Counterparts42 Reviews

Dark Harvest (2023)

Visually Stunning. Story Almost There.

[6/10 · 12 February 2024]

A riveting and visually spectacular film. Set in the 50s/60s in a fictional and isolated mid-west American town. This flick has all the elements of an enthralling horror to draw you in, the cinematography is excellent, dark and brooding with colour gently splashed across the eerie back drop.

While the film draws you in with this extremely polished aesthetic, it lets itself down in the execution of the story. For all intents and purposes this presented as a modernized monster horror flick from yore, so take some of the dialed up dramatic acting as a part of the of the authenticity of this film. While this works in with the overall visual theme of the film the stories pacing is somewhat off, speeding up and then slowing itself down, throwing in scenes that aren't overly relevant or simply mistimed, which stymies what would otherwise be a very intense watch. It also seems to almost concludes itself a couple of times but then comes back for just a little more. This doesn't add to the film it rather just takes away from the overall presentation, creating a little bit of an annoying finish.

All in all this is a good film for those fans of the genre, it feels authentic and as eluded to is so eye catching with how it is shot and with the mid century look. This still has a bit going for it and I would certainly give it a nod as a worthy watch!

The Shepherd (I) (2023)

Good Viewing

[8/10 · 9 December 2023]

This is a great way to spend 40 minutes. An engaging tale that is short, sharp and well executed.

There are a few flaws and the film isn't perfect but looking past a few inaccuracies, you have a great story set across a Christmas background which really gives this short and extra element, making this a good family watch.

It's possibly the little kid in me, watching planes and the classic Military themes intertwined with a Christmas backdrop but this is has a real nostalgia piece that is visually fantastic!

Lastly the casting is solid, Ben Radcliffe is charming in the lead role. While Travolta as Kavanagh is excellent, giving that feel of care and experience the role needed. This felt like a great role for Travolta in the twilight of his career.

All in all, looking for a short good Christmas watch and something I look forward to showing to my kids when they're old enough. The 8/10 maybe be little high for this but this film just sung to me.

Deadloch (2023– )

Promising but Deeply Flawed

[3/10 · 6 June 2023]

Take this with a grain of salt as I only watched episode 1, so this may still turn around but it feels unlikely.

The Positives: Visually stunning, the first episode takes full advantage of the Tasmanian setting. From the spectacular landscape, to the quintessentially Australian feel of the township itself. The execution of how this is all presented and edited is really fantastic and keeps you engaged.

There are a couple of laughs and Kate Box as the lead is solid but aside from this, there isn't much to work with.

The story itself had me interested, I wanted to know more but I cannot go any further with this show because....

The Negatives: The characters. In the first act, the characters that are well presented leave you somewhat wanting and for the most part feel incomplete but I was willing to see the episode out to the end in case of improvement.

Then 'Eddie Redcliffe' the detective from Darwin is introduced like a hand grenade. This Character is completely insufferable, poorly written and what I can only presume is poorly directed, (which was disappointing as the direction had been holding this together up until this point) played by Madeline Sami is just too cringeworthy.

Depicted to be rough around the edges, bogan cop, that has seen it all but is just so unlikeable and unfunny it's hard to watch. I really struggled to see the episode out with her in so much of it.

I did consider trying to carry forward as before Redcliffe is introduced, it seemed watchable but I can't watch another minute of that character on screen.

Sadly, I thought the negative reviews may have been unfair but I can understand the distaste.

Fright Night (2011)

B Style Movie with A Class Trimmings

[7/10 · 11 May 2023]

Fright Night has all the fun you have with a B movie but with the edge of a Hollywood budget. It has your classic B movie tropes, a bit of gore, teens getting murdered and plenty of explosions.

While in concept you have a B flick, this an A Class cast that deliver in spades. Colin Farrell is terrific as the villain, he couldn't have been better cast. The late Anton Yelchin is great as the lead and is really well supported by Imogen Poots.

The only downside to this film is the pacing, we build into the main struggle a little too quickly, which leaves you wanting. Despite this, the second act brings in the wonderful David Tennant, who if anything is a little under used.

This is your perfect Friday night horror flick that isn't too over the top and is just straight up fun! Get around, it's well worth the 90 minutes!

Finally, a Vampire hunting sequel with David Tennant as Peter Vincent would've been glorious... maybe one day.

The Shining (1980)

Amazing Watch!

[9/10 · 12 February 2023]

One of those films that is a classic for a reason.

It's been on my list of movies to watch forever and a day and I finally got to it in 2023.

This is an experience, masterfully shot and some of the most intense and engaging performances I have ever seen.

Nicholson and Duvall have a complex chemistry that works at so many levels, which is essential to the make up of this story and anchors the first class direction.

This is cinematically spectacular, the sets and the the design of this film is isolating, terrifying and captivatingly beautiful all at the same time.

Worth all of the accolades and hype, even at 43 years old this film delivers in spades.

Night of the Living Dead (1990)

Gets part way there.

[6/10 · 27 January 2021]

This iteration has a really strong first half, eerie and laced with tension. It the tails off towards the last 30-40 minutes, leaving you a little disappointed with what could've been.

Bedazzled (2000)

Light Hearted Fun

[7/10 · 10 October 2020]

Good, light hearted and all round solid movie. The cast is solid and it has some really fun quirks to it. It's not a life changer and it has a couple of the jokes that haven't aged well but it's hard to hold movies to account when they're 20 years old. Probably isn't an 8 but it's an easy and fun watch, scores well for it is.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Sad and Pathetic Art.

[1/10 · 6 June 2020]

If you're looking to waste 1 hour and 16 minutes of your life, then look no further. I can't get that time back but you can avoid my mistake. This torrid excuse of a movie is weird for the sake of being weird, this mess of a film masquerades as art. This is actually a flaming dumpster fire of poor writing and creativity, just awful. May god have mercy on my soul for wasting a perfectly good hour and more of my life for watching it. The only redeeming factor is that there is a forum in which I can rate it 1 star and express how terrible it is.