pr65 Reviews

Civil War (2024)

Outstanding and disturbing, and a Warning.

[9/10 · 13 April 2024]

Outstanding and disturbing film, and a Warning for the USA in 2024. Keep your differences at the ballet box. The American Civil War of 1861 to 1865 was a bloodbath by the standards of the time, but most of it was on the battlefield. A war now would be unthinkable and hit the civilian population as hard as anyone else. This is what the film is all about in my humble opinion, a Warning to America. It is gritty and dark, and very disturbing. The media are portrayed as unbiased and committed to their profession. Sadly this is the not often the case, and I know believe me! Journalists can often have agendas of their own and if any class of people were to initiate another US Civil War it would be journalist's sensationalism and misrepresentation of the Truth. Ironic.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Much better than I was expecting it to be.

[8/10 · 7 July 2023]

I went along to keep a friend company, thought not averse to going, I've seen others in the series and very much enjoyed the original when I saw it. Non-stop action and plot twists, great characters, truly epic baddies, reminds me of the Mummy, just good old fashioned entertainment. It even inspired me to look up Archimedes after the various movie references, what an amazing historical figure! The scene near the end looks fanciful, but it is an illustration of how incredible the past could be. I think my Archimedes was rusty... Highly recommended and a worthy end (I think it likely is) to a great franchise. I could happily watch it again.

Barbarians (2020–2022)

Worth watching. Series 1 probably surpasses 2, but bring on Series 3.

[9/10 · 24 April 2023]

Found myself hooked very early on, loved watching Romans speak Latin, a masterful touch. OK some historical inaccuracies, but unless you have a time machine... Inspired me to study the period more closely. I was actually more surprised at how close it was to reality, and as they say true life is stranger than fiction. The story of Arminius sounds outrageously far fetched, but it is true! Some deviation from the historical facts, likely for dramatic effect (it's a drama) but close enough I think.

Some criticism at possibly PC / 'Woke' additions in series 2, but it's 2023 after all... those concepts are not impossible I would say, sexuality could be fluid in Ancient Rome (and Greece), as it is today, I don't think those sub-plots are implausible and I don't think they are over-done. The Ancient World could be 'debauched', it's simply how it was, it is human nature. Those sub-plots don't distract too much in my opinion, there is plenty of 'red blooded' violence, betrayal and treachery to go around... Bring on Season 3.

Utopia (I) (2013–2014)

Released 7 years before the 2020-21 Covid Pandemic - eerie.

[9/10 · 8 April 2022]

You would have thought that this series would have been written AFTER the events of 2020-21, not 7 years prior to it! It addresses all the paranoia of ruthless Elites operating behind the scenes with individual life and liberty the very least of their concerns. It also poses the moral conundrum of the 'Big Picture', do the bad guys have a point, and what is the alternative (if there is one) if they are indeed correct about the Earth's limited resources and the human impact of a relentlessly growing population. This makes it even darker. The soundtrack must be mentioned, it's exceptional and feels quite unique, adding a good deal of atmosphere to this quirky and disturbing drama.

Exceptional viewing, highly recommended.

Why was the 3rd series cancelled, getting a little close? Upset someone? Can you feel the Paranoia!

Camino Skies (2019)

A tale of real people - an excellent snapshot of the Camino.

[8/10 · 5 May 2021]

Filmed with real people (in a documentary style) from New Zealand in 2018 and released from 2019 onwards, it gives a down to earth view of the approximately 1 month plus 500 mile Camino di Santiago experience. If the Camino is something that is on your Bucket list this I would imagine would give you a realistic sense of what to expect in terms of the people and challenges you might meet, and is therefore useful viewing. One of the things I liked about it was that it allows the viewer to experience the scenery more than some other similar Camino related films.

On a slightly sad note, it was also filmed in one of the last good years of freedom. No Lockdowns, no masks, no virus fears, no Covid passports, just jump on a plane and go etc. Will we ever see those wonderful carefree times again? Almost worth watching just for that...

Humans (2015–2018)

Makes us question what Life is - excellent series.

[9/10 · 25 April 2021]

Just finished watching this Series, I missed it when first broadcast. It's thought provoking, with some excellent likeable and intriguing characters. The acting is generally good, some is truly excellent, and often you can find the Synths (Androids) extremely convincing.

With the advent of AI into the programme you can question what life is. The AI thinking Synths (in this series, not necessarily in real life if we get that far...) apparently want to 'be human' and some try to mimic human traits, yet what are humans other than biological machines? We are created (born) with hardware (body) and some basic programming (like Windows) - i.e hunger, thirst, fear, pain, and as our service life progresses we upload new software (knowledge) from experience and learning from other humans who have in turn done the same.

Some of the Synths are extremely appealing characters. Like children with huge IQ, uncorrupted, innocent and seemingly without malice, pure in thought and deed, almost like 'Angels', others take a darker path, just as humans do. The character Mia I find mesmerising, if such a character were to exist 'she' would enrich the World and be an inspiring and exhilarating presence to behold, as would Max.

I think it is wishful thinking that AI could be so benign, as Steven Hawking said before his death it would likely rip us apart, instantly seeing us as weak, corrupt, worthless and a threat to it's own existence - call me cynical.

I suspect AI is coming, perhaps it is already here, humanity simply cannot bear not to 'open the box' and see what is inside. We must all hope that we find Mia and Max in that box, and not Hester who would crush us like insects...

1917 (2019)

I wanted to like this.....

[4/10 · 26 January 2020]

I really wanted to like this but kept seeing jarring flaws that ruined the experience and found myself rolling my eyes. The Blake character seemed grossly overweight for a WW1 soldier, as though he'd been eating pizza every night. Even though they'd been given information that the German's had pulled back they seemed blase about wandering around in "No Man's Land" (despite being terrified of going over the top just moments before), and seemed horrified by the sight of a dead horse despite WW1 soldiers being used to seeing human remains on a daily basis (Schofield is supposedly a Somme veteran). The German's could have left snipers, no matter it soon became a stroll in the park (at one point discussing Apple blossom). They observed aircraft flying overhead without a care in the world, out in the open, despite the possibility that they might be strafed by them, or set off a Booby trap in an abandoned German bunker which resulted in Schofield merely getting dust in his eyes. The Schofield character walks across the top of a damaged bridge when he could have crawled across, sure enough a German sniper sees him (but couldn't hit a barn door of course.) Minutes before there were British soldiers galore at the very spot, but the Germans didn't see them somehow? Much has been made of the Sikh soldier. Of course there were many Sikh soldiers helping the British in WW1, but normally in their own units, and despite seeing several in the film, West Indian soldiers were not mixed in with English line regiments like the Devons. The list is almost endless, and it's a pity, because a great deal of money and effort was put into the sets, uniforms and so on. The WW1 film "Journey's End" (2017) is a vastly superior effort, and yet received only a fraction of the attention that this film has had.

Solaris (2002)

Excellent film, haunting.

[9/10 · 26 October 2019]

Good to see a thinking Sci-Fi film minus the weapons and constant adrenaline of many current films. Some excellent acting too in my opinion. I had briefly noted the film some years ago but had never sat down to watch it properly. When I read the premise of the film (a Sentient 'being' utterly unlike us) I was intrigued and determined to see it. I'm so glad I did. True, it's a love story, perhaps more focused on this than the book (I'm told), but nevertheless, the 'higher life form' premise, and the fear it would naturally induce is sufficiently touched upon in my opinion. The ending is superb!

Rambo: Last Blood (2019)

Stunning send off for Rambo!

[10/10 · 4 October 2019]

Absolutely fantastic ending for the franchise (I assume!) that's pulls no punches whatsoever. I will admit it's dark and frankly a disturbing film, you could say a tragedy. Could it be any other way? We are talking about a broken individual, a man who needs to take tranquilisers to 'keep a lid' on his anger and violent tendencies, someone who 'finds killing as easy as breathing' to quote the character. When someone takes his niece (yes, shades of the film 'Taken', with a Rambo edge - literally, no shortage of blades in this film...), you know all Hell is going to break loose, and it does. Although I think the end of the film was a little 'overcooked' and a touch predictable, the vast bulk of the film makes up for that many times over. Superb acting from Stallone and the other actors too, dark, gritty, massively atmospheric scenes. I still favour the first Rambo for reasons of nostalgia, but I think this may be best. If this is that least one, then what a way to end a franchise!

The Vanishing (II) (2018)

Well worth a watch!

[8/10 · 15 September 2019]

Good old fashioned thriller and quite disturbing to watch. You definitely care about the characters (in my humble opinion), plus to me there is something intriguing about life in a light-house and how it might affect people and their behaviour. Some very good acting and convincing sets portraying a world that is now lost. Recommended!

Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago (2013)

Very pleasant viewing, a film to savour!

[9/10 · 17 February 2019]

This is a very pleasant viewing experience! I bought the DVD and there are some excellent extras to go with the film, including an interview with the film's creator Lydia Smith. On watching this you realize the long journey and great effort in bringing this film into existence. Inspired by a Camino undertaken by the director in April and May 2008, it was filmed the following April and May 2009, but took until 2013 before it was released. I have the Camino on my 'to do' list but you don't have to be a walker to enjoy it, it contains much human interest. As a potential Camino walker I must admit there are some good tips here, travel light (dump the sleeping bag, and perhaps take a bivvi bag for emergencies), and take care of your feet! Highly recommended viewing.

Aquaman (2018)

Hokum in the style of Flash Gordon, but it works - good fun!

[7/10 · 12 January 2019]

Definitely a Flash Gordon style action movie, absolutley insane suspension of disbelief but done in a fun and harmless way. The actors throw themselves into the storyline with total abandon, hats off to them, it wouldn't have worked otherwise. Some quite funny moments that were a little unexpected, and also a message about how much we care about the environment. I don't usually like 'message' films but this was quite harmelss (IMHO) and actually completely relevant to the story. My son loved it and it made me smile. I recommend it.

Bad Country (2014)

Nothing wrong with this film, good entertainment.

[8/10 · 10 June 2018]

Nothing wrong with this film, good all round action entertainment. The fact that it is based on a true story adds a great deal of gravitas to the story. I also like that the producers chose to shoot the film in the South, where the real events happened. It has a great authentic feel to it. Recommended!

Tad, the Lost Explorer, and the Secret of King Midas (2017)

A pleasant family film, well worth a watch.

[8/10 · 15 February 2018]

A pleasant family film, and well worth a watch. A little scary in parts and might suit children 7-8 years and above, but nothing terrible. Certainly an action packed film that holds the attention throughout. An undead 'Mummy' character provides light relief and quite a lot of comedy, as do the animal characters. The central characters are like-able, the 'baddies' suitably bad. My children were riveted throughout and thoroughly enjoyed it. Fun film. Recommended!

Journey's End (I) (2017)

Masterpiece - only way to describe it.

[10/10 · 5 February 2018]

I've seen the West End play, read the play transcript, and read the novel too. This (in my humble opinion) is a magnificent adaption of this very powerful play based upon R C Sherriff's real-life experiences in the trenches of World War One. It captures the tragedy of war, courage in the face of hopelessness, friendship, and regret among a host of human emotions. The acting is superb, the sets and attention to detail like nothing I remember seeing in a film set in World War One. I cannot recommend it enough. How sad that it has had such a limited cinema release on the Centenary of the year in which the film is set. Almost as if these men are all forgotten now? Not by me.

Hostiles (2017)

Superb film, but harrowing to view.

[8/10 · 12 January 2018]

Superb film, though quite harrowing to watch. Although the film might seem slow in parts, I never felt bored for a moment. Excellent cinematography, wonderful acting with some very complex characters. Overall the film gives a (suitably) bleak impression of a period in what is sometimes referred to as the "Indian Wars". I found myself wanting to learn more about this period of history and further educate myself. Doesn't this make a refreshing change from escapist 'Superhero' films etc? I don't object to escapist films at all, they serve a purpose - relief from the stress of modern life, but this is the kind of film needed to give an occasional dose of reality. Highly recommended!

American Made (2017)

Cruise is superb. Entertaining film about a morally questionable real-life character.

[8/10 · 8 September 2017]

Cruise is superb in this film, and (in my opinion) his performance captures the audience's attention throughout the film. For me Sarah Wright (the main character's wife), and Alejandro Edda (a Cartel character) also made a mark on the film, with other actors being overshadowed. All in all this was a high-octane and highly entertaining film about real-life historical events that deserved to be made. On the negative side, I would say that it glamorizes the life of Barry Seal and makes him seem like a 'nice fun guy' which is unfortunate. The real-life Barry Seal was a drug smuggler who must have cared nothing for the people who suffered as a result of his drug-running, including the numerous victims of his Cartel 'friends'. Due to the controversial historical and political events portrayed (and also hinted at) in the film, it may have been deemed necessary to do this in order to produce the film in the first place...

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

The End of an Era

[8/10 · 10 June 2017]

I thought that this film was a pleasant Rom-Com with good performances all around. Overall, I think you could call it a feel-good movie, and in today's world of war and terrorism that has to be a good thing. Escapism is one (among many) of the functions that movies provide, a temporary escape from the worries and stresses of life. I gave this review the title 'End of an Era' because I would be very surprised if it would be possible to make this film again. It has a tolerance of Southern nationalism (Confederate pillows, her father dressed in a Confederate uniform etc) that would be difficult to include post the 2015 Charleston murders and the subsequent bans on the use of Confederate imagery by many retail outlets etc. Personally I think that was unjustified, effectively like trying to destroy history, and I find it quite sad.

Quarantine 2: Terminal (2011)

Much better than expected. (Slight spoiler)

[8/10 · 4 February 2017]

I'm not sure why this film has such a low rating on IMDb. There are, in my opinion, some truly terrifying scenes helped by some convincing acting and perfectly decent special effects. The 'affected' humans are excellent.

It's a horror film, and I've seen plenty of horror films from bigger studios and with bigger budgets that are not frightening in any way, and are forgotten five minutes after you've finished watching them. OK, two minutes afterwards...

It's grim, dark and unrelenting. If you like the Walking Dead (also grim, dark and unrelenting), then give it a try.

I might have to check out Quarantine 1....

Switchback (1997)

Astoundingly good, one of my favourite thrillers. (Spoiler)

[9/10 · 4 February 2017]

I have to say, I think that this film is seriously under-rated, not that well known, and deserves a much higher rating on IMDb. I don't rate many films at 9, but I think that this has to be one. It is astoundingly good, and is one of my favourite thrillers. Is this one of Danny Glover's best performances? I think it is, he is captivating in every scene, a truly menacing character that he masters so well - great acting! The scenery is also memorable, this film would look great on a big screen (cinema or home TV - the bigger the better).

If you like films like "A Perfect Murder" (Michael Douglas), or "Breakdown" (Kurt Russel), then you should take a look at this film. Coincidentally, they were all made in the late 1990's.

Highly recommended!

Passengers (I) (2016)

Very enjoyable film

[8/10 · 11 January 2017]

This was a very enjoyable film with some great acting, great sets and good production values. However, most importantly it was an excellent story with a superb 'moral dilemma' at the heart of it. I found myself struggling with what the main protagonist had done, but ultimately feeling sympathy for him, in the sense that perhaps he had been unable to control his emotions.

Chris Pratt was great but if I had to choose, then Jennifer Lawrence stood out for me. Action, drama, love, forgiveness, what's not to like? Although it was over two hours long, I was so gripped that I could barely believe it when the film finished. This is one I will see again and will be looking for the Blu-Ray too...

Texas Chainsaw (2013)

Superb B Movie 80's style!

[8/10 · 30 September 2016]

This is a superb 'B Movie' and captures the feel of an 80's movie, i.e a time when life was simpler and films didn't need a 'message' et. I really don't know what people are expecting from a Chainsaw Massacre movie, art? If you're looking for some blood-pounding adrenaline- fuelled escapism with tons of mayhem and bucket-loads of blood and gory violence (and a few pretty 'Southern gals' thrown in), look no further, this is it! OK - it might be predictable/clichéd etc, but who cares, like I said, it's a Chainsaw massacre!

Get the pizzas and the beers in, kick back and enjoy some mindless FUN. Yes, it's a bit of a black comedy too.

Highly recommended. Ignore the whiners.... :)

Centurion (2010)

Superb action film. Likable characters.

[9/10 · 20 February 2016]

This is a film I can watch again and again. A good fast pace, characters you can care about, and fantastic scenery, beautifully filmed. Having some military experience I thought the 'gung-ho' mindset (and foul language) of the troops was plausible. The Roman Army was a brutal killing machine in it's time, and they had enormous self-belief. I think that is reflected well by the characters, particularly by Fassbender's Centurion character. He is a political fanatic, devoted to his nation/ cause. You could put him in a Soviet or German uniform in WW2 quite easily. Yet somehow, his humanity survives beneath the exterior. The film combines the historical/ war genre with the chase/ survival genre, mixed with military camaraderie and even a love angle. I recommend this film. A big screen, beer and pizza are not essential 'viewing aids', but they don't do any harm either!

Dad's Army (2016)

Better than I thought it was going to be. A pleasant surprise.

[8/10 · 6 February 2016]

As a Dad's Army fan (and with a keen interest in the history of the REAL Home Guard of 1940 - 44) I realised this was never going to 'measure up' to the original TV series. In fact I thought it was going to be terrible (!) but went along to see it if only to tick the box. It was better than I expected and it was a pleasant surprise. Sadly I think that Tom Courtenay 'killed' LCpl Jones's character with a very wooden performance. However, there was good effort from the other actors. I thought that Toby Jones (Mainwaring) dominated the screen when he appeared and captured Mainwaring's flaws (and attributes) very well. I enjoyed Michael Gambon's Godfrey very much, and Bill Nighy's Sgt Wilson was an interesting re- interpretation that was nicely done. There were other good performances too (e.g Mrs Pike etc).

As well as a some chuckles, there were touching moments, and I think it captured the ethos of the time well (patriotism, paranoia reference the enemy, 'all pulling together' etc). In all I would call it a pleasant film to watch, and a homage of some sort to the original series and the historical Home Guard.

It was a nice touch to set the film in 1944 when the Home Guard was becoming ever more irrelevant. The original series (many have surmised) only covered the historical period of 1940 - 42. I've always regretted that and would have like to have seen the series set over the full 1940-44 period with perhaps a single episode covering their return to civilian life in December 1944 to round it off. The last year would have been quite comedic as Mainwaring might have struggled to enthuse the men as they became less relevant to to the war, and quite touching too.

I wouldn't listen to too many negative reviews, the film is worth seeing. I'd rather it had been made than not, even if it only points people towards the original series and reminds them that the Home Guard was real and that they lost 1,200 people to enemy action in WW2 (mainly air raids while on duty etc), and also that although they never faced an invasion (a real concern in 1940-41) they didn't know that at the time, but they volunteered anyway.

Sicario (2015)

Very good film. Watch it!

[9/10 · 5 November 2015]

I have to say I was very impressed with this film. So much garbage out there, then along comes a gem like this. It gives an authentic feeling look at the contemporary situation along the US/ Mexico border that is both unpleasant and riveting at the same time. Benicio Del Toro is superb as the enigmatic "Alejandro", Josh Brolin also commands the viewers attention as the slightly unpleasant "Matt Graver". I had the feeling that the Matt Graver character was one of life's necessities nevertheless. Like a toilet brush, not nice, but without them.....

As for Emily Blunt's "Kate Macer" character, she was of course the audience transplanted into the film, someone to whom things were explained (so that the audience would understand what was going on). As a Law enforcement Officer however, I felt she was too weak a character. Shocked by dead bodies, seriously? Shocked that at the cutting edge of the war on the Mexican cartels rules might sometimes be bent or broken? Really? Perhaps without her the film would be too dark for some people?

That aside, this is a truly awesome film. The cinematography and soundtrack are also excellent. This film may have to enter the hallowed realm of my personal 'Library'.