Tag: Film Review

Fast X (2023) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 2h21
Release 19.05.2023
Director Louis Leterrier
About Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything — and everyone — he loves.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV
Trailer:

The Good

Jason Momoa is an absolute bat shit crazy delight. I want to see the film he was in because he was having a blast. From his styling to his talking to corpses during a little self care, he’s pitch perfect and funny as fuck!

John Cena is as perfect as always.

There’s a car that will envoke a certain theme when you see it and it is stunning. I would learn to drive to have that car. In black. Matte black.
It is a cameo car, but I’m still thinking about it now. That’s how good it is.

There’s an attempt to tie everything together and credit, where credit is due, I think the film does manage to not only incorporate the two decades worth of franchise, but it does a fair job at streamlining it all.

The Bad

The cold open really threw me out of the whole film in a way that no other instalment ever has. It was only after watching and upon checking wikipedia, I connected the dots. No movie, none at all, should ever require you to rewatch the previous films to follow what you’re currently watching.
Annoyingly, the cold open serves only as a rug pull later in the movie. The film would work just as well, if not better, without the opening. Mainly because it’s chopped up and replayed throughout as Dom works out what we’ve already been told. I don’t know why movies insist on putting the audience in a position where they know more than the protagonist and then have their perspective play like a mystery.
Oh, and what the fuck is it with no title card in that cold open, yet locations?! After establishing shots with landmarks?! Big fuck-off “LONDON”, or wherever they inexplicably find themselves.

Speaking of which, there are so many rehashes of the 9 previous films in various forms. Each one so fleeting that it’s never going to support any casual watcher of the franchise, and I can only imagine it’s a tad tedious to hardcore fans.

The Ugly

This film is trying to be Endgame. The problem with that? The franchise is a mess. There’s no consistency in how they number their sequels, let alone have a plan that connects all the characters and plots in a that Kevin Feige has done over in the MCU.
So what’s the alternative? Ram in as many cameos and callbacks as humanly possible until you create a bloated, convoluted and chaotic confusion put on celluloid? Even if that wasn’t the intention, it’s what was created.
For example, I welcome Helen Mirren reprising her role as Queenie, however the scene was nothing but exposition so it felt pointless. Also, didn’t Dom kill one of her sons?

It was an HOUR before we got a drag race. You know, the premise that built this bloody franchise?! Instead we get to watch the “family” scramble after a bomb that should have exploded way before the trigger was pushed (I don’t know much about explosives, but I’m damn certain THAT is not how they work).

Final Thoughts

The bad most definetley outweighs the good. That sad, Momoa is one big slice of good and Cena certainly makes everything easier. I would advise that you switch off your brains though: as much as leterrier has stated he was trying to bring it back to reality, the films still up there with taking a car to space.

Wild Wild West (1999) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h47
Release 13.0 8.1999
Director Barry Sonnenfeld
About Special Agent Jim West and inventive US Marshal Artemus Gordon are ordered by President Ulysses Grant to team up to save the world from Dr Arliss Loveless’s enormous steam-powered tarantula.
Moon: daytime full moon in the final act
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

First Thoughts

I loved this movie. It was the steampunk that hooked me. I also adored Will Smith, and once the credits rolled; Kevin Kline.

The Good

Kenneth Branagh is shit! Like, I get that this is his attempt at Rickman’s Sheriff, but it’s so far off the mark that it’s stinks. And that is beautiful! If it wasn’t for this performance, I would not have trusted Branagh as Lockheart in Potter.
To me, this was “The Stuffy Shakespeare dude” who “sang the theme tune, wrote the theme tune” when it came to his 1996 Hamlet and I just didn’t like what he represented. Until this. I knew he was (and is) and incredible actor. I appreciated what he was attempting in accepting the role and it showed me he wasn’t the perfectionist I thought he was. I will also point out; I didn’t know it was him until much later.

Kevin Kline provides a straight man foil of a similar ilk to Rimmer in Red Dwarf. Now, the chemistry between him and Smith doesn’t quite work. Smith is no Lister. However the only person who could have played it better would have been Chris Barrie himself.

The costumes, the steampunk and finally M. Emmet Walsh all make this film *almost* bearable.

The Bad

The element of Jim West’s story, the loss of his parent’s, comes in way too late. We’re way past the halfway mark when it is revealed why West is hellbent on apprehending General McGrath; played a little too well by Ted Levine. This motivation would have encouraged the audience to engage more with the character.

The CGI still stands up. Yes, that should be a good thing. However, it’s an indicator that the budget was not well distributed and more could have been diverted to the script. After all, what’s the point in having stunning visuals if no one will watch them.

The Ugly

The racism commentary and the casting of Will Smith.
I cannot even say that the film is attempting to create a revisionist history like Hamilton or Django Unchained. There are too many writers involved for it to be that clever. Or intentional.
Because of this, it fails where both Hamilton and Django Unchained succeeded. Instead of it being a commentary about racism, it simply presents a black character in a heavily racist landscape. The script then also attempts to “challenge” the racist commentary with “comedic” word play. At the time of it’s release this would have gone over my head, but watching it today; just because Jim West can counter Loveless’ passive aggressive “How nice you could join us and add colour to these monochromatic proceedings” with “When a fella comes back from the dead, I find it an occasion to stand up and be counted.” does not negate the racism, or the ableist intent either for that matter.
Without getting too deep into the social politics of this because I simply don’t know enough to truly comment, however by making a joke of confederative thinking, could confuse younger viewers on what is, and isn’t appropriate to say in society.

On a similar note, I would say much of the same applies to the treatment and commentary of women, particularly those of heavier body shapes. It certainly also applies to Artemus and his concealing himself as a woman during missions. It’s hard to know if we should see it as the art form of drag, or as being coded trans. Either way, the fact that the pay off is that James West mistakes a cis woman as Artemus, makes the whole thing in bad taste.

Final Thoughts

It’s a painful, problematic, film. I don’t know why it was a good idea to watch it again.

Dune (1984) Film Review

Rating PG
Length 2h17
Release 14.12.1984
Director David Lynch
About Paul, a duke’s son, leads an army of the indigenous population called the Fremen on the desert planet of Arrakis as they get ready to defend their land from the evil Harkonnens.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

For the time I think this is a most excellent attempt. Yes the graphics are shoddy, but it’s 1984. I’m going to give it a pass for that. The story is told, and it is mostly easy to follow. There’s parts that are unintensionally funny, but it only adds to the charm.

The acting is not winning awards, but that goes both ways. It’s not Razzie worthy either. The biggest indicator would be that even Sting gives a decent performance as one of many music stars throughout history who have taken to film.
The biggest win for the film is of course Kyle MacLachlan who is able to lead the film as Paul. Being a fated saviour is a hard task to bring to screen and MacLachlan is able to show a developed arc and growth for the character.

The Bad

That opening monologue is terrible, overly expositional and visually off-tone. The moment she fades out, to only fade back in when she remembers another point is something that you would expect to see from Holly in Red Dwarf.

The music, while is much better than the most recent version of this story, I was pulled out of the film because of how similar it sounded to a section of Scrooged’s score. Yes, this came first, but I’m more familiar with with the Bill Murray Christmas Carol offering.

The Ugly

The voice over narration. I’d say 9 times out of 10, I’d already figured out what then was whispered as a voice over “thought” so I get the feeling this was added after filming. It was too intrusive, too distracting and, on the most part, pointless.

The Baron killing the servant was stomach churning. The murder and assault are rather visceral and adding to it the audience and the repulsively of the Baron himself just leaves the whole thing nightmarish.

Final Thoughts

It is of its time and not something I’d rush to watch again. If you’re not a fan of Sci-fi, I would say clear of this as you will not survive the runtime.

Dune (2021) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 2h35
Release 21.10.2021
Director Denis Villeuve
About Paul Atreides arrives on Arrakis after his father accepts the stewardship of the dangerous planet. However, chaos ensues after a betrayal as forces clash to control melange, a precious resource.
Moon: moon(s) seen but not full.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Trailer:

The Good

The cast collected for this epic?! It’s not just the choosing of the up and coming Chalamet or Zendaya, but also of incredible talent from Javier Bardem and Charlotte Rampling. There’s a risk of the production being hammy, but it’s able to keep an element of gravitas with the ensemble chosen.

Strange New Worlds’ Babs Olusanmokun steals the show for me. His voice, his presence is enough to claim MVP. Then his interaction with both Chamalet and Bardem proves that this man will be one to watch.

It’s a stunning film and on a par with James Cameron and Ridley Scott. You could pause the film at any point and before you would be a work of art ready for your wall. On a small screen it was incredible, so I can only imagine how breathtaking it would appear on Imax.

This film and this story, brings together all that we love about Sci-Fi and Fantasy and is incredibly lean despite its run time. The adventure of Lord of the Rings, the action of Star Wars and the beauty of Alien. It works so well because this gives us some of the concepts that have not worked in other franchises, Star Wars, Politics and control for example, and shows there is a place within the genre to explore these.

The Bad

Controversial, but Hans Zimmer’s score falls incredibly flat for me. Yes, I’m holding him in a high regard because of his iconic work on Christopher Nolan’s films. That said, there’s nothing that stands out, there’s no theme. Maybe they weren’t going for that, but then why hire Zimmer?

The Ugly

I’m so bored of “The One” storyline. Yes, the book was written in 1965, way before the emergence of Neo, Potter and the Skywalker family but here in the closing hours of 2023, it is over played. It’s not just the idea of prophecy, but it’s all that comes with it. Not initially knowing, learning to take on the burden of leadership, the loss of the mentor and the biggest bug bearer; are they, or are they not “the chosen one”.

Final Thoughts

An incredible film made from what I’d imagine Hollywood considered an untranslatable novel. I’d would, however, recommend that if you haven’t seen it and you have the stamina; wait for the release of the sequel and catch a double screening.

Harry Brown (2009) Film Review

Rating 18
Length 1h43
Release 11.11.2009 (In the US)
Director Daniel Barber
About Harry Brown, a retired Royal Marine, leads a lonely life with his only friend, Leonard Attwell. His life changes when Leonard is killed, following which Harry decides to seek revenge.
Moon: Full moon as the film enters the final act
Where to Watch: Disney+ and UKTV Play
Trigger Warnings: Gang violence, drug use, rape, debilitating illness
Trailer:

The Good

The cast and the acting is on form. Without Michael Cain and Emily Mortimer, this may not have had the impact it did. There’s an immediate attachment to Harry and what becomes his mission of retribution.

The story, while simple enough, holds enough back to give an impressive and surprising final act. It also doesn’t conform to the usual tropes and arcs; giving the narrative a more grounded and real-world feel.

I certainly got the impression this was green-lit on the back of the successful Taken. Harry Brown is an a-typical archetype similar to Bryan Mills. Making the character older, and a veteran has a developed understanding for most audiences and could put people we know into a new perspective.

The Bad

I felt as if the perspective of the Police Force could have been developed a little bit more. Yes, we get the idea that there’s politics and optics at play but I would have a little more than lip service to truly feel the impact of Frampton’s transfer come the final act.

The Ugly

The violence and drugs make this a tough watch. Don’t get me wrong, they need to be there and it’s that necessity which makes it all the worse. The culture that is grown within the community is one of shocking desensitisation and unfortunately, it is all too real. Not only that, the gang members never take responsibility for their actions and its a bitter pill to swallow.

There’s significant trigger warnings for this film, but I must expand upon the traumatic rape represented in one scene. Not only is the act filmed and being watched on repeat by the gang, the woman is drugged into unconsciousness and from my perspective it could be misconstrued as a snuff film. It is horrific, it will be triggering for survivors and the most chilling of all is that I cannot say with any conviction that it was unnecessary.

Final Thoughts

A powerful, all too truthful, watch. You won’t be viewing it for entertainment purposes, but this film takes everything of the vigilante comic book hero franchises and addresses it in a real world setting with an added layer of commentary about different generations and what they fight for.

The Princess Bride (1987) Christmas review

Rating PG
Length 1h38
Release 01.02.2023 (In the US)
Director Rob Reiner
About Buttercup, a princess, is madly in love with a farm boy, Westley. Unfortunately, things take a turn in their lives when Westley goes out in search of employment and gets attacked by a pirate.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase), Free on ITVX
Trailer:

First Thoughts

There are some films that are meant to become part of who you are and there are films that are beloved by a generation. Sometimes, there are films that manage to be both… and more.

I first watched The Princess Bride without knowing what it was called and I didn’t watch it from the start. Buttercup was in the eel infested waters and I was hooked.
It was at least five years before I managed to watch it from the beginning, but from that point it was in regular rotation and among classics such as Goonies and Labyrinth.

Naughty

  • The “true love” of Wesley is never in question for me, that man loves Buttercup and will do anything for her. Buttercup, on the other hand? You’re telling me she needed three specific words to realise her world’s Superman is Clark Kent?!
    Pffft, as sure as I recognise Jack Skellington in Humperdinck, Buttercup should recognise the non-Sicilian voice during the duel of wits.
  • Yes, another Buttercup grumble. Did she really have to be so… damsel in destress?! She jumps into eel infested waters and there’s a rebellious nature about her that makes her simply standing and whimpering as Wesley fights an ROUS very, very, annoying.

Nice

  • The plot device of sick Wonder Years boy and Grampa Columbo spending quality time together and reading the book that unfolds is one of a few instances in which this works. It takes you out of the story, with purpose.
  • The cast is incredible. The main cast are incredible; individually and as part of an ensemble. However, it is also the supporting cameo performances that are as memorable. The only problem you’ll have is deciding who is the best and I’ll be honest; that will change depending on when you view the film.
  • The testament of this being an excellent film is when you come to a rewatch, there’s the anticipation of the next great scene and knowing it is going to make you laugh.
  • My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die. The story arc of Puss in Boots in human form, gives the audience some of the best parts of this film; from his clash with the Man in Black, to his uttering of the words above. It’s heartbreaking, wholesome and funny.
    Then there’s the consideration of what is known about Mandy Patinkin at the time of filming and how he used his personal experience and the loss of his own father to add conviction to the showdown with the Six Fingered Man.
  • On an additional note in regards to behind the scenes; the more you read about the filming the bigger your smile will be while watching; for example, the tale of Cary Elwes’ broken foot kicks the ass of the Lord of the Rings’ broken foot story.

Final Thoughts

I will never tire of this film. Rob Reiner is an incredible director and has created an uplifting film that will remain as beloved for many years to come.

A Christmas Gift from Bob (2020) Christmas Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h32
Release 06.11.2020
Director Charles Martin Smith
About ames Bowen remembers his last Christmas when he was in a bad place and how his life turned around after he adopted Bob.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)/ Now TV
Trailer:

Naughty

While I enjoyed the film and followed it just fine, I think it would benefit from me seeing the 2016’s A Cat Named Bob first. There’s a lot that I think would be added had this been a stand alone film.

Nice

There’s everything you need in this film for the feel good warm and fuzzies: good winning out, a community united for a good cause, selflessness and a very happy ending.

Anna Wilson-Jones as a fictional Nigella is a charming addition to the proceedings. Yes, its a little too sweet but Christmas is a perfect time for that.

The character of Moody and his beautiful stories that help not only James, but anyone watching too are truly heartwarming and will bring you to the point of cathartic tears more than once throughout the film.

Final Thoughts

Not going to be one I’ll rush to watch again, but even with the final act tears I was left feeling very uplifted.

The Machine (2023) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 1h52
Release 31.05.2023
Director Peter Atencio
About The past comes back to haunt Bert Kreischer when a murderous mobster tries to kidnap him to atone for his crimes. With help from his estranged father, Bert must retrace the steps of his younger self as a sociopathic crime family goes to war.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Now TV/ Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)
Trailer:

The Good

Mark Hamill is a renaissance man! For years he solely belonged to the geeks, known for Star Wars and his epic voice work in Batman. Now he’s being cast in everything, and I’m here for it! From Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman to the scene stealing turn in Mike Flanagan’s The Fall of the House of Usher, Mark Hamill is getting the career he deserves. Much like Brendon Fraser and Key Huy Quan, I’m so very happy to see the good eggs get their time.
The Machine is certainly good for showing another side to Hamill. Not Luke, not the Joker, but a character somewhere in between. He’s a saving grace for this film, and the main thing you should be watching it for.

The action is pretty cool and there is the novelty of it being quasi-biopic. I’d also imagine that if you’re familiar with Bert Kreischer’s comedy, you’ll find the retelling of his infamous robbery and a subsequent “what if?” rather entertaining.

The Bad

The film takes way too long to get going. The whole setting up the family dynamics, while great for establishing the character, does very little to set the pace of what is meant to be an action movie. By the time there’s any sort of speed to the plot, I was checked out.

The Ugly

Given the current political climate with Russia, I did find it difficult to settle into the film and find the whole Russia is the capital of violence shtick. While I can imagine the film was in production long before Putin decimated Ukraine and displaced an entire country, but its release seems in bad taste; even with it very much poking fun.

Final Thoughts

Well, I know someone would have been laughing like Muttley throughout this. My brother will have loved so much about this film. Unfortunately, for me, the trailer showed all the best bits and outside of Mark Hamill, the full runtime fell flat.

Dream Scenario (2023) Film Review

Rating 15
Length 1h42
Release 10.11.2013
Director Kristoffer Burgle
About A family man finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. However, when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, he’s forced to navigate the consequences of his newfound stardom.
Moon: Not that I saw

Trailer:

The Good

Nic Cage does what he does best; he gives us an extroverted off the wall, unhinged performance while still presenting a strangely bumbling every-man. No one could provide us with both and make it convincing.

The story is scary. It’s creepy and chilling, not only in terms of the dreams but the way people respond firstly to the dreams, but then to the real Paul. It actually is a fascinating look at celebrity and cancel culture.

There’s just something about a horror that makes you laugh as well as be on edge. Largely to do with Cage’s performance you just cannot help but have a good time.

The Bad

There’s a very cringe and awkward scene near the mid mark that will put you off sex for life. That is literally all I’m going to say on the matter. If, and once, you’ve watched it, we have much to discuss.

The Ugly

Nic Cage is only getting better. Even with his bad performances, he’s a genius and he’s had four films and a lifelong dream fulfilled (eh, sort of) with a cameo. However, in recent weeks Nic Cage has spoken about retirement and it’s making me sad.

Final Thoughts

An odd story, an even odder Nic Cage and I loved (almost) every minute of it. I do have a theory though and I need to know if anyone else picked up on something that comes back towards the end of the movie.

Unexpected (2022) Film Review

Rating 12
Length 1h48
Release 01.02.2023 (In the US)
Director David Hunt
About Music critic Bob is out of a job, addicted to Zoloft, and trying to wrangle the menagerie of animals that his wife Amy has accumulated.
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (for rental or purchase)
Trailer:

The Good

The moment Joe Mazzello begins his narration, I know I’m in safe hands. I’ve yet to see the actor turned director take a creative misstep in his entire career (Although give me three wishes, I’m using one of those bad boys to have Small Soldiers and A.I added to his filmography) He has always been excellent at playing characters that are steeped in tragedy, but Mazzello has evolved into an entertainingly dark comedian and it is exactly what a film like this needs to lighten the tone.
Bob was also someone I was able to identify with and a brilliant way connect to the film. The Character’s arc of acknowledging his depression, the all-too-real experience of psychotherapy and the complications of prescription medication could feel too heavy if it wasn’t for Mazzello’s performance.

The film is funny. Not only the character of Bob. Yes he’s dry, witty and sarcastic in a way that I find charming, however the film itself is able to bring a comedic tone to much of the events. Some reminds me of Tom Hanks’ Money Pit (1986) and other situational comedies.

One thing I love about independent films is that the audience are given a different storytelling experience. Along with the change in narrator throughout the film, there’s some playing with time when we’re coming to the end of the film to allow an element of completion and fulfilment. Something other, more mainstream, films would not attempt and leave the audience without closure.

The Bad

This is a bittersweet film that does not provide the typical narrative. It plays like real life. Largely to do with it being based on upon the biographical book Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tart. However it does mean that it touches on difficult topics and not everyone gets a happy ending. For some this may be too much like their own lives, for others it may be triggering.
For me, it was comforting to know that others go through similar thoughts and feelings. That I’m not alone and there’s a hope for coming out the other side.

It is hard to watch this film and not be even the tiniest bit curious about what the version with Ashley Tisdale as Amy would have been like. That’s not to say Anna Camp was not perfectly cast; she’s adorable and bubbly, but able to handle the emotional consequences of life not going quite to plan.
I just know that dynamics and nuances will have given a completely different film. I also spent a lot of time following this film and was saddened upon the shoot having to shut down due to covid-19 restrictions with mere days left to film.

I’m not sure the film plays on the use of music enough. It’s a personal thing, but to me the protagonist is Bob. Yes, other characters contribute to the narration but 90% is Bob. I would argue that most of the music is reflecting Amy. It is at odds with the film for me. That’s not to say I didn’t like the choices, I just would have liked it to either be a reflection of Bob.

The Ugly

The ugly truth is that living in the UK has meant I’ve had to wait until today, 21 December, to be able to watch this film. Independent cinema is stunning, it is meaningful and it offers an alternative to the loud and fast blockbusters that dominate the cinema.
This film would have had a decent box office and could have enticed viewers similar to those who sobbed their way through My Sister’s Keeper (2009) and those who chuckled and cried through Juno (2007). However, films like Unexpected are not finding their way into the cinema and it really is heartbreaking to see.

Final Thoughts

While the topics of depression and fertility may not be my usual go to topics for a Friday night watch, Anna Camp, Joe Mazzello and Scrub’s Neil Flynn not only make me glad I watched, they are the reason I’ll be watching again.

U-571 (2000)

Rating 12
Length 1h 56
Release 02 June 2000 (UK)
Director Jonathan Moscow
About  A German submarine is boarded by American submariners disguised as Germans. They must infiltrate the security and steal the Nazi’s top-secret Enigma machine.
Streaming on Netflix

First Thoughts

This film was released during the height of my love for Bon Jovi; the band and the man. Not only that, but Erik Palladino had been part of ER and I was excited to see that he was a part of this film. I was also setting up my future, and my love was History. I either wanted to work as a curator in a museum, an archeologist or a History teacher. This film was on my watch list for the longest time.
My brother, preparing for an interview, asked me to complete his worksheet in exchange for a trip to the cinema. Normally, the person doing the favour would get to choose the viewing and I voiced my choice.
Instead, we went to see Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999) which was released in the UK 26 May 2000 and already seen by my brother. It wasn’t the first, and it wouldn’t be the last time I missed out on seeing a film in the cinema due to someone else.

I eventually saw the film at home on VHS and it wasn’t as good as I expected. Maybe my love for both Palladino and Jovi had passed, but I suspect it was that this film really needed a big screen to appreciate the visuals, action and story. I’ve not watched it again before today, and while there are faults and I maintain it needs a big screen, there’s certainly enough good.

The Good

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to warm to Matthew McConaughey, but I’ve been sleeping on an excellent performer. I could not think of anyone better to play Tyler and present the story arc of rejected, too green, XO to leader under pressure in a situation more experienced would not have been prepared for. The arc itself provides so much tension, not only as Tyler questions himself, but of those under his command who heard about his public and brutal rejection of his own command.

There’s something about a submarine movie I adore; from the sounds of the sonar, to the close quarters and the added jeopardy of being in a place where, at times, there is no escape.

The Bad

Might be a personal thing, but I’m not a fan of war-based films and shows for one particular reason: I find it hard to follow the action and often miss the deaths of key characters as a result.
The nature of war is fast paced and often presents over wide angles and very little dialogue. Without being able to follow these segments, it does mean I lose some engagement with the story.

The Ugly

It’s clearly a work of fiction. Due to the very nature of its form, the audience does know to take the story with a pinch of salt. Film’s primary purpose is to entertain, however some do also seek to inform. This film did not promote itself as biographical however, being based upon historical events does make this problematic as it was not the US military, but the UK navy, that performed the feat of capturing a coveted Enigma machine that represents the turning point during World War II.
This subversion of events caused much controversy upon release, to the point it was brought up in the House of Commons and the then-Prime Minister Tony Blair condemned the film. Now, if this was today, perhaps the government would not have a leg to stand on based on their conduct. However, Blair did have a point. Lest We Forget is only a sentiment if we remember correctly and we don’t rewrite history.

The Final Thoughts

The lack of authenticity is by no means a reason not to watch. It is an incredibly well made film, with a talented cast and a concise story.

Christmas Advent 2023: It’s a Wonderful Knife (2023)

Rating 18
Length 1h27
Release 1.12.2023
Director Tyler MacIntyre
About What would happen if George Bailey stopped a serial killer before asking to have never been born? Winnie, a year after ending a psychotic murder spree is consumed with PTSD. It doesn’t help that the whole town she saved has moved on.
So in a Christmas classic wish, she is shown a town in which she was never part of and that’s where the nightmare begins…
Moon: no moon sighting
Where to Watch: Online in the US
Trailer:

Naughty

  • There’s what appears to be a final act rewrite that just doesn’t quite mesh with the rest of the film that we’re meant to buy due to some magical inclusion.
  • While the slasher outfit is incredible once you know what it is; it’s impractically for a spree and really just takes me slightly out of it.
  • The happy ending for happy ending sake! Bullshit! Let it be the start of something new and not some magic loophole.

Nice

  • Some great casting going on from the get go; from tween show stars taking their leap to movie horror, to character actors Joel McHale and Justin Long.
  • It’s an ideal blend of Christmas kitsch, meta comedy and all out horror.
  • Short run time is always a win for me. Especially with these types of films that play fast and loose with the meta sheen.
  • Stay put for the credits because Joy 2 the Girls by Hael is a bop.

Final Thoughts

Could this have been sacrilege? Oh yes, this could have easily been the worst film ever made for taking the greatest film and making it into a horror comedy! However, it works.