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Reviews
The Collective (2023)
McGyver with Attitude
This is very much a TV movie let's not kid ourselves, from budget to effects to dialogue and writing, it's not cinematic at all BUT if you enjoy Lucas Till in McGyver (yes, I do) then ignore all the haters and bad reviews...its a decent actioner movie much like an extended triple TV episode. The premise is solid enough, the leads are all fine and the action is believable enough so really there's no need to complain.
It is a decent and solid enough action move with knowable and dependable actors doing a decent job. So long as you know what to expect before going into it, you should enjoy it perfectly fine, I certainly did.
The Greatest Night in Pop (2024)
Good Old Huey.
Just finished it having come in stone cold knowing nothing about it at all other than I knew the song but was otherwise a bit indifferent as it was a long time ago now and long forgotten. Well, I properly enjoyed it. Dunno if it's simply because he's on Thin Lizzy's classic album Live & Dangerous (or is the only one in the doc that's not had any plastic surgery!) but I kinda hung onto Huey Lewis as "my man" throughout this. He seemed the most humble and *human* throughout - especially when it comes to his part (& the subsequent "just make up a 3 part harmony" bit). Yeah, I do recommend this - reckon you'd like it.
The Rising (2022)
Flabby, overlong and bloated
What a great original premise and the opening episode was gripping, however by episode 5 it had become flabby and dull frankly and the only reason I hung on in there to the end of the 8th episode was that I am a completist if nothing else. If ever a storyline would have worked 100% better as a taught, 100minute film, whereas 8no. 40min episodes was too padded and not enough killer, too much filler....think Appetite for Destruction compared to Use Your Illusions 1 & 2.
Billions: Hindenburg (2022)
Stop The Constant Music/Film Winks and Nods to Camera
I enjoy the show but each week I am waiting for the script to unleash yet another apparently "cool" music/movie reference - and I cringe each and everytime as it so bogus as nobody actually speaks like that EVER..."I feel like I am in They Live and about to get Rowdy Roddy Piper on everyone.." Total BS.
Columbo: Butterfly in Shades of Grey (1994)
Great Hammy Fun
This is a great episode, watching the verbal jousting between Falk and Shatner with almost a wink to the audience is great fun.
Take it for what it is...two heavyweights having a good time bouncing lines off each other.
Battle of the Bulbs (2010)
Deck the Halls?
Okay so the premise isnt that far off Deck the Halls and the budget certainly isnt on the same level, however it is not without its charms and has a poignant touching ending.
Christmas Eve (2015)
Unexpectedly a Grower
I first saw this film a couple of years ago and enjoyed it but was never really that taken by it - however having watched it now a further 3 times, it really is a grower and has moved well up into my top 10 of all time Christmas Films. Funny, poignant, touching - give it try, it is surprisingly good.
Murder Mystery (2019)
Sandler and Aniston Yeehaa
A good, funny old fashioned murder mystery with a twist. Very enjoyable.
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)
Simply The Best
Funny, dark, violent, laugh out loud, smart, sassy dialogue. The best film ever.
The Final Countdown (1980)
Aged Well....Very Good
Had never heard of this film and literally stumbled across it. What a pleasant surprise, excellent concept and given the limits of 1980 technology, it stand the test of time well, with great turns by Kirk Douglas and Martin Sheen. I will watch this again. Most entertaining.
Columbo: Now You See Him (1976)
A New Coat
This episode was my late fathers all time favourite. He got me into Columbo ergo it is now affectionately one of my favourites.
The story is classic Columbo and the two protagonists are superb, but for me its all about the new coat which he keeps trying to lose, brilliantly funny.
Columbo: Columbo Goes to the Guillotine (1989)
Brilliant.!!!!
My all time favourite go to episode. Anthony Zebre as the victim, Anthony Andrews chewing the scenery as the bad guy. Just brilliant. Forget any logic, sit back and enjoy.
The ABC Murders (2018)
Gripping.
Never read the book (nor any other Christie book) so came into this one "cold" so to speak. As a one off (3 parter) storyline it was spot on and enjoyable and gripping. Forget all the other po faced negative reviews. Just sit down, press play and enjoy it for what it is. A dark, murder mystery. Excellent.
Surviving Christmas (2004)
Most Enjoyable Actually!!
Being something of a big Christmas movie fan, I came to this with some trepidation after reading other reviews - but decided to give it a go with no prejudices and you know what, it's fun - it does what it is supposed to in a Christmas film, builds up tension and drama but then gives you a happy ending - perfect, and the cast are top notch.Forget what you read about all the troubles with scripting etc etc and timing of release of the movie, the fact is that it is a very enjoyable Christmas movie - yes, it may be a little "join the dots/movie by numbers" but come on...it's Christmas, it isn't supposed to be or trying to be Citizen Kane for goodness sake!