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patrick-cawley
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Reviews
Us (2019)
More Miss Than Hit
After a promising start, this flick took a nosedive and hit bottom soon afterwards. I was going to give it just one star but in fairness, there was some decent acting especially by Elisabeth Moss but the overall story was meh and plain rubbish. It's a shame because the idea was good, just never followed through on that promise. The choice of music was decent until let down by a terrible X-rated anti-police song, with hideous and hateful lyrics.
Smoking Guns (2016)
An Honest to Goodness Flick
There's something about this indie flick that appeals to me, maybe it's my longing for the good old days when I lived in London and use to know characters just like the ones presented here, off the wall, funny and in your face with a sense of the devil may care attitude. I also get the humour, which helps. But there's also a freshness about the whole approach, the very good acting, especially by the young rising star Tommy O'Neill, the directing, etc. The swearing is a bit strong but then again I've heard worse growing up in North London. I am giving this 10 stars because I appreciate the brilliant effort from the cast and crew and wish them all well going forward.
Greater (2016)
Every now and again something special comes along
Where to start? Well, this was a surprise for me and a mighty good one at that. To be honest, I had never heard of Brandon Burlsworth before (I am from Ireland and don't follow American football that much) but after watching this film and doing some follow-up research I now know his story is an amazing and inspiring one and then some.
Hats off to all involved, great acting, especially by Chris Severio as Brandon Burlsworth, but the other actors really played their parts convincingly too.
I loved this for other reasons also, the powerful message that for those who never give up opportunities will come. Just a quick mention for actor Neal McDonough who played the part of Brandon's brother amazingly. He did a superb job; the last time I saw him was in the excellent TV series, Band of Brothers. Such a terrific actor who deserves more recognition for what he does.
What's more, it is a great family film and proof it doesn't have to be all about graphic images, profanity, and innuendo. Well done to the production crew for making a movie with such an important uplifting message in an age where others seem only concerned with pushing their agenda.
I urge everyone to see this because, as I said in the heading, "Every now and again something special comes along." This is one of those moments.
Home Invasion (2016)
Unexpectedly Enjoyable
A really nice film that proved an unexpected joy to watch. I say "unexpected" because of some of the appalling reviews seen here on IMDb, which - in my view - this film does not deserve.
It has a nice pace and storyline that will keep most people entertained and thrilled right to the end. Granted, it may not win an Oscar but it is well made and well acted. Definitely worth a watch despite the negative reviews, some of which I'm sure were written by people who either haven't seen the film or simply haven't a clue about what's good and what isn't. Yes, they're entitled to their opinions but those who are giving this one star clearly do not know what they're on about.
The story is good, the title gives a clue as to what it's about; I won't add any spoilers.
The Pact (2012)
A Priceless, Little Gem of a Movie
I saw this recently and really loved it. It is an outstanding little flick, a real edge of the seat thriller/horror that was in no way predictable. There were some great performances, too, especially from the lead actress Caity Lotz as Annie. I have to be honest; I was really scared during certain scenes while watching this, something that does not normally happen to me - I am a 54 year-old-male and do not scare easily. My wife loved it too; she doesn't ordinarily enjoy horrors, but she did this one. Why was it so good? It had a great story, for one, but aside from that it had real, genuine suspense and some actual frightening moments. Check it out!
Outcast (2010)
Good Movie!
I just finished watching this, and I have to say I really liked it. OK, so it isn't the best film of its genre but there is something about it that I found compelling, at least compelling enough to want to watch it right through to the end. The story moves along steadily but surely and I was left wondering what's coming around the corner (or from the dark doorways) next.
There are some terrific performances from some actors and actresses I had never seen before, Niall Bruton and Hanna Stanbridge, for example.
The lighting was dark, and of course deliberately so to help capture the mood, and it is a moody kind of film. It is full of suspense too, which is exactly what you need from a movie like this.
Would I watch it again? This is something I ask myself every time I watch a movie and for me this determines if it was worth watching in the first place. Hope that makes sense. Yes, I would certainly watch it again. A good film in my view and one I recommend to others. Please don't be dissuaded by some of the reviews you may have read.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
Not The Best, But......
I loved parts of the film, but not all. A great beginning, though, it went slow after that and stayed that way for some time; however, the last half-hour or so was just amazing and for me made the film worthy of 10/10, otherwise I'd have only given it 7/10.
I did not like the Cat Woman character in this; the actress playing the role was simply too unbelievable, and I could not take to her.
The ending made me very eager to see what they'll do next; of course, I won't be giving anything away here, but I will say it is one of the reasons I gave the film 10/10.
Would I watch it again? Probably not, at least not the whole thing, but I'd certainly watch the last half hour repeatedly.
Now, don't get me wrong, there were still some scenes in earlier parts of the film which are worth watching, just not that many for me.
Hijacked (2012)
Highly Enjoyable Thriller
OK, it isn't going to be a classic and will never win an Oscar or any major award, but I found this film to be very enjoyable and entertaining right the way through. Vinnie Jones actually acts for once, which was a pleasant surprise in itself, and he did a terrific job, much better it has to be said than many of the other members of the cast.
The plot-line is fairly straightforward but the ending wasn't predictable, which these days is a bonus. The whole movie moves along at a nice pace; no boring bits to contend with.
Watch it if you get a chance.