gillwheeler-14313 Reviews

The Cuckoo (2024)

Predictable

[5/10 · 12 April 2024]

I was very hesitant about watching this, the minute Sian knocked on the door and took over the cooking and the daughter, the plot was fairly obvious. However, with a reasonably good main cast I decided to hang in there. It was a very predictable story, and amazing that a character can accept someone walking into their home, taking over and not accepting they are up to no good.....not exactly believable. Add to that the rather implausible ending, then I really did wonder why I had watched it all the way through. Very disappointing, I would have expected more from that cast. But that said, it was mainly a weak plot line that made the difference.

Ripley (2024)

Difficult to stop watching

[9/10 · 7 April 2024]

A mesmerising series, hypnotic performance by Andrew Scott. Difficult to stop watching and before you know it you've watched several episodes and want to watch more. Being shot in black and white somehow adds to the intrigue. A long series (8) episodes but all good.

Filmed in some beautiful places, perhaps the only time when you wished it was in colour, the locations are stunning, the buildings superb. Ridley's situation becomes increasingly complicated and he is constantly running away, digging himself even further into a series of lies and apparently believing more and more in the deceptions he has created.

Six Minutes to Midnight (2020)

Never reached its potential.

[5/10 · 6 January 2024]

We decided to watch this film because of the storyline and Judi Dench. However, despite the fact this story was based on fact, it never reached its potential and a bit like a firework that doesn't go off, this film never really gets going. Eddie Izzard, although a good actor, never quite 'got into' the part and running through the fields wearing handcuffs seemed almost like a Benny Hill sketch. We don't know whether it was a poor script, bad directing , or what, but we turned it off thinking how disappointing it was and very much like a B movie. Rarely do we finish watching something believing we had wasted our time - but we did we this !

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

A definite Christmas film

[10/10 · 22 December 2023]

This film should go hand in hand with Its A Wonderful Life. A great cast, Cary Grant,David Niven, Loretta Young etc etc - and a lovely, simple story. A must for Christmas viewing - leaves you with a lovely warm feeling and contains the inevitable moral. Cary Grant as an Angel is perfect, but there is a slightly cheeky slant to his reason for being here, which although maybe the point, does get him into a little trouble with The Bishop. I maybe old fashioned, but watching this film makes you realise that you really don't need violence, swearing or gratuitous sex in order to enjoy it. Admittedly a really good cast helps, but you can't beat a simple story.

Death on the Nile (2022)

I have to ask .......why !!

[3/10 · 12 January 2023]

I sat through this film, hoping throughout that something special might happen - but sadly it never did !! I have to ask why Kenneth Branagh thought he could improve on the original which had a far superior cast and stuck more faithfully to the book. Really disappointed and annoyed that I wasted the time. Had seen it advertised extensively for some time and believed it would be worth watching, I can only be grateful I didn't have to travel very far to see it and I didn't subject anyone else to the same. Inevitably when the name Kenneth Branagh is seen on either a cast list or as Director it is assumed that it is something well worth seeing, it would appear this is not the case.

My Policeman (2022)

Went in open minded

[8/10 · 17 November 2022]

Definitely a love story, cleverly woven and with exceptional performances from Linus Roache, Robert Everett, David Dawson, GinaMcKee and Emma Corrin. Harry Styles was quite obviously the least experienced actor and it showed, and although I went in with an open mind, determined not to judge him from what I knew, I was left wondering why he was chosen for such an important role. With that aside, I enjoyed the film, the contrasting styles from the 50s to the 90s were very well done. Obviously this particular subject has been attempted on many occasions and although this is yet another version, it has been beautifully filmed and in my opinion well worth seeing.

Being the Ricardos (2021)

Disappointing

[3/10 · 1 May 2022]

I was a huge fan of Lucille Ball, a funny, brilliant comedienne and this did not tell the story well at all. Neither did I feel Nicole Kidman was a good choice to play Lucy - for someone so well known it needed to be someone who was believable as her. As in previous reviews Lucy had an extremely expressive face - Nicole Kidman does not. I believe Debra Messing would have been perfect. I reluctantly watched it all, believing it might improve. It didn't ! I'm sure Lucy and Desi's family must have been disappointed too, it did neither justice.

Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009)

Just lovely - but beware - emotional !

[10/10 · 5 April 2022]

I don't know why I hadn't watched this before, I am a sucker for an emotional animal film. I suppose because it is based on fact I had to see it and although it was exceptionally emotional it was a beautiful film and highlights the intelligence of certain animals. The fact that every time Hachi heard the sound of the train he wanted to get to the station really tugs at the heart strings.

King Richard (2021)

Perhaps not an Oscar film

[7/10 · 3 April 2022]

I streamed this film, being a very keen tennis fan I was interested to see just how the sisters had evolved and the part their father played in their success. I enjoyed it, it was interesting to see how they started. However, although I think he played the part of Richard very well, I am not entirely sure it was worthy of an Oscar. The girls chosen to play Serena and Venus, did a very good job, both by acting and playing tennis - this film was actually almost entirely about Venus. I'm glad I watched it, but I'm not sure anyone but a tennis fan would get much from it,

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

Love it every time

[10/10 · 26 February 2022]

Have seen this film dozens of times and never tire of it. With its excellent cast and unforgettable music it is one of those films that will never date.

Belfast (2021)

Beautifully acted

[8/10 · 14 February 2022]

A lovely film, well filmed and beautifully acted by the main actors and particularly by Jude Hill. Filmed in black and white it caught the era well and the soundtrack by Van Morrison was perfect.

Father Christmas Is Back (2021)

A disappointment

[5/10 · 9 November 2021]

With so many 'names' involved, you could be forgiven for expecting more. Especially with names like Kelsey Grammer,Chris Marshall and Caroline Quentin. But unfortunately despite the big names, without a good script there's not much they can do. Even with Elizabeth Hurley overacting her socks off, I can't imagine much that could have saved this film. It really is very poor.

Where Is Kyra? (2017)

No, not for everyone

[5/10 · 18 September 2021]

This film certainly wouldn't suit everyone. The settings are dark throughout and it moves very slowly. It is a very predictable film, with a fairly simple plot. Michelle Pfeiffer is very good but personally I don't think her performance or that of Kiefer Sutherland makes up for this rather dull film.

Green Book (2018)

Heartwarming

[10/10 · 16 August 2021]

This excellent film, based on fact, highlights the racial bigotry faced by intelligent talented people like Donald Shirley whilst simply trying to work, and how, with the help of a man, who at first sight, would appear to be his least likely ally. Beautifully acted it is a feelgood film, and if you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so.

Our Friend (2019)

Watch it, you'll be glad you did.

[10/10 · 30 July 2021]

A beautiful film, beautifully acted and superbly directed with great sensitivity. Shows all aspects of a marriage and of losing someone you love. We came across it accidentally, so glad we did.

Time (2021– )

Hard to watch but .......

[10/10 · 4 July 2021]

A difficult programme to watch, but well worth it. The acting is superb particularly from Stephen Graham and Sean Penn - utterly believable. An exceptional piece of work.

Meet Joe Black (1998)

Timeless

[10/10 · 20 June 2021]

Loved this film the first time I saw it and enjoyed it again tonight. Anything with Anthony Hopkins is always good and add Brad Pitt and it's an inevitable winner.

Don't usually like films with a fantasy element, but somehow this almost seemed plausible......loved it again.

Battle of Britain (1969)

Still good after all these years

[10/10 · 1 April 2021]

First saw this film in 1969 and watched it again recently. Every bit as good and great to see all those wonderful actors again. Hard to believe it's over 50 years old the camera work is so good and it's entertaining from start to finish.

Deadly Illusions (2021)

A very poor film

[2/10 · 24 March 2021]

Badly acted, ridiculous storyline - certainly more like a second rate TV film.

Love of My Life (2017)

Surprisingly disappointing

[4/10 · 22 March 2021]

A number of well known names including John Hannah and Anna Chancellor attracted me to this film but it was more like a Whitehall farce.

Husband Tom was overacted and strangely pathetic, I had no idea this was supposed to be a comedy, the introduction to the film did not indicate this was the case.

A waste of a number of very capable actors, worthy of so much more.