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Reviews
The Fall Guy (2024)
Put another shrimp on the barby
Watched The Fall Guy on V Max. Took the girlfriend ( Chinese) who could not get her head around the dialogue. Left after 20 minutes. Returned the next day alone same V Max. Reminded me of The Aldo Ray movie Siege of Pinchgut. Cinema greats Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling try real hard. Their facials are a major part of this flick. It feels like a stunt machinations operators manual. Shades of a Bourne movie Mission Impossible and Mad Max. The toothy dog bit a John Wick grab. The dialogue is gooey and ongoing. Action scenes and CGI marginally ameratuish like pulling strings in the background. The plot and goings on are thin. Ryan and Tom do the shirt off check the abbs often. The movie star Tom Ryder is no doubt a Ryder or is it Cruise verb thesaurus thing? The movie positions itself as a quasi product ( Sydney) placement vehicle. Leave it till streaming picks it up.
Patrick.
Ferrari (2023)
Pizza
I enjoyed Ford v Ferrari to the tune of 10/10. This effort hit the maudlin button too often. Ford v Ferrari was a real trip. This time Mr Ferrari was acted well however he comes across as a well a pizza all flavours to everyone but the cheese was so so. Mrs Ferrari Penelope Cruze is again a gem and not fully appreciated as a thespian giant. Her scenes consume the stage oxygen. Mr Ferrari mistress looks lost and not really Italian gazes mostly. The racers were all pretty well preped and looked convincing. Ace racer girlfriend looked like a Hollywood besotted blonde for the immediate moment. Now the machines they were nicely presented as Italian racers the exhaust note and machine whine was really accurate. My personal liking of ICE engine song is a American big cubic inch V8 stretched but that is personal. The car scenes and thrills top shelf. Were they all really red in colour? The nasty racing crash clever CGI.
A terrific effort
Smiley.
The Revenant (2015)
Tight
I can see why Mr DeCaprio got the gig as best actor in this unsettling movie. It is long and torturous/punishing/painful/cutting from the start up. Photog work first class. Locations can't be beat. Colour and sound top shelf. I appreciate that possibly its aim was to educate modern Western man as to the evils dumped on Indiginous peoples of the Americas and their (Indig) gutsy fight back. The monster bear attack on Leonardo
Is as good as it gets. Trained bear I don't think so. Extreme CGI most likely. The firearm flintlock weapons are accurate except for Leonardo getting off a few rounds on horseback ( reload skill)?? Now Mr Tom Hardy. He prefers not good guy gigs. Those penetrative steely eyes spooky. His monster chap Bane viz Batman growl is as usual difficult to decipher. Much like the backwoods movie he made in Liquor Mountain Dew Grog Prohibited America (Lawless). His rubbery lips deliver hard to define language. All up a too hard too real too tight slice of early America. Not intertained however riveted to what comes next.
Smiley.
A Haunting in Venice (2023)
Maudlin
Kenneth Branagh an actor of note. That's the extent of the good news here. The movie was maudlin gloomy slow with real dark blue hues. Branagh had limited lines cos I expect he was overly focussed on his movie directors role as well as staring. A supernatural type movie not a classic who done it. Nothing like murder on the orient express. It was boring slow and did not fire at all. Characters so so albeit some accomplished actors. Branagh looked like he was busting to say something but didn't. Photography ordinary. Location?? Ordinary. A convoluted pshycotic pile. Poirot is cast as a elite snob. Death on the Nile has better on water scenes. I lasted about 55 minutes and left. Extremely disappointing. Not worth waiting to download.
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Italian promo
Denzel Washington does not make crook movies I have never seen him in anything even mediocre. This effort is slow to catch fire. It is no John Wick more the Jason Bourne style. Denzel uses his facials to get his message through. The collection of bad guys well placed and they all look uber fit. A few old gems used to best effect. A predictable "Taken" style retribution is the go. The savagery is eked out at the right pace. As usual Denzel often bites his lip to message body electrics. It is pleasing that the good guys do not end up being the bad guys for a change. The array of painful but effective weapons is as expected in this one. Photography was not real crisp with dark blue hues. A fitting finale to this trilogy. The end is a think back and memorable
Smiley.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Rawboned
The lead actor Mr Murphy was nearly as gaunt as the real Robert Oppenheimer. A similarity to Shawshank Redemption where the lead was born for the part. In Shawshank Tim Robbins excells and goes on to appear in not much. C. Murphy is unique and perhaps limited in future centre stage roles. My pick for the movies stand out is Robert Downey Jnr. He entertained us with his broad spectrum of thespian skills. This time a real snake in the grass. The authentic RDj was just under the surface busting to free range. Jason Clarke the Australian actor put in a subpurb performance as the hawkish prosecutor. Director Christopher Nolan is to the directors fraternity what Daniel Day Lewis is to the thespian club. A massive hands on effort. Gripping. The movie is looo...ng with little crash bang action. It's take up in many Asian countries/ communities would be limited. The ultimate dialogue spectacle. A thinking platform deluxe.
Patrick.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Thank u Tom
Tom Cruise and his IMF team just bounce of each other to everyone's delight. They have been the magic mix for decades. This time a new female entrant Grace is the classic haute fine facial structure pommie beauty. Oh and she can act as well. Athletic style to boot. The arch bad guy looks more like Brad Pitt than Brad Pitt. Another sort of bad guy is a Tom Hardy clone. Doppelganger heaven. There is some borrowing of The Great Escape Mcqueen style motor bike thrills however Tom pulls it of. The plot is a convoluted AI enigma somewhat complex but interesting. Tom still gets to run flat out and looks good. The Orient Express bit is via a real steam loco, grand. Could not figure out how the steam loco whistle kept blowing when the enginer and firearm were dead? The whistle kept the momentum up to speed. This was Part one and deserves a finale. Action acting camera and locale all terrific.
Patrick.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Really good but....
Saw the original "Raiders" early 1980s at the cinema. All Indiana Jones movies deserve a full size cinema screen. I was so impressed with the original I went back home and got my old dad and took him to see it the same day. Dad was also super impressed. Over the years I have watched all Indiana Jones movies and have been suitably entertained. Harrison Ford does not make dud movies. Top effort from a carpenter. This and most likely the last time the original oompfh and impact of the original did not resonate like a thud. A number of scenes were on the dark ( low light) side with obvious CGI input. The start where IJ is de aged digitally is well done. Clever. The girl co star just did not hit the spot. Worked hard but somehow did not fire for me unlike the original Raiders where the female co lit up the screen. This time IJ gets a kiss on the elbow from love interest No 1 with nearly as much ooze as the first time in Raiders one. Cameos of former Raiders characters a joy. Especially IJ old male chum with the rich voice. The demise of the head Nazi missed a oportunity to whack the bad guys in a suitable nasty excrutiating twist. Not disappointing however lacks the bang of the original.
Patrick.
Marlowe (2022)
Sombre burn
Phil Marlowe a renowned gum shoe in the years post world depression and pre World War 11 for the USA. Liam Neeson sort of walks through this one not a disapoint just the stoic nature of a Philip Marlowe PI. A classic Humphrey Bogart tough guy role only inches taller. Not many lines for the big guy to remember he relies on his taut facials to get his message across. Not the usual titanium
Liam just steely. The collection of supporting actors goes of well. 1930s dumb lazy quasi corrupt Detectives are a gem although they nearly always wear sharp suits and head wear. The yarn is slow and mostly predictable however fierce. A bad guy gets done in big time ouch. The set pieces are supburb,
garb on the ball and the limos including plain old cars rewarding. Someone has done their homework by delivering the absolutely correct exhaust burble from Marlowe's beefy eight cylinder coupe. All American big car stuff. I was entertained.
Patrick.
Fast X (2023)
The joker?
F & F 10 not bad. The action stuff is well and truly packed in and goes off with a wallop. Vin Diesel I must take my hat of to he is often seen between movies as looking like the rest of us i.e not uber fit. Vin however scrubs up super well to present as Joe muscle plus. I am sure the Vin voice is more gravelled at each movie. Some previous gems familiar faces have cameo like roles this time around. Glimpses of Paul Walker even a Australian TV news reader are given a run. David Strathan manages to bash a few again. The arch bad guy Dante is a Steven Segal look alike and does his best to channel Heath Legers " Joker" viz Batman movie triology character however he is not the iconic Heath. At a stretch Dante even adopts a slice of Mickey Rourkes "Whiplash " character from Iron Man 2. That said Dante puts in a remarkable performance and his future as a go to movie thespian is assured. CGI is everywhere and noticabley Vin does not really engage in any body to body impact wrangles. Some old faces even though deceased re emerge. The ending leaves you up in the air with a sequel writ large. Why not a post script " to be continued" a la James Bond?
Patrick.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Athletic
The first three JW movies were all gems in their own way. Best Keanu Reeves athleticism and same goes for support actors including the dogs. In JW 3 Hayley Berry and the two outrageous canines nearly stole the whole movie. Having said that with no Keanu there is no John Wick. The succession of bad guys is stunning they are all first class. It was sad to have the wonderful John Reddick pass away in real life which effectively removes a much appreciated support actor as the Continental Hotel Consierge and Ian Mcnees friend. This round of John Wick will be nearly impossible to top in the form of JW 5 if there is to be one. The ending this time does lend itself to a No 5. Drill down you will see that. Again toxic dog input so good. Nearly three hours long but it needs it.
Patrick.
The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021)
Top shelf pommie real crime stuff
Well I stumbled upon this on 7+ streaming TV. Based on real crime. I recognised the lead player as a key actor in The Great Train robbery. A Mr luke Evans I think. He presents well and could most likely make a decent James Bond. Strong facials. He plays the part of leading investigator Superintendent Steve Wilkins " call me Steve". Refreshing genre compared to most pommie "guv" bosses. I am sure in real police circles this is how it operates. His crew are believable including his female side kick DI. The bad guy Jack Cooper based on a real person is award winning material. Hi son also so good an actor. Reminded me of The Great Train Robbery. The pommies excel at this stuff. Slow burn but necessary. Could work in black and white. Also similar to the Australian TV drama on Ivan Milat back packer murders.
Smiley.
Whitstable Pearl (2021)
Addictive
This is another pommy cop series with class. The female lead in her own special way is attractive and well attractive. The story makes sense and her background fits the yarn. Sets are classic nice spot English and a good mix of characters like her frisky mum. The crimes somewhat Doc Martinish in feel and backdrop. The lead male Detective is real broody just like the Australian Indigenous actor Aaron Pederson also a gem. The broody but effective type works for them both,analytical thinkers. A top series and a few episode's late in 2022 to wet our appetite. It worked for me hopefully more to come. Acting is classy. Both leads have great face dynamics and come across as believable.
Smiley.
Tenet (2020)
Chis Nolan bomb
Have been a Chris Nolan fan big time since watching/ following the Batman trilogy What an effort. Best Batman actor. Best bad guy actor an Aussie In receipt of an Oscar posthumous. Best support actors Gary Oldman a gem. That's two poms Bale & Oldman plus Nolan the pom. Batman not overly complicated or drawn out with monster action pieces. Good story and viewer friendly memorable. This being the main reason I decided to watch Tenet a pommie effort which usually/mostly succeeds. Wrong from the outset sports arena terrorist attack it was foggy complicated all over the shop made no sense blurred vacant rudderless whottha?. A female enters and mumbles alot. The Sci fi where are we really stuff gave me a headache. The lead actor looked like he regretted signing on and bored. Forty five minutes into it I bailed. Maybe Nolan has followed the Cohen brothers to a hole in the ground?
Patrick.
McDonald & Dodds (2020)
Great pommie earthy stuff
Mc D & D how good is this show. Gutsy in your face the cheeky upstart good looker girl DCI and convincing bumbler but cluey old guy Det Sgt. Actors with heart and sarcastic humour. Only the poms can deliver this type of entertainment. Both actors fresh and bounce of each other. Long enough not drawn out. A hint of Death in Paradise & New Tricks with a splash of Columbo which was yank made but untidy entertaining and kept you thinking. The Superintendent of Police in Mc D & D looks just a bit too fit and the uniform Sci fi like odd. It does not come accross as a expensive production so what. Well done let's have more of it.
Patrick.
Ticket to Paradise (2022)
Entertained yes
George & Julia have done it again. Most likely good friends in real life it shows the electricity is there. Set in Bali however shot in north Queensland. If you have been to Bali and north Qld. You will pick the difference in the torain. The vista shots are a big part of the movie well done. The movie reminds you of The Descendants a Clooney movie of years back shot on Hawaii similar yarn and visuals. George looks great and age is kind to him. Julia still presents well in a swim cozie. They both have the best smile and use it to advantage. Other players do a fine job the new husband is a Ken Doll. A light piece of theatre that must be seen on the big screen for full effect. The two classic actors did entertain me
Easy to look at.
Patrick.
Tomb Raider (2018)
A.V can act
The latest Tomb Raider starring AV is a significant improvement on the A Jollie version. AV is a more believable actress. Her facials and body dynamics are real. Easy to look at girl who does not harbour the Jollie baggage well done. The boat captain side kick is welcome and fits in just right. The bad guy looks like a professional bad guy good one. The dad looks like a dad a nice rounded polished dad. CGI not overdone support cast perform and blend in well. Camera work fine. Bits of Raiders and The Mummy bring back memories. Location is tough spot. Acting overall is good. A Tomb 2 should work. It's AVs movie.
Patrick.
Bullet Train (2022)
Silver Streak 2.0
Sort of slick and sometimes moving. Old style one liners and gags. Big Japanese city people must feel dirty. The over use of expletives not clever just ho hum. Violence yes violence graphic macabre violence. Somewhat Kill Billy style. Brad Pitt projects and looks good. What is Channing Tatum & Ryan Reynolds doing in this? Sandra Bullock with a titanium inert face? A dab of Sam Jackson's Snakes on a Plane. A twist of 1976 Silver Streak. The pommie bad guys have a nauseating over the top pommie accent. Product placement abounds. The audio is uber loud. Story difficult to follow. Wait for streaming.
Smiley.
The Gray Man (2022)
Bourne Wick amalgam
Gray Man a amalgam of John Wick without K Reeves & Jason Bourne without M Damon. Gosling is busy and fit. Somewhat Bladerunnerish. Metal token straight out of John Wick. Little bit of Batman vehicle action included. Chris Evans aka Capt. America is unusual as the bad dude however he pulls it of. Bobby Thornton plays Bobby Thornton. Armas now has more rounded chubby face nice. This movie seen at the movies has low quality Standard Definition. The scenes are really dark low light too dark. CGI ok. Plot fair enough Mission Impossible style. Wait for TV Netflix release.
Patrick.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Robert D Jnr best work ever
Now how good is Sherlock. The Robert D Jnr version. His support actors all spot on Law McAdams et al. The large French thug the classic London Bobby Inspector even the bulldog. Massive. The follow up Sherlocks also very good. Hans Zimmer theme is electric. Mark Strong a top bad guy. Special effects and CGI well done. Robert D Jnr best work he looks fit also. Super who done it stuff in its own way or how done it.
Patrick.
No Time to Die (2021)
?????
Watched latest 007 @ movies V Max big screen big sound big seat premium. As it should be with a movie like this. Watched the first JB 007 movie at a Sydney movie house circa 1962. Seen every JB 007 movie since at the movies. They deserve a big screen. This latest last JB for me is this
way, locquacious waffle rightonous padding that replaces real action swarmy grin/smerk quasi limited cheeky humour that only a real JB can deliver. A serious intended movie that has got to serious. Bring back cheeky rake bullet proof JB who looks the uber male part.
PS locales good photog good support people real good. Bad guy creepy like he is supposed to be however he looks ill a put of made me feel ill. Oh and much too long run time is padding boosted
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Patrick.
Allied (2016)
Brads finest work
Its refreshing watching Brad as a
Canadian military man so over yank war heroes. The on screen chemistry between Pitt and the female lead was an important part of the movies integrity. Co stars and support actors real good. Period machinery excellent. BP should make more movies of this kind it does demonstrate his acting range.
Patrick.
Gemini Man (2019)
A hammy Bourne
Will Smith plays Will Smith he aint no Jason Bourne. It is difficult to not be sweating on Will pulling the traditional naughty WS face accompanied by wise crack dialogue. A serious sort of WS this time. Typecast? The girl partner in the movie looks like she would prefer to be in a episode of Dr Who albeit fit and busy. The moving fast scenes are moving too fast. Outdoor locales and photography real good. The first part of the movie is hammy. Asian mate would be a better fit in a New York Police Detective role. Clive Owen delivers a standard Clive Owen. Towards the finish we get a dose of Spider Man. WS should go for MIB 5.0 whatever and avoid futute mediocure productions.
Smiley.
Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021)
Busy
Saw the first installment and a good one. Like many follow ons it seems to be trying real hard. Ryan looks a little bemused or looking into a tunnel for something. Jackson plays Jackson easy for him however as usual he delivers. Madam Salem well it was a rush to see her well
and truly of the leash all hard work and convincing well done really was her movie. Mr Banderes turns out to be anything but Zoro a greek with a sangria accent??. The European destination tour was a joy. CGI not grating. Anyways all good fun and light humour. Listen out for less than 30 seconds of Tina Turners Simply The Best. On the money
Patrick.
Fatale (2020)
Hilary Swank
The movie has numerous plot flaws eg the male philanderer in the the oh so elitist bed with his head on the hard surface bed head and looking cool. This movie is convoluted plus. However the acting power of Hilary Swank is massive
What a pro. Is there anyone else in the movie.??
Smiley
Smilry.