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martinmcnulty
Reviews
The Zone of Interest (2023)
Good idea but bad movie
As many have pointed out in these reviews the idea (concept) is great but that doesn't make for an interesting movie.
This is the typical example of a movie being made when a short film would have worked much better.
There isn't anything in the story shown that makes for compelling viewing. Of course they couldn't make the characters lovable or add any humour because that would defeat the message of the film and they couldn't make the characters sadistic because that would be historically inaccurate so you are left with characters plodding along and not doing anything remotely entertaining.
IMO If you want to see a film about the German persecution of the jews "Au Revoir les enfants" (Goodbye, children) by Louis Malle is the absolute masterpiece.
Ennio (2021)
Too much nattering
If the review was to rate Ennio's talent and originality no doubt it would be a 9 or a 10.
But this review is about the film and I felt that there was just too much talking. It is interview after interview after interview.
People going on about what a genius Ennio is. But we already know that we want to understand how he works we want to hear the incredible music and see how it combines with the films.
Though he is a genius Ennio does seem to be have a very big ego. Maybe he is the one who insisted on having so many people complimenting him. I don't know. Another reason might be that they didn't have the rights to show more of the films.
Anyway whatever the reason is, if I go to see a film about Ennio Morricone I want to hear music not listen to people nattering.
How to with John Wilson (2020)
Don't get it
Don't get what is good about this. Neither the content nor the format is very interesting or original. It seems to be a guy who is slightly autistic going round randomly filming stuff in New York. If you find that remotely appealing then good for you but I have better things to do.
People seem to saying that it is funny but I watched the episode about small talk and didn't laugh once.
Then he sort of explains how things work so for example he says the most important thing with small talk is to keep things light.
But then doesn't follow his own rules: He meets a guy on holiday and starts talking about someone in his life who has just died.
Maybe it's some twisted humour. No idea. Just don't get the point. Won't watch any more episodes.
Moonlight (2016)
Nothing special
Absolutely nothing interesting about this film other than the suggestion that some black gangsters could possibly be gay. Now who would have thought that was possible?
Just starting to get a bit tired of gay movies (whether male or female) with explicit sex scenes. Not saying they don't have the right to exist just not for me.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Terribly terribly boring
It was just so terribly terribly bad. Slow with no energy no humour no story nothing. I watched it to the end thinking that it would get better but it never did...
Yes I know it is taken from an Elena Ferrante book but could it be that a good book doesn't make a good film?
After watching the first 20 minutes I could tell that it was a Netflix production. It's like they have developed their own special style with famous actors pseudo-intellectual themes but no anger no revolt. They are esthetically beautiful movies full of emptiness.
So now we have Marvel blockbusters on one side and Netflix productions on the other and we are sort of trapped in the middle dreaming of one day seeing a film with a decent story.
And if you absolutely want to watch a film about a woman spending her holidays in Greece choose "Shirley Valentine".
Last Man Standing: Suge Knight and the Murders of Biggie & Tupac (2021)
Incredible documentary
Nick Broomfield is one one of the greatest documentary makers. His films are both entertaining and artistic. Here he is not afraid to expose dangerous gang members and crooked cops. I really believe that his version of events is the truth.
Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
Terribly bad
A million miles from the comic book character. Childish story and childish humour. Terribly bad. How on earth did Marvel let this be made?