This is a film about two poker players who strike up a friendship and go on a journey to win their fortune. The problem is that one of them doesn't know when to quit. This is one the best films I've seen about gambling and poker in a long time. The two lead actors , Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelsohn are brilliant and they work really well together. Mendelsohn in particular is really convincing as man with a severe gambling problem. Essentially this is a road movie that despite having many bumps is actually a really good journey to be on for the viewer.
Watched this in Sundance earlier this year also Beds. Two leads are excellent, but ultimately the UK public don't give a rats' monkeys about two Americans taking a road trip playing poker. Which is a shame.
Brooklyn - 7/10. A relatively simple tale but entertaining, very well put together and an excellent turn by Saoirse Ronan. Three weeks in, it's taken around £4million at the UK and Irish box office.
Hardly a latest film, but just watched Tom Hardy in Locke for the second time. If you haven't seen it, you must. Fabulous.
Fascinating film. When you tell someone about a film with just one actor in it, on his own, sounds like it could be boring. But it just highlights Hardy's quality.
Just watched black mass, what an amazing story could only happen in America. Johny Depp potryed one othe most frightening gangsters I have seen on the screen. Mr Cumberbatch did well playing an Irish America politian, pulled it off well.
Just watched black mass, what an amazing story could only happen in America. Johny Depp potryed one othe most frightening gangsters I have seen on the screen. Mr Cumberbatch did well playing an Irish America politian, pulled it off well.
I saw it last week. Probably Johnny Depp's best performance to date. Loved it
Saw Bridge of Spies last night - generally good, though Spielberg can't resist over-romanticising at times! Strong performance by Hanks, outstanding by Mark Rylance. Didn't realise the Coen Brothers were involved until the credits.
I think Black Mass suffers from being much like a combination of other movies, from the Departed to Goodfellas to Donnie Brasco. I was surprised how good it was despite the largely middling reviews.
I think Black Mass suffers from being much like a combination of other movies, from the Departed to Goodfellas to Donnie Brasco. I was surprised how good it was despite the largely middling reviews.
Me too. Many people said the film was too slow but I found it quite intense actually.
After Black Mass, I checked the director Scott Cooper's previous films and watched 'Out of Furnace'. In fact I was already looking forward to it last year but later decided not to bother because a) my mother watched it before me and said it was a waste of time, and b) it got a low rating on IMDB. Surprisingly (again) I liked the film very much - Christian Bale, Casey Affleck and Woody Harrelson were all superb. So I was really glad I didn't miss it although it had also been received poorly by the general public.
Strong performances by the two leads and reasonably enjoyable, but I did find this film a little disappointing given the almost universal critical acclaim which it has received (I see that it also leads the way in terms of BAFTA nominations). The period detail is very polished, although as it focuses on the glamorous end of New York life, I felt a sense of déjà vu from watching programmes like 'Mad Men' (recognising that the latter is set a little later at the beginning of the 60s). Overall, I found 'Brooklyn' a more impressive period drama.
I Believe In Miracles
The story of Brian Clough and his double-European Cup winning team at Forest is told by the players themselves, without employing an external narrator and that approach works very well. The selection of match clips and interviews (some of which are very funny) is spot on, whilst the late 70s music is also very evocative of the period. A fascinating reminder of another era as well as recounting an achievement by a provincial club which will never be equalled. Interestingly, in 1978/79, Forest played 63 competitive games with a core of only 16 players and employed practically zero rotation; very interesting, especially when you see the state of the pitches in those days.
Overall, I found this extremely enjoyable and, at £9.99 from Amazon, the dvd is excellent value. Certainly worth sticking on your Christmas or birthday list.
This is the story of a young boy, Agu, who is forced to join a group of soldiers in an unnamed West African country after he is forced out of his village when government forces slaughter friends and family. This time two years ago there was lots of talk about Idris Elba winning big awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela but although a good performance the film itself disappointed. If this film doesn't win top awards , including Oscars , I will be astounded. This is without doubt one of the best films of the year. It's not only Idris Elba's best screen performance to date there is also another amazing display and this time from Abraham Attah , a 14 year old. This is brutal film . Director ,Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't hold back and that's what makes this film feel so real. Despite this being nearly two and a half hours long , it flew by and ever since I saw it a couple of days ago I can't seem to get it out of my head. Highly Recommended.
This is the story of a young boy, Agu, who is forced to join a group of soldiers in an unnamed West African country after he is forced out of his village when government forces slaughter friends and family. This time two years ago there was lots of talk about Idris Elba winning big awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela but although a good performance the film itself disappointed. If this film doesn't win top awards , including Oscars , I will be astounded. This is without doubt one of the best films of the year. It's not only Idris Elba's best screen performance to date there is also another amazing display and this time from Abraham Attah , a 14 year old. This is brutal film . Director ,Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't hold back and that's what makes this film feel so real. Despite this being nearly two and a half hours long , it flew by and ever since I saw it a couple of days ago I can't seem to get it out of my head. Highly Recommended.
This is about astronaut , Mark Watney , who is left stranded on the Mars after an accident , presumed dead and his fight to survive and ultimately be rescued. Having finally got around seeing The Martian I have to say I was left completely underwhelmed with what I saw. It's absolutely packed full of technical jargon that my eyes glassed over after a while . It's way too long and I was expecting a career defining performance from Matt Damon , having seen other reviews , but it was just Matt Damon being Matt Damon. Nothing new. There is also one of the worst bits of casting I have seen in years and that is Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson . He looks and sounds so out of place , in fact he stumbles through the film looking like he is suffering a massive hangover. This film was definitely not out of this world.
Star Wars. It's good. But it's not great. First half hour is brilliant. Last half hour has some great moments. Problem is, JJ rattles through the plot so fast, it just gets a bit silly.
Lots of cheers. Lots of laughs. One hair-on-neck scene. Lots of "hmmm...that was all a bit quick" plot moments. A modern day version of A New Hope mostly.
I must be the only one on the planet who has no desire to watch Star Wars. I will probably take the kids after Christmas if they ask me but otherwise I won't bother.
I thought Black Mass was pretty poor. By the end I was left wondering why they bothered to make a film about such a vile human being. The trick with successes like Goodfellas is you feel some empathy with Liota's character. You even like the bloke. But the guy Depp portrays is so unlikeable it left me questioning why they felt the need to make a film about his life.
I must be the only one on the planet who has no desire to watch Star Wars. I will probably take the kids after Christmas if they ask me but otherwise I won't bother.
I'm sort of with you on this @Bedsaddick although it sounds like you actively dislike the franchise? I never watched the first three until adulthood and that was just because my mate was so incredulous that he bought me the box set for christmas. I thought they were alright, I suppose. I saw the first of the new ones at some point, just because it was on, but then didn't bother with the other two. I've kind of seen all of them now, because I've just happened to have been in the room while the film was playing for the benefit of other people in the family. Probably at christmas, I don't know. I'll probably catch the new one one day. But maybe not.
When it comes to Star Wars, I can't think of anything as culturally significant to others that has left so little impression on me. I don't hate it, I just think it's all unremarkable.
I must be the only one on the planet who has no desire to watch Star Wars. I will probably take the kids after Christmas if they ask me but otherwise I won't bother.
I'm sort of with you on this @Bedsaddick although it sounds like you actively dislike the franchise? I never watched the first three until adulthood and that was just because my mate was so incredulous that he bought me the box set for christmas. I thought they were alright, I suppose. I saw the first of the new ones at some point, just because it was on, but then didn't bother with the other two. I've kind of seen all of them now, because I've just happened to have been in the room while the film was playing for the benefit of other people in the family. Probably at christmas, I don't know. I'll probably catch the new one one day. But maybe not.
When it comes to Star Wars, I can't think of anything as culturally significant to others that has left so little impression on me. I don't hate it, I just think it's all unremarkable.
I don't dislike the franchise, it just leaves me cold. I like the first film ( or whatever number they call it now) but the rest do nothing for me. Give me Star Trek over Star Wars anyday. I blame the Ewoks.
Comments
Maggie Smith is so good and Alex Jennings plays Alan Bennett very well. Lots of humour and well worth watching.
9/10
If you haven't seen it, you must.
Fabulous.
When you tell someone about a film with just one actor in it, on his own, sounds like it could be boring. But it just highlights Hardy's quality.
Johny Depp potryed one othe most frightening gangsters I have seen on the screen. Mr Cumberbatch did well playing an Irish America politian, pulled it off well.
Depp's best to date, out-nicholsoned Jack Nicholson.
All the actors worked well. 9/10
Strong performances by the two leads and reasonably enjoyable, but I did find this film a little disappointing given the almost universal critical acclaim which it has received (I see that it also leads the way in terms of BAFTA nominations). The period detail is very polished, although as it focuses on the glamorous end of New York life, I felt a sense of déjà vu from watching programmes like 'Mad Men' (recognising that the latter is set a little later at the beginning of the 60s). Overall, I found 'Brooklyn' a more impressive period drama.
I Believe In Miracles
The story of Brian Clough and his double-European Cup winning team at Forest is told by the players themselves, without employing an external narrator and that approach works very well. The selection of match clips and interviews (some of which are very funny) is spot on, whilst the late 70s music is also very evocative of the period. A fascinating reminder of another era as well as recounting an achievement by a provincial club which will never be equalled. Interestingly, in 1978/79, Forest played 63 competitive games with a core of only 16 players and employed practically zero rotation; very interesting, especially when you see the state of the pitches in those days.
Overall, I found this extremely enjoyable and, at £9.99 from Amazon, the dvd is excellent value. Certainly worth sticking on your Christmas or birthday list.
Beasts of No Nation
This is the story of a young boy, Agu, who is forced to join a group of soldiers in an unnamed West African country after he is forced out of his village when government forces slaughter friends and family.
This time two years ago there was lots of talk about Idris Elba winning big awards for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela but although a good performance the film itself disappointed. If this film doesn't win top awards , including Oscars , I will be astounded.
This is without doubt one of the best films of the year. It's not only Idris Elba's best screen performance to date there is also another amazing display and this time from Abraham Attah , a 14 year old.
This is brutal film . Director ,Cary Joji Fukunaga doesn't hold back and that's what makes this film feel so real.
Despite this being nearly two and a half hours long , it flew by and ever since I saw it a couple of days ago I can't seem to get it out of my head. Highly Recommended.
9 out of 10
It is such a good movie. It almost feels like what you would expect to see if you were there yourself.
The kid is outstanding.
I'd also give it a 9/10.
This is about astronaut , Mark Watney , who is left stranded on the Mars after an accident , presumed dead and his fight to survive and ultimately be rescued.
Having finally got around seeing The Martian I have to say I was left completely underwhelmed with what I saw.
It's absolutely packed full of technical jargon that my eyes glassed over after a while . It's way too long and I was expecting a career defining performance from Matt Damon , having seen other reviews , but it was just Matt Damon being Matt Damon. Nothing new.
There is also one of the worst bits of casting I have seen in years and that is Sean Bean as Mitch Henderson . He looks and sounds so out of place , in fact he stumbles through the film looking like he is suffering a massive hangover.
This film was definitely not out of this world.
6 out of 10
Lots of cheers. Lots of laughs. One hair-on-neck scene. Lots of "hmmm...that was all a bit quick" plot moments. A modern day version of A New Hope mostly.
3.5/5
But the guy Depp portrays is so unlikeable it left me questioning why they felt the need to make a film about his life.
I never watched the first three until adulthood and that was just because my mate was so incredulous that he bought me the box set for christmas. I thought they were alright, I suppose.
I saw the first of the new ones at some point, just because it was on, but then didn't bother with the other two. I've kind of seen all of them now, because I've just happened to have been in the room while the film was playing for the benefit of other people in the family. Probably at christmas, I don't know.
I'll probably catch the new one one day. But maybe not.
When it comes to Star Wars, I can't think of anything as culturally significant to others that has left so little impression on me. I don't hate it, I just think it's all unremarkable.
I blame the Ewoks.