ianharrison747 Reviews

The Idea of You (2024)

Love 40

[8/10 · 9 May 2024]

You know that feeling when you eat a whole deluxe chocolate bar. You know you shouldn't do it, might feel a bit sick but absolutely love it. This film is like that.

There is obvious chemistry between Anne as Solene and Nicholas as Hayes. The cheesy script floats along. The sub plot concerning her darling ex husband Dan Dan the ego man staggers bluntly when it could have been more cutting edge.

The essence of the story is fair and totally acceptable... why shouldn't women be competing on a level sexual playing field ? However, whatever the moral mission, it is made very silky by Anne re- adopting her WOW factor as per The Devil Wears Pravda.. she looks fabulous !

So I know I shouldn't have watched it but who cares ? Let's feel good once in a while.

This Town (2024– )

The Buses aren't running on account of them

[10/10 · 28 April 2024]

Being on fire, is something Stephen Knight is perfect at... if you want drama this is for you. If you need a historical documentary, please get your fix elsewhere.

The first 20 minutes with Dante colliding with Jeannie amidst Birmingham riots and the last 20 minutes where the band, the RA and all seek solutions, are sublime. In between we have characteristic predictable unpredictability from Knight just like Peaky Blinders. Don't try to guess !

The casting is faultless with all the characters oozing charisma, vulnerability and most seeking redemption. Virgil in a strange way is the leader of the gang with his words and delivery copying the style of Peaky Tommy Shelby. Jordan Bolger as Virgil nails it and his brother played by Levi Brown surely must be a rising .... Michelle Dockery steals the show by a few hair extensions and because she puts Downtown firmly to rest. I dare you to be bored ... but watch out for the Devil's sniper.

Poor Things (2023)

Shuck, shock and what ?

[10/10 · 15 April 2024]

After watching Oscar challengers, Oppenheimer, Barbie, Flowers of the Killer Moon and Maestro, one was feeling a little compromised by blandness. Politically Oppenheimer holds the keys to the kingdom and rightly so. However, Poor Things hits you between the eyes immediately. It has taken me at least two shocking viewings to interpret the dramatic force of this, mad, peculiar and brilliant movie.

The script is sublime, the sets are ridiculous, the actors superb. You couldn't see a more slimy, creepy companion than Mark Ruffalo. Despite his personal reservations about taking the part, he is a brilliant arch slimeball. Many will say it is pretentious, attention seeking and annoying but it's a love hate movie. One last point... Emma Stone is magical. Absolutely believable and unbelievable. She grows mentally and physically through the film. It is a great part and she is just superb.

Ridiculous story, ridiculous actors and please just watch it before our piggy banks receive brain transplants..

Tish (2023)

I'm really sorry....

[10/10 · 1 April 2024]

I didn't know. This draw dropping moment. A feeling of disbelief. Viewing Rembrandts etchings or Van Gogh's drawings. They all felt like you were there. Tish was on par. She was in the battlefield like McCullin and Kilip, never parachuted in to do a job. She was there. The photos were black and white but the blood was still red. Her signing on at the age of 56 was a frightening indication of the lack of respect for art and ability.

Passion. Art or music without passion is nothing and irrelevant. Her black and white photos in the documentary are sometimes genius. The subject is often so unattractive - poverty, struggle, redundancy, deprivation and unemployment with new technology threatening permanency. Hats off to the BBC and Tish's daughter Ella for exposure at last. It makes me feel ashamed.

The Gentlemen (2024)

'I'm just a gamekeeper Charlotte '

[8/10 · 25 March 2024]

That was fun, right from the start. It will never win any Biftas or Baftas, but will liven up a dull and dark night.

Bit of a jigsaw but all the pieces mesh together sometimes like barbed wire. Ray Winstone is the fox throughout and there are also two Foxes in the cast.

Relative new people. Kaya Scodelario And Theo James ooze charisma and bristle with friction. Even Vinnie Jones is impressive ! No acting lessons needed. Echoes of Snatch especially with the interesting travellers, although Brad Pitt would have been a fabulous guest.

There is a great joke - one mustn't spoil it. All to be said is D. H. Lawrence would shuffle in his grave. Hats off to Joely Richardson for playing a magnificent game. Magnificent romp and circumstance.

Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Was Cat top banana ?

[9/10 · 2 March 2024]

The best opening of any film. Audrey Hepburn is angelic but it was rumoured that the first choice was Marilyn Monroe ! Tiffanys twinkles and the scoring is an harmonic orgasm. Composer Mancini was a genius.

It has an 'off the wall' magic yet predictable logic. Holly and Fred (her title) are an absolute chemical explosion. Their jobs being on the ' game' are so ironically predictable. Blake Edwards direction was competent and so solid but it is Audrey who oozes absolute unpredictability, charisma, annoyance, and vulnerability.

Moon River was more than a classic and the 1961 film represented the glorious aspirations of that time. I can't believe you haven't seen it !

Boarders (2024– )

Tricky but....

[8/10 · 26 February 2024]

Zoomed through the six episodes. Couldn't resist the fun and entertainment. It's one of those love hate dramas. Doubt there will be not much middle ground in the reviews. The chairperson of the governors Carol is wonderfully slimey played by Niky Wardley. Bernard the hard pressed headmaster is her equal but somehow scores a few more goodie points. Josh Teduku as Jaheim and Jodie Campbell as Leah must surely go on to far greater things.

One fears the wrath of those pointing to racial stereotypes and endorsement of elitism BUT if one considers it as just light entertainment - it's fab.

Anyway, it was a horrible tasteless picture (you'll know when you see it) and needed to be put on hold for bonfire night. Just enjoy it !

Men Up (2023 TV Movie)

Sex, Swansea and Videotape.

[8/10 · 20 February 2024]

Wow ! What a sensitive subject mixed with breast cancer, diabetes, the tribulations of being gay, suicide and a VHS video player that expires. Swansea, The Gower, Morriston Hospital adds a poignancy to the plot especially as my family roamed from the Rhondda.

The cast were well balanced and it was fantastic not to be swamped by the star syndrome. Meurig played by Iwan Rheon just about stole it with his sensitivity, vulnerability and imitation of a boy who went up a mountain as a boy and came down as a man.

The surprising use of humour without being smutty was the master stroke. ( Oops ...see it's almost impossible to avoid double entendres ). The variety of outcomes for the not famous five was very different and yet believable. A great body of work from writer Matthew Barry and director Ashley Way.

Everything I Know About Love (2022)

If I see any ffffing Prosecco

[9/10 · 6 February 2024]

Dolly Alderton is the mistress of observation. I have seen this several times and still scratch my head. The four girls are so different but brazen, robust, vulnerable, excitable but so real. Emma Appleton as Maggy is so annoying but wonderful whilst Beth Powley as Birdie is so wonderful but annoying.

The tracks are wonderful choices... especially in episodes 5 and 6 where Stand on the Word from the Joubert Singers and Goodbye England from Laura Marling completely nail it. I felt I had been there and ok I had.... Greenwich Village or Camden or maybe Belsize Park. I so wanted to be there again. The most heart wrenching moment was the gentle lecture from mummy of Maggie played by Sophie Thompson. Verbal beauty and literal care exposes writer Dolly as one of our best writers. I'll stop waffling and let you watch it. If you don't like it, no worries you probably haven't been there.

Wonka (2023)

I Hate Musicals....

[8/10 · 29 January 2024]

After grappling for a whole twenty minutes with the pseudo pretentious Maestro, one was even more apprehensive about Wonka. Scrub -scrub, in for a penny, in for a whole box of chocolates.

It's definitely Dahl not dull, Harry Potter with humour and Hugo with chocolate. Being confronted by the shop steward from Made in Dagenham, the Vicar from Four Weddings, the butler from Downtown, Matt from Little Britain and Hugh Grant from everywhere- it's not plain chocolate. Timothee Chalamet with one of those grave things I can't find on my phone and Calah Lane as Noodle were super whilst vulnerable and likeable as the leads.

The pair that stole the show with the fantastic nasty parts were Olivia Coleman and Tom Davis as Scrubbit and Bleaker romping through their unfriendly guest house. The use of CGI was hilarious and colourful, just amazing with the sets. Music was fab despite the fact I hate musicals. ! Hats off to director Paul King. Yes we know he had a massive 125 million dollars budget even allowing him to shoot in Watford- he created a great film for all ages and backgrounds. Oops and watch out for Hugh as an orange man with green hair.

One Chance (2013)

Surprisingly

[7/10 · 23 January 2024]

Despite James Corden's dodgy miming, he was surprisingly good with sensitivity, vulnerability and plenty of pathos. Paul Potts rules after all.

Frankel's direction was fast moving similar to his Devil Wears Prada. Slick editing adds to the pace. You are not allowed to be bored even in smokey Port Talbot. The cast wasn't as stellar as the US fashion team but Colm Meaney, Julie Walters Alexandra Roach and McKenzie Crook all turn in very competent support.

Ironically it wasn't dressed up to be ultra glitzy and kept the Welsh roots and didn't scare the pants off the audience off with dodgy opera. Paolo Potts sings really well throughout the movie even if he isn't quite Pavarotti. Easy watching, easy listening and proves Britain definitely Has Got Talent.

RAYE at the Royal Albert Hall (2024 TV Special)

' Put BBC1 on ' said the Boy.

[10/10 · 4 January 2024]

I didn't know RAYE the girl from South London, the Heritage Orchestra or the arranger and conductor Tom Richards. Within ten minutes I was staring and listening in disbelief. I didn't know The Telegraph had described her as the most talented artist since Adele and Amy Winehouse.

The opening number was a complete blast with this new star soaring immediately with a top gear on par with Streisand and Dion. The album My 21st Century Blues with a 65 piece orchestra and 30 piece gospel choir, simply roared at the Albert Hall. Songs like Body Dysmorphia and Ice Cream are amazing. The encore with fantastic lighting and the house organ was volcanic. I am sure you will all probably shout at me for 'I didn't know' but this was the best first experience I've had in 40 years ! It seemed like somebody had sent Amy back to us with the strength we wished she had.

Mr Bates vs. The Post Office (2024)

More Tea Vicar ?

[9/10 · 3 January 2024]

You will see more cups of cha in this film than any other. On paper, post offices, computer systems and cake sounds like the most boring formula for a film.

However the four episodes are gripping with never a dull moment. The script and cast are superb. Toby Jones fits the role like a warm glove and Lia Williams as PO chief Vennells is ambiguous, slimy, icy and first class. The film captures the essence of what was the biggest ever miscarriage of justice in British legal history. Over 2,700 claimants with the little people being sent to jail and financially ruined. It was like the establishment throwing darts at both naked feet. Let's hope that the film will take the lid off even more and at last we me find those responsible at the PO and Horizon punished. And where did Jo's £30,000 disappear to ?

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023)

Sore feet, sore brain

[5/10 · 29 December 2023]

I'm concerned that the British Film Industry is skint. Despite not looking for, machine guns, tower block jumping or flash bangs, one does like a bit of excitement and a sub plot.

It looks like the money moguls have come up with a formula. Employ a couple of veteran famous thespians, stick one on a journey with literally a linear story line and save a bomb ! Or bombs ! The journey means we can do away with expensive sets, cgi and all those expensive arty types. Wardrobe mistress ... doesn't seem there is even a wardrobe.

If it wasn't for the skills of Jim Broadbent and Penelope Wilton it would be dire. Probably a 2. The Great Escaper again 2023 with Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson has the same journey and aging thespian formula. It's worse - don't watch either if you are depressed. We are on a long and boring road.

Last Christmas (2019)

No such thing as normal...

[8/10 · 24 December 2023]

Slow burner.

Emilia gaining acclaim with this film and Me Before You.

Forget Game of Drones.

Emma Thompson quirky as fff.

Songs fabulous from Saint George.

Andrew Ridgeley spotted at end looks just like his dad Albert.

Camerawork imaginative.

Script almost bonkers.

Boyfriend called Boy !

Covent Garden looks fab.

Actors brill and amazing casting.

PC Trenchant Old Baggage WTF Incidental music lovely.

Tom is a fantastic part.

The moral diversity of the story at the time of writing is more poignant than ever before at Christmas 2023.

It's a beautiful film and will be a classic for absolutely everyone in the family....give it a couple of years, please have a heart x.

Bridge of Spies (2015)

What's the next move when you don't know what the game is ?

[9/10 · 17 December 2023]

Twist after twist, curve after curve. If you like this film you will be sucked into the dark atmosphere almost straight away.

Great writing from Coen brothers and Charman, fine unobtrusive music, great scenery and photography. The dialogue and acting from Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance is absolutely brilliant and yet understated.

The direction from Spielberg is masterful with a slow but steady gathering of pace. The ultimate scene with the spy swap is edgy and magnificent.

There are several classic scenes. The Berlin coat scene makes you almost feel the freezing cold. Will politics overrule law....'Would it Help ? ' Family sentiment right at the end is sheer genius almost providing a moral victory... almost.

Vigil (2021– )

I once went on a nuclear sub....

[8/10 · 16 December 2023]

Once upon a time I visited a French nuclear sub at Cherbourg called Le Redoubtable. It was claustrophobic, crammed with wires and felt extremely threatening. This first series feels just like that. You would have to be of a certain mindset and robustness to submerge.

This captures that menace and more. Suranne Jones shows strength, vulnerability and sheer skill. The bloke from Endeavour (not the boat) or junior Morse playing the coxswain and the bloke from The Darkest Hour who played the slimy Halifax are just two of a fine cast. The script often seems like Agatha Crispie tied up in knots at times but it's certainly thought provoking. I know there are a lot of sub moaners out there groaning about accuracy but please raise a periscope and realise it is drama. Fantastic drama too.

Arena: Screen Goddesses (2012) Season 38, Episode 9

Stars at Night

[8/10 · 8 December 2023]

I stumbled late at night across this fascinating visual documentary. Some great shorts, shots and scenes.

The stars all so diverse. The first wave of glamour looked as if they would eat a casting couch for breakfast. The big American pearls Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall looked so different from the Continental diamonds such as Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn. The second wave of natural looks with Catherine Deneuve and Julie Christie were introducing a classic new era.

Although still hiding the wrong side of the feminist line time wise... the impression was one of amazing female strength. The finale featuring Louise Brookes was incredible how she didn't even need to utter a word to turn the men into quivering jellies. The image appears so much larger than the behind the scenes politics, but then looks can be deceptive.

The Night Manager (2016–2025)

Edgy

[9/10 · 12 November 2023]

Revisiting the Night Manager after 5 years, it was amazing how tense and instantly magnetic it still seemed. So easy to see why Tom Hiddlestone has been suggested as the next Bond. With so much width of talent he doesn't need to be typecast. Pyne, Linden, Quince or Bond ?

Sharp script, fine score, amazing sets and scenery. A cast to die for and some do. Hugh Laurie oozes smooth, Olivia Colman spouts grumpiness and David Harewood is super cool. Elizabeth Debicki has the most beautiful back I have ever seen ! Tom Hollander is gloriously poisonous.

It's a classic and will show the test of time. A surprise round every corner and always close to the edge and really close to a ten.

She Came to Me (2023)

Once in a while

[8/10 · 8 November 2023]

It can be a musician, an artist, a play or a film. It leaves you baffled. Liking it, is just the bonus.

The roles resemble a box of frogs. Everybody is hiding behind a curtain of creative or functional normal. Only Katrina, who in theory is the maddest of all, has the real sole and sanity. She is the most sincere.

The film jingles along - dysfunctional and baffling until that moment in the bar when Katrina interrupts sullen Steven. Immediately the chemistry kicks in. Once again Marisa Tomei edges a film.. never obvious. I couldn't issue a plethora of spoilers, as half the time I was grappling with the odd plot. Rebecca Miller directs, produces and writes a challenging and thought provoking parable ? This is a slow burner.

Then Came You (2020)

No Cross Swords

[6/10 · 7 November 2023]

It's a great advert for the Scottish Tourist Board. Geez the Americans will love this with castles, glorious whisky, romantic lakes and loveable sheep. Unfortunately there is a mismatch between the two stars. Kathie Lee Gifford is too nice and Craig Ferguson too pleasantly grumpy. It's only when the sparky Liz Hurley briefly appears that we see a crossing of swords.

The American visitor is a fine singer but far too jovial suffering from a blunt script. Maybe if Cameron Diaz or Sandra Bullock had confronted the Highland cattle it could have been a lot more entertaining. Even Mrs Harris going to Paris captures the essence of cross border culture clashes. It's pretty harmless and won't offend any members of the family. Nice scenery too !

My Cousin Vinny (1992)

Gamble on Gambini

[8/10 · 30 October 2023]

It's not serious- it's a comedy ! Watched it in 2023 and thought it fresh and fun. Marisa Tomei, Joe Pesci and Fred Gwynne as the Judge sparkle. However, every witness and even jury persons are perfect picks. It's easy to watch and quaint and quirky like the town in the film.

Ok one can see why a few moaned and groaned about Marisa getting the Academy Award. Maybe the part was two dimensional and nowhere as near as complex as say Erin Brokovich. Ironically the bright car mechanic is at opposite ends to the Brooklyn Broad but Marisa pulls it off like a load of flying hub caps. Since 1992 she has shown some fine performances just as worthy.

I thought it fun.... Is that a sin ?

Taxi Driver (1976)

I just don't know

[9/10 · 20 October 2023]

I watched it puzzled and remember it confused. So close to the edge and the ultimate cutting edge of dysfunctional. De Niro is weird, freaky, almost normal then imbecilic. The only other performance close to this is Jack Nicholson in Cuckoo's Nest. Scorsese doesn't punch or sensationalise... he ambles the film along - no drama. Jodie Foster acts like a seasoned, isolated, vulnerable? Underage, encapsulated empty cracker. It's still De Niro who spooks one out. Although strange as fruit it's totally believable.

The score from. Bernard Herrmann's score is brilliant especially with his such unusual bottom end of bass trombone and baritone if not bass sax. I'm still thinking!

The Woman in the Wall (2023–2024)

Happy Valley to Miserable...

[9/10 · 26 September 2023]

For acting skill and chemistry this is the best series since Happy Valley. Ruth Wilson and Daryl McCormack are absolutely top. They've both come a long way since girl assassin in Luther and boy gangster in Peaky Blinder. There isn't a weakness with any of the actors.

The script although like a spiders poisonous web and convoluted eventually clears the smoke and much dust.

Fine camerawork and scenery helps build a creepy tension. No jokes, just deadly dark. The RC Church doesn't come off too well and the local police especially Simon Delaney as Massey eventually redeem themselves. Recycling babies and hiding from Mr Cruelty isn't a happy subject so please take a deep breath. It's not nice but worth patience and concentration.

The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

No curiosity...

[5/10 · 21 September 2023]

This film reminded me of Bodyguard. A bit weird but the female heroine dies halfway through just like Keeley Hawes the eminent politician n in Bodyguard.

If you need to commit cinematic suicide... spend an hour or so building up a character with a great actor like Keeley Hawes or Claire Foy and then kill them off.

Richard Madden and Benedict Cumberpatch both excel but needed a sparring partner and excellent scripts to complete the films.

Cats, much as I am curious will not make up for a savage sinking of the ship half way through the dim script. The Electrical Life loses it's spark and will to live around one hour. Nice photography, artwork and competent music but then they all seemed to die by 1899. Sorry I've lost the plot if there was one.