rorymccarthy-94675 Reviews

Once Upon a Time in Northern Ireland (2023)

Riveting. Possibly the best thing I've ever watched.

[10/10 · 1 July 2023]

Some may argue, that the "troubles" (too trivial a term for the "Horrors" they were) are past history, and to let it rest.

No.

You can learn from history, and hopefully avoid a repeat of it. (sadly due to human nature a faint hope).

This series examined the history of people who were involved in, (and those not directly involved), who suffered as a result, through absolutely riveting interviews interspersed with well selected news items. The interviewees came across as being totally truthful with very little disingenuity. (In a very few areas I caught a whiff of BS)

My background covers both sides involved, so a lot of the material was familiar to me. I do have an opinion on the root causes of the problem which allowed the "Horrors" to escalate, so perhaps at the start was viewing it in a slightly partisan way, but having watched this it's made it even clearer that no side "won". Everyone lost. Bravo to the team who made it.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Make sure you can fast forward.

[3/10 · 26 June 2023]

Far, far too long. We ended up fast forwarding the last 40 minutes. I suspect easier to review by the three acts.

Act One, * Rating.

The first act made a few points relating to the narcissistic nature of modelling and gender relationships in an occasionally accomplished way, but for the most part slightly leaden, but interspersed with gems (this was the danger of the entire film - you kept being encouraged to stick with it).

Act Two, ***** Rating.

The second act on board the yacht was the only part of the film, that (almost) consistently delivered, both comedicly and politically. OK, in places it took too long, but it was amusing and (a little too obviously) thought provoking.

Act Three, Zero * Rating.

I really don't know where to start, so won't. I mean HOW, could film professionals, not have realised it was unnecessary filler? Made obvious points over what seemed like an eternity. (probably about 45 minutes, but not wasting any more of life going back to check). Fast forwarded a lot.

Michael Palin's Hemingway Adventure (1999– )

Historical. Draw droppingly bad.

[1/10 · 21 July 2021]

Used to love his "around the World's" but this was appalling. Staged trite "jokes" no realistic attempt to add anything to Hemingway's legacy / myth. I initially thought "wrong person" to do this, but I'll watch it anyway. How the hell it won an award....