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Louisejjames
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Inside Out 2 (2024)
A wonderful thoughtful film
I loved the first film, much to my surprise as it wasn't something I thought would be good. So when I saw a second film was coming out, I was intrigued to see whether it would be as good. The good news is - it is. It's a study in the life of a newly teenage girl trying to balance fitting in with friendships, emotions, life changes & everything else that happens when puberty hits.
The characters are very well written & if you're anything like me you'll find yourself nodding in agreement at so many things. It's also very emotional in parts, mainly because it manages to say exactly what you're thinking.
In a world where life can be all of the emotions in this film, do yourself a favour and go and see it. You'll love it !
Madame Web (2024)
I liked it!
I read all the reviews about this film before I went to see it and was expecting a cross between a 70's B movie and The Brothers Grimm, which is IMHO the worst film I've ever seen. Watching it I really don't see where all the dislikes come from, sure it had an unsure time during the making of the movie but it's a long way from the disaster many people would have you believe.
It has a decent villain, some great special effects, none of the lead characters whilst not being especially oscar-worthy was awful and the plot, although a little convoluted at times, was pretty good. It's set up to lead onto a sequel, of course, although by the sounds of it it probably wont get one which would be a shame because where it's leading to has, at least, some promise.
My advice would be to see this film with an open mind and ignore all the hate. Who knows, you might actually enjoy it!
Ash vs Evil Dead (2015)
Bloody Groovy
If you've seen the original (1980's) Evil Dead films and Army of Darkness from 1992 then you'll know who Bruce Campbell, aka titular stare Ash Williams, is. The hero of those movies and this 30 episode 3-season classic. If you don't, well... our man Ash (Bruce) found the Book of the Necronomicon in a hut in the woods in deepest rural America, which turned out to be a very bad day for him and his (then) wife, to say any more would be a whole new level of spoiler alert. However, Ash then found himself transported back to the middle ages UK in Army of Darkness and whilst there fought off all kinds of evil things, before finding himself back where he began.
Flash forward 25 ish years and Ash finds himself back in America and once again entangled with the Book, and all the shenanigans that that entails, the usual stuff, fighting demons, shotgun hands, blood, gore, more blood.... All I can say if you've never seen an Evil Dead film begin with the trilogy above then watch this. Preferably all in one go, although admittedly 30 episodes of around 30 minutes each is a fair chunk of your time. You'll love it, maybe not as much as I did, but if gruesome non-PC horror-comedy with a liberal dose of gore is your thing, it's a treat. Then you can wonder why after 3 seasons it got cancelled by Starz. In a sick twisted world where Mrs Brown's Boys is still on TV, that's the biggest horror of all.
Last Train to Christmas (2021)
An unexpectedly good film
Being totally honest I rented this film only for the Christmas connection but I'm glad I did, because it's a surprisingly delightful thought provoking film with some excellent performances. Michael Sheen dons a variety of comedy wigs to play Tony Towers, a Peter Stringfellow wannabe from Nottingham. Towers appears to have everything, trophy girlfriend, successful business, plenty of money, and a gregarious outgoing personality that wants to show off everything he may (or may not) have.
During the journey Tony finds himself travelling backwards and forwards to various points in his life depending on which carriage on the train he goes to, and based on what he experiences is forced to evaluate his life - all of it.
Don't be put off by the low budget & lack of promotion, this is a great film & very worthy of a look...
Lake Placid vs. Anaconda (2015)
Pretty much what you would expect, but nowhere near as bad.
I don't get the terrible reviews for this film. It's a film about a giant croc and a giant anaconda, it's never going to be high art! It's a fun movie with some (possibly deliberately) shonky special effects made on a low budget. The scenario about why anyone would need to capture crocs and snakes is pretty ludicrous and scientifically makes no sense whatsoever and most of the characters inevitably end up being snake/croc fodder but Robert Englund hams his way through the film with his usual wit and some of the supporting characters turn in decent performances, certainly better than what you're probably used to in such a low budget event. Leave expectations at the door and enjoy the ride!
Bull (2021)
Superb low budget revenge film
My expectations weren't high & to be honest I couldn't remember even reserving the film for rental but I started watching and so glad I did. I've seen British low budget gangster films before, a lot of them are terrible sacrificing story for violence & naughty language. This has violence & naughty language but it also has a plot. I won't spoil the ending but if you watch the rest of the film, it makes a lot of sense & ties up the film very well. The acting is excellent and exemplary for such a low budget film. This film should be much well known than it is, and I'll be spreading the word, as should you!
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Surprisingly brilliant
I haven't seen any of the previous PIB films & thought the Shrek series went rapidly downhill so didn't hold out an awful lot of hope for this. But.. I thought it was excellent ! The childhood fairytale references were spot on, the script was good & there wasn't really a duff character in sight. I'm thinking maybe I should revisit the older ones but I don't think they are essential to being able to enjoy this film on it's own. The only thing you really need is a decent knowledge of yer actual fairy stories & Grimm tales.
Is it the « last wish »? I'd certainly not be opposed to more! Not like there aren't other characters to bring in!
The Sparks Brothers (2021)
Fantastic guide to the Mael world.
Probably one of the best stories in the musical world of a band still going strong(er?) just about 50 years since they began. For me it helps for sure that (a) I remember the first time in 1974, the Top of the pops "what the hell is that" moment, and the peaks and comebacks since then, and (b) that I saw them live for the first time last night. This is a fantastic insight into the private world of Ron and Russ, their achievements, the fans, the inspiration others take from them, and all in all is a fantastic work, lovingly created by a true fan. Even if you don't know the whole story, or think 2 hours plus is a long time to sit through a dvd/Blu-ray, watch it. As they say, there's something for everyone here.
Snowden (2016)
Brilliant thought provoking film.
Watching this for the first time in 2022, what a brilliant film and pretty much everything in the film has turned out to be true, China, Russia... etc. Does make you wonder if the NSA can find out so much about individuals in various countries why we're still expected to believe the covid lies, however. An essential watch.
The Batman (2022)
Loved it!
Wasn't a massive fan of the "Dark Knight" era Batman, so when this was announced with Cedric Diggory as Batman my hopes weren't that high. But I have to say it was a great film, the Batman back story was well done and the film never felt like almost 3 hours worth. The only character I wasn't entirely convinced by was the Riddler, but everything else was pretty much spot on. It reminded me in parts of the fantastic Gotham TV series, character and story wise, which can only be a good thing.
The Phantom of the Open (2021)
Absolutely fantastic
A brilliant story (true story too) brilliantly brought to life in this fabulous film. Mark Ryland as Maurice Flitcroft is amazing and should be up for a best actor award. It's a real up and downer, emotionally, and could have gone wrong but Simon Farnaby's direction pulls it together superbly. See it without hesitation !
Belfast (2021)
An OK film if you like heavy-ish dramas...
Saw this as a secret screening at Cineworld, to be honest I wouldn't have chosen to see it otherwise but it was ok if a very broad brush account of what happened in Northern Ireland in 1969. The young lad (Buddy) is played very well and while it's not a bad film for me it's not something I would otherwise have watched.
No Time to Die (2021)
Really don't get the negativity..
I was led to believe by idiots on Twitter that this film was "woke", whatever that means these days, and a watered down Bond, and they really didn't like the idea of a black woman inheriting 007, and even that's only a "sort of". I'm happy to report that as suspected Twitter is full of idiots, because the only part of that statement that's true is the third part. It's a fast paced action film with funny and sensitive moments and if it truly is Daniel Craig's last it's a fitting way to go out. Sure you'd probably guess the ending before it arrives, and I still find it so hard to take Rami Malek as anything other than Freddie Mercury, but it's a great film and feels nothing like it's running time, which is always a good sign. So basically ignore the keyboard warriors and go see it, and if you can see it in IMAX, even better.
The Upper Hand (1990)
I remember this quite well...
I used to watch this in the early 90's and quite liked it, but I remember that the reason I stopped watching it was Charlie is such a twit! I guess he was typical of most men of that era really. Diana Weston deserved much better (imho), but hey ho that's just me! It's a mildly amusing rather than hilariously funny programme although it does have some great moments. I'm saying this after having watched the entire 6 series so clearly there's something about it I like!
In the Earth (2021)
Ummmm... what?
Years from now people will watch this film (possibly) and remember how we fell for the Covid rubbish, sadly this film starts with the masks, testing etc and frankly made me wonder if the film was going to be a lecture about Covid. Well happily it wasn't, quite what it was... I don't really know. It reminded me of Blair Witch in places, and then you have the swivel eyed loon looking to sacrifice to the wood god.. or something. To be honest I was half intrigued by the lights and music and half trying to decipher what was going on. It's not the worst film I've ever seen but very unlikely to watch it again!
Love, Victor (2020)
Superb modern drama..
Wasn't even looking for this but when it showed on my Disney + recommendations I gave it a go having seen Love Simon. It's pretty amazing. It deals with a lot of "modern day" issues, mostly being gay and how various people deal with it, and it does it really really well. It could have turned into a woke fest but it doesn't, to it's eternal credit. So intentions of watching one episode turned into a first season binge watch.... looking forward to season 2!
The Kenny Everett Video Show (1978)
Fantastic memories for anyone who remembers these shows on the telly..
Having recently rewatched these shows for probably the first time since 1978 they brought back so many fantastic memories, and also shows how far ahead of its time in the usage of "special effects" it was, especially for 1978 when we didn't even have video players. The basis for just about every whacky style radio or television presenter who's come since, Kenny was unique and will never be repeated. Watch it and despair for the state of "comedy" and music today.
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016)
So many good memories...
I discovered the Gilmores on some random TV channel in the early 00's and I was captured. Funny, smart, great characters and fabulous music, what's not to like, and I was so disappointed when the original series finished. When I heard about this I wasn't sure what to think, how do you recapture the original vibe 15 or so years later? Have to say I absolutely loved it, sure things were updated but not overly so and the general vibes I got were of a small town America that changes very little, which is pretty much what I wanted to see. It was never going to be "modern" humour (ie in your face and usually not very funny) and that's to it's credit. It won't be for everyone but if you want to go back to a better place, here it is.
Whoops Apocalypse (1982)
Almost a documentary...
Watching this 40 years later it's difficult to not believe this isn't a fly on the wall documentary particularly of the US presidency in recent years. Suffice to say this is not at all politically correct in any fashion, and all the better for it. It takes the proverbial out of any & everything that deserves it in its quest to be a countdown to the nuclear apocalypse threatened so often in the early 80's. This would send the loony left crazy today so you best go watch it...
The Top Secret Life of Edgar Briggs (1974)
Not aged terribly well!
I remember watching this when I was 11 in the 70's and thought it was funny, which some of it still is but some parts not so much. David Jason plays hapless (and to be honest irritating at times) spy Edgar Briggs who seems to get on despite being useless. Some fine supporting roles and you can see why Jason got the Del Boy role and also the roots of Johnny English, although both were much better. I can see why Jason blocked the repeats as it's not his best work but it's worth a look.
GasTank (1983)
Superb easy going musical fun
I vaguely remembered this from the early days of Channel 4 in the early 80's and I guess you could say it was a precursor to the likes of Jools Holland's Later.... Basically it's the ridiculously talented Rick Wakeman and Tony Ashton, keyboard players both, chatting & playing songs with their musical friends of the 60's, 70's and occasionally the 80's. It's a very loose format & in my eyes works the better for it even if it does occasionally veer into self indulgence but it is FUN. It's deliberately set in a "pub" type setting to make it feel more relaxed with fags & booze a plenty!
Shame it only aired for 6 programmes but maybe that stopped it getting stale & disappearing up its own backside as ...Later did. If you remember OTT with Chris Tarrant this is on a similar line.
No, Honestly: Plenty of Shoulder, Not Much Wheel (1974)
Top work
CD and Clara are up the creek, CD hasn't had an acting role for ages and Clara's publisher wants her to go a different way with her book... In order to make some contacts CD & Clara go to a socialite soirée where he meets a Hungarian film director who makes him an offer he might not be able to refuse..
No, Honestly: Bed, Beautiful Bed (1974)
Very funny
Clara and CD are in dire straits, CD hasn't had any work for ages, the debts are mounting up and the bank refuses to lend them any more. They decide to sell their bed which is their most valuable possession, only thing is, it's a family heirloom... Look out for Johnny Briggs (Mike Baldwin) in an early role as a dodgy car buyer!
No, Honestly (1974)
Comedy classic!
I vaguely remembered this show from the early 70's when I saw it on sale at a bargain price expecting mild amusement, however I'm very happy to say that it is a superbly scripted and acted show and is very funny. Pauline Collins plays the delightfully dippy Clara to John Alderton's CD (Charlie) who is much more sensible, and the two of them play superbly off of each other in the various situations that they get themselves into. I seem to vaguely remember that John Alderton didn't want to do another series, which is why they resurrected the same format as Yes Honestly with Liza Goddard and a new male lead the following year. It's a shame there wasn't more of these as I've seen much worse programmes have many series. Well worth a look, I got my copy from Network DVD's online.
No - That's Me Over Here! (1967)
Not quite as funny as it could be..
I'd actually never heard of this show until I saw the dvd of season 3 going (fairly) cheap and thought it may be worth a look, then when I saw the cast & writers my expectations grew. As it was made in 1970 it's very much of its time and it bears similarities to other shows which followed it it's wake, such as Reggie Perrin which leaped to mind as Ronnie Corbett works in an office, Commutes by train, Has an overbearing mother in law etc. I loved the 2 Ronnies but I wasn't a huge fan of Corbett's solo stuff (like Sorry, which I thought was awful) but this is pretty good and worthy of at least a glance, if you can find it. Would like to see the first 2 seasons if they ever turn up!