dsharp-4 Reviews

Doctor Who (2005–2022)

Legendary show...trashed by political correctness

[2/10 · 12 January 2022]

Go Woke - Go Broke It's a universal truth, proven yet again here in Doctor Who. Rather than create an excellent female hero and a franchise around her, the woke creators of recent Doctor Who episodes decided to hijack a great show and trash it. Makes as much sense as a male Cinderella remake - it would flop - and Doctor Who has.

What a shame this lesson won't be learned...

The Last Duel (2021)

Avoid this boring waste of time!

[2/10 · 10 January 2022]

This should have been a great movie, but was ruined by poor directing and average acting. No doubt this could have been done in half the time for greater effect.

Ben Afleck played himself- a rich, entitled, opinionated guy who lords over others.

Driver and Damon were both ok.

Contrast this with Dune - an equal length movie that was better paced and the time flew by for a much better result.

No Time to Die (2021)

Blandest Bond

[4/10 · 10 January 2022]

The moment you've finished watching this Bond film, you'll have forgotten it. It has become so sanitised/bland - they've taken out the sexiness, the humour, the political incorrectness...and essentially dulled down this amazing franchise to a woke yawn.

BlacKkKlansman (2018)

A missed opportunity

[2/10 · 7 November 2020]

Most of the movie was great - it offered a unique perspective that showed hate on both sides of the racial divide was the problem, that not all cops, white people or black people are bad. It even had a great ending....until Spike Lee couldn't resist a political and dishonest montage at the end, trying to rewrite history. He showed a snipped Trump clip, where he took out Trump condemning white supremacists and all hate groups in the strongest terms. Didn't suit Lee's narrative. So close to a seriously impressive movie - then threw it away.

The Great Hack (2019)

A documentary about nothing...

[1/10 · 12 August 2019]

The whole premise is that companies use data to target ads to individuals. It was like data analytics/science 101. These people worked for Amnesty International, Obama and Trump...but apparently it became sinister...because Trump won? Great doco for conspiracy theorists and those still unable to accept that the American public freely voted for their preferred candidate in 2016 and Trump won...

Miss Sloane (2016)

I love guns, shooting AND this movie!

[9/10 · 6 January 2018]

Yes it's possible to love shooting but not mindlessly follow the obvious BS of the gun lobby. So much fiction in their propaganda but using it they control millions in the US - including the 1-voters here for this movie, who I doubt watched it! The movie had both outstanding acting and plot - highly recommended. The topic of the movie was political manipulation and lobbying in the US - they could have used any topic. But gun rights is a perfect topic to choose because even when the majority of citizens and states want sane gun laws passed...the NRA is able to manipulate US politics by leaning on politicians, controlling funding and overriding democracy. I can imagine the embarrassment of the NRA watching themselves exposed like this!!

Lion (2016)

Outstanding - this is what movies are for

[10/10 · 26 January 2017]

There's been a lot of hype for this movie and Lion lived up to the hype for me - in fact exceeded my expectations.

Beautifully filmed and acted, with a moving true story that is simply incredible.

It's a movie for all ages, well, at least kids 10 and over. This film deserves to scoop awards in many categories, not the least of which is Nicole Kidman's acting which was so real and captured the period precisely.

This film touches all emotions, is masterfully put together, and is highly recommended. I look forward to watching it again.

Love Actually (2003)

Movie perfection

[10/10 · 1 January 2017]

Unapologetically sentimental and romantic, Love Actually is a movie to put on your Must-Watch list. In fact, don't stop to write the list - just watch it. You can thank me later.

I rarely watch a movie more than once - even ones I consider masterpieces like Inception or The Godfather. But this movie has something about it that makes it a decadent pleasure every year. I've watched it at least 10 times and enjoyed it every time. It's a movie with real heart, positive sentiment throughout, oozing with love stories, laugh out loud humour and so many sub-plots and interesting characters that you're constantly swept along trying to keep up with the action. When these stories all become intertwined as the movie progresses, it's brilliant storytelling. Looking forward to watching it again next year - definitely my favourite Christmas flick.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

So much respect shown for the franchise

[9/10 · 1 January 2017]

Disney has been extremely respectful to fans and the original movies with this latest installment.

So many small moments, technology, camera angles, lines and other head- nods to previous episodes helped weave this story in nicely between 2 pillars of the franchise.

Very enjoyable and original story with the right balance of humour, action and drama.

The new droid was a nice addition with his censor module turned off - great comic relief. My only criticism is that the movie was so PC with the casting of a female lead again and a deliberate, formulaic inclusion of gender balance throughout and race representation from across the globe. Nothing wrong with that - except when it's so forced as it is through American movies and TV shows. Too PC to be genuine.

Regardless of this, I'm loving the life that's been breathed back into the Star Wars story.

Passengers (I) (2016)

A classic Sci Fi

[8/10 · 1 January 2017]

What I loved: - the remoteness and isolation that defines many good sci fis. - the great technology on display - much of which is already in development. - it had the moral dilemma which also helps define many good sci fis - the story's pacing was good - the balance of drama, action, romance, comedy - spot on

What I didn't like: - Jennifer Lawrence is no favourite of mine - just too outspoken and political outside of acting that I can't help being repulsed by this self-important and opinionated actress.

Overall: went in with low expectations but was very pleasantly surprised by a really solid sci fi.

Transformers (2007)

Transformers on Steroids!!

[9/10 · 11 July 2007]

Transformers is a must-see, and not on DVD - in theatres where the full effect can be seen and heard. Flawless CGI, a decent plot, and action throughout makes this a winning formula for all ages.

FOR ME I was just amazed at what a good job they have done keeping alive the Transformers legend. I was a lukewarm fan when younger, and this was so much better than the show ever was.

FOR KIDS I took my 6 and 8yos to it. I was concerned about the M rating it received in Australia, but after reading comments realised that was an unusual and inappropriate rating. In the end, the main violence/fighting is between the robots, and my kids both loved it. There were no nightmare-inducing scenes, but plenty of memorable funny moments that my kids have kept recreating since. Overall a great experience, especially since one of my kids is named after a Transformer (Jazz!).

FOR WIVES I had to drag my wife along to see this movie - she really didn't want to go. In the end she said she was very tired anyway and so could enjoy the sleep. Not a chance! She stayed wide-awake from start to finish and loved the movie. Now I'm easy to please when it comes to this sort of action movie, but my wife always sleeps. The fact she stayed awake AND loved the movie speaks volumes.

Really looking forward to a sequel, and many more! There are plenty more characters yet to be reintroduced to a new generation...

The Woman in Red (1984)

Drastically Underrated movie

[8/10 · 11 February 2007]

TWIR is a classic in a way that many others claim to be...but aren't. As a comedy I don't think it has you bending over in fits of laughter, but there are some great scenes in there. Kelly Le Brock's character remains one of the hottest characters even to grace the screen. She was simply gorgeous and a knockout - a perfect fit for the role.

The combination of great soundtrack courtesy of Stevie Wonder, the wonderful acting of Wilder, and the indescribable beauty of Le Brock form a powerful combination that helps explain why people are still watching this flick today - 23 years on!!

I'd like to hear from those who gave it low votes - just what was missing from the film that you wanted to see?

Kuch Naa Kaho (2003)

First Bollywood Film I've liked

[9/10 · 9 April 2006]

This is a really classy Bollywood production, with great cast, well developed characters, superb direction and some nice scenery.

Although I generally find Bollywood films a bit boring - well the musical, sing-songy ones anyway - this one really hit the mark for me.

It was really entertaining and I have trouble getting the main song out of my head!

The plot is quite simple and you know where it's going right from the start, but that is the only negative I could find in it.

Otherwise very entertaining fare, and I'd recommend it particularly for anyone that's new to Bollywood.

Twin Peaks: Northwest Passage (1989) Season 1, Episode 1

A True Masterpiece

[10/10 · 25 July 2005]

Twin Peaks for me is the pinnacle of television. It is masterfully crafted, superbly acted, and enthralling from the first minute to the very end.

It is a deep, rich story filled with quirky characters and imaginative plot that demands and draws your full attention. It's only failing was finishing too soon, but like many other great TV programs, that only makes the episodes created even more valuable.

Time will show Twin Peaks to be a powerful influence on many subsequent programs, and a masterpiece in it's own right. It's a must see for anyone who appreciates quality television or film.