mitch-bulfin Reviews

My Entire Life (1996)

MR. RELIABLE (1996) - 8/05/2020

[5/10 · 8 May 2020]

This movie is a hidden gem in Australian cinema. No car chases, no monsters, no real bad guys (besides the police), just a good piece of film. I'm not a fan of some of the shot choices, the sound had an echo and the directors style was quite bland, but there was some great lighting choices and costume designs. Fairly unpredictable which makes for a fun movie for the whole family.

Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (2019) - 5/04/2020

[6/10 · 5 April 2020]

One of the first films I've decided to watch on my new 4K TV. While the movie may not appeal to all Spider-Man fans, 'Spider-Man: Far from Home' is yet another enjoyable adventure in the fantastical world of superheroes, and proves that Marvel have no intention of slowing down in the near future.

• Mitchell Bulfin

The Platform (2019)

THE PLATFORM (2019) - 30/03/2020

[3/10 · 30 March 2020]

This movie was so disappointing. Such a cool concept which a message that was delivered at the perfect time. Unfortunately, The Platform fails to bring any interesting development and additional intrigue to what was promising. The more it delves deeper into the narrative, the more shallow it becomes, with a ridiculous, rushed ending. It fails to conclude anything and compensates his lack of substance by gore and violence.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Yes Man (2008)

YES MAN (2008) - 18/03/2020

[5/10 · 30 March 2020]

Jim Carrey is as good and charming as ever, but even he cannot save this film. It's an amusing comedy, but predictable and sluggish, and most of the gags don't quite work. Plus, even though Carrey pulls through with a handful of funny bits, he just doesn't suit the part. "Yes Man" is good for passing time with, but it could have been so much better. Ironically, I am not a Yes Man to this predictable semi-witty comedy.

• Mitchell Bulfin

The Gentlemen (2019)

THE GENTLEMEN (2019) - 11/03/2020

[6/10 · 30 March 2020]

Quite well-rounded film. Excellent casting, acting, directing and story. It took some time to get going, around 20-30 minutes of exposition to set up the story, but the rest of the movie was quite the entertaining ride. Hugh Grant's performance really stands out. Overall, an enjoyable movie but awkward pacing and some expected twists and turns hold it back.

• Mitchell Bulfin

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising (2019)

MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES: RISING (2019) - 16/03/2020

[7/10 · 30 March 2020]

What a fun and great experience. This film will please all audiences from fans of the show to audiences new to this franchise. Most characters have their chance to shine in many different well directed and animated set pieces. It really utilises it's fun nature, with plenty of action as long as you don't think about it too much. Considering this is a non-cannon side story, of course there are plot holes and issues with the stakes but they are minimal. Glad I saw it in theatres. Pleasantly surprised on the quality.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Dark Waters (2019)

DARK WATERS (2019) - 16/03/2020

[7/10 · 30 March 2020]

Great delivery of an all too familiar narrative. Big business versus the communities in which they operate. These movies increase awareness and are examples of how a true free market system needs law as a check to power and influence. Lawyers while the brunt of many jokes, are still human beings. In that we can feel insured, vulnerable but yet protected. An important and spellbinding movie with economic, biological, and ethical lessons that will be relevant and indelible forever.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Room (I) (2015)

ROOM (2015) - 17/03/2020

[6/10 · 30 March 2020]

Fantastic acting and a great script make this one of the most unusual films of recent years. One shouldn't spoil too much about the plot, but it says a lot that a film can easily have it's climax in the middle of the story and still lose no intensity in the second half, easily keeping the audience's attention for the aftermath. Engaging, moving and honest.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Action Point (2018)

ACTION POINT (2018) - 20/03/2020

[3/10 · 30 March 2020]

In Knoxville's, interesting, movie career I have never witnessed him purposefully try to play anything safe. This film represents everything wrong with shock humor played safe, and it's so disappointing. This is a waste of time and I truly can't imagine why any studio let this film see light. Some of the stunts are okay, but aren't anywhere close to the standard of Jackass.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip (2015)

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP (2015) - 21/03/2020

[2/10 · 30 March 2020]

If you've watched the other Alvin and the Chipmunk movies, you pretty much know what to expect here. It's geared towards kids with a paper thin plot and a cheesy story. It's on par with the other Chipmunk films I can't say it's any better or worse. But as a film it's pretty lousy. The only good thing in this film, is it's improvements in the CGI category. That's it.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (1986) - 24/03/2020

[8/10 · 30 March 2020]

I really needed this, this cured my sadness for 1h 43m. It's an outrageous, clever and charming comedy of youth in revolt that John Hughes is accustomed to. Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a classical coming-of-age film filled with countless humor, a slick and sleek performance from Matthew Broderick and smart script, making this a recognisable film of the decade.

• Mitchell Bulfin

The Lobster (2015)

THE LOBSTER (2015) - 26/03/2020

[8/10 · 30 March 2020]

The Lobster is inventive, transporting, but still relatable, rooting the nexus of it's weirdness on the same awkwardness and anxiety everyone feels with the prospects of prolonged romantic courtship. The Lobster is a captivating and unusual creation deserving of it's spotlight and surefire future cult status amidst lovers of the weird. Highly recommend checking this out.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Onward (I) (2020)

ONWARD (2020) - 26/03/2020

[7/10 · 30 March 2020]

Wow. This film was so beautifully animated and charming. Onward is as majestic and magical as it's setting with crisp animation, fluid chemistry from Pratt and Holland's respective characters and the overall heartfelt mannerism that's tugging the heart strings. Disney and Pixar continue to thrive on their original storytelling and cathartic tone and this film is no different.

• Mitchell Bulfin

The Benchwarmers (2006)

THE BENCHWARMERS (2006) - 27/03/2020

[2/10 · 30 March 2020]

The Benchwarmers attempts to have an important message about bullying and I commend a comedy for trying to have a message at all. But the film probably ended up offending more people than it helped. It's a film that people praise for it's quotable lines and hilarious side characters, but neither can save the unintelligent feeling I got throughout the 80-minute runtime.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997)

AUSTIN POWERS: INTERNATIONAL MAN OF MYSTERY (1997) - 27/03/2020

[6/10 · 30 March 2020]

True, it's filled with dated 90's pop culture references, weak dialogue, and jokes that can sometimes descend into 5th grade levels of juvenile humor. But I'd be lying if I said this Mike Myer's "James Bond" spoof wasn't hilarious. Myers does a great job portraying two characters (The Dr. Evil scenes are by far the greatest highlights of the film). It's fun stupid comedy romp, especially if you are a fan of the James Bond franchise because there are loads of homages to the Sean Connery-era.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Loser (2000)

LOSER (2000) - 28/03/2020

[2/10 · 30 March 2020]

What a time capsule from the great music to the inferior hair and clothes. Amy Heckerling doesn't quite know what kind of audience she is trying to engage. If she's trying to show high school kids the problems and unexpected strife of college life in a metropolis, then she should have shown that world in a more focused way. Without any proper direction for our characters, and no change in their behaviors or thoughts on the world, there shouldn't really be any reason for this film to exist. It's trying to show the problems of college students, but it doesn't realistically depict them. Paul's three roommates are also pretty distracting, as they're rich, sycophantic rapists, who don't seem to get much comeuppance until the credits. Besides its plot defects it's also drab and very of it's time, making this film a tiring slog.

• Mitchell Bulfin

All the Bright Places (2020)

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES (2020) - 28/03/2020

[3/10 · 30 March 2020]

2020 is not treating me well. Omg I hate the poster, even I could've done better than the graphic designer they hired. Such a bland retelling of an award-winning novel. The movie skimmed over the deeper themes of the book making the characters seem entirely self absorbed and unnecessarily miserable. It's impossible to like the characters or feel emotionally connected to the film. This film felt rushed, confused and undeveloped. I've heard great things about the book but honestly, the film felt jarring (in a bad way) and hollow. Overall it seems like a missed opportunity. I will have forgotten the tale by the end of the week.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD (2019) - 17/01/2020

[7/10 · 10 March 2020]

Third rewatch since release and it's still as fun as ever, the pacing felt slower in the first and second act because I started it late and I was the only one awake watching it but other than that, I had a blast. Besides, the final sequence of the film is so great it almost justifies everything leading up to it. Another outstanding Tarantino film. A truly great "what if?" tale with the best of Quentin, Brad and Leonardo. Tarantino scores again.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (2009) - 13/11/2019

[6/10 · 10 March 2020]

An fun, engrossing, beautifully crafted piece of nonsense, the likes of which we hadn't seen in a long long time. The silliness of the story is marvelously camouflaged with great dialogue and some superb performances. Christoph Waltz must be thinking already about his acceptance speech. What a performance! The civilised monster, polyglot, refined and deadly. He gets us going from the first, sensational scene. Brad Pitt is also wonderful. Was he putting a Mussolinni chin while impersonating an Italian? I thought so. His character's name sounds like Aldo Ray and I'm sure that's no accident. The film is full of movie references. Another character is named Fenek, as an homage to his 1970's Edwige Fenech. What is already one of Tarantino's trademarks is his sure step along the most immediately recognizable bits of pop culture. He's clearly not a cultured man but a pop expert, king in a world where people get their news from TV, don't read, other than magazines and comics, etc. That's how it happens, to be in the right place at the right time. For better or worse, these are Tarantino times. Masterpiece of modern cinema, highly recommend it.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Back to the Future Part II (1989)

BACK TO THE FUTURE PART II (1989) - 21/11/2019

[6/10 · 10 March 2020]

While it doesn't have the charm as from the first one, this is still a good follow up to one of the best movies ever made. The humour is probably the best thing about this, I think the humour is slightly better than the first. To have it set in the future then when they go back, they finds out that it's a parallel timeline then they have to go back to the past to solve the timeline is a good concept for this type of film. Michael J. Fox is great as always in these films, definitely the heart beat of this franchise.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Doctor Sleep (2019)

DOCTOR SLEEP (2019) - 7/11/2019

[7/10 · 10 March 2020]

This is as good a film as it is possible to make while staying true to the Stephen King lore (The Shining was better, but not exactly King-approved). The cinematography is excellent and the actors all give convincing performances. It doesn't feel rushed - which could very well happen to a Stephen King novel even with a 2h 40m runtime. In some instances, the special effects (or the logic behind them itself) will seem off, but you can easily overlook them if you are engrossed.

There is little that scared me, but plenty that entertained me till the end, including the return to a famous location, and references of memorable scenes. Dan is a very likable protagonist, and you will not want to miss how he has turned out to be.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Inception (2010)

INCEPTION (2010) - 11/01/2020

[6/10 · 10 March 2020]

A truly rare, intelligent summer blockbuster packed with ideas and concepts to keep the audience contemplating long after the credits. Inception succeeds on multiple levels thanks to it's brilliant script, wonderful direction and outstanding effects - all of which come together to create a unique, surreal experience unseen in mainstream blockbuster entertainment.

• Mitchell Bulfin

The Irishman (2019)

THE IRISHMAN (2019) - 28/11/2019

[8/10 · 10 March 2020]

Now, I missed out on seeing this at the cinema but I watched it instantly as soon as it was on Netflix. If you can see this at a cinema, and can handle three and a half hours without a toilet or snack break, then by all means, watch it on a big screen, because it's beautiful and ultimately the best way to experience a film of this scope and spectacle.

Whatever you do, make sure you ultimately watch it. Films like this don't come around too often, and this is such a perfect swan-song for this talented group that I doubt we'll see these legends together again. It's bittersweet, but if this is Scorsese's, De Niro's, Pacino's and Pesci's farewell to the crime genre, then it's an amazing note to go out on.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Marriage Story (2019)

MARRIAGE STORY (2019) - 9/12/2019

[8/10 · 10 March 2020]

Upon rewatch, this film remained astonishing. Noah Baumbach has always had a knack for portraying the mundanity of life with such great detail and grace, and Marriage Story is yet another melodrama that shows how skillful he is. Marriage Story is a delicate dance of paradoxical emotions, weaving together themes of love, loneliness, heartbreak, and regret in such a manner that perfectly reflects the imperfect nature of human relationships. Adam Driver kills as Charlie, but Scarlett Johansson destroys as Nicole. Their performances are as intertwined as they are fragmented, and they bounce off each other with effortless chemistry. Marriage Story is a powerhouse of craft on all fronts. It is completely arresting and intimate. Baumbach reminds us how delicate love is, and that - amidst all the chaos that comes with it - there can always be beauty even in despondency and heartbreak.

• Mitchell Bulfin

Little Women (2019)

LITTLE WOMEN (2019) - 18/01/2020

[7/10 · 10 March 2020]

Already one of my favourite cinematic experiences in a while. There are a few detractions for this new 2019 Little Women, the biggest being how confusing it can get with it's melded chronologies, I understood it but I can see it being a problem for many. If this is your first exposure to Alcott's story, I fear you'll get lost more than a few times trying to keep everything in order. This newly structured, reinvigorated, charming remake of a literary classic feels definitely of the period and of today and it works. It's the first Little Women adaptation that made me realise how timeless this story really can feel in the right hands. Greta Gerwig is on a role, it may not be on the level of Lady Bird but it's an amazing step in the right direction. It may be the millionth version but it might be the best one yet.

• Mitchell Bulfin