johnmiddleton12 Reviews

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Wow! A western for all

[9/10 · 23 July 2013]

This is the best tongue in cheek western ever made,my wife who does not particularly like westerns thoroughly enjoyed the movie as it had good story telling,was well directed,cut,edited and at nearly two and a half hours that seemed like sixty minutes there was never a dull moment,great special effects plenty of comedy,lots of very scary moments and of course an element of love.Johnny Depp was great as Tonto and for all those who leave cinemas before the end of the titles you will never know what you missed. This is a movie that will thrill most,far better than expected. I can hardly wait for the Blu-ray.To tell you more would spoil many of the surprises, see it for yourself.

The Help (2011)

Mississippi Churning

[10/10 · 12 October 2011]

If ever a Movie/Book has bared the soul of red neck America it is The Help. And the person to thank is Kathryn Stockett author of the book The Help a fictionalised account of life in Jackson,Mississippi seven years before Stockett was born. This marvellous story which could apparently apply to the 1990's or today about attitudes in Jackson had no blacks consulted in the writing of the book according to the author in a recent court case where Abilene Cooper a maid from Jackson who had worked for Stockett's brother failed in a lawsuit for $50,000 to have it recognised as her story. So we know it's fictional and nothing has changed. The story is of an aspiring newspaper reporter come writer returning from New York to Jackson and see's the opportunity to write a book on 'The Help' the black maids who raised the white children of the south but were unable to look after their own or indeed use the toilet facilities within the house. There is no doubt this is a well told story and to not be moved would possibly put you amongst the red necks. Their were some very funny moments and the screenplay by Tate Taylor has picked up the essence of the ongoing attitudes. If there is one thing I would like to see is a redistribution of the wealth of this film/book to the people of this story and a fitting memorial in Jackson for the people to reflect on their attitudes.

Footloose (2011)

Surprisingly Enjoyable Movie FOOTLOOSE (2011)

[9/10 · 9 October 2011]

This was a well-constructed screen play which from the surprising start had me engrossed in the story. The dancing was great and the music terrific. I attended with my granddaughter and her friend and they gave it 9 out of 10 I would say more about the story but it would spoil it. Dennis Quaid as the preacher and Andie McDowell as the preacher's wife played stalwart roles as the overprotective parents of the beautiful Ariel (Julianne Hough) who rebels as teenagers do against their strict rules. Enter mechanic Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald) high school gymnast, dancer who finds the town rules a bit hard to take until he decides to take on the town, what happens next well that's what you find out when you go see the movie.

Horrible Bosses (2011)

A View To A Kill or Two

[8/10 · 16 July 2011]

A very good plot about three ordinary workers who for different reasons hate their bosses and come to the conclusion that the world would be a better place without them. After a boozy night they decide to take some positive action and decide to hire someone to do the dirty deed, that quest in itself is an hilarious bout of gaffs. So the action begins and to say much more about the plot would be to spoil it for the viewer. Just to say if you liked the Hangover you will love this. Colin Farrell was unrecognisable, Jennifer Aniston can act, Spacey was brilliant as one of the bosses. The car chases were great . Jason Bateman, P.J. Byrne and Steve Wiebe were fantastic in the lead roles. Don't read more about this movie Go and See it , even my son who is hard to please was well impressed.

First Night (I) (2010)

Mozart Comedy Sizzle = Laughter

[10/10 · 22 May 2011]

This is a movie that is engaging from the first scene taking you in to the world of opera with a group (led by the very entertaining Richard E. Grant who fancies an open air concert at his lavish estate)rehearsing Mozart's Così Fan Tutte and life imitating art with amusing consequences. The casting was faultless, the music wonderful and the synced operatic voices seamless. If there was one fault it would be that the movie was too short. You do not need knowledge of opera to appreciate this movie as the on screen action speaks an international language that will have you laughing out loud at the antics on screen. I saw this movie at a preview at Kings Place in London where the conditions were not ideal for a cinematic experience but once the light went down I was entranced. I am looking forward to its cinema release sometime this September 2011 and to its release on Blu-Ray as I could watch and listen to this movie several times. The viewing I was at was followed by a a talk by Stephen Evans who explained how the late john Mortimer was instrumental in choosing the opera for the film but sadly passed on prior to the movie been made. In a Q&A he was enlightening in the way films are conceived and brought to the screen so in his words ' this is a bit of a laugh with a bit of sizzle'. To further explain the plot would be to spoil the experience. WATCH & ENJOY.

The Hangover (2009)

The Must See Comedy of 2009

[10/10 · 3 June 2009]

Saw Preview at Vue Cinema Thurrock 2/6/09 This is without a doubt the funniest film I have seen in quiet a while to tell you anything about it would spoil the film but suffice to say that I thought my wife would need the toilet a few times during the film. It has some uncomfortable tones (it brings a whole new meaning to the expression 'never act with kids or animals) which may upset some people and the overall effect is a whacking success. The language is a bit rich at times but given the situations I think I might have sworn. The actors are mainly unknown (until now) and that adds to the unpredictability of some of the funniest scenes in that there are no heroes or villains as such except! No that would be going too far see the film and enjoy.

May God forgive me for laughing so much. So would I buy the DVD? Most definitely can't wait

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955)

Best Movie Ever

[10/10 · 5 September 2003]

Spencer Tracy has never been better than in this beautifully photographed movie of the travesty of a Japenese family in small town America during WWII. As the train stops for the first time in ages, John J Mccreedy (Tracy) steps from the train, a one armed stranger in Blackrock. Who is he, why is he here appear to be the questions on everyones lips as we are taken on a journey of fear and prejudice in a town where you know everyone knows what you ate for breakfast. I can watch this movie over and over again and still enjoy it even though I know the outcome. Robert Ryan as Reno Smith gives a chilling performance as a redneck who appears to control the lives of every individual in this sleepy dusty hamlet in the middle of nowhere. As the story unfolds the secret tragedy of what has occurred brings the story to a dramatic climax. Also look out for all the faces Borgnine, Brennan, Marvin and Dean Jagger. What I would really like to see is a widescreen version of this movie on DVD. My wish has now come true and I now possess this film on DVD and I would recommend it to anyone.