Film review thread

[Polarbear]

[CBFcarl]

Bohemian Rhapsody

I'm not really a big Queen fan, but I do love a good film about musicians, and the trailers looked good. I loved every minute of this film, and seeing it in the cinema with the big speakers really made a difference. Rami Malek rocks it up as Freddie Mercury, and the supporting cast are brilliant. I would have liked a little more story about their lives, but other than that, it was a fantastic watch. Other people were complaining about the accuracy of the film, or the likenesses, but as a film about people I knew little about, I thought it was a solid 9/10
____________________
thx1138 wrote: Well if you had a car, I'd bet it would smell like urine had had drunken sex with vomit and made a poo baby.
Polarbear wrote: They are all old now. Probably had more abuse that a Rotherham schoolgirl.
Hellkat wrote: I want to know if Nigella smells of garlic, or just minge.

[RhynoCZ]

Solis - 5.5/10

Steven ''Trevor'' Ogg wakes up after something went wrong in a spaceship (pod) and has to do stuff to survive. It's one of those typical space films, where the main character wakes up after something went wrong, his only companion is someone talking to him through the radio and there is a time limit (do this before that, you are headed into the sun, running out of oxygen, fuel... etc.).

I was surprised how ''good'' it was considering the silly plot, tons of physics errors and misconceptions and being basically a one man show about nothing.

Steven Ogg is actually a alright actor, outside the GTA realm.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[andys675]

[Lord Percy]

Cloud Atlas - 8/10

Long but cool movie, really philosophical. I've probably reviewed on here before, but here's another one.

I think it's based on a book, which is probably better than the film, but still Cloud Atlas does a good job. Basically weaves 5 or 6 stories altogether, all from different times in history (including the future) and shows how everything in humanity is connected. Not in a lame hippy way, more of a way that makes you aware of how everything is connected. I mean I'm using a computer using technology that came about before I was born, drinking coffee that was first brewed centuries ago, speaking a language that has evolved over tens of thousands of years.

I'd give the film a higher score but Tom Hanks ruined it. He really showed himself as the plastic actor he is. He got rich and famous for being Tom Hanks in a few films, not for being a good actor. The reason it's more noticeable here is because the 'scattered timeline' style of the film has the actors playing several entirely different roles all at once. Problem is, Tom Hanks was Tom Hanks in every role, in the same film, which he wasn't meant to be. He even has to try Irish and Scottish accents at various points. Come to think of it, Hugh Grant does a shocking American accent at one part too. There are also two Korean actors who have to speak convincing native English at one part, and another part where white western actors speak with plain English accents even though they're supposed to be Koreans.

Could have done with a bit of linguistic authenticity in places. Though it's somewhat redeemed by the future timeline parts of the film, where the characters speak a new evolved form of English which leaves you feeling a bit smug because you can understand it even though you've never heard English spoken like that before. Quite clever scripting really (or authoring, because I imagine it's from the book).

Would definitely watch again anyway.

[M.C]

[Tracey Suntan-King]

The More You Ignore Me 6/10

Based on Jo Brand's book, she's in it in a small supporting role about a young girl's obsession with Morrissey and struggle with her home life.

Set in the 80's with some laugh out loud funny moments and some scenery chewing by Sheridan Smith and the mad mother. Supported by Mark Addy and Sally Philips.

Not enough Smiths tracks (I wanted more) but the soundtrack was put together by Guy Garvey.

A good British film.
____________________
Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're probably right

[Lord Percy]

[M.C]

[Lord Percy]

Black Hawn Down - 8/10

There are too many US military films set in that part of the world these days, so I was never too keen to watch Black Hawk down, even though it was always said to be one of the better ones.

Well, it certainly is one of the better ones. Still has a few annoying yeehaw America parts, but overall it's a good watch.

Also interesting to see a few actors who are famous now but at the time were not hugely well known. Orlando Bloom and Thomas Hardy in particular. Ewan McGregor and his lanky junky mate from Trainspotting are also both in it. Of the four Brits I've just mentioned, the latter two completeley failed with their efforts to sound American.

[duhawkz]

Dirty Grandpa 7/10

Robert De Niro as on mission to shag some student hotty, plenty of low brow toilet humor. Made me and the missus laught
____________________
"The guy is a worthless cunt and I honestly believe I would be a slightly happier person if he died." - Chris-Red

[Hong Kong Phooey]

[Chinaboy]

Downloaded Equalizer 2

It was overall a good movie, but lacked the harshness and cut-throat coolness of the last movie. I was watching and hoping it would get a bit more gritty but unfortunately never did.

4/10

[King29]

The Nun.

Not a bad film, scary in places and entertaining. I'd say a good watch, maybe not much replay value. 7/10.

[Lord Percy]

A Streetcat Named Bob - 6.5/10

Apparently came out two years ago, but has only just hit cinemas on this side of the world.

Really high ratings, so why not?

I guess it was alright, but not special really. I was interested because it was filmed in London so had some 'Brit' factor, but it barely showed more than Covent Garden and a few houses at Mile End. Felt more like a film project made by bored Londonistas. Totally wasted the chance to show the city for what it is.

Acting was cardboard too. People said it was cool and relateable, and made them see addicts in a different light. I guess those people never saw Trainspotting.

At least it was based on a true story. That was pretty cool. The streetcat named Bob is an actual streetcat, named Bob, on which the film is based, and the cat got to play its own role in the film.

[Tracey Suntan-King]

Three Identical Strangers 10/10

OMG...OMG...OMG...possibly the most riveting documentary ever!!

I couldn't take my eyes off this true story, by turns fascinated and horrified.

Can't say much because spoilers but here's a bit of blurb,

"Identical triplets become separated at birth and adopted by three different families. Years later, their amazing reunion becomes a global sensation but also unearths an unimaginable secret that has radical repercussions."

Fucking amazing
____________________
Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're probably right

[hellbound]

[chickenstrip]

Speaking of Tom Hanks;

Bridge of Spies 8/10

The story of the negotiation and exchange of the spy, Rudolph Abel, with Gary Powers, the U2 pilot shot down over Russia.
I don't know about the accuracy of the story, but the movie was good - it held me to watch to find out what happened, and I often get fidgety during movies of that length (2hr45min).
____________________
Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

[Lord Percy]

Snatch - 9.5/10

Did the Brit gangster flick genre die after this film? I can't think of anything of the same type since Snatch. Maybe Layer Cake. Really good film anyway.

Donnie Darko - 7/10

Seen this several times now. Seems a little dated now, but still interesting enough, with lots of clever little references to the society and politics of the time.

300 - 6.5/10

Was really cool the first time I saw it. Now it seems like a lame warrior movie with not-quite-convincing-enough effects, propped up entirely by all those physically fit men appealing squarely to the hero archetype. Fun in a way but not special. Also, Lena Headley plays the same cardboard cutout part in every role.

[M.C]

[MarJay]

Bohemian Rhapsody 7.5/10

I’ll get this out of the way... I thoroughly enjoyed this movie but it’s not perfect. The story has a few gaps and is missing added elements that just add the extra little bit of drama to biopics or docu-dramas. I feel like it wants to be Ray or Jersey Boys but falls a tad short.

That said, the casting is near perfect (only miss being Mike Myers in heavy makeup as a record company exec- his accent wildly varies between generic northern English and Scottish.) The production design is exquisite, the performances are amazing and the music is epic. With a bit more peril in the first act and a bit more added drama it would be elevated to something very special indeed, but as it is it’s a bit of a curio for Queen fans who will no doubt point out the story inaccuracies and a nice bit of forgettable entertainment for everyone else. Shame really, as obviously it was a labour of love for the cast and crew. Maybe the departure of Bryan Singer part way through production was the cause of this? Maybe it was the fact that the story was effectively about a couple of the producers of the movie and so certain more contentious elements were removed? I’m not sure, but I do fee a bit cheated at this movies failure to meet its potential.

Still entertaining, still worth going to see even if you only have a passing interest in Queen's music but could have been so much better with a few different story elements (IE more of a story arc!).
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[G]

Kin 7/10

I was expecting a low-budget 'The Asylum' style film.

I was pleasently surprised - nothing amazing; overall a bit generic, but an enjoyable enough watch.

[CBFcarl]

The Commuter

Liam Neeson is an ex-cop who loses his job as an insurance salesman, and is tasked with finding someone who doesn't belong on the train home. Not a bad film, but not great.
Worth a watch when it's on telly, but I wouldn't buy the DVD. 6.5/10

Widows

Following a botched robbery, the widows of a bunch of thieves (headed by Liam Neeson) have to return the money stolen from a ghetto gangster. This was a well made ensemble film, as well as a remake of a 1985 Lynda La Plante telly series. I really enjoyed it, and thought that some of the cinematography was brilliant. 7.5/10

The Grinch

Took the mrs and the kid to see this, and was pleasantly surprised. Never watched a grinch film, or read the books, and I'm not a big Benedict Cumberbatch fan, but if you have kids, they will love this. 7/10

Slaughterhouse Rulez

New film with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, with Michael Sheen and some others. My lad loves SP and NF, so took him to watch this as a treat. The film was shocking, and the director (was shite in Kula Shaker, is shite as a director) kept trying to emulate Edgar Wright, but did it all in such a ham-fisted way that it took away from the film. Not good, avoid at all costs. 2/10
____________________
thx1138 wrote: Well if you had a car, I'd bet it would smell like urine had had drunken sex with vomit and made a poo baby.
Polarbear wrote: They are all old now. Probably had more abuse that a Rotherham schoolgirl.
Hellkat wrote: I want to know if Nigella smells of garlic, or just minge.

[andym]

[Jayy]

Each to their own Andy, I enjoyed it for what it was... it is / would never have been anywhere near as good as the original.

Seven Pounds - 8/10

Solid Will Smith film from 2008. The opening of the film should not have started with the phone call but that's just my opinion.

The Mis-Education of Cameron Post - 6/10

Lesbian stuff. Had the actor out of American Honey who wasn't an actor and that was a decent film so I watched it because of her.