jmaycock Reviews

Andor (2022– )

Star Wars is back!!

[10/10 · 11 September 2023]

This is such a fantastic series. I have been so disillusioned by recent productions from Disney that I thought Star Wars was simply finished for me.

This changed that in a profound way. The writing is excellent, the acting too, cinematography, atmosphere, character building, the slow pacing, the fact that creative people put the story at the center and built on its strong foundations.

I just finished the first season and I plan to watch it again very soon. I'm really looking forward to the second season.

If you liked Empire then this is most likely for you. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

Note it might be a bit dark for younger viewers. In my opinion viewers should probably be at least 14.

The Batman (2022)

Best Batman movie.

[9/10 · 29 May 2022]

I'm a fan of Christopher Nolan's trilogy, but found this to be more satisfying. Great score, atmospheric and a good story that didn't have or need to have a million twists and turns. Fine acting by all involved. Loved it and will watch again soon.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Star wars is back!

[8/10 · 4 January 2016]

I'm a huge fan of the original trilogy and was dismayed by all but the last half of Return of the Sith when it came to the prequels. Making a film that was better than the prequels was easy, the question would be how close to the originals could a new Star Wars film get? Could it even be better than them?

Well, it gets close and I would argue it is even better than Jedi, perhaps as good as A New Hope. Empire Strikes Back is still my favourite. There is just so much to like with this newest instalment. The acting is great. All the main characters do a really great job. The effects are wonderful. Gone are the computer game like images of the prequels and now we get a nice mix of models and CGI. The sounds are fantastic - from John Williams' new score (peppered with some of the classic old stuff) to the sounds of the lightsabers and blasters. Bliss. It's funny. Actually, I could go on and on about what I liked for a long time. That's not what you want to know though. You'd like to know what I don't like, right? Here are my issues with the movie (WARNING - SPOILERS galore here)

1) It is too much like A New Hope and Return of the Jedi!!! There is another death star. They have to take out the shield, again. Etc. etc.

2) As soon as Kylo Ren stepped out onto the bridge near the end of the movie I knew Han would follow him and I knew he would be killed. I just knew it. I had avoided all such speculation before seeing the movie so I wasn't expecting Han to be killed off. But I just knew it.

3) Why did Chewie walk right past Leia after he lands the Falcon and Han has died. It is clear that Leia knows Han is dead and the camera cuts to her "feeling it" as he dies. So why would the two most important people/creatures in Han's life NOT console each other?? WTF? Leia goes straight to Rey, who she has never met and consoles her? Was this just a massive mistake?

4) Why are lightsabers suddenly like the ring from Lord of the Rings. Calling to people etc.?

5) The pacing was just too fast. I would have liked to draw breadth a little.

My biggest gripe is the first one. This was just a stupid idea. I mean come on. Off the top of my head here is a better way they could have done it and not re-made an old star wars movie. Just have a rescue mission to save Rey on some planet (keep all the tension and lightsaber battles etc.) and create a distraction by having a space battle with Poe. Done. Wasn't hard.

Even given these gripes I give it 8/10. It was still a fantastic movie.

BTW I saw it twice. Once in normal 3D and once in iMax 3D. Wow, the difference is spectacular. If you can see it on an iMax screen then make sure you do so.

Go see it, if you haven't already, and enjoy!

The Imitation Game (2014)

Disappointing

[5/10 · 25 January 2015]

I was really looking forward to this. Am reading Andrew Hodges' book and it is an understatement to say in this case that the book is better than the film. I am no purist in these matters. I don't expect a film to follow the book exactly and can take it on its own merits. But what of those merits?

Was there any genuine tension? No.

Were the amazing exploits of Turing and others at Bletchley Park explained in any meaningful way? No.

I really like Benedikt Cumberbatch and he played his part well, but his talents were wasted. Another film came to my mind while watching this. A Beautfilu Mind. Now there was a movie. A brilliant mathematician who is socially unacceptable. Check. And it didn't even have a grand World War II setting upon which it could rely for drama. Just the main protagonist's mind. It was fantastically gripping.

Not so here. I found I didn't really care about anyone - even Turing. All this jumping around in time was so distracting and made sure that no tension could build on the off chance that it was in danger of doing so.

Do yourself a favour and watch, or re-watch, A Beautfilu Mind. Or read the book.

A pity, because I was really looking forward to it....

The Private Life of Plants (1995)

Amazing look into the alien world of plants

[10/10 · 3 August 2010]

They move. They hunt. They kill. They struggle for life just like us animals. It is all just on a slower timetable. Once speeded up to something our mind can grasp, we see the wonderful world of plants in all its glory. We are given a six-part series with the following components: Travelling, Growing, Flowering, The Social Struggle, Living Together and Surving. Attenborough is wonderful here. He shows us the struggle of plants to survive in a story that is full of extraordinary drama and breath-taking beauty. This and another of his great works, "Life on Earth", are among the best production and entertainment pieces I have ever seen.

Aliens (1986)

Fantastic stuff

[9/10 · 25 May 2009]

Okay, some of the dialogue is a bit corny and could have been toned down. However, once the action gets started the soldiers are not so quick to joke around. I recently watched this again and introduced it to my wife who also loved it. Just one thing bugs me about how this film relates to the the previous one. In this film the company doesn't know anything about what happened in the first film until Riply tells them? Wasn't there a report sent? That aside, I really loved watching this again. They don't make them like they use to. What really kills me however is the mess they made with the next film. Everything we invested in this movie wipped out in the first 5 mins? Watch Alien and Aliens, but forget about the rest.

Alien (1979)

Classic - well worth a/another watch

[9/10 · 25 May 2009]

Recently watched this again - introducing it to my wife who doesn't usually like horror movies. I convinced her to watch due to the Sci Fi element. Anyway, really enjoyed it. The pace, cinematography, scares etc. were all great.

A few very small criticisms:

i) Why did they eject Kane's body into space? Surely they should have frozen it so that it could be studied when they got back?

ii) Why did the main computer, Mother, have such a terrible interface. The voice interface of HAL 10 years before was so much better. OK, I am being picky here.

iii) How come the company doesn't know about what happened by the time the next film gets underway. Was there no report sent? Thats a big hole - but more to do with the next movie.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Not impressed

[4/10 · 25 August 2008]

I know I am going against the tide here. And I am happy that so many people had a good experience watching this film. I didn't. Maybe I just don't get it? I'm not sure, because I am a fan of superhero films in general. I think perhaps what I don't like is a superhero film that tries to be so serious as to make us believe in it. Batman, and previously I would say Unbreakable, fall into this category. If you want me to take you seriously then tell me this. How the hell does a guy with his face painted run around a city causing mayhem without getting caught? How does a guy who kills his accomplices continue to have support? I mean he even burns the loot so money isn't the answer. How does a guy who claims he doesn't like planning (because he's too crazy to care about planning) manage to get so many barrels of oil and dynamite positioned all around the city with ease. How does he get said equipment on to the two very important ships? A city that is on high alert? Was there nobody to check? The list goes on and on. If the film wants to be taken seriously, I think it has to fill these holes. If it doesn't, then no problem. There can be as many holes as you like.

Another bad point was the length of the film. Far too long.

On the plus side the acting was very good, although I didn't like the overly put on voice of Batman. However, Ledger deserves all the praise he has been getting for this.

The Genius of Charles Darwin (2008– )

Interesting documentary that pits Darwin against religion

[8/10 · 25 August 2008]

Dawkins has done a good job here. He lays out the case for why evolution is a fact, not a theory. Just like gravity is a fact, and if you don't believe me I invite you to jump out of a 10 story building (as Dawkins says)! I would have preferred more emphasis on the scientific aspects of evolution, with more in-depth discussion and analysis, but overall he delivered. Espesially nice was the interaction at the start of the film with students at a secondary school, some of whom said that they don't believe in evolution - even if evidence is presented - because it goes against their holy book. Also of note was a discussion with teachers at the same school who told of their struggles to teach science verses overturning pre-existing ideas the students have from religion, parents etc. Very enjoyable stuff.

Mr. Brooks (2007)

Not impressed

[5/10 · 19 October 2007]

Okay, first off I went into this film totally raw. Hadn't heard a word about it until right before I went in (over dinner with friends, who had complimentary tickets - thanks A and D) I was told that it was Costner's comeback film. As Pulp fiction was for Travolta. And reading the comments here I think that for many it was. But no, no, no. It's not. Doesn't come close and when the dust settles and we are 2, 3, 5 years down the road - this film will be largely forgotten. Costner was good, but the unbelievable plot let him down. He was also surrounded by wooden performances from Moore and Cook.

In Cook's defense he was playing a character that had NO BASIS in reality. However, I can only defend him so far, as he did read the script. I'm sure if I read the book that I could be persuaded that such a person exists in the real world. And maybe they do. But if that is the case they certainly haven't pulled it off in this film. As for Moore? What has happened since the days of her holding her own in a movie with Nicholson? Long gone. Her pivotal moment in the film - swimming.

*******************Warning - Spoilers*********************************

In saying all that, there are some nice moments, even some great moments. Opening sequence in the car with Costner talking to his alter ego Hurt (who is great) was amazing. I actually thought that he was going to kill his wife then and there, the tension was so great. The first kill we see - brilliant. After that, wobble, wobble, all the way to a great scene at the end when Costner is unexpectedly stabbed in the throat by daughter, only for that great scene to become a dream. Way the go.

Overall - disappointing.

The Departed (2006)

Way too hyped - highly flawed

[4/10 · 16 May 2007]

It has been a few weeks since I saw this and I must admit that I don't know what all the hype was about. Okay, DeCaprio gave a very good performance, as did some of the other actors. But and this is a big BUT. What the hell are the 2 main characters doing with the same woman??? What a silly coincidence to put into the movie. Her character was so poorly done that I couldn't even feel sorry for her as danger appeared on the horizon. Then worst of all the scene near the end when Leonardo is killed??? What is going on?? By some character we weren't even introduced to before. What a cheap shot. Practically everybody gets killed by the end in a stupid finish to the film.

It's All About Love (2003)

Stay away. The worst film I have ever seen, bar none

[1/10 · 25 November 2005]

I'm not joking. I watched this with my girlfriend and we were both quite ashamed to have sat through it all. We lamented the fact that we had just thrown away a couple of hours of lives that we will, never, ever get back. A terrible, terrible movie. Completely meaningless. Sean Penn, someone I admire a lot as an actor, should be ashamed for having his name associated with this tripe. I challenge anyone to tell me in all honesty what on earth this movie was about? I just don't know. How do people get finance for this kind of thing. Didn't anyone read the script - or was there even a script to start with? Shame on all who were involved in this diabolical movie

Sideways (2004)

Intelligent, funny, well paced and ultimately rewarding movie..

[9/10 · 10 February 2005]

I saw this last night and was very impressed. I hadn't heard about it but a quote on the poster by the Times said 'One of the best movies I have ever seen', which was good enough for me to take a chance. I didn't know any of the actors or anything about the plot. I'm glad I took that chance. What a rewarding picture. Intelligent on many different levels. I found myself laughing at some parts that others didn't laugh at, but that was its beauty. It was so real, that whenever something related to one of my own experiences occurred I could laugh along. I wont give any of the plot away. If you like wine, romance, and a movie about finding yourself then this is for you. Go see it, you wont be disappointed..

Road to Perdition (2002)

A let down

[6/10 · 21 September 2002]

I'll keep this short. I thought the movie was too slow, boring in places, and lacked character development. I didn't care at any stage who got shot etc. Don't understand why it has such a high rating on IMDB? I gave it a 6, because I suppose there are a lot worse films out there.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 21 August 2002]

This is my favorite film of all time. The 4.5% of people who gave this a rating of 1 just to lower it's overall rating are idiots of the highest order. If you're not going to vote properly, don't vote at all. Nobody can honestly, hand on heart, say that this movie is a 1. My vote is 10 out of 10. I can't wait for the next one.....

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Fantastic

[10/10 · 21 August 2002]

I love this film. Made me laugh from the moment Joe Pesci arrives on screen. Vinny, his girlfriend and the Judge all give wonderful performances. "I wore this ridiculous thing for you." is worth the money alone. Brilliant! 10 out of 10

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

This is a great movie

[10/10 · 25 May 2002]

I can't understand how this movie is rated so low? This is an absolutely fantastic movie. The best in the trilogy. Of course everybody always rates the first movie in a trilogy the best - like Godfather I and Star Wars(the original 1977 movie), but clearly the films that followed them were better, as is the case with this one. I saw this film about 20 times as a kid and have recently watched all 3 movies again, enjoying this one the best. It has some great action sequences in it, notably the roller coaster ride through the mine, some great laughs, and romance. What more could a movie offer?

Midnight Run (1988)

Fantastic

[10/10 · 20 February 2002]

This is a brilliant film. One of my favourite comidies, up there with the likes of "The life of Brian". Anyone who hasn't seen this film should immediately rent it at their local video shop. Don't watch the versions TV put on where the profanity is dubbed out. The profanity is in the film because it's funny. I give it a rare 10

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Stay away unless you're under 10yr

[3/10 · 11 February 2002]

I can honestly say that I haven't seen a film this bad since I sat through Planet Of the Apes(Tim Burtons). I laughed at most twice and they were strained. There were some children around me who seemed to like it, but it seemed to me like one big game of Hide and Seek. Gave it a 3 simply because kids will like it. I thought Toy Story was good(not great, not as good as Shrek for instance), but this terrible.....

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

FANTASTIC

[10/10 · 8 January 2002]

I've seen LOTR twice and I have to say that this is one film that was worth the wait(Unlike as many have already said Phantom Menace). I have read the Book 3 times and thought that Peter Jackson and team did a NEARLY perfect job.

**SPOILERS**

There are a couple of things I would have changed about the film. The main one being the ending were Aragon has a discussion with Frodo and is tempted by the ring. This isn't in the book and doesn't make much sense in the film. Why would Aragon willingly let Frodo go off on his own when it seems certain that Frodo needs Aragon to protect with all thats going on. It was a bad change. Didn't mind Tom Bombadil, Arwen changes. Gandalf hanging on and nobody running to his aid didn't happen in the book either and bothered me.

**END OF SPOILERS**

Overall a marvelous film. Just go and see for yourself if you haven't already done so. Aragon, Frodo, Gandalf, Boromir and Legolas were all brilliantly portrayed. Anyway go see it!

10