sheltonemma Reviews

Masters of the Air (2024)

Watch for yourself

[8/10 · 16 March 2024]

I am rather disappointed by so many negative reviews given so early on, stick with it. No way did it deserve these low scores. After watching all the episodes and the finale today (only just released), I felt this had been a programme I looked forward to seeing each week i really enjoyed it. Obviously Band of Brothers and The Pacific were amazing, and this is different, but its an important telling of these events and belongs in the same canon.

It took a while to get warmed to the characters, but you do over time, remember they're playing real people and their stories are engaging, touching, sad and what they went through, shocking at times and it takes you on their journey where sometimes you need to hold your breath.

The production was fantastic, the sound, visuals, costumes and it's a great mini series which enlightened me into just how tough they had it, what they did for us and how they got through it. I'd happily watch again and it's not bad by any means.

Candyman (2021)

Elevated the original

[7/10 · 30 August 2021]

Can't believe some of the low scores for this film. I recommend it. It's an intelligent elevated horror, great cinematography, plays with horror tropes, accept the back story and enjoy.

Brassic (2019– )

Genius!

[9/10 · 5 June 2020]

Loved the first series and the second has started just as strong. S2 ep1 opening had me in stitches. Great ensemble cast up to no good capers led by the honest and hilarious Joe Gilgun. Dominic West continues to be just bonkers and it's just rude, funny and brilliantly written. Am sure they have a lot of fun doing this, let's hope they can keep the momentum, as its really good fun.

Devs (2020)

Alex Garland"s beautiful theory

[8/10 · 10 May 2020]

Alex Garland is becoming such a force, his writing and themes are incredible. It took a while to warm to the characters and story in this show, but that's because Alex has surprises in store. For anyone with an interest in science it's a feast, cinematography is brilliant. Loved the very unsettling fight scene, it stays with you. Kenton - what a chilling performance. Lily was okay, far too many shots of her in panties thou, I mean really? That was a bit voyeuristic. Also, the ending am not completely resolved on (thou I get it) except for the last scene. However, all the science stuff I ate up. A few strings short of a 9 I'd say. BTW... Was the horns when they were in the room an ode to Sneakers by any chance?! Ben Kingsley/Rob Redford moment?

Mindhorn (2016)

Underrated.. Gets better each viewing

[9/10 · 19 April 2020]

I just giggled my way through this, it is such a treat. Julian is funny to his bones and its an affectionate homage to great rubbish... ahem.. high techTV shows of my childhood. Saw this a few years ago and enjoyed it even more second time round. Lots of funny moments packed in it doesn't drag or bore. Simon Farnaby is always good fun and hope these too collaborate again soon... Please. Cawww caww

1917 (2019)

Absolutely astonishing

[10/10 · 26 January 2020]

In awe of this movie. An absolutely immersive experience that has you tense and gripped from the moment it begins and carries you with it throughout, it will stay with me for a long time. So ultra realistic, even in simple terms the muddy boots slipping as the two make their way across no man"s land brings home the realities. George Mackay's performance shouldn't be underestimated, you can't take your eyes off him and yet it never felt anything but honest and real, never caught "acting' he's just simply wonderful, he needs nominating for what looks like sheer endurance and beauty and pureness of performance. Other names too are great. But also the music, direction and Roger Deakins had left me stunned. Roger/Sam must win the Oscars. Beautiful, poignant, inventive, just amazing. Can't fault it and can't stop thinking about it either. Sam Mendes has produced something very special.

The Mandalorian (2019– )

Can't fault it

[9/10 · 24 December 2019]

Love this, echoing others - this is exactly true to the spirit of star wars... Loving every episode so far. If you've watched Rise... There's hope here remaining still.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Not a fitting ending

[5/10 · 24 December 2019]

This film is not for the true lovers of star wars, 42 years to get it right and yet the ending to the trilogy feels like Disney could get one over on us, that if throw ££ at it we won't notice it is a hot mess.. One maguffin after another, plot holes, ridiculous chases and pointless escapades or situations, things thrown in for good measure, like the kitchen sink then the solution just blow up lots of stuff up and noone will notice its nonsensical. Even Adam Driver can't save it thou he is as ever the most interesting charismatic believeable actor around. Its vacuous and I feel angry after watching it. I went back recently and watched force awakens. How did that promise turn to this?! Even last Jedi feels not so bad second time round. I wouldn't watch this again. At least the Mandalorian is doing something right, JJ should've looked to that as am sad to say this film is so disappointing to me when expected a lot from this.

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Taron outstanding

[7/10 · 1 June 2019]

Fantastic energetic effervescent movie, just like Elton's live performances, the film manages to keep the energy flowing throughout with great set pieces and astounding performance by Taron who becomes Elton and doesn't put a foot wrong. Dexter's direction is inspired and has shades of Tommy to my mind. Absolutely reminds you of what a great team Elton and Bernie made and doesn't skirt over anything. Musical arrangements really worked well and Taron bursts with talent and energy.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Enjoyable ride

[7/10 · 15 September 2018]

I do not understand the bad reviews this movie has received, its not justifiable, Ron Howard is a safe pair of hands. The movie rocks along at a similar pace and makes me reminisce to episode IV. It is great fun, loyal to the series, much more fun in fact than the current star wars episodes that are being dished out. This is a great sideline with vibrant characters, fun onscreen space chases, the infamous kessler run and hope people recognise this regardless of the Disney politics which people are jumping on. Great way to introduce Chewie and Han and Donald Glover is loving every minute of Lando. I would be keen to see where this goes.

American Animals (2018)

What a hidden treasure

[7/10 · 28 August 2018]

Came to this without knowing the story, but having seen The Imposter, it's impressive seeing this director's confident next step. I loved the combination of documentary style with heist movie, characters overlapping and switching in and out of styles and scenes. Evan's energy is frenetic and he seems to really enjoy the role and the supporting cast are great. It's sure to be a cult hit, with a great soundtrack and some very tense and awkward moments that make you cower and cringe at the mistakes and situations these guys got themselves into. It does begger belief its a true story, that these guys pushed themselves over that line, thus changing their lives forever. However, the fact that it is entertaining does not belie the seriousness and sadness that also comes through more by the use of the documentary elements and interviews with the guys and their families, and the librarian. Although it doesn't ever really answer why they all did it, or why they really thought it would be worth it, why they could justify one element in particular, money aside, with any conviction, or maybe that's because it doesn't relate 100% to its audience, though we can still watch with mouths open and it has certainly stayed with me and will definitely recommend a viewing.

The Affair: Episode #4.10 (2018) Season 4, Episode 10

Touching and soulful end of series

[9/10 · 26 August 2018]

Felt this to be, along with the previous shock exit, a truly great episode which I can't get out of my head. Every character has to deal not just with the fallout of what has happened or is about to happen. It turns a mirror on themselves and their past. They continue to make mistakes, not resolve issues and be selfish whilst wanting redemption. This truly gets under your skin. Dominic West is as always amazing at making us invest in him yet at the same time feel really uneasy about his character, just giving enough smarm as a veneer over a troubled mind and unhappy soul, Cole when he let's himself sink into his mother's arms is such a moment of vulnerability you feel his total loss and distress. But the scenes with Helen and Vic are so superb and sad they still weigh heavy, Helen is standout in such a strong performance.