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sam_muleadams
Reviews
Who Is Erin Carter? (2023)
Terribly ok
Badly written, directed, acted and produced. But strangley compelling. It looks and feels like a top end episode of Bergerac. But maybe that's to it's credit.
The only reason you keep watching is that you are willing for it to improve. But when it doesn't you're already invested so keep going anyway.
I am a b movie fan and in terms of production this almost falls in to that category; so bad it's good? Almost.
Can I recommend it? Only to a very select few.
Could it have been better? Production wise probably, but it might have lost that tatty edge and actually been totally rubbish.
Take it for what it is, a bit silly but reasonable fun.
Aftersun (2022)
Stunning
Very few films leave you haunted. This movie hasn't left me. The narrative appears linear with very little plot until a couple of poignant moments rip your heart out of your chest. For a debut this incredibly confident film making. It feels very personal. The protagonists are spot on. There are a lot of unanswered questions but that is credit to the direction and writing in how it makes you be involved. For me this is a brilliant accomplishment that will no doubt be ignored in favour of larger budgets and bigger names. Talent this raw should not be ignored in my opinion but would probably be spoilt given unlimited resources.
Stranger Things: Chapter Four: Dear Billy (2022)
Near perfect
This is a good as it gets. The use of Running Up That Hill for the final reel is absolutely superb. There was not a dry eye in the house. I had very low expectations for this series after the full series 3 but this makes it all worth while. The story, character development, soundtrack, direction and the acting is near perfect.
Wolf Like Me (2022)
Absolutely brilliant
The closing sequence is worth the entrance fee alone. Great script, great cast and the music stands on its own. The kid is central to the emotional heft and boy does she carry it. I loved this and can't wait for more. Brilliant.
Beckett (2021)
Rubbish
Don't watch this. It's rubbish. I can see John David's career going the same way as another famous Dad's son. Jason Connery. All the charisma of a fig.
Shadow in the Cloud (2020)
Abosolute garbage
For your benefit, avoid at all costs. Utter nonsense.
The Untouchables (1987)
Almost impossible to criticise
The production, cast, score and costume are simply superb. I loved this film as a teenager in the 80s. But that's the only blip. With all that this film has going for it, especially as its a period piece, it feels strangley 80s and consequently dated. But that is not a criticism. Merely an observation.
True Romance (1993)
Classic
This deserves to be up there with Pulp Fiction. The script, the star turns and the set pieces are all perfectly choreographed. Unmissable.
The Unholy (2021)
Rubbish
Jeffrey Dean Morgan must have bills to pay. This film urinates on the grave of James Herbert and takes a dump on theology based horror films. Originality, craft and even basic care have been dispensed to 'create' this turgid Netflix reject. Utterly disappointed.
Early Doors (2003)
A bona-fide classic
This show epitomises the calculated use of British restraint. Not one moment is wasted. Each character, in almost a sentence is drawn with detail and care. Quite rightly this has 'cult classic' written all over it. But it deserves full masterpiece. Like pulling on your favourite old overcoat. The comfort. You'll wish you were there.
Staged (2020)
Absolute joy
Don't miss this gem. An absolute joy. Best thing since Early Doors. Heartily recommended.
Once Upon a Time in London (2019)
Cynical attempt to cash in
This just looks like a cynical attempt to cash in on the success of 'period gangster piece' Peaky Blinders but fails on so many levels. The script is bad, the acting second rate and the direction & editing is appalling. An absolute vanity piece for someone who doesn't really know what they're doing. A bit like the garden Bridge.
The Comic Strip Presents...: Mr. Jolly Lives Next Door (1988)
Superb
If you diss this film you simply don't get it. The nonchalant slap is worth the entry fee alone. Condensed perfection.
The 2nd (2020)
A warning, not a review
This is out of pure altruism. Don't waste your precious time on this absolute incoherent mess. Shaves credibility off all those involved. Awful.