Change Your Image
grahambrown26
Reviews
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)
Awful in concept, plot and characters. CGI cannot mask forced acting.
As an actor in this sequel, even less involving than its predecessor, I'd be keen to move on to other challenges and file this outing under 'mistake'. None of the players comes out of it with credit.
In their defence, the script they were handed is about as dire as they come. However, they could have declined. The money must have been too good for some and the second tier will have been extremely glad to be cast in a major and now legendary franchise. But even they must now know it could have a dampener on future prospects. The two tag-alongs setting out to save the dinos over-acted out of their skins in highly improbable roles, especially the geeky tech guy who thankfully seemed to have been largely sidelined by the second half of the movie.
There were a large number of what are often called 'nods' to earlier Jurassic iterations. So many that, to me, it suggested both a lack of scriptwriter imagination and a patronising view of prospective audiences, who they must have expected to sigh with nostalgia at these blatantly constructed and clunky scenes.
Overall I (and the three family members who watched it with me) feel it was a laughable attempt at extending this franchise long after its expiry date. The first two in the series became iconic cinematic milestones because the novelty value and highly credible acting was complemented by outstandingly good visual effects. This latest effort fails miserably in spite of great visuals because the other two were woefully absent.
Jurassic World (2015)
Unexpectedly bad - American Hokum Dressed Up As Entertainment
I could hardly wait to see this sequel having been a fan of the franchise since the original Jurassic Park was released. Despite the hype and anticipation, after just half an hour of this drivel, I wanted to leave. I wonder which studio official decided this disgraceful insult to the term 'Jurassic' should be distributed in its present form. It seems the first draft of the script outline, with all its plot holes, lack of dramatic tension and predictability was enough to convince them it would be a money spinner and further development was unnecessary before filming started. Conceptually, this is proof, if proof were needed, that the US film-making fraternity are convinced that a movie not full of guns, rockets and helicopters can't be exciting. We have an improbable hunky hero who remains unsweaty, groomed and clean after several days battling dinos in a steamy jungle, a woman (supposed to be a good actress but in this film it is hard to believe) whose idea of jungle attire is designer corporate wear with her sleeves rolled up and high heels. And then there are the kids; both of them have minimal screen presence and their main role contribution is to whimper and be even more stupid than you'd expect. What a polar difference to the pair in Jurassic Park. Spielberg has an expert eye for top notch child acting talent and should at least have been consulted on these two.
Apparently there was no upper limit on the budget for special effects and they are superb but the plot is dire in the extreme and so full of holes it can make a true fan cry. Cloying and shameful references to its prequels abounded but they seem inappropriate in a movie that has moved so far from a great concept and cinematography to low-grade video game garbage.
Probably the most disappointing movie I have seen in decades.
Revolution (2012)
So many possibilities to shine... but, alas.
The basic premise of this series is good but not new. The BBC's Survivors, both the original series in 1974-5 and the reincarnation in 2008, did a great job of portraying a post-apocalypse in a way most can imagine really happening. The Road, written by Cormac MacCarthy and subsequently made into a rivetingly harrowing film, is another example. Revolution, regrettably, makes a complete hash of it. Instead of focusing on the practical realities of living and remaking society, the series seems to revel in the typical (at least to non-US viewers) American TV traits of glamorous young actors (using the term 'actor' loosely in some cases), superficial plot lines and improbable action sequences. In series 1 ep 1, there is a ridiculous 'Kill Bill' style sword fight in which, against overwhelming odds, the goody wins without even breaking sweat. Meanwhile, his slightly built niece (goody), with a flimsy-looking and unloaded crossbow fends off an attack by a burly swordsman (baddie) till the good looking baddie-cum-goody finally finds her and kills the baddie with one swipe.
It seems that writers in the US cannot overcome, or possibly are not allowed by Studios to do so, the crushingly formulaic, endemic approach to drama. Consequently, it's no surprise that from episode 1, viewing figures slid relentlessly lower, with just a few upward blips. The BBC pulled out of Survivors ver 2 after two series when viewing figured fell below 5 million in the UK. At best, series 1 of Revolution, just topped 8 million in the US. It should have been killed off then but inexplicably carried on. Overall a sad attempt at what could have been so much more with some real imagination and proper acting.
The King's Speech (2010)
A sure-fire Oscar nomination
Having read reviews of this film soon after its release, I knew I had to see it. Best decision I've made in a while. The characterisation of the main players, esp Helena BC, Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush is first class with performances which should rightly earn each an Oscar nomination at least. The production design is so evocative of the time with homes in the style I remember from my childhood accurately recreated.
Firth's reserved then occasionally uninhibited manner while working with Logue is a masterpiece of acting but it is also hard to decide which of the two is bringing out the best in the other, they are so well matched. Top marks for casting. There are few if any 'exciting' scenes but it would be hard not to feel a welling of emotion as the future king stumbles towards his potentially catastrophic major speech announcing the start of war with Germany. Even as he delivers it, Logue (Rush) is coaching him with his unconventional style. The result is heartwarming and undeniably realistic (a typically British rather than American finale, if that makes sense).
Cannot recommend this film too highly. Music is great too.
Three Into Two Won't Go (1969)
Emotional film that still resonates powerfully 40+ years on
I saw this film twice in the few months following its release in 1969, when I was 16. I haven't seen it since, therefore this review is based on my long term memory which I'm glad to say is pretty good where it exists.
The storyline of married man Steve Howard getting caught up in an affair with a younger girl was convincing and is more so now given my greater life experience. The results on Howard's marriage are pretty profound.
The dilemma faced by Howard and his wife goes to the root of a relationship and is one that many adults will easily identify with and for me that is why this film should be re-released. It is an 'everyman' movie with themes and messages that are as relevant today, more than 40 years after release, as they were then.
Rod Steiger's performance was brilliant, playing the part of a man in a tired childless relationship caught out by a young woman who fuels his ego and self esteem. This leads to a brief but ultimately devastating affair. The clincher is Steiger's ability to play a complex character with such understated conviction. Claire Bloom's character was overshadowed a bit by Judy Geeson's flighty but powerful and manipulative role. But the mix was great, well cast and successful, evidenced by the fact I have never forgotten the film and the emotions it raised in me then and many times since.
If anyone knows where I can get a copy on videotape or better still on DVD, I'd love to hear from them.