srcooper-756-646671 Reviews

Dark Was the Night (2014)

More than a creature feature

[10/10 · 1 January 2024]

I think is a rather excellent film and one that is worth re-examining. The cast and director/producer definitely appear to operate an admirable work ethic and the characters are fallible and meaningful. Everyone has a back story and exhibits their flaws and strengths throughout the film as it unfolds. The action sequences are filmed carefully and the number of cameras they operate, with a one on one perspective, make the engagements personal and suitably nerve-racking. This is a story of a village under seize and a man under his own scrutiny after a tragedy. It's not about a monster hunter so please don't mark it down for not being such. It really should be at least a 6.5 so please watch and mark-up if you appreciate just how much effort went into this excellent thriller.

Ex Machina (2014)

A vast kaleidoscope of emotion, arriving in a small pocket-sized device.

[10/10 · 10 February 2021]

I'm not going to say that you need to know a lot about AI or that if you do it may spoil it for you. The various premises of mortality and non-organic self awareness are examined in this film. Not all are seen through but then this is a movie. If you want the answers to the universe you need to get out more. It is a film that is respectful of its audience. It is not obvious, but not filled with obtuse metaphor either. It is dramatic, playful, dangerous, frightening, shocking and heartbreaking. Occasionally funny too. It is a small budget film, filmed on a real location, with a handful of actors. It took me away with it, and if it does you, I promise you will have an extraordinary journey.

The Matrix (1999)

Do not let us down

[10/10 · 26 January 2021]

This is our future, a future free of bankers, the media, lawyers and doctorers Do not let this film be swept away by all of the second rate 'blockbusters' that were hurriedly constructed to extinguish its impact. They have shown you the real world. NOW LIVE IN IT INSTEAD OF THIS ONE!

Inception (2010)

Is it possible the makers understand how incredible this film is?

[10/10 · 22 December 2020]

You only get to watch this for the first time once, so choose your state of mind carefully. It is a film about movies and dreams and reality, and what sort of life it is best to find when you leave the cinema and return to whatever you left to enter. It is spectacular, and brutal, and enigmatic and disturbing. It is beautiful and absorbing. It is about one of my favourite characters ever to grace the screen. I don't see it often, in case it's not as good as I like to remember it. That is my secret, that I lock away in my safe in the basement. That somewhere there is a perfect world for us all. For some, perhaps it is in the cinema watching this.

Stockholm (2018)

Based on total corruption of the truth as usual

[4/10 · 1 November 2020]

A repeat offender Swedish armed Robber walked into a bank in 1973 and through repeat switches from promising murder to giving kindness convinced a small group of hostages that there was good in him. After firing on police officers and injuring two, the standoff ended with a gas response from the Swedish police. The robber went on to serve a ten year sentence, being released in the early eighties. He ran a supermarket in Thailand for 15 years with his family and returned to Sweden to run a car repair business for another 10 years. He is now retired. He has publicly apologised for his actions. What that had to do with this Canadian film is another question.

The Ones Below (2015)

Is there a place for this film in cities a.ready replete with mistrust?

[3/10 · 27 October 2020]

This film is not going to help you relax or make friends or help you bring up your child, so perhaps it is best to leave it alone .

It is a tale of biological frailty, paranoia, misery, loss and a fantasy about neighbours from a horror story that appear perfectly normal. If you enjoy trusting your wife and not worrying overtly about your children's neighbours, then choose something else and have a nice, relaxing evening instead.

Disturbing the Peace (2020)

Steven Seagal film without him in it

[1/10 · 9 August 2020]

This is a truly awful film with no plus points of any kind. The continuity is nonexistent. The action is stupid and makes no sense. The plan to take over the town is woeful. The soundtrack must've been written by the Steven seagal band. Why is guy Pearce in this?

Highlander (1986)

There are many surprises here

[10/10 · 12 April 2012]

This is a film of many parts. A Hollywood blockbuster (but a flop) that has no American stars but makes horrible fun of the American police force with Police Squad heading up their cast.

Representing a return for Sean Connery it is actually a very special film for me with many cinematic treats not least the opening of the helicopter camera intro to the wrestling. The scene where he leaves his lady in Scotland is a very moving one and the Kurgen is magnificently played as the enemy.

This is a film that will always have a special place for me.

The scene moving between the multi-storey car park and the Highlands is still a masterwork and the script is a brave and interesting work.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

A fantastic reworking

[10/10 · 20 March 2011]

This film is perhaps a little difficult because of it's title - the actual star of the film is Rene Russo as it is her emotional journey that we follow. Then again everything about this John McTiernan classic is slightly unexpected. Beautifully composed from the credits through to the wonderful airy summer feel McTiernan manages to convey of New York. Brosnan is enchanting as Thomas Crown and Dennis Leary is the perfect fit for his role as the police detective. If you are looking for a romantic, thrilling adventure then I cannot think of a better example. Deep, honest and full of intrigue and class. The soundtrack remains my favourite to this day.