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CrustyDad
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The Royal Hotel (2023)
Excellent production.. terrible plot
Another example of why the Australian govt must step in and sponsor these dry ideas. Surely, the Australian Film Fund has better stories to invest in. It's almost a good film. Excellent cast and performances. A sort of developing plot. But then it never goes anywhere.
Just some "Australiana" with some great actors wasted on predictable bogan characters. Disappointed this is all Kitty could manage. The story lacks depth and intrigue., the back stories of som of the characters seems ripe for development but were never explored. This film is a collection of incidents that would simply define Australian relationships back in the 70s. The ending looks like Kitty needed to find a way to end an otherwise endless mediocre story. A pity because it initially was interesting but then never develops in any significant way.
Renfield (2023)
An underrated black comedy with a fresh twist
Renfield is a hilarious black comedy with a new twist on a classic genre. Casting, make up and set design is great. Lighting in the scenes is especially prominent and is an effective use of neon like effect to draw the characters in specific ways. A cleverly designed relationship between the main characters. Foult and Cage are brilliantly cast amd have a good chemistry. Awkwafina brings plenty in this film too. Although it's not a complex plot it's is full of fresh ideas and character challenges. Cage also extends himself for a memorable performance. Not a high budget film but very well executed with a focus on performances and original plot, not special effects to carry the film.
The Reef: Stalked (2022)
Another below average shark movie
Reviewed this as part of my studies in communication. Cinematography, casting and location was good. Props are effective as is the technical direction for sets to conserve budget. The plot though was as engaging as a beached jellyfish. The shark had more character than the main cast. That's not to say the cast wasn't good. They did well in spite of the writing. You would think the director having been at it now for over 10 years doing "predator horror" films would be able to engage the audience effectively by now. Such a rich heritage in suspense horror. Traucki story telling was too predictable. Some clever use of effects give a good sense of presence of the shark. But other times it was clearly stock footage. Shark attack films are a well worn theme that only appeals to teens. Even more predictably the main cast are all young women in their late teens. So very much a yawn-fest of typical character types you can expect.
The Drover's Wife: The Legend of Molly Johnson (2021)
Typical Australian period drama
Much like eating toast with just butter, Australian creativity is at its usual bland, beige best from the Australian film industry. Our story set amongst a couple of shacks in the Australian outback. A very slow plot develops with occasional peaks of violence to keep you awake. As can be expected in the Australian film industry, a feminist bent to try and keep the female audience engaged is all that this movie will offer. The director could've used so much more to create a more engaging film rather than long, dull and sullen silences, interrupted with discussions about poetry in a newspaper, and looking longingly at strangers across the Australian bushland. As per usual, the Australian government needs to sponsor productions like this because their business case would never stand on its own merits to be a viable film to present to any audience in any western country. The production quality is as one would expect from the Australian film industry, full of excellent talent and skill. Set production, costume and make up all first class. It's only let down by the woeful and pathetic stories that infect Australian directors consciousness, believing that moviegoing audiences will like Australian period dramas with the same dry and barren plots as an American daily sitcom.
Deadly Virtues: Love.Honour.Obey. (2014)
Soft BDSM disguised as a movie
It's a long and drawn out film, with a "torture porn" feel to it, whilst trying not to look like a soft BDSM clip. Nothing in this movie is really interesting. The characters are boring, the villain is boring, the plot is also predictable. Free on Prime, because i wouldn't go out of my way to rent this film. Little is done with sets and scenery. It could have been filmed on an iPhone. Elements of Munchausen syndrome mixed with sadism, you would be better off finding something else to do with you 90 minutes. Seems to appeal to ppl into japanese bondage and stress positions. This film is a pass..
Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
Plot is a little slow, but good performances all round
I was never a fan of Harley Quinn nor a the DC universe. So, my POV is unbiased by comics or the DC franchise. Simply put the plot is not that great and a bit slow. But the individual performances in various scenes make this a pretty good film. I had no idea as to Margot Robbie's versatility as demonstrated in this role. Good performances by the supporting cast too. Great stunt work and the flow of the plot is coherent and well connected. I think the reviews are a bit harsh by reviewers who are biased towards CG heavy blockbusters from the MCU. This film is a bit more black satire in many places. The cinematography and set design/location shots are well chosen...
Iron Sky (2012)
Ridiculous sci-fi with steampunk themes
A dreadful and incoherent comedy production,( i think it's a comedy), that attempts to satisfy the director's desire for killing nazi's in a sci-fi steampunk styled universe. Considerable money invested in special effects doesn't save this film. Props to the set design and costumes. A lot of green screen work that is black and white. A few tacky jokes that just sound vulgar, and lots of nazi uniforms. The director Tumo Vuorensola seems to make a career out of it though. Perhaps suite to the local Finnish market. It's a film that can't be relegated into cinematic obscurity fast enough... but some people liked this film perhaps specifically because.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
The Matrix saga concludes in a confused whimper
Fortunately I watched this on inflight entertainment and didn't actually buy a ticket. A strange movie that tries to pay homage to the trilogy but then becomes a cliche for the Hollywood money machine. The villains are hollow, the cause and the plot exceptionally. I found myself as confused as Neo in this film. The action scenes are unimaginative and the plot over simplified. A very disappointing last hurrah.. better to not watch it and keep the fond memories of the trilogy and cash in your pocket instead.
Occupation: Rainfall (2020)
Unengaging low budget sci-fi
The production quality is pretty low, as was the plot. Granted this a low budget film, you can accomplish a lot on low budgets but it takes an experienced director. The screen play I think was not properly funded and causes the budget to be spread too thinly and it shows in all aspects of the film. I couldn't finish watching it. Was this film financed through "government charity", (ie Film Finance Corporation) because it looks like it. If you're going to do sci-fi, your effect have to be on point. At times if feels like a cheap MadMax knock off with aliens. Save yourself 90 minutes and move on.
Robin Hood (2018)
Dreadful plot. Not funny. Big names can't save this trainwreck.
A well shot period piece, but full of silly things and terrible direction. The dialogue doesn't match the period. The opening scene is the indicator for the woeful ness of the rest of the film. Some big names and big location scenes can't save this ridiculous plot. A wasted opportunity because of terrible writing and direction. Cinematography is very good.
SAS: Red Notice (2021)
The beginning is pointless and goes downhill from there
The opening tries vainly to engage you with some pointless violence. It never draws the audience throughout the film. It's all very plain with budget production work and stale acting. .. Save yourself 2 hours and avoid this film.
Army of the Dead (2021)
Zac Snyder should stick to cinematography
Beautifully filmed. It has a PUBG feel to it. Plot is dreadful, even for a heist movie. Snyder loves his slomo and indulgence of slow camera pans. Lower your expectations and enjoy the artwork in the VFX and you'll have a good time.
Impossible Engineering: Ultimate Warship (2015)
Alot of filler not much about the carrier
The HMS QE is an amazing engineering feat. Plenty to demonstrate and discuss. But the producers saw fit to waste the viewers time talking about the pointless history of sea planes, and the very (very) early carriers. First 30 minutes is an exhausting waste of time.
Chaos Walking (2021)
Cheque book movie
Hollywood needs to pump out something during COVID, and they're not going to waste good stories and scripts when audiences can't get to the cinema. The plot is ridiculous even for sci-fi standards. They used bankable actors to try and salvage it. Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland drew the short straws...as A list actors they deserve something better to work with.
The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
Each sequel worse than the last
Cloverfield Paradox (PA), is a flashy production set in space, with beautiful visuals. But this can't save a half baked plot, unmemorable and shallow characters. The story sets itself in the near future, doing so is a challenge as the director's job is to take the audience to a believable future state. This is the first of many failures in this film. The next is the pointless interactions with the crew and woeful attempts at levity. With PA you expect monsters. PA gives you very, very little in this regard. And given that the Paradox franchise was launched on the way our civilisation would typically handle big monsters, you get virtually none of that here. Most of the dramatic confflict between characters and the elements is completely contrived and uninteresting. The director didn't have much to work with here, and didn't seem to have much skill in improving it, and it shows. Save yourself 102 minutes and avoid.
Warcraft (2016)
This is why games do not make good movies.
An overuse of special effects cannot carry this films woeful plot and script. Big money can't replace talent in the script writing and development of the story. Despite the craftsmanship if the CG specialists, many scenes are ruined by the poor art direction, with a cacophony of noisy and jarring colours of blue and green. Even die hard fans will be sorely disappointed at what is no less an abomination of the franchise. So, as the plot and script are beyond redemption, I'll describe the visual elements. The style and scenery is overtly influenced by the Chinese production companies involved. Although many technical talents have been employed, the art direction is immature and game-like. CG characters appear to be designed by game developers not cinematic specialists. The scenery lacks depth in representing its origin from Blizzard. Even Blizzards internal art teams produced higher quality unique cut scenes in the game, than any scene in this 90 minute travesty. I had wanted to see this movie succeed and do well, but the immature and narrow artistic view of the Chinese production companies involved has failed to carry the magic from our computers to the big screen.
The Undoing (2020)
Great except for the cheap ending.
The plot development is quite good.. David E Kelley had setup a good ending.. but you'll be disappointed. Hugh Grant is brilliant. Nicole Kidman's performance does not demonstrate any stretch of her skills. I have marked this as a potential spoiler, but have not specifically described the ending.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Sci fi drama without the drama
Beautifully made sci-fi film but lacking in plot development. The plot evolves at the same speed as its setting, glacially, and like the characters, without resonance with the audience. I don't mind Clooney films but he has been allowed to indulge his directorial fantasies without the right people to tell him he is making a flop. Pass on this one and save 2 hours of your life.
Fantasy Island (2020)
Simple entertainment.
It's a different twist on the original fantasy island as a horror mystery film. Horror is pretty mild. It's not Oscar winning stuff, but if you want some light entertainment this is ok. Silly in places, but the whole premise of the plot is silly.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Great movie, but endingmlets you down in true Cohen style
Great performances, a good plot. The pace drops away and at time the audience is confused as to some aspects. I would rate this higher if not for the terrible ending. 2 hours of my life I can't get back. I don't recommend any Cohen movies... ever.
Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
It's bad.. very bad.. it's hilarious.
This movie is so bad, that you have to laugh at it. Just make sure you don't pay to see it..
Flight (2012)
Great action drama
And Nadine Velasquez role in this film makes it even better...
Dead to Me (2019)
Aimed squarely at women in need of affirmation.
This series bored me to tears. Slow and mainly pointless... save yourself hours.. but I like Christina Applegate.. the script just stinks.
Wayne (2018)
Good doco about Wayne Gardener
If you remember Wayne and his triumphs in the 80s this is an interesting documentary. I would give it higher stars, but the post production sound edit of the ambient music. For some unknown reason,mit is so loud, you can't here the dialogue clearly. Frankly, it's a rookie mistake to pump the music so loud over the dialogue. The choice of music is also really strange, and becomes distracting as well.. the director should re-release this doco and fix the sound edit.