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The Phantom of the Open (2021)
Easygoing Entertainment. A Hole in One!
What a wonderful easy-watch film. Mark Rylance as dependable as ever, great supporting cast. Beautifully shot.
If you love golf, or even if you don't like it so much, it's a must-see. Made me feel good and offered hope and joy, a wonderful true story. A tale of family and living your dream, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Seeing the real Maurice at the end of the film, I couldn't imagine anyone else bringing him to life in this way. Bravo Mark Rylance.
There must be so many stories like this in the rich tapestry of life and this is one that I'm glad was brought to the screen. Would watch again!
No Way Up (2024)
Interesting Premise, Poorly Executed
Interesting storyline with probably two of my biggest fears haha.
Acting was generally playing to the circumstance so over dramatised. I've loved Meany and Logan's work over the years.
I auditioned for a very similar movie which is now in post production last year. Read the summary of 'Deep Water' and it's pretty much the same story outline, so will be interesting to see the comparison.
Had its moment but they were few and far between. Just a question of what other circumstances you can put sharks and/or planes into a story that seemed cliche and uninteresting. You really need to care about the journey and characters', I simply didn't.
All of Us Strangers (2023)
You Were Always on My Mind
A film like this only comes along once in a blue moon, I went with the expectation bolstered by the plaudits, positive reviews and awards, and wasn't disappointed .
Where to start: the acting by the relatively small cast, flawless, no beat missed: the looks between all characters' painting more than words ever could. Which is the great strength of the script. This will resonate on different levels with everyone. Not been in touch with a loved one for a while, call them. Cherish them. Grab life while you can.
There's a loneliness and desolation in the human condition and the direction allows an exploration of all the emotions, the extremes of life, in all its raw form.
The chemistry between the two leads is tangible and when the mother reveals her feelings about her son's sexuality it is uncomfortable to witness, a throwback to a less accepting era.
Best film I've seen in some time. Left a lump in my throat and it's still there.
Exceptional filmmaking.
Without You (2011)
Underwhelming
I was drawn to this by the two leads. Friel from my days of watching Brookside and Warren from Hustle. Both accomplished actors' who have been a pleasure to watch in whatever their roles' may be.
Something went drastically wrong with this melodrama, in fact let's call it seriously exaggerated melodrama.
Their solid performances still stood out in a sea of mediocre acting. I'm not sure what else the other players in this have done previously but the poor writing did nothing to save this.
Logic was left behind at an early stage of proceedings and from that point, I just felt like I had to watch just to see who the culprit was, although I had my suspicions early on and was proved right.
Nothing against Friel and Warren who still did a good job at rescuing the script, but the flaws were evident moreso in Friel's scenes with others less capable. Her nuanced subtlety had nothing to play off with some of the other actors in this misguided drama/thriller.
The Staircase: Common Sense (2022)
Best Episode Yet
Ok, you got my interest back after an indifferent second and third episode. Enthralling case. The acting is great and the circumstances around the death fascinating. Hoping the mini-series can build from this and keep me on the edge of my seat!
Clickbait: The Answer (2021)
We Took the Bait
In the final episode Rohan says 'anything's possible' and how true this proved to be.
I was sucker punched by the fact this was trending in the top 10 Netflix series for my region.
The only bright spot on the acting side was Daniel Henshall playing 'The Brother'. Had seen him in a few movies and he's another step above most of the performers here. The sister, Pia had the same pained and angst ridden expression and mannerisms throughout the whole farcical train wreck.
The last episode, The Answer. I don't know where to start. Completely unbelievable. Not so much the answer, but the question is why I wasted my time on this. Up your game Netflix!
3 Mile Limit (2014)
Enthralling
Praise to the cast, crew and all involved with this little gem of a movie.
The story had me captivated from the first moment, really drawing the viewer in to the tightly crafted screenplay. A joy to behold.
Such a significant part of New Zealand broadcast history, but also radio broadcasting generally. A must watch!
Music is so important in all our lives and this movie hits the right note.
Thoroughly recommended.
The Virtues (2019)
Excellent Drama
I've just finished watching this tense, taught and superbly constructed story.
Stephen Graham can do no wrong in my eyes and in the eyes of many here. Outstanding, heartfelt performance. The first episode almost felt fly on the wall and really drew you in to the experience and the characters's plight.
I sincerely hope there's a second season as I think this is the best I have seen in some time.
End of Watch (2012)
Gritty, Raw and Believable
Two charismatic leads, strong support and a believable environment which probably gets closer to the truth when compared to any cop movie I've seen to date.
Excellent!
Older (2020)
Wonderful Kiwi Indie Feature
I saw Older at the World Premiere last night and enjoyed every moment. What a fantastic achievement after seven years in pursuit of making a film covering the minefield (at times) that is relationships.
The performances were well handled to the point where the audience really cared about the characters' involved. To write, direct, act and edit is no mean feat and Guy seems to have handled all with aplomb here.
In stark contract to their first feature outing, this has to be one of my favourite genres and definitely the best kiwi Independent project I've seen for some time.
Congratulations!
Rough Night (2017)
Formulaic Nonsense
I am really disappointed in SJ in particular. Why on earth did she do this movie? I hope this isn't the start of a trend at this stage of her career.
I mean, it had a few funny moments, but most 'turns' in the plot were so predictable it was ridiculous.
Please get an actual Australian actress to play an Australian, or was she a kiwi? Either way, the accent was plain odd.
An hour and forty of my life I can't get back!
After Life (2019)
Consistent Brilliance
I've followed Ricky Gervais since The UK Office. Nobody really knew who this man was 20 years ago. Now, the world is already his oyster and has been for some time. Season 2 is darker than the first outing to After Life, but the strength in the writing is what us Brits do so well and what Gervais takes and propels to stellar heights. He carefully extrticates the light from the darkness, the lighter moments from the profoundly heavy. This is his undeniable skill and he's proved this time and time again: The Office; Extras; Derek and now After Life. Long may it continue and one other point of note, as an actor myself, he uses familiar cast members', friends I'm guessing across all series. A barely recongnisable Holli Dempsey (Vicky in Derek) as Plastic Surgery Woman. A bit part, but the writing, the eccentric situation and performance leaves a lasting impression. It's more subtle than Python and the like, but the memory remains. Bravo Mr. G!
The Gentlemen (2019)
Back With a Bang (of a car door)
So we might have seen it all before, but Ritchie is on form again with a tried and tested mix of stellar cast, using the dialogue to its best. Hugh Grant stood out for me as he's made the shift from slightly edgy and nervous English chap to a run of really decent roles that he can sink his more mature teeth into. From Paddington 2 to this; he's versatile!
Excellent editing strengthens the tale told and kept me intrigued enough as the usual Ritchie masterclass in a twisting and turning plot unfolds.
Formulaic? Well, maybe, but the formula works. It's a geezers' playground of hazardous rides.
Nice to see so many familiar faces and each service the screenplay to make a very creditable return to what Ritchie does best. Sadly, there's no Vinnie Jones, but hey, it's a great film and I would even see it a second time.
Come to Daddy (2019)
Disturbingly Funny
What a Directorial Debut from our own Ant Timpson! Dark, irreverent, downright laugh out loud hilarious and some superb characterisation.
What starts innocently enough, takes twisted turn after twisted turn in a journey that had me enthralled after a steady opening.
This film certainly left an impression. Elijah Wood perfectly cast and Michael Smiley, one of my favourite actor's (The Lobster) almost unrecognisable and with some of the most hilarious dialogue I've ever heard.
This will create conversation for sure and I hope Timpson enjoys the success this film deserves. Just a shame it wasn't shot on these shores.
Can't wait for feature Director credit number two, Mr T.
Forever Now (2017)
Just Beautiful
Student filmmaker? Wow! Such an amazing piece following the final stages of a break-up that portrays a universal emotion and connection. To me Cecilie (so wonderfully played by Frederikke Dahl Hansen) seems to sense this coming in the first scene where William (Ferdinand Falsen Hills) embraces her, but she almost reluctantly hugs him and avoids a returned kiss. Then the pain unfolds on the sofa and this moved me to tears. Hansen is so raw and vulnerable at this point. This is acting encapsulated in one moment, her look, her emotions laid completely on the line.
Maybe it resonated with me because I did the same thing with an ex girlfriend about two weeks after we split. It was a joyous experience when I was at my lowest ebb. A way to part like no other. She was there and then she was gone. The last time I saw her (in fact I bumped in to her some years later by accident and she had married the guy she was in love with all along) was going handstands in my grotty little flat. I think it's more complex than this, however...
The Director skillfully juxtaposes night with day, using flashbacks with purpose. I often think flashbacks in short films are a lazy way of executing a story. The exposition using this method at the expense of emotion, actions and words: cutting corners where time is the enemy in a sense. Not the case here: there is a reason behind them and contrasting night and the shadowy, darkness of an emotional break-up, with day: hope springing eternal, ensures the audience doesn't confuse present with past. It's very clever.
There is a look that Cecille gives at the end when the door finally closes, that completely encapsulates her feeling. She smiles twice as she remembers the very first day they met: we see this. What we also see throughout is a frank expression of emotion by both; like we a drawn in to the break-up, through close-ups and hand-held unease. We feel the pain and experience the final chapter with the characters'.
This is now possibly my favourite ever short film. Even more sore than Apricot (Ben Briand). Copenhagen brought me to it and I am glad that I was drawn to it. I am moved and anyone that watches this will be moved.
Copenhagen (2014)
Such a Journey and One I Cared About
As an actor myself, you see films where you just don't care about the obstacles and challenges of the characters'. With Copenhagen, one of those little gems you find every so often on Netflix (NZ in this case), I was emotionally invested in all the main characters'. Self discovery in abundance here, particularly with Will (Gethin Anthony), who succumbs to the charms of 14 year old 'Effy', touchingly portrayed by Frederikke Dahl Hansen. I'm sure she has a bright career ahead of her. Poignant moments' of familial connection (or lack of) draws the viewer in against the picturesque backdrop of Denmark. A real discovery to find the principal males', Will and Jeremy (Sebastian Armesto) are both English. I am so glad I stumbled across this beautiful piece of film-making. It is a piece of hope, regret and ultimately, a reminder of how life is too short and that sometimes, it takes someone else to open our eyes to the possibilities.