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Reviews
True History of the Kelly Gang (2019)
It did shake me up
I'm not gonna lie. This film is weird. Especially towards the end. Ned goes crazy and there was no slow release into it. One second he was sticking up for his family the next he was gunning down coppers instead of walking around them (not to mention cutting off an ear!).
However, as someone who grew up in England, has an Irish family, and now lives in Northern Ireland, it did shake me up. To this day there is still 'trouble' between the Irish who want to be with the UK and the Irish that don't. I've had conversations at length with my family about it. But, this tension does cause problems with people from different areas around Ireland getting jobs much, like I think this film was trying to show (thought it wasn't clear).
So, personally it did have a message to me. I did feel a connection with the story. I'm struggling to explain that connection so, I'll move on to my other thoughts.
The acting was good. There were 3 actors in this film with whom I knew previous works well. Those were Charlie Hunnam, Nicholas Hoult and George MacKay. And I personally thought there performances were good.
I seen a lot from Charlie Hunnam and although I don't believe this was his strongest performance, he did genuinely make me scared, particularly when he arrested Red Kelly. Although, (I know this isn't the fault of the actor) he did seem to just vanish after Ned left Harry Power, which bugged me slightly.
Nicholas Hoult was much the same as Hunnam. Not his strongest character but, he did scare me. However, he was another character that seemed to just suddenly become crazy. And I do feel that his character wasn't really needed. The only addition to the story he created was to hook Ned up with Mary and he was the person to snap Ned's twig, so to say. But, we could've had Sgt O'Neil (Hunnam's Character) do that. I mean this version of the story wasn't true so, it's a change they could've made.
And final actor I know, George MacKay. He is a good actor. But, I didn't like him in this. There were moments where he stood out, and I thought his accent was decent (though it did waver at times). But, it was him going crazy, and wearing the dress, it just didn't feel like the Ned Kelly we met as a child. Now, people change but, this was just too quick of a change for me. This film hasn't changed my view of Mackay's abilities as I think my problems are more likely to do with the script or directing or even the editing (or all 3).
I saw one person suggest that this may have done better as a series. And I agree. Even if it was just a short series, sticking to the original idea (rather than pumping up the seasons to get more money out of a show people have forgotten about). The pacing to this film just didn't work as a film. And maybe that was my problem with Ned and Fitzpatrick going crazy so quickly. But, this fast pacing also left out information like:
- Where's O'Neil?
- What happened to Kate when the boys ran away?
- Why did jail change Ned so much?
- Did George King leave (or was he killed?)
This one might just be me but, I swear when Ned was a child there were more than 3 children but, when he comes home after 10 years, there is only Kate and Dan (who we didn't actually get fully introduced to when they were kids, or adults, which meant I personally didn't feel much for them).
Regardless, I do think this is a good watch. It might be one than you can only watch once and your happy but, it is worth it. You just need to keep an open mind.
Merlin (2008)
All time favourite
I've adored this show since I was about 8 or 9 when it first aired. I was obsessed with it. My family always sat down to watch it on a Saturday together but since it ended we've never sat down to watch anything together since. (At least not every week like we did with Merlin).
Merlin is a show for the family. Yes it can be cheesy, yes it can be iffy with sfx but one thing that will not let you down is the acting. As an acting student myself this is what I aspire to be.
Though this isn't completely to the original Arthurian legends, it is an amazing take on it. It also sparked an interest in me to want to find out the real legend. (Which has led to me finding out some amazing facts and even going to some Arthurian sites in Wales).
Despite the 5 series show ending about 5 or so years ago (give or take) I still rewatch this show to this day. Finally all I can say is don't take this show too seriously (as in using the show for research) but enjoy it with a pinch of salt.
Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)
So fun!
I love this film so much. I loved the first one and I love this one. Yes it's violent, yes it's rude, but I think it's so good.
A lot of reviews on here with low stars all have something in common, that all say it's too violent. In my opinion yes it's violent but that shouldn't mean it should get a low rating, think of how many things are violent out there that people love, Call of Duty, Deadpool, Kick - Ass, etc.
If you take out the violence there are so many good points, great acting, awesome effects and to me a unique storyline. There is no doubt this film has cringy moments but there is no film without them.
Something that also stands out to me (more in secret service than golden circle) is the good portrayal of working class England. As someone who comes from a similar area to Eggsy (except up North) I love the idea of someone becoming a 'hero' of sorts.
Really the main point I wanted to make was when watching be open minded and think about how many other much loved films/games are rude and violent before judging this one for it. As a drama student I make it crucial to look at more than just the surface of a film.