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sharonm1972
Reviews
Land of Bad (2024)
Not a bad film... hadn't heard of it beforehand though
Had heard absolutely nothing about this film, no trailers nothing. Very poor marketing really. When it started I thought it might be in the same vein as the other Hemsworth film Extraction, but actually it had a similar feel to Lone Survivor (albeit not based on a true story) and was slightly more realistic for the military aspect of it.
Quite an enjoyable action film with some great camera work and slow mo explosions. Russell Crowe is great as the grizzled eye in the sky and Liam Hemsworth is good as the rookie a bit out of his depth on a mission. It's nothing original granted, it's not worth the terrible reviews on here either. I'm surprised it's not on Netflix or Amazon as I think it would have had more exposure if it was. Decent action film overall.
WandaVision (2021)
Getting better every week!
I have to admit, having seen the trailers for Wandavision, I was confused as hell as to how Wanda and Vision had somehow ended up in a 50's sitcom. Then having watched the first 2 episodes, I was thinking what on earth was going on? But as each layer is peeled away you can see how clever the writing is for WV and there are so many Easter Eggs per episode that have call backs to past events in the MCU, its just brilliant. Am so looking forward to the rest of the season (and hope there will be another). I hope eventually, like all the MCU films beforehand, there will be crossovers and nods to each series from other Marvel TV shows (as Falcon and the Winter Soldier starts straight after, with Loki coming later in the year).
I loved the last 10 years of MCU films, and after the long gap since the Endgame/Spiderman conclusion, these series are a fun continuation!
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Had potential but didn't quite hit the mark
I was looking forward to watching this but ultimately was left with more questions than answers.
The catastrophe on earth is never really explained. It didn't even really need to go into detail but at least explain it a little.
The backstory of Augustine is a bit jarring as it's never really explored in any depth as to how his relationship developed and why they parted ways.
Why make Augustine a dying character? Surely he was going to die eventually anyway from the radiation (if that's what the catastrophe is) on earth? Him being sick didn't really serve any purpose I felt, apart from to create a little bit of bonding with the little girl or drama when he loses his medicine during the journey to the other base.
The crew of the Aether are likeable enough but I think there should have been more of them. Reason being is that we're expected to believe that 2 of them and their unborn child are meant to be the sole hope for the human races survival. How will that work?? Inbreeding??! This is what irked me the most.
All in all just felt a bit flat at the end of it really.
The Holiday (2006)
Enjoyable Christmas escapism
After the year 2020 has been, I caught this on TV and watched it for the umpteenth time. It was just the tonic. Warm, romantic, feelgood and fuzzy, it's just complete escapism from all the crap going on in the world at the moment.
2 women trying to get over bad relationships swap lives over the holiday season leading to unexpected events. All the characters are likeable (okay maybe with the exception of Rufus Sewell's 'Jasper'). I think this is a lovely film that should definitely be on par with the other big British romantic Christmas films (although I find Love Actually grates on me a little these days, whereas this one seems to have aged well). This is the perfect movie to stick on over the holidays when the weather is rubbish outside, or when wrapping presents, or just when you fancy a lazy day on the sofa. Who doesn't like a bit of warm and fuzzy?!
7500 (2019)
Tense and well acted...
I kept seeing this appear in my Amazon recommended and as I like Joseph Gordon Levitt I thought I would give it a go. It's somewhat unusual as aside from the intro segment of the film which is filmed from a CCTV perspective, the entire film is shot in the cockpit of an airliner.
Joseph Gordon Levitt is a completely believable as the co-pilot of the plane and the situation he finds himself in. The film is done in such a way that it seems more like a reconstruction of a real-life event, rather than a flashy Hollywood blockbuster with dramatic music and a have a go hero saving the day. I think this adds to the tension as you find yourself thinking, would this be what a real hijacking is actually like for those affected or involved? (Sadly since the events of 9/11 we have known the outcome of events like this which have ended tragically) Come to think of it, this film reminded me a little of United 93 in its tone.
All in all, worth a watch and JGL produces an excellent performance as Tobias Ellis.
The Upside (2017)
Thoroughly enjoyed this... very touching
I've not seen the original that this is based on so I cannot compare, but I liked the chemistry Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston have in this film. It doesn't appear too forced or a glossy Hollywood version of caring for someone who's a quadriplegic. The friendship between the 2 characters seems warm and genuine. Don't understand all the negativity. Give it a watch. Its a nice heartwarming film.
Notting Hill (1999)
Still love this film after 20 years
After the huge success of Four Weddings, Richard Curtis struck gold again with Nothing Hill. I think I actually prefer this to Four Weddings. The characters aren't quite as OTT quirky as Four Weddings and seem far more grounded and realistic. The warmth of William's friends who surround him is lovely and you can see why someone like Anna would find his life appealing. I like the little nods to Julia Roberts previous films ("we'll have you spick and span and back on the street in no time... In a non prostitute way of course"). I like how she shows she's just a vulnerable person under the sheen of being Hollywood's biggest filmstar.
Notting Hill of course is a gorgeous setting before it got ridiculously gentrified, and humble book shop owners could afford to rent with a jobless Welshman in a flat in Portobello Road. I can't believe this film is 20 years old, but in my mind is a timeless, sweet, romantic comedy.
Chicago Med: Infection, Part II (2019)
Safety first people!!!
The worst biological infection seen for years, everyone and his dog quarantined, but not one investigating fireman, police officer or medical professional thinks to wear a facemask, goggles or a hazmat suit when handling people with their skin falling off!!
Mystery Road (2018)
Another great Australian drama
Fell upon this completely by accident while channel hopping, but having watched other Aussie mystery dramas like Glitch, I know I like the style of this kind of show. It's a slow burner but that's what I like about Australian shows. It's enough to keep you hooked but without going all out guns blazing every episode. I hadn't heard of any of the actors other than Deborah Mailman, who I loved in Secret Life of Us and Aaron L McGrath who was excellent in Glitch but I liked Aaron Pedersen's character once he'd warned up a bit from his spiky persona in the beginning.
I had kinda guessed who the protagonist would be before the ending but that still didn't make it any less enjoyable and I hope they do another follow up series or another storyline. I haven't seen the related films either but may give them a watch as apparently there's nods to those in the series (Although I don't think it's imperative that you've seen the film's to watch this series). Finally, the cinematography in this show is stunning. Wide shots of barren landscapes and starry skies. Overhead shots of dusty road tracks and shadows. Drone filming has never been utilised so well. It's truly beautiful. The moody soundtrack is good too. Well worth a watch.