sjstobo22 Reviews

Titanic (1997)

Genuinely A Masterpiece

[10/10 · 12 April 2024]

Firstly I am going to start this review by saying this in my top ten favourite films of all time.

I am not a major fan of chick flicks so my reasoning behind my love of this film is based on the historical context of the movie rather than the love story.

In 1995 when I was 15 I was asked by my English teacher to find a subject to write about and that it can be about anything I wanted.

Up to this point in my life I knew nothing about the Titanic at all, so whilst perusing in the school library I come across a book about the Titanic written by Robert Ballard. From that moment I have been obsessed with anything about Titanic (I received a B for my subject which I was very proud of and I still have it to this day) If anyone who knows this Robert Ballard found the wreckage of Titanic on the 1st September 1985.

So now my review - this film is such an accomplishment in cinema history back in 1997 as James Cameron delivers an incredible masterpiece of storytelling not just the love story but the story about the ship itself. Because being a fan of Titanic the real emotion of this film is not Jack and Rose. It's the tragic story of all those people who went through this experience.

The set pieces on this film were incredible and it's visually stunning. The score is so amazing it makes me emotional.

Now I've said this from the first time I see Leonardo DiCaprio in This Boy's Life back in 1993 and What's Eating Gilbert Grape? 1994 that he was an amazing actor.

The emotional scene that really gets me the most in this film is when Old Rose says that there were 20 boats floating nearby and only one came back.

So I applaud James Cameron for this amazing film because it wouldn't have been possible if he wasn't such an avid lover of the sea and actually doing the research to bring this to life.

Supernatural (2005–2020)

Superfantastic is what it is!!!

[10/10 · 6 April 2024]

I am going to say I love this show and it's my favourite kind of thing to watch.

I am a fan of anything SUPERNATURAL (pun intended) and I started watching this quite late but I will not regret it. It's in my top favourite tv series ever (Buffy being my number one) I was a Sam Winchester girl right up till Dean sported the Mark of Cain and I got side swiped.

That crush came out of nowhere and BAM I was a Dean girl till the end.

That being said what makes this show so great is the chemistry between everyone and you can see how much fun they all had if you watch the bloopers.

Jensen and Jared are so great to watch and then Misha gets added - winning trio But then you get brilliant characters like Crowley played by Mark Sheppard.

I miss this show but some good things do have to come to an end.

Definitely a good series to sink into.

Beckham (2023)

Nostalgia for me and what a series!!!

[10/10 · 12 October 2023]

I had to write a review on this as I just watched it recently and it's stuck with me ever since.

Now first of all I will admit I'm not very big on documentaries at all they're not my cup of tea but as an ex Utd fan I was intrigued to say the least. I am a 43 year old woman whom from the age of 10 up till Fergie left in 2013 was an avid fan of Manchester United. I was really into them by the time Steve Bruce, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs etc... That was when I was in my teens so I remember the time around when David Beckham was dating Victoria and most of the games after that.

I didn't follow any of the news back really then but I vaguely recall some things. But I got to say I got nostalgic and emotional whilst reliving some of these moments. Had no idea he went through all that and I've got to say I got a whole newfound respect for him after this. Instead of giving up he used it to fire himself up and that is a very admirable quality.

I think this was a really good series and I'd totally rewatch this. It brought back memories of the games I've watched. And obviously in 2009 when I finally got to see them play at Old Trafford to see the words 'And Solskjaer has won it!' made me smile has he was one of my favourite players.

I felt sorry for him to go through that kind of bullying too, I myself had been bullied by people and I hate it in any shape or form.

But overall a very good emotional and nostalgic experience surprisingly directed by Fisher Stevens of Short Circuit fame.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Bloody Good Fun

[10/10 · 10 July 2023]

I actually saw Evil Dead 2013 first out of this franchise. I walked away from that experience totally in love with the movie. It's one of my favourite horror films to date.

So I then had to watch the original film which on first watch I hated it.

But I tried again months after and I managed to take it in better, glad I did because I actually appreciated it on second viewing.

I'm still yet to watch Evil Dead 2 and Army of Darkness which I'll watch sometime this week.

That being said this film was highly entertaining as was 2013 version.

I didn't get scared one bit but I just enjoyed the whole movie. There wasn't one thing I can say that made me hate it. I got some of the references and the fact they threw in some Shining ones made me smile, as The Shining is my favourite horror film ever.

No spoilers for this review but I will say finally a decent horror movie since the new Hellraiser.

The Haunting of Bly Manor: The Romance of Certain Old Clothes (2020) Season 1, Episode 8

Now this was something!

[9/10 · 23 June 2023]

I've been watching this the last few days and although it's not been scary or haunting this episode held my attention the most.

I love period drama and seeing the story of how it all begins with it being set years before.

The costumes, the characters and the feel of this is what I wish maybe we had more of.

I think ghost stories would be better off told within a period setting.

Which is probably why I enjoyed films like The Others and The Woman in Black.

This is my kind of genre when it comes to horror because I love the atmosphere it creates.

I hope there's more to come as I did enjoy it.

Riverdale (2017–2023)

It's Not Perfect, But I Love Weird

[8/10 · 18 June 2023]

So as a fan of all the tv shows that are weird and wonderful. This is definitely not both but Riverdale seasons 1-3 were great afterwards not so much still watchable but as season 6 hit I started feel like I liked the way it was going.

I like the horror theme and it needed it after the musical that was season 5.

By all means I don't mind musicals but I think it was too much for my ears after awhile.

As a horror fan I like this feeling of the season so far. I got straight up Wicker Man vibes, Children of the Corn etc old horror movie vibes. So that in mind I'm going to keep watching just for that reason alone.

American Horror Stories: Bloody Mary (2022) Season 2, Episode 5

Fabulous

[9/10 · 8 May 2023]

Just watched this episode and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was haunting and very well written. All the main young girls were superb in their performances. It felt like I was watching a short movie instead of watching an actual episode of a show.

I loved the interpretation of Bloody Mary in this too made it refreshing to see as I've only ever seen it once been done and the movie wasn't even about Bloody Mary.

So far this episode and Ba'al have been outstanding so far and I hope there are more episodes. I know there's only two seasons, please do more as I like these sort of shows.

Bravo.

American Horror Stories: Ba'al (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

Ba'al

[9/10 · 7 May 2023]

Just watched this episode and I got to say it's been one of the best episodes since early AHS seasons. First three seasons of this show will always be my favourite but Freak Show & Hotel are not too bad either. After that it gets slightly worse. Roanoke being the worst season by far.

This episode brought it back to the same level as Murder House.

Billie Lourd is bringing a certain female version of Peters to the show and I think that is what this show needs. Let's face it without Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters it's just an average show. Honorary mention to Lily Rabe and Frances Conroy also.

I loved the atmosphere and the twists were predictable but it still was overall a great episode.

Misfits (2009–2013)

Underrated Show

[10/10 · 8 January 2023]

I watched this a few years ago on a major binge and I loved it. I don't understand why this gets bad reviews I mean the show is absolutely bonkers and that's why maybe some viewers don't get it.

I'm rewatching it again and I'm laughing, the humour is so wacky and this appeals to me on a massive level. It's a bit of fun - mature, gory and so much fun.

I can even forgive the characters who have gone and replaced within the 5 series.

Iwan Rheon's Simon Bellamy was by far my favourite character in the show but Robert Sheehan's Nathan Young and Joseph Gilgun's Rudy Wade have my heart.

They are so funny and with such natural performances they've both made me laugh a lot.

I would have loved to see them both together on this show.

Wednesday (2022– )

Tim Burton 🙌🏻

[10/10 · 5 December 2022]

As per usual Tim Burton delivers heaven to my eyes. If anyone was going to do a Addams Family type show it would be Burton. His vision speaks to my very soul. Everything he's done has been amazing in my eyes. Big Fish being by far my absolute favourite.

Wednesday is no different, the casting is superb.

Jenna Ortega is absolutely magnificent as Wednesday, she's so charismatic that I can't help but smile at her interpretation of the character. Did not think anyone could do this after Christina Ricci's version in 1991. I'm so glad she is also in this too it makes it that much better.

What I like about this is the gothic style (TB in a nutshell) the mystery (I love a good mystery) and the quirky feel as well. It's kind of like my personality as such well not so much the mystery but I'm very quirky and I have a gothic soul.

So far so good!!!!!

Tim Burton you're a legendary director.

Daredevil: Blindsided (2018) Season 3, Episode 4

WOW what an episode!!!!

[10/10 · 17 November 2022]

I'm late to the whole Daredevil show and I'm literally kicking myself. I'm a massive Superhero fan I'm both DC and Marvel just for the review.

But this show is so good and Charlie Cox is AMAZING as Daredevil!!!!!

He is forever now DD in my eyes (no pun intended), just watched this episode and was blown away with that prison riot. The action and direction was stellar and I felt like I was there. I only started watching this after seeing him in She Hulk. Watched some reaction channels on YouTube and two of them that I watch were so hyped he was in it I wanted to see what it was all about and I'm not disappointed. I want more and happy to see by appearing in She Hulk, Spider-Man No Way Home, they're bringing him back.

Thor is my number one in MCU he will always will be but Daredevil is rising into my top 5 after this.

The people at Marvel have picked some great actors and actresses to play MCU characters we've been blessed for the last 14 years of tv shows and films that will be remembered for many years to come. Bravo.

The Umbrella Academy: Auf Wiedersehen (2022) Season 3, Episode 7

Don't Hate it but..........

[6/10 · 20 September 2022]

I'm not hating season 3 but it's definitely lost the charm that I loved about 1 & 2.

The two reasons why this season lacks the charm is 1. The humour that made it great seems lacklustre and 2. Allison's arc.

Yes she lost her daughter but she's the reason why she lost her. Then she lost Ray but she made the decision to leave, she could have just stayed.

Instead of putting the blame on herself she transferred it to Viktor who I really don't think has done anything wrong.

This darker Allison is not sitting well and it's not going to stop me watching this as Five, Viktor, Luther and Klaus are the ones that make me stay.

In fact it's mainly Klaus aka Robert Sheehan that just keep me there, he's just so quirky and I love that.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

Bravo!!! Best Marvel Movie since Infinity War

[10/10 · 2 September 2022]

I had to leave a review after seeing some comments about this. First off everyone has a right to an opinion I get that.

This film right here is amazing. I knew nothing about Shang Chi. I knew about the Ten Rings obviously because of Iron Man. So how they were tied together? I was interested to see it. However seeing the trailer did nothing for me, I was like meh about it. Months go by and in the end I thought I might as well watch it, it's part of the MCU if I don't like it then at least I gave it a shot.

2 hours and 15 minutes later and I'm in my living room clapping!!!

The imagery in this film is fantastic, the fighting superb...I love the oriental vibe as I love Star Wars, Japanese/Chinese culture etc.

I kept raving about it afterwards told my brother to watch it. Like me took ages to get round to it but finally did and he was like me thought it was great. Even my 10 year old niece who has no interest in the MCU thought it was great.

Any Marvel fans out there that didn't like it I'm sure they have their reasons.

Can't wait for the sequel and Avengers Secret Wars now!!!

House of the Dragon: The Rogue Prince (2022) Season 1, Episode 2

Brilliant Episode

[9/10 · 29 August 2022]

Watched the first episode thought it was good not great. Episode 2 however much much better for starters it got me more excited as I felt like I definitely was back in the world of Game of Thrones. But the difference being it's not Game of Thrones this a different age of the same world. So far I'm liking this show and so far I do have a favourite character but I am definitely keeping it a secret as we all know that having a favourite - well let's just say DO NOT have one.

Can't wait to see what the next episode brings. Outstanding dialogue as usual. I am rewatching GoT too as it's making me want to relive them moments I had back when I first started my journey into Westeros and Essos. Shame they won't think about doing a show too see what happened after The Long Night and where Jon, Sansa, Bran are at. I would so watch that show too.

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Change of Heart

[10/10 · 22 August 2022]

My original review was that I like it and not loving it. I'm changing my attitude towards it after getting to the halfway point. It's absolutely pure heaven to me the tension is insane. One can only wonder how this will end. The stories that have been played out has been nicely woven with so much manipulation it's still not clear. 4 more to go and I cannot wait for it.

It's shows like this that keep me hooked. I love the cleverness of the story telling and I love it when I get to use my brain.

Grand Theft Auto V (2013 Video Game)

One of the Best Franchises EVER!!!!

[10/10 · 21 August 2022]

I have been a fan of the GTA games since the first one came out on the first PlayStation. I've played GTA 1,2, London (love love love), 3, Vice City and San Andreas. Out all of them to play my top 3 are GTA3, SA and GTA 5. I cannot get enough of GTA 5 to the point my two nieces and nephew have all got it because I can play with them online. I'm still yet to complete 3 and SA but I've completed this like 4 times now. I keep missing some parts of the game and I like to do all the collections. It's kept me entertained whilst I've been off sick. Michael is probably my favourite to play as we are both movie fans plus I loved all the Solomon Richard's missions. Ned Luke's voice I find very aurally pleasing.

Stranger Things: Chapter Nine: The Piggyback (2022) Season 4, Episode 9

Stumped!!!!

[10/10 · 1 July 2022]

I had to pause multiple times to wrap my head around all of it. WOW!!! I am so stumped and now I have to wait for more, this is by far one of the best tv shows out there. Acting is phenomenal from everyone, the one that surprised me the most and he's been one of two of my favourites was Gaten. My god he made me an emotional mess. Absolutely amazing ending but damn you Duffer Brothers!! As much as I love LOVE this show we have to wait a couple of years till the 5th season!!

Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022) Season 4, Episode 4

WOW!!!!

[10/10 · 28 May 2022]

That was intense!!! I have chills right now. Got major Wes Craven vibes all the way through. I was thinking Wishmaster a lot of the time. This episode is probably on par for me had everything emotionally. This episode and The Sauna Test from S3 so far are my favourite to date.

Midsommar (2019)

Love This Film

[10/10 · 22 April 2022]

As a fan of horror movies I like exploring other sub genres this may not be scary but I immediately loved this film from the jump. I like films that make you think after you watched them. Us by Jordan Peele was by far the best film I've seen in awhile and Ari Aster did a fine job with this too. Florence Pugh bravo to you you're the reason I loved this film so much.

Eternals (2021)

Visually Stunning

[9/10 · 7 November 2021]

This movie was not perfect but it was very pleasing to watch. I enjoyed it very much and luckily kept up with the time jumps and flashbacks. Also liked the fact that most of the cast is never really watched before apart from the obvious ones - Richard Madden, Kit Harrington, Anjelina Jolie, Salma Hayek.

Although had to laugh every time Ikarus and Dane kept saying Sersi - any GoT fans would know.

Solaris (2002)

The only film I could never see again

[14 June 2021]

I can only say after getting halfway through I still got bored. I love films and I love artistic films too. But this was beyond tedious and so boring. Sorry but I have to be honest. I'm cannot remember if I rented this or watched it free but I'll never see it again. In my entire film watching life I've only stopped a film twice this was one and Pret a Porter was the other. I like to think I give any film a try but everybody is different you can't please everybody. Not saying the director is bad as I actually like some of his films same goes with the actors just wasn't for me unfortunately.

Stranger Things: Chapter Four: The Sauna Test (2019) Season 3, Episode 4

INTENSE 👌🏻

[10/10 · 6 April 2021]

I've binged this show so many times and I'm also watching reaction videos on YouTube for Stranger Things The only thing I'll say is quite easily THE BEST episode of this season imho The scene between Eleven and Billy where they're screaming at each other OMG literally chills.

This whole season is superb.

Tusk (I) (2014)

Hilarious

[9/10 · 24 March 2021]

I'm writing this as I'm actually watching it and I'm finding this so funny. When I finally see Justin Long as a walrus I burst into hysterics. I mean if you don't see the comedy in this film clearly I don't what to think. Don't quite know what to actually say other than I think this film is hilarious 😂 Plus to be honest I like films that are out there anyway - This Is The End, All Cheerleader's Die, Dogma etc I just love films that are bonkers

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

PERFECTION PERSONIFIED!!!

[10/10 · 20 March 2021]

The saying substance over style is pretty well known I'm sure. But when it comes to Zack Snyder's Justice League the saying changes to Substance & Style. This is a DCEU film that I've been waiting for since my love of comic book films were a thing. I'm not a Marvel fan or a DC fan I am a Superhero fan. After watching this however I'm torn as to which I think is superior? ZSJL or Avengers Infinity War!!!??? All I will say now is the action was visionally stunning and powerful. Not saying anymore just well done Zack Snyder for bringing this into my life 😍

The Stepford Children (1987 TV Movie)

I need this film in my life!!!

[10/10 · 22 January 2021]

As a fan of The Stepford movies and in particular this one why is it you can't even buyer it on any format?!? It's absurd as this is one out of all the Stepford films that stayed with me after watching it. Scared me as a child, I'm 40 now and I still would love to have this film. Can't remember much about it apart from the girl dressed as a cheerleader and had a meltdown in the house. I always will have a special place in my heart for this film.