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Reviews
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (2016)
Worth seeing
Although I am not generally a fan of Burton's movies I did enjoy this and it had an intriguing concept. I took two teenage boys to see it and one of them loved it and the other was disappointed with the ending. The ending did seem a little flat and I am not sure why - I think it was an emotional response as it seemed like the correct ending, but just didn't satisfy- hard to define. The boys also found some things a little scary in it - so they thought that it wouldn't be suitable for kids younger than them (13 & 14). the acting was mostly very good and you did get to know the characters reasonably well.
If I was able I would have given 7.5 instead of 7.
There is potential here for more movies in this fantastical world and I hope that this transpires. It does make me want to read the books.
Poi E (2016)
See this if you can
This has to be one of the best documentaries I have seen. The story behind the song is fascinating. Dalvanius Prime was obviously a larger than life type of character who managed to make the almost impossible happen for the small town of Patea. Those of us who were around at the time remember the impact of this song on the nation of New Zealand.
The documentary has been made with loving care and a desire to honour those involved. It was nice touch to have Taika Waititi and Stan Walker honouring the song with their comments.
This movie tells the story of the song and its impact in a very honest and entertaining way. Thoroughly recommend seeing this :-)
Kiwi Flyer (2012)
Enjoyable family viewing
This movie was very much a feel good family movie. I took my 9 year old along because my wife had read about it and thought our son might enjoy it. He did not want to go and was grumpy all the way. But he loved the movie and chatted about it all the way home. Well made old style family movie like Disney used to make before they went off track (not counting the PIXAR stuff which are great). Well cast kid actors who were very believable and it was great to see Vince Martin on the big screen again. Another solid performance from Tandi Wright as the mother and I enjoyed Dai Henwood's quirky performance as the kid's teacher. Well directed with some nice views of Nelson. The story line was reasonably predictable but that did not detract from the overall enjoyment.
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)
Well Constructed
I was surprised after reading the bad reviews here, to thoroughly enjoy this documentary. It seems to me that some of these reviews have either not watched it or have not watched it with an open mind. The message of the documentary is that there should be freedom of thought and expression of that thought, both academically and in the popular media. I cannot see why those living in the United States (particularly) would not be for that type of freedom. It is strange that these things would go on in a supposedly free nation but then again this same nation practiced racism in many of its States until about 50 years ago and did not have a very good history of fair treatment of it's indigenous people. Academic freedom is necessary if a society is to remain free, that means that you will have to suffer some ideas and opinions you do not like. So!!! I found that Mr. Stein tried valiantly to give the various protagonists in this documentary the room to air their views and he is to be commended for that. Of course some of the content is very emotionally charged but good on him for going there.
Avatar (2009)
Best Movie Thus Far
This makes Titanic look pretty pedestrian. Some of the storyline may not be all that original but the storytelling is done so well, you just don't care. Great direction, great effects. This is a movie that you can tell has been painstakingly put together for our enjoyment. Even though it is long you don't notice, as you are so drawn into the story, time just disappears. I would see this one again and again. I'm told it is even better in 3D. Star Trek was my film of the year till I saw this one. Well done James Cameron, keep them coming. This deserves to knock Titanic off the top of the box office records. I don't often bother to make any comments on IMDb but this one is that good. Go see it! Thanks again James for your Christmas present to the movie goers of the world.
I, Robot (2004)
Well worth seeing
I put off seeing this one for ages because of the bad critical reviews. But this one surprised me, it sure was a kick ass movie. I found it intelligent, absorbing and enjoyable. Also there was no sex which is also a major bonus. I thought it was Will Smith's best so far (even considering his excellent portrayal of that boxer, uh what was his name!). Anyway I think the critics in general got this one wrong. This was a much better movie than Spiderman 2, and deserved to do better at the box office. Although the future is most unlikely to look anything like what was shown here, the questions thrown up regarding robots and artificial intelligence are certainly thought provoking.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Very Funny, but too much swearing!
Really enjoyed this one. Laughed a lot and it sure made me forget my problems of the day.
It was unfortunate that they had to include so much swearing that was unnecessary to the story.
The subtle and not so subtle similarities with "Pride and Prejudice" were enjoyable. Once again Colin Firth was perfect for the role and acted superbly. Hugh Grant was also well cast and was so believable as the scoundrel he played.
The girl who played Bridget did very well and some scenes were almost unbearable to watch as you just had to cringe at what she was going to say or do next.
Well done.
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Over Rated!
This was OK, nothing too inspiring.
The flying scenes were a little over done. Almost thought I was watching a superman movie.
The female lead acted superbly and should have been nominated for an Oscar.
The cinematography was of the highest calibre.
Unfortunately the male lead was quite wooden.
Wouldn't see it a second time. I find it hard to believe that many are picking it for a Best Picture Oscar. The rest must be pretty bad for this one to be the best.
The Green Mile (1999)
An entrancing story, acted superbly!
This movie was a pleasant surprise, I don't usually enjoy Stephen King stories.
The acting was first rate, the story was entrancing. Tom Hanks once again showed why he is one of the best actors in Hollywood.
I heartily recommend this movie.
Space Cowboys (2000)
Thrilling adventure!
This is a most enjoyable and thrilling film.The best for me this year. The story may be a bit farfetched but that did not detract from the entertainment value. These old boys showed they still have it in them! They combined well together and wouldn't mind if they decided to make more movies together.
The humour was good and not over done which is often the case. The twists in the story although very telegraphed still were entertaining.
I took my thirteen year old son to it and he also totally enjoyed it.
The Miracle Maker (1999)
Magnificent
Our family viewed this on the big screen and all the children loved it.
I felt it took a unique approach to the gospel story, one which made it come alive more for the viewer. Pretty honest to the gospel story.
The animation was amazing and worth more than 10 out of ten for this one aspect.
It was a little strange though to hear strong Scots and Welsh accents among some of the characters.
On the whole this was one of the best cinema experiences of the year. Thoroughly recommend it.
Gladiator (2000)
Enjoyable
A very entertaining movie with a reasonable storyline. More flashy but not as good as "The fall of the Roman Empire" which had better acting.
The action footage was excellent but some of the character to character dialogue could have been improved, also the actor playing Commodus wasn't very convincing. Special effects were excellent, the creation of the atmosphere of the Colosseum was breathtaking. You felt like you were there.
Opening battle scene was brilliant. Go see it!
The Matrix (1999)
Worth seeing
This was a movie I wasn't going to see until friends talked me into it.
The story was interesting especially the many analogies one can find in it. If you take it too seriously it is a load of rubbish, but if you think about concepts and analogies there is a lot of thoughtful statements being made in this movie.
The acting was pretty good especially "Orpheus".
If it had not been for the many blasphemies scattered throughout the movie I would have rated it more highly. I still think it is one of those movies that are worth seeing even if you aren't into science fiction.
The Patriot (2000)
Faith not undermined!
Enjoyable, fast paced movie.
The thing I appreciated was that the Christianity was positively
portrayed,
which is reasonably rare for movies these days.
The minister in the movie was not a wimp.
Faith was treated as an everyday part of life.
The Patriot (2000)
Faith not undermined!
Enjoyable, fast paced movie.
The thing I appreciated was that the Christianity was positively
portrayed,
which is reasonably rare for movies these days.
The minister in the movie was not a wimp.
Faith was treated as an everyday part of life.