Favorite films

Recent reviews

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  Napoleon 2023

  ★★½ Watched 30 Nov 2023

  Somewhat televisual historical epic-biopic that feels very much like what it is (edited highlights of what amounts to a historical miniseries destined for Apple TV+). Phoenix seems to be both underplaying and over-egging the role at the same time: with some scenes looking like he’s bored and some scenes where he appears unsure of what emotion to settle on. The battle scenes have bothered history buffs; though their biggest crime is not only being inferior to 1970’s triumphant Waterloo - but also Scott’s previous period epic The Last Duel.

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  Waterloo 1970

  ★★★★½ Watched 26 Nov 2023

  Steiger’s Bonaparte and Plummer’s Wellesley are a terrific meeting of minds, neither the hero nor the villain; both with hands filthy. Before the battle begins we see them navigating their respective courts: Napoleon a weary Father of a disenfranchised nation, Wellington a frustrated aristocrat filled with dark humour. Waterloo itself though is truly one of cinema’s defining moments, never again will a battle of this size re-enacted by thousands of extras - truly jaw-dropping and ultimately terrifying in its scale. Legitimately astonishing.

Popular reviews

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  The Thing 1982

  ★★★★★ Rewatched 31 Oct 2020

  Incomparable practical effects aside: The Thing is also a taut, impeccably crafted claustrophobic nightmare with a huge cast of likeable characters, beautiful cinematography and a haunting, influential score. Horror perfection.

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  Barbie 2023

  ★★★½ Watched 31 Jul 2023

  Tons of fun fish out of water fantasy; with truly inspired Barbieland set and costume design and some genuinely funny jokes. The real world stuff is less interesting and the movie is a little talky, in the final act, in its eagerness to impart its important message - but the musical numbers, cast and energy easily make up for its shortcomings.

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