We watch quite a lot of movies; at the moment LOVEFiLM send us two discs every week... although I'm always considering the best way to get our movies.
So this is what we watched in February - come back to see what March has brought us.
Ted 2
This film made it onto the rental list because Husband and I had a vague recollection of seeing 'Ted' and finding it not unfunny.
Maybe the sequel wasn't as funny, maybe our memories were faulty and we didn't find it that funny. Bottom line, it doesn't really have a story and failing in the humour there isn't much left to recommend this.
If you like juvenile or obvious humour then this might be for you; if you can get past the bad language you might make it through to the end.
Maybe the sequel wasn't as funny, maybe our memories were faulty and we didn't find it that funny. Bottom line, it doesn't really have a story and failing in the humour there isn't much left to recommend this.
If you like juvenile or obvious humour then this might be for you; if you can get past the bad language you might make it through to the end.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E
I never watched the TV show of the same name so I came to this film without any expectations. I found the acting very good; and even though I didn't think I'd enjoy the film I didn't find it without merit.
It's the cold war, there are nuclear weapons, good guys, bad guys and a lot of spying. Predictably I found the film rather confusing, but it was a rather good film (in the manner of a Bond sort of film) - and seems to bet set up for a sequel.
99 Homes
Based in and around the sub-prime mortgage fiasco and the financial crisis this film is more than just a dry look at what happens when you lend money people that they can't repay.
The premise is excellent when Andrew Garfield's character ends up working for the man (Michael Shannon) who evicts him from his home. The plot developments are convincing, and the acting is excellent.
The premise is excellent when Andrew Garfield's character ends up working for the man (Michael Shannon) who evicts him from his home. The plot developments are convincing, and the acting is excellent.
Macbeth
Really wanted to see this because I rather like films starring Michael Fassbender - the scenery was without doubt stunning (somewhat superfluous in Shakespeare who describes in the dialogue where the action is taking place).
I was heartened that the actors were going to use the proper Shakespeare, until the beginning Act 1, Scene 1 and the three witches. Let's face it; a lot of people can quote this bit (I can) so I was irritated beyond belief when they abbreviated the scene.
The direction began to get irritating during the opening battle and our attempt and culture floundered when we just couldn't face the hard work it seemed to require to watch the film.
I was heartened that the actors were going to use the proper Shakespeare, until the beginning Act 1, Scene 1 and the three witches. Let's face it; a lot of people can quote this bit (I can) so I was irritated beyond belief when they abbreviated the scene.
The direction began to get irritating during the opening battle and our attempt and culture floundered when we just couldn't face the hard work it seemed to require to watch the film.
Heist
When a casino robbery goes wrong the gangsters end up on a city bus. Robert De Niro is excellent as the casino boss and Jeffrey Dean Morgan is just a little too nice as one of the robbers.
With predictable happenings on the bus and with the passengers it is worth watching to the end for the "twist".
With predictable happenings on the bus and with the passengers it is worth watching to the end for the "twist".
Fantastic Four (2015)
Marvel chooses to 're-boot' the Fantastic Four part of their franchise (again). I was prepared to enjoy this film, I love Marvel films. I was prepared to enjoy this film, it had got terrible reviews. I was disappointed. Marvel films are full of humour; this wasn't. Marvel films are full of action; this wasn't. Marvel films are full of references and story; this wasn't.
So in short; no humour, no action, no story. Give it a miss.
So in short; no humour, no action, no story. Give it a miss.
Beyond the Reach
Stunning scenery in New Mexico is a backdrop to what is mostly a two man show - Michael Douglas was very convincing as a shady, possibly criminal business man. His local guide is to take him off on a big game hunt; when an unarmed man is accidentally shot Douglas turns on his guide, the only witness. The guide becomes hunted by Douglas.
Not really much of a plot, it went on rather too long for a film with a very simple premise.
Not really much of a plot, it went on rather too long for a film with a very simple premise.
Cinderella
You know the story. This one comes straight from Disney. It is exactly what you'd expect.
There are some big names in among the cast but that is not enough to salvage anything from this film.
There are some big names in among the cast but that is not enough to salvage anything from this film.