wbafanclub12 Reviews

London to Brighton (2006)

Dark, sordid and shows the depth of sickness in the world

[8/10 · 15 June 2022]

Over the last few years I have watched this film many times. The acting is very realistic and I know there are characters out there in the real world that the film is taken from. Luckily for most of us, they live on the edge of society and we rarely see them let alone interact with them them.

This is a dark film. It contains subjects that we normally don't want to think about in our every day lives. But we should, and should try our best to help the vulnerable used by those who hold a certain amount of power over these people.

The acting is great. The storyline builds up to a perhaps unexpected but both happy and sad ending.

The film is what it is. It's not trying to be a Hollywood blockbuster and may even have niche appeal. But it is true to some peoples lives and you can only 'thank god' when you realise you are away from it.

Rebirth (I) (2016)

Similar to 'The game', and just as ambiguous

[6/10 · 27 May 2022]

It is hard to write a review about this movie without giving spoilers. Infact, rather than being a review this is more of an account on what I took away from the film which may differ to others.

So, as mentioned, the start of the film is along the lines of a game. The protagonist, a nice man, with a nice family and generally a 'nice' life. He certainly feels that he is doing alright in the game of life.

But an old friend comes into his office and offers him a present, a weekend away. The main guy is not too keen at first, but eventually decides to go ahead. He has no idea of what to expect on his weekend away. But after a couple of intriguing clues he ends up blindfolded on a bus travelling to his hosts for the weekend.

Upon reaching the place, there is welcoming party where it becomes obvious that most others had been before and he is almost immediately outed as being 'a foetus', to be taken as both a newbie and somebody yet to be born.

There are only a few rules, one being he can leave whenever he wants, another that there are no leaders (although it is obvious throughout the film that there are leaders), mobile phones handed in at the door, and the fact they are not a cult. Sorry, I can't remember the last one but it's of no importance.

On the one hand, he is made to feel very welcome. On the other there is a mysterious woman who tells him she does not think its ready. This is a ploy in which to confuse him I believe.

Unfortunately, this part of the film isn't satisfying enough and full of holes. But you can get past these, it's just the film could have been an hour longer with the detail as in 'the game'. For example, the mysterious woman asks him what he wants, why he is here, and practically insinuates he can have anything (including her) if only he asks. He closes not to ask so is taken to a room she believes he may like.

This room, and the other two rooms he visits, are a bit like group counselling sessions, all with the aim of destroying his taught and preconceived ideas of the world. However, despite being anxious throughout, he only really begins to lose it when he is physically assaulted. At this point he wants to leave, but is offered another room which someone says would be more to his taste. This starts off friendly enough, but quickly develops sexual undertones, which would possibly have ended up in an organisation if he did not repeatedly here screaming in the background.

I'm not going to carry on with the story line here as it all leads to the ending of the film.

But in my opinion, the film is actually trying to be quite spiritual, in a Zen Buddhism type of way, where the Zen masters job is to break down your perceived ego to see who or what is underneath.

The problem at the end is that he is blackmailed into helping defraud the bank he works for. He does this within a state of shock from previous events and his friend tells him that within five years he will thank him.

The rest of the film is a future video manifesto about 'Reborn' and stars the protagonist who has turned into a hippy like character, has purchased his wife to attend and become part of 'rebirth', even the daughter who is about 8.

The problem is that it does not show how this wreck of a man who had to be blackmailed changed, let alone his family. If anything, he would more likely end up in a mental asylum or at least prison.

But putting this aside, yes it was a cult/ pyramid scheme. His role now is to encourage his friends and colleagues to attend, which apparently they all had and their lives had changed so much for the better.

I've actually been into what I will describe as 'the spiritual scene' for 30 years now and there is a lot of this film which makes sense in that way, but due to the shortcuts, there are too many holes, so the spiritual message will get lost on most who watch it. Infact, the ego in me, despite having no filming experience wishes I could have helped make it and possibly fill in the holes. But instead, like everyone else, we get to fill the holes in ourselves, and when you do that, you realise it doesn't work. But why should it, its only a film.

Boiling Point (I) (2021)

A masterpiece in acting and cinematography.

[10/10 · 5 February 2022]

Originally this film hit the UK cinemas. And this is one type of film which never would normally make the cinemas except for two special reasons.

First, do not expect a storyline as such. It is just a night in a trendy restaurant, concentrating on the stresses of the job, the variance in customers and how the staff work and cope.

The main character, Tony )Stephen Graham), most likely Britain's best current actor who has been at his peak for years, and is no less so in the kitchen as head chef.

Unfortunately, it is obvious right from the start that although he tries to be a 'Gordon Ramsey' type head chef, that due to personal problems he is not at the top of his game.

He does however, have great actors (both staff and customers), which make this kitchen seem like many other restaurants out there, or offices, shops, care homes etc. In other words, he has a fabulous assistant chef, both experienced and non experienced kitchen staff, hard workers and Shirker's, and the customers range from the fakery polite to the downright rude.

Second the film is one and a half hours of life in the restaurant. What also makes this film amazing is that it is set in one shot. If one of the actors fluffed their lines, the whole thing would have had to be filmed again. But it is so expertly done, you never notice even when you know.

I cannot stop mentioning the acting. Of course Stephen Graham could have carried this by himself, but the fact every member of the cast put in the perfect performance elevated it from TV status to cinema worthy.

You really feel for a lot of the characters, their stress, their team spirit, the pressure. The fact some feel rightly undervalued and that others don't deserve a job there.

I started this by saying it doesn't have a story, but it does have a beginning, middle and end and an obvious conclusion which does not at all take away from the film. Infact it improves it, because you are left waiting for the ending to happen. And when it does happen, you find out a little more than you realised or expected, tho perhaps suspected.

I finished watching this and could not wait to review it, just like I cannot wait to watch it again.

Truly amazing and if this does not get awards which everybody in the film should be proud of, there is no justice in the world.

I have never given a 10 but this is the furst.

Don't Look Up (2021)

One of God's greatest gifts is to enable us to laugh at ourselves.

[8/10 · 2 January 2022]

If I'm being honest, the only reason I watched this was due to enforced isolation due to catching covid. And apart from the brief summary description on Netflix, I had literally heard nothing about this film.

The storyline follows a couple of astronomers who discover that in 6 months an asteroid will hit and destroy the Earth. Due to my preference in films, this would normally be enough to put me off, but the fact Leonardo Dicaprio was enough to push me into giving it a go, as all of his films are great. As usual, I was not let down.

If you get this type of humour, it is hilarious. Obviously completely made up, it's too far fetched not to be, surely. Yet when you look at the ridiculous parts of this film which you think could never happen, you actually realise that almost identical things to these do happen and most of the time we don't bat an eyelid.

The film is sublime in its silliness. And despite being a complete work of fiction, it portrays the media and politicians perfectly. Flawed human beings who have 'winged' their way into positions of trust and responsibility, yet truthfully are as incapable as the rest of us.

It's a case of if you don't laugh at this film, you may well cry because as a species we are doomed.

Villain (I) (2020)

Very decent movie of this genre.

[6/10 · 5 December 2021]

There is a certain genre of film which people tend to love or hate, the most well known set being Rise of the foot soldiers.

Craig Fairbrass is a main staple of these films, and with Villain being a London gangster movie starring Fairbrass, you can guess what it's going to be like.

But this is off till from the ROTF's and has a completely different if very effective storyline. The plot ties up nicely which is not surprising as the whole film (but particularly the ending) is not too different to the classic 'Carlito's way' The main difference between Villain and ROTF is the lack of humour. It is more serious with less joking about. Not a positive, not a negative either.

For one Craig is actually playing the good guy. We'll, he has been a scoundrel all his life but after coming out of prison for a long stretch, he has a reason to keep on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, fate has other plans and he has no alternative but to turn into the monster we all love to hate. Coincidentally, I have just finished reading a book about Lenny McLean, a bare knuckle fighter more commonly known as The Guvnor. A very hard, villainous man, who Lenny claims that Craig's acting skills are modelled on his lifestyle. The book is definitely worth a read (or listen off Audible).

Anyway, it was an enjoyable watch that I will deffonately want to see again in the near future.

Is it worth a 6 though. Well personally I would have gone to a 7 but that is only because I love these types of films. But it is certainly not a bad movie even if you don't like this genre. It has a good storyline, the acting is decent as is the producing and filmwork.

Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins (2021)

You either love 'em or hate 'em

[8/10 · 20 October 2021]

I have given this film an 8 even though it is an honest 5. Why?? Because I love these films as do many others. They are a guilty pleasure. That is how it has managed to get an average 6 5 (at time of report).

If you have seen 1-4 then you will know what to expect. Nothing really changes. This film explains how the gang all met. Craig (who in the previous films is portrayed as a bit of an idiot) is bought to life in this one, and shows why he was part of the gang). Tony looks a few years older even under all the makeup and despite him supposedly being younger than ever in this.

As usual the acting isn't the best. But a few placed swear words and violence covers this up. The story line is the usual fare but always interesting.

And Vinnoe Jones has come to play in the form of Bernard, A rival doorman. His style of 'acting' is exactly the same as any other film he has done. But he fits right in to this film.

Pat takes more a back seat in this one but is still menacing as usual.

Bring on number 6.

The Village (2004)

Don't read any more reviews. Just watch it.

[8/10 · 19 September 2021]

Unfortunately if you are here reading reviews, in most cases it will be enough to spoil a film. This review is wrote to avoid any spoilers.

Villagers live in an Isolated town, in fear of a monster that lives in the surrounding woods.

The film is well acted, has a good storyline and moves at a steady pace. That really is all you need to know about this film so just watch it and don't read any more.

What Keeps You Alive (2018)

Doesn't make sense but still enjoyable

[4/10 · 3 August 2021]

A gory, nonsensical slasher type film with an odd twist and turn. However, too may holes in the plot and decisions by the main character which nobody would ever logically do.

It passed 1 and a half hours and is watchable, but you are kind of disappointed at the end.

Rise of the Footsoldier: The Heist (2019)

A funny installment

[7/10 · 12 July 2021]

I don't know how long they will get away with it for, but another Installment of Rise of the footsoldier is on us, and it also looks as though a 5th one will be landing first.

The four films so far have taken us through a bit of a journey. The first, and probably the best film in its own right was relatively serious being based on true characters and events. Followed by 2 and 3 which were good if you are into the genre of Essex gangsters. But four has had a bit of a revamp.

Four has been made as almost a comedy. That is to say it is not even trying to take itself as seriously as its predecessors. The directing and the screenwrite has not been as on pitch and the storyline is a bit rough around the edges. And it's got exactly the same 'hardmen' who were in it before, even if some are playing different characters. Plenty of drugs, breasts, brasses and fights. Even an honourable homage to Nigel Benn But it is funny throughout, almost ridiculing the genre although the main man, Craig Fairbrass (Pat Tait) is as brooding, serious and psychotic as ever.

Managed to get Essex, Amsterdam and Spain into this one. Quite enjoyable and I am looking forward to the 5th.

Tall Men (2016)

The strangest of films

[3/10 · 1 July 2021]

Well, there is a plot. There is a beginning, middle and end. And if you had to pick a genre, you would call it a horror.

Only its not scary. I'm not even sure it was trying to be. By the acting, the directing and the cinematography, you almost feel like you are watching some sort of dream. But not quite. And if the makers could have pulled that bit off properly, then it might have been a decent flick. But they didn't, and it wasn't.

It just could have been so much better. I actually like the idea, but poorly executed.

Can't describe much further without giving spoilers so will leave this review as vague as the film.

No Escape Room (2018 TV Movie)

Horror/ Escape room genre but garbled?

[7/10 · 2 April 2021]

Firstly, I did enjoy this movie as I went into it with no expectations.

What started off looking as though it was just going to be a normal escape room movie turned into a supernatural, ghost like, spook movie.

And individually wise there was more than enough to keep me interested to the end. But the main problem was that these parts did not link that well together. Who, why what? I haven't a clue and can't say anymore for risk of a spoiler But, it did have a beginning, it had a middle and it had an end. I just would have liked a bit more on the why part?

The Lesson (2015)

More than just a torture flick, but not sure how??

[7/10 · 3 March 2021]

This film would be predominantly described as a 'Torture flick" I suppose. But it does have more, even if I'm not sure what the 'more actually is. The start of the film is almost directed in the style of Shane Meadows, set in typocal suburban England, with the main character(s) doing their stereotypical thing, in this case being bored, loutish teenagers. Then you have the teacher who has had some type of breakdown. After one episode too much of being bullied by the teenagers, the teacher has some sort of breakdown and kidnaps two of the lads, and the 'torture' part of the film starts. The torturing is took place during the following 'lesson' the teenagers go through after the kidnapping. Which leads to why I think this film has not got a higher rating. If the torture genre is your thing, then this story line as I have explained it would be plenty enough for you. It is bloody, gory and sadistic. However, the film is also trying to be more. And for me it was. I felt as though I was learning things along with the teenagers. But there are other seemingly unconnected, unneeded and unwanted parts to the film going on which are hard to understand, certainly on first viewing. Flashbacks, characters who seem to serve no purpose but have airtime for no good reason. And this makes the film a little bit too confusing. I am left feeling that there is some clever, underlying part of the film that I have not understood and watching it again may help me connect the dots. Of course, I maybe wrong, in which case its probably more of a 5 than the 7 I have given it.

Special Correspondents (2016)

Helps if you like Ricky Gervais

[8/10 · 23 November 2020]

I came across this film today, November 2020, quite surprised that I had never heard of it before. Firstly, I haven't always appreciated Ricky Gervais, and if I would have seen this film when it first came out, I may not have enjoyed it as much as I did. But having moved on from 'The office', (Something I will always love), Ricky's humour has changed somewhat over the years, becoming more serious leading to his latest creations of 'Afterlife'. And although Afterlife is not a comedy as such, whilst special correspondents is, I found the humour in both ver similar. Not the slapstick, in your face style of 'The office', but a subtler humour which I have now grown to enjoy just as much. So yes, I am glad I have only found this film this year. An unexpected find, no hype, just an enjoyable film full of Rickys brand of humour.

Eli (I) (2019)

Enjoyable find. Horror but cant say much more.

[8/10 · 17 February 2020]

The film will not go down as the greats but certainly an interesting, enjoyable watch. The genre is definately horror but it is not overly scary. I think the film wants to be, but for me it just wasn't. However, there is a good storyline. Boy has autoimmune problem which makes him allergic to almost everything so he has to wear a special suit. His parents find a doctor who can cure him, but he needs to stop in hospital / asylum to receive treatment. As he has the treatment, he starts seeing things. And that is all I can say without a spoiler of any kind. The kids acting is good, helps the film along nicely. I really enjoyed this one.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Best watch in ages

[9/10 · 3 February 2020]

I came across this on Netflix and after a quick check on here, decided to give it a go. I was put off originally by the idea of Adam Sandler, not a fan of his, but he plays an incredible role. He almost morphs into Al Pacino. The incredible thing about this film is it is a chaotic mess. Straight away, an overload of characters, talking over each other, hard to watch. Now this will put a lot of people off but it gets you into the main characters life, which is a chaotic mess, but it definately works for me. Great back story, great acting, and a completely different style of directing to what I have experienced Occasionally a film comes along by accident, without the hype, and for me this is one of them. A lot of people will not have any time for this and I can understand why. But for me, fantastic.

The End of the F***ing World: Episode #1.1 (2017) Season 1, Episode 1

Really good series...

[9/10 · 16 November 2019]

I only ended up watching this due to endless adverts of it being force fed through my eyeballs. Then one night, with nothing else I fancied on my 100+ channels and numerous on demand, I decided to gamble 20minutes of my life on the show. It's hard to say what age group this programme is aimed at. I would say older teens, young adults but even in my 40s I found it entertaining. The comedy is very dry. It is also a sharp, quick moving, up to date version of bonnie and clyde. Also a reminder to me how awkward being a teenager could be. I found myself able to relate to the characters (as I was when I was there age). The storyline, whilst far fetched , also manages to keep it real with the help of the main characters, and shows how random things happen when you are that age. Luckily I only started watching it at the end of season 2 so had a pleasant few hours of binge watch. It is not a series you can start watching it half way through, as you have to grow with the main characters, which both actors play perfectly.

Once Upon a Time in London (2019)

London gangster film with a twist

[6/10 · 23 October 2019]

Well, it's safe to say that if you enjoy the films like football factory, green street, rise of the foot soldier, and other films of this genre, then you will get something out of this. The film is set in London around WW2 times, and concentrates on the gangs consoling the areas. The 'stars' are the same old recycled favourites from these films, but with a twist that they play old-fashioned gents. But the violence is still the same, if anything a bit more bloodied. The usual people have trouble with the other usual people which leads to the usual conflicts. The only and main problem, is that the storyline is disjointed and therefore hard to follow. A main positive is that the 'actor's actually show more skill at acting, having to behave like old time villains. It's by no means a masterpiece, but is one of the better more recent London gangster films to come out, most of which are poor. A decent half an hour's entertainment..

The Rook (2019)

Enjoyable London based short series with a twist.

[8/10 · 20 August 2019]

Having just seen the final episode my overall impression of this was good. The series started off very slowly. Not in respect of the action or acting, but more that the viewer will not really understand what is going on. However, after a couple of episodes everything becomes more open and you understand why the writer/ director has deliberately done it that way. The only problem with this is that as I watched every episode when aired, it was harder to remember what happened the week before. But the premise of the show was interesting. After the first episode there was enough to keep me interested and wait for the next one and by the second and third I was hooked. Without actually being superheroes, the show is based around a government agency who's members have each got a supernatural power. You are quickly led through a cat and mouse tale of not knowing who to trust, underhand dealings and espionage. All in all, very enjoyable. And after eight episodes there was a certain amount of closure for the viewer, which for those of poor attention spans like me, is good. But also left open for another series. I wish it could have been released on a platform where you could binge it rather than week to week. Although if this review makes you watch it, you can now watch them all.

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Great biographical film.... with a tinge of self pity.

[9/10 · 10 August 2019]

I call this a film but it's more a musical. However, in between the hits we all know and love there is some great acting. The film does concentrate on Elton's emotions as well as the fact and it is hard at times to pity a man who has had the world at his feet. But the film and acting goes in to some detail explaining why he felt like this. And just like a rocky film he overcomes his trials and tribulations and heroically pulls through. A great film if your an EJ fan.

The Virtues (2019)

Hooked after one episode

[9/10 · 26 May 2019]

Firstly, I go into any series by Shane Meadows with optimism, and with an actor such as Stephen Graham, it is hard to see how this can be anything but fantastic. Of course, at the time of the report I have only watched one episode. Not going to give anything away except to say as I watch it I already feel in the shoes of the lead character, and feel the pain and heartache that he is in and what will undoubtedly follow him on his journey. The style of the directing along with the quality of real life acting has already left me longing for more as I begin episodev2. It won't be nice, it certainly won't be pretty, but I know the storyline will be unwrapped at a perfect pace.

The Innkeepers (2011)

Very good chilling horror!!

[7/10 · 2 January 2012]

I began watching this with a a sense of hesitation due to a couple of reviews which were very negative. In a way I can understand why some people might not like this. There are no great action scenes for starters, blood and gore is kept to the bare minimum and a lot of time is spent on building on the characters. If you are going to watch this, you really are just best watching it knowing the bare minimum of the film's storyline... i.e set in a hotel. I would go as far as to say the storyline is obscure and really does not impact on the film at all. For me, the acting was great. After the first half an hour of getting comfortable with the two main characters I found myself getting nervous for them until by the end of the film my heart was beating ten to the dozen, which is the aim of a good horror I feel. I waited for my wife to go to bed before putting this on. I watched it by myself around about midnight with the lighting on low and I have to say that had I got a pillow to hand, I would have been sitting behind it.

Setup (I) (2011)

Poor, poor poor.

[9 September 2011]

Well this type of genre, i.e action, crime, heist is right up my street. Add Bruce Willis to the frame and you would think that I was onto a winner. Unfortunately this was not the case. I found the film to be poorly directed, the acting wooden and the storyline predictable if slightly erratic. After reading the synopsis I kind of thought I would be in for a decent hour and a half. I found myself dropping off 55 minutes into the film which for an action film is pretty poor. Of course, I say action but the truth is there was very little action in it. Add to it a strange religious undertone which I suppose is to signify the lead role is looking for redemption and you get a complete mismatch/ conflict of interests. I give it a generous four out of ten but take into consideration this is about the lowest I have ever scored a film.

Seven Pounds (2008)

A nice little hidden gem!!

[6 September 2011]

Firstly, I say hidden as after watching the film I read that the producers and directors managed to successfully hide the meaning of seven pounds from most (including me). I was aware of the film when it came out but although it looked like it may be OK, it took me until now to watch it. Firstly, the acting. Really good as far as I am concerned. I am learning never to worry when Will Smith is in a movie as whether it be a happy or sad character her always manages to pull it off. The other characters were believable as well. The storyline for me was a major positive in the films favour. I am not going to say anymore for risk of spoilers. Needless to say, by the end of the film any loose ends were very, very, very neatly tied up down to smallest details which you may have been wondering why through the film. Finally, I found it to be a tear jerker and to be honest I am not normally an emotional person. I would say this is definitely a 7 - 8 rated film and I have gone for the higher of these. ENjoy

Caged Animal (2010)

Enjoyable 90 minutes, if you take it for what it is.

[7/10 · 5 September 2010]

I'm certain that if a reviewer was to put in a little bit of research they would be easily able to slate this film. I myself was surprised at the end of the film to be told that this was based on a true story as at times the plot did seem a bit far fetched.

Do not let this detract from the entertainment factor of the film however. I personally enjoy prison films and for me this is one of the better ones. The acting was credible on the whole, although the fight scenes (few that there are) did look a bit staged. The storyline was enough to keep the viewer interested although at times it did jump back and forwards without making it clear that it was doing so. There are a few moral and religious undertones throughout the film which I personally found to be a positive for the film.

A decent prison flick.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

Superbly made

[8/10 · 30 March 2010]

I find myself giving this film a lower vote than it probably deserves and perhaps through no fault of the film itself. Let me explain. I am lucky enough that in my job I get to take people who I work with to the cinema. After planning on seeing a gangster flick, we ended up going into the wrong screen and ended up watching Hachi: A dogs story. We did not move to the right screen as by my watch the film had started 10 minutes before. The point is, from the start of the film when the 'U' classification came up (Suitable for 4 years +) I was a bit disappointed. Now as an actor I like Richard Gere but for the first few minutes I found his character a bit 'wooden'. At first I put this down to him having a bad film, but the more I think about it I think it was somehow done to emphasise his relationship with Hachi. Anyway, half an hour into the film disillusionment had gone and I was really enjoying the film. What was excellent for me, was that because I had never heard of the film, I had no idea what was to come. The film does an excellent job of surrounding itself around Hachi the dog. The only fancy gimmick is the occasional sight through Hachi's eyes which is done in black and white but this is only occasional. There are no doggy voices or doggy thoughts, but you still get involved with Hachi's emotions and how he is feeling. Towards the end of the film I was that into Hachi's character that I found myself bursting into tears, something that had not happened to me since I was 8years old watching ET. Luckily, we were the only ones in the cinema.