Watched this film today and spent the whole time trying to articulate what was wrong with it to myself. Basically I didn't hate it and I didn't love it. It was competently made, good effects, some comedic moments and good set pieces. But it just didn't feel like something derived from a SNL skit. The joy of ghostbusters was that it was free wheeeling, that it was anarchic. That, similar to the Blues Brothers, somebody had allowed a bunch of slackers to spend millions on making a movie which to coin Bill Murray from Meatballs "just didn't matter". Afterlife was touching and sweet, looking back at that time with a smile and a wink. This however, was just a generic family action movie, using the brand name of the ghostbusters. It left me indifferent.
Reviews
4 Reviews
The Famous Five
(2023– )
Waste of time.
2 January 2024
Hello. I just turned on the tv and saw this programme. As a child I adored these books as did my friends, we even made up our own famous five stories. I remember the books as wonderful, timeless classics, warm and lovely. However this series is the opposite. I was struck immediately by George's converse. Fun fact, converse was popularised in the 1960s. Secondly, the characters were rude, petulant and wooden. None of them convey any realistic human emotions. Also, what is with the music? It's incredibly annoying and unnecessary. The acting is outright hilarious, a complete mockery of these cherished books.
"Yeah right?" Is this a phrase used in the 1930s? This series is a disappointment to anyone who loved these books. In addition, I am writing as a thirteen year old who is warning others to stay away.
One last thing. The start titles. I thought I was watching some kind of experimental perfume ad. CANCEL THE SERIES!
"Yeah right?" Is this a phrase used in the 1930s? This series is a disappointment to anyone who loved these books. In addition, I am writing as a thirteen year old who is warning others to stay away.
One last thing. The start titles. I thought I was watching some kind of experimental perfume ad. CANCEL THE SERIES!
The Creator
(2023)
Visually stunning film that just doesn't work
30 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler warning...
Had high hopes for this one but very disappointing. First the plot holes- what exactly is the power balance between China and the US? The prologue explains that America turned away from AI but China did not. Surely this means that they would now be a superpower yet in this film they seem to almost a feudal state of peasants and rice fields. Meanwhile the USA is allowed to tower over them in their Death Star unchallenged. Although Chinese high tech police still turn up at times. Secondly, why do the US have a store of replicant versions of his wife on their ship? How did they even get her DNA as she was either in hiding or in a coma in a hidden fortress for years.
But plot holes aside, the central conceit of a benevolent AI threatened by meddling, Luddite humans stick with antiquated notions of what it means to be real felt like an inversion of every dystopian story ever made, and not in a challenging and thought provoking way either.
I know it's fiction, but every robot seemed to either dressed in Buddhist robes or caring for sick children, whilst the humans were generic grunts straight out of a Vietnam flick, which I know is the point, but using AI as the plucky underdog just does not work.
All in all, I don't regret seeing it at all, and would always prefer a film that tries and fails, as opposed to yet another Marvel extravaganza, but this was very disappointing.
Had high hopes for this one but very disappointing. First the plot holes- what exactly is the power balance between China and the US? The prologue explains that America turned away from AI but China did not. Surely this means that they would now be a superpower yet in this film they seem to almost a feudal state of peasants and rice fields. Meanwhile the USA is allowed to tower over them in their Death Star unchallenged. Although Chinese high tech police still turn up at times. Secondly, why do the US have a store of replicant versions of his wife on their ship? How did they even get her DNA as she was either in hiding or in a coma in a hidden fortress for years.
But plot holes aside, the central conceit of a benevolent AI threatened by meddling, Luddite humans stick with antiquated notions of what it means to be real felt like an inversion of every dystopian story ever made, and not in a challenging and thought provoking way either.
I know it's fiction, but every robot seemed to either dressed in Buddhist robes or caring for sick children, whilst the humans were generic grunts straight out of a Vietnam flick, which I know is the point, but using AI as the plucky underdog just does not work.
All in all, I don't regret seeing it at all, and would always prefer a film that tries and fails, as opposed to yet another Marvel extravaganza, but this was very disappointing.
Barbie
(I) (2023)
Warning- this is not a family film
23 July 2023
I had my reservations going in due to the fact that this was directed by "mumblecore" maestro Gerwig, who was last seen modernising little women to ensure a more feminist ending, but the trailers gave the impression of a fun dish out of water, Elf Meeta enchanted vibe.
Instead we got an extended diatribe against men for two hours, albeit amidst some funny scenes and lovely set design. Watching empowered, millionaire actors, writers and directors scream about their oppression by all men is not entertaining, and I found it sad later to see all the excited little.girls waiting to see the next show, to know that they are going to spend the afternoon essentially being told of the evils of their Dads, sitting next to them in the screen!
Instead we got an extended diatribe against men for two hours, albeit amidst some funny scenes and lovely set design. Watching empowered, millionaire actors, writers and directors scream about their oppression by all men is not entertaining, and I found it sad later to see all the excited little.girls waiting to see the next show, to know that they are going to spend the afternoon essentially being told of the evils of their Dads, sitting next to them in the screen!
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