Lis_G Reviews

The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin (2024– )

If you love The Mighty Boosh etc you'll love this

[9/10 · 3 March 2024]

Other reviewers here are completely misinterpreting this show and its MO - it is not meant to be a reboot of any previous Dick Turpin series with any serious plot. It is meant to be silly and ridiculous - that should be obvious from the title, the trailers and the first minutes of watching it! If you like The Mighty Boosh, Star Stories, Big Train, Horrible Histories, and similar shows of 80s style humour, then you'll like this.

Sometimes you just need a series to go to with short episodes, that entertains, doesn't demand much thought and gives you some laughs to just watch with a beer on a Friday Saturday night and this is it.

The Trapped 13: How We Survived the Thai Cave (2022)

Very good documentary

[9/10 · 5 November 2023]

Even though we know the outcome, I watched parts of this through my fingers, barely able to watch, imagining the dire situation for the boys and the immense stress on the rescuers and families. It was good to hear the boys stories and how they pulled together, and for so long. They were very strong. Interesting to hear the thoughts of the rescuers who had to anaesthetise the boys before they were taken out of the cave. Well done to everyone and respect to the gentleman who passed away trying to save the boys. Writing this in 2023 it is also so sad to hear that one of the boys took his life recently. I hope the other boys are doing well.

Me You Madness (2021)

Fun movie! Deserves better reviews.

[7/10 · 25 June 2023]

Loved it. Honestly, I think the film is getting low critics' scores because the actress/writer/director gets a lot of bad press generally, it seems, so I think the critics' reviews are deliberately low and biased. Either that or they just don't get the humour - maybe it's because we're used to this type of humour here in UK that we can appreciate the concept of the film. It's meant to be OTT. It's meant to be a bit of a spoof. It's not meant to be a serious movie played straight. Glad we decided to watch it and make up our own minds. I thought it was funny and done well. And it's got great 80s music too.

Renfield (2023)

Fun...OTT... Absolutely loved it!

[10/10 · 16 April 2023]

Ok, so if you're thinking of going to watch this you likely know what you're getting into - it's peak OTT Nicolas Cage: it's fun, fast, and totally bonkers ! And it's a 10 from me. Nicolas Cage is perfect for this version of the Count, and really goes to town with the role. Nicholas Hoult puts in a great performance as his put-upon servant, the titular Renfield - again, a great take on the role for this film. It's fast paced and thankfully knows that an hour and a half is optimal for a film and doesn't pad for the sake of it (although I would've liked more back story with Renfield, but I guess that's another movie again!). I really liked this comedy/action/horror version. If you want serious and sombre, and intend on marking this anything less than the top marks it deserves for its movie type, then why are you even here in the first place, right?!

Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015)

Documentary made from a certain viewpoint!

[4/10 · 7 December 2022]

So, if you want to follow the narrative that Kurt was a depressed addict who chose to end his life after previously failing to do so, and want to see some writings and pictures to fit this clichéd rock star end game, and listen to some people (that he allegedly didn't get along with and was trying to distance himself from) talk about how he was on the trajectory to the tragic ending we've all been told about, all joined together with animated story snippets, then yes I guess this documentary about the doomed musician heading to his seemingly inevitable conclusion will probably fit the bill.

But... Is this actually what happened? I thought so, yes. Until I read Tom Grant's accounts. Tom is the PI originally hired by CL to look for Kurt, but who then changed his investigation focus once he was overwhelmed with inconsistencies, outright lies, subterfuge and misdirection, and came to believe (convincingly so) that there was more to this than another rock star suicide. Look into Tom's books and documentaries and you'll be questioning what you thought you knew and what you're told here.

The Royal Mob (2022– )

Very interesting series and extremely well-acted.

[10/10 · 30 November 2022]

Really enjoyed this. Informative, easy to follow with all the interconnecting families, and a great mix of dramatisation and info from experts. I knew the rough history but didn't really understand how everyone was linked. This series tells the story of how the families were all connected and the unfolding of WW1 and the horrendous consequences of decisions made then, and in the run up to it, and of course for the sisters in Russia. Very interesting, sometimes amusing, and also very sad too. I thought the acting was superb. Everyone played their parts extremely well - I especially liked Bertie and Wilhelm.

Alone (V) (2020)

Tense moments, worth a watch... BUT...

[6/10 · 30 August 2022]

Rather conflicted with this one - I thought the ending was pretty good, and it definitely did have tense moments, however, this film will have you shouting at the screen: Why?! What are you doing?! It's like a guide on how to do everything to get yourself captured. I'll skip to the forest scene, for example... The main character is making as much noise as possible whilst running away, screeching, anything that will draw attention to herself. Instead of hastily but stealthily making her way out of the forest, she mostly slowly walks about with no urgency, wincing loudly at the foot she could have wrapped in her hoodie. When she spots the kidnapper (who inexplicably is always just a few metres away it seems), she doesn't make an effort to better hide, but pokes her head out of the cave when she knows he's there, then runs out right in front of him. Whilst being pursued she even manages to fall asleep at one point - and where she could easily be seen. I wasn't expecting her to go all Rambo, but she's basically doing everything to put herself in danger. It's infuriating! But, I did like the ending, and I thought the actors played their parts well. So it is worth a watch as long as you can grit your teeth in frustration at some parts!

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

Jumped the shark, then went round for another go.

[3/10 · 20 April 2022]

Always had enjoyed F and Furious - yes the action has always been on the edge of plausible, but this time it's just preposterous. Was almost like a spoof of itself, unfortunately.

Lucifer (2016–2021)

First few seasons good, downhill from there

[6/10 · 14 August 2021]

Loved Lucifer in the beginning, it was a good easy watch to relax to, and Tom plays a great somewhat camp role, which works surprisingly well. We thought the story lines were entertaining, with a good mix of slightly sinister and humorous scenes. However, it has been a struggle to continue lately and there seems to be too much comedy, with the characters becoming almost exaggerated versions of themselves (esp Lopez with the overly done ooo ooo manner) and, after the season five karaoke episode - what was going on there?! - we've called it a day, as we just aren't enjoying it.

Calibre (2018)

Best film seen in ages

[9/10 · 29 September 2020]

This was recommended to me and it exceeded expectations. Edge of the seat stuff, with no lulls. You really believe the characters and plot as it is well-acted. If you like tense dark thrillers and you've read the basic plotline and are wondering whether to give it a go, then go for it, I doubt you'd be disappointed. It is definitely one of the best films I've seen in a long time. I'd watch it again but I'm not sure my nerves could take it!

Brightburn (2019)

Good film, well worth a watch

[8/10 · 8 September 2020]

Really liked this. Like the story idea, the characters were acted well, and Elizabeth Banks did a great job of playing the conflicted mother. Understated for the most part, which works well to create an unnerving atmosphere. Well worth a watch.

Ultraviolet (1998)

Brilliantly acted and stands the test of time

[10/10 · 1 August 2020]

I first saw this when it came out in the 90s, bought the DVD years ago and have watched it many times. It is a brilliantly acted series, the scene with Idris Elba is so tense - no spoilers, you'll know when you see it. A sequel would have been great. Still stands up against current series of the genre and deserves more recognition. Must-see for all vampire fans.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

Good laugh and soooo Eurovision! Ya ya ding dong!

[9/10 · 28 June 2020]

I guess anyone who doesn't know what the Eurovision Song Contest is will think there is no way something as bonkers as this could ever really take place, but I can assure you it does - and this film captured it! This was really entertaining, loved the characters and the songs, and the appearance by Graham Norton was a good touch. Good Saturday night laugh. (And actually very touching at the end.)

The Stranger (I) (2020)

Great start, end lets it down. *Spoilers*

[7/10 · 21 February 2020]

As others have also said, the story starts well and had me gripped. I binge watched the series in two sittings. Most of the acting is really good, and the premise is engaging, although some of the plot re the teenagers is just really not needed and didn't add to the story, in my opinion. I know it's quite the thing for films and series to end bleakly these days, but I really wanted there to be a happy ending to this for Corinne and feel maybe just being held against her will would have been better.

Captain Marvel (2019)

Enjoyable movie! Top Marvel film.

[9/10 · 12 January 2020]

I really enjoyed this film and it's one of the best Marvel films, in my opinion. Love the 80s/90s references. Good characters (Brie does a fantastic job in the title role and Samuel is great as always), and well-written storyline -particularly with how Agent Fury links in and how it all fits with the Marvel universe. Film moves along at a decent pace, no boring bits, and some humourous parts too, thanks to Goose!