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Reviews
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013)
A poor sequel
The frantic action and animation in these movies is quite hard to watch but the first movie was at least an amusing and strong story. Our grandson loves it.
This is a weak sequel looking for a story to tell. It does have some strong points. The animated items of food are amusing in places and there are a lot of funny puns to watch out for. There is also an amusing reference to the movie Jurassic Park. But it's just far too long and eventually gets confusing.
At first there is a storyline to follow that makes some sense but the script loses its way as the writers try to keep it going. At this point the movie just gets boring. Not dreadful but one to miss.
Lucy (2014)
One of the Best Films Ever
Stop worrying about the science. This is a work of fiction rather like The Matrix. This is a fantastic 'what if' story, a mixture of action and fantasy, one of my favourite films ever. Just accept the premise and this becomes a deeply philosophical ride into an imaginitive alternative reality, mixed with great acting by the central character. She goes through an emotional black hole with real feeling and takes you with her all the way.
There is also a lot of really enjoyable action as she encounters the gangsters, first as a scared helpless victim and then increasingly takes control of her own destiny and that of humanity. The conclusion is simply mind blowing.
Portrait Artist of the Year (2013)
Great Show Despite the Judges
This is one of the most enjoyable shows on TV. It's fascinating to see how the pictures develop over the four hours and the different techniques by the artists. The celebs being painted are also part of the enjoyment and the two presenters are excellent. It's only let down by the judges who don't seem to like realistic portraits and often choose one of the worst to go through because it's wired or different. I know art is subjective but they seem to forget that people who commission portraits want a picture that actually portrays them and look like them. The sitters almost always make better choices and the show would be better if they got rid of the judges and let the sitters decide who goes through.
Trouble (2019)
A movie with lot of heart
This childrens movie has a lot of heart and was very enjoyable to watch. The storyline is strong with lots of funny moments, the animation is excellent and most of all it has interesting characters you can't help caring about. Trouble learns from his experiences and grows as a character from a pampered pet into a much more rounded likeable dog at the end. Strongly recommend.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
Dull and overlong
I quite enjoyed the first movie, mainly due to its novelty, even though it was overlong. This sequel manages to be both overlong and dull. The performances of Kenneth Branagh and Alan Rickman are bright spots but unless you are an avid Harry Potter fan this is one to avoid.
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)
Much better than the original
Sequels are usually poorer than an original film. This is so much better than the original Jumanji which is actually quite grim. There is peril and advent in this one but overall the tone is lighter. In this version Jumanji becomes a computer game which opens up all sorts of comic possibilities. You meet characters who seem real then go in a loop like in a computer game, and the real characters get some real surprises when they find out who their game characters really are. Watch and enjoy.
The Unforgivable (2021)
Atmospheric
Moving and atmospheric, if not entirely original. Great performances from all the actors especially Sandra Bullock and Viola Davis. The pace is just right. Well worth watching.