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TST Film Review Thread
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Jonathan
TS Member
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V For Vendetta
I remember watching this for the first time back in 2011. In Rugeley Travelodge. On Bonfire Night. The night before I first met a lot of you lovely, lovely people for the first time. Anyway, I digress.
I’ve sort of made a bit of a habit of watching this every November 5th since, which given one of the main things about the plot, is perhaps not a surprise. It’s a really good film, and I think it was watching this that made me start to question what’s going on in society, and whether what we’re being told is actually the truth. I quite like Stephen Fry’s performance as Gordon Deitrich, but then again, I’m a bit of a fan of Stephen Fry anyway. John Hurt as High Chancellor Adam Sutler is another acting highlight. Definitely one I’d recommend, and probably one that should be watched more than once to gain a better understanding of it. 8/10
Pride
I’d been meaning to watch this film for a long time, and finally got around to it when I found it on iPlayer a few months back. I did not regret it one bit. In fact, I was wishing I'd seen it a lot sooner! I can’t remember the last time I watched a film and was smiling the whole way through. Set in the mid-1980s, the main plot concerns the ‘Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners’ group and their support of the mining community in the Welsh village of Onllwyn. There are also several other sub-plots weaved in as well, such as: the growing awareness of HIV/AIDS; female empowerment; coming to terms with one’s homosexuality – this is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the sub-plot that I most easily identified with – and coming out; inequality in the age of consent (back in the 1980s, the age of consent for male same-sex sexual activity was 21, whereas the limit for heterosexual and lesbian sexual activity was 16, but this has of course since been changed so the age of consent is now 16 regardless of sexual orientation or gender); hostility towards the gay community; and more. There are plenty of great acting performances in Pride. Imelda Staunton’s portrayal of Hefina Headon, one of the activists from Onllwyn, was absolutely hilarious, with some gems of lines from her. (And a hysterical scene involving her discovering a gay porn magazine and a large pink dildo.) Bill Nighy and Paddy Considine as Cliff Barry and David ‘Dai’ Donovan, two leaders of the men’s union in Onllwyn, were very good as well. Having seen Joe Gilgun in This Is England and its three subsequent TV mini-series, it was pleasantly refreshing to see him in a more comedic role. The stand-out for me, though, has to be that of George MacKay in the role of Joe ‘Bromley’ Cooper, a 20-year-old student who is exploring his own homosexuality. In the film, Joe only went to watch the Gay Pride Parade in London, but ended up getting involved with LGSM before he really knew it, and then unsurprisingly got even further involved with it as his exploration of his sexuality went on. I simply cannot fault Pride at all. 10/10
I remember watching this for the first time back in 2011. In Rugeley Travelodge. On Bonfire Night. The night before I first met a lot of you lovely, lovely people for the first time. Anyway, I digress.
I’ve sort of made a bit of a habit of watching this every November 5th since, which given one of the main things about the plot, is perhaps not a surprise. It’s a really good film, and I think it was watching this that made me start to question what’s going on in society, and whether what we’re being told is actually the truth. I quite like Stephen Fry’s performance as Gordon Deitrich, but then again, I’m a bit of a fan of Stephen Fry anyway. John Hurt as High Chancellor Adam Sutler is another acting highlight. Definitely one I’d recommend, and probably one that should be watched more than once to gain a better understanding of it. 8/10Pride
I’d been meaning to watch this film for a long time, and finally got around to it when I found it on iPlayer a few months back. I did not regret it one bit. In fact, I was wishing I'd seen it a lot sooner! I can’t remember the last time I watched a film and was smiling the whole way through. Set in the mid-1980s, the main plot concerns the ‘Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners’ group and their support of the mining community in the Welsh village of Onllwyn. There are also several other sub-plots weaved in as well, such as: the growing awareness of HIV/AIDS; female empowerment; coming to terms with one’s homosexuality – this is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the sub-plot that I most easily identified with – and coming out; inequality in the age of consent (back in the 1980s, the age of consent for male same-sex sexual activity was 21, whereas the limit for heterosexual and lesbian sexual activity was 16, but this has of course since been changed so the age of consent is now 16 regardless of sexual orientation or gender); hostility towards the gay community; and more. There are plenty of great acting performances in Pride. Imelda Staunton’s portrayal of Hefina Headon, one of the activists from Onllwyn, was absolutely hilarious, with some gems of lines from her. (And a hysterical scene involving her discovering a gay porn magazine and a large pink dildo.
) Bill Nighy and Paddy Considine as Cliff Barry and David ‘Dai’ Donovan, two leaders of the men’s union in Onllwyn, were very good as well. Having seen Joe Gilgun in This Is England and its three subsequent TV mini-series, it was pleasantly refreshing to see him in a more comedic role. The stand-out for me, though, has to be that of George MacKay in the role of Joe ‘Bromley’ Cooper, a 20-year-old student who is exploring his own homosexuality. In the film, Joe only went to watch the Gay Pride Parade in London, but ended up getting involved with LGSM before he really knew it, and then unsurprisingly got even further involved with it as his exploration of his sexuality went on. I simply cannot fault Pride at all. 10/10
Spike
TS Contributor
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Thought I'd post a few of my recent film reviews
Beauty & The Beast 2017
Another Disney animated movie I adore and went into watching it with a sense of trepidation but I was put at ease quickly. I was very impressed with the live action remake, they remained true to the original whilst also modernising the story. I thought the CGI was fantastic and beautifully integrated along with the superb cast. Thumbs up to Disney for introducing their first gay character/s as well. Bring on The Lion King! 9/10
Alien Covenant
Even a private screening with tequila shots couldn't save this movie, I was highly disappointed with it. The film tried too hard to be Aliens and failed at it massively. The characters were so 1 dimensional and boring with a few exceptions, if you go expecting to see Aliens you'll be disappointed. 3/10
Guardians of The Galaxy 2
Comedy fuelled romp of a movie, much better than the first one with so many hilarious moments, Baby Groot is so adorable and funny despite only repeating the same 3 words lol The ending was very over the top but can be forgiven as it is a Guardians movie, it's meant to be over the top. A stellar 9/10
Pirates Of The Caribbean - Dead Men Tell No Tales
I think it's time to hang this franchise up and move on to a new IP, it's basically the same as it's predecessors, same story as all the others with a new enemy of Jack Sparrow. I love the Pirates franchise but Stranger Tides and Dead Men have really tarnished their reputation for me. 4/10
Beauty & The Beast 2017
Another Disney animated movie I adore and went into watching it with a sense of trepidation but I was put at ease quickly. I was very impressed with the live action remake, they remained true to the original whilst also modernising the story. I thought the CGI was fantastic and beautifully integrated along with the superb cast. Thumbs up to Disney for introducing their first gay character/s as well. Bring on The Lion King! 9/10
Alien Covenant
Even a private screening with tequila shots couldn't save this movie, I was highly disappointed with it. The film tried too hard to be Aliens and failed at it massively. The characters were so 1 dimensional and boring with a few exceptions, if you go expecting to see Aliens you'll be disappointed. 3/10
Guardians of The Galaxy 2
Comedy fuelled romp of a movie, much better than the first one with so many hilarious moments, Baby Groot is so adorable and funny despite only repeating the same 3 words lol The ending was very over the top but can be forgiven as it is a Guardians movie, it's meant to be over the top. A stellar 9/10
Pirates Of The Caribbean - Dead Men Tell No Tales
I think it's time to hang this franchise up and move on to a new IP, it's basically the same as it's predecessors, same story as all the others with a new enemy of Jack Sparrow. I love the Pirates franchise but Stranger Tides and Dead Men have really tarnished their reputation for me. 4/10
DiogoJ42
TS Member
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A trio of classic 70's sci fi for you. The first I've seen before, the other two were on my "how the hell have I not seen these yet‽" list [SPOILERS!]:
Capricorn One:
Lets assume NASA didn't stop after the moon landings. Lets assume they pressed on to Mars. Now assume there was a critical error in their hardware that meant the astronauts would not survive... but they found out before launch... but too late to abort... And the cold war is still going strong. (Made in the 70's but set somewhere in the mid 80's).
What follows is a masterpiece in how to slowly (and it IS slow by modern standards) build suspense, ending in what must have been (for it's time) one of the most insane chase scenes ever recorded on celuloid.... all without a musical soundtrack; just the natural noise of the vehicals' engines.
A billion conspiracy theories were founded on this film. Or did the theories inspire the film? Answers on a postcard!
8/10
Zardos:
Erm, yes. Interesting in it's own way, and by no means bad, but unless you have a particular desire to see Sean Connery running around in a loin cloth, or watch wannabe Eric Idols do hippie stuff, or hear a giant stone head declare "the penis is evil!"... Not one to prioritise.
4/10
Soylent Green:
There is only one spoiler to be had in this film, and unfortunately I've known it for decades. Yet somehow I only saw it for myself a few minutes ago. So let's not dwell on the plot and ruin it for those who haven't (I'm assuming that the only human left alive who doesn't know it must be Balsdon).
Far, far better than I expected. Everything about it screams "classic". The acting, direction, cinematography etc etc just oozes class. Up there with 2001... (only, you know, not stuffed up it's own arse.)
10/10
Was considering squeezing Logan's Runin to the mix as well, but I've seen it many times. Besides, Jenny Agutter has done sooooo many better nude scenes.....
BONUS NON-SCI-FI FILM:
Maverick:
Let's see, what came first? Oh yes, the series, then the film, then the coaster.
I'm not a huge fan of westerns, but this is too good. Think of it as a comedy heist story, with multiple threads to keep track of and a tripple whammy "didn't see that comming" ending. Mid 90's Mel Gibson at his best. Before he went crazy.
9/10
Also saw Wonderwoman, but given that I know nothing (or give a smeg) about comic / super hero films, I don't feel I can judge it. It's no Batman, put it that way.
Capricorn One:
Lets assume NASA didn't stop after the moon landings. Lets assume they pressed on to Mars. Now assume there was a critical error in their hardware that meant the astronauts would not survive... but they found out before launch... but too late to abort... And the cold war is still going strong. (Made in the 70's but set somewhere in the mid 80's).
What follows is a masterpiece in how to slowly (and it IS slow by modern standards) build suspense, ending in what must have been (for it's time) one of the most insane chase scenes ever recorded on celuloid.... all without a musical soundtrack; just the natural noise of the vehicals' engines.
A billion conspiracy theories were founded on this film. Or did the theories inspire the film? Answers on a postcard!
8/10
Zardos:
Erm, yes. Interesting in it's own way, and by no means bad, but unless you have a particular desire to see Sean Connery running around in a loin cloth, or watch wannabe Eric Idols do hippie stuff, or hear a giant stone head declare "the penis is evil!"... Not one to prioritise.
4/10
Soylent Green:
There is only one spoiler to be had in this film, and unfortunately I've known it for decades. Yet somehow I only saw it for myself a few minutes ago. So let's not dwell on the plot and ruin it for those who haven't (I'm assuming that the only human left alive who doesn't know it must be Balsdon).
Far, far better than I expected. Everything about it screams "classic". The acting, direction, cinematography etc etc just oozes class. Up there with 2001... (only, you know, not stuffed up it's own arse.)
10/10
Was considering squeezing Logan's Runin to the mix as well, but I've seen it many times. Besides, Jenny Agutter has done sooooo many better nude scenes.....
BONUS NON-SCI-FI FILM:
Maverick:
Let's see, what came first? Oh yes, the series, then the film, then the coaster.
I'm not a huge fan of westerns, but this is too good. Think of it as a comedy heist story, with multiple threads to keep track of and a tripple whammy "didn't see that comming" ending. Mid 90's Mel Gibson at his best. Before he went crazy.
9/10
Also saw Wonderwoman, but given that I know nothing (or give a smeg) about comic / super hero films, I don't feel I can judge it. It's no Batman, put it that way.
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MattyH
TS Member
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Kingsman 2: The Golden Circle
Without being too spoilery, I think this gets a bad press from critics, the fight scenes were well played out and didn't feel too excessive, the film actually had emotion plus Elton John has the most crucial role in the film!
8/10...
Without being too spoilery, I think this gets a bad press from critics, the fight scenes were well played out and didn't feel too excessive, the film actually had emotion plus Elton John has the most crucial role in the film!
8/10...
DiogoJ42
TS Member
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Hunt for the Wilderpeople
SPOILERS
A "troubled" kid is sent to a foster home in New Zealand. He bonds with his foster mum..... until she dies, and he is left with his foster father, a typical bush man who doesn't talk much.
Heartwarming comedy ensues.
SPOILERS
A "troubled" kid is sent to a foster home in New Zealand. He bonds with his foster mum..... until she dies, and he is left with his foster father, a typical bush man who doesn't talk much.
Heartwarming comedy ensues.
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DiogoJ42
TS Member
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I've just seen Cabin in the Woods, which has been on my list for ages....
Wow. Easily one of the best films ever made. No plot spoilers. Just watch it.
10/10
Other films recently rewatched include:
Batman:
A classic, deliciously dark. Can't co wrong. But remember, if this had been made a few years later, Burton would have cast Johny Depp instead of Michael Keaton... That doesn't bear thinking about.
8/10
Batman Returns:
Superb sequel, arguably better than the first. Also Catwoman.
8.5/10
Batman Forever:
This and the next one should really be classed as a seperate continuity to the last two, but I guess the term "reboot" hadn't been invented yet. Shame we never got to see Billy D Williams as Twoface though. Entertaining return to campy over dark for the franchise, but the former will never be as good as the latter.
7/10
Batman and Robin:
Urg, no. Just no.
3/10
Batman Begins:
This is how you drag an origin story out for a (stupidly long) film without getting boring. Such a feat will never be repeated.
7/10
The Dark Knight:
By far the best of the bat films. Sums up everything you want in this franchise and turns it up to 11. Dark tones, dark subject matter, dark visuals, and epic kersplosions. Looses a point because Gotham now looks like any normal city instead of a twisted mashup of gothic and art deco.
9/10
The Dark Knight Rises:
While there is no arguing that this film ticks all the boxes for being "kick-ass", it really didn't feel like a Batman picture to me. You could take him out of it all together and it would be a great "stop the terrorists" flick. It's also a full hour too long.
6/10
I was hoping for Lego Batman as well, but it seems there's only so much bat you can take in 48 hours.
Wow. Easily one of the best films ever made. No plot spoilers. Just watch it.
I thought I knew in advance what the "twist" was... did not see the third act coming at all, though!
Other films recently rewatched include:
Batman:
A classic, deliciously dark. Can't co wrong. But remember, if this had been made a few years later, Burton would have cast Johny Depp instead of Michael Keaton... That doesn't bear thinking about.
8/10
Batman Returns:
Superb sequel, arguably better than the first. Also Catwoman.
8.5/10
Batman Forever:
This and the next one should really be classed as a seperate continuity to the last two, but I guess the term "reboot" hadn't been invented yet. Shame we never got to see Billy D Williams as Twoface though. Entertaining return to campy over dark for the franchise, but the former will never be as good as the latter.
7/10
Batman and Robin:
Urg, no. Just no.
3/10
Batman Begins:
This is how you drag an origin story out for a (stupidly long) film without getting boring. Such a feat will never be repeated.
7/10
The Dark Knight:
By far the best of the bat films. Sums up everything you want in this franchise and turns it up to 11. Dark tones, dark subject matter, dark visuals, and epic kersplosions. Looses a point because Gotham now looks like any normal city instead of a twisted mashup of gothic and art deco.
9/10
The Dark Knight Rises:
While there is no arguing that this film ticks all the boxes for being "kick-ass", it really didn't feel like a Batman picture to me. You could take him out of it all together and it would be a great "stop the terrorists" flick. It's also a full hour too long.
6/10
I was hoping for Lego Batman as well, but it seems there's only so much bat you can take in 48 hours.
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Yes! I went in to this knowing nothing and genuinely expecting your standard slasher fare. Awesome...I was so happy.
Also, I look forward to hearing the names of these Jenny Agutter films you speak of in future reviews.
Y'know, for...um...research.
DiogoJ42
TS Member
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I found Sausage Party to be a big let down. It was tying far too hard to push that ONE joke... "Look! We're a cute CGI cartoon that's RUDE! How naughty is that?"
I like filthy humour as much as, if not more than most people, but there still needs to be some actual substance to the plot.
I like filthy humour as much as, if not more than most people, but there still needs to be some actual substance to the plot.
KingNemesis
TS Member
That, and saying the unholy F word (awaits misinterpretation jokes) after every F'ing sentence starts to wear really F'ing thin after the second F'ing time...
Plastic Person
TS Member
Alex Garland's new film, Anihilation, now streaming on Netflix, having been yanked from cinemas in Europe after a frosty audience reception in the US, and fears it might be a bit too brainy for wider audiences. Probably not a totally unfair expectation, but I think this could be a cult classic. Concerning a team of female scientists who venture into a mysterious, seemingly alien zone called 'the shimmer', that has been quarantined by the US government, in order to figure out what it means for the future of mankind, as well as what presumably horrible fate was met by the teams before them. It's absolutely not what you expect, and the finale is mindblowing and genuinely psychedelic, with shades of 2001: A Space Odyssey and Stargate.
It's not a perfect film, and it's not as emotionally resonant as say, Arrival, which it superficially resembles. But there are some truly horrifying and beautiful moments which I wish could have seen on a big-screen, and if you're open-minded to this sort of film, you'll get your money's worth debating just exactly what it's about.
It's not a perfect film, and it's not as emotionally resonant as say, Arrival, which it superficially resembles. But there are some truly horrifying and beautiful moments which I wish could have seen on a big-screen, and if you're open-minded to this sort of film, you'll get your money's worth debating just exactly what it's about.
BarryZola
TS Member
I saw that advertised. Not into that kind of film especially, so gave that a miss.
Watched the new Ricky Gervais stand up on Netflix the other night. 'Humanity'. Came into it thinking that I wouldn't find him that funny/interesting anymore. For the first 10 minutes I thought that my fears had been realised. However, it got pretty decent as it went on. Some good stuff. Would recommend it. Quite offensive
Watched the new Ricky Gervais stand up on Netflix the other night. 'Humanity'. Came into it thinking that I wouldn't find him that funny/interesting anymore. For the first 10 minutes I thought that my fears had been realised. However, it got pretty decent as it went on. Some good stuff. Would recommend it. Quite offensive
Crawleyboy01
TS Member
Got made to watch 50 shades freed by the wife her words are.... it's unwatchable complete ****
Pitch perfect 3 erm good one to watch with he wife not a film I would watch again but one I'm glad I saw
Pitch perfect 3 erm good one to watch with he wife not a film I would watch again but one I'm glad I saw
ThemeParkOwen
TS Member
Managed to see Ghost Stories last week through Odeans Scream Unseen...
Film was fantastic with some great shots of Yorkshire, some great acting, great suspense and a good twist!
Film was fantastic with some great shots of Yorkshire, some great acting, great suspense and a good twist!
Skyscraper
TS Member
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- Nemesis
Anyone seen The Greatest Showman? What a film! 10/10.