Caught Covid, so I've been in isolation and watched a few films once I got over the worst of it.
I'm fine, thanks for asking.
I Am Mother (2019 via Netflix)
Fancied this sci-fi film about a girl raised in a futuristic bunker after an apocalypse and her only companion is her control droid, Mother. Things take a turn when a wounded person bangs on the hatch for help when Mother said everyone was dead...
Small-scale film that has some interesting ideas and there's a constant shift in control when we don't know who cannot be trusted. Nothing astonishing but I'm glad I watched it, especially for the performances and sets.
Snatch (2010 via Netflix)
One for the bucket list poster and a film I'd not seen for ages but it's still a joy to watch. I'd forgotten how great it is. Some great fast cuts that were popular at that time (see Edgar Wright and Danny Boyle) that keep it snappy.
I think one of the things that impresses me most is being able to walk that tightrope between humour and tension. There are lots of laughs, but once Brick-top owns Turkish and Mickey, the tone turns really desperate as we see the fruit machines smashed and caravans burned. Excellent.
Below Zero (2021 via Netflix)
Love how Netflix has all these foreign films you'd have missed or only caught in a late night C4 or BBC2 international movie season, pre-streaming.
This plays out like a mobile Precinct 13 where a prison van is besieged from unknown forces.
Yeah, decent little action thriller from Spain, this. Some interesting characters and a mystery to deduce as to who on the bus is wanted and by whom.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011 Prime)
Another leaving Prime, so I finally watched this spy corker.
Loads of amazing actors in the cast!
At first, I was struggling as it was so slow, but it's nice to have a story slowly fold out in front of you. As the pieces started to slot together and you're finally going to discover who the spy is, there's a real buzz and I didn't know beforehand who it was.
Midnight Special (2016 via NowTV)
One I've been meaning to watch since the cinema, but never have.
This didn't quite reach the heights I hoped it would, mainly because I feel both the father and son were too quiet with not enough chemistry between them.
That said, there's an excellent tone throughout this as a gifted child is taken on the run by his father whist being pursued by the cult that worship him and the government that fear him. A sombre score really ups the tension.
It felt like a 15-rated version of D.A.R.Y.L. at times, which is fine by me.
Werewolves Within (2021 via Netflix)
Mates suggested this and it was a real blast!
A comedy horror where a small isolated town are forced to shelter together when their generators are slashed and it seems like they're being picked off by a werewolf - or are they?
This was a lot of fun with some quirky characters and likeable leads with a fun pay-off at the end.
Friday night beer and laughs flick.
Amélie (2001 via Prime)
I remember being underwhelmed when I saw this BITD, but tried again for the bucket list poster and I loved it.
Wow, what a charming, whimsical film!
I loved seeing how Amélie's plans started clicking together and how she was oblivious to people seeing she needs help too. Lovely!
I'm fine, thanks for asking.
I Am Mother (2019 via Netflix)
Fancied this sci-fi film about a girl raised in a futuristic bunker after an apocalypse and her only companion is her control droid, Mother. Things take a turn when a wounded person bangs on the hatch for help when Mother said everyone was dead...
Small-scale film that has some interesting ideas and there's a constant shift in control when we don't know who cannot be trusted. Nothing astonishing but I'm glad I watched it, especially for the performances and sets.
Snatch (2010 via Netflix)
One for the bucket list poster and a film I'd not seen for ages but it's still a joy to watch. I'd forgotten how great it is. Some great fast cuts that were popular at that time (see Edgar Wright and Danny Boyle) that keep it snappy.
I think one of the things that impresses me most is being able to walk that tightrope between humour and tension. There are lots of laughs, but once Brick-top owns Turkish and Mickey, the tone turns really desperate as we see the fruit machines smashed and caravans burned. Excellent.
Below Zero (2021 via Netflix)
Love how Netflix has all these foreign films you'd have missed or only caught in a late night C4 or BBC2 international movie season, pre-streaming.
This plays out like a mobile Precinct 13 where a prison van is besieged from unknown forces.
Yeah, decent little action thriller from Spain, this. Some interesting characters and a mystery to deduce as to who on the bus is wanted and by whom.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011 Prime)
Another leaving Prime, so I finally watched this spy corker.
Loads of amazing actors in the cast!
At first, I was struggling as it was so slow, but it's nice to have a story slowly fold out in front of you. As the pieces started to slot together and you're finally going to discover who the spy is, there's a real buzz and I didn't know beforehand who it was.
Midnight Special (2016 via NowTV)
One I've been meaning to watch since the cinema, but never have.
This didn't quite reach the heights I hoped it would, mainly because I feel both the father and son were too quiet with not enough chemistry between them.
That said, there's an excellent tone throughout this as a gifted child is taken on the run by his father whist being pursued by the cult that worship him and the government that fear him. A sombre score really ups the tension.
It felt like a 15-rated version of D.A.R.Y.L. at times, which is fine by me.
Werewolves Within (2021 via Netflix)
Mates suggested this and it was a real blast!
A comedy horror where a small isolated town are forced to shelter together when their generators are slashed and it seems like they're being picked off by a werewolf - or are they?
This was a lot of fun with some quirky characters and likeable leads with a fun pay-off at the end.
Friday night beer and laughs flick.
Amélie (2001 via Prime)
I remember being underwhelmed when I saw this BITD, but tried again for the bucket list poster and I loved it.
Wow, what a charming, whimsical film!
I loved seeing how Amélie's plans started clicking together and how she was oblivious to people seeing she needs help too. Lovely!
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