Movies/Films/TV - Opinions

[Dickled]

This is a question, which I hope is OK, and not really about content watched, but the means of watching it - the television.
I have a Sony which I've had for a few years, so it's perhaps time for a change.
There's so much choice out there, which is a bit bewildering.
Also, I've noticed the emergence of budget brands like TCL and Hisense which seem to get good reviews but are much cheaper than brands like Sony and LG, etc.
I wonder if anyone has invested in one of the cheaper brands and can recommend them?
Thanks.

[scutty brown]

I wonder  what the record is, for watching a film , more than once   

Ask Anth......."The Princess Bride" 

[Waterhouse]

I wonder  what the record is, for watching a film , more than once   

I’ve watched Midnight Run well over 20 times, maybe even 30 times, but I’m sure that’s not even close to breaking any records - world or otherwise.

[PilotMan]

This is a question, which I hope is OK, and not really about content watched, but the means of watching it - the television.
I have a Sony which I've had for a few years, so it's perhaps time for a change.
There's so much choice out there, which is a bit bewildering.
Also, I've noticed the emergence of budget brands like TCL and Hisense which seem to get good reviews but are much cheaper than brands like Sony and LG, etc.
I wonder if anyone has invested in one of the cheaper brands and can recommend them?
Thanks.

I also have the same series 32" and 46" Sony from 2011. I also have two Hisense a 32" and 42" from the same series circa 2017.

They've all been great TV's, the Hisense are newer so much brighter. The Sony is the main TV, connected to a Sony TA-AN Amplifier and 5.1 speaker set up.

The 42 inch Hisense is in the master bedroom, the built in speakers are good enough.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Hisense.

I'll be buying a new main TV in the next year, I think the market will have a shake up now that Sony and TCL have a joint venture.

[Dickled]

I also have the same series 32" and 46" Sony from 2011. I also have two Hisense a 32" and 42" from the same series circa 2017.

They've all been great TV's, the Hisense are newer so much brighter. The Sony is the main TV, connected to a Sony TA-AN Amplifier and 5.1 speaker set up.

The 42 inch Hisense is in the master bedroom, the built in speakers are good enough.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Hisense.

I'll be buying a new main TV in the next year, I think the market will have a shake up now that Sony and TCL have a joint venture.

Thank you PilotMan. I've noticed that since I last bought a TV, a TV's gaming features are sometimes heavily promoted, not something I'm really interested in.
Yes, I've read good things about both Hisense and TCL.
The trouble is I'm old enough to remember that when you bought a TV, all you needed were brightness, contrast and volume controls. Nowadays they seem awash with features and specs of all description, which complicates things for me, so I'm just going to have to find something and read any reviews I can find before choosing.
I'll probably plump for a 50inch model, which to me seems huge, but is quite miniscule when you consider that TCL do a 115inch model!

[ulstersubbie]

I’ve watched Midnight Run well over 20 times, maybe even 30 times, but I’m sure that’s not even close to breaking any records - world or otherwise.

Midnight Run is a sound choice. Two films I have watched umpteen times and still love both dearly after all these years:

The French Connection directed by William Friedkin.
Belle De Jour directed by Luis Bunuel.

[bigden40]

Star Trek Starfleet Academy

It's crap....

So bad I wondered if I was watching a Star Trek parody.

[Darren101]

White Chicks

External Link/Members Only

It’s silly but found it funny as hell.

[catweazle]

Watched War Machine on Netflix yesterday, mainly on the strength of Alan Richtson starring in it.  Didn't realise, at first it had a strong sci-fi element.  Different take on the usual alien invasion sci fi, good SFX, maybe a 6.5/10.

[bigden40]

White Chicks

External Link/Members Only

It’s silly but found it funny as hell.

It is.  And Terry Crews somewhat steals the show with this scene.

External Link/Members Only

[bigden40]

This is a question, which I hope is OK, and not really about content watched, but the means of watching it - the television.
I have a Sony which I've had for a few years, so it's perhaps time for a change.
There's so much choice out there, which is a bit bewildering.
Also, I've noticed the emergence of budget brands like TCL and Hisense which seem to get good reviews but are much cheaper than brands like Sony and LG, etc.
I wonder if anyone has invested in one of the cheaper brands and can recommend them?
Thanks.

I would suggest a specialist forum e.g. External Link/Members Only will do a better job of pointing you in the right direction. 

[scutty brown]

Spyship - BBC 6 x 1hr series from 1983

Just binge-watched on this, was able to find a second hand double-DVD online. Can't find it for download anywhere.
It's loosely based on the sinking of the trawler "Gaul" and follows the efforts of a journalist (Tom Wilkinson) to find the cause of the loss, helped by his childhood friend (Lesley Nightingale)
They find themselves unknowingly at odds with both British and Russian military intelligence, culminating in a rather sudden ending.
Good example of the quality drama series the BBC used to make

Also interesting it that it's Jimmy Naill's first TV appearance

[PatMacGroin]

Watched War Machine on Netflix yesterday, mainly on the strength of Alan Richtson starring in it.  Didn't realise, at first it had a strong sci-fi element.  Different take on the usual alien invasion sci fi, good SFX, maybe a 6.5/10.

Also watched it last night. Unlikely to be winning any Oscars, but I enjoyed it. Decent army training movie / sci-fi shoot 'em up.

[PatMacGroin]

Also watched I Swear this weekend on Netflix. Good film, plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.

Clearly demonstrates the difficulties in living life for people with Tourrettes. Although I'm not sure how much it will be the ambassador for the condition that it's been touted as.

It's only been out a week or so and I've already seen two kids shouting abuse at staff (in a McDonalds and on a bus), then follow it up with something like "I can't help it! I've got Tourettes!". How long before we are hearing about a  Tourettes spectrum?

[PilotMan]

The anniversary on Netflix.

Superb performances from a stellar cast.

Unsettling film, not what I was expecting.

Echos of Nazism, playing out in Modern America.

Given the incumbents behaviour, you could believe it might actually happen 

[RandomGuy99]

The Sure Thing - a Rob Reiner classic featuring a very young John Cusack External Link/Members Only

[standardpostage]

Watched War Machine on Netflix yesterday, mainly on the strength of Alan Richtson starring in it.  Didn't realise, at first it had a strong sci-fi element.  Different take on the usual alien invasion sci fi, good SFX, maybe a 6.5/10.

Like you. Slightly above average. 2026 film. Science fiction, action, thriller.

Rumour has it, there will be a War Machine 2  ?

[catweazle]

Like you. Slightly above average. 2026 film. Science fiction, action, thriller.

Rumour has it, there will be a War Machine 2  ?

I'd agree, I suspect the plan is for an ongoing franchise.

[RedKettle]

Like you. Slightly above average. 2026 film. Science fiction, action, thriller.

Rumour has it, there will be a War Machine 2  ?

Yes it was clearly set up for a sequel. I guess depends how well this one does.

[The0neAnd0nly]

One Battle After Another

Exceptional cast, great storyline and top tier totty from Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti (no relation to the car manufacturer).

As Sean Penns violent army Colonel says in the movie - "I like black women".

Hidden Image/Members Only

Hidden Image/Members Only

[standardpostage]

The anniversary on Netflix.

Superb performances from a stellar cast.

Unsettling film, not what I was expecting.

Echos of Nazism, playing out in Modern America.

Given the incumbents behaviour, you could believe it might actually happen 

Good film. As you say, unsettling 

[Vice Admiral]

I hadn't heard of Jessie Buckley until about six months ago.  But then I'm rather out of touch with modern cinema.  When the Vice-Admiral was last a regular cinema-goer, the big stars were people people like Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart.

Anyway, la Buckley is obviously very much flavour of the year, and last night on Film 4 I saw my first film with her in it: Wild Rose.

I didn't think the film itself was particularly good.  Rather slow, and the plot was not very convincing.  The script wasn't bad, though. 

But Buckley has certainly got what it takes, with a wide expressive range, great charisma, and a fabulous singing voice.  Also she's a good-looking girl!

[advent2016]

The Capture S3 - looks like utter nonsense, got better towards end of second episode.
Young Sherlock - Prime - If your're a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories you probably won't like this.
Marlow murders Season 3 - Always fun.

[Rick2468]

Last one laughing on Amazon Prime. The English one hosted by Jimmy Carr, had me in stitches. I tried the Irish version, not in the slightest bit funny, and now on to the Australian version.

I watched this for the first time last night so very late to the party. It's the funniest thing I've seen for ages. I absolutely love it. I watched it with friends but plan to watch it again on my own so I can rewind some of the bits that really really got me. I loved it seeing the comedians desperately trying not to laugh.

[silverspoon]

Peaky Blinders:The Immortal Man
Was really looking forwards to this,found it slow dragged out to the finish,5/10

[mr.bluesky]

Peaky Blinders:The Immortal Man
Was really looking forwards to this,found it slow dragged out to the finish,5/10

Films made from a tv series often disappoint,

[standardpostage]

Peaky Blinders:The Immortal Man
Was really looking forwards to this,found it slow dragged out to the finish,5/10

Warning appreciated 

[Ghost89]

One Battle After Another

Exceptional cast, great storyline and top tier totty from Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti (no relation to the car manufacturer).

As Sean Penns violent army Colonel says in the movie - "I like black women".

Hidden Image/Members Only

Hidden Image/Members Only

I found this to be long, ponderous and massively overrated. The most exciting part for me was the end…when I knew I was heading to Burger King.

[webpunter]

Peaky Blinders:The Immortal Man
Was really looking forwards to this,found it slow dragged out to the finish,5/10

High expectations with Netflix involved
Which weren't met
Passable
I preferred Netflix War Machine with Alan Ritchson, says it all

[The0neAnd0nly]

I found this to be long, ponderous and massively overrated. The most exciting part for me was the end…when I knew I was heading to Burger King.

 

[Waterhouse]

High expectations with Netflix involved
Which weren't met
Passable
I preferred Netflix War Machine with Alan Ritchson, says it all

Not a fan of PB - ditched after the first episode, so didn’t bother with the new Netflix offering.  I did watch War Machine this evening, though - thoroughly enjoyed it… brain in neutral viewing and done very well.  Overtones of Predator, I thought.

[Darren101]

The Plastic Detox (netflix)

Interesting.  I think the situation is worse in the US

[bhudda]

painkillers on netflix
say nothing on bbc

may have been mentioned before but I've only recently watched. Both good

[mr.bluesky]

Spitfire - sky documenary last night. 2 hour film documentary telling the story of the development and it's role in the battle of Britain of probably one of the most iconic aircraft this country has ever made. Well worth a watch if you are into military history or aviation

[Vice Admiral]

Last night I watched a 2022 film called Aftersun, about which I knew nothing in advance.  It starred Paul Mescal as a father on holiday in Turkey in 1999 with his 11-year-old daughter.

Nothing happened.  Nothing.

In the 39th minute a bus honked at Mescal's character as he crossed the road, and I thought he was going to be run over.  But not so.  And in the 69th minute he walked into the sea at night in a slightly manic way, and I thought he was going to drown himself.  But he didn't.

And, er, that was it.

Buy it totally held the attention, in part because of the tot's astonishing performance.  Performances by tot actors are very much hit and miss, but this one was superb.  The film felt like a slice of real life, but with all kinds of depth.

I've just read up about it, and I find that it was much acclaimed.  The New York Times critic A.O. Scott called the film "astonishing and devastating", writing that the director was "very nearly reinventing the language of film, unlocking the medium's often dormant potential to disclose inner worlds of consciousness and feeling."

So there we are.  Something completely different.

[PilotMan]

Nothing happened.  Nothing.

..................

And, er, that was it.

I've watched a few films like that, and at the end thought to myself, why / how did the film get made and who put their money in to it?

What was the point? Did it somehow get financed and then someone (Director / Producer) lose interest during production? Was it just a really bad script that someone thought was really good?

I often watch a movie and the finish seems to come abruptly, with an unsatisfying end, and / or lots of unexplained / unanswered scenes. My usual go to answer is; at some point during production they ran out of time and money and just did whatever it took to finish it off.

[ulstersubbie]

I often watch a movie and the finish seems to come abruptly, with an unsatisfying end, and / or lots of unexplained / unanswered scenes. My usual go to answer is; at some point during production they ran out of time and money and just did whatever it took to finish it off.

Unfortunately this seems to be a trend with modern films, a promising scenario is never fully explored or properly explained. More a lack of ideas and creativity than running out of money/time.

[Vice Admiral]

In response to your comments, Ulster and Pilot ...

I thought Aftersun was memorably good. It doesn't take much for me to switch off after ten minutes if a film bores me and / or doesn't "feel right".  I have a pretty low boredom threshold these days.

What I was trying to convey was that it was an excellent film, and that it held my attention in spite of - or, indeed, perhaps because of - the fact that nothing happened.

[PilotMan]

I've just read up about it, and I find that it was much acclaimed.  The New York Times critic A.O. Scott called the film "astonishing and devastating", writing that the director was "very nearly reinventing the language of film, unlocking the medium's often dormant potential to disclose inner worlds of consciousness and feeling."

I see these kind of glowing reports for many things; films, music, stage shows etc.

Often it is one esteemed critic / reviewer who is perceived as the expert who nobody dares to challenge. Their review is often echoed by others who want to "fit in" and be part of the "in crowd".

e.g. I went to see Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard. It was rubbish - no scenery, just chairs as props. Nicole Scherzinger just stood at the front of the stage, barefoot and in a camisole for the whole of the performance. The critics lauded Jamie Lloyds production as outstanding, revolutionary blah, blah. While Scherzinger was very good, it was overall dull and lacklustre.

There weirdest thing was a stupid stunt where one of the characters is followed by a cameraman and is projected live on to a screen at the back of the stage. He navigates the bowels of the theatre, leaves through a stage door, walks outside around the theatre, along the Strand, then goes back inside the theatre through the entrance adjacent to the Savoy. What a street scene in Central London has to do with Hollywood baffled me.

All the reviews from reviews from social media "influencers" echoed the professional critics.

However, if you read reviews from Joe Public, they seem to have the same opinion as me, and we are in the majority, i.e. the people paying to watch it for the entertainment, not so that we can post it on our social media.

[Jonestown]

In response to your comments, Ulster and Pilot ...

I thought Aftersun was memorably good. It doesn't take much for me to switch off after ten minutes if a film bores me and / or doesn't "feel right".  I have a pretty low boredom threshold these days.

What I was trying to convey was that it was an excellent film, and that it held my attention in spite of - or, indeed, perhaps because of - the fact that nothing happened.

Perhaps try Once Upon a Time in Anatolia next, it’s billed as a 147 minute cop movie, but moves along only slightly faster than a glacier.

[PilotMan]

Unfortunately this seems to be a trend with modern films, a promising scenario is never fully explored or properly explained. More a lack of ideas and creativity than running out of money/time.

I agree, and that's what baffles me.

Why don't these ideas get followed through or explored?

[PilotMan]

In response to your comments, Ulster and Pilot ...

I thought Aftersun was memorably good. It doesn't take much for me to switch off after ten minutes if a film bores me and / or doesn't "feel right".  I have a pretty low boredom threshold these days.

What I was trying to convey was that it was an excellent film, and that it held my attention in spite of - or, indeed, perhaps because of - the fact that nothing happened.

Now you've done it!

I'm intrigued; I might just have to watch it 

[bigden40]

In response to your comments, Ulster and Pilot ...

I thought Aftersun was memorably good. It doesn't take much for me to switch off after ten minutes if a film bores me and / or doesn't "feel right".  I have a pretty low boredom threshold these days.

What I was trying to convey was that it was an excellent film, and that it held my attention in spite of - or, indeed, perhaps because of - the fact that nothing happened.

It’s one of those films that is definitely not for everyone.  I found it painfully slow and whilst I understood the message it was looking to convey I didn’t find it particularly “emotionally powerful” as some have said so that didn’t compensate for the slowness.

Nothing really happens because the film is about a woman reflecting on a holiday she took with her dad when she was 10 or 11 and realising he was depressed and suicidal. As she looked back on her memories, she realised he was trying to hide it from her. Even though parents try to hide their mental illnesses from their kids they still see the signs, even if they don’t understand it at the time.

[Dickled]

I see these kind of glowing reports for many things; films, music, stage shows etc.

Often it is one esteemed critic / reviewer who is perceived as the expert who nobody dares to challenge. Their review is often echoed by others who want to "fit in" and be part of the "in crowd".

e.g. I went to see Nicole Scherzinger in Sunset Boulevard. It was rubbish - no scenery, just chairs as props. Nicole Scherzinger just stood at the front of the stage, barefoot and in a camisole for the whole of the performance. The critics lauded Jamie Lloyds production as outstanding, revolutionary blah, blah. While Scherzinger was very good, it was overall dull and lacklustre.

There weirdest thing was a stupid stunt where one of the characters is followed by a cameraman and is projected live on to a screen at the back of the stage. He navigates the bowels of the theatre, leaves through a stage door, walks outside around the theatre, along the Strand, then goes back inside the theatre through the entrance adjacent to the Savoy. What a street scene in Central London has to do with Hollywood baffled me.

All the reviews from reviews from social media "influencers" echoed the professional critics.

However, if you read reviews from Joe Public, they seem to have the same opinion as me, and we are in the majority, i.e. the people paying to watch it for the entertainment, not so that we can post it on our social media.

Yep, I tend to agree with this. I often think with actors - jeez! - they're only pretending, yet they're allowed to gush self reverentially at awards ceremonies, as they are honoured for their "art". That's why I used to love Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes.

[Vice Admiral]

It’s one of those films that is definitely not for everyone.  I found it painfully slow and whilst I understood the message it was looking to convey I didn’t find it particularly “emotionally powerful” as some have said so that didn’t compensate for the slowness.

To be honest, as Pilot Man implied in Reply #9278, I think the New York Times critic somewhat over-egged the pudding in describing the film as "astonishing and devastating" and saying that the director was "very nearly reinventing the language of film, unlocking the medium's often dormant potential to disclose inner worlds of consciousness and feeling".  All a bit Pseuds' Corner!  I wasn't astonished or devastated.  And, Big Den, I agree that "emotionally powerful" doesn't quite fit, either.

It was a modest, low-key film that seemed to me to capture the relationship between the girl and her father with total truth, without ever being obvious or cliched.  Not a line spoken, not a gesture, not a facial expression seemed to me untrue or out of place.

I surprised myself slightly that it passed my "ten-minute test".  On another night I might have given up.  But I was in the right mood to let it gently wash over me. 

However it's the kind of film I'd hesitate to recommend widely, as it's not for all times or tastes.

[standardpostage]

Radioactive Emergency. Netflix. very good, recommended.

Set in Brazil. Subtitles. 5 episodes.  Drama / thriller / emotional. 2026 series.

About radioactive contamination. Great acting. Based on true story. 9 out of 10 from me.

[Vice Admiral]

Last night I watched Cat Person, which I’d recorded a fortnight ago from BBC3 and is still available on BBC iPlayer.

I thought 85% of the film was absolutely excellent.  Intriguing, witty, clever, funny (hints of Fleabag here and there), well-scripted, unhackneyed, psychologically interesting, and with two first-rate performances in the central roles.  (Although the film is American, the lead actress turns out to be Aled Jones’ daughter!)

The other 15%?  OK.

I’m deliberately not saying anything about the plot, because I watched it knowing nothing in advance about what would unfold (as indeed was the case with Aftersun the other day); and that greatly enhanced the experience. 

I think most people would much enjoy it, although to my great surprise the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are very mixed. 

But I’ll go with this, from The Australian:  “This is a highly intelligent, finely-acted, astutely-written and directed, well-shot (cinematographer Manuel Billeter) film that will leave questions in your mind well after the credits roll.”

[bhudda]

One Battle After Another

Exceptional cast, great storyline and top tier totty from Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti (no relation to the car manufacturer).

I thought it was very good too

[Waterhouse]

Sisu 2: Road to Revenge… very good if you’re a fan of the genre. Not quite as good as the first Sisu in 2022, but if you liked the original, I’m sure you’ll also like this sequel.  Similar story line, the main character is trying to get home with a valuable cargo and is again pursued by CCCP Russian forces, this time looking for retribution against our taciturn hero. Again the antagonists have bitten off more than they can chew.

I liked it and would recommend if you like this sort of violent action film.

[webpunter]

@Wh thanks for the heads up
The 1st was ace
On the to watch list