DarrylEvans2 Reviews

Most Haunted (2002–2019)

Compelling viewing for both paranormal believers and sceptics

[8 August 2004]

Whether you're a true believer or a sceptic of all things paranormal, there is no doubting that Most Haunted is a series of genuine investigations.

There has been some evidence that cannot be easily explained, and can make even the true sceptic think twice. Of all activity caught on camera (e.g moving crates, chairs etc) the crew cannot be expected to position the camera in a perfect place as they don't even know what's going to move. This becomes a perfect opportunity for critics to back up their theories on the programme by saying it's fake as the object was not fully in view.

As for the people who go on these investigations, there is absolutely no way that they could be acting or faking emotions. None of them are experienced actors. Their facial expressions often show genuine fear that could never be faked or exaggerated.

Give this show a chance. One day, they will find concrete evidence that spirits and ghosts do exist.

Casper (1995)

An outstanding technical achievement, and so much more!

[10/10 · 29 January 2004]

Casper is a beautifully made movie. It has great humor, excellent cast, an enchanting music score, spectacular special effects and a very touching story. This movie is a perfect family movie and certainly not targeted only for children.

Look out for some very amusing cameos (including Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson).

Full marks on this one!

Johnny English (2003)

Very painful - I laughed so much!

[10/10 · 26 April 2003]

Well, I think my One Line Summary says it all really. Johnny English is one of the best British Modern Comedies to be made in a long time. While not very original, the movie takes the material that made Mr. Bean and James Bond so good, and combined them into a 90 minute comedy that never once fails to impress.

But what made this film so successful? Firstly, one has to admire Rowan Atkinson's talent. He keeps this movie together and stops it from becoming tiring and tedious. He is probably one of the best actors in the United Kingdom. I applaud his performance. I did enjoy the performances of the rest of the other cast too. It was nice to see different actors and actresses play lead roles rather than casting the same faces over and over. Secondly, the set pieces were superb. * SPOILERS * The truck chase was very original, the scene in the Hospital and the Crowning Ceremony had me in stitches! I must also mention the musical score. While I am not a huge fan of Robbie Williams, his theme song "A Man For All Seasons" did suit the movie very well. The rest of the score, composed by Edward Shearmur, was very exciting. It was nice to see a contrast in tempos. For example, the truck chase action score was very upbeat and exciting, while the love theme was a beautiful swing in Waltz time. I look forward to hearing some more of his work in the near future.

So, how about a sequel? As much as I would like to see one, I think it is better all round that one is not made. If more are produced, I can see the Johnny English character slowly fading from our minds as a character who was once very funny and enjoyable to watch. Please don't go down the same road as Austin Powers!

As a last note, I recommend you do see this movie. Fans of Rowan Atkinson and James Bond will go mental for it, as will all comedy lovers!

And remember, the name is English - Johnny English. A Bloody Mary please, not too spicy!

Die Another Day (2002)

He's back, and he's better than ever!

[10/10 · 20 November 2002]

I have just seen this movie and I think it is probably the best Pierce Brosnan Bond film so far. It had by far the best stunts ever performed for the series, and the special effects were mind-boggling!

I recommend this movie to everyone. Unlike The World Is Not Enough, this movie keeps the story flowing without becoming tiring.

However, I do caution young children about seeing this film. It contains a stronger sex scene that has not been seen in any of the other Bond movies. Other than that, go now to see everyone's favorite secret agent at his very best!

Trespasser (1998 Video Game)

Fabulous, exciting game!

[10/10 · 8 October 2002]

Trespasser is one of the most under-rated games ever. When it was first released back in 1998, it got many bad reviews. The problem is, people did not look into the game in enough detail. There are MANY secrets in Trespasser that will make you never look at Jurassic Park the same way again.

Many aspects continue to thrill me and makes me wonder, "How were they capable of doing that in 1998?" Firstly, you can't help but be impressed by the A.I in the game. These dinosaurs think like animals! For example, if you shoot one, it may become scared and run away or on the other hand it could decide to attack. And since every dinosaur in the game is randomized with A.I, it makes the game play unique and exciting every time you play it!

Also, one can't help but be impressed by the physics engine. Things move very realistically and move differently depending on how hard you hit them. Even the dinosaurs react the environment very well. Speaking of the environment, this game has possible the most detailed jungle ever created for a game.

I was often delighted with the musical score in this game. When I saw two Brachiosaurs, a huge theme erupted and took me back to the first Brachiosaurus scene in Jurassic Park. Also sometimes the score could be very scary and make you wonder what is around the corner... Even some of the scenes were thought up by none other than Steven Spielberg himself. Knowing that fact alone is enough for me to buy the game!

Unfortunately this game is very hard to find. But if you do see a copy, I suggest you buy it straight away. If you like Jurassic Park then you will certainly enjoy the digital sequel to The Lost World.

Deep Impact (1998)

Very impressive

[10/10 · 2 June 2002]

(Possible spoilers)

I saw this movie on BBC1 here in the UK and after seeing it, I just had to go out and buy the movie itself. I was fascinated by many aspects of this movie. Characters: I actually cared for the characters. I did not want many of them to die, especially Tea Leoni. I was very impressed with all the acting in this movie, particulary Robert Duvall, Vanessa Redgrave and Tea Leoni. All did superb. Plot: I liked the sudden twist in the plot. I kept thinking throughout the movie that something would destroy the comets and everything would then be ok. I was shocked when a comet hit and killed almost every main character. Special Effects. I have not seen a movie with such great visual effects since the Jurassic Park trilogy. The overhead shot of the gigantic wave sweeping over New York was truly amazing. Script: At times this script was very touching. It was written with great accuracy. The acting did it justice.

Forget Armageddon! See this movie. You won't be disappointed.

George Takes the Air (1938)

A Classic Comedy!

[30 December 2001]

This is by far one of George Formby's funniest films. It is jam-packed full of humor and a touch of romance. I recommend this film to anyone who likes a good laugh. Unfortunately, they don't make films like this anymore!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Very unrealistic!

[1/10 · 14 December 2001]

Harry Potter was indeed a disgrace to the books. There was so many things wrong in it.

First thing. Steven Speilberg's magic was missing. Chris Columbus made it very unrealistic. It is a reminder of Home Alone. The only difference is that Home Alone was better. Daniel Radcliffe is a very bad actor. He is too inexperienced for a role in such a big movie. Many better actors could have been chosen.

The special effects are very unrealistic. For a $90 million movie they should have been perfect. When Harry is flying away on the broom it was clearly obvious that he was in front of a blue screen. The list could go on and on. The best effects this year belong to Jurassic Park ///.

Bottom line: I don't know how anyone could think a movie could justify with the book. Impossible. I hope no more are made.

Jurassic Park III (2001)

A masterpiece of imagination!

[10/10 · 11 December 2001]

(Warning of spoilers in this review)

Jurassic Park /// is a thrill ride with never a dull moment. It is jam-packed full of incredible special effects, great actors, imagination, humor, suspense - everything you could possibly ask for in a movie!

The film did indeed have a plot ( which many people said there wasn't). There was a beginning, middle and an end. Jurassic Park /// portrayed how a group of people REALLY would survive on the island. We had heard all the science in the first two movies. Now is was on to the action.

First of all, the dinosaurs. Industrial Light & Magic did a phenomenal job on the special effects. The scene where a Pteranodon grabs Billy in the water was simply perfect, just like the rest of the movie. It was nice to see the dinosaurs reacting more with their environment this time around. E.g. moving bushes, eating grass, splashing water. Stan Winston also excelled himself. The mixture of CGI and live action was nothing short of perfect. It was nice to see the dinosaurs portrayed as animals rather than pure killing machines like in The Lost World. The Spinosaurus was a nice change from the T-Rex. After all. T-Rex had been the main star of every dinosaur movie since movies began. Not very 21st Century is it?

The actors. Sam Neill really made his presence felt in this movie. He was his same old loving self from the first Jurassic Park. That was needed in this movie. Tea Leoni did a fine job acting Amanda - a much better improvement than Julianne Moore (Sarah Harding in The Lost World) who did not stop talking throughout the entire movie. The way Tea acted when coming face-to-face with a Velociraptor was spine-tingling. She was so scared. William H. Macy also acted his role well, as did Alessandro Nivola and Trevor Morgan. Laura Dern also made a very nice appearance.

The script. Even though it was written as they filmed the movie, the script proved to be a success and had many memorable quotes. Alan's speech about Astronomers & Astronauts was by far the best piece of writing I have seen in a film in a long time.

The ending was short but nevertheless good. The Pteranodons flying in the clouds was a perfect way to end a perfect movie. At last we saw something believable, unlike the San Diego scene in The Lost World. The main Jurassic Park theme was enchanting and enough to bring a tear to the eye. The original feeling of the original Jurassic Park came flowing back. Joe Johnson captured the Jurassic mood with his brilliant directing as did Don Davis with the score.

As a conclusion, this movie does not deserve the bad comments it gets. It is a true Jurassic Park. I recommend this movie to anyone. Buy the DVD or VHS now!