Change Your Image
r96sk
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Smile 2 (2024)
Naomi Scott's performance is outstanding!
An improvement on the (good) original.
Naomi Scott's performance is outstanding, she is so convincing and fully committed to the role all the way through - to the point that she elevates the film as a whole up a notch. The rest of the cast are good, e.g. Rosemarie DeWitt, but 'Smile 2' is very much Scott's movie.
The run time is perhaps a little longer than it needs to be, though to be honest that is only a minor criticism in the grand scheme of things. Much of what is onscreen helps nullify any potential (minor) pacing issues, the violence and gore is quite graphic but it is nicely done and is exactly what we want to see from a production of this sort, let's be real.
I will say this does feature a few too many cheap jump scares, something I'm not a big fan of, but just like the above it isn't a notion that hinders the overall quality of the end result. Based on the ending, the next sequel could be a lot of fun - here's hoping!
Smile (2022)
A good movie.
Suitably creepy, even if it does lose effectiveness as its progresses.
2022's 'Smile' is still, all in all, a good movie. The premise ought to bring entertainment and I'm pleased to say that it does, at least for me. I like the trajectory of how and why the thing works the way it does, the scene with Rob Morgan is particularly well done in that regard.
Sosie Bacon gives a fairly strong performance in the lead role, with Kyle Gallner supporting ably. Caitlin Stasey naturally steals the show a bit with that face - certainly unsettling! As noted, it does become less and less unnerving as the run time ticks on. However, thankfully, the film wraps up before it gets tiresome or anything close.
Eager to see what the sequel brings.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
I had a positive time viewing it, so I can't harbour any noteworthy complaints.
Great title, great movie.
I had heard tiny bits about 'Joker: Folie à Deux' falling below expectations since its release, though they weren't substantial enough to know if the film was any good or not. I have to say, I really enjoyed watching it all play out. It admittedly isn't on the same level as the phenomenal predecessor, but that's OK - I wasn't expecting it to be.
I will say that making this a musical of sorts was a bold choice, it wouldn't have been the direction that I would've went with it but to be honest I thought they executed it nicely. I presume that is one reason many didn't like this, as well as possibly the lack of craziness that seemed like it was on the horizon based on the 2019 flick. For me, mind, it all works.
Joaquin Phoenix is as excellent as anticipated in his reprisal as Joker, while Lady Gaga is a neat piece of casting for Lee - obviously her music chops for one, though I do enjoy her acting too. Lee perhaps could've been used more, but what we got is more than sufficient in my opinion. Brendan Gleeson, elsewhere, does well in a more minor role.
Is is slightly overlong? Possibly. Did we need a sequel? Probably not. All I can confirm is that I had a positive time viewing it, so I can't harbour any noteworthy complaints. It's a shame to now read that this film has seemingly bombed in more ways than one. C'est la vie.
Salem's Lot (2024)
Narrowly passable.
Overstays its welcome and isn't as interesting as it could've been, but what's there is still serviceable.
I really enjoyed the cast, I think every member does a neat job - without that being the case, I'd probably be rating this film a touch lower. Lewis Pullman leads events well, while Makenzie Leigh, Alfre Woodard and Bill Camp are able supports. The kid actors are solid as well, the standout evidently being Jordan Preston Carter. Good to see Pilou Asbæk, too.
As noted at the top, this does overrun. It felt a fair bit longer than 113 minutes, a more fitting run time may have worked wonders. I did like how, aside from the obvious, no cast member had major plot armour, admittedly one of the young ones does seem a tad overpowered in regards to what he achieves throughout.
All in all, I'd consider 'Salem's Lot' a narrowly passable horror flick.
The Substance (2024)
Certainly an experience!
Certainly an experience!
'The Substance' is a lot. It's one of those sorta movies that I needed to let settle in my mind before I even started to think about reviewing it. I'm not even sure where to start. It's insane from pretty much the beginning to the very end of its 140 minute run time, some scenes are particularly rough to watch unfold!
I think the only body horror flick I've seen up until this point is David Cronenberg's 'Crimes of the Future' from 2022, which I found to be solid enough but it came across, at least to me, as a bit too forced for shock value. This 2024 release has plenty of that, if not more, but it somehow feels totally at home with what surrounds it.
The story itself is fascinating, even taking out all the craziness with the gore et al. So by no means is this a film that is style over substance (sorry). It isn't anything actually overly original in terms of the base plotline, though the way it is portrayed and brought to life is astounding - every inch is expertly crafted.
Demi Moore is outstanding in this! I haven't seen her in much, at least anything released post-2002, but here she is top quality throughout. Margaret Qualley is obviously the opposite in terms of the former, though is just as fantastic in regards to the latter - great performance!
If you see anyone giving warnings ahead of watching this, they are very much warranted! Even with all the graphic twistedness, which will turn many away, this is an impressively enthralling picture. I may need a lie-down though.
Strange Darling (2023)
The performances of Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are excellent.
Visually, 'Strange Darling' is a treat.
It's an extremely stylish movie, the film features some excellent shots as well as great music. I'm not fully sold on the base story, I feel like if you stripped every other element back then you'd be left with a real mid plot. On the other hand, though, when all is said and done I think I did get a good amount of entertainment from it.
I don't believe it needed to be told in nonlinear order, you could've portrayed events more traditionally and I don't think it wouldn't changed much (if anything) in terms of the viewing experience. With that said, it is easy to keep up with the jumps and it doesn't hinder the flick whatsoever. So, I guess, if it works, why not?
The performances of Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner are excellent, to be fair. They both fit their respective roles and each play their part in keeping the movie marching along nicely. The support cast merit relative praise as well, notable to see Ed Begley Jr. And Steven Michael Quezada involved - a 'Better Call Saul' reunion, of sorts.
Quentin Tarantino ought to enjoy this, albeit for an overabundance of smoking rather than trotters.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Isn't any good.
Quite an underwhelming end to the DCEU.
I actually like the DC Extended Universe, only 'Justice League' failed to get a thumbs up from me. That is until now, because 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' isn't any good. I admittedly only mildly enjoyed the original - I had to watch a recap because I had forgotten basically everything about it since viewing it in May 2021.
The cast are hit-and-miss. I have no negatives for Jason Momoa, he is more than satisfactory from start to end. I did find his eyes distracting (wait, not like that) with the effects used, I don't remember them being so in-your-face (pardon the pun) in the 2018 film - but I could be totally misremembering, to be fair. Either way, Momoa is the obvious star.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II's character is one I can barely remember, but the actor himself is good - I am a fan. The rest of those onscreen are fine acting-wise, but I really wasn't invested in any of them whatsoever; from Patrick Wilson (especially) to Amber Heard to Dolph Lundgren to Nicole Kidman. I think it's their character designs that I find most uninteresting.
I am kinda looking forward to seeing what James Gunn and Peter Safran produce with the DC Universe come 2025, on paper with those two in charge it should be a success - just depends how much so, I guess.
The Liability (2012)
I just didn't really find it interesting.
Good concept, half-baked execution.
Tim Roth, Jack O'Connell and Talulah Riley give alright performances, though their characters aren't developed enough to care about nor to be entertained by. There's definitely a good story hidden, though I just didn't really find it interesting. The rushed ending doesn't help, either.
/////////////////
The Liability (also known as The Hitman's Apprentice) is a 2013 British black comedy crime-thriller film directed by Craig Viveiros and written by John Wrathall. Produced by Rupert Jermyn and Richard Johns. I watched this production on Netflix (UK/Ireland).
Philadelphia (1993)
It certainly makes you feel uncomfortable in parts and saddened in many others.
Very good. I did think I'd enjoy 'Philadelphia' much more though, solely based on who appears on the poster.
The performances of Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington are impressive enough, though I'd say they have done greater in other productions. The story they portray here is a sizeable one and it is well told, it certainly makes you feel uncomfortable in parts and saddened in many others.
I do feel like the pacing could've been better, a shorter run time perhaps would've helped. Overall, if I'm honest, my interest in this wasn't all that strong throughout, I couldn't shake the feeling of wanting something more from it. I can still acknowledge it's objective quality, of course.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Morgan Freeman is terrific, as is Jessica Tandy.
Bit of an odd one, though it does end up leaving a mark.
'Driving Miss Daisy' perhaps skirts around the larger picture in regards to the discrimination it alludes to, but all in all it's a charming tale about unlikely friendships. I do like when movies follow characters across an extended amount of time, in this case we see events stretch across 25 years; seeing characters grow and develop as they age is a cool thing.
Morgan Freeman is terrific, as is Jessica Tandy. Dan Aykroyd and Esther Rolle play their part too. Hans Zimmer is on music and to be honest (as much as I rate that guy) I'm not convinced the score, which is good, fits particularly well here. By the end it probably does, though at the beginning the in-your-face nature of it feels a bit out of place.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
It has an excellent cast and an engaging/well written plot.
Brilliant!
I think I had seen that 'Rebel Ridge' was one of the most watched (?) movies on Netflix recently, though you never really know what to expect with that because viewership doesn't necessarily equal greatness (I think 'The Wrong Missy' shudder had the same thing). I am pleased to say, though, that this is great. I enjoyed every bit.
It has an excellent cast, an engaging and well written plot, some pleasing sequences and a nice score. This is the first time I've ever seen Aaron Pierre act and I'm seriously impressed, also didn't even realise he was a fellow Englishman until post-watch. Hope to see much more of him! Away from Pierre, Don Johnson and AnnaSophia Robb are very good.
Watership Down (1978)
The voice cast are very good.
It sure lives up to its reputation!
The sole thing I knew about 'Watership Down' pre-watch was that it's relatively graphic and had an impact on children at the time of its release. Well, I can certainly see why! Heck, even by today's standards it's still pretty out there in terms of how it portrays the violence.
The animation, for its time, is absolutely splendid - super effective! The music is also noteworthy. I will say that I don't think the characters are anything above solid, like post-watch I can't really remember any of them individually; visually at least, because the voice cast are very good.
Lee (2023)
Expertly acted.
Fascinating viewing. 'Lee' is very well made and expertly acted.
As others have noted, it's quite the thing that fellow 2024 flick 'Civil War' has a character inspired by Lee Miller, then this comes along with a plot directly about the incredible photojournalist. Kate Winslet portrays Miller supremely, not that that would ever be in doubt; she is excellent at every single moment of this near two hour film.
About time this biopic was produced, it is one that does get dark but it's undoubtedly an important story to tell.
///
Lee is a 2023 British biographical drama film directed by Ellen Kuras.
Sumotherhood (2023)
If I said I disliked it, I'd be lying.
Whether you like 'Sumotherhood' or not is probably based on if you like 2011's 'Anuvahood'.
I think both films are on the same level. I remember that other flick being quite popular at my school at the time, me and my mates would even quote bits - none more so than that Fruittella line, which is amusingly called back to in this one. There are many callbacks, despite it not being an actual sequel. On that note, I'm not sure why it isn't (was initially billed as such); seems an odd decision, a behind the scenes issue, I guess?
It, like the first one, is an extremely silly movie. If you just come into this not knowing anything about it then I'd say it's likely you'll really dislike it. I probably would in that scenario, though due to the first film I knew exactly what was going to greet my eyes with this more recent release. The stuff at the bank is standout of the movie, the only scenes that made me cringe were the ones involving Bhasker Patel and his crew.
Adam Deacon and Jazzie Zonzolo are the ones who again lead this mess (which it is, objectively) and they make it work, to be fair. Kobna Holdbrook-Smith is genuinely the best actor here though, he makes his character more noteworthy than others would've. Richie Campbell is as cuckoo as before, while certain cameos from a musician and a politician are funny. I also appreciate Vas Blackwood, as well as Eddie Kadi's return.
We all have those films that you enjoy just enough, despite all logic telling you they are terrible productions. These sorta flicks, which are welcome, are exactly that for me. If I said I disliked it, I'd be lying.
The Blackening (2022)
Largely a dull affair.
A few moments notwithstanding, 'The Blackening' is largely a dull affair.
At least they chose a run time of around 90 minutes, that stops the movie from overly dragging. Still, though, not enough is produced to entertain. The humour is probably its 'strongest' element (relatively), not that it's all that funny but bits of the dialogue (much of which was apparently improvised) are mildly amusing.
The antagonists are kinda lame and the twist isn't much of one at all. The cast, though, are all perfectly fine. Jermaine Fowler gives a solid performance, to be fair. Aside from him, X Mayo was the one I liked seeing onscreen the most. The board game element is a good one - think 'Jumanji', but racist.
Sounds like a sequel is on the cards. If so, hopefully it'll be an improvement on this unfortunately forgettable flick.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
They absolutely smashed it out the park with this one.
A sequel miles better than the (good) original - that's a rarity!
Those behind 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' absolutely smashed it out the park with this one. I had heard murmurs of hype about it so was expecting it to be very good, yet it still managed to surpass my expectations. It features a great story with well utilised characters, of which there are quite a few.
Soon after hitting play I wasn't actually sure about the animation, for one Puss himself looked different to how I remember him from 'Shrek'. However, those thoughts quickly disappeared because the style is, in fact, gorgeous. You can tell the people making this had heart in it, rather than just milking the IP for another installment.
Antonio Banderas remains a joy as Puss in Boots, a character that wouldn't be as memorable without him. Harvey Guillén comes in with a standout showing, I do think Perrito is the least interesting visually but the character (and voice) is what makes the dog a successful addition. John Mulaney (thought it was Zach Braff, ngl) is a positive newbie too.
Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone and Samson Kayo are also pluses, as are Salma Hayek and Wagner Moura. Evidently, it's a quality cast. A minor shame we didn't get anyone big back from the original series, though I do approve with how this one concludes in that regard.
Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)
Many others love this - who am I to object, really.
I found this unconvincing.
Gotta respect those associated with getting 'Better Luck Tomorrow' off the ground, reportedly with big help from one MC Hammer - I didn't expect to read that! However, I didn't like it sadly. You can tell if has a competent director in charge with Justin Lin, though everything to do with the plot and characters just didn't do it for me.
I found the story too far-fetched, personally. I have no issue watching stuff that is nonsensical, but when it is along those lines then it has to be very entertaining and this wasn't, for me. The actors didn't quite work either, not even Sung Kang as Han - who was the sole reason why I wanted to watch this, given the (loose) 'The Fast and the Furious' connection.
Parry Shen is underwhelming, his voice-overs are particularly dull - he is fairly likeable, I'm just not sure Shen (or his character) were a wise choice for lead. Jason Tobin as Virgil is also a tad irritating (as intended?), while Kang is actually quite forgettable; this Han is barely anything like the F&F version, quite the large reach for them to connect the two, if I'm honest.
A quick look at the Wikipedia article for this, which also talks about some other interesting production events (Macaulay Culkin?! Big props to Lin for rejecting that, despite the £££), notes that apparently Sung Kang wanted to play Ben - now that could've been something! Obviously it worked out best for him that he didn't, but still... what could have been.
Many others love this - who am I to object, really. All the same, I'm glad this was a success otherwise we most likely would not have got Justin Lin atop the F&F franchise; 'Fast & Furious' and 'Fast Five' are my favourites, behind the original of course. Happy that I've now belatedly seen a movie from him away from that world, though.
La haine (1995)
Very good movie!
Very, very good movie!
'La Haine' is interesting slice of life viewing, I was intrigued across the whole 90 or so minutes as it tells its tale nicely. Some of the cinematography (b/w, smart choice) and editing is particularly impressive, while the ending is stark and unforgettable. The intentions of the film come across loud and clear.
I didn't overly connect with the main trio, aside from Hubert. I could also sense that something was on the horizon (didn't see it going exactly that way, mind) from early on, so you kinda are just sitting there waiting for the penny to drop - but there's no doubting the film successfully keeps you on tenterhooks.
The characters are a bit meh in terms of wanting to watch them, though the actors who play them are excellent - without question. Hubert Koundé is the one I'll likely remember most, even with still noteworthy performances from Vincent Cassel and Saïd Taghmaoui; two actors I have seen in a few English-language flicks down the years.
Tuntematon sotilas (2017)
I was locked in.
An enthralling watch.
2017's 'Unknown Soldier' is excellent. To make a three hour run time go by in a flash is no easy task, but that's exactly what occurred for me whilst watching this - I probably could've taken another hour, it's that good. I was locked in, what helps is the film wastes no time and gets straight into the core of the story - and doesn't let up until the credits.
Eero Aho is sensational as Antero Rokka, what a great performance both physically and emotively - such a memorable character. Aho is the standout, though by no means gives the only noteworthy showing. Jussi Vatanen as Ville and Johannes Holopainen as Jorma are superb too. Credit is due for the whole cast, in fairness.
Every sequence hits as intended, the effects are convincing and the horrors of war are shown all too well. Pacing-wise, as alluded to at the top of my review, is perfection. The film only follows the Finnish side, as one would expect given it's a Finnish production, but does an admirable job at showing their good and bad elements.
These next words will come as no surprise: I'd undoubtedly recommend that you watch this.
Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)
Serviceable.
Serviceable.
I feel like more could've been done with the mascots via the animatronics as well as giving them each some sorta creepy voice, though this is of course based on a video game so if that's how they are in the game (which I've never played nor heard of) then I guess this is not a valid 'criticism'. Just as a film, I think that would've made it more lively.
'Five Nights at Freddy's', as it is, is a passable supernatural horror. Josh Hutcherson does an acceptable job as lead, as Elizabeth Lail and youngster Piper Rubio do well too. More could've perhaps been done with Matthew Lillard's character, though Lillard is himself is alright.
Evidently, the reception to this 2023 movie has been mixed, I can tell that from both the average rating chart and from those that I follow. It worked for me, that's all there really is for me to say.
The Croods: A New Age (2020)
A worthy follow-up.
'The Croods: A New Age' makes for a good sequel.
I didn't mind the original from 2013 (that long ago, eh?), I found it passable but did have to watch a recap video before watching this entry as I remembered absolutely nothing; aside from the first few scenes. I guess that's to be expected given the time gap, albeit I don't think I watched the first film until around 2019.
This one offers up enough entertainment, it does feature a type of story that is rather predictable but I think all the shenanigans keep it ticking along nicely and the voice cast are all very good. Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds (feels odd to see a Reynolds character not truly front and centre) reprise their roles well, as Leslie Mann and Peter Dinklage make for strong additions.
All in all, a worthy follow-up - I'd place it on the same level as its predecessor, to be honest.
Little Women (2019)
It's very much a pleasant watch.
Just a really great movie!
I didn't know anything about the original Louisa May Alcott novel and haven't seen any of the other six (!) film adaptations. 2019's 'Little Women' evidently makes for the perfect introduction to this story. All events here are nicely portrayed, I found the pacing a little slow in the beginning as well as some tiny timeline issues, but once things get going it's very much a pleasant watch.
It's a really touching and, in the end, surprisingly wholesome movie, I was waiting for exaggerated drama and antagonists to appear but they never really come, which is quite refreshing. The cast is stacked. Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh are the obvious standouts, though the likes of Timothée Chalamet, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen and Meryl Streep all stick out in my memory too.
My only criticism would be how the sisters don't always act how the look, a very quick glance at Wikipedia suggests the sisters in the book are all under-16 but visually here they don't seem that young; so there are some moments where you have adults acting like 14 year olds, which is a bit odd. This isn't a major criticism of mine, mind.
Speak No Evil (2024)
James McAvoy is outstanding.
'Speak No Evil' is supremely well done!
I felt unsettled from pretty much the get-go. That's because you can see the general direction that the movie is going to head, though that doesn't hampen the feeling of unease that is present all the way through. I did actually think whilst watching that the film was being a tad dragged out, though by the credits I was fully sold on what I had just seen.
James McAvoy is outstanding, I knew he was capable of portraying such a creepy and unhinged character from seeing some of his other work. 'Split' for one, though also, oddly, 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'; I always got creeped out when we first see his Mr. Tumnus.
Mackenzie Davis impresses as well, as do Scoot McNairy and Aisling Franciosi in fairness; youngsters Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough do well too. The final scene with the latter is quite something, I thought it was going to play out slightly differently (i.e. What Ron does to Carl, for any fellow 'The Walking Dead' fans) so to see it go they way it did was unexpected - but, without question, welcome.
I shall no doubt check out the Danish original at some point in the future.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Michael Keaton remains the best cast member.
An enjoyable second helping of 'Beetlejuice'.
'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' isn't far adrift the original, even if I'd still rank the first film higher. I gotta say those behind this did a good job with the teaser trailer, I hadn't even seen the 1988 flick but that got my interest. Speaking of trailers, I'm glad they changed that cringey pilates instructor line for Astrid - right call!
Michael Keaton remains the best cast member, though Winona Ryder and newcomer Jenna Ortega are not far off. Willem Dafoe doesn't feature much but naturally still manages to be one of movie's strong points. Justin Theroux's character didn't really do anything for me, while Monica Bellucci feels a little underused but perhaps not; what we get from her as Delores is still decent and arguably enough.
Sounds like Tim Burton doesn't want to another sequel, which is probably for the best but if the studio wanted to go behind his back I, I'm afraid, would have to allow it on this occasion strictly for the obvious title possibility. Though I guess the ritual has already occurred with the two titles combined. Fairs.
Beetlejuice (1988)
I did enjoy 'Beetlejuice'.
Good movie!
Admittedly I was a little surprised how little happens across the opening hour or so, I checked the run time out of curiosity at around the 70 minute mark and was surprised that I only had 20 minutes left. To be fair, that does at least show the film doesn't drag at all. It's entertaining enough, I just thought more was coming.
Michael Keaton is the star of the film no doubt, very amusing stuff from him as the titular character. I only knew he was in this as I saw him in the trailers for the new one and could tell he would/will be a lot of fun in the role. Winona Ryder is also good value, the rest are all fine, at worst. The music, sets and effects (esp. The stop-motion!) are also pluses.
No better time to get this logged given the sequel is out now. I did enjoy 'Beetlejuice', hopefully the same can be said about 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice'.