jamesjchapman-37903 Reviews

Prey (I) (2022)

Very solid. Entertaining the whole way through.

[8/10 · 6 August 2022]

A good 8 out of 10 from me. Beautifully shot with solid performances from main and support cast alike. Great cinematography and fantastic score. It feels like eating freshly buttered hot bread to watch; deliciously simple and but it's just what you crave. If there are any amateurs in that cast, you couldn't pick 'em! I was really happy and walked away satisfied. Lots of action, a few tense moments....but the scenes roll fluently into each other and the film never quite stops for a ponderously suspenseful moment. See it. You know you want to.

Night Train to Lisbon (2013)

Thoughtful & Intelligent

[7/10 · 1 December 2021]

Jeremy Irons is especially good in this. He admits in his character that he's 'boring.' But in him we can find a bit of ourselves; maybe a bit lost. Or simply that we feel we've lost time. Night Train to Lisbon is a brief travel about brief encounters, some of which are life changing. It brings into question deeds done in the past, old regrets and old acquaintances long gone but not forgotten. The film is very thoughtfully written and the acting alone should have any thinking person well-engrossed in its plot. I'd agree that it could have done with a little more tension. The film presents enough intrigue factor in that each character carries some degree of mystery. I felt that the ending was a bit flat and for that I can't award it much more than a 7. But it's worth the watch.

No Time to Die (2021)

A potentially great filmed destroyed by its ending.

[1/10 · 13 November 2021]

What could have been an 8 or 9 in my books destroyed - in a few shorts minutes of ending that no Bond film should ever have. And for the sake of sick, twisted cancel culture - all they really wanted to do is kill the white male. Populist rubbish no doubt Bond's communist adversaries would revel in. Why do rich stupid people dictate outcomes in Hollywood? Stupidity reigned when they killed Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise. So much so they became utterly desperate to revive the character using any excuse. You'd think they'd have learned the lesson. Until it was repeated when Han Solo was killed off in the increasingly-loopy Star Wars franchise. So... why destroy the Bond franchise? An enduring legacy, far greater than the sum of its actors, producers, writers... most other franchises. Dumb. Selfish. Contrived. And deserving of punishment by critics until such a day comes when these morons sitting in their high chairs realise - we do not want or need to see how key characters die. It's not what we go to see.

The Railway Man (2013)

Mixed emotions at the end.

[7/10 · 9 August 2021]

I found it really hard to put into words my emotions after watching this movie. It's hard because it's not so much a sad ending - but not a real happy one, either. I guess I felt uncomfortable without even knowing what to expect of it. This is a film about people damaged by war. Soldiers and their families. The acting carries it from start to finish. And for that alone, I could not walk away from it. Kidman is her usual brilliant self. Skarsgard never disappoints. Not being a big Firth fan, I found his character monochrome; but therein lies a bit of brilliance because his character has lived through horrendous suffering and trauma. And this is what he brings to the screen with conviction. The fact that there is truth to this story makes it worth watching. This movie draws strength from character acting; not blockbuster special effects and war action. It is a human story. One told through the eyes of both prisoners and captors. Worth a look? Yes. Just be open to not feel the way you thought you would at the end.

Kóblic (2016)

Feels like something is missing, but still good.

[7/10 · 19 July 2021]

I felt like I wanted something more from this movie. It's hard to put a finger on exactly what. I think that it's set entirely in a sleepy little country town might not have helped in terms of it being a bit 'thin on the ground.'

The cast performances are quite enjoyable. Especially the main characters. We've got a good guy who's new in town... or what we hope deep down is a good guy with a dark past who 'had to do what he had to do' during bad times. We've got a bad guy; a dodgy local cop who's been around far too long and enough to have his bent fingers in every piece of pie and the pockets of those he does favors for. Sandwiched in between is a stunningly beautiful but bored-stiff young lady who should have left town years ago, but didn't.

The backdrop of the story touches on the factual murders of possibly thousands of political opponents of a repressive regime in Argentina. Horrifically, a significant number were thrown to their deaths over the Pacific Ocean from a great altitude.

The movie is definitely worth a look. It has its own unique style in terms of direction and wherever it might be lacking, it makes up for with interesting (if not dodgy) characters plotting and weaving their way around each other.

The ending is worth the wait. You definitely have the sense that the film is building towards some sort of climax and it delivers enough here to warrant the watch. Keep an open mind on it. Without budgetary and or other constraints, maybe more could have been done with it. But I think it deserves a 7 or better as a contemporary effort on a subject that might still be very raw in the aforementioned country.

Dante's Peak (1997)

You had to see this on the Big Screen....

[9/10 · 14 July 2021]

All these years later, I still find Dante's Peak an edge of your seat ride; even on the small screen. But I remember quite vividly watching this on opening day in the cinema and loving every minute of it.

Yes, critics will pan the Hollywood theatrics for being over-the-top and or unrealistic. But this movie is all about building volcanic intensity and making you feel like you're trapped in the town with those now desperate to escape. And for that alone I'd nearly rate it a 10 out of 10.

There are some very real and tangible elements to what is happening with the volcano. Don't forget you only have less than 2 hours to establish credible characters, a believable plot in a realistic enough town to make this volcano flick unfold at the right time - and pace. Not an easy feat in itself. This movie ticks the boxes.

Brosnan and Hamilton carry the movie really well with their key character performances, given that we'd like to see them get the opportunity to indulge some romance. But the big bag bast**d in the background is set to explode and ruin everyone's day - and make ours at the cinema!

I love the way this film tickled your nerves in the cinema. There are lots of anxious moments. There are some really REALLY brilliant special effects; remember is was released all the way back in 1997. But all the time you can imagine how terrifying it would be to experience being caught in an event like this. And THAT is precisely what Dante's Peak succeeds at because you feel like you're there, living that moment. That's what good movie-making is about.

It's a film about survival that keeps building as our escapees go from one traumatic challenge to the next. But after you watch the movie, you'd definitely think twice about living too close to a volcano - dormant or not. And if you read a little bit about volcanoes, you'll appreciate some of the details in the film just that bit more, too.

Anthony Zimmer (2005)

Classy. A seven-and-a-half and close to eight out of ten.

[7/10 · 12 January 2021]

Classy and smooth. Like a French wine. The ending deserved maybe some more of the climatic suspense that built in places throughout the film. That was the only disappointment.

For a movie just shy of 90 minutes, it has to remain thin on the plot. At best you are given sketchy details about the key characters - or none at all. And remarkably the producers manage to throw quite a lot into this little mini masterpiece that keeps you watching all the way until the anti-climatic end.

Mystery surrounds all involved; from the main protagonist being hunted by law enforcement and Russian mafia alike, to the love interest, the cop, the hitman and even the "hero."

It's a whirlwind chase that treats us with what we hope will be a whirlwind romance at the end of dramatic chase scenes and perhaps a finale and showdown between the hunted and his pursuers. You are given a surprise ending, just maybe not what you'd expected or hoped for.

Anthony Zimmer is definitely a clever film and deserving of awards. For such a short movie, they really manage to build up our sympathies for key characters and also build hope of a future together for two people needing a fresh break. It's a film that teases you all the way. Teases your sense of intrigue through the opening sequences and then takes you on the chase for the mystery man.

You can't be sure who Anthony Zimmer is or where he'll jump out at you. And at times you can't even be sure he is actually a he at all. I can't throw in a spoiler; so I'll just tease you the way the movie does. Does "he" even exist? Hmmm.

Sit back and enjoy the chase. Pretty certain you'll be glad you did.

Yes Man (2008)

Light-hearted with a simple message

[8/10 · 6 January 2021]

This is a fun movie, with a message for all of us. Because life gets in the way of things, can get us down sometimes and sooner or later we find ourselves saying 'no' more and more. If you want to change your thinking, change your outlook or change your life outcomes - then maybe you have to open up to the possibility of saying 'yes' more often. Jim Carey is really good in this. Rhys Darby produces some great giggles. I fell in love with Zooey Deschanel watching this in the cinema on opening day. And who doesn't love Terence Stamp? There's lots of light-hearted laughs and moments in this. And maybe lots of life experiences and questions that might be familiar to you, too. Say YES to Yes Man. You'll feel better for it.

Munich (2005)

Great movie, all-star cast, highly entertaining

[9/10 · 6 January 2021]

Some might call it thought provoking; others politically charged. This is a highly entertaining, well directed and produced movie. You are handed an all-star cast, none of which is wasted. Even 'bit parts' are carried out to perfection by some great renown actors. And I do not believe the film asks you to take sides or even that it tries to portray one side or the other as villains. There is more a theme about revenge and what is perceived to be justice in the eyes of some; a theme recurrent throughout all of humanity. It shows a complex web of people and groups with a cocktail of motives; some political, many financial - and few of them 100% trustworthy when lives depend on it. I won't ruin it by harping on about politics, especially since each viewer might glean something different from having watched the movie. This is a well-rounded movie, great script, top acting and the result is worthy of accolades awarded to it. I think you'll find the plot keeps you interested and keeps you guessing enough to keep you on the couch until the end. I gave it a nine because and dropped a point off because it is the ending that left me that one point empty.

Kill the Messenger (2014)

Corruption goes all the way to the top.

[9/10 · 29 December 2020]

What does it say when the people responsible never actually go to jail? Never face the death sentence even though they sentence others to death? This movie points a big elephant-in-the-room finger at the corrupt organisation at the heart of this truly evil plot. And deservedly so. In real life one of the key characters actually ends up being assassinated by them - and his death ruled a suicide even though he was double-tapped to the forehead. At the end of the movie, your guess is probably is as good as mine: probably very little has changed in the years that have passed since the events portrayed. This film is well acted, very well directed and holds sway from beginning to end. It would score a perfect ten in my book if they had only managed a bit more tightened suspense, which a film of this magnitude and calibre was always capable of achieving. Renner is fantastic. And I for one am glad this story is told. Just because scumbags never faced justice does not mean they should enjoy retirement in complete obscurity and their deeds go untold. I agree with other reviews here - this is an important story. And I think you'll be glad you watched this movie should you give it the chance it certainly deserves. If you don't feel anything at the end of this movie; if it doesn't move you in some way, shape or form, you'd have to lack empathy. Much the same way this corrupt organisation has lacked respect for law and order, human lives, dignity, moral and professional standards and human decency, full stop.

The Dry (2020)

Really good Aussie flick; A country story with a twist.

[8/10 · 19 December 2020]

There is something uniquely Australian about this film. I think it's the overall country feel. A small country town, struggling with drought, small town syndrome and past mysteries that dog community members - especially one who has just returned after 20 years absence. A really good Australian ensemble hold together the intriguing storyline. And just when you decide it's bleeding obvious who the obsessive killer is and what links two crimes 20 years apart, they throw in some extra ingredients to throw the viewer off the scent. That's the part I actually quite enjoyed. I love this sort of movie that relies on great acting, a solid story and characters in an unforgiving outback setting. Really good work here.

Suburra (2015)

Pleasantly surprised. Make sure you get to see this one.

[8/10 · 20 October 2020]

If you like great acting, timing, poise, delivery with tense standoffs blending it all together, watch Suburra. A whole bunch of wicked and nasty characters all seeking to outdo eachother - or kill eachother, either for control, bloodlust or just to cover their own tracks. Suburra has it all. Corrupt politicians. Old school mafiosa, new gen crims and dodgy "business" deals. Stir in some hookers, junkies and wannabes and you've got a delicious callous mix of fight-to-the-last man - or woman, intensity.

This is a gritty film. It's a gritty eight out of ten and I'd almost relent and give it the nine. I think you'll be happily surprised. It's an actors film. And amazingly everyone in this pulls it off to perfection. I certainly cannot fault the cast performances one iota. I loved this because it has some genuine European authenticity about how the tale is told and the way in which corruption unwinds. Not just some Hollywood flash in the pan with big-budget effects thrown in for good measure.

Ya. Eight outta ten from me. Now go watch it.

Rumor Has It... (2005)

Pitiful. Torture for 1.5 hours. People ought be paid for wasted time watching this.

[1/10 · 20 October 2020]

The only saving grace is that the film wastes only 1.5 hours of your life. Be grateful.

This is a dreadful film; contrived and forced all the way. At best, it's B-grade actors trying to count down the minutes in an at-best D-grade fare. The story is as sickening as the fact they had the nerve to categorize this film as a comedy/romance. There are perhaps 2 or 3 short laughs in the entire span of the film. And if you like cavorting with Grandad, maybe you'd call it romance. I call it a horror film.

I should have known better. Are there ANY Kevin Costner films in existence that are actually good? Jennifer Aniston acts like she is still playing her role in Friends. This proves little deviation from what she should have stuck to - television roles.

If you find a bullet in the head funny, maybe you'd agree this is a comedy. It's woeful. I was intending to rate it 2 stars. But I'm not being paid by anyone and I don't see me being given any favors for doing so. So I'm giving it what it truly deserves. One star.

The plot drones on and on. The monologue will want to make you put earphones in, listen to music and just pretend you're watching attentively. It's a vomit fest the like of which you are forced to see and then really appreciate all the good movies you've seen.

Another Waterworld result for Kevin Costner, but at least they saved money on this dreadful offering.

Get Low (2009)

Needed a stronger ending to polish it off.

[7/10 · 13 October 2020]

I'd rather give it a six-and-a-half stars out of ten. This movie builds our perceptions of of its central protagonist character into the image of a really bad man, perhaps with a violent past who is now seeking redemption after decades of guilt finally overwhelm him. Polished performances from Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and Bill Cobbs really deserved a better ending to go out on. But much of the film is spent creating an aura around Felix and his mysterious past. So when the finale draws us to a close we are given a rather empty vessel of a man, who really isn't guilty of much more than the average person today. Throughout the movie you do feel yourself asking questions about your own life; things you did wrong or could have done better. And how each of us come about asking for forgiveness and trying to let go of the past. I think to this extent, the movie is a success. We can all see maybe a little bit of Felix in our own selves. But Duvall was so good in this role, I had probably hoped for a Clint Eastwood style badass man, wanting to finally admit his "atrocities" committed during an angry, volatile youth on the run. It's nothing of the sort. And this was the let-down for me. It just left me empty at the end. The movie is however, based loosely on the life of a real person. And prior to watching the movie I was unaware of this fact. It may have helped infinitely to have read about the man, Felix Bushaloo "Uncle Bush" Breazeale, prior to seeing the film. A six-and-a-half from me.

Event Horizon (1997)

Still remember the intensity in the cinema!

[9/10 · 7 October 2020]

It's been a long time since I watched Event Horizon on its first day of cinematic release in Australia. And yet it is one film where I can still clearly remember the intensity of sitting upright in my seat as the plot descends into the chaos of hell when the characters one by one lose their minds - and lives. The film moves at a decent pace with the drama and gory horror building into the crescendo finale. A movie has to have an ending and it's not always an easy feat for horror movies to keep everyone satisfied with them. This reviewer was. Great performances by Sam Neill and Laurence Fishburne really carry the hell-scary plot. It's creepy, eeky and sci-fi fans will probably really enjoy it. Event Horizon is best enjoyed on the big screen. But watch it very late on a dark night and you'll be pleasantly spooked by it... if that's your thing!

Match Point (2005)

Thoroughly enjoyable touch of British drama.

[8/10 · 7 October 2020]

Having never seen this upon its release, I had to settle for a small screen viewing and I was pleasantly surprised by this film. The characters are fatefully intertwined by a central character who unravels further and further like a modern-day MacBeth into a downward spiral at an increasing rate of knots. His tale of deception, lies and mistruths to cover his tracks makes for a gripping finale. You can sense what's around the corner, but you just have to keep watching to see him hopefully get his just deserts. I loved the ending (some might not), but I really loved the ride that takes us there. It makes you feel uncomfortable and a film like this needs to take your feelings and give them a little twist the way Woody Allen does with this. The characters have depth and we actually feel for them in what will be inevitable suffering at some future point. I won't ruin it with spoilers, except to say that if you've had some Woody Allen disappointments - this effort just might reinstate your interest in his work.

Micmacs (2009)

Beautifully made piece of French cinematic art. Make sure you get to enjoy it!

[9/10 · 22 September 2020]

When you want something to make you feel good, let this movie work it's magic on you. I for one thoroughly enjoyed this beautifully-made movie and all it has to offer. It is a delight visually, but also intellectually and spiritually. If I could reach through the screen from another dimension to pat all involved in the back, I would do so wholeheartedly. Micmacs will make you feel better if you let it take you on its funny little ride, with fun characters, a fun plot, ad hoc filming style and a surprisingly wholesome happy ending for all. The wonderful mismatch of characters adds to the delight of what is - I believe, to be a very well crafted film with purposeful and thoughtful plot twists and turns to keep you engaged, entertained and laughing all the way to the end. I cannot fault the directing, acting, writing, style or substance of what Micmacs brings to the table for artistic entertainment. The post production editing has produced a wonderful style that just adds a bit more zest to what is beautiful arthouse cinema. I want to give it a 10 because it deserves it in many ways that most movies do not. But I'll be a rotten miser here and score it a 9 in the hope their next effort - should they make a sequel, be even funnier than this. Watch it when you're relaxed, free to think and open to enjoy a whimsical and fun journey that this movie is.

The East (2013)

Gets you asking questions and demanding answers.

[8/10 · 13 August 2020]

How far would you go? This movie poses many questions and one that tests us all in asking where each of us draw the moral line in the sand about to what extremes we should go to in upholding values and beliefs. What is right from wrong? How big is the grey area between the left and the right? What defines extremism? How far do you go...or feel you need to go to prove a point? To make a voice heard? 'The East' is a movie that does a really good job of teasing out of each of us what we believe ethics and morality ought to or should be. But lines are blurred. And each of us have different views and standpoints, tolerances, beliefs and values. This movie might make you affirm those feelings and you'll walk away satisfied that it has only strengthened your resolve. Or (like me), it might challenge you to think twice and and feel a bit uncomfortable in challenging your long-held beliefs and open up to... well, 'other possibilities.' I'm glad Ridley Scott and Tony Scott jumped aboard with this. Because it has that polished feel to its overall presentation and yet it's a rough diamond that really does touch raw nerves. I enjoyed it; I think you will, too. When you have no distractions and plenty of time to think and feel - watch this one. And see how you feel afterwards.

Arctic (2018)

Deserves 2 stars for convincing Mads Mikkelsen to star in it.

[2/10 · 18 July 2020]

Firstly, I like Mads Mikkelsen as an actor. I think he's highly capable. But I don't know whether they got him seriously drunk enough to scribble a barely-legible signature on a contract, or maybe an in-law held a gun to his head.

This movie is a as depressing as an off ham sandwich. One where the ham falls out on the ground and you look at the bread only to discover it is moldy and smells.

If you're looking to neck yourself, this is the movie to do it to. The last half of it, you're seriously hoping that mysterious polar bear will leap from behind a rock and consume both protagonists, thereby sparing the audience of more torture; which is film is.

You're hoping for small miracles and something to give you hope and yet this movie just manages to sap both away. You'll find more happiness at a cemetery than in this survival flick. This reviewer found the ordeal a feat of survival to sit through its entire duration.

Spare yourself. Not even the polar bear wanted to stick around for this.

The Counselor (2013)

Highly watchable film full of bad people

[9/10 · 24 June 2020]

You'll be wondering who you actually feel sorry for in the film. These are bad people, after all. I was engrossed by it and couldn't look away. I don't know if all the bad reviews are from people wanting special effects and action - but this is a film about acting. And the main cast pull something together here that is unique and edgy. It's dark, it builds up to a climatic ending and it also leaves you wondering. As a Ridley Scott film it certainly has a bit of everything. I think if you allow yourself to be fully immersed in the story, you'll enjoy the film. It's like you're sitting there participating in every conversation that takes place. You're an observer of the underworld and underhand activities that unfold. And that's great directing. The performances top it off. Bardem is really growing on me. And Diaz is as cold as ice can be. But make sure you watch it on a night when you can give the story the full attention it deserves.

Inside Man (2006)

An 8 wanting to be a 9.

[8/10 · 21 June 2020]

As Denzel Washington films go, it's close - but not quite. It hits some high notes and it manages to hold your attention and inquisitiveness. The acting from its first-class cast gives the film dimension enough to keep you guessing. Not normally a Clive Owen fan, but I enjoyed his calm and almost menacing performance in this. Jodie Foster is sassy and plays her cards perfectly. Christopher Plummer; needless say more. I enjoyed the theme. It's not your typical robbery-gone-wrong with an inevitable kidnap and escape plot so often resorted to. You beckon for a little surprise and that's what this little gem dangles for you.

Hurricane (2015)

Well made and well worth the time to watch.

[9/10 · 21 June 2020]

The footage is mesmerizing. And once you lock yourself into your chair, it is hard to walk away. Although basing itself upon a fictitious hurricane, the footage is of real storm surges and events. All mixed with a healthy blend of survivor accounts, first-hand experiences and the aftermath of the brutal onslaught of Mother Nature at her meanest. Well put together and nice to experience something different to big-budget, over-hyped Hollywood CGI nonsense. This is a story. And a documentary. Real tossed into a maelstrom with the unreal. Give it a go.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Watch it over and over again

[10/10 · 15 June 2020]

I'd never heard of Javier Bardem prior to watching this film - mostly with my mouth agape. His is a dreadful character. And played so dead-calm that he absolutely nails the psychopathic killer demeanor with this performance. Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin are standout, but I love Woody Harrelson's effort here, too. The stark landscapes, murderous characters and dark underhanded plot are a great mixture. Tense drama and great acting that will keep you hooked for the duration. I can see this over and over again on tv and not get sick of it.

The Sacrament (2013)

Deserves better than its 6.1 Average here

[8/10 · 15 June 2020]

This offering has some really decent acting performances from its cast, most notably Gene Jones who perfectly epitomizes the control-freak cult leader in this movie. The film grows into its crescendo finale with well constructed character building and a plot that keeps you intrigued. The end is something else. If you want a dramatized insight as to the inner workings of a cult, this is a fine - albeit disturbing example to start with. I don't know how it could have generated as little earnings as is stated here; it would have to be a mass failure of the marketing division. Ultimately the film deserves to be watched and critiqued to a higher standard than is the case.

The Gentlemen (2019)

Go See It.

[9/10 · 4 January 2020]

As a regular movie goer, I'll jump to the point and say this: definitely go see The Gentleman. Guy Ritchie nails it with this one. I was roped in, hook, line and sinker from the start and that's what it needed to do. All 113 minutes keeping you attentively sucked into the little twists and turns.

Usually it doesn't take much to annoy me when it comes to narration, but this is a story - and a story told well. It's clever, it keeps pace, it doesn't stop. And it was more than I expected. Where it succeeds is holding you captive to the wonderment of anticipating every characters' next move on the plot chessboard that unfolds before you.

The acting is great; I can't fault anyone in performance or their placement in their roles. Putting this film together...and I am just stubbornly refusing to give it the perfect 10 in my assessment as a 9... but it's just shy of being a modern theatrical masterpiece.

If you get bored,, somehow lose it along the way... blame me. But I don't think you'll have regrets giving 113 minutes of your time away for this one.