hsjansz Reviews

King Arthur (2004)

Great action/adventure film

[8/10 · 17 September 2023]

Forget the negative reviews detailing historical inaccuracies. This is an action/adventure movie and should be viewed as such. Sure, one can nitpick here and there, if you like doing that. But overall, it's a great story with a fine cast and superb action scenes. Though sometimes a bleak film, it doesn't fail to captivate the viewer. A small band of warriors fighting together for honour and comradeship against tremendous odds- the stuff of legend. Keira Knightley and Ioan Gruffudd are standouts as Guinevere and Lancelot. Mads Mikkelsen is sensitive and powerful as Tristan and Ray Winstone's Bors is a delight.

If you are fond of films like The Last Samurai and Tombstone, King Arthur will be to your liking.

Ben-Hur (1959)

Film making on an epic scale

[10/10 · 9 June 2023]

I watched or rather tried to watch the recent remake of Ben-Hur but had to give up after a few minutes. I'm one of the 20pct or so viewers who gets a violent migraine if watching shaky-cam scenes. I even tried watching specific scenes, particularly the chariot race but couldn't last more than a minute or two. Which begs the question as to why would a film-maker use shaky-cam in trying to remake a monumental film like Ben-Hur. Even more puzzling are the positive notices for the recent film with some reviewers stating that ". . the old film was too long. . ". Strange.

There really isn't a lot more one can add to the existing reviews for Ben-Hur 1959. It truly is a giant of a film. William Wyler had the reputation of being a difficult director in that he didn't really guide his actors and instead let them "find the character". He definitely succeeded in this film. Mr Heston was at his peak and portrays Judah Ben-Hur with an intensity that one can watch over and over. Stephen Boyd was the quintessential bad guy and foil to Charlton Heston and their scenes together are powerful.

The supporting cast, script, film-making and panoramas are superb. And of course, that chariot race. Even today, more than 60 years since its making, the sequence is a stand-out and breathtaking. The recent dvd and blu-ray releases have enabled watching this splendid film in all it's initial cinema release glory. I recently played the whole chariot scene on a blu-ray to some of my friends who remembered seeing the original cinema release. They were mesmerised. If you've not seen the 1959 film, do yourself a favour and watch it. Ignore the negative reviews about the almost four hour running time. I've seen the 1959 BenHur several times and on each occasion, at the end, feel regret that the movie is over.

The Last Samurai (2003)

Superb adventure movie - one of Tom Cruise's best roles

[8/10 · 2 June 2023]

There are certain films which one can watch over and over. Why? Because of a great story, classy acting, cinematography, etc., and above all, an overall sense of magic. The Last Samurai is one such movie. Mr Cruise is well known for committing 100pct to his projects and it certainly shows in this film. His intensity in the role lights up the screen. Ken Watanabe is equally fabulous and so are the other supporting cast. I absolutely fail to understand what the negative reviewers look for in a movie. The Last Samura is an action-adventure movie. Think King Solomon's Mines, The Man who would be King, Hatari, Robin Hood, King Arthur and numerous others which are pure escapism. Of course, if your preference is film noir or downbeat drama, this film won't appeal to you. Otherwise, do yourself a favour and lose yourself for 2 hours in Tom Cruise's 'The Last Samurai'. As for myself? I think I'll watch the movie again.

Ike: The War Years (1979)

Another splendid military docu-drama

[8/10 · 2 June 2023]

This is my third viewing of Ike: The War Years and it continues to be as enjoyable as when I first watched it. I am a fan of military history and docu-dramas. Robert Duvall and Lee Remick are superb as Eisenhower and Summersby. Both actors capture the roles beautifully and there is tremendous onscreen chemistry. The story is based on Ms Summersby's account of her time as Eisenhower's driver and their relationship is an integral part of the film. The script is very good and supporting characters are well played. The film is very grainy and it would be great to have this re-mastered and released on blu-ray. That aside, do yourself a favour and watch this splendid mini-series of Eisenhower as allied supreme commander in the second world war.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Interesting premise but pretentious and way too long

[6/10 · 3 May 2023]

Modern reviews seem to indicate that if a film is very long and slow but has good visuals, it must be a masterpiece. That seems to be the general opinion of several reviews for this film. One reviewer even compared it favourably with 'The Godfather'. I found 'Blade Runner 2049' much too long, very slow and cliched. The camera lingers on every frame. About 50 min could have been cut, resulting in a taut film. The whole bit about Joe's hologram girlfriend could have been severely trimmed. So could several other scenes. Then there is the cliched corporation head who won't let anything interfere with his 'noble' quest. The director seems to be in love with his visuals, to the detriment of the movie's story snd pace. Which is a shame because there is a nice film buried in here. In its' current almost 3 hour length, this is not a worthy sequel to the first film and my rating is 6 but see it and decide for yourself.

Duel at Diablo (1966)

Thrilling western

[9/10 · 28 February 2023]

I first saw this movie while in school. 50 years later, the movie still holds up. Forget the negative reviews such as ' not being comfortable with the message . . ' and suchlike. The plot inclusion of a white woman kidnapped by Apaches and having a child (mixed race) was very topical at the time and the producers should be credited for it. A similar (and fine) movie is The Stalking Moon, with Gregory Peck. The main story is very good with James Garner giving his usual convincing performance. Sydney Poitier as a broncobuster is a delight. If you like westerns, it is hard to fault this film. It is a gritty, well-filmed western with good action scenes and doesn't pull any punches. I don't understand the bland reviews. Watch it and enjoy.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Very disappointing

[4/10 · 13 February 2023]

What a disappointment! The story is weak and even silly at times, resulting in an overlong film. And the casting for Namor was also disappointing. A metal rod through his nostrils - where did that come from? I understand the 'Aztec' angle but would have preferred the original Atlantean storyline. Mr Coogler seems to have missed his footing, sadly. The first movie was terrific which makes the disappointment even greater. Recasting the Black Panther role would likely have given us a much better movie. The dialogue is poor and there's too much of it. The action sequences are good and that's all there is really. No doubt some people may like it but it's a very juvenile and predictable film.

The Old Guard (2020)

Charlize Theron in top form

[7/10 · 11 November 2022]

I must confess to giving up on The Old Guard after 5 min of viewing. The movie's start just did not engage me. I have not read the graphic novel and thought it to be just another mindless action movie. But then I went back to it for a second viewing and was drawn into the story.

Sure, there are cliches as in a lot of movies. But the tale of immortal warriors fighting the world's evils, is told well. The cast are very good, the action sequences are filmed well and they are believable. There aren't silly dark scenes where one cannot see what is happening, no irritating shaky-cam sequences (which I cannot watch due to an immediate migraine) and Ms Theron excels. She is so believable as the immortal female warrior and a large part of the movie's success is due to her performance. Amongst the expected cliches are some very good little scenes of dialogue which add to the movie's attraction. I don't understand the low ratings given by some viewers. Perhaps they forget that it is a movie. If you like good films, take a comfy seat, bring up The Old Guard on your tv and settle in for two hours of kick-ass action.

Predestination (I) (2014)

Brilliant depiction of Heinlein's classic short story

[9/10 · 7 November 2022]

Robert Heinlein's "All your Zombies" was a mind-twister and my favourite time-travel short story (Asimov's "End of Eternity" is my favourite novel).

The directors of Predestination have done a great job in transferring this tangled plot to a movie. I first read the story more than 50 years ago but due to repeat readings, recognised several lines of dialogue that were straight out of the short story, particularly the poignant last line uttered by Ethan Hawke. I must admit to being underwhelmed at first viewing of the film, probably due to an over-expectation. . But my appreciation for the movie grew with repeat viewings. I've just watched it on dvd) for the fourth time and can now fully appreciate this brilliant film and the superb performances from the two leads Ethan Hawke and Sarah Snook. Sarah Snook should have received an award for her performance. Hawke too, is brilliant. The extended scene in the bar with the two of them is just so great. It's such a shame that this movie failed at the box office. Can it be that the average viewer has lost the art of appreciating a great story? Please do yourself a favour and watch this superb science fiction film. In fact, watch it several times and let your appreciation grow with each viewing. As mine did.

Ivanhoe (1997)

Extremely watchable

[8/10 · 6 October 2022]

I watched this mini-series several years ago and again, a few days ago.

The other reviews seem to range from excellent to bad, with the criticisms mentioning historical accuracy, straying from the original story, etc. The negative reviews may have valid points but this is cinema and not a historical documentary. The production is very good, it is extremely entertaining, the story is very well done, there are some standout performances and it's very watchable. As a tv mini-series, it is hard to top. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes tv mini-series like Shogun and movies like The Last Samurai.

Eternals (2021)

Lacklustre and predictable

[5/10 · 16 January 2022]

I watched this with anticipation but was very disappointed. The production was great and the cast did a reasonably good job. But the story was weak, cliched and predictable. This is now all too common - great focus on the cgi action and a patchy story. There were too many flashbacks at the start and the sex scene was unnecessary. Then too, hearing an eternal being like Phastos speaking with a pronounced American accent was jarring and just didn't fit into the ancient setting. Some of the scenes and dialogue seemed flippant though the movie did get stronger in the second half. It's still worth seeing and there will be a lot of viewers who will find the movie praiseworthy.

Miss Sloane (2016)

powerhouse performance by Jessica Chastain

[8/10 · 15 March 2021]

A very highly entertaining movie. Jessica Chastain is superb as the hard, tough-as-nails lobbyist who has her inner demons to conquer. The story may be a tad over the top but that doesn't negate from it's appeal. Quite simply, it is great cinema. The negative reviews are silly and seem to by by people who either didn't watch the film completely or got their feathers ruffled by some of the its content. If you love a good film, do yourself a favour and enjoy this powerhouse performance by Ms Chastain.

Black Panther (2018)

This is what superhero movies are about

[8/10 · 4 October 2020]

I greatly enjoyed Black Panther and Chadwick Boseman was perfect casting, bringing strength, gravitas and a quiet dignity to the title role. This movie is fabulous entertaniment and that's what films are about. I just do not understand the negative reviews. Sure, the film wasn't perfect but it was pretty close to it. The supporting cast was superb and convincing with T'Challa's female bodyguard genuinely looking like they could do some serious damage to an opponent. A few of the action scenes seemed a tad too long but thoroughly enjoyable all the same. A truly great film, one of the best in the genre.