petersooty Reviews

Allelujah (2022)

Some good comedy moments spoilt by the unnecessary political and miserable moments.

[6/10 · 25 March 2023]

Two contradictory, plus & minus's aspects to this film.

Firstly, a lot of our favourite actors & actresses put in some excellent performances. David Bradley is always good but this was brilliant plus usual expected, excellent performers from Judy Dench and Jennifer Saunders (probably her best). Plus some actors we hadn't seen before namely Bally Gill who is also good. Good script with some comic moments you'd also expect with Alan Bennett's involvement.

But secondly, on the other hand, the clever script had a few unnecessary political overtones which detracted from the main story. The story often was a bit depressing when it didn't have to be. If the scriptwriters had thought and focused more on the funnier aspects and possibilities of the story the film could have been mush more enjoyable.

For people of a certain age who see a hospice as perhaps their next step in life this would certainly not cheer them up! Especially the last 10 minutes.

So concentrate on the funny aspects, feel good messages and final positives of the story. So mixed feelings on coming out.

What's Love Got to Do with It? (2022)

Good RomCom with excellent cast, storyline and plenty of fine moral messages

[9/10 · 27 February 2023]

If you enjoy light hearted, good feeling films then go and enjoy this film. Good script all the cast were excellent in an interesting reflection on different cultures & mixed race marriages. I enjoyed it very much with some good laughs and good messages.

Should be compulsory viewing for any young racist teenagers. NIce to see a film that crosses race, cultural and religious barriers in an instructive, lighthearted and enjoyable way without preaching. Well done.

Music and dance sequences are well done with lots of colour captured by good photography.

This film makes a great change from a lot of the false, poor scripts, stereotype acting, idiotic storylines you get now a days and is just what a lot of people want to see judging by the audience reaction in our cinema. Well received with quite a few laughs. Go and enjoy.

Living (2022)

Captures an era beautifully & Nighty turns in an Iscar performance

[9/10 · 13 November 2022]

Brilliant story perfectly portrayed showing a bygone era just as it was. Some very clever performances with Bill Nighy' exceptional portrayal. Also the young office girl was excellent to portray a mixture of comedy and emotional moments.

The portrayal of offices, street scenes, shops such as Fortnum & Masons, railway stations and office workers of the 50's / 60's was so typical of the time ...I remember it well... and it was so cleverly done.

How administrative offices worked in that period was also ver cleverly captured. Indeed, mirrors how some offices, particularly civil service, still operate. The story should be compulsory viewing for all civil servants to learn...but doubt they would!

Elvis (2022)

Great historical record of the era...and enjoyable

[9/10 · 28 June 2022]

Elvis was excellent. It was not so much about his music but more about his life story and you really felt you got under the skin of his character...both of Elvis and Col Tom Parker.

Excellent performances all round and Austin Butler who played Elvis and really did him proud. Although a long film, almost 3 hours, it passed quickly and was never boring.

Elvis did not have much of a life considering he died at only 42 but some emotional and fond memories of that era (mine) including Kennedy's, Martin Luther, Little Richard and Sister Rosanna ....resulting in a very interesting, historical record as well as being entertaining.

I enjoyed all the cultural references and see how much of pop music was influenced and developed from this one guy. It was also a great film in terms of anti drugs and anti racism. Hopefully people will take note . I did not appreciate how much he did for BLM before it was invented- an emotional/ moving story with lots of moral messages.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Great film. Good story, lots of action but script a bit cliche

[9/10 · 9 June 2022]

9 out of 10 because you get what you expect....a great story with lots of great action and good cast. Whilst the story is good and keeps your attention just feel that the script was full of clichés...suppose to be expected but why when investing all this money they don't employ a good script writer ...someone who writes the excellent thrillers you now get on TV.

The only query I have is why didn't they use drones? Still a greta movie.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022)

Escape to a 'Beautiful Era'

[10/10 · 4 May 2022]

Superb acting by a brilliant cast- all of them. Excellent story that keeps you interested. No need for CGI or blood and gore because this is a proper story with romance, comedy and pathos with an ending(s) where story and sub-plots are tidied up and logical.

There are so many great performances here where a look and an aside say so much. Maggie Smith as usual exceptional.

The Duke (2020)

Very funny and moving...all the more poignant as it actually happened

[10/10 · 28 February 2022]

Although this happened in early 1960's the storyline is very relevant to today. Brilliantly acted by superb cast and if you don't find this funny then you have little sense of humour....not belly laughs but more subtle and clever humour. Also some very moving moments especially the court scenes draw you in.

If you are aged from 30 to 70+ you will enjoy this even more due to references, music and life styles depicted. Go and enjoy.

Mothering Sunday (I) (2021)

What a shame, so slow, slow.

[6/10 · 18 November 2021]

Mothering Sunday. A lot of work has gone into this film in terms of congregating a good cast including a Olivia Coleman & Colin Firth. Some good acting and lovely cinematography, but unfortunately it was very, very slow. Trying to create an enigmatic and sultry atmosphere for a romantic love story but it just didn't come off.

The penny dropped that all the good romantic films watched in the past you 'bought in' to the characters and felt for them, urging them to succeed. Here I found we got to a point after 30 minutes where we couldn't care less about the two lovers or what happened to them. We weren't moved or brought to tears but felt complete apathy. Plus it was like an advert for cigarettes with so many smoked!

Last Night in Soho (2021)

Just wasted 2 hours of my life!

[3/10 · 9 November 2021]

What a shame; such a great cast, well acted but a load of tosh. Story could have been told in 10 minutes and to describe it as a psychological thriller contravenes the sales of goods act.

Respect (2021)

RESPECT .....a very apt title.

[10/10 · 13 September 2021]

Just been to see Aretha Franklin film, Respect.

Fantastic film.....can't understand any adverse comments by critics. Both an interesting life story & enjoyable production- you really feel that you get close to Aretha.

Lots of good performances.....I guess other stars are put into shade because of Hudson's awesome portrayal. I was worried as it was over 2 hours but didn't feel it. Very emotional. Only downside was we could have had more music, but still the ones you get were brilliant. I also found it fascinating how these top songs were created / built by her.

Highly recommended even if you are not an Aretha fan....you will be after seeing this! RESPECT is an apt title.

PS Do watch end as titles role.