Reviews by kyleslittlewor

Businessman Oskar Schindler saved the lives of many Jews, by employing them in his factories, this saving them from going to The Concentration Camps.

This was, and will forever be, one of the best films ever made, not just the ultimate story of The Holocaust, but truly as masterpiece, one of the best.

If you can sit through it without being moved to the point of tears, you're made of stronger stuff than I am, the atrocities committed on those innocent people will never be forgotten. The realisation here is chilling.

The film's pacing is quite remarkable, it's a three hour film that flashes by quickly, but it's three hours that will live with you forever, some of the scenes will rightly never be forgotten.

What has always struck me, is the way that everything became normalised, people first losing their businesses, their homes, their freedom, and ultimately their lives, it is truly one of the bleakest points in human history, that's what this film details perfectly.

The Cinematography is incredible, it's understated, but perfect, fits the film perfectly, the sheer scale of it is so impressive. The scene with the little girl in the red coat has always been one of the standout moments.

No wonder it won a string of Oscars, the acting is outstanding throughout, I have always regarded this is Liam Neeson's best ever performance, but Ben Kingsley and Ralph Fiennes are remarkable also.

It's a film that informs, moves, and makes you think in equal measures. If you think it's going to be too much, I'd say this, it is very upsetting at times, but it does also give some real glimpses of hope, the remarkable human spirit.

A jaw dropping, powerful movie, it's one of the best ever made.

10/10.

Warning: Spoilers
The Shawshank Redemption is written and directed by Frank Darabont. It is an adaptation of the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. Starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, the film portrays the story of Andy Dufresne (Robbins), a banker who is sentenced to two life sentences at Shawshank State Prison for apparently murdering his wife and her lover. Andy finds it tough going but finds solace in the friendship he forms with fellow inmate Ellis "Red" Redding (Freeman). While things start to pick up when the warden finds Andy a prison job more befitting his talents as a banker. However, the arrival of another inmate is going to vastly change things for all of them.

There was no fanfare or bunting put out for the release of the film back in 94, with a title that didn't give much inkling to anyone about what it was about, and with Columbia Pictures unsure how to market it, Shawshank Redemption barely registered at the box office. However, come Academy Award time the film received several nominations, and although it won none, it stirred up interest in the film for its home entertainment release. The rest, as they say, is history. For the film finally found an audience that saw the film propelled to almost mythical proportions as an endearing modern day classic. Something that has delighted its fans, whilst simultaneously baffling its detractors. One thing is for sure, though, is that which ever side of the Shawshank fence you sit on, the film continues to gather new fans and simply will never go away or loose that mythical status.

It's possibly the simplicity of it all that sends some haters of the film into cinematic spasms. The implausible plot and an apparent sentimental edge that makes a nonsense of prison life, are but two chief complaints from those that dislike the film with a passion. Yet when characters are this richly drawn, and so movingly performed, it strikes me as churlish to do down a human drama that's dealing in hope, friendship and faith. The sentimental aspect is indeed there, but that acts as a counterpoint to the suffering, degradation and shattering of the soul involving our protagonist. Cosy prison life you say? No chance. The need for human connection is never more needed than during incarceration, surely? And given the quite terrific performances of Robbins (never better) & Freeman (sublimely making it easy), it's the easiest thing in the world to warm to Andy and Red.

Those in support aren't faring too bad either. Bob Gunton is coiled spring smarm as Warden Norton, James Whitmore is heart achingly great as the "Birdman Of Shawshank," Clancy Brown is menacing as antagonist Capt. Byron Hadley, William Sadler amusing as Heywood & Mark Rolston is impressively vile as Bogs Diamond. Then there's Roger Deakins' lush cinematography as the camera gracefully glides in and out of the prison offering almost ethereal hope to our characters (yes, they are ours). The music pings in conjunction with the emotional flow of the movie too. Thomas Newman's score is mostly piano based, dovetailing neatly with Andy's state of mind, while the excellently selected soundtrack ranges from the likes of Hank Williams to the gorgeous Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart.

If you love Shawshank then it's a love that lasts a lifetime. Every viewing brings the same array of emotions - anger - revilement - happiness - sadness - inspiration and a warmth that can reduce the most hardened into misty eyed wonderment. Above all else, though, Shawshank offers hope - not just for characters in a movie - but for a better life and a better world for all of us. 10/10.

Warning: Spoilers
Forrest Gump, I think is a beautiful film. Never too schmaltzy, but there are some genuine tearjerkers like Forrest at Jenny's grave. The cinematography is stunning, the costumes are lovely and the scenery is gorgeous. The music is also very calm and relaxing, perhaps adding to the tone of this film. The screenplay is well crafted, and the story is simple. But what made this movie was its simplicity; it never tries to be too complex and is consequently moving. The acting is just as impressive; whilst Tom Hanks's accent is a little awkward in places, my only real criticism of this movie, he gives a truly remarkable performance, though I do think Morgan Freeman deserved the Oscar more for Shawshank. Robin Wright gives possibly the best performance of her career, and Sally Field is very dignified as Forrest's mother. The scene stealer though is Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan, a very moving and insightful performance. Overall, an extremely good movie, I will admit I wasn't sure whether I would like it, but the simple answer is this, I do. 9/10 Bethany Cox

Perhaps a little too long, but Fight Club is just a very well-made, brilliantly written and superlatively performed film. Essentially a satirical fable, it tells of an insomniac loser teaming up with a seditious soap salesman to form a no-holds-barred-fight club as an outlet for their direction-less aggression. This concept is an intriguing and original one, and works really well. Then there is the script, it is absolutely superb, with dialogue that will make you both laugh and think. Fight Club is very well made, with elaborate production design, great editing and startling images. David Fincher's direction is brilliantly handled and the performances of Edward Norton and Brad Pitt are superb. Overall, just a great film, a mesmerising ride through the 1990s male psyche. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I was originally going to watch this in theaters as I do with most theatrically released horror flicks. Then I saw the bad reviews and decided not to watch it. Then I saw the extent of the bad reviews and the amount of coverage it was getting and I decided to watch it as a joke.

I can't say it made me laugh enough to make it so bad it's good. But I was in completely awe for much of the movie. My jaw dropped on numerous occasions at how bad everything is. It's completely incompetent on every level. Every filmmaking aspect is poor. There really isn't much to say.

I'll give one example of the incompetence. It's a scene from very early and is not a spoiler. The women find a gas station in the forest. It looks like it's been abandoned for decades. Broken down cars, overgrown plants, and a completely trashed inside with no electricity. The character walks in looking for a worker so they can fill up gas. I don't understand how stupid a character can be. What possible indication do you have that this is a functioning gas station?

Then to my surprise, she does find someone inside. I figure maybe he's just some homeless guy or a creep. But I guess not because two more customers walk in. I... don't... understand...

The entire movie is filled with this type of nonsense. (1 viewing, 4/23/2023)

This filmed is nothing but Mean-Spirited, Disturbing, and Traumatizing at the same time along with The Banana Splits Movie, it's also ruined everyone's childhood of The Grinch. Which The Grinch is better than The Mean One that gives everyone nightmares. (Although I like Horror films)

I would just stick to the better R Rated Christmas films like Die Hard (although Live Free or Die Hard is Rated PG-13), Lethal Weapon, Harold And Kumar, Vacation (although European Vacation and Christmas Vacation are Rated PG-13 and Vegas Vacation is Rated PG), and Trading Places are better than this pile of cow pie.

Dylan's New Nightmare takes place 25 years after the events of Wes Craven's New Nightmare. Freddy has come come back to haunt the real world, and Dylan must face the nightmares of his past.

Cecil Laird takes over the director's chair for this unofficial sequel, but don't worry... he does a great job respecting what Wes Craven created, so the tone of the original films are somewhat there, but there is a little bit change.

Dave McRae really brought out some characteristics of Freddy from the previous Elm Street films. It was clear that he studied the mannerisms because I was convinced it was Robert Englund under that makeup.

Miko Hughes is the biggest highlight for me. He did a terrific job playing a traumatized adult version of Dylan's Porter. I really wish we got more scenes with him facing Freddy.

Overall, Dylan's New Nightmare is a definite must see for anyone who is a fan of the Elm Street films.

'Friday the 13th' may have been panned by critics when first released but since then it is one of the most famous and influential horror films, the franchise containing one of horror's most iconic villains. The film is popular enough to become a franchise and spawn several sequels of varying quality and generally inferior to the one that started it all of.

Is 'Friday the 13th' an original film in terms of overall story? No, having been, and still is, compared to 'Halloween' (released two years earlier). One can see why somewhat, it is derivative in a way but to me it didn't come over as a direct rip off. 'Friday the 13th' is far from the best when it comes to acting, excepting Betsy Palmer (very good) and Adrienne King (charming). The others are average at best, though it was interesting to see Kevin Bacon in an early role pre-stardom.

Nor is it the best when it comes to dialogue. Much of it is very crude and cheesy. Or character development, while the characters are actually still easy to sympathise with to some extent they are stereotypes that we don't know an awful lot about generally.

However, while it may not be a "great" film, 'Friday the 13th' is great guilty pleasure fun and it is very easy to understand its popularity and influence. It's very gory and gruesome, though not pointlessly so, but it is also very frightening and suspenseful.

This is apparent in the deaths, which couldn't have been more creative or shocking, and the hauntingly eerie music score. 'Friday the 13th' is assuredly directed and moves along at a lively pace. The late reveal is for the better and works very well. The climax is a long way from a petering out one, instead the film goes out on a very strong bang, right up to the unexpected and freaky final jolt clearly inspired by 'Carrie'.

Overall, good fun and very scary even if not exactly classified as great. 7/10 Bethany Cox

'Friday the 13th' may have been panned by critics when first released but since then it is one of the most famous and influential horror films, the franchise containing one of horror's most iconic villains. The film is popular enough to become a franchise and spawn several sequels of varying quality and generally inferior to the one that started it all off.

Due to the location and incorporating space and sci-fi, on top of all the expected 'Friday the 13th' elements then some, 'Jason X' is certainly different and a little credit is due for that. For a 'Friday the 13th' film it and 'Jason Takes Manhattan' are pretty unique as far as the series goes. 'Jason X' is an example of different not really being a good thing.

Interesting idea and understand totally what the film was trying to do, but it was messily executed. The strengths and faults are pretty much the same as with the previous entry 'Jason Goes to Hell', excepting 'Jason X' is marginally better because it tried to be different.

A couple of creative and disturbing deaths and some inventive and stylish camera work lift 'Jason X' to a better level.

One good performance too, which comes from Kane Hodder. Again creeping and chilling the socks off the viewer as Jason.

However, those are the only praises really that can be given. The music is a little appealing on the ears, but it still doesn't have the eeriness and mystery that the pre-'Jason Goes to Hell' films had so brilliantly and doesn't fit as adeptly.

That is the least bad though of the drawbacks, which are pretty much the same as those of the worst 'Friday the 13th' films but even worse than before. Again, like 'Jason Goes to Hell', while a good deal of 'Friday the 13th' films are silly, the silliness here is overkill that it becomes insultingly ridiculous. 'Jason X' is one of the most unique conceptually of the series, but it sure is one of the strangest to the point of overdone weirdness.

'Jason X' tonally feels muddled and like it was trying to do too much with too many elements screaming of kitchen-sink. If it tried to do less it would perhaps have been a better film. Hodder aside, the acting is really horrendously amateur hour, even for the 'Friday the 13th' films where acting rarely was a strength.

Likewise with the dialogue, which is even worse than 'Jason Goes to Hell', with 'Friday the 13th' at its most taking-simplicity-to-extremes, stilted, cheesiest and lacking in taste. Scariness and suspense is nil, instead going for witless comedy and gratuitous gore and nudity. The deaths go for quantity rather than quality, and generally are not particularly imaginative or creepy. The story is paper thin and confused, with too hectically paced storytelling and there is the sense that the series has gotten really stale even with a change in location.

Overall, lame. 3/10 Bethany Cox

The idea to have two horror character icons, Freddy Krueger from the 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' films and Jason Voorhees from the 'Friday the 13th' films, in the same film was an intriguing one and had a lot of potential to work.

Unfortunately, 'Freddy vs. Jason' was an example of a film that executed this intriguing idea poorly and it really does not live up to its rather misleading title. 'Freddy vs. Jason' is not a complete disaster, then again this is coming from somebody who always tries to find something of worth in bad films. It has a visual eeriness (at times, when it's not looking like it was made on the cheap) and the music looms ominously and tries to give the film some kind of mood. The film also boasts one good performance, that of Robert Englund showing why Freddy's iconic status in the horror film genre is justified.

When it comes to the acting stakes however, Englund is the only one who seemed to be trying. Ken Kirzinger never looks comfortable as Jason, which immediately dissipates any kind of menace. Regardless of how out of his depth Kirzinger was he is nothing compared to the dreadful, a very rare adjective for me these days when it comes to film critiquing, performances from everyone else, with a big dishonourable mention going to a catastrophically bad Kelly Rowland.

Not that it is entirely their fault, though mostly it is. The characters that aren't Freddy and Jason are incredibly irritating and don't actually serve much point to the story other than having a subplot that induces unintentional laughter and feels really thrown in in a barely relevant way. Some of it is done to the writing and some of it is also to do with that the acting is as bad as it is. With its excessive froth, even more excessive cheese, stilted flow and over-reliance on clunky and useless exposition the dialogue is an embarrassment.

'Freddy vs. Jason' even manages to foul up Freddy and Jason themselves. The myths, back-stories and development of both characters are muddled and ludicrous. There is a complete lack of scares, chills or suspense, thanks to pointless gore and a story that overdoses on daftness and relies far too much on the dreams within nightmares concept that was tired well before this film was made. Mostly it feels cheap and Ronny Yu's direction never rises above the half-hearted (most of the time he fails to reach even that).

Overall, with an interesting idea going for it there was a decent film somewhere in 'Freddy vs. Jason'. It's just so frustrating that it turned out to be the mess that it is, with the huge (in number and size) flaws fighting the few good points every step of the way. 3/10 Bethany Cox