Change Your Image
smorris200
Grew up
Watched Films (a lot) and even enjoyed some of them...
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Battleship (2012)
Excellent Fun - Some spoilers!
So, Battleship! Hmm what to say, I went into the movie with lowish expectations, I was expecting a transformers redux, Michael Bay style movie. And that is exactly what I got, but better. I often find these big budget special effect movies very over the top, full of cheesy lines, unbelievable and I know it is suppose to be fun, but often the mix just irks me, but this movie is a lot of fun, yes, there is a large amount of coincidence that moves the story along, and I would have liked to know more about the motives of the Aliens, but it was a fairly intelligent film, well acted, excellent explosions and action and when the remaining crew board the "battleship" at the end of the movie I genuinely felt like I wanted them to succeed. The film was lacking the "Go USA" that many of these films have and I iced the fact that it was teamwork with the Japanese that made the film work. The scene after the credits is worth sticking around for too. All in all, very good, excellent fun, nothing too serious and it won't win a lot of Oscars, but excellent entertainment and I give it an 8/10
Nim's Island (2008)
My daughter and I loved it
I missed this film at the cinema and only caught it by surprise as we were flicking through the movie channel one Saturday morning and we absolutely fell in love with it. It is not the best film ever but it has heart, humour some reasonably strong performances and memorable characters. What else could a Saturday morning film with the kids need? The story begins with a seemingly idyllic relationship between a father and daughter living on a desert island that they have adapted to suit their lifestyle perfectly. We are then introduced to Jodie Foster who charms as an agoraphobic writer who's only friend seems to be the hero in her books who appears throughout the film but only in her mind. The story develops at a good pace that kept us entertained and quickly Jodie Fosters character is pushed way beyond her comfort zone and "Nim", beautifully played by Abigail Breslin enters her story arc surviving alone. The communication between the characters is well done and whilst not entirely believable it does produce a good honest and fun story.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Absolutely Bond.
OK, this is my first review so take it easy on me, there may be spoilers ahead.
Quantum of Solace begins as all Bond films should, with a fast paced action sequence, it is a (necessary) shame the Aston gets so badly damaged as it is a beautiful car but the action sequence is fantastic, fast paced and thrilling. It also ends with a real twist which links this to Casino Royale and sets the scene for the rest of the film to play out in. I have read other comments about the visible CGI, but to be honest, I couldn't see it and have to say I was quite out of breath by the time Bond stopped his car. I missed the usual opening of the bond eye.
Overall the story is fast paced but makes sense, you can see the logic to Bonds actions. There are some quirky one liners and although you can see that this film borrows from Bourne, it is most definitely a Bond film. All the ingredients (except Q and money-penny) are there. There are fantastic locations, beautiful women, lots of violence and killing, plot twists, double agents, misdirection and a great end sequence in a remote base... what more could you want!! (ok, perhaps some cool gadgets would be nice)
Judi Dench is fantastic as always and you can really feel the internal struggle as she tries to support and help Bond but doesn't quite understand why he is going so rouge. I feel that if Bond had taken 10 minutes out to explain things M would have been far more supportive, but as criticisms go, this is minor. The rest of the supporting cast are also great, big shout out to "Fields" and Mathieu Amalric who both stood out and of course there is Daniel Craig, who really seems to have settled into the role and I think is one of the best bonds ever!! Again, other reviews have criticised his coldness but I think he is still a bit of a "blunt instrument" and s still learning. I think much of the "cold" comments relate to the way Bond disposed of a certain "friend". But in the situation, he really had no choice and the coldness of his actions are balanced by the warmth of his cradling his friend as he dies. I think Bond id very Human. The film also deals with the internal struggle within Bond, he never sleeps, drinks a lot and is looking for closure from what happened to Vesper in the last film. I think he gets it and in a way, the actions and drive of Olga Kurylenko allows bond his own closure. We will see in the next film a much more balanced character who is at ease with who he is.
The villain, Mr Greene, is scary in so much as he is normal and completely based in reality. I could totally get the fact that in the future water is going to be an extremely valuable commodity and whoever controls it will have the power. The Quantum organisation (consider SPECTRE rebooted) is using its brains and vast network to ensure that its people will have power in the future.
Anyway, as a bond film and an action film, I loved it. *****
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
The worst of the Trilogy but still a good film
**POSSIBLE SPOILERS** Action, Action, Action. One amazing set piece after another absolutely terrific.... or so I thought. I actually missed an intelligent storyline, I didn't really get the motives of continuing to chase Bourne following the deaths of Abbott and Conklin. The story was out there and I clearly felt that at the end of Supremacy he was getting his memory back and was at a place where he could move forward.
The first two films were intelligent and combined great action with a feeling that to watch the films and understand, you got a sense of how the intelligence service really worked. This last film whilst exciting and I was really on the edge of my seat at times, just lacked the coherence of the others and I really feel that by creating a more believable plot and not just rehashing supremacy the film could have been so much better!!
The Terminal (2004)
Surprisingly good...
...although I should not have been surprised, Spielberg and Hanks, had greatness written all over it. But I got suckered into a lot of the bad press around the film and suppose I judged it before I had watched it. Anyway, I have now watched it and I liked it.
I thought the first half of the film was absolutely fantastic, the humor, the acting, the character development - they were all good. I thought the second half of the film suffered a little from becoming a bit over emotional, the love story seemed out of sorts and the way the entire airport staff seemed to know every thing about everyone else was a bit far fetched, I worked in an airport for many years and knew virtually no-one from outside the people I worked with on a daily basis, but maybe that's just me! But I forgave the film these slight nuances and allowed myself to enjoy it. I don't think Hanks or Spielberg will win any more Oscars, but it was a very enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday night!!
Bad Boys II (2003)
Exactly What it says on the tin
I liked this Movie a lot. It has humour and some great action sequences. A reasonably complex plot and lots of laughs and explosions. What more could one want from a film like this. The car chase with the car transporter was on a par with those in Matrix reloaded and T3 and there is a lot more than that. I liked the banter between Will Smith and Martin Lawrence and just generally watched the whole film with a big smile.
It is not going to win any oscars and it does not make my top 10 movies, but I did like it and admired the scale of it all. The whole end bit in Cuba... it is on a par with any action film I have seen. 9/10
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Good?
I know I am in a minority but I did not think this was a truly great film. It was good and I liked it but not great. I thought the story was painfully predictable and just could not get use to the guy playing Frodo. He just seemed so weak, there was nothing about the character that made me care about him. I thought Ian Holm did an excellent job as Bilbo and perhaps that was the problem. Frodo compared to Bilbo was pretty pathetic!!!
The special effects are very good, and Andy Serkis who did the gollum bit deserves applaud but I recently watched Braveheart again and The Last Samurai and I thought the battle scenes in those films were far better. OK, they were not on such a grand scale, but they are more "realistic". Now, I know this is a fantasy film and was aimed at a much younger audience but I preferred the more realistic battles in the films already mentioned. To see "orlando" sliding all over that big battle elephant thing just looked poor.
But anyway, no doubt the film will win a whole host of oscars and other accolades. I just wonder if it will still be so revered in years to come?
7/10
Psycho (1998)
Worthwhile
There are a lot of comments here saying "why?" and "what is the point?" Well, I will tell you. I had not seen the original and despite it being a "classic" I had no desire to see it. I am not a fan of sixties style black and white films. I just don't like the style. I was the same with rebel without a cause, a great film, but I just found it lacking by todays standards.
Anyway, When the film came out in 1998, I heard all the awful reviews and avoided it. partly because I heard it was the same as the 60's version and partly because of the bad reviews. But I saw it last night and I enjoyed it. It is a worthwhile film to see. OK, so the performances may not be as good as the 1960 film but how am I to know, I have not seen the 1960 film. As a standalone film, I thought it was really good. I felt that Norman was very creepy, I liked seeing the paranoia grow in the Anne Heche character and because I did not know what happened, I was on the edge of my seat all the way through it.
Perhaps I should have watched the original and perhaps I should be more openminded to accept the old black and white film, but I didn't. So, I for one am glad they remade this classic as it gave me a chance to watch what I am sure is a truly great film.
So, if you have not seen the original, I would highly recommend this modern piece of classic cinema.
Henry VIII (2003)
East enders meets something even worse...
Absolute Trash
Performances were not bad and I can forgive the "cockney" accent that the King had, but what is unforgiveble is the fact that the writers concentrated so much on the relationships with "six" wives that they gave almost no attention to the things that made the king great. As a result, Henry came off looking like a weak, confused, sex mad monarch who was guilty of more "back stabbing" than anyone since brutus.
For goodness sake, whilst Henry was on the throne, there was a huge war in France, as well as much more civil unrest in England. The catholic/protestant "debate" was only hinted at. The "token" inclusion of Sean Bean was welcome, all be it far too brief and the failure to show the absolute horrors of what atrocities were comitted in the kings name is an injustice to every english man and woman. These were defining times in our history but were passed off as cheap tricks purely to satisfy the kings lust for women.
very disatisfied. 4/10
Finding Nemo (2003)
Not as good as Monsters Inc.
Very good film, great animation blah blah blah, just missing the great comedy and imagination that was found in Monsters Inc/toy story et al.
The film fell into cliche's. Ellen was great as Dory and I loved the seagulls and there are a few great comedy moments. Story is basic but effective... I guess i was just spoilt by monsters and wanted more of the same, but without greats such as John Goodman and Billy Crystal, I just felt this was a little bit flat.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Fun Fun Fun
Pirate movies eh? There have been some good and some that have been, shall we say, awful! So, I was sceptical when I went to watch this. To be honest, I did not really know anything about it and went to see it as my gf wanted to see it and cor blimey guv'nor am I glad? Well, quite frankly... YES!!! I laughed a lot I admired the settings marvelled at the acting and laughed a bit more. I was impressed by Johnny Depp and was even surprised at the abilities of Orlando Bloom. And I was very happy to see some really good English actors in the supporting roles. Johnathan Price has always been a favourite of mine since the `Brazil' days and Jack Davenport, who played Norrington is a very well known actor on our side of the pond.
The Action sequences were great and the comedy was incredible the film is marvellous fun. My only adverse comment is that it was perhaps a little too long, but that did not really bother me as I enjoyed it so much... In fact, I only wanted it to end as I was desperate to use the loo....
The Deer Hunter (1978)
BORING BORING
Great cast, great scenes.... blah blah blah.
I know this film won lots of awards, and I know i am in a tiny minority, but Oh my goodness, this film bored me to tears. The first hour, with the wedding and all that stuff. I know it was "necessary" to set the scene, but it could have been told in 5 minutes flat.
When they eventually go to vietnam, I still found the film to be very slow and whilst the gripping scenes get more frequent towards the end, by this time, I had lost interest.
I know my opinion will be unpopular but hey, I am not here to win any popularity contests.
2/10
Titanic (1997)
Why Does Hollywood do this?
Titanic.
A marvelous story, captivating events and looking a the Box office Totals, there were a lot of people interested in this movie. But why does Hollywood have to make it into a sloppy love story. Surely if they are going to stage a fictional story within one of the most famous events of all time, make it a good one.
Here are some ideas. A Oceans 11 style heist. or a murder mystery, or an espionage thriller. Oh, there are so many possibilities, Why oh why a trashy love story.
The effects in the film are brilliant, the sets are great, the acting is even OK. But the story is inadequate for such a grandiose setting.
It reminds me of Pearl Harbour. Another fantastic event spoiled by a trashy love story. Oh yes, enemy at the gate, another fascinating story ruined by a dubious love story....
Rant over, apologies....
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Better than I expected....
....But only just, and as I had really low expectations... Make your own mind up.
No, I am being too harsh. It was fun and exciting, and at the end of the day, it is a kids film and was far more entertaining than I find most other films of this genre (The exception being the amazing Monsters inc.)
I had not read the books and actively tried to avoid "Harry Potter" but when you are faced with 4 cousins all saying how wonderful it is and you are left on a windswept January evening taking care of them, How could I say no. To be honest, I poured a glass of wine and thought it an ideal time to catch up on my sleep. But, as I said, I liked it. and Will probably watch it again and will also probably watch the chamber of secrets.... Acting by the main characters was satisfactory, especially since this was most of the kids first major outing. The support cast was wonderful. And the more I see of Alan Rickman, the more I admire him.
I am looking forward to the third film which features Another favourite of mine, Mr Gary Oldman (recently seen as the devil alongside James Brown in the BMW Short Films.... What do you mean you have not heard of these... Track down the dvd, its great.
Anyway, I have given this film an 8. If you havn't seen it yet (which I find most unlikely since it is one of the biggest grossing movies of all time) watch it. If you have seen it, watch it again, with your kids.
Shanghai Noon (2000)
I give it a Nine...
This film is great. very funny, it has some great fight scenes in it, fantastic characters. and is not, as my esteemed commentor says, the same old thing. Yes, it is a buddy movie and a fish out of water movie, but in so many other ways it is unique.
I never really planned to watch it, i had not heard anything too good about it, in fact, had read the reviews on here and decided it was not worth watching. but i caught the ending on sky movies and it kinda made me smile, so the next time it was shown, i watched it and loved it.
Dont watch this film with any pre-conceived ideas or compare it to any other movie. Just kick back and enjoy.
Brazil (1985)
Awesome
This is just an absolute masterpiece, well, the directors cut is anyway. The original cinema release is very poor and i implore you to watch the directors cut. If you don't love it, then you are not understanding it and you should wach it again.
Brilliant. My favourite film.
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Bloody Amazing
I got dragged to see this film when it was first in the cinema by an old girlfriend. "Oh No, i thought a load of schmolzy rubbish". I was planning on having a good sleep!!
But, it blew me away. It is fantastic. The language is a little tricky to get use to, but as soon as you stop trying to understand every word and learn to listen to the flow of the film, it all makes perfect sense. There is humour, Drama, fine action and acting and great Direction. Baz Lurhman is truly a genius.
I got it on dvd last year, and got some odd looks from my current girlfriend. "trust me," I said "You'll love it." and guess what? she did.
Blade II (2002)
In-bloody-credible
I missed the first film at the cinema and only caught it when it went onto the satellite movie channel. I was gutted that i never got to see the original on the big screen as I thought it was awesome.
So, when i heard that Blade II was coming out, i was first in line at the local multiplex to see it. Blade is still not a particularly well seen movie and when I said that I was going to see Blade II, I usually had to fill people in on what it was all about. The cinema, on opening night, was half empty but the half that did make it, were in for a awesome film.
Its not everyones "cup of tea" but I loved it. The kung-fu and action scenes are amazing. the story is reasonable, and not necessarily as weak as most would have you believe. the settings and backdrops are great, the music rocks, and there is blood and gore a plenty. It is complete escapisim and for that, i have to give it a almost perfect 9.5/10. and i normally would class myself as critical!!
Brazil (1985)
Awesome
This is just an absolute masterpiece, well, the directors cut is anyway. The original cinema release is very poor and i implore you to watch the directors cut. If you don't love it, then you are not understanding it and you should wach it again.
Brilliant. My favourite film.