nicolesammut Reviews

Baby Reindeer (2024)

Exhausting Excellent

[8/10 · 18 April 2024]

I totally binged this story of what started out as case of kindness overloaded that quickly turned to frightening boiler bunny stuff. The actors nailed their parts and I could not turn it off, .... wondering where it was heading.. only to find that it surrounded two humans with their own self loathing stories. A few twists towards the end, I loved it and would recommend, however, not for the faint hearted. Dig in. Watch over the weekend when there is nothing else on..... a learning curve.. every bit as emotional as it is intriguing. Not what I was expecting, but gave in and throughly enjoyed it. Recommended.

The Zone of Interest (2023)

The Zone Of No Interest

[5/10 · 1 March 2024]

How disappointing. Not since Women Talking, have I seen a film that was so hyped up and so over rated. I waited the whole film for something to 'happen'. Even toward the end... my partner and I said, there is still 10 mins... where is this going? I appreciate that it was filmed beautifully, and we can all 'anticipate' what was gong on over the other side of the wall, but seriously... did we have to sit in the absolute dark for the first 5 mins to hear music with nothing visual? And.. did I have to watch a women sweep a floor in the modern day museum for (what felt like 15 mins) 5 mins to know, she was a cleaner? Eventually, I would have gone to the cinema & paid good money to sit and watch it... but all the hype, the nominations, the awards... clearly, I do not see what others have. I guess thats why I am NOT a film critic.

Dopesick (2021)

Not Since 'Traffic' have I seen such Raw performances

[8/10 · 26 February 2024]

I was hooked from the first episode of this long, but so worth it and, so very interesting, well researched and well written mini series about the Oxy epidemic in the United States. The story surrounds both the pharma company, the sales people, and the Doctors who openly promoted, pushed & sold the product. The many victims, families and loved ones who were left to deal with the fall out. Spawning a long period of time, I feel this should be included in the school or law school curriculum. Highly recommend this mini series to the very end. Thank you for the excellent writing, acting and film making. Both Educational & an emotional roller coaster.

Euphoria (2019– )

Hard To Find The Words

[9/10 · 19 February 2024]

So, I have watched this series from start to finish 3 times now. I have lost tracked of how many people I have suggested & recommended this to. This is NOT for everyone, but, what an amazing cast of actors and the filming is 2nd to none. The costumes, make up, music & cinematography are another reason to watch this show.. but the story line was gripping, shocking and yes, entertaining. At times there are parts that are hard to watch, be it violent or 'confronting' but still, I could not continue to watch it. I really enjoyed the mini series, and I have seen a lot of 'coming of age' but highly recommend this one.

Last Film Show (2021)

Colour & Light

[8/10 · 26 October 2023]

These days, I try not to read too much, or view too many trailers for upcoming films. I have been left so very disappointed when doing this, when what was promised, was not delivered. And, like food, restaurants, and fine wines, is film not a very individual thing? This film did not disappoint at all. The colour, the light, the close ups, the actors. It had it all for me and I waited and searched for this as I had missed it at the cinemas. Today, I enjoyed every minute of the nostalgic trip down memory lane before film became digital. My favourite part (spoiler alert) was the inclusion of all the many world class directors & film makers.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023)

They Should Have Stopped at 2

[3/10 · 15 September 2023]

I feel that the 3rd instalment was all over the place and I wished that I had of not seen it. It was more like a personal walk down a memory lane for a particular family than a movie.. and yet another excuse for a film crew to zip off to Europe to film a movie in a beautiful location. I did not understand or get the whole 'gender specific' person that was the cousin on the island??? And sadly, it was very obvious how the film was going to go. The other two films were very funny and even thought some jokes were repeated..this one sadly missed the mark for me and I did not laugh at all. None the less, the scenery was amazing and yes, I wished that I was in Greece with everyone else right now.

After Life (2019–2022)

Hooked right away

[8/10 · 9 September 2023]

I was very late to this party. When I finally gave in to 'give it a go'... I was hooked right away. Sensational acting from the entire cast.. and jokes and the laughs.. The absolute love for his wife was what won me over. The laughter between two humans.. going back and forth with the video memories was a wonderful way of weaving 'Lisa' into the stories. I enjoyed the many lessons from the character's that play a big part in his every day life. I was really invested in this series and when it ended, I was a little sad that it was over... Hoping for more,... Absolutely loved it, and recommend it.

Sound of Freedom (2023)

We are all Story Tellers

[8/10 · 24 August 2023]

What an amazing, passionate and powerful film. Everyone in the cinema just sat in silence and after 2 mins of the credits rolling, listened to a final message asking every human to promote this film. We can all be Story Tellers. This is a must see film that is every bit shocking as it is real. Hard to watch at times but only because of the heart ache we feel knowing that this hideous series of crimes goes on all around us. Tell as many people as possible to watch this film and raise more awareness around the trafficking of children and humans... ultimately, modern day slavery. The actors did an incredible job and I suggest that perhaps you read up a little on this before you go. Take tissues.

The Idol (2023)

What a Shame.

[5/10 · 4 July 2023]

I actually wanted this to be so good, but I was left feeling very disappointed. Sadly, LRD on screen is so beautiful, as are many of the co stars of this limited series, but I felt almost embarrassed watching this as it was somewhat 'soft porn' . I was drawn in by the connection to Euphoria, which I throughly enjoyed, but I am lost as to what more to say. The music was enjoyable, as was some of the fashion.. but that was it for me. I hate to write negative reviews, and prefer positive info, but wow. Even if somewhat predictable, this could have been so much better. I wanted it to get better but nope, and the last Episode just tipped me over the 'disappointment edge'. What a shame.

Babylon (I) (2022)

Here, There, Everywhere

[6/10 · 25 January 2023]

Must admit, was looking forward to seeing this film, simply because of the star cast.. however, I went along, knowing very little about the film, when normally, I would read up about it beforehand. I found it to be disjointed and a little all over the place. I also found at 2 hours that I was secretly hoping for it to start coming to an end.... This is not normally me. I could easily sit through a 3 hour movie, no issue, but some of the film, in my opinion, did not need to be there. Lavish, extravagant, over the top, glamorous - I guess we all are taken in by the parties and the fun.. until, the party is over. I am not a prude, but yes, some of the vulgarity was a bit too much and the story could have been told with 'less' of that. Margot is a beautiful and talented actress, but I found myself having trouble believing the hair, make up and wardrobe... maybe I got this one all wrong?

The Glory (2022– )

A surprising series that had me wanting to binge through it.

[7/10 · 24 January 2023]

I very much enjoyed this surprising series... I knew nothing of it, or heard anything of it. I wanted to binge my way through it, and look forward to the next season that is coming in March this year. Its very dark at times.... and hard to watch the moments when the bullying is taking place in the high school, but shows you just how spiteful kids can be and can get into the minds of venerable humans who have little or no self esteem. Sadly, whats worse (spoiler alert) when you see adults behaving the same way, its even harder to watch but again, just makes it so hard to turn away. The lives of the wealthy are also exposed for the greed and though I found it hard to follow at times, it was worth the effort.

The Road Dance (2021)

Stunningly Filmed

[8/10 · 18 December 2022]

Stunningly Filmed, beautifully felt... a perfect period piece that was felt by all in the cinema. I very much enjoyed this whole film. A little bit of everything for me. Location, accents, romance, heart ache, strong women, heroic men, mystery and love. The close up vision of each actress and actor were stunning and gentle. I would highly recommend seeing this one on a big screen if possible, to appreciate the grand, vast lands that the film was set in. Thank you for a story so beautifully told. Critics that did not enjoy this film, would be hard pressed to please, perfect for this very busy time of the year.

Industry (2020– )

Busy yet compelling

[7/10 · 20 September 2022]

At the first episode, I assumed what might happen with the young graduates as they fight for their voice and their position. This show is so much more than the world of corporate money, business, relationships and politics. Peeling back the layers of each of the main characters and leaning into their insecurities and their new world, you see the testing of boundaries and then revelling what a human would do to keep their job, or to be successful. That is what makes this series binge worthy. I enjoyed it very much, but it was exhausting and sad in parts... and reminded me of the ugly side of business and lack of loyalties when it comes to $$$$$$$

Bloodline (2015–2017)

Awesome Viewing

[9/10 · 11 August 2022]

Perhaps one of the best mini series that I have seen in a while. Continue to recommend this one to many friends and family.... Is it because one of the leads is a fellow Australian. Or because I come from a big family;.... Either way, great viewing and tv entertainment. Great story line and the location is pretty good too.

Coco Before Chanel (2009)

Cant get enough of this one

[9/10 · 31 July 2022]

If you are a 'Chanel lover' then this film will sweep you up in the stunning clothes, the beautiful love story and the truth behind her amazing life story. I have seen this film several times and could easily watch it again. Audrey Tautou is a standout in this elegant film, I could feel every emotion she felt with the tragedy of the love of her life.. and rise to fame.

Versailles (2015–2018)

Visually StunningI

[8/10 · 24 July 2022]

Interesting take on history. I found it visually stunning and enjoyed being transported back in time to the elegance of France, the gardens and the costumes alone are worth watching for.

Chocolat (2000)

A visual triumph

[9/10 · 1 April 2022]

22 years old, viewed too many times to remember and still, I can taste the chocolate, allow myself to be transported to France. The characters were so well casted, and will continue to be in one of my top 20 films of all time.

Xanadu (1980)

The Best Worst Movie Of the 80s

[8/10 · 8 March 2022]

Hav watched this movie several times now.. and thought I know the outcome, I cant help but stop and see it through one more time.

The music makes up for the acting in this flash back to my childhood. Cant help but sing along to the great music of ELO and Olivia NJ..

The College Admissions Scandal (2019 TV Movie)

Very good Content

[6/10 · 27 March 2021]

Being from Australia, I found this film very educational in regards to the US College system. I enjoyed the content and thought the film had good entertainment value. However, very sad that money still 'talks'.