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Muscle (2000)
7/10
Street violence comes to TV
15 March 2024
It may be hard to believe this was both shocking and controversial when it was first aired by the BBC in 2000. Seeing doormen going about their somewhat hazardous occupation and responding to real incidents did have an appeal.

Back in 2000, this was one of the first times that violence at pubs and clubs was featured so extensively on television. These days there are thousands of such videos on Youtube featuring pub and street fights.

The tactics used by the company featured were heavily critiscised and needless to say there was no second series. I think the company took alot of flak after this which probably lead to the minibus 'rapid response team' being disbanded.

The huge brawl featured in the first episode came under the spotlight. Their company boss was arrested during the ensuing mayhem.
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3/10
I took a chance and was disappointed
18 February 2024
I struggled to like this British six part drama series. It could easily have been condenssed into no more than three parts. Nothing much happens until the last two parts. The rest is just padding.

There were just too many aspects of this drama which were unconvincing and not believable. The plot revolved around the most unlikey scenarios.

The filming style reminded me of a US made series. I wonder if that was intentional so it would be more appealing to US audiences. Seems some of it was filmed in Holland which would explain the 'US style housing neighbourhood'.

I came close to not watching all parts but became curious as to how it ends. The ending wasn't quite as predictable as I thought, but equally unconvincing. I gave it three stars since I stayed to watch all.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend this, but there's always someone who might find this type of drama more appealing.
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Black Summer (2019–2021)
8/10
Should satisfy most zombie fans
9 December 2023
After Season 1 I was hooked and recently finished watching Season 2.

I'm an old school horror fan and George Romero's Dawn of the Dead being my all time favourite.

Black Summer is another version of the popular zombie apocolypse theme, but this one comes with an added twist. Anyone killed either on purpose or accident, turns into a zombie. Now this produces some rather interesting scenarios. This version also sees the familiar modern 'fast' zombies.

I soon found myself engrossed and at times on the edge of my seat. It works well on a number of levels. Good acting, good story with lots of suspense and tension. There's a high body count, even among some likeable characters which leaves you wondering who's next.

As the episiodes progress it becomes more about the people and how the situations they face change their outlook and actions - for better and worse. It comes to the point that humans are their worst enemies, as much as the zombies. The viewer gradually finds out more about the survivors personalities and history. In some ways, the zombies become more of a sideline. This actually works better than I expected.

I also like how the same events are repeated but from different peoples viewpoints, adding even more context to situations.

It's a depressing thought that in such a situation survivors die from infighting as much as by the zombies.
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The Lobster (2015)
5/10
Surreal
3 December 2023
I watched this on a recommendation so was expecting it to be different and offbeat. Whilst I like a quirky film, even if it's a bit dark, this took it to another level.

This is a bold film with a good cast but I still found it rather disappointing and even irritating. It felt a bit too abstract to fully enjoy. Like a sequence of dreams stitched together with some extra randomness thrown into the mix. Despite some humerous moments, it just didn't make sense on any level. There's a few disturbing moments that seem to be thrown in for some shock value.

I usually find films like this end suddenly on a lowpoint or just leave you feeling bemused and this was no exception.

I wouldn't recommend this to any 'regular' viewers or youngsters.
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Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
10/10
Simply Brilliant!
15 October 2023
Just finished watching the complete seasons 1-6 having missed it first time around. This has captivated me from season one to the finale of season 6. I just couldn't stop watching it. It feels like it's been quite an epic journey, with a fitting conclusion. I had some initial reservations about watching this because it looked too violent. Yes, it's violent in places, but it's part of what makes the story and it doesn't deter from a well crafted series in every respect. There are plenty of twists, turns and unexpected events to keep you on your toes. It's a visual treat with a great soundtrack. The actors are perfectly cast and provide superb performances, especially from Cillian Murphy who never fails to deliver. Paul Anderson and Tom Hardy give us some very memorable characters too. The set design, costumes and special effects are faultless. I can only congratulate the broadcasting team who brought this to our screens. I've no doubt this will become an all time 'classic'.
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Barbie (I) (2023)
5/10
Fun for some and Kenough for others
30 July 2023
This film has certainly grabbed the headlines and produced some very positive reviews which encouraged us to see for ourselves. We were a little disapointed in the end. Whilst it was watchable and had it's humerous moments, we somehow expected more from it. It's very much in the mould of a Hollywood film with lots of obvious cliches. There were quite a few teenage girls in the cinema with their mothers, which could be the ones who enjoy this film the most. It's been described as a 'fun' film by many, which I can understand. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling play their parts well and add to the charm of the film. I would hesitate to recommend this, other than to youngsters or 'young at hearts' who love Barbie dolls and want see a fun film with lots of pink sparkle.
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House of Cards (2013–2018)
9/10
One of the best US dramas I've seen for a while
19 February 2023
An engrossing mini series which I felt was even better as it progressed through each season. Kevin Spacey is perfectly cast as the formiddable corrupt politician Frank Underwood. Equally compelling is his dedicated and sometimes ruthless wife played superbly by Robin Wright. This couple will stop at nothing to achieve their dreams. A good script combined with quality acting makes this mini series well above average. A US production which should also appeal to a British audience, even if you're not that interested in politics.

However, Season 8 lost momentum with the absence Kevin Spacey who had the charisma to make it such a success. The storyline also suffered as a result. I can't help thinking there would have been a much more satisfying conclusion if Kevin Specey hadn't left the production prematurely.
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Sisu (2022)
8/10
Don't mess with the Finns
29 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The story of a tough old Finn who discovers gold in Lapland towards the end of the war only to have it stolen by a detachment of SS soldiers fleeing to Norway. However, they crossed paths with the wrong man. He may not be immortal but he certainly does a good impression of it. Having survived brutality dished out by the SS soldiers, his sheer determination pushes him forward to extract his own brutal revenge. Turns out even the toughest SS are no match for the formidable Korpi.

I liked the sweeping isolated landscapes of Lapland combined with the gritty realism. It has an edgy low budget feel which leans more towards independent than mainstream. Possibly a future cult classic. Not for the squeamish.
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Bird Box (2018)
8/10
Good!
4 December 2022
A good cast and story make this an absorbing film, full of tension and suspense. I liked the characters and how their own personalities affected the outcome. The story flows well with good use of flashbacks to set the scene. One of the better films from this genre I've seen for a while. I was surprised to see others being so critical. I think if you're into this genre then it should appeal to you, unless you just want non-stop action. This film is about more than that. A bonus to see British actor Tom Hollander bringing an unexpected twist. I felt the film provided a satisfying conclusion even though it didn't provide all the answers.
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The Responder (2022– )
9/10
The thin blue line gets dirty
23 August 2022
This was the best British crime drama I've seen for a while. I liked the fact that it centred around a regular, albeit troubled front line police officer. Also the best performance so far from Martin Freeman as someone getting himself unwittingly drawn deeper into trouble. Great stuff!
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Elvis (2022)
10/10
Brilliant!
13 August 2022
Thank you Baz Luhrmann! I'm not a big Elvis fan but everyone can appreciate his legacy. This film tells the remarkable story of a music legend in a very engrossing and entertaining way. It successfully recreates the look, sound and atmosphere of the time. I was impressed with the attention to detail. I loved the music, including a few modern inserts to spice things up.

Great performances from all. Playing Elvis must have been a daunting prospect for Austin Butler and he does a brilliant job. Also, probably my favourite performance from Tom Hanks.

The film leaves you with a feeling of injustice for Elvis, who was clearly manipulated and used by a small town chancer who got lucky, calling himself Colonel Parker.

Overall a well crafted film which should have wide audience appeal whether you're an Elvis fan or not.
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10/10
A sequel that works
18 June 2022
Sequels are rarely this good. Seamlessly blending nostalgia into a visually impressive and genuinely engrossing action film. The story, acting and script all succeed in delivering a modern day Top Gun film which will appeal to all ages.

Not much to fault with this film and even if you've not seen the first one, you should still enjoy this.
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Crooked House (2017)
8/10
Excellant production
17 February 2022
One of the best Agatha Christie screen adaptations I've seen. The characters are very well portrayed as dysfunctional eccentrics. Also very well filmed, such as the coffee bar which recreated an authentic atmosphere. Outside shots also capture the hustle and bustle of everyday street life very naturally. I find many productions neglect the detail and might show the same car or extras walking past in the background looking very staged.
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D.O.A. (1980)
6/10
A snapshot of punk as it happened
7 February 2022
Firstly, all credit to the makers for having the foresight to capture the Sex Pistols and the punk scene in it's element for future prosperity.

Whether you like punk or not, you can't deny it made a lasting impression on the music scene. This documentary is padded out with lots of additional footage in the form of an artistic montage. I would like to have seen more film depicting the punk scene on the streets and interviews in addition to the bands performing.

I don't think so much footage of 'Terry and the Idiots' adds that much value to the documentary. It would be nice to see an even longer alternative edit of this in restored quality HD. I imagine there's far more unused footage available.

As it stands, it's a unique visual record of the Sex Pistols in the USA but I feel it will mostly appeal to punk fans or curious onlookers. The making of D. O. A documentary is much better.
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Spencer (2021)
7/10
Good but not everyone's cup of tea
30 December 2021
Not the conventional drama I was expecting - but better. Kristen Stewart portrays Diana very well as a deeply unhappy, troubled person who refuses to conform to the constraints imposed by Royal life. The film focusses on Diana's thoughts, feelings and erratic behaviour during an unsettling Christmas with the Royal family.
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8/10
I loved it
7 November 2021
I can imagine that something quirky and abstract like this might not be everyone's cup of tea. However, anyone who appreciates the creativity and humour of Wes Anderson won't be disapointed. It's a delight and so refreshing to see something this different and stylish, especially coming from the USA. It's more akin to French cinema.
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Intruder (2021)
2/10
Don't bother
25 June 2021
I gave this 2 stars because I'm a generous person. The storyline has more holes than a swiss cheese. I actually watched all episodes and it didn't improve. The other reviews tell everything. Best avoided.
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10/10
Wow!
21 June 2021
A very impressive fan made short film. It starts to blur the line between amateur film making and mainstream studio produced productions. Watch out Hollywood!
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Dunkirk (2017)
9/10
Excellent British wartime film
8 June 2021
I've now seen this film several times since it's cinema release and I'm still not tired of watching it. There's not enough new British made wartime films in my opinion and this is one of the best. Great cinematography, especially with the realistic dog fights.

Nothing to complain about here but... I never thought I'd hear myself say this but this is one film I think would have benefited from more CGI. In this case to help give the feeling of what a vast epic scale event this was - e.g. Even more soldiers, abandoned equipment and vehicles on the beach, perhaps more boats and ships at sea and more aircraft. Otherwise a great film. A good solid cast and Mark Rylance as Mr Dawson was just great.
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8/10
What a blast!
13 March 2021
Visually impressive throughout. The opening sequence was one of the best I've seen for a while. Even with so much CGI throughout this film it never felt overdone. Likeable characters and great humour make this a highly enjoyable film. Groot is hilarious. Good use of some great music too. Nice to see so many cool actors involved.
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Bouncer (2002)
8/10
A really good short film
14 February 2021
Ray Winstone was the perfect choice for this part and he certainly delivers. The banter between the bouncers is entertaining and Ray's narration works well. It certainly makes you appreciate how dangerous their work can be. The reality is they keep the majority safe from the minority of troublemakers. Nice surprise to see Paddy Considine too.
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Catch-22 (1970)
4/10
Mostly incoherent
13 February 2021
Firstly, I haven't read the book.

I understand why it bombed at its cinema release. It had it's moments but overall I found it disappointing. The audio quality was hideous and irritating, especially during the first half - it reminded of those old 1940's slapstick films where they always shout and it sounds like screeching.

The film was a bit like a clumsy stage show. The best thing about it was the aircraft - amazing they managed to secure so many for the filming. The props and amount of extras helped but couldn't save it from becoming a film fan curiosity.
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9/10
Pure entertainment
23 January 2021
Great cast, dialogue and action make this very entertaining. The fight scene in the church has to be one of the best ever - total carnage and funny at the same time.
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5/10
Reasonable low budget effort
15 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I thought Michael was a complete loser. It annoyed me how all he could think about was his Ex when the world was falling apart. However, it was amusing when he woke up wearing the bear suite and he did redeem himself by helping the young couple escape. Harper was the real hero though. It did generate some tension and was a fair ending all in all.
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10/10
A truly epic adventure film
7 January 2021
This film is beautifully shot with breathtaking locations. The amount of extras used in this film is quite impressive, giving it a very authentic feel. Both Micheal Caine and Sean Connery are perfectly cast together as a couple of chancers. I watched it again recently for the first time in many years. It still hasn't lost its appeal. A great piece of work in every respect.
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