ending could have just finished with Agent K laying on the steps in the snow bleeding out and for me that would have been fine, it framed nicely looking down on him. We knew Deckard was going in to meet his daughter for the first time, we knew who she was as soon as you saw the building to go that extra minute or so showing what happened next, unnecessary.
Star Trek: Discovery (2017)
I didn't hate it (based on 1st Pilot episode)
I didn't expect much when watching this, I never really got into Enterprise so was pretty much expecting a similar sort of feeling.
However I watched this with my son who has never really seen any of the other Star Treks shows/movies except the new Abrams reboot which this ignores.
So I'm pretty much looking at this as an updated reboot of the franchise, well you have to really as these ships are far advanced than what the TOS predicted and the new look Klingons.
I can see all the negativity in the reviews and I can't agree with them maybe I'm not a purist as some are although I was raised on Star Trek loved TOS and TNG tolerated DS9 and Voyager. I enjoyed the first episode and I've spoke to some others who all didn't expect much but also thought it's off to a decent start.
I thought the effects were great and too early to say about the story and writing, I need a few more episodes under my belt first. But I hope they don't drag out each season with loads of episodes as inevitably you end up with many forgettable one off stories that are a yawn fest and a few really good episodes that stand out.
I'll stick with this and see how it goes and hope they mention or bring in the Enterprise NCC1701 under Captain Pike, that would be interesting
It (2017)
"It" is now the definitive
I can't understand the negative reviews at all, I've read the book twice and loved every sentence of "It" The original was good and Tim Curry legendary as Pennywise but by god Skarsgad does an excellent job. It really does stand up against the original and surpasses it of course there is a bigger budget here and way better effects. There is nothing really scary about it like any normal horror but it's a great drama with the ageless charm of " Stand By Me " and the supernatural of " Stranger Things " you really can't go wrong and for me this hasn't.
The casting is superb all the kids interactions are well done and funny, Pennywise is excellent and will make you hate clowns all over again. The town of Derry looks quaint and charming and you would want to spend your summers there once "It" has went to sleep.
It remains to see how the handle Chapter 2 and who they cast, for me casting big names to the roles may ruin it. I personally feel it won't be as good as Chapter 1 but if they get anywhere near it and do a decent reveal of "It" then job well done.
For me this is now the Defin-It-I've version
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Hey Ho, Let's Go
I really was looking forward to this movie and it didn't disappoint. I personally prefer this over the other Spiderman movies, plenty of laughs, great effects and the inclusion of Stark/Iron man. Characters were great although I think Donald Glover could have been given a better role, he seemed to play a cliché black strung out hoodlum what a waste.
Keaton as usual is awesome, with a great twist later in the movie I didn't see coming. I loved the fact they used a Ramones track in the movie, thank you.
The very final scene when May appears at the bedroom door, just brilliant, whole cinema burst out laughing. As much as I liked this movie I think Thor will surpass it, roll on Infinity Wars Stark tech suit, when the suit is fully unlocked with a load of web combos I was thinking why so many and how is that possible a bit over the top but as the Ramones say Hey Ho let's go
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
First one was a hard act to follow I suppose
OK for me this wasn't going to be as good as the first, I was excited for it to see where they'd take the story next. Basically it threw a spanner in works right away when they jump forward to sort out Marty and Jen's kids. By the Doc coming back and getting them into the car and TAKING THEM OUT THE TIMELINE what did he think he'd find when he got to the Future.
The basis was sent in the previous film when he jumped the DeLorean forward at Twin Pines Mall with the dog in it, the dog physically left the timeline to reappear 1 minute later. So by taking Marty and Jen out the timeline they should have appeared in 2015 with a changed scenario from Doc's perspective then that would have been the face palm DOH!!!! moment.
The future tech was good Hover Boards the Nike Mags etc but then they went back and forth and it got all a bit muddy and busy story wise. When dealing with time film makers always over speculate progress of technology, The classic Blade Runner done this also, we're only 2 years away from 2019 and no where near the Technology suggested in the movie but that movie can be forgiven as it's so bloody good.
This however is a film I can't be bothered to watch again, the other two yes but this one not really
The Flash: The Once and Future Flash (2017)
Flash-Back to the Future II
My son and I watch Flash and enjoy it more than the other DC shows, this wasn't a bad episode and I can't profess to be an expert on The Flash or have read any of the comics but surely if he jumps out of the time line how can he see himself in the future ala Marty and Jennifer BTTF2? I'm guessing he must have went to an alt timeline. As good as the episode was, the usual things leave you shaking your head, when he jumps into the lane right when Mirror Master and Top are there hot off their latest crime spree, why would he stop and have a chat with them. He's dealt with them before surely he knows what to expect.
So again he allows them to use their powers on him sending him bandy and again later in the episode, I swear Monkeys learn quicker than Barry. Later when Killer Frost breaks out and does a runner how quick does Barry give up, I mean she just literally ran out the door and Barry was like she's gone (is he just getting lazy), my son burst out laughing at that bit. But like I say it's better than the other DC shows and we stick with it
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
So Good, Just Pure and Simple Pleasure
The intro was one of the best I've seen in a movie for a long time, Mixture of Groot dancing to ELO's Mr Blue Skies while the rest fight in the background is pure mind blowing Joy. So many LOL moments, the cinema crowd were in stitches, I have to go see this again, I won't meander on too long but this for me was on par and up there for the first movie. That's tough thing to pull off these days as the firstwas mind blowing as I don't think anyone expected it to be so good again I was expecting this to be great but not as good but I was wrong. Part of me was hoping for another tentative link towards Infinity Wars but a minor niggle on my part. Great Movie Great Characters Great Laughs
Blade Runner (1982)
A Distopian Future I can get behind
I first saw this movie back in 1985 when a friend gave me a loan of it on VHS, never heard of it, I had no idea what it was about but my mate insisted I watched it. So one afternoon I settled down and stuck it in my player and what unfolded before my eyes was ART, PURE VISUAL ART.
To me this movie is a masterpiece to a point it took me ages to return that tape to my mate. I own all versions, this movie was instantly in my top 5, now with the sequel coming out it will revive the original to a new generation.
Whether you like SciFi or not you have to appreciate the attention to detail in this movie and you have to watch the making of Blade Runner the shear effort behind production.
I could wax lyrical about scenes in this movie but to be honest it's something you just have to sit and watch without any distraction, just watch and take it all in and you know what once will not be enough.
Rogue One (2016)
A hark back to the old days
Beware, Here there be Spoilers
Going into this I had to keep my expectations in check but what I saw before me was something that took me back to my childhood. The Easter eggs and there are many had me delighted, when Tarkin appeared and turned to face the screen you could hear the whisper spread throughout the cinema " They resurrected Peter Cushion " Took me awhile to come down from that.
There is many great scenes in this, the ambush of the Storm trooper supply train was awesome, something you could imagine happening in Iraq. Best lol moments supplied by K-2SO and you are totally gutted when he is taken down in a hail of blaster fire. The battle in the tropical setting was outstanding and equalled the Battle on Hoth, the space battle during all this and the coming together of 2 Star Destroyers was so well done and the attention to detail was excellent.
This film truly captured the feel of when I first saw Star wars in 77 and Yes I would say this is on Par with Empire possibly even nudges ahead, down to the resurrecting old characters, when Vader appeared hairs stood up on the back of my neck, Vader we missed you man.
If all this wasn't enough the final scene, the very last scene with Princess Leia a perfectly captured 18/19 yr old Carrie Fisher.....words fail me......I'm done...MEDIC!!!!!....WE NEED A MEDIC OVER.....
Resurrect me when Blade Runner 2049 comes out
The Flash: Invasion! (2016)
Invasion of the Frustrations
Just finished watching this episode and it is much better than the Supergirl episode which was yawn and only had a 2 minute bit at the end with Barry and Cisko.
OK they're all brought together by Barry rather sharpish. introductions are made, Supergirl, Arrow, Arrow, Supergirl, you get the idea.
So they pretty much start off training against Supergirl cause she's an alien which ends up being a pointless exorcise, I mean it's Supergirl for crying out loud. Better off just going straight for The Dominators who look liked they had been rejected from the Mel Gibson movie SIGNS.
Cisko just not letting the whole Barry killed my Bro thing go and ends up being a bit of a D**k. Barry has doubt of being a leader to the group oh the angst, the world is in danger,man up and get stuck in.
OK so the President is kidnapped by the DOMS, clearly if this had been Donald "tiny hands" Trump no one would have bothered their ass going to save him. But lucky for us it's another dude, so Supergirl and some of the others go to save him.
Let me start off by saying Supergirl could have done all this on her own, she could see the President with her x-ray vision, she knew exactly where he was, she as fast as The Flash but yet chooses to walk in with the group.
It's a trap and they all get controlled by the DOMS, who then get them to go fight Barry and Oliver, so this battle rages for a bit and I realised well this saves on the budget having them fight each other than CGI aliens. Wally flexes his speed and pitches in to help Bazz and Ollie but like the failing of Barry no matter how fast you are you can't help pausing to monologue or ponder something or looked surprised enough to get hurt or the bad guy get away.
I enjoy watching Flash with my son so this episode was OK, I'll tolerate Arrow for the sake of the crossover storyline and again tolerate Legends even though basically they're a bunch of Muppets Other than that it was OK, the chase scene with Bazz and Skirt was good