Film Reviews by TB

It was a pretty good film and I liked the plot and the meaning behind it but it was let down in places by the rather hot and cold acting and atmospherics, which were hollow at times. A bit like watching an Australian soap haha

I have to say this is one of the best action movies I’ve ever seen; if not the best. It’s all action from beginning to end with a blood bath of martial arts fighting with all types of weapons.

Don’t be fooled by thinking this is just another action move just about fighting and good versus evil. It’s much more than that and has a great and interesting storyline that unfolds at exactly the right pace to fight in with what all the characters are fighting for and/or against.

Simply excellent!!

This is a good little coming of age film about self discovery and the highs and lows of coming out as gay. The film captures really well the feeling of the main character questioning himself and his desires, worrying about what others think and stressing over the hurt and uncertain that’s caused along the way to discovering who he really is. A great soundtrack also!! Worth a watch.

This is one of the best war related films that I’ve seen and it’s based on true events, which makes it all the more special. The film takes you on a tense and emotional journey in lives of young German prisoners of war who are forced into clearing mines after the war. There are a number of young actors and the acting by every single one and their sergeant is superb. Yet what really makes this film is the rollercoaster ride of the ever changing relationship between the young prisoners and the opposing sergeant whom is in charge of them. The relationship and the film as a whole provides tension, sadness but also an uplifting and glowing light of humanity in the darkest of times. Excellent film!

This is a raw, yet honest and real film about the breaking down of a relationship between two gay men. The film doesn’t have any gimmicks or sex scenes and quite frankly doesn’t need any to deliver the very real rollercoaster of emotions that such an event brings. The only negative is that the film ended rather abruptly and I would have liked to of seen both characters conclusions of emotions and their future plans/lives.

A classic film about childhood, friendship and adventure, that takes you back to your own childhood and similar memories of growing up and having friends that shaped you and your life from an early age.

Great acting, especially from the superb River Phoenix and Wil Wheaton.

A great film!

If you’re a fan of the Saw franchise then this hits the mark with all the usual twists, sub plots and renowned gruesome games. As per the previous films, you’re left trying to guess who in instigator is and as in the previous films it always unfolds in a clever and consice fashion. It’s sits nicely alongside the rest, without being spectacular. Reason being, that the story and the games have been played too many times now. Let’s hope this is the final part of the jigsaw now!

Cruise is at his best in this type of role and just like in Collateral, he nails it.

The story was interesting from the off and not only kept you guessing throughout as to the conclusion but had enough action, twists and tension to ensure that the film unfolded without any overplayed or boring segments to pad the film out. There were also some comedy moments and words that made the character ‘Jack Reacher’, very likeable.

A solid 3.75 for me out of 5, so I’ve rounded up to a four.

A story of child abuse but told in a different and at times hard to watch way. It’s very weird in the beginning but in a way it’s presented to you in a fashion in which it must have been interpreted in the child’s minds. This different approach to telling the tale works well and is very affecting. Especially when seeing the pain and suffering that has led both children down different, yet difficult paths as they get older. Good performances by both leads and pulled together well to give a conclusion that hits home hard.

This film is the best film I’ve ever seen and I already know that nothing will top it for me. The reason being is that it’s not just an incredible film but it was also deeply affecting, emotional and relatable for me personally. However, even putting that aside this is a film that I defy anyone not to admire. It is without doubt the most beautiful on-screen love story you will ever see; starting with inquisitiveness, lust, infactuation and ultimately ending with pure love and heartbreak.

The scenery and cinematography are a wonder on the eye and the soundtrack throughout is not only beautifully poetic but poignant in relation to the scenes and moments that the songs and piano pieces tie into during the film.

The acting is nothing short of sensational by both leading actors, with the young Timothee Chalamat particular dazzling in a performance that entices every emotion out of you that his character is portraying and feeling. While the words spoken by Elio’s father in one of the closing scenes, must be one of the best and most moving set of words you’ll ever hear.

It would however be serving the Director (Luca Guadagnino), the actors and the soundtrack (especially the three songs written for the film by Sufjan Stevens) a huge discredit if not to appreciate their vision and talent in making this a true masterpiece.

I have watched it a number of times and when breaking down each scene, you find and realise something else that leaves you full of admiration in how the director has meticulously brought everything together. In breaking down the scenes, listening to the words being spoken, watching the movements and expressions of the actors, listening to the songs and immersing yourself in them really does give this film so many levels and such depth.

It is also great to read the thoughts of the director, the actors and of Sufjan Steven in the songs he wrote; as this really adds to the emotion and depth of this film.

I really cannot speak highly enough of this film and the following two-part review captures the films depth perfectly in how it makes you feel when disecting and digesting each scene and what was meant:-

Part 1 - https://seventh-row.com/2017/12/12/best-scenes-1-call-me-by-your-name-2/

Part 2 - https://seventh-row.com/2017/12/15/best-scenes-2-call-me-by-your-name/

Nothing beats a film that’s based on a true story and this film is no different. It’s a deeply moving film that reminds us how evil and sick the world was back then and unfortunately still is today. Real life footage is intertwined with the acted out parts, to deliver a hard hitting film.

Small budget film with acting that’s average at best but the story and relationship that develops between two totally different people, who ultimately go through a roll reversal is what saves this and makes it a just about watchable love story.

Dreadful acting, dreadfully stupid storyline, dreadfully unbelievable and I wish I’d turned it off instead of watching it from start to finish. Don’t bother!!

Like most great prison films, this had the fighting, blood and shock elements. However, what makes this such a great film is the storyline and the plot twists that create a film almost within a film. As you have the prison riot element of the film but then the unfolding of the sub plot within, that makes this different to all others in this genre. It keeps you gripped throughout and the last thirty minutes is captivating viewing, as the whole thing unfolds.

Superhero films are a genre that’s never appealed to me that much. However, I was told to watch this by a friend who is a superhero buff. My views on superhero movies haven’t changed but this was an enjoyable film with great action and a storyline that didn’t ultimately need you to know the backgrounds of the characters or to have watched previous films. A good watchable action movie; nothing more, nothing less.