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snoozejonc
10/10 - So perfect that I never get tired of seeing
09/10 - Brilliant with some minor flaws but I happily rewatch
08/10 - Very strong and I would happily rewatch
07/10 - Good and I would eventually rewatch
06/10 - Hit and miss, that I found mostly enjoyable but would not seek to rewatch
05/10 - Distinctly average and I would not seek to rewatch
04/10 - Mostly did not enjoy and would avoid rewatching
03/10 - Strongly disliked for a variety of reasons
02/10 - I either switched off, walked out of the cinema or was close to doing either
01/10 - So bad that I would describe it as not professionally made in any way
I appreciate all scoring is highly subjective to the tastes of an individual.
I take into consideration the writing, cinematography, editing, acting, sound, visual effects and general production values along with the era the film or television show was made.
Ratings
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Reviews
Skeleton Crew: This Could Be a Real Adventure (2024)
Enjoyable opening episode that does it's job
The main objectives of This Could Be a Real Adventure is to establish characters and hook you into to the show. I think it does this reasonably well with a good premise of children going on an adventure. As a forty-something long time fan of Star Wars and also the Amblin movies to which it pays tribute, I am intrigued. My nine year old daughter thoroughly enjoyed it.
That being said, when filmmakers openly admit they are trying to do The Goonies in the Star Wars universe, they set themselves up for comparisons. What I love the most about The Goonies is the distinct characters and the chaotic banter between the young actors. This aspect is missing from Skeleton Crew's characters so far, which is disappointing to me personally, but I acknowledge that it is way too early to make serious judgements.
I think all the young actors do an excellent job with limited material to be able to express their characters.
Visually it is another great design from the Star Wars universe. Who would have thought we would ever see suburbs in the galaxy far, far away. Arguably this is too recognisable and not exotic enough, but it works for the story. Everything is enhanced by a nice musical score.
The Deuce: There's an Art to This (2018)
Continues to set the scene following the time jump
This episode does a great job of showing the changes happening within the sex industry and lives of various characters.
Some aspects are more interesting than others, but there is no denying that the filmmaking is top drawer. For me the most consistent scenes mostly involve the pornography sets and players. That being said my favourite moments by far are the opening and closing scenes which are both very memorable. The incident at the peep show (with touching) is very funny too.
As well made as they are I found the scenes with Vincent and Abby less engaging, but I am not that invested in their relationship arc to justify the screen time.
As ever all actors are great and the visuals are superb.
The Deuce: Au Reservoir (2017)
Very strong episode with memorable moments
Au Reservoir is pretty eventful for a number characters.
The misogyny portrayed in The Deuce is pretty strong at the best of times, but there are certain individuals you pray will be given a break or get themselves to a better place. This is used to great effect here and thankfully it's offers some rays of hope through the general bleakness of the setting. I was compelled by the scenes involving the character Dorothy and likewise Eileen.
Everything involving what happens at the brothel and the associated police involvement is another highlight from a storytelling perspective. It makes me want to find out what happens next.
There is one brutal moment that has been coming, but still shocks when it happens.
The visuals are incredibly good as alway and the actors all give strong performances.
Moana 2 (2024)
Amazing visuals, good humour but feels like half a story
Moana 2 is an enjoyable sequel that I saw with my 4 and 8 year old daughters. I would recommend it for anyone with children as they are likely to be held for the duration and enjoy it.
The plot contains a lot of the same formula from the original movie (and Disney Princess animated features in general). This is not an issue, but for me what slightly disappoints is feeling shortchanged on story for what feels like the setting up of a third movie. On reflection (at the end) it feels like the slower character focussed aspects of the pre-adventure scenes (although good) are making up for the lack of material during the adventure. Compared to the original where the main antagonist had a fully realised character arc with a great twist, this one makes no contribution other than to pitch the next instalment. (There is a mid-credits scene so don't leave the cinema too early)
That being said there are no weak sequences, spectacle or character moments. I like how all the characters are used, particularly Moana's sweet little sister and all the relationships portrayed between people. The underlying message of togetherness and connecting people is very worthwhile. The new slant on the Kakamora is great.
As for the songs, I think, as always, it is a matter of taste, but for me they are not as memorable as the original.
As always with Disney the animation is incredible and the voice performances are great.
The Deuce: Why Me? (2017)
Getting more interesting
I think this is a very strong episode that makes some compelling changes to the status quo. The establishment of the brothel and its impact on the street level prostitution is very interesting and intriguing to wonder what will happen considering all the police corruption and mob interests.
Candy's foray in the porn industry is brilliantly written as you find yourself wanting her to make a success out of it if it gets her off the streets. There are some great exchanges between Maggie Gyllenhaal and David Krumholtz. One of my favourite parts is when C. C. struts on to one of the shoots and starts throwing his weight around. He is depicted as a 'piece of work' to be polite.
The court room scenes and general mob related scenes are also very strong. Certain moments feel very Sopranos like in their depiction of mafia dealings and characters.
Visually again it is fabulous to look at. The cinematography includes great shot compositions, lighting and colours. I cannot speak for the authenticity of the period, but is feels scruffy and dirty enough to be plausible to someone who isn't from that place and time.
As ever the actors are all excellent.
The Deuce: What Kind of Bad? (2017)
Another strong episode with good character moments
I think my favourite aspect of this episode are the scenes involving Darlene and her trip home, plus the associated repercussions. This was not how I expected it to go and although fairly downbeat, I think it is good storytelling.
The brutal scenes involving Candy follow on well from the what has come previously. All these hideous situations she has been depicted in lay great foundations for her character arc to develop and generates plenty of sympathy. I am definitely rooting for her to get out of this lifestyle.
Vince and family's deeper involvement with mob is getting more intriguing and make me want to find out what happens next.
Visually it is awesome as always, plus the performances are great.
The Deuce: I See Money (2017)
Still very good but it needs some bigger plot developments soon
The opening scene is both shocking and memorable in a way that perfectly captures Candy's lifestyle and motivation for change. Another bigger shock moment comes later and has the same effect, plus allows for some great jet black humour.
Generally the humour and associated banter in this episode is strong and elevates the entertainment level required for a depiction of certain characters in fairly bleak situations. I love all the period talk, plus the "Frankie Black" scene towards the end.
I think the plot has reached the point where it needs something to happen that feels eventful. As good as any production is, filmmakers need to earn the right for a story to be slow. This is something shows like The Wire, Breaking Bad, Deadwood and The Sopranos did fantastically well by making the most characters highly entertaining to watch. I do not think The Deuce is quite on that level, but it is almost there.
That being said it is refreshing to see some of its characters involved in intimacy that does not involve a financial transaction and this is interesting enough to sustain most of the scenes.
As always the actors are great and the visuals are fantastic.
For me it is an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Good fourth entry to the prequels with standout moments
Caesar's legacy is handled well with an interesting follow up to the first prequel trilogy. I like that the character now has biblical level status from his Moses-like exploits in the previous movie. The idea of rulers using his name and words to subjugate others is sensible direction for the plot that alludes to human history well.
The new characters are good, but do not generate the same level of interest as Caesar did, but I think that was always going to be the case as we saw the character go through so much from birth to death.
Visually it is superb as you come to expect from the franchise. The ape characters and associated action sequences are as eye popping as ever. My favourite sequence though is pretty low key yet powerful, when the apes are reading a young child's ABC book and react to its illustrations.
The ending piques an interest in what potentially comes next so for me the film does its job effectively.
The Deuce: The Principle Is All (2017)
Developing plot and characters nicely
This is another very strong episode that includes interesting character moments and a compelling build up to and depiction of the opening night of Vince's bar. At this point it feels like the writers are combining the mob banter of The Sopranos with the realism and connectivity of The Wire. For show focussed on the sex industry of 70s New York I think this is a sensible approach.
Candy's character arc is the most interesting so far. I love the visual storytelling associated with her clear motivation to get off the streets and away from the associated dangers.
Again I love the connection between Abby and Darlene regarding A Tale of Two Cities and am interested to see what becomes of both, and if the relationship continues.
All actors are on great form, plus the cinematography, editing and period are all excellent.
The Deuce: Show and Prove (2017)
Continues to establish the characters and setting superbly.
This one follows on perfectly from the pilot with more fascinating character moments and parallels between individuals. I particularly like the literature connection between Abby and Darlene characters. One seemingly from a privileged background dropping out of a college degree is juxtaposed with a sex worker possibly showing an interest via a trip to the library.
The dominance by the male characters over the sex workers is conveyed prominently, so it will be interesting to see what paths certain individuals like Candy takes as the overarching narrative unfolds.
Certain details and insights are very entertaining such as the police booking process and the behind the scenes moments of a pornographic film shoot.
All the visuals are top drawer and the performances are excellent.
The Deuce: Pilot (2017)
Perfectly sets the scene
The pilot episode of The Deuce has the difficult task of establishing a place and time whilst introducing a multitude of characters and I think it does it with aplomb.
To a huge fan of The Wire it gives very similar vibes on a number of levels. The slice of life realism is captured in the visual storytelling and dialogue between characters.
I was not around in the time and not in a position to confirm authenticity, but I do like the art design and layer of filth that seems to cover everything. It almost feels like you could catch a disease from touching the door handle in one of those apartments. Other commentators have stated that it's not dirty enough, so it must have been a cesspit back in the day.
I like how certain parallels between characters are teased, particularly those who appear to have very different opportunities in life.
I think all actors give great first impressions. You have to be a fan of James Franco given the amount of screen time he has. I think he is a strong lead, but arguably it would be less confusing and gimmicky to cast another actor in the role of Frankie.
Better Call Saul: RICO (2015)
Very strong Chuck and Jimmy episode
This is an important episode that kicks off a central arc for the show and plausibly brings Chuck into play for the character to develop.
I like the concept of the Sandpiper case as it gives Jimmy a worthwhile cause to build his profile. How he handles certain situations is fantastically entertaining. The scene in the wheelie bin is hilarious. In the typically manipulative writing of the Breaking Bad universe you instantly side with Jimmy and cheer him on against corporate greed and the arrogance of more successful lawyers.
At this point Chuck is an unknown entity. He feels like a random element that could help or obstruct Jimmy's progress so his involvement is compelling due to the unpredictability of what might happen.
The visuals are great as always and the performances of all are excellent, particularly Bob Odenkirk and Michael McKean.
Hannibal (2001)
Great performances stand out in an okay sequel
Hannibal is a mostly good sequel thanks to the performances of Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore and Gary Oldman, but it is impossible to watch it without 'The Silence of the Lambs' in mind and compare the two.
Starting with the positives: it has Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter and he does not disappoint. The character does not induce the same level of fear it did previously due to the premise being so different, but it is good to see Lecter on the loose. There are several memorable moments associated with this that are darkly funny and entertaining.
There are some very memorable visuals. The scenes in Florence are very well done and there are some gruesome horror sequences towards the end that are quite unforgettable. Everything is enhanced by the sound effects and musical score
Gary Oldman as Mason Verger is a strong villain and his scenes are all impactful. These work particularly well in playing with audience sympathies in relation to other characters. Likewise Ray Liotta's almost cartoonish sexist buffoon works in a similar fasion.
As a story it serves its purpose in showing what happens next in the lives or Lecter and Clarice, but it's hard to escape a feeling of anticlimax and the wish that it was better left to the imagination. There is none of the great suspense, atmosphere, and sense of awe around various characters that Jonathan Demme produced to captivated me.
As good as Moore is (and she is a fantastic actress) I never for one second feel she is the same character immortalised by Jodie Foster, no matter how many times Hopkins hisses the name Clarice.
Better Call Saul: Bingo (2015)
Another very strong episode
This is significant episode in the development of the lead character, as it begins to lay solid foundations for what we imagine is coming for Jimmy and what we know he becomes as Saul Goodman. It also plausibly begins setting the scene for Chuck to play a more prominent role in future episodes.
I think the scenes involving the Kettlemans are easily the most entertaining and it's worth watching just to see the outcome of their continued hustling. The writing here is clever, humorous and uses a number of characters very well.
As always the visual storytelling is excellent with lots of memorable cinematography and one of those great sequences of a character doing something mysterious before all is revealed.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)
Very good finish to an impressive trilogy
This is a strong conclusion to the trilogy that develops Caesar's arc in in a spectacular and emotional way.
The writers do a great job bringing Caesar and the apes to a point that makes the journey meaningful. It works well with what came before and leaves the franchise in a good place for future stories. The fascist themes are appropriate for a modern era where political figures are peddling hate like the first half of the 20th century and war ravages several continents.
Much credit should go to the ape performers who do fantastic work bringing the characters to life. However, the technical prowess of the filmmakers in creating the visuals is wonderful and yet another step up from previous entries. I love the use of snow to make it so cinematic.
The weakest aspect for me is the Colonel Kurtz style character played by Woody Harrelson, who feels like a fairly one-note villain. This is not down to Harrelson's performance. He is excellent as always. I think it's because he is a newly introduced character within the trilogy and comes with a lot of exposition dialogue that feels a bit jarring. Although the irony of his final scene is good, it is also very predictable.
The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Port Talbot's finest
Silence of the Lambs is a classic movie thanks to the visual storytelling and performances of the lead actors.
I relentlessly badgered my parents to rent it from the video store back in '91 and it left an indelible mark of fear that resonates to this day.
Rewatching it as a 44 year old I can see that it is a pretty simple movie that uses the camera, art design, editing and performances of Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster and Ted Levine to powerful effect.
It's a given that everything involving the character Hannibal Lecter is classic cinema, thanks to the horror suspense imagery, clever writing and an iconic performance by Hopkins. Likewise Buffalo Bill is a hideous creation brought to life with creative visual design and a suitably creepy turn from Levine.
I judge a fictional film's merit of a perfect 10 score based on how many scenes are truly memorable versus how many simply keep the plot ticking over. For me pretty much every moment of Silence of the Lambs packs a punch.
Even the functional police procedural moments and character establishing scenes involving Clarice are loaded with thematic implications of her as a seemingly overwhelmed presence in a violent, male-dominated world of criminal investigation.
Jodie Foster is fantastic as she leads the film with a perfect balance of strength and vulnerability.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Chaotic and entertaining sequel
I went into Beetlejuice Beetlejuice with the low expectations associated with nostalgia-fuelled sequels and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed.
The key aspect for me is the black comedy and creative visuals and it is every bit as strong as the original in this respect. What made the original very good was the imaginative and hilarious world it created, and this movie takes the same concept and injects it with steroids. There are lots of funny concepts, dialogue, sight-gags, and entertaining set pieces. The most shocking gag easily involves a reference to Alec Baldwin using the character Wolf Jackson, which depending how dark your sense of humour goes, is refreshingly sick by the standard of modern cinema comedy.
All actors are on top form. You can see some are enjoying themselves so much that you feel they are almost fighting off the laughter. Michael Keaton, Catherine O'Hara, Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci are very funny, whilst Winona Ryder and Jenna Ortega play the straight(ish) roles superbly.
Visually Tim Burton creates another fantastic cinematic world that ramps up the macabre horror from the original with fantastic designs and great effects. It is enhanced by some well chosen songs at the right moments.
It is by no means perfect. The story slightly suffers from too many characters and consequently there is a lot going on. You feel that you want to see more of certain characters like Beetlejuice, Delores, Wolf, but certain other characters have their limelight too, which can slow up some of the momentum at times. However, everyone is so fun to watch perform it would be hard to excise any of them.
It's a 7.5/10 for me but I round upwards.
Hannibal: The Great Red Dragon (2015)
Very strong start to what feels like a new season
With two movies and one book covering the Tooth Fairy case, you would think this would feel like well worn territory. However, the filmmakers do a great job of introducing it within the context of this show. In fact I already feel that with the history between Lecter and Graham established in this version of the story, there is a massive impact in the final few moments of the episode. The previous seasons events add a great deal to the Red Dragon story.
As always the visual storytelling is superb. There is one sequence where a certain individual assesses a crime scene and it is very impactful. Thankfully the filmmakers exercise a fair amount restraint in their depiction of the murder of a family. The concept is disturbing enough and I am relieved the imagery involving the children is kept off camera.
Another good decision was to move the timeline forward and put Graham in a very different situation and mindset to previous seasons.
It is relieving to see the characters Jimmy and Brian from the BAU team back. I missed their banter in the first part of season 3.
For me it's an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.
Hannibal: Digestivo (2015)
Very strong conclusion, but grim in parts
Digestivo feels like a quintessential Hannibal episode reminiscent of the main character's appeal in the movies.
Lecter is a nefarious creation, but the filmmakers are very clever in certain aspects of his arc. The previous episode showed him in a shocking moment of villainy, yet here (whilst equally as gruesome) due to the manipulative use of the characters Mason Verger and Cordell, the audience root for Lecter.
For me the narrative involving Lecter in Europe and the Verger family is concluded perfectly by the events depicted and interactions between characters. The last exchange between Graham and Lecter is especially satisfying.
My only criticism of the episode (down to personal taste) is that, as amazing as the visuals are, it goes too far. I refer specifically to the scene involving the pig and what is shown to be removed from inside it. For me the scan and flatline would have been sufficient.
Generally there are some sick and twisted goings on in this one, that for me are impossible to enjoy, but nonetheless I have to admire the writing, acting and filmmaking on display.
Hannibal: Contorno (2015)
Packs a few brutal punches
Will Graham needs to learn to keep away from women associated with Hannibal Lecter. If I see him in any situation of vulnerability with any others I'll be shouting at the television. Okay, seriously this is a very strong episode with some standout moments, particularly involving Lecter, Graham and Crawford. That is as much as I can mention about the plot without spoiling.
As ever the visuals are generally brilliant and the performances are strong. There is an impressive action sequence towards the end that is very effective and with moments that have felt a long time coming.
For me it is an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.
Hannibal: Antipasto (2015)
Good if you don't mind waiting to find out who survives
I think this is a strong start to the season that establishes the situation for Hannibal and Bedelia. The relationship between the two is still fairly cryptic, and the focus on her is stronger than ever. All their scenes are very well acted and visualised, but anyone eager to know the fallout from Lecter's rampage in Mizumono will likely be disappointed.
Regardless of the momentum shift there is plenty to admire about Antipasto. The cinematography and art design is beautiful, with virtually every image feeling like a beautiful painting.
Gillian Anderson is the star of this one and she leads it very well.
Hannibal: Aperitivo (2015)
Lays solid foundations for what is to come (hopefully)
Aperitivo is one big exposition dump that puts us mostly in the picture regarding certain characters. Some aspects, such as Graham's genuine feelings about Lecter are still left ambiguous, but it gives a clear view of the intentions of others. It does this in a visually stylish way as you would imagine.
What I hope to see happen would be Lecter's more dislikable enemies failing miserably in their machinations and Graham apprehend him in a clever/cool plot line. We shall see.
I have mixed feels about the confirmed fate of a certain individual from the events in Mizumono. I will fully judge this aspect when I finish watching the season.
All actors are on great form as ever, particularly Lawrence Fishbourne.
Better Call Saul: Five-O (2015)
The quintessential Mike episode
Five-O is Mike's backstory and is one big information dump using exposition dialogue and flashbacks.
The plot is very compelling and tells a tragic story that you can watch having seen no other episodes of Better Call Saul or Breaking Bad.
If you are a fan of the character you will take a lot from this as it answers all the mysterious questions about his past. The visual storytelling is excellent as always, but where it shines is in the character interactions. His scenes with Stacey, Jimmy and various police officers are very memorable.
Jonathan Banks gives his best performance of the BB/BCS franchise and it is worth watching the episode to appreciate it.
Hannibal: Primavera (2015)
Follows up the second season finale well
There is very little of the plot I can mention without spoiling, but it's safe to say that some of the aftermath of certain events from Mizumono are dealt with cleverly. I love the scenes in the Norman Chapel in particular the sequence in the catacombs, which is absolutely fantastic.
I like the European setting and the concept of the Monster of Florence which gives Lecter greater scope like the classic villain of the source material. Shifting the focus from Baltimore and the previous formula is needed at this stage of the show.
Visually it is brilliant, particularly the creature affects, horror suspense sequence, art design, and general visual storytelling.
The only negative is the volume of screen time spent on replaying a scene from Mizumono, which I'm sure made narrative sense to the writers given the waiting time between seasons, but when you binge watch it feels repetitive.
Hannibal: Tome-wan (2014)
Grim
There is little about the plot I can reveal without spoiling, but it's safe to say that it continues the intense mind-games between characters very well. The writers philosophise with strong dialogue between the likes of Lecter and Graham. Plus the build up towards an inevitable confrontation unfolds perfectly.
Everything leads to a ghastly final horror sequence that is not for the sensitive nor weak of stomach. There is nothing about this scene that is entertaining, but you have to admire the gruesome effects for how appallingly grim they are, even when mostly obscured by darkness.
It is a chapter of which the cinematographers, art design and visual effects department should be proud.
For me it's an 8.5/10, but I round upwards.