Macbeth - this one didn't really do it for me, although I had trouble following some of the Shakespearean language and the Scots accents, so perhaps it was just me. Very good cinematography and Marion Cotillard is always worth watching. 6/10
Spectre ...enjoyed it , more light-hearted than Skyfall and does not meet its heights but definitely worth a watch. Christoph Waltz and Ben Whishaw are excellent.
Spectre ...enjoyed it , more light-hearted than Skyfall and does not meet its heights but definitely worth a watch. Christoph Waltz and Ben Whishaw are excellent.
Spectre ...enjoyed it , more light-hearted than Skyfall and does not meet its heights but definitely worth a watch. Christoph Waltz and Ben Whishaw are excellent.
Saw spectre on Monday. I thought it was better than Skyfall. Interesting opening scene, impressive how long they only used one shot. 7/10 though. Lots of Bond bullshit, but still good fun.
If you watch it, look out for M's line near the end, very funny.
Really enjoyed Skyfall, less so Spectre. I felt Waltz was under utilised and his backstory and motivations weaker than they ought to have been. Some stunning set pieces, but if this was Mendes and Craig's last outing, it's a pity, as the bang could have been louder 6/10 from me and I love a Bond flick...
Spectre is another thoroughly entertaining movie that appeals not only to Bond fans but to general movie goers too . There is everything in this you would expect from the Franchise. Great action , a good story , romance and lots of references to previous bond movies. There is also more humour in this than we have seen in the last few films. We also see more of Ben Wishaw as Q which is a good thing. My kids were pleased to see WWE wrestler Dave Bautista as the muscle in the film. If i had to be critical i would say it's probably a little too long and i would like to have seen a little more of Christoph Waltz. There have been a lot of people saying this isn't quite as good as Skyfall but i disagree. I would say it's just as good. I really hope this isn't the last Daniel Craig / Sam Mendes collaboration because between them they seemed to have cracked 007 .
This is an eye opening documentary which follows groups of vigilante's who are so fed up with Mexican drug cartels they have decided to do something about it. The problem is that the lines are blurred as to who the criminals are and on what side they are on. Watching this film you cant hep but think Mexico is buggered. There seems to be no order and the country is entirely corrupt. If i was a Mexican it would totally depress me. There are some very gruesome scenes of what happened to some of the Cartel members and their victims and it's not for the faint hearted but don't let that put you off what is a fascinating look into another world.
- like Skyfall, Mendes seems to assume his audience has no patience or not enough intelligence to appreciate extended plot devices. It is somewhat annoying to see a plot element introduced and then executed in either the same or directly following scene. - the opening set piece was big, brilliant and ridiculous, everything a Bond opening should be, but then every set piece becomes almost tedious in that Bond's wanton recklessness and moments of complete idiocy never seem to have any consequences or risk. You simply cannot feel any sense of peril as Bond pilots what's left of his plane through a ski village when every action point so far has left him completely unscathed. Even Craig himself seems to understand how boring this is at the end when he is literally walking stone-faced into a barrage of bullets and effortlessly picking off baddies with a sub-machine gun. - like Skyfall, we see a chart-topping vocalist matched with a completely naff song designed for Radio 1 listeners. - probably the most boring car chase I've seen in any movie, with a villain who seems about as menacing as Dick Dastardly. - the plot is nearly identical to The Winter Soldier.
More of the same for Skyfall fans I suppose. I do hold the unpopular opinion that Quantum of Solace was actually a good film. If I had to rate Craig's Bond films I would rate them in chronological order (Casino Royale best, Spectre worst) but that said Spectre was decent enough, certainly better than Brosnan's last 3 films. At least it finally tied up the whole Quantum storyline that was left out of Skyfall.
Spectre - entertaining nonsense. Plenty of holes in the plot (thus it ever was) but there's no time to think of that, given the unremitting action. Some quality actors, great scenery and humorous in parts.
Just been to see Spectre. Can't believe that no-one else has mentioned the fairly obvious resemblance between Blofeld (particularly in silhouette) and our very own Duchatelet. Even calls himself a visionary at one point and he tortures the goodies...
Just been to see Spectre. Can't believe that no-one else has mentioned the fairly obvious resemblance between Blofeld (particularly in silhouette) and our very own Duchatelet. Even calls himself a visionary at one point and he tortures the goodies...
Hadn't seen that thread, Mendonca - it was startlingly obvious to me and hubby...not sure what the rest of the Glasgow cinema audience thought when we both shouted, "It's Roland!"
The Lobster. (Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman) Now I like a weird film more than most, but this one tested me. First half enjoyably odd with some very dark lough out loud moments, second half simply weird. Very hard to mark out of 10, many will hate it. 6/10? I'm still bemused by the whole thing.
The Lobster. (Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman) Now I like a weird film more than most, but this one tested me. First half enjoyably odd with some very dark lough out loud moments, second half simply weird. Very hard to mark out of 10, many will hate it. 6/10? I'm still bemused by the whole thing.
I was very disappointed in this film, it was too long, the first half good, second a little dull. 5/10
I first remember seeing Ian McKellen in a Channel Four film called Walter that I think was shown the week the Channel started. He was brilliant in that and has been ever since. He has got lots of praise for his role as an aged Sherlock Holmes and quite rightly so . He is a magnificent actor and he owns the screen in this . The film itself is a little too gentle for my liking Not a great deal happens regarding the plot other than a slightly dull last case for Holmes but i suppose this is more of a character portrayal more than anything else. Child actor Milo Parker is very good too and looks like someone to keep an eye on in the future.
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by it. I think Daniel Craig is a really good Bond but this film just didn't know what it wanted to be. It was even more disappointing given the set ups skyfall had given it but the clichés were all over the place bearing in mind since Daniel Craig has been Bond he's played it a lot more gritty. I agree with whoever said he actually looked bored at some parts
Skyfall and Casino Royale were far better and if this is the last outing for Daniel Craig it's a poor way to finish
I'm going to see kill your friends on Thursday, I'm under no illusions that it will be anywhere near as good as the book but I'm still looking forward to seeing if a few scenes look anything like how I pictured them
Saw Spectre last night. Great fun and brilliant entertainment. I go to the pictures to be entertained and not craving to see a 100% watertight plot where things happen like they do in real life! How boring would that be? Too many Mark Kermode wannabes around these days. Sam Smiths song when played at the cinema along with the opening titles is completely different then when it is played on the radio, comes over brilliantly. A lot more use of the James Bond Theme in this film too, love it. I sat through the end credits (thousands of people worked on this film!) just to confirm what I hoped; James Bond WILL return!
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
How many of you went????
We were sat there and we had a group of about 30-40 come in all wearing dinner suits / evening dresses. All very bizarre.
Concur with the majority of comments on Spectre. My first time at cinema since Skyfall. I thought Skyfall was outstanding, and this although a very decent watch, never reached those heights. Have slowly warned to Craig as Bond, and thought the camera work and structure for the opening scene was excellent.
I went to see Spectre, but so many people that went with me said they preferred Skyfall more.
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
How many of you went????
We were sat there and we had a group of about 30-40 come in all wearing dinner suits / evening dresses. All very bizarre.
Concur with the majority of comments on Spectre. My first time at cinema since Skyfall. I thought Skyfall was outstanding, and this although a very decent watch, never reached those heights. Have slowly warned to Craig as Bond, and thought the camera work and structure for the opening scene was excellent.
Made from just video clips and TV recordings , this is the tragic story of Amy Winehouse and her short but fascinating life. Director , Asif Kapadia has managed to capture Amy brilliantly without having to shoot anything himself. Just like with Senna he has got friends and family to tell that story along with archive footage and it works really well. I learned many thing while watching this. I learned that she had an amazing talent for righting songs. Lyrically she was brilliant. I learnt that she had an addictive personality and her addiction helped her deal with fame yet ultimately killed her. Another thing is clear is that she had people around her who were using her. Her father being a main culprit and you can see why he didn't want this film to be made. Even if you are a not a fan her music this is well worth watching.
Went to see Steve Jobs last night. Much anticipated by me and the missus, since it's directed by Danny Boyle, and while in NYC last month I'd heard a critic on the radio saying it was the best of the 4 films about him (4???).
Well you certainly won't be left in any doubt about what a grade A asshole he was, and the film is a bit relentless in portraying that, but on reflection you end up with a feeling of what it must have been like to work for him. It is also a film about him and not Apple, so you may be surprised at where the story ends.
Definitely a film worth seeing, surprisingly bleak in many ways and with some insights that we weren't aware of. In particular my wife noted that the character played by Kate Winslet, ostensibly his marketing director, but in fact a constant in his life, is somebody we'd not been aware of in the story of Apple. The film also suggests that the biggest personal explosions between Jobs and his colleagues (and family) tended to come in the minutes leading up to his legendary keynote product launch presentations. Mind boggling, if true . I'd be interested to know how accurate the depiction overall is considered to be.
But generally I reckon this will be seen as another strong contribution from Danny Boyle.
Just as a side note I'm often complaining about the idiotic distribution of films in the Czech market, we miss so many good ones. But in Prague the indy cinemas seem to be flourishing, and we saw this neo- premiere in a 9 row indy with a nice little cafe bar, with plush double seats, for exactly £3 a person. Worth noting if you are visiting.
Comments
7/10
If you watch it, look out for M's line near the end, very funny.
Spectre is another thoroughly entertaining movie that appeals not only to Bond fans but to general movie goers too .
There is everything in this you would expect from the Franchise. Great action , a good story , romance and lots of references to previous bond movies. There is also more humour in this than we have seen in the last few films.
We also see more of Ben Wishaw as Q which is a good thing. My kids were pleased to see WWE wrestler Dave Bautista as the muscle in the film.
If i had to be critical i would say it's probably a little too long and i would like to have seen a little more of Christoph Waltz.
There have been a lot of people saying this isn't quite as good as Skyfall but i disagree. I would say it's just as good.
I really hope this isn't the last Daniel Craig / Sam Mendes collaboration because between them they seemed to have cracked 007 .
9 out of 10
Cartel Land
This is an eye opening documentary which follows groups of vigilante's who are so fed up with Mexican drug cartels they have decided to do something about it. The problem is that the lines are blurred as to who the criminals are and on what side they are on. Watching this film you cant hep but think Mexico is buggered. There seems to be no order and the country is entirely corrupt.
If i was a Mexican it would totally depress me.
There are some very gruesome scenes of what happened to some of the Cartel members and their victims and it's not for the faint hearted but don't let that put you off what is a fascinating look into another world.
6 out of 10
http://www.steynonline.com/7252/keeping-the-british-end-up
- like Skyfall, Mendes seems to assume his audience has no patience or not enough intelligence to appreciate extended plot devices. It is somewhat annoying to see a plot element introduced and then executed in either the same or directly following scene.
- the opening set piece was big, brilliant and ridiculous, everything a Bond opening should be, but then every set piece becomes almost tedious in that Bond's wanton recklessness and moments of complete idiocy never seem to have any consequences or risk. You simply cannot feel any sense of peril as Bond pilots what's left of his plane through a ski village when every action point so far has left him completely unscathed. Even Craig himself seems to understand how boring this is at the end when he is literally walking stone-faced into a barrage of bullets and effortlessly picking off baddies with a sub-machine gun.
- like Skyfall, we see a chart-topping vocalist matched with a completely naff song designed for Radio 1 listeners.
- probably the most boring car chase I've seen in any movie, with a villain who seems about as menacing as Dick Dastardly.
- the plot is nearly identical to The Winter Soldier.
More of the same for Skyfall fans I suppose. I do hold the unpopular opinion that Quantum of Solace was actually a good film. If I had to rate Craig's Bond films I would rate them in chronological order (Casino Royale best, Spectre worst) but that said Spectre was decent enough, certainly better than Brosnan's last 3 films. At least it finally tied up the whole Quantum storyline that was left out of Skyfall.
http://forum.charltonlife.com/discussion/69777/ever-wondered-why-rolands-not-at-the-valley-much#latest
Now I like a weird film more than most, but this one tested me. First half enjoyably odd with some very dark lough out loud moments, second half simply weird. Very hard to mark out of 10, many will hate it. 6/10? I'm still bemused by the whole thing.
I was very disappointed in this film, it was too long, the first half good, second a little dull. 5/10
Mr Holmes
I first remember seeing Ian McKellen in a Channel Four film called Walter that I think was shown the week the Channel started. He was brilliant in that and has been ever since.
He has got lots of praise for his role as an aged Sherlock Holmes and quite rightly so . He is a magnificent actor and he owns the screen in this . The film itself is a little too gentle for my liking Not a great deal happens regarding the plot other than a slightly dull last case for Holmes but i suppose this is more of a character portrayal more than anything else. Child actor Milo Parker is very good too and looks like someone to keep an eye on in the future.
7 out of 10
I was thoroughly underwhelmed by it. I think Daniel Craig is a really good Bond but this film just didn't know what it wanted to be. It was even more disappointing given the set ups skyfall had given it but the clichés were all over the place bearing in mind since Daniel Craig has been Bond he's played it a lot more gritty. I agree with whoever said he actually looked bored at some parts
Skyfall and Casino Royale were far better and if this is the last outing for Daniel Craig it's a poor way to finish
Sam Smiths song when played at the cinema along with the opening titles is completely different then when it is played on the radio, comes over brilliantly. A lot more use of the James Bond Theme in this film too, love it.
I sat through the end credits (thousands of people worked on this film!) just to confirm what I hoped; James Bond WILL return!
I can see why, but growing up on Bond films as a kid I went to see it again, and enjoyed it much more 2nd time round, you know what's coming, the surprise is perhaps not there, but you appreciate the effort they go to, and the locations are stunning on the big screen.
Without trying to give the total thing away it did come across at times as if they were trying to fit too much , a bit more character development about the baddie , would have been good.
Maybe they will do a 'Bond Rebooted' in the next one with a new actor, Daniel Craig took a bit of a hit doing the stunts, and he looked knackered out in the film.
If you like Bond and haven't seen it, I'd still go and see it, it's one of those films you've got to see on a big screen ( not a 40 inch tele!) I'd go and see it again.
Concur with the majority of comments on Spectre. My first time at cinema since Skyfall. I thought Skyfall was outstanding, and this although a very decent watch, never reached those heights. Have slowly warned to Craig as Bond, and thought the camera work and structure for the opening scene was excellent.
Amy
Made from just video clips and TV recordings , this is the tragic story of Amy Winehouse and her short but fascinating life.
Director , Asif Kapadia has managed to capture Amy brilliantly without having to shoot anything himself. Just like with Senna he has got friends and family to tell that story along with archive footage and it works really well.
I learned many thing while watching this. I learned that she had an amazing talent for righting songs. Lyrically she was brilliant. I learnt that she had an addictive personality and her addiction helped her deal with fame yet ultimately killed her.
Another thing is clear is that she had people around her who were using her. Her father being a main culprit and you can see why he didn't want this film to be made. Even if you are a not a fan her music this is well worth watching.
8 out of 10
Well you certainly won't be left in any doubt about what a grade A asshole he was, and the film is a bit relentless in portraying that, but on reflection you end up with a feeling of what it must have been like to work for him. It is also a film about him and not Apple, so you may be surprised at where the story ends.
Definitely a film worth seeing, surprisingly bleak in many ways and with some insights that we weren't aware of. In particular my wife noted that the character played by Kate Winslet, ostensibly his marketing director, but in fact a constant in his life, is somebody we'd not been aware of in the story of Apple. The film also suggests that the biggest personal explosions between Jobs and his colleagues (and family) tended to come in the minutes leading up to his legendary keynote product launch presentations. Mind boggling, if true . I'd be interested to know how accurate the depiction overall is considered to be.
But generally I reckon this will be seen as another strong contribution from Danny Boyle.
Just as a side note I'm often complaining about the idiotic distribution of films in the Czech market, we miss so many good ones. But in Prague the indy cinemas seem to be flourishing, and we saw this neo- premiere in a 9 row indy with a nice little cafe bar, with plush double seats, for exactly £3 a person. Worth noting if you are visiting.