Cederic Reviews

Slaughterbots (2017 Video)

Worryingly plausible

[8/10 · 14 June 2023]

Seeing this for the first time six years after its release, and in the context of advances in the technologies it explores in just the past 16 months, this film demonstrates a plausible future that it's going to be hard to avoid.

The film starts with context setting, a corporate demo with obvious influences that sets out the capabilities that the rest of the film explores and demonstrates. It's more linear and structured than what follows, but that's a strength of the film: It does enough to convey the story, and no more, doesn't insult the intelligence of the viewer.

The acting is fine; the writing acceptable, the cinematography and technical aspects all competent and professional. There's a small scene that doesn't really work for me but it doesn't detract from the core strength of the film.

That's its simple, evocative and effective social commentary on nascent (at the time of release) technology. It doesn't criticise, moralise, try to provide answers, just makes the questions clear, provokes the thought processes. Scares the intelligent viewer.

Well worth watching, this film will leave you thinking and grateful that you saw it. Easily recommended.

Kidnap Me (2017)

A classically modern British comedy

[6/10 · 2 October 2020]

Despite the average score this is an easy film to watch and one that I very definitely enjoyed.

The plot is simple but even the elements that are predictable have a unique feel. Most interesting is that the viewer is allowed far more information than the people in the film can know yet never given enough to predict more than broad plot movements.

More relevantly, and one of the film's two strongest elements, is that the characters in the film feel very true to themselves. They react as you'd expect them to react, and even when revealing a new element to their character it aligns to what we know already rather than conflicting or feeling contrived.

Sadly the characters to whom that doesn't apply are two key elements of the latter half of the film, which did detract from it.

The writers do however redeem themselves with a succession of one-liners, often dry observations delivered deadpan that made me laugh because of their context or their wit. This is very British humour and made the whole film worthwhile.

The film felt exceedingly low budget, with the lighting, coverage and sets all bare bones - but also all entirely adequate, serviceable and authentic (within context). The lack of budget did however come across in the preparation and filming of the few action scenes, all of which were poor. Rather than choreography and acting that matched the sardonic realism of the rest of the film they fell into a weak pastiche of slapstick, both failing at that but also entirely out of kilter with the rest of the film.

It's a shame, as it let down what could otherwise have been a good film. Watch it anyway, the writing deserves that and there is much to enjoy.

Ad Astra (2019)

Sadly unwatchable

[1/10 · 18 July 2020]

As a fan of Brad Pitt I wanted to watch this. I tried to watch this.

Sadly the sound design is terrible. I couldn't make out the words Pitt was using any time there was other sound involved, which is 90% of the 20 minutes I struggled through.

His voiceover has been digitally altered to make his voice more gravelly which makes him sound like he's mumbling, then additional sounds are put on top of that which obscures it further.

Even in conversation there's often music that's too loud to hear over. I eventually gave up when during transit of some form (I'm not sure what, as I couldn't make out the conversation that preceded it) a woman asked Pitt a question and they ramped up the music as he replied.

I have no idea what he said. I've lost interest. I don't care. The film makers clearly don't want people without perfect hearing and a cinema scale sound system to watch this film, so I've switched it off.

Steer clear. Watch a film that doesn't hate you.

Lost Lives (2019)

Turgid overwrought and boring

[2/10 · 7 March 2020]

The book on which this film is based is simple, elegant and worthy.

The film misunderstands those concepts and attempts to be 'worthy' through long lingering shots of nothing, sad dramatic music, slow motion symbolic footage.

It doesn't work. It's terrible. This doesn't remember the lost lives, this seeks to wallow in pity for them. That's not worthy. This film is not worthy. Buy the book instead.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)

Proper Cinema

[9/10 · 23 February 2020]

This is an excellent film with a very unpredictable plot, superb acting, a good soundtrack and the confidence to take its time to weave an interesting tale.

The slow paced opening is raw cinema at its finest, the camera showing you the story with minimal dialogue, the director happy to understate his own involvement while nonetheless demonstrating sheer prowess at his art. It's worth watching this film for its opening half hour alone.

What follows doesn't disappoint. There is a criticism that a couple of singing scenes are overly long, and that may be the only weakness of the entire film. Whether you like the story or not, whether you like the characters or not, the whole thing is consistent and believable, and makes for a compelling experience.

It's a credit to the writers that the characters are multi-dimensional, that their actions are entirely congruous with their backgrounds and futures, yet can't be predicted. Elements of the backstory are revealed, adding context for current actions, but the viewer is trusted to fill in other gaps themselves.

This is a superbly written film, beautifully shot, exceedingly well acted and entirely recommendable. Watch, enjoy.

Black Narcissus (1947)

Hasn't aged well

[4/10 · 27 February 2019]

I went into this film looking forward to watching a classic. Sure, a films of that era have ages but A Matter of Life and Death, The Red Shoes and The Big Sleep are still very watchable.

Sadly Black Narcissus fails on that front. Primarily the acting is far too overwrought. There's no subtlety or nuance, with the score crudely hammering home the director's intended mood with an equal refusal to treat the audience with any respect.

There is some lovely camera work - particularly for the era - which is why I've rated the film as high as I did. Overall though this just isn't a film worth revisiting; other films in the 40s have aged much better, have far better acting and will offer a much more rewarding use of a couple of hours.

#Roxy (2018)

gentle fun

[7/10 · 4 November 2018]

There is almost nothing that makes this film stand out, that makes it one to recommend, that distinguishes it from dozens of other movies set in high school. It even ticks all the boxes, captures all the tropes, includes all the characters you expect to see and has them act just as you'd expect. Damningly it's predictable.

The acting doesn't astound, the soundtrack forgettable, the conversations rarely quotable, the set design mundane.

So go in with low expectations and.. let yourself be charmed. Enjoy a simple film, put together well, featuring likeable people. There are fun elements, the plot isn't entirely linear and there's certainly romance.

For all that it fails to wow the audience, this film never lets them down. Solid entertainment and worth your time.

I Am Gangster (2015)

May or may not be good but it's unwatchable

[1/10 · 24 October 2018]

Sadly I can't provide feedback or recommendation on this film's story, acting, sound design, costumes, mood, coherency or humour.

This is because I had to switch it off after just three minutes of watching it. Even now, ten minutes after that, I'm struggling not to vomit as a result of the constantly moving, bobbing, jerking camera.

I spent half of those three minutes researching whether it continues in that vein. Sadly it apparently does.

There may be a good film here. There may not. The director's decision to induce motion sickness in the audience means I'll never find out.

The Laundryman (2015)

competent and enjoyable cross-genre film

[6/10 · 1 May 2018]

This is an interesting variant on the standard hitman film, introducing a metaphysical twist that drives the plot and helps keep the story interesting.

Cinematically it's a very professional production but didn't distinguish itself at any point. One scene did sadly suffer the 'repeat this one stunt four times from different angles in slow motion' so beloved of Asian cinema but most of the film avoided that trope and portrayed credible action scenes that added energy and delivered pay-offs for the slower conversational elements.

Where the film did disappoint was a specific fight scene, in which previously demonstrated skill, reflexes, agility and strength are abandoned for plot reasons. Sorry but that's lazy film making.

It's a shame, and it did damage the review score I've given, because much of the film was better than that, and because of that I can recommend it to people that aren't scared of subtitles (or indeed, speak the language of the actors).

In particular one scene early in the film caught me completely by surprise, and left me highly entertained. Innovation, excellent acting from Hsiao-chuan Chang and overall I'm happy I spent the time watching this.

Two Down (2015)

simple interesting film

[7/10 · 14 March 2018]

Coming into Two Down entirely cold, having not heard of it before and without reading reviews, seeing a trailer or any knowledge about its creators, I got to enjoy a lovely film.

Unmistakeably British from the outset the film is set in London but does nothing to exploit stereotypes or caricature Londoners. Instead it reflects internally on its own characters, some of whom are quite weakly developed but collectively work well together to create a shared atmosphere within the film.

The plot is extremely simple but that's taken as a strength by the film. Rather than create elaborate plot twists and try and shock the viewer the film is relaxed about introducing new elements and information, and does this sufficiently often to keep the film moving. It was noticeable that just as the film lets you settle into 'Ok, this is the situation' it then draws you gently back out of that complacency, forcing your engagement to understand the implications of the latest revelation.

That gentleness underlies everything in the film. Its comedy is quiet and understated, the characters are (mostly) very measured and act with calm intent, and even the action scenes (shoddy though one of them is) are very quick, simple and there only to fill gaps in the story.

This film isn't going to appeal to kids seeking CGI fueled action sequences, expensively shot stunts, blood and gore, sex or ADHD influenced cuts. That's not its audience. Instead it's worth watching Two Down if you like low budget British films, if you like films that aren't afraid to take their time to tell you a story, or if you just want to watch a good film.

Dirtymoney (2013)

Very watchable atypical gangster film

[6/10 · 4 December 2017]

DirtyMoney is a very understated and simple film that manages to stay true to the Gangster film norms without ever falling foul of its clichés.

Rather than exaggerate the life of an urban criminal with extensive gunplay, car chases and witty one-liners the film takes a serious and considered look at highs and lows of (mostly) victimless crime.

Those extremes aren't a Goodfellas type romp; the voice-over tells us more than the images, and there's a quiet satisfaction supported by only muted displays of extravagance. Similarly the lows are captured in the expressions of the actors more than their actions, letting the audience empathise rather than be a voyeur.

This could have made DirtyMoney a great film, something Anthony Welsh's performance deserves. Unfortunately it instead left me detached, observing without participating in the film and its story, and at times confused by the actions and motives of key characters.

Overall it's worth watching and a fine alternative take on the classic British gangster genre. Just not one to watch a second time.

Bid for My Life (2015)

Interesting concept that falls flat

[5/10 · 9 April 2017]

Bid for My Life is a documentary that follows 22 working days for its star, James Hamer-Morton, in which he does whatever people that won an online auction ask him to do.

Sadly the people that each won a day of his time were rarely engaging themselves, and the editing didn't let us share their story. They seemed to have a broad variety of background, and offered a level of variety the documentary never explored. Their reasons for bidding were covered in a couple of sentences, or not at all; their lives, their situations and their hopes for what might follow the day with James just weren't explored.

Instead the camera focused on James, his feelings about the task, the financial impact of that day's work (which was interesting) and was almost scared of the people he was working with and for.

Credit to James for taking on this task, and the concept was certainly an interesting one. Ultimately the film doesn't deliver on the initial promise, failing to hold attention and never really conveying the emotional impacts for James or his daily managers. I can't really recommend it.

Spud 2: The Madness Continues (2013)

Tepid but competent sequel

[5/10 · 29 August 2016]

This sequel to Spud follows the same group of boys at their South African boarding school as the country navigates its way out of apartheid. The searing political backdrop is occasional mentioned but mostly ignored and the film focus is instead on the teenage growing pains of the titular character.

Where the first film explored the complex social relationships at such an establishment this sequel skips straight to escapades and actions. This distances you from the characters, less bought into their situation and potential outcomes and instead watching remotely as a potentially disinterested observer.

The escapades range in scale but are often tinged in nastiness. The bullying is sharper, more malicious in nature and has far greater consequences.

I left the film with less sympathy for Spud and his fellow students than I entered it, and less entertained than the first film had left me hoping. On the whole a misfire, lets hope Spud 3 resolves these challenges.

NYPD: Biggest Gang in New York? (2016 TV Movie)

One sided look at 'Cop Watchers'

[4/10 · 22 August 2016]

This documentary mixes footage from 'cop watchers' with interviews and footage of those same people in New York.

The general theme is one of denigrating the NYPD, highlighting specific examples of perceived abusive behaviour and the impacts it has on individuals involved.

What's missing is any semblance of balance. Although two NYPD members are interviewed neither is in a position to represent the organisation and their inclusion is constrained to support the documentary narrative. No visible attempts or quotes come from New York officials, police or otherwise; all the footage and interviews are with the perceived recipients of injustice.

Although there may be an issue with the NYPD and some of the scenes are not pleasant and do infer a behavioural challenge, ultimately this is a propaganda piece, biased in its outlook, biased in its presentation and doing a disservice to the very people that contributed to it.

It's a shame, there is material here that could have become a good documentary. Better journalistic investigation, proper interviews with officials and even a delay in release so that story arcs could be completed would have made this a far stronger piece of work. In its current form, it can't be recommended.

The LXD: The Secrets of the Ra (2011)

Astonishingly awful

[2/10 · 18 March 2013]

Dance movies are simple, and generally good fun. You expect a strong lead, gets embarrassed, pulls together a crew, tracks down that one missing ingredient, falls in love with her, loses the crew, regains the crew and beats the opposition in one big massive dance-off. Works that way in the Streetdance franchise, the Step-Up franchise, even Bring It On.

But not here. It's lovely to see a dance film step (skip, somersault?) away from the generic plot line, experiment, do something new.

Unfortunately The LXD: The Secrets of the Ra forgot to replace the generic plot with any sort of plot. It forgets to replace the big dance-off set pieces with beautifully choreographed demonstrations of high quality dancing. It doesn't even have dialogue.

Instead there is an incredibly disjointed series of set pieces, in which individuals do a few seconds of acrobatics. Sometimes someone else is involved. A few times there were actually coordinated choreographed pieces of dancing, but frankly I've seen better from the local Gilbert & Sullivan Society. A lot better.

Much of the dancing isn't done to music. There may be sound, but it's seldom actual music, and it's even rarer that the movements on-screen actually acknowledge the music.

So the plot's non-existent, the dancing's awful, but what about the actors: There aren't any. There _may_ be some acting in this film, but if so it was hidden well.

As for the cinematography, it's tough to call. The decision to heavily overexpose windows, doors, light wells - any light source - must have been intentional, and may well work for some people. I found it distracting, it prevented properly seeing the activity in the foreground and it wasn't the greatest of the technical issues for the film.

Finally, the set design. The plot less disjointed set pieces all had their own sets, themed around common film genres: The museum, the ship, the school, the factory, the saloon. Quite why any given theme was chosen was never explained, and none of them fit together.

Taken individually though, the set designs were quite good. So at least one thing in the film wasn't utterly terrible. Shame about the rest of it.

Second Sight (2007 TV Movie)

Very much worth avoiding

[5/10 · 18 April 2009]

Second Sight isn't a bad film as such; it just isn't any good. Easily identifiable as a TV movie it's competently created, the acting is fine and the camera moves well. However, a film like this relies on tension. Second Sight has no pretences at being an action film, has minimal (intentional) comedy and instead seeks to entertain through drama and intrigue.

Unfortunately the characters fail to draw your attention, or sympathy, the plot is at best tenuous and the editing is frankly poor. While the dialogue is uninspired, the music is a bad identikit "cheap TV movie drama" collection that would have felt derivative in the 1970s.

In all, this is a film that is very much worth skipping.

Min smukke nabo (1999)

They should have made this a 2 hour film

[6/10 · 22 December 2005]

Short films have no time to provide a back story, to do more than touch briefly on the life of their participants. Within that constraint, some short films don't try and pull together all the threads, answer all the questions.

This is such a film. In just a few short minutes we find out so much about Anis; at the same time, many questions are posed. To tie everything together, to explore the situation to its fullest would take an entire full length feature - maybe a mini-series on TV.

Instead just one thread is explored. It is beautifully filmed, acted sensitively, and leaves you wanting to know what happens next, how things turn out.

That's probably why I gave this film less than a top class rating. It isn't dissatisfaction with the film, more a disappointment that it ended, that I have been left with so many questions.

As with the very best short films, this one I shall remember. And not just because of the beautiful neighbour.

In the Dark (I) (2004)

subdued and intense

[7/10 · 21 December 2005]

This is a very long short film, and yet less happens than in most shorts.

Anne Coesens plays a very understated middle-aged woman in this film that explores a tiny portion of her (apparently) troubled life, involving her neighbour.

The film contains minimal dialogue, which matches its very subdued lighting. Attention is demanded, as much of the tale is portrayed through glances, facial reactions, subtle responses. This adds realism, gives the film a very compelling reality, and draws the viewer in.

Anne Coezens seems perhaps over-acting in her portrayal of disability, but after the first couple of minutes this doesn't matter, and the rest of the film focuses entirely on emotion and interaction, almost ignoring the physical flaw that leaves her so desperate and seemingly vulnerable.

I liked this film. Exceedingly little happens, and what does occur is very understated. There's no great denouement involved, no sense of catharsis for the viewer, but also no disappointment, no lack of fulfilment for watching the film.

Perhaps this film could only be done in French; to produce it in English may lose its hidden passion, it's sense of self, all reason for its being. Despite, or maybe because of, its subtitles, I found myself gripped, from start to end, and enjoyed the experience. I am left thoughtful, and slightly attracted to Anne Coesens, and want to go back to the world portrayed and see more of it. Watch this film, expect little, and enjoy what is shown to you.

League of Legends (2004)

Fantastic skills; shame about the film

[6/10 · 20 December 2005]

This film is really just an excuse to show off the skills of its stars. And they are immensely talented, with quite magical skill.

A simple premise, perhaps inspired by TV adverts also starring Edgar Davids, but ultimately too simple, inadequately explored. I wanted more from the film than just showing off the talents of the cast. Those talents would be better served as half-time entertainment in the final of a major tournament.

There is minimal dialogue in the film; there's minimal acting really too. This sparsity helps focus on the skills on display; regrettably it also highlights how little happens in this short film.

Watch it anyway - or fly to Holland and seek out these people. They are something to behold.

Yellow (II) (1997)

A bit of a 'nothing' film

[5/10 · 9 January 2005]

This short film challenges the viewer. It forces them to ask why they watched it, and indeed, why it was made.

It's not that it's badly filmed, and the acting is competent enough. It just doesn't have a story. There's almost a story there, but it never really develops.

The makers of the film clearly tried in several places to lead the viewer astray, hinting that there might actually be a story in there. Some of those leads, had they been taken through to fruition, may have led to an interesting and thought provoking film.

There is also nothing to help you identify with any of the characters. They can be summed up as 'woman', 'man' and 'girl'. That's as much character development as you get. By the time you think there's genuine peril for any of them, I found myself not really caring.

This short film could easily have become a single scene in a longer film. It would fit superbly in the average Mike Leigh film. But he'd have given you well-developed people to watch, and there'd have been a point to the scene. Without those, it's just a bland filler, worth avoiding.

Little Terrorist (2004)

Lacks storyline

[6/10 · 15 December 2004]

This short film is professionally enough filmed, and as a showcase for the skills of its makers is extremely effective.

Unfortunately for the casual viewer it fails to deliver. Although the story drags you in initially, it seems to founder, and you finish thinking there should have been something more.

The base premise is actually good; there is much scope for introducing tension, and some obvious story twists that could be included. Perhaps credit should be given for skipping the typical clichés, but nonetheless something more was needed.

I certainly don't recommend that people go out of their way to see this short; however, don't be surprised if the makers go on to bigger and better things.

The Platform (2004)

Very simple film

[6/10 · 2 September 2004]

Filmed with a predominantly stationary camera, The Platform comes across as a B- effort in the final year at film school.

There's nothing really wrong with any of the film; there's just little to write home about.

As a (very) short film it's impossible to describe the plot without giving it away. Suffice to note that it is well executed, with a mix of suspense and humour let down only by a sense of what is going to happen next.

Alas, the film ended just as it had the chance to get very amusing - perhaps an opportunity for a sequel?

Soul Patrol (2000)

Not a traditional romance

[7/10 · 4 May 2003]

As with all the best short films, Soul Patrol has an interesting premise that is displayed with style and simplicity.

Clint Dyer looks comfortable in the lead role and plays off well against Sadie Frost, who is never seen out of a posh frock. The story revolves around their relationship, and although there is clearly a secret here, the director makes no attempt to hide it.

The film works because you find yourself enjoying the interplay between the lead characters, while trying to figure out where things will go between them.

Taking a fine line between drama and comedy with a bias to the latter, the film is almost light hearted, but manages to convey a very dark feeling in places. The only negative points are a couple of rather corny lines from Earl (Clint Dyer), which the writer should (but probably isn't) be ashamed of.

Perhaps not a traditional romance (but what short film ever is) this film is very likeable, and well worth seeing if you get the chance.

Smart Alek (1993)

Brutal short film which hurts to watch but forces your attention

[8/10 · 29 April 2003]

This short film starts off being painful to watch, and doesn't get any better. I almost lost attention, turned off by the depiction of a dysfunctional family, yet the imagery and activity made me watch.

I felt terrible empathy for the father as he tried to pack the car, his daughter ignoring him, playing repetitively on a recorder. The grandmother exists as so many elderly folk, in a simplified world. The son, obviously rebelling against.. well, rebelling. And the mother, barely noticeable in the opening half the film.

The film takes us through a holiday nightmare, evoking memories I'd prefer to have left forgotten, hitting home in too many places. Yet never is the ending suspected, or warned. When it happens, disbelief kicks in, I mentally challenged the credulity of the script, trying to deny the actions taking place on-screen. Hating the family, yet hating their fate left me confused, but I was compelled to watch.

What really sealed this film for me was the simple comment at the end. This is a true story. It is based on real people. And it hurt enough when I thought it was just fiction..