Reviews
Your Honor (2020)
Great great great
It's hard to find shows with good clean scripts, and this is one of them. Really liked S1 but am absolutely loving S2. Easy to binge and that's what you want. Twists and turns. Acting is great. Bryan Cranston is on point but can't take away from other characters who are equally good. Story is woven with lots of bits and pieces but easy to follow. Scenes have some unexpected moments which makes it all the more watchable. If you want to watch something that keeps you hooked and wanting more, then this is one of those. Highly recommended as is very entertaining. Hope there's a S3 because definitely will be watching.
Transfusion (2023)
Decent Aussie Flick
This falls into the class of 'people story' and these do need to be done at a certain pace. Dad Sam having lost his wife in tragic circumstances is now attempting to raise his son while dealing with the trauma. A former Special Ops mate factors in and things get messy. This is not a fast paced action movie, and it's refreshing that it isn't as the story wouldn't work properly if it was. However, there is a lot happening and it certainly kept our interest. Relationship between Dad and son is great to watch. If you love a good people story and like relationship tales, then this is a good watch and we really enjoyed it.
The Fanatic (2019)
John Travolta's Acting
I disagree with most reviews here as I think John Travolta's acting is on point. He alone makes the movie an interesting one to watch. The story is flawed but I still wanted to see where it all went. John Travolta's study of someone with autism is very well executed and the scene where Hunter attacks him is heart wrenching. Shame others do not appreciate the work an actor will put in to achieve a certain role. The character of Hunter is also well played. Movie does have a slight Indy flavour, and the ending was not completed as well as it could have been , but overall I found it very watchable.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Love loved It!
When I go to a movie, it just has to entertain me. And this one did in spades. The flight scenes alone will have you glued to your seat. Brilliant sequel!!
Black Summer (2019)
Easy Fun Watch
I love a good zombie series. Big fan of The Walking Dead and I like to call this The Running Dead. Great fast paced story which gives a feel of how things would be immediately following the infection. It's a fun but serious ride. Really enjoyable.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)
Love love love
One of my all times faves. Doesn't date! Super clever script. We quote from it all the time at home. If you haven't seen it, get on it! Oh baby, behave!!
Fractured (2019)
Solid Thriller!
I thought this might be like any typical movie in this genre, but found it much better than expected. Kept you interested and you find yourself trying to predict the ending. I think Sam does a fab job as the main character. Would like to see him more movies actually, under utilized. Does not quite end as expected, nice twist I think. Definitely keeps you watching and would recommend a watch!
Ad Astra (2019)
An Out of This World Ride
I'll pretty much watch anything Brad Pitt is in and this absolutely did not disappoint. Beautifully shot, the movie has a 'feel' and an 'ambience' that captures that outta space feel perfectly. It's an interesting concept having Brad as essentially the only character in the film although they are are other characters. They really are a minimal support to his role. There is a lot of inner dialogue from Brad's character, but this is fundamental to the whole story. I love the 'journey' of this and at 2 hours in length probably just enough as any more would be too long. This movie has impact and is thoughtful. I really enjoyed it, and if you love a good space story this definitely is it!
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Love Tarantino
And that's it with this movie. It's Tarantino and you either love him or hate him. I thought it was an interesting character study. Almost a deconstructed Tarantino made up of snapshot type scenes which when all put together told a story. You need to always go into his movies with an open mind and a 'what am I gonna get this time'. Pitt and Di Caprio are always incredible to watch and draw you in. I thought Margot Robbie was lovely but didn't have to do too much but be the Hollywood star. In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed it and found the end and interesting 'alternative'. So if you are open to typical quirky Tarantino you should enjoy this.
Men in Black: International (2019)
Light and Enjoyable
This movie is exactly as it should be and is comparable to the original MIB. You know exactly what you should expect going in and you get that. It's fun, full of action and has great effects. You don't have to think to hard which is great if you just want to have a good time. The acting is fine for this sort of movie, and the two do a great job following on from the original although I felt this was lighter. Would recommend if you after a bit of fun. Don't expect a heavy storyline and you should enjoy.
Aladdin (2019)
Very Enjoyable!
I know everyone wants to compare this to the Animated version, but don't. Take it as it comes and you will thoroughly enjoy it. It does stay pretty faithful to the animated version I think. Will Smith as the genie could never be the Robyn Williams genie, but I don't think he tries to. He does fantastically well in his own right. Absolutely loved the Prince Ali song where Aladdin enters the city as the prince. Brilliantly colorful spectacle captured really well. Jafar missed a little for me as had lost the smarmy-ness of the animated version. The songs were great and the Aladdin and Jasmine characterization was pretty spot on. I think kids would love this and I would definitely recommend it.
Hotel Mumbai (2018)
Leaves you feeling hugely affected!
Had just arrived back from NZ when Christchurch happened. We had booked this movie a couple of days before and were concerned going to see it. It was hugely impactful because of those events. It does leave you feeling somewhat traumatized as you are given a lot of the story from the view of the terrorists themselves. And the cold unfeeling methodical way they go about their vile work is what really grabs you. Beware going in as this movie could easily distress some.
Life (2017)
Interesting Outcome!
I'm a huge fan of Sci-Fi but my hubby isn't. I dragged him along and he really enjoyed this. It's the typical storyline of humans on a spaceship picking up an alien creature who in turn attacks. Nothing really different there. But somehow I liked the quietness and cleanness of this movie. A little slow to begin but picked up well. I think the ending really made the movie and it became more of something to think about. Visually it's really good, nothing outstanding about the acting, but I still enjoyed it!
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Visually Cool!
This was visually really futuristic with a distinct Japanese flavour. I found the city scenes great to look at and it really draws you in and creates an interesting backdrop to the movie. I know there has been mixed reviews about this one, but I have to say I liked it. Scarlett is always a fascinating actress to watch and the story does keep you interested. I would recommend if not to look at the special effects alone!!
Insurgent (2015)
Great Follow Up to Divergent!
Having finally just watched Divergent, I was excited to follow it up with the next instalment. It helps that I love this type of movie and I was not disappointed. It certainly reminds you of Hunger Games and movies such as Maze Runner so it's a 'sit back and enjoy the ride' type of movie. Action packed with fantastic special effects, the movie takes up exactly where Divergent leaves off, and so flows effortlessly. Tris played by Shailene Woodley and her boyfriend/partner Four played by Theo James are very credible as a couple fighting Janene played by Kate Winslet the Leader of the five Factions. I like seeing Kate in this role as it's different for her, but she plays a great bad guy. The ending leaves the viewer on a fairly happy note, but not having read the books, I will be keen to see where the final install Allegiant takes us. Thumbs up!
Inherent Vice (2014)
A Disapppointing Sloppy Mess!
I hated this! And I really wanted so badly to like it! I know Joaquín chooses unusual stuff more often than not, but this was way out there. It was so bad, I fell asleep several times. Nothing gelled, nothing flowed and the whole thing was senseless and pointless. Apparently the story was about an Ex of an private investigator who is now seeing a rich developer whose wife and her lover wanted him committed to a mental institution in order to get their hand on his fortune I presume. But where was this story, it really wasn't anywhere. New characters were introduced unnecessarily and you very quickly lost track of who was who. Not to mention the overkill of drug use. This was two and half hours of my life I will never get back!!
Still Alice (2014)
Wow, Julianne Moore,
This movie is incredible! It's script is not overly complicated and the story is simply told. Julianne as Alice really blew me away. Particularly the scene between her and Alec Baldwin, her on screen hubby John. Alice is saying she thinks something is really wrong, and he is not really hearing or taking her too seriously. She then starts to sob, and it's is so sincere I found myself having a cry in the theatre myself. There are a couple of moments like these as the nasty disease Alzheimer's really reveals itself. It's a lovely acted movie by all, but for me, Julianne Moore is simply outstanding and I really hope there's an Oscar in it for her. There are several scenes where the ugliness of Alzheimer's shows itself and you realise the incredible impact this would have on a family. Go see this movie for two reasons, Julianne Moore and to learn a bit more about this insidious disease!
Foxcatcher (2014)
A Little Short!
I really wanted to like this movie, and didn't exact not like it, but it fell a little short for me. I think it came own to the length and the drawn out way the movie was delivered. Learning a little bit about the real du Pont, he seems a little unhinged suffering some psychological issues. This was really only shown on a small scale in this movie as you get that du Pont is a little odd and not quite normal, but not quite like the guy was in real life. I was looking forward to Steve Carell's performance, which is really good, but doesn't quite catch this. Channing Tatum as Mark Schulz is great, and Mark Ruffalo as David Schulz is even better. Really like the relationship between these two brothers. I knew nothing about this story and thought it was really interesting, despite some of the slowness. All in all, the movie is certainly watchable, but you could easily wait for it to go to DVD. It's gonna come down to personal opinion!
Wild (2014)
Not just about a Big Hike!
I really liked this movie.. I must admit I thought it may be full of close calls with nature like animal/ bug attacks etc, but this wasn't that. The story is about Cheryl played by Reece Witherspoon journey of reflection on why her life has turned out in the negative way it has and how she can move forward and become the woman her mum thought she was or would be. I found the movie extremely watchable and the time flew for me as I was very engrossed. Reece is wonderful in the role in my opinion. Aside from Cheryl's mum passing away which is the catalyst for Cheryls change, you never fully understand the motivation for Cheryl's huge backward step in life. Laura Dern covers the role as Cheryl's mum Bobbi well, but without doubt the story focuses solely on the main characters journey. I really enjoyed this and really don't have any complaints. The toughness of such a journey is covered well, and the cinematography is wonderful. This is yet another go-see in a great lineup of summer movies!
American Sniper (2014)
Sad But True!
Love Clint Eastwood as a director as he doesn't do much wrong. This is an interesting movie depicting the true story of Chris Kyle. I didn't know the story and so didn't see the end coming. I think the movie is very well done as it does show the ugliness of the war in Iraq and the impact particularly on families and the soldiers themselves. You truly can't be trained to kill people then expect it to have no impact on you! I think Clint has directed a very realistic movie without going over the top with the action sequences. He just shows things as they probably were/are. Bradley Cooper does an outstanding job capturing Chris Kyle without adopting a action man status which would have made the movie too 'American corny'. Sienna Miller is also great as his wife. This movie isn't overcomplicated and tells a story of a man who does his job extremely efficiently but still suffers as a lot as people did and still do coming out of an intense fighting/killing situation. An expressive movie again by Clint, and definitely worth your time.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Not What Expected!
I had no idea what to expect from this movie - I thought it may actually be a little arty farty but this was not the case. Such an interesting story of an actor who once upon a time played a super hero in the form of Birdman. Come forward many years and this same actor is trying to show he still has It, but as a true theatric actor by backing and acting in theatre on the stage. Most of the movie seems to have been filmed in one continuous sequence or scene, which can be difficult to pull off, but this works well within the context of the story. Michael Keaton is exceptional as the main character, who is spiraling towards losing it altogether. Loved Naomi Watts who has been wonderful in the last couple of movies she has been in. Edward Norton is also outstanding and his character is obnoxious and fascinating to watch. All in all, this movie fully deserves its best movie nom at the Oscars and time flies while watching the two and a bit hours it runs for. Go for it, it's different, but you wont be disappointed!
The Water Diviner (2014)
My Favourite this Summer but a Real Tear Jerker!
This movie is superb. I love watching Russell Crowe at the best of times, but this is one of his best. His directing was spot on, the script very clean and uncomplicated. Starting in Rainbow Australia, the first part of the movie with Russell's character and his wife is heart wrenching in itself and sets the scene for the same as the movie progresses. I liked the important message depicting the effects of war on all involved not just our own country. An interesting insight into a Turkey itself during that troubled time. I find Russell very watchable and was gripped by the story from beginning to end. I am not ashamed to say I shed a tear or two at a couple of points during the movie, and the scene with the three sons is gut-wrenching to watch to say the least. It never ceases to amaze me how this type of movie gets missed at Oscar time (or would it be included in next years round). Anyway, this is just fantastic, I definitely recommend it to see, but take some tissues!
St. Vincent (2014)
Loved, Loved This One.
Big fan of a people story and this is a good one. Bill Murray is fantastic in this playing a grumpy old alcoholic geezer who knows what he wants and doesn't care what he says to get it. On the face of it, he seems your typical lonely sad alcoholic until you learn of his background and understand where this persona has come from. Introducing new neighbours, single mum and son and throw them into the mix. The inevitable relationship develops between the boy and the older man which is great fun to watch. All characters are played very well, but Bill definitely steals the show with some great laugh-out-loud moments. This has been one of my summer faves and definitely one to see.
The Captive (2014)
Unfortunately unforgettable!
As a thriller this was not! The plot jumps from the current to the past which can lead to some confusion. I think if this movie was told from beginning to end it would have been a much better result. I found Ryan Reynolds character as the father somewhat lack lustre at times although I normally really like his work. Mum played by Mirielle Enos doesn't fair much better and I found I could not really empathize with her character even though she was going through this terribly difficult time. The detective handling the case played by Rosario Dawson was a little better. Considering this is a movie about paedophiles, it's still doesn't grasp the depravity of the situation as it should. I saw this movie only four days prior to this review, and to be honest, a lot of it has already been lost on me. Some out there may still enjoy it, but for me it was basically forgettable.
Nightcrawler (2014)
Dark but Fascinating
A really great movie - though quite dark. Jake's character Lou Bloom character is a the true definition of a psychopath in that he will stop at nothing and tread on anyone to achieve what he wants. You are never really given his background which would have been interesting. Lou is desperate for work, and stumbles on a job he feels he can be great at - it's a low job involving taking footage of tragic accidents/scenes just after they have happened. From there things spiral, although I don't think Lou sees this. This is a truly fascinating movie, and unusual. It certainly plays havoc with your morals as well. Jake does a wonderful job in the role. Highly recommended.