info-5918 Reviews

The Beekeeper (2024)

Great Statham action flick

[8/10 · 7 May 2024]

Lots of action, with a continuous flow of action, martila arts and gunfights. Statham i s particularly in his element here, the interesting thing perhaps is the central figure of veronica parker, torn between her duty and justice.

The beekeper is bent on righting rights, when clearly the system is not working. Despite a simplistic plot, the mythology of the beekeeper, his invulnerability adds to the action - almost a meta comment on Stathams action heroes in general.

Jereemy Northam and Raver Lampton are great in this, as is Statham in his usual role. Definitely one of Statham's better action movies.

The Oregon Trail (1959)

Bad fake sets and long plot

[5/10 · 24 April 2024]

The horrificly bad sets are distracting to the point where I found this movie unwatchable. While some scenes are show out on location, many of the wagon train shots are shown moving along whith what is obviously a set in the background. There's some cliche storylines, and some average acting. Clearly this could of been a good movie, with an interesting basic plot, but it fails. The sad thing is, it had a big budget, but it really looks cheap.

The indians are cliched, and there is a odd sub plot about Britain and oregon which isnt really followed up. Bad indians of course, are simply defending their own homelands.

Cool Cat vs Dirty Dog: The Virus Wars (2023)

Horrific

[1/10 · 13 April 2024]

This seems to be a kids show written and made by rednecks in the south the US. It has a nonsensical plot, incedibly bad editing, the sound mixing is all over the place. The sets look like actual people's houses... actual people's really *bad* houses. It looks like it was made for somewhere between 15 and 22 dollars. I have no idea who made this and what audience it is made for, but even the worst mainstream shows than this are ten times better. Its the script that could of been produced by a drunken 10 year old.

If I wanted to tie someone down make them watch a show over and over, in order to get them to reveal the secrets of my enemies, this would be my go to program.

ON top of that, it features a song that implies that the covid virus isn't real, just to make sure the message it is getting across is fitting for the sort of audience that may watch this.

Don't watch this, you have been warned.

Starship Troopers (1997)

Brilliant action movie combined with a study of fascism and propaganda

[9/10 · 24 February 2024]

When you read the long history of development of the movie, you realise how much work blood, sweat and tears went into it. Its really a one off... no one but Paul Verhoeven could put this together, any nromal director would make a straight action sci fi, but its a weird combination of military, sci fi, horror and romance.

Its like Same Peckinpah made a movie about the Waffen SS taking over starfleet.... with romance.

I have watched it, many times and its always good value, and the effects are so good they still hold up pretty well, despite being 20 years old now.

Just a really different movie, lots of fun, good actors, and a lot more is going on here than meets the eye. There is no other movie like Star Ship troopers, its a one of a kind.

AKA (2023)

Great, moody French actioner

[9/10 · 9 December 2023]

This was a great French action movie, in the tradition of Luc Besson.

Great action scenes, interesting plot, dark suspence, and some nice twists. Alban Lenoir is *excellent* as a brooding, non chatty government operative, who is forced into situations where he has to think on his feet. I could easily see Lenoir becoming a major action actor, and the fact he was a stuntman before he became an actor shows.

Eric Cantona's role is good as well, though not perhaps a major role as you would think.

Definitely up there with one of my favorite crime/action movies - well worth a look - I'm off to see what other movies this actor has done!

The Proud Rebel (1958)

Tearjerker and not a bad western - music ripped off A Big Country??

[8/10 · 19 November 2023]

Someone else pointed out, the music was very similiar to A Big Country, if I was the composer, I'd be suing!

Apart from that, I thought this was similiar to Shane, in that Alan Ladd plays an ex fighter (in this case soldier) who doesn't want to fight, and wants to prove he can handle things diplomatically, in order to make a point to the boy in his life.

However it is different enough that its certainly not a copy. The extra element of being a southerner, dealing with prejudice, and having a son to look after with a psychological impairment I thought made it interesting, not your cookie cutter western format.

I did find Olivia de Haviland not as pretty as the girls that normally feature in these films, though the characters tended to refer to her as such. But she was a great actress and did a great job of it. Cool seeing Harry Dean Stanton in one of his earlier pieces, but particularly convincing was the mute son, who did a great job.

Of note is the photography, with a lot of landscape shots, and interior shots that were particulalry artistic.

Well worth a look.

The Son (I) (2022)

Wow - amazing

[10/10 · 17 September 2023]

Simply amazng film. I don't often give out 10s for movies, but this is one of the best, touching dramatic films I have seen for a long time.

The son touches on themes very common in everyday life - broken familiies work life balance, and how much time we have for each other.

I'm quite dissapointed and a bit amazed I hadn't heard of this film, I stumbled across it and started watching it. I was littlerall yelling at the characters at some point. Laura Dern is great, but Hugh Jackman was incredible, and from the movies I Have seen him in, I would have to say this is his finest dramatrci work.

Definitely worthwhile film, and hopefully it gets more credit as time goes on.

I Love My Dad (2022)

Way better than I expected

[8/10 · 20 August 2023]

This is probably one of the stranger ideas for a story... but apparently based on something that actually happenned between the writer and his own father.

It definitely goes far into ringe territory, however despite the premise, its sort of a believable scenario - where a parents love for their child and their interest in their lives goes just a bit beyond what it should.

I think one of hte key themes of the movie is you shouldn't understimate what parents will do for their kids, and this is probably something to consider. There's a lot of cringe in this, but it is funny at time, but also like waiting for a train wreck.

Overall, an odd movie but definitely watchable and interesting premise.

Foundation (2021– )

One of the most best "intelligent" sci fi shows made

[9/10 · 15 August 2023]

First of all, people who read the books seem dissapointed.

I haven't read the books, so I came to this as a straight sci fi show - and I wasn't dissapointed. So much sci fi consists of action, space ship combat and robots.

Foundation looks at humanity. Human nature, Government, society and how society works. It is sci fi at an epic scale, an intelligent show with amazing concept, and a wry sense of humour.

If you like intelligent, fascinating sci fi, with great concepts and incredible visuals and production standards, Foundation is one of the best. I think it will become to be known as one our great sci fi dramas.

Devil's Doorway (1950)

Excellent and somewheat poignant Western

[8/10 · 14 July 2023]

This is a very early example of a Western that is sympathetic to the American INdian. IN fact, made in 1950, it was many years before the Indians were not treated as 2 dimensional bad guys.

Showing much of the prejudice against the native peoples, it shows how little regard there was for them, in the west.

Rather than a predictable ending, it ends with a powerful and sad message, a comment on the time.

Perhaps, a cliched bit of writing about the woman Lawyer masters. However visually, quite splendid - and of course Anthony Mann always has something interesting when he works with the genre. In my eyes, a very different, and brave western, perhaps ahead of its time.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Charades (2023) Season 2, Episode 5

Awesome Ep

[10/10 · 13 July 2023]

This episdode was a delightful spock centred episode. While a lot of it was comedy, dealing with changes to spocks character, there was a romantic sub plot between Spock and Jess.

Suprising a clash between Vulcan logic and traditioan, forces spock to actually question his Vulcan side over his human side, something he rarely does. In this case, spoke realised what his mother must be going through, living in an alien culture and forced to adapt for love.

I found the scenes where spock finally related to his mother and what she had gone through very powerful - such a logical emotionless character to fincally show his feelings.

Overall, there was a lot in this, some great humour, romance and drama. Awesome episode.

Star Trek: Enterprise: Harbinger (2004) Season 3, Episode 15

Excellent little ep

[8/10 · 28 June 2023]

This is not a major episode, with nothing signifcant in terms of plot points for the major story arc, but is a great little advance in the drama of the characters.... T'pol and Trip and Major Hayes and Malcolm Reed.

T'pol and Trips romance has been suggested at, and this advanced it - with T'pol getting jealous. At the same time, Major Hayes and Reeds relationship, which has been slowing heating up, boils over.

Both end up being humourous - with T'pols being distrtacted int eh training. However, one of the most hurmours scenes in the whole show is when Reed throws himself through the air at Hayes, and their fighting breaks out from the Gym into the general area of the ship.

ONe of the funniest eps of the show, and also, one of only two episodes of any Star Trek with nudity!

The Harbinger main storyline is almost inconsequential.

Memorable episode, and one of my favorites.

Star Trek: Enterprise: Similitude (2003) Season 3, Episode 10

One of the best episodes of any Trek

[9/10 · 26 June 2023]

While Enterprise is controversial among the Treks, it definitely has its high points and endearing characters.

This ep is one of the better ones - it concerns a unique ethical dilemna, with Arcehr faces the choice between saving earth, and saving his crew member.

However, things change and what is a straight forward ethical decision becomes less straight forward.

Phlox, as always, provides a technical viewpoint, and provides ethical advice and commentary ont he situation.... whicle the ep also expands on Trips budding relationship with T'pol. Its a rare show of emotion for her, and she deals with her feelings.

But mostly we feel for Sim, as a live organ donor.

Its science fiction, touching on the human experience, at its best. Great episode, and some nice acting by Connor Trineer.

Star Trek: Enterprise: Cogenitor (2003) Season 2, Episode 22

One of the best eps of ENT

[9/10 · 19 June 2023]

This was a really interesting idea, and a neat little compact morality play.

The idea of three genders was an interesting, one, and it shows that we shouldn't consider everyone is like us.

There were lots of interesting themes in this ep, and the ending was unexpected.

Rather than take a particular predicatable line, the story showed that things don't always work out how you expect them to... and sometimes there are unforseen consequences of ones actions.

I thought the cogenitor role was great, but also it was good that the crew encountered a race that were happy and wanted to assist.

However, probably the best thing was trip getting dressed down - showing the crew aren't all perfect and do make mistakes.

Great episode, said by the actor who plays Malcolme Reed as his favorite.

I Like Movies (2022)

Quirky, awesome little comedy

[9/10 · 16 June 2023]

I stumbled across this movie with the rather stupid title, which rather belies how different and complex it was.

The movie is essentially about Lawrence, a complex flawed character, and the issues he faces with his life.

Lawrence is rude, unrealistic, doesn't value his best friend Matt, and self centres and uncaring for his mother. But the movie does a great job of following his life, as it unlargely unravels, him losing friends, dealing with his relationship with his mother, and a growing complex relatinshop with his boss at the video store he works at.

This is a great little film well worth watching.

Please Stand By (2017)

Great little story

[8/10 · 8 May 2023]

Please stand by is a great little quirky story. Not following any predictable pattern, it follows the story of an autistic girl basically fed up with her life, and trying to break out and reach her dream.

She's not equipped to deal with life, but sheer passion and willpower push her to reach her objective.

Dakota Fanning does an excellent job with the main role, and its really a shame that this movie didn't get more notice when it was released. Alice Eve was great, and as always, Tony Collette was excellent.

Possibly the only issue I had with it was the story lagged a little, but overall, it was a sweet little movie.

Recommended, and extra points if you know a little Klingon.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

Superior drama, still holds up to this day

[9/10 · 25 March 2023]

I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this movie - I'd read about it for many years, but the story seemed a bit quaint and I thought it would be a bit Hokey. William Wylder is an awesome director, so I should have know anything he did wouldn't be.

The movie deals with three men returning from war, and the issues they face. Compared to the hundreds of war films made, this was one that dealt the family/social dramas of what happens after that. IN particular, it looks at small town social fabric, and how it works. The most dramatic, heartending moments are dealing with Homer, a man that has lost both his hands in the war, and is dealing with prosthetics. This storyline was done really well - not how I expected at all, and in fact portrayed by a real war vet. He won an oscar for his performance, and I think it was well deserved.

There is a scene in the movie where he sits on the bed, with his prosthetics removed - a close of his face reveals him to be sadly and queitly contemplating his existence. His story was the most powerful, but restrained rather than over the top.... the restraint shows how good Wylder really is.

Lastly, the movie is also a great window in later 1940s small town life.

Notting Hill (1999)

One of the best rom coms ever.

[9/10 · 26 December 2022]

I think a very loose remake of Roman Holiday, I just watched Notting Hill again after 20 years, and its as good as ever. The whole thing covers realistically, what a normal person would do if they fell in love with a huge movie star, but also finds amazing humour and insight into romance, human nature, and the film industry.

Richard Curtis's is a rare mix of a truly funny writer, but at the same time, he is a true romantic - he is arguably the best Rom com writer/director. This is one of, if not the best of his works.

Hugh Grant is perfect as the slightly awkward but witty "everyman" and Julie Roberts works so well as the Hollywood actress.

The "I'm just a girl, talking to a boy" scene is brilliant, and one of the best scenes in any romance move... hard to keep your eeys dry in it.

Another strong element is the cast of his friends, all great actors delivering great dialogue, in the setting of the Npotting Hill area of London.

Simply Brilliant. The best romcom of the 1990s, if not of all time.

Fury (2014)

Well made but silly and unrealistic

[6/10 · 26 December 2022]

The production values, costumes and sets in Fury are great, and the acting is good. The characterisations and crew dynamics are great, and the story generally is good..... but some of the scenes are over the top ridiculous.

The last scene where a disabled Sherman tank, with 4 wounded crew, holds out for hours (including the night time) against the waffen SS regiment, all armed with Panzerfausts is just pure fantasy, and basically destroys the movie.

In this era people want realism in war movies. Why go to the trouble of having realist weapons and armour depicted in your film, if such ridiculous things happen? This m

Could of been a good film, with just a more realistic storyline grounded by some proper research.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)

A Nice sequel - cute little rom com

[7/10 · 9 December 2022]

It's not easy to do sequels, but this was pretty good. A good script, some funny actors, and pretty good pacing. I must say, not enough is made of Andrea Martin in the two movies - she's a long time veteran of comedy acting, going back to SCTV and her timing and comedy is one of the backbones of the two movies.

Nia Vardolous is great as well, as are the supporting players, and Elena Kampouris played the daughter unepectedly well, despite perhaps some cliched writing for her

Overall, a funny charming film, definitely a worth sequel. Of special value to anyone from a greek or Italian background, or who has hung out with them! Opa!

Wog Boys Forever (2022)

Worth watching if you like the series, but the weakest of the Blue Valiant Trilogy

[6/10 · 30 November 2022]

Wog Boys Forever (The third movie in what the fans call the "Blue Valiant Trilogy") follows the continuing adventures of its main character Steve, following on from the first two movies. Giannopolous (who wrote it and plays the main character) is a funny creative guy, but to me, I think his problems sometimes lay in putting a story together. Wog Boys 3 has some great comedic material, but the problem is with the story, and perhaps, the villains. While the two main protaganists, Steve and his long time Italian Australian friend Frank (played well by the talented Vince Colisimo), and Cleo (also well played by Sarah Roberts)- its the villains of the piece, the daughter of his original foe from the first movie, and sleazy night club owner Goldie, are very one dimensional. Overall, the plot and some of the characterisations are a bit simplistic, though the targeting of Conservatives in Australia is perhaps warranted given the current political climate in Australia.

Giannopolous is a good comedic actor, and can write, and with the Sooshi Mango team's obvious contribution, there were a few moments where I laughed out loud. There are some funny observations of the Italian/Greek Australian culture, that anyone who knows will be able to laugh at. But overall, the plot probably needed some work. As others have said, this is perhaps the weakest of the the three (my favorite is Wog Boys 2:Kings of Mykonous, which gets a crap rating on IMDB but is actually quite good), but for those Australians who have a connection to migrant culture, or those who liked the series, its a must see. I do hope Giannopolous makes another one, but spends a bit more effort polishing the script.

Love and Monsters (2020)

Great little quirky adventure

[8/10 · 3 September 2022]

This was an unusual apocalypse romance movie. A little bit whimsical, unusual and light hearted, I hadn't heard much about it. I think the issue is it appears as a kids movie, but its not in the typical sense.

Some great writing, the lead is great, and the whole apocalypse world is well done. CGI was *really* good, and the scenery is the best of beautiful Queensland. It appears to be set up for a sequel, and I hope there is one!

UNfortunately, it doesn't appear to have gone that well at the box office, I think it didn't get a cinema release, becuase of covid - I certainly hope its makes its money back.

Overall, its a bit like Zombieland with monsters instead, but avoids some of the cliche apocalypse type tropes. Well worth a look.

The Modern Way (2022)

Low budget but nice little Mod drama

[7/10 · 22 July 2022]

There's been a few mod based drama's released recently, and this is probably one of the better ones. Its a bit of a crime flick, but it has some personal drama, a bit of romance...and scooters.

Jake Henderson as the main mod Terry (also the writer), and the Bad guys Jack Parr and Nick Cornwall all did some nice acting, the younger leads weren't quite as good. Overall, most of it is respectable, and some decent dialogue. It is clearly restricted by budget (made for a tiny 50,000 pounds), but even so, I've seen movies with ten times the budget that were absolute rubbish.

Worth a look if you like skinhead mod dramas, or 80's retro flicks.

What If (I) (2013)

Great little rom com

[8/10 · 3 July 2022]

I hadn't heard of this, and was a bit hesitant as I don't see Daniel Radcliff as a big romantic actor, but... I was suprised. It was really well done.

Really a comedy about life decisions, and where frendiship cross the line.

Very witty dialogue, and the two leads were great. Well worth checking out.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Spock Amok (2022) Season 1, Episode 5

Great ep - SNW is definitely the best of recent Star trek

[9/10 · 2 June 2022]

Just great, by episode 5, the characters for the show are really getting some depth. The actors for the show are really decent, What works with the show is how close it is to the original, there is good interplay between characters, and interesting one off episodes every week.

Also kudos to T'pring for playing a Vulcan so well, not easy to act without emotions.

Episode wise, this was a great shore leave episode, with a mix of humour, important diplomacy, romance, and no obvioius action threats. Some great details, and some throwbacks to the original series. Great episode, and I am really liking ST:SNW, much better than Picard or Discovery in my opinion.