Film Reviews by RW

...you either love Woody Allen or don't. He's like marmite, and if you don't like him it's highly unlikely you'll seek out any of his work to change your opinion. If you like him, you just "get it"

Back in the 80's when I was around 13/14 years old BBC2 showed a season of Woodys films late at night, namely the "earlier funny ones", Sleeper, Bananas, Love and Death etc. From that moment on I became a huge fan and to this day I still eagerly await his new movies. Now, I admit he doesn't always hit the mark but I will still take a mediocre film from Woody over most of the tripe that the film industry spews out these days.

This movie is unmistakably Woody, we have his trademark title sequence, his choice of music, (jazz obviously!) and his romanticised view of the world and situations. We have interesting characters and a brisk script with the odd witty comment that hurries the film along. Indeed brevity is one of Woodys strongpoints, this like many of his movies comes in just under 90 minutes, and for me it was 90 minutes well spent. Whilst this is by no means one of his best films I was still absorbed and entertained as the story unfolded. There's something cosy about Woodys films, like a pair of comfy slippers, they're a nice place to spend some time...no wall to wall CGI, editing that could give you a seizure or a camera that constantly shakes around to give that y'know "gritty style". Some may say his style is old school, which could be true...but thats no bad thing....the "new school" is invariably style over substance anyway.

I for one am glad that at 84 years old and with some 60 odd films under his belt he's still out there , and trying.

Let's be honest, possessed doll/things that go bump in the night movies have been done several times before so expectations here should be set to low. And to be fair, doing so probably helps because this does edge itself a little higher up the list than some others (Childs Play 2 onwards I'm looking at you!).

I bypassed the previous film and went straight for this "prequel" which is generally better received, and whilst it does all fall apart a bit in the third act it did hold my interest in its initial set-up with some impressive visual flourishes in places.

The denouement sadly doesn't quite pay off and whilst it does rely heavily on jump scares for its "horror" the sound design is particularly effective, in fact If you are going to watch it make sure you do so through a decent 5.1 surround system, it will make a big difference to your enjoyment.

I recently had an urge to revisit the first Lethal Weapon movie, so naturally ended up doing all 4.

For the life of me I couldn't remember anything about the 4th instalment, and on re-watching it I understood why. It's totally forgettable.

It's a noisy film, explosions and gunfire naturally but SO MUCH SHOUTING. No character actually has a conversation they just bicker at each other and get louder and more animated as they do it, Chris Rock and Joe Pesci especially trying to outshout each other.

The plot is weak, the action just about passable but on the whole you get the impression the cast had more fun making it than the audience will ever have watching it.

Best stop at the second one, the third at a push !

Being a parent of a girl around the same age as the victim in this film I found this quite a tough watch, that being said at the same time it was impossible to take my eyes of it.

Really well acted, it builds the tension and menace perfectly......you may find your sympathy switching from character to character as the film progresses, in fact it could be argued that the 3 main characters are all victims in their own way.

Being picky, a vital plot device is rather heavily signposted early on which comes as no surprise when it plays out and without giving too much away the sequence "borrows heavily" from other films, most notably one from the early 90's starring Anthony Hopkins....you'll know when you see it.

To summarise, given it's subject matter it's a film you'll endure more than enjoy, but it's an astonishing debut from it's writer and director Ben Young.

Not as bad as some would have you believe.

Ok, so it may not be that scary and it relies on too many jump shocks but there's a charm to this version that goes beyond the horror, so if you are wanting the typical terrifying experience you won't find it here.

It's a bit like a Spielberg/Amblin movie from the 80's (which it is set in) in tone and appearance, with a hint of Stranger Things thrown in so I found that element quite nostalgic. Bill Skarsgard gives Pennywise a much darker side than we saw Tim Curry give in the TV version and although we do see him a little TOO much of him his performance is impressive.

If you've read the book you will no doubt hate this, likewise if you have a love of the TV version you'll inevitably compare the two....but as a standalone modern take on the tale it's worth a view....and I think Sophia Lillis is going to be one to watch out for in the future too!.

As others have said, a bit "style over substance" (well it is based on a graphic novel!).

Confusing trying to keep track of everything, at no point did I actually completely understand what was going on....I guess the people involved in these films spend months plotting and refining the whole thing so they know it inside out, forgetting that the average viewer is only spending 2 hours or so trying to take it all in!

The stairwell fight sequence really is the highlight, all one take allegedly although if you look with a really critical eye you can kind of see the choreography...Charlize is beautiful, and tall....and as a tall guy I know how hard it is to move with a bit of grace, flow and style....a couple of times it looked a little "obvious" ....but hey, 1 take so kudos for that.

The car sequence is visually impressive too with it's camera trickery.

For me the best bit was John Goodman.....the guy just elevates every film he appears in!.