Movies/Films/TV - Opinions

[standardpostage]

East Of Eden. Netflix. Very good, recommended. 7 episodes. Stars Florence Pugh. Family drama. 2026 series. From a book. A solid 8 out of 10.

[Punterperson1971]

Watched end of oak street last week pretty good and different from Jurassic Park francise

[Malvolio]

Colin From Accounts (on iPlayer) - an Australian comedy that's actually funny

[stampjones]

Watched Detective Hole on netflix based on the Jo Nesbo books. The books are good holiday reads but not great writing so to have a series that turns it into a pretty atmospheric story with good characters is pretty impressive. The only thing that lets it down is the guy playing Harry Hole who is just a bit one dimensional. Now as I watched the dubbed version I'm not sure if that's only true of that version but it spoiled what was otherwise a really watchable series. Pretty cool way of disarming the baddy at the end too!

[Vice Admiral]

I Give It a Year (2013).  On BBc1 on Saturday night, so presumably on iPlayer and / or will turn up again soon on BBC3.

British.  Theme: a marriage between a mismatched couple.  A bit hit and miss, but there are some very funny lines and the main characters are appealing.  I think most here would find it pleasant, undemanding entertainment.

[Vice Admiral]

Colin From Accounts (on iPlayer) - an Australian comedy that's actually funny

I recently belatedly discovered this, and am much enjoying it.  Some episodes are better than others, but all are fun, and the appeal of the main characters (particularly the female lead – quite a subtle performance) keeps one engaged. I like its quirkiness.  I recommended it to my conspiracy theorist friend, and he binge-watched the whole of the first series.

[myothernameis]

Have started watching the Good Doctor, to me this is a mixture of House and Columbo, so far enjoying the first few episodes

[Steve2]

Have started watching the Good Doctor, to me this is a mixture of House and Columbo, so far enjoying the first few episodes

Beware!!  It becomes quite addictive   

[scouting]

Watched Detective Hole on netflix based on the Jo Nesbo books. The books are good holiday reads but not great writing so to have a series that turns it into a pretty atmospheric story with good characters is pretty impressive. The only thing that lets it down is the guy playing Harry Hole who is just a bit one dimensional. Now as I watched the dubbed version I'm not sure if that's only true of that version but it spoiled what was otherwise a really watchable series. Pretty cool way of disarming the baddy at the end too!

Interesting - your comment about his writing. I have a couple of friends who rave about his books but I find them a bit hard to get into. Like you they are a holiday read when you can immerse yourself in them. Once I do that I find I do enjoy them.

[Vice Admiral]

The Order (2024), on BBC2 on Monday and now on iPlayer.

A tense, well-made thriller.  Nothing ground-breaking, but much enhanced by the central performances of two British actors playing against type in this very American film – Jude Law as a world-weary FBI agent with a moustache and a level of cigarette consumption that would make his GP go weak at the knees; and Nicholas Hoult as the fanatical leader of a murderous white supremacist cult!

Houlty’s comes a long way since About a Boy and Skins.  Indeed he’s been a pretty big star for a good while now.  He even had a three-year relationship with Jennifer Lawrence.  (It’s dirty work, but someone’s got to do it.)


Hidden Image/Members Only

[The0neAnd0nly]

Agree about Nicholas Hoult. Always great to see on screen and he can so a number of roles really well.

Enjoyed his eccentricity and energy in Mad Max and his snobbish annoying stuck up persona in The Menu.  Also good in Tolkien and Nosferatu!

[Stevelondon]

Quite enjoyed the movie Sisu.

Watched its follow and found it strangely comedic. 🤷🏼

[Stevelondon]

That should read

“Watched its follow up”

[stampjones]

The Order (2024), on BBC2 on Monday and now on iPlayer.

A tense, well-made thriller.  Nothing ground-breaking, but much enhanced by the central performances of two British actors playing against type in this very American film – Jude Law as a world-weary FBI agent with a moustache and a level of cigarette consumption that would make his GP go weak at the knees; and Nicholas Hoult as the fanatical leader of a murderous white supremacist cult!

Watched this tonight based on your recommendation though I'd forgotten who you'd said was in it. Fuck me I was 30 minutes in before I realised it was Jude Law. As you said, great performances by him and Nicolas Hoult. In fact the whole cast was pretty good. Definitely enjoyed it.

[sparkus]

East Of Eden. Netflix. Very good, recommended. 7 episodes. Stars Florence Pugh. Family drama. 2026 series. From a book. A solid 8 out of 10.

An awkward watch for any punter with OH.

[Vice Admiral]

Watched this tonight based on your recommendation though I'd forgotten who you'd said was in it. Fuck me I was 30 minutes in before I realised it was Jude Law. As you said, great performances by him and Nicolas Hoult. In fact the whole cast was pretty good. Definitely enjoyed it.

I'm glad you liked The Order.

Incidentally, according to Wikipedia, the film had a very  limited release in the USA, for political reasons:  "In May 2024, Vertical acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film, and released it on December 6, 2024, in a limited theatrical release in 600–700 theaters.  Distributors were nervous about streaming the film in the US because of the political context, in the lead-up to the 2024 US elections.  Amazon Prime Video acquired the rights to stream in multiple international territories excluding the United States, and it premiered on Amazon in the UK on December 27, 2024."

This suggests the film was never shown in UK cinemas.

[Jerboa]

I just finished watching Graham Hancock's Ancient Apocalypse series 2, was very interesting. External Link/Members Only

[RandomGuy99]

Has anyone seen the new Tom Cruise movie, Digger?

Is it as bad as the press says?

[paulub45]

Has anyone seen the new Tom Cruise movie, Digger?

Is it as bad as the press says?

Yes

[Steve2]

Just finished the new series of FAUDA on Netflix

Worth watching

[mr.bluesky]

Has anyone seen the new Tom Cruise movie, Digger?

Is it as bad as the press says?

Perhaps he should stick to making action movies like the " Mission Impossible" films. I don't think character acting is his forte 

[Bangman]

Has anyone seen the new Tom Cruise movie, Digger?

Is it as bad as the press says?

I saw the first 45 mins and fell asleep, my wife woke me up and by then, it was the end credits.
If I can fall asleep in the cinema.. That means the movie was Bloody Shite!

[Bangman]

Perhaps he should stick to making action movies like the " Mission Impossible" films. I don't think character acting is his forte 

I agree..
I love the mission impossible movies...

[ulstersubbie]

Perhaps he should stick to making action movies like the " Mission Impossible" films. I don't think character acting is his forte 

He's a star name, he sells movies for the studios and more often than not they make lots of money. A serious actor he's not, mind you for a short arse he's done rather well for himself.   

[PilotMan]

I don't think character acting is his forte 

You say you don't think character acting is Tom Cruises "forte", I would argue he's a good character actor in most of these films.

Born on 4th July
Rain man
Eyes Wide shut (not one I enjoyed)
Collateral (a favourite)
Valkyrie
Vanilla Sky (again, not a favourite)
A few good men
Tropic Thunder
American made (A favourite)
Magnolia (another not a favourite)

[RyanM92]

You say you don't think character acting is Tom Cruises "forte", I would argue he's a good character actor in most of these films.

Born on 4th July
Rain man
Eyes Wide shut (not one I enjoyed)
Collateral (a favourite)
Valkyrie
Vanilla Sky (again, not a favourite)
A few good men
Tropic Thunder
American made (A favourite)
Magnolia (another not a favourite)

I second this! Eyes Wide Shut, Rain Man and especially Magnolia are top-tier performances by Tom. I feel like this Rain Man performance is SO overlooked due to Dustin being superhuman opposite him and let’s not talk about the ending scene at his fathers death bed in Magnolia!

I ended up watching Digger and really enjoyed it. For a movie like that not to have about 50-55% of the movies actual plot in any of the trailers was admirable as most trailers show you the whole movie now. I think Digger with the themes it deals with will stand the test of time. Lots of cult classics we have now (The Shining or 2001: A Space Odyssey) were not reviewed well on opening. I also feel Tom could get an Oscar nomination as he has A LOT to do in Digger - there is monologue in the middle of the movie that was just mind-blowing from a acting and technical prospective.

[mr.bluesky]

He's a star name, he sells movies for the studios and more often than not they make lots of money. A serious actor he's not, mind you for a short arse he's done rather well for himself.   

For a short arse he should never have played Jack Reacher in two films as Jack Reacher is described as 6' 5 " in the books and built like a brick outhouse not 5 7" but Cruise bought the film rights to the books so cast himself in the starring role 

[mr.bluesky]

You say you don't think character acting is Tom Cruises "forte", I would argue he's a good character actor in most of these films.

Born on 4th July
Rain man
Eyes Wide shut (not one I enjoyed)
Collateral (a favourite)
Valkyrie
Vanilla Sky (again, not a favourite)
A few good men
Tropic Thunder
American made (A favourite)
Magnolia (another not a favourite)

Not knocking him as an actor, I think The last Samurai is one of my favourite films of his. I think he is best suited to action films where as someone like Gene Hackman could play any role.

[timsussex]

Mobland series2 - more of the same with some good one liners

Helen Mirren in a ropey Irish accent
"I dont like lawyers either but they are like Bog Paper - when you need them you really need them "

[RandomGuy99]

I second this! Eyes Wide Shut, Rain Man and especially Magnolia are top-tier performances by Tom. I feel like this Rain Man performance is SO overlooked due to Dustin being superhuman opposite him and let’s not talk about the ending scene at his fathers death bed in Magnolia!

I ended up watching Digger and really enjoyed it. For a movie like that not to have about 50-55% of the movies actual plot in any of the trailers was admirable as most trailers show you the whole movie now. I think Digger with the themes it deals with will stand the test of time. Lots of cult classics we have now (The Shining or 2001: A Space Odyssey) were not reviewed well on opening. I also feel Tom could get an Oscar nomination as he has A LOT to do in Digger - there is monologue in the middle of the movie that was just mind-blowing from a acting and technical prospective.

He claims he did his 10 minute monologue in one take.

[RyanM92]

He claims he did his 10 minute monologue in one take.

I saw in an interview prior to the movie that he confirms it’s two takes stitched into one by careful editing. However, to do 5 minutes of dialogue uncut is a feat in it self!

[Vice Admiral]

The Housemaid (2025), starring Sydney Sweeney.  On Amazon Prime.

The proud mother looks out of the window as the soldiers march past, and says:  “They’re all out of step except my little Johnny.”

Well, not for the first time, I’m little Johnny.

The Housemaid scores very well on Rotten Tomatoes.  Indeed a sequel’s being made, due for release on 17 December 2027.  (Put the date in your diaries.)

However I thought that it was one of the worst films I’ve ever seen.  It began OK, but became jaw-droppingly bad and deeply silly.  Surely even schlocky B-movies need a certain amount of psychological veracity?  Also the narrative structure went AWOL about two-thirds of the way through, with a long, clunky flashback.

(And Sidney’s breasts?  They were so much under wraps for the first hour or so that I thought they’d retired from acting.  But they briefly came out to play at around 70 minutes, and there was a fair amount of décolletage thereafter.)

[ulstersubbie]

The Housemaid (2025), starring Sydney Sweeney.  On Amazon Prime.

The proud mother looks out of the window as the soldiers march past, and says:  “They’re all out of step except my little Johnny.”

Well, not for the first time, I’m little Johnny.

The Housemaid scores very well on Rotten Tomatoes.  Indeed a sequel’s being made, due for release on 17 December 2027.  (Put the date in your diaries.)

However I thought that it was one of the worst films I’ve ever seen.  It began OK, but became jaw-droppingly bad and deeply silly.  Surely even schlocky B-movies need a certain amount of psychological veracity?  Also the narrative structure went AWOL about two-thirds of the way through, with a long, clunky flashback.

(And Sidney’s breasts?  They were so much under wraps for the first hour or so that I thought they’d retired from acting.  But they briefly came out to play at around 70 minutes, and there was a fair amount of décolletage thereafter.)

I reviewed this turkey a while ago, it's pure pulpy nonsense, even the brief appearance of Sidney's udders are not enough to save it. Still, the horny members on UKP do seem to be fixated on her knockers, which are definitely more impressive than her acting talent.

[Vice Admiral]

I reviewed this turkey a while ago, it's pure pulpy nonsense, even the brief appearance of Sidney's udders are not enough to save it. Still, the horny members on UKP do seem to be fixated on her knockers, which are definitely more impressive than her acting talent.

Your trenchant earlier review deserves a second outing:

The Housemaid (2025). A young ex con (Sydney Sweeney) becomes a live in maid for a wealthy couple who harbour dark secrets. I've encountered my fair share of trashy movies over the years and believe me The Housemaid is pure garbage, at times I thought I was watching a comedy (a very bad one), it's actually a thriller but take that description with a pinch of salt. Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried are quite awful in the lead roles, it also runs for over two hours which for such a poor film is far too long. Steer clear of this one.  F

Your point about the film’s length is a good one.  I felt the same.  At 88 minutes – about standard for a trashy B-movie in the old days – it might have been OK.  At 131 minutes, not so much. 

Hidden Image/Members Only

[ulstersubbie]

Your point about the film’s length is a good one.  I felt the same.  At 88 minutes – about standard for a trashy B-movie in the old days – it might have been OK.  At 131 minutes, not so much. 

Hidden Image/Members Only

Yes, far too long VA, so many films nowadays would be far better if they were shorter in terms of running time, padding out poor movies is a waste of time, it really does exasperate me at times.

[Vice Admiral]

When I first saw The Wicker Man (1973) – maybe 30 years ago? – I thought it pretty poor stuff.  However for some reason there's lately been a bit of a hullaballoo about it so I thought I’d revisit it.  Which I did last night.

Awful beyond awful.  Surely one of the worst films ever made, with a dreadful script and universally appalling performances – Edward Woodward’s in particular being a masterclass in terrible acting.  Christopher Lee is about as menacing as a Womble.  Footage of Diane Cilento’s shocking Scottish accent should be regularly played to drama students as a warning.

Slow.  Flat.  Boring.  No tension.  No atmosphere.  No sense of menace.  When it finally, erm, hots up, it becomes laughable.  It was like a film made by a group of amateur actors and a film student having his first go at directing.

Below the line I've appended some of the hagiographic material from Wikipedia about this “legendary” film.

What is wrong with these people?
_________________________

Variety wrote that Anthony Shaffer's screenplay "for sheer imagination and near-terror, has seldom been equalled."  Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times called it "a witty work of the macabre" with "the splendid performances typical of British films".

In 1977, the American film magazine Cinefantastique devoted a commemorative issue to the film, asserting that the film is "the Citizen Kane of horror movies" — an oft-quoted phrase attributed to this issue.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 71 critics' reviews are positive. The website's consensus reads: "This intelligent horror film is subtle in its thrills and chills, with an ending that is both shocking and truly memorable." Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 87 out of 100, based on 16 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".

In 2008, The Wicker Man was ranked by Empire at No. 485 of the 500 Greatest Movies of All Time.  Christopher Lee considered The Wicker Man his best film.  Similarly, Edward Woodward said that The Wicker Man was one of his favourite films and that the final shot of the film (of the collapsing wicker man), Woodward said that it is the best final shot of any film ever made.  In 2010 The Guardian newspaper ranked it as No 4 in its "25 best horror films of all time" listings.

Hidden Image/Members Only

[Doc Holliday]

What is wrong with these people?

Your opinion of the film is very much a minority view. Nothing wrong with 'these people'. The film was 'of its time' and is a classic.

[ulstersubbie]

Your opinion of the film is very much a minority view. Nothing wrong with 'these people'. The film was 'of its time' and is a classic.

The Wicker Man was definitely of its time, youngsters today will probably find it rather tame, even a bit twee when watching it. I like many others do regard it as a classic of British cinema, it's also worth remembering that no one has actually seen the original version (a lot of footage was cut by the studio and then lost, much to the chagrin of director Robin Hardy. The 1973 theatrical cut runs for 88 minutes. I don't agree with the Vice Admiral on this occasion but at least he puts some effort into his reviews as to why he likes or dislikes a particular film and I welcome that.

[Vice Admiral]

I fear I'm in the minority on this one!

Meanwhile, following my viewing – and reviewing – of The Wicker Man, I was thinking in general about films of the seventies; and in particular I remembered Don’t Look Now, generally regarded as one of the best psychological horror films ever made. 

By an odd coincidence, it’s on BBC2 tonight at 10.45 pm.

Out of interest I googled it too see in what year it came out.  A second coincidence – 1973, the same year as The Wicker Man.

But the third coincidence is the most bizarre.  According to the BFI website, The Wicker Man was initially treated as "something of an embarrassment” and “deemed undistributable” – whereupon it was edited down by ten minutes and sent out on General Release as the ‘B’ film to Don’t Look Now!

How extraordinary!

[Doc Holliday]

I don't agree with the Vice Admiral on this occasion but at least he puts some effort into his reviews as to why he likes or dislikes a particular film and I welcome that.

I agree and the thread is entitled - 'opinions'. His discussion of the film has valid criticism.

My objection was just the part I quoted ie that there must be 'something wrong' with people who don't share his opinion of Wicker Man 

[mr.bluesky]

The Wicker Man was definitely of its time, youngsters today will probably find it rather tame, even a bit twee when watching it. I like many others do regard it as a classic of British cinema, it's also worth remembering that no one has actually seen the original version (a lot of footage was cut by the studio and then lost, much to the chagrin of director Robin Hardy. The 1973 theatrical cut runs for 88 minutes. I don't agree with the Vice Admiral on this occasion but at least he puts some effort into his reviews as to why he likes or dislikes a particular film and I welcome that.

It was remade in 2006 starring Nicholas Cage. This version is even worse. I thought the original was quite good for it's time .

[RyanM92]

It was remade in 2006 starring Nicholas Cage. This version is even worse. I thought the original was quite good for it's time .

This is the only version I’ve seen and it made me feel physically sick! And I say that as a compliment to the filmmakers as it did what was intended! Very unsettling movie and a great performance by Cage

[sparkus]

The Wicker Man was definitely of its time, youngsters today will probably find it rather tame, even a bit twee when watching it. I like many others do regard it as a classic of British cinema, it's also worth remembering that no one has actually seen the original version (a lot of footage was cut by the studio and then lost, much to the chagrin of director Robin Hardy. The 1973 theatrical cut runs for 88 minutes. I don't agree with the Vice Admiral on this occasion but at least he puts some effort into his reviews as to why he likes or dislikes a particular film and I welcome that.

I actually think the opposite is true - there's a very devoted folk horror community online and quite a few in it are under 30.  The film is quite totemic.

The Cage dud was the era of silly big budget Hollywood remakes of cult films - that, 'Get Carter' and 'Shaft'.

[ulstersubbie]

I actually think the opposite is true - there's a very devoted folk horror community online and quite a few in it are under 30.  The film is quite totemic.

That's interesting sparkus, it's good to know that there are younger people out there who are fans of the original movie. Good point about the film being quite totemic, I would agree with you on this.   

[Vice Admiral]

The Party (ITV, first episode of five last night).  Sex and politics.

Not bad.  Well acted by the principals.  The “grown-up” scenes are good, but the flashback sections are a bit ho-hum: the budget didn’t run to make the supposedly posh public school look convincing, and – although I’m glad to say I know nothing about shooting pheasants – I don’t think that you’d let a schoolboy loose with a shotgun without a bit of training; or indeed that he’d then hit a bird at his first attempt.

I might stay with it.

It clashed with the start of a new series of Time (BBC1), which I’ve recorded.  Looks promising.  The earlier two series were excellent.

[WDFORTE]

Animals Netflix 8/10.

Ben Affleck, Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson. Plot revolves around a kidnapping during a Mayor election of which Afflec's character is a candidate.

Worth a watch.

[sparkus]

That's interesting sparkus, it's good to know that there are younger people out there who are fans of the original movie. Good point about the film being quite totemic, I would agree with you on this.   

It's not just that, Penda's Fen given a whole new life in recent years by younger fans.

[RandomGuy99]

BBC News - Tom Cruise film Digger forecast to become one of Hollywood's biggest flops
External Link/Members Only

[RyanM92]

BBC News - Tom Cruise film Digger forecast to become one of Hollywood's biggest flops
External Link/Members Only

This is actually so sad. We are always asking for original films and then don’t go out to see them. I have seen a few of the bigger theatres in London last weekend be more full as celebs and cinephiles are making a noise on social media. I also find it really funny (unsurprising) how most of America doesn’t like the movie but Europe is embracing it!

[catweazle]

Time (series 3) on BBC1 and iPlayer.

Although episodes broadcast weekly, all 3 in series available on iPlayer.

Excellent  series, although a hard watch in places. David Tennant superb,  with strong support from Siobhan Finneran and the reliable Daniel Ryan.