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Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched
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2
5
5.9
Hajime Onuki was a thief, but he now works as a welder and lives happily with his girlfriend. Hajime Onuki is threatened by a former partner in crime. He forces Hajime Onuki to break into the mansion of a picture book writer to steal. He is caught by others while in the act, but they keep mistaking him for someone else. Hajime desperately keeps up the ruse to not get caught.
I usually like Japanese comedies even the ones that are totally off the wall and wacky but this one didn't really hold my interest that much. It's fine if you're a fan of farce and I did like how Hajime was trying his best to keep all of the people in the house happy with his false identities but the movie just didn't make me laugh. The cast are OK in what they're doing but I just wish there was more genuine laughter in the script.
I usually like Japanese comedies even the ones that are totally off the wall and wacky but this one didn't really hold my interest that much. It's fine if you're a fan of farce and I did like how Hajime was trying his best to keep all of the people in the house happy with his false identities but the movie just didn't make me laugh. The cast are OK in what they're doing but I just wish there was more genuine laughter in the script.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
5
5.5
Claire has everything she ever wanted: a boyfriend she adores, a great apartment, a good job. Then, on the day she gives birth to her first baby, James visits her in the recovery room to inform her that he's leaving her. Claire is left with a newborn daughter, a broken heart, and a body that she can hardly bear to look at in the mirror. In the absence of any better offers, Claire decides to go home to her family in Dublin and live with her sister Anna, her soap-watching mother and her bewildered father.
This movie wants to be one of those trendy romantic comedies with sharp characters who suddenly break the fourth wall to tell you what their character is really thinking, dragging you in to being part of the story. Unfortunately it doesn't really work that well because this is a movie which for the moment seems constantly in a rush and intent on being snappy. The thing is, when this movie slows down to try and delve into the emotional turmoil of both Claire and James it fails because we never build up that sort of relationship to them. There are some amusing scenes which made me laugh and the acting especially from Anna Friel is good. It was fine for what it was but it's not particularly memorable.
This movie wants to be one of those trendy romantic comedies with sharp characters who suddenly break the fourth wall to tell you what their character is really thinking, dragging you in to being part of the story. Unfortunately it doesn't really work that well because this is a movie which for the moment seems constantly in a rush and intent on being snappy. The thing is, when this movie slows down to try and delve into the emotional turmoil of both Claire and James it fails because we never build up that sort of relationship to them. There are some amusing scenes which made me laugh and the acting especially from Anna Friel is good. It was fine for what it was but it's not particularly memorable.
AKB48Fan's rating:
75
7.3
7.4
Downton Abbey (2019)
The beloved Crawleys and their intrepid staff prepare for the most important moment of their lives. A royal visit from the King and Queen of England soon unleashes scandal, romance and intrigue - leaving the future of Downton hanging in the balance.
I was very happy when I heard that a movie would follow the TV series. The great cast and script, historical accuracy, costumes, sets and landscape scenery made watching Downton a real treat. I was not disappointed for a moment and was happy to see the story continue to unfold as the characters grow and age. It was like revisiting an old friend again. The difference between this movie and the TV show was its large dose of humour and the absence of tragedy. The quips between the Dowager Grantham and Lady Crawley are a joy to watch and will make you laugh. All of the cast return and slip back into their characters so effortlessly you'd never think they'd gone away. Julian Fellowes has written this movie as a love letter for the show and it will delight everybody that enjoyed the series. I really hope that one day in the future, Downton Abbey will be back perhaps not as a series but as a couple of special episodes. This movie comes highly recommended.
I was very happy when I heard that a movie would follow the TV series. The great cast and script, historical accuracy, costumes, sets and landscape scenery made watching Downton a real treat. I was not disappointed for a moment and was happy to see the story continue to unfold as the characters grow and age. It was like revisiting an old friend again. The difference between this movie and the TV show was its large dose of humour and the absence of tragedy. The quips between the Dowager Grantham and Lady Crawley are a joy to watch and will make you laugh. All of the cast return and slip back into their characters so effortlessly you'd never think they'd gone away. Julian Fellowes has written this movie as a love letter for the show and it will delight everybody that enjoyed the series. I really hope that one day in the future, Downton Abbey will be back perhaps not as a series but as a couple of special episodes. This movie comes highly recommended.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
5.5
6.2
Yukari Kawahara works at a drink manufacturer. She works hard and achieves recognition for her work and is dating research doctor Kippei Koide. They have lived together for 5 years. One day, Koide collapses from a brain hemorrhage and lies in a coma at a hospital. Yukari soon learns that everything she knew about her boyfriend was a lie. She hires private detective Takumi Kaibara to investigate Koide.
The central idea of the movie, a man who has lied about his entire past to his partner, is fascinating and offers an interesting examination of what someone would do in that situation. Themes of deceit and forgiveness are well presented. There is a subplot about the detective and his relationship with his ex-wife and daughter though it doesn't distract too much from the main story. The enjoyment of the movie is conditional in part on how intrigued you are by the central mystery or how satisfied you are by the eventual revelation. This investigation takes up the majority of the movie, which leaves less time for the more interesting aspect of Yukari’s reaction to the discovery that he is not who he said he was. Great acting from Masami Nagasawa and Daigo. An entertaining movie that could have delved a little deeper into the motivations of the characters.
The central idea of the movie, a man who has lied about his entire past to his partner, is fascinating and offers an interesting examination of what someone would do in that situation. Themes of deceit and forgiveness are well presented. There is a subplot about the detective and his relationship with his ex-wife and daughter though it doesn't distract too much from the main story. The enjoyment of the movie is conditional in part on how intrigued you are by the central mystery or how satisfied you are by the eventual revelation. This investigation takes up the majority of the movie, which leaves less time for the more interesting aspect of Yukari’s reaction to the discovery that he is not who he said he was. Great acting from Masami Nagasawa and Daigo. An entertaining movie that could have delved a little deeper into the motivations of the characters.
AKB48Fan's rating:
12
5.8
6
aka Lady Godiva Rides Again. A small-town English girl Marjorie who wins a local beauty contest by appearing as Lady Godiva, then decides to pursue greater fame in a national beauty pageant and as an actress.
This is a simple story with a multitude of locations and characters which result in a surprisingly complex narrative. The story follows Marjorie's misfortune as she is entangled by the trappings of success in the male dominated glamour industry, continually forced to compromise her ideals. The movie isn't particularly funny even though it's been classed as a comedy. Diana Dors might be the woman on the poster of the movie but she isn't the main lead - that went to Pauline Stroud. The main attraction of this movie is the number of cameos with Alistair Sim, Joan Collins, Sid James, Dora Bryant and George Cole appearing amongst others. It also has the reputation of having Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in Britain as one of the beauty queen contestants. In the end, I can only say this is an average movie and not really worth seeking out.
This is a simple story with a multitude of locations and characters which result in a surprisingly complex narrative. The story follows Marjorie's misfortune as she is entangled by the trappings of success in the male dominated glamour industry, continually forced to compromise her ideals. The movie isn't particularly funny even though it's been classed as a comedy. Diana Dors might be the woman on the poster of the movie but she isn't the main lead - that went to Pauline Stroud. The main attraction of this movie is the number of cameos with Alistair Sim, Joan Collins, Sid James, Dora Bryant and George Cole appearing amongst others. It also has the reputation of having Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in Britain as one of the beauty queen contestants. In the end, I can only say this is an average movie and not really worth seeking out.
AKB48Fan's rating:
11
6.9
6.7
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks (2019)
This Australian documentary tries to chart the history of martial arts movies in Hong Kong from the 60's onwards. There is a lot to enjoy in this documentary and the interviews are entertaining but it does feel a little over the place in terms of what it’s trying to say, going back and forth with some odd editing choices. It covers the Shaw Brothers, Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee eras of kung fu as well as the influence on American audiences especially the African American community. However, it does gloss over a lot and there's nothing on female action stars such as Moon Lee and Yukari Oshima. Stars such as Donnie Yen and Jet Li are barely mentioned which was disappointing. You do get clips from many classic martial arts/action movies with some I haven't even seen yet. Overall, it's an entertaining and informative documentary but it could have been so much better.
AKB48Fan's rating:
When salaryman Jun gets home, he finds his wife Chie bleeding from her mouth and lying on the floor. He is shocked by the scene, but it turns out the blood is just ketchup and she is pretending to be dead. Without telling him why, Chie pretends to be dead everyday. Jun is dumbfounded by his wife's behaviour, and he begins to feel uneasy with her.
Most romantic comedy stories have marriage as a goal but I wonder how those characters do after they actually get married. This movie is about a married couple so we pass through the chasing phase and cut to how they interact when the initial fierce burn of romance has died down. It approaches different aspect of a marriage and the importance of communication and understanding. I loved Nana Eikura's character and the various imaginative deaths she comes up with in her home. Ken Yasuda handles the role of her husband well and the two display plenty of on-screen chemistry. All in all, this movie is really about the difficulties of modern marriage and how to make it work.
Most romantic comedy stories have marriage as a goal but I wonder how those characters do after they actually get married. This movie is about a married couple so we pass through the chasing phase and cut to how they interact when the initial fierce burn of romance has died down. It approaches different aspect of a marriage and the importance of communication and understanding. I loved Nana Eikura's character and the various imaginative deaths she comes up with in her home. Ken Yasuda handles the role of her husband well and the two display plenty of on-screen chemistry. All in all, this movie is really about the difficulties of modern marriage and how to make it work.
AKB48Fan's rating:
9
6.6
6.8
One day, Haruna Wakakusa sets out to look for Ichiro Yamada, a student who is bullied. She ultimately finds him naked and tied up in an abandoned school building. The person responsible for this cruel act is no one other than her boyfriend Kannonzaki. After another rescue by Haruna, Ichiro invites her to share two secrets with her, he’s actually gay, even though he has a girlfriend, Kanna, and a year ago he found a dead body along the edge of the river. The only other person who knows of this body is Kozue Yoshikawa, a bulimic model.
This is a fascinating period piece set in Tokyo during the mid 1990's about the inner turmoil of a group of characters. Kannonzaki can’t express himself short of sex or violence, Kozue binge-eats and then vomits it all back up and Yamada hides who he really is, stringing along the poor Kanna who really gets the short straw during this entire movie. The story goes deep into looking at the coping methods the characters adopt, and what happens when things are taken too far. Everyone has something they’re keeping secret. I'm not sure if the occasional interviews when the characters talk to an unknown person off-screen really works. It just seems odd and distracting from the actual story. This movie isn't your typical teen drama. There's solid acting from the whole cast. Despite the dark storyline, I really liked this movie.
This is a fascinating period piece set in Tokyo during the mid 1990's about the inner turmoil of a group of characters. Kannonzaki can’t express himself short of sex or violence, Kozue binge-eats and then vomits it all back up and Yamada hides who he really is, stringing along the poor Kanna who really gets the short straw during this entire movie. The story goes deep into looking at the coping methods the characters adopt, and what happens when things are taken too far. Everyone has something they’re keeping secret. I'm not sure if the occasional interviews when the characters talk to an unknown person off-screen really works. It just seems odd and distracting from the actual story. This movie isn't your typical teen drama. There's solid acting from the whole cast. Despite the dark storyline, I really liked this movie.
AKB48Fan's rating:
2
5
6.4
Kung Fu Emperor (1981)
As the aging Ching Emperor approaches death, his will that names his successor lies hidden in a special room full of deadly traps and even deadlier guards. To gain the throne, Wang, the Emperor's fourth son, must learn Shaolin kung fu from the monks so he can conquer the guards, who want the crown for themselves.
This is a cheap Taiwanese kung fu effort that nonetheless gets by thanks to the predominance of plotting and lavish attention to period detail. Like many Taiwanese kung fu movies, this one amasses a cast of Shaw Brothers veterans to give it some credibility. The movie is dominated by story rather than by action, with the requisite comedy scenes and goofy supporting characters to see it through, although the action when it does occur is fine. It's watchable enough but don't expect it to be a classic martial arts flick.
This is a cheap Taiwanese kung fu effort that nonetheless gets by thanks to the predominance of plotting and lavish attention to period detail. Like many Taiwanese kung fu movies, this one amasses a cast of Shaw Brothers veterans to give it some credibility. The movie is dominated by story rather than by action, with the requisite comedy scenes and goofy supporting characters to see it through, although the action when it does occur is fine. It's watchable enough but don't expect it to be a classic martial arts flick.
AKB48Fan's rating:
153
5.9
6.2
The shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large in the small town of Mill Valley for generations. It's in a mansion that young Sarah Bellows turns her tortured life and horrible secrets into a series of scary stories. These terrifying tales soon have a way of becoming all too real for a group of unsuspecting teens who stumble inside Sarah's spooky home.
As a kind of anthology sort of feature, Scary Stories wasn't actually a bad movie but it didn't fulfill my expectations, specially in terms of scare factors. I expected it bit more twisted and eerily creepy particularly around the different monster/entity encounters at different segments. Among the ghostly entities, The Jangly Man and The Pale Lady were the most interesting. The movie benefits from an efficient Halloween atmosphere, excellent photography, the nostalgic 60's dress code, impressive old cars and talented young actors. However, it had the potential to be more darker and scarier. Still, it was entertaining enough.
As a kind of anthology sort of feature, Scary Stories wasn't actually a bad movie but it didn't fulfill my expectations, specially in terms of scare factors. I expected it bit more twisted and eerily creepy particularly around the different monster/entity encounters at different segments. Among the ghostly entities, The Jangly Man and The Pale Lady were the most interesting. The movie benefits from an efficient Halloween atmosphere, excellent photography, the nostalgic 60's dress code, impressive old cars and talented young actors. However, it had the potential to be more darker and scarier. Still, it was entertaining enough.
AKB48Fan's rating:
2
5
6.1
In Tokyo, a young man named Ryo is lamenting the apparent suicide of his beautiful girlfriend Yuri. She left behind a memory box of former possessions which includes an audiotape. The familiar recorded voice reveals the existence of a woman who looks exactly like Yuri in another part of the country. Ryo follows the clues in the tape and travels to Hokkaido where he meets Aya and she does indeed look like Yuri.
Unless you're a person that likes seeing magic tricks or an old fashioned romantic, this movie will not really appeal to you. The story tries to say in it's own unique way that love is like a magic trick but in reality it's more about a pair of mourning lovers seeking solace in the arms of strangers who resemble their lost partners. There's a bizarre extended homage to Luc Besson’s classic movie Leon as well. I found the movie to be boring despite the great magic tricks shown by Ryo's doppelganger Ryu who has disappeared after a dangerous stunt. The performances from the two main leads didn't do anything for me either. I found them to be bland, cold with little chemistry. I expected better things from the Korean director Jae-young Kwak seeing as he did the excellent My Sassy Girl many years ago.
Unless you're a person that likes seeing magic tricks or an old fashioned romantic, this movie will not really appeal to you. The story tries to say in it's own unique way that love is like a magic trick but in reality it's more about a pair of mourning lovers seeking solace in the arms of strangers who resemble their lost partners. There's a bizarre extended homage to Luc Besson’s classic movie Leon as well. I found the movie to be boring despite the great magic tricks shown by Ryo's doppelganger Ryu who has disappeared after a dangerous stunt. The performances from the two main leads didn't do anything for me either. I found them to be bland, cold with little chemistry. I expected better things from the Korean director Jae-young Kwak seeing as he did the excellent My Sassy Girl many years ago.
AKB48Fan's rating:
1
5
0
Nude per l'assassino (1975)
A fashion model dies during a botched abortion, and the people closely connected to her are murdered one by one.
The title of this movie sounded promising enough. And so did its concept but the movie just didn't deliver. It's an Italian giallo yet it just doesn't feel like a traditional one to me. It takes some wrong approaches and at times this can be a clumsy looking movie. All I can say is that director Andrea Bianchi ain't no Dario Argento. It's basically an excuse to show nude females and it has an awful lot of nudity as well. Blood, gore and violence is present in this movie but it just never felt like the main ingredient of the story. It will disappoint fans of the giallo genre and it tends to drag at times. Not the worst giallo I've seen but not that good either.
The title of this movie sounded promising enough. And so did its concept but the movie just didn't deliver. It's an Italian giallo yet it just doesn't feel like a traditional one to me. It takes some wrong approaches and at times this can be a clumsy looking movie. All I can say is that director Andrea Bianchi ain't no Dario Argento. It's basically an excuse to show nude females and it has an awful lot of nudity as well. Blood, gore and violence is present in this movie but it just never felt like the main ingredient of the story. It will disappoint fans of the giallo genre and it tends to drag at times. Not the worst giallo I've seen but not that good either.
AKB48Fan's rating:
5
4.8
5.4
Impossibility Defense (2018)
Tadashi Usobuki wears a black suit and he is a contract killer. Nobody knows about his past. He receives requests from clients who are filled with desire or hate. He carries out his work using the power of suggestion which makes the killings nearly impossible to trace. A female police detective is charged with bringing him to justice.
This great Japanese movie has some similarities to Death Note. The lead villain is somebody with a special ability, to induce hallucinations that can kill and only a few people are immune to his power. There's a sub-plot to the main storyline about a person that's setting off bombs around Tokyo which was completely unnecessary in my opinion. The good vs evil story was fine without adding it in. There's enough thrills and at times some gore to satisfy most people. I liked the atmosphere of the movie - really dark and mysterious. The final scene was a bit of a cop out as it didn't really give insight on the main character. Is he a demon, an avenging angel or the devil? Tori Matsuzaka is menacing as the man in black and he is probably the best actor in the movie. Erika Sawajiri plays the light to Matsuzaka's dark as Inspector Toda. I can't say she's a brilliant actress to watch. Even though Toda is supposed to be the 'good guy', I couldn't feel any warmth towards her at all. All in all, I liked the movie.
This great Japanese movie has some similarities to Death Note. The lead villain is somebody with a special ability, to induce hallucinations that can kill and only a few people are immune to his power. There's a sub-plot to the main storyline about a person that's setting off bombs around Tokyo which was completely unnecessary in my opinion. The good vs evil story was fine without adding it in. There's enough thrills and at times some gore to satisfy most people. I liked the atmosphere of the movie - really dark and mysterious. The final scene was a bit of a cop out as it didn't really give insight on the main character. Is he a demon, an avenging angel or the devil? Tori Matsuzaka is menacing as the man in black and he is probably the best actor in the movie. Erika Sawajiri plays the light to Matsuzaka's dark as Inspector Toda. I can't say she's a brilliant actress to watch. Even though Toda is supposed to be the 'good guy', I couldn't feel any warmth towards her at all. All in all, I liked the movie.
AKB48Fan's rating:
98
6.4
6.5
Nothing seems to go right for young Kate, a frustrated Londoner who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. But things soon take a turn for the better when she meets Tom, a handsome charmer who seems too good to be true. As the city transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, Tom and Kate's growing attraction turns into the best gift of all - a Yuletide romance.
This Christmas feel-good movie was slated by the critics but they've been proved wrong by how popular it has been with cinema-goers. It's definitely was nowhere near as bad as I expected, in fact it was really enjoyable. Emilia Clarke as Kate is wonderful and likable, the story is somewhat endearing, feels current and has it's heart in the right place. However, this movie has the worst plot twist I have seen in quite some time. It just didn't work at all. Other than that, it was great. I loved the cast which includes Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson as Kate's batty mother. There are plenty of jokes (some of them miss their mark) but this movie will make you laugh and smile. The addition of so many George Michael songs that are featured will appeal to his fans as well. Overall, if you're after a movie to get you into the festive spirit then this one gets the job done.
This Christmas feel-good movie was slated by the critics but they've been proved wrong by how popular it has been with cinema-goers. It's definitely was nowhere near as bad as I expected, in fact it was really enjoyable. Emilia Clarke as Kate is wonderful and likable, the story is somewhat endearing, feels current and has it's heart in the right place. However, this movie has the worst plot twist I have seen in quite some time. It just didn't work at all. Other than that, it was great. I loved the cast which includes Michelle Yeoh and Emma Thompson as Kate's batty mother. There are plenty of jokes (some of them miss their mark) but this movie will make you laugh and smile. The addition of so many George Michael songs that are featured will appeal to his fans as well. Overall, if you're after a movie to get you into the festive spirit then this one gets the job done.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
5.5
7.4
Satoko leads her high-school calligraphy club, but struggles to keep the numbers of people up. Their little world is rocked when a new substitute teacher, Ikezawa, arrives and brings a fresh new approach to calligraphy. With a full complement at the club after some trials and tribulations, the girls enter themselves in the “Shodo Girls Koshien”, in which they must make calligraphy on giant sheets of paper to music.
I wasn't sure what I was letting myself in for when I started to watch this movie as I was sure this was going to be boring and shodo doesn't really interest me but how wrong I was. This is an inspirational movie and based on a true story. There's a clash between the modern and the traditional as a theme running throughout with the adults telling the kids to stop doing shodo and concentrate instead on passing their college entrance exams in order to get a good job at a big company. There's nothing new in the storyline that you haven't seen before: that of a small team of misfits overcoming great odds at competition level and how each member of the team goes on a gentle journey through their own personal development. The young cast are a joy to watch and you will them on to success in the competition. It's a thoroughly enjoyable character-driven piece that's well worth watching.
I wasn't sure what I was letting myself in for when I started to watch this movie as I was sure this was going to be boring and shodo doesn't really interest me but how wrong I was. This is an inspirational movie and based on a true story. There's a clash between the modern and the traditional as a theme running throughout with the adults telling the kids to stop doing shodo and concentrate instead on passing their college entrance exams in order to get a good job at a big company. There's nothing new in the storyline that you haven't seen before: that of a small team of misfits overcoming great odds at competition level and how each member of the team goes on a gentle journey through their own personal development. The young cast are a joy to watch and you will them on to success in the competition. It's a thoroughly enjoyable character-driven piece that's well worth watching.
AKB48Fan's rating:
7
5.8
5.7
The Black Torment (1964)
A young wench is raped and left for dead but not before she says the name of her murderer. Sir Richard Fordyke returns to the vast Fordyke Estate with his lovely bride and second wife, Elizabeth and is met with disdain by his staff as he has been accused of the wench's murder even though he was miles away in London at the time. There is also talk that the ghost of Sir Richard's 1st wife appears on the estate's lawn. When more sinister things start happening, Sir Richard is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.
While this movie is hardly a great horror masterpiece, or even one of the best British horrors of the 60's; it's certainly a good yarn. The story focuses more on its atmosphere, and director Robert Hartford-Davis ensures that the themes of murder and insanity are always bubbling on the surface of the movie. It has a slow start but things gradually improve with the first half of the movie merely sets up the basics of the story. The characters are nothing to write home about, and the script doesn't do a very good job of balancing them with the plot. The mystery comes about through several small threads, and although the climax is easy to guess; it's fun getting there. The gothic themes provide the movie with a dark horror atmosphere and are sure to appeal to fans of gloomy horror. Worth watching if you enjoy gothic 60's horror movies.
While this movie is hardly a great horror masterpiece, or even one of the best British horrors of the 60's; it's certainly a good yarn. The story focuses more on its atmosphere, and director Robert Hartford-Davis ensures that the themes of murder and insanity are always bubbling on the surface of the movie. It has a slow start but things gradually improve with the first half of the movie merely sets up the basics of the story. The characters are nothing to write home about, and the script doesn't do a very good job of balancing them with the plot. The mystery comes about through several small threads, and although the climax is easy to guess; it's fun getting there. The gothic themes provide the movie with a dark horror atmosphere and are sure to appeal to fans of gloomy horror. Worth watching if you enjoy gothic 60's horror movies.
AKB48Fan's rating:
2
6.5
6.1
Takada receives a request to find a missing woman. The missing woman is university student Reiko. While tracking Reiko down, Private Detective and Takada meet Mari, the owner of a model agency. They trio get involved in a big incident.
This is the third of The Detective Is In The Bar trilogy and I haven't seen the other two so I thought perhaps I would be lost with the main two characters already having been developed in the previous movies but it made no difference as this is a stand alone movie. The story is set in the snowy region of Hokkaido and it involves a nameless private eye who uses a bar called Keller Ohata in Sapporo as his base of operation along with his university technician friend Takada. This is a comedy drama which freely mixes humour and violence. It shouldn't really work but bizarrely it does. The duo of Yo Oizumi and Ryuhei Matsuda work well together and the beautiful Keiko Kitagawa performs solidly as the mysterious Mari. I'm sure at some point I'll see the other two movies. If they're just as entertaining as this one I'm sure I'll enjoy them too.
This is the third of The Detective Is In The Bar trilogy and I haven't seen the other two so I thought perhaps I would be lost with the main two characters already having been developed in the previous movies but it made no difference as this is a stand alone movie. The story is set in the snowy region of Hokkaido and it involves a nameless private eye who uses a bar called Keller Ohata in Sapporo as his base of operation along with his university technician friend Takada. This is a comedy drama which freely mixes humour and violence. It shouldn't really work but bizarrely it does. The duo of Yo Oizumi and Ryuhei Matsuda work well together and the beautiful Keiko Kitagawa performs solidly as the mysterious Mari. I'm sure at some point I'll see the other two movies. If they're just as entertaining as this one I'm sure I'll enjoy them too.
AKB48Fan's rating:
532
5.7
6.6
Emperor Palpatine is back and the surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more as Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron's journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them, the final battle commences.
So it's come down to this - the final movie in the 9 episode saga of the Skywalker clan. Quite a tragic end I have to say. The original trilogy was superb and even the prequels were sorta OK but I'm afraid this new trilogy has been awful. This movie is basically damage control by director JJ Abrams after the outcry from The Last Jedi which is the worst Star Wars movie ever in my opinion. The plot is nonsensical and everything's shoehorned to fit the roughly 2:30 hours of the movie, characters with no payoff, no development having laughable dialog with each other. The original trilogy built iconic imagery and characters in the context of them doing things and bonding and building. This was not always perfectly done, but it was done well enough to feel meaningful. You get none of that in this trilogy. This movie and the other two feels hollow, unnecessary hectic, without soul and the good old Star Wars magic. I put the blame squarely on Disney. They have wrecked what was a brilliant franchise. I wonder if George Lucas would have done it differently? I'm sure there will be plenty of people that will enjoy this movie. A very disappointing end to what has been a terrible trilogy.
So it's come down to this - the final movie in the 9 episode saga of the Skywalker clan. Quite a tragic end I have to say. The original trilogy was superb and even the prequels were sorta OK but I'm afraid this new trilogy has been awful. This movie is basically damage control by director JJ Abrams after the outcry from The Last Jedi which is the worst Star Wars movie ever in my opinion. The plot is nonsensical and everything's shoehorned to fit the roughly 2:30 hours of the movie, characters with no payoff, no development having laughable dialog with each other. The original trilogy built iconic imagery and characters in the context of them doing things and bonding and building. This was not always perfectly done, but it was done well enough to feel meaningful. You get none of that in this trilogy. This movie and the other two feels hollow, unnecessary hectic, without soul and the good old Star Wars magic. I put the blame squarely on Disney. They have wrecked what was a brilliant franchise. I wonder if George Lucas would have done it differently? I'm sure there will be plenty of people that will enjoy this movie. A very disappointing end to what has been a terrible trilogy.
AKB48Fan's rating:
2
6
5.8
The body of a teacher is discovered at an all-girls school with another teacher's scarf cinched around her throat. Scotland Yard dispatches Detective Inspector Campbell to lead the investigation. Campbell interviews the teachers and pupils, but encounters one major issue: Everybody hated this teacher. This makes narrowing down the suspects rather difficult. But one of the teachers has a very strong suspicion that the killer is a member of the staff.
A well done mystery story that moves along steadily until the poignant ending. It portrays the pettiness and pressure of a closed human environment - in this case a girls school. It's not a fast moving movie but a nice study of a certain place and time. It's well directed on a low budget. The scene of the finding of the body is very well handled. Gordon Jackson is good as D.I Campbell and even better is the gorgeous Barbara Murray as Miss Shepherd, the teacher who starts her own investigation into the murder. The motive for the murder is not a usual one which makes it more interesting. A solid early 50's whodunit.
A well done mystery story that moves along steadily until the poignant ending. It portrays the pettiness and pressure of a closed human environment - in this case a girls school. It's not a fast moving movie but a nice study of a certain place and time. It's well directed on a low budget. The scene of the finding of the body is very well handled. Gordon Jackson is good as D.I Campbell and even better is the gorgeous Barbara Murray as Miss Shepherd, the teacher who starts her own investigation into the murder. The motive for the murder is not a usual one which makes it more interesting. A solid early 50's whodunit.
AKB48Fan's rating:
10
4
0
An unknown, and potentially lethal, microorganism from a Mars probe is accidentally set loose aboard the freight train that's carrying it through rural Wisconsin. As a result, the five people involved are quarantined at the nearest railroad depot.
This is a poor low budget version of The Andromeda Strain. Though classified as a sci-fi movie, it really isn't one. Most of it plays out in the railroad depot and features the 5 characters bickering. A skilled director would have built up the tension to an excruciating level, but not here. Ultimately, director Bill Rebane does far too little with an interesting (if unoriginal) premise. It suffers from a weak script, too little sets, uninspired acting, shoddy production values, and characters about whom one simply does not give a shit about. Avoid it.
This is a poor low budget version of The Andromeda Strain. Though classified as a sci-fi movie, it really isn't one. Most of it plays out in the railroad depot and features the 5 characters bickering. A skilled director would have built up the tension to an excruciating level, but not here. Ultimately, director Bill Rebane does far too little with an interesting (if unoriginal) premise. It suffers from a weak script, too little sets, uninspired acting, shoddy production values, and characters about whom one simply does not give a shit about. Avoid it.
AKB48Fan's rating:
4
8
7.2
Mitsuru Sasaki is a world-class chef, but he has lost his passion for cooking. He can create any dish by just tasting it once. His restaurant went bankrupt, because of Mitsuru Sasaki's extreme perfectionist ways. To pay off his debts, he offers to personally make a last meal for anyone willing to pay 1 million yen. Mitsuru Sasaki then gets an offer by Yang Qingming in China. The Chinese man offers Mitsuru Sasaki 50 million yen if he can recreate the legendary Japanese Imperial Feast created by Chef Naotaro Yamagata in the 1930's.
This is an interesting and moving movie that switches back and forth from the present day to 1930's Japanese occupied Manchuria as the viewer discovers all about Chef Naotaro Yamagata, his cooking skills and his family life and not spoiling things how it connects back to Mitsuru Sasaki's quest to find his famed recipe book. The scenes set in the present are much less absorbing than those in the past as the main character in the present isn't one you can really warm up to. The more compelling characters are all in 1930's Manchuria such as Naotoro's wife, Chizu, and young Japanese assistant, Shotaro as well the young Yang Qingming. This is where you'll get to see the amazing dishes made by Naotoro which are all mouthwatering and will seriously make you want to taste them yourself. By the time of the climax, many secrets are unearthed that shake Sasaki's world apart. The cast are fantastic from Kazunari Ninomiya, Aoi Miyazaki, Hidetoshi Nishijima and the rest of the supporting actors. Overall, this is an excellent movie. Try not to salivate when looking at the meals that are created!!
This is an interesting and moving movie that switches back and forth from the present day to 1930's Japanese occupied Manchuria as the viewer discovers all about Chef Naotaro Yamagata, his cooking skills and his family life and not spoiling things how it connects back to Mitsuru Sasaki's quest to find his famed recipe book. The scenes set in the present are much less absorbing than those in the past as the main character in the present isn't one you can really warm up to. The more compelling characters are all in 1930's Manchuria such as Naotoro's wife, Chizu, and young Japanese assistant, Shotaro as well the young Yang Qingming. This is where you'll get to see the amazing dishes made by Naotoro which are all mouthwatering and will seriously make you want to taste them yourself. By the time of the climax, many secrets are unearthed that shake Sasaki's world apart. The cast are fantastic from Kazunari Ninomiya, Aoi Miyazaki, Hidetoshi Nishijima and the rest of the supporting actors. Overall, this is an excellent movie. Try not to salivate when looking at the meals that are created!!
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
7
6.8
Sid Gibson a shady pedlar who is trying to flog Bonko, a brand of washing powder in the shape of a pill, but who can't afford to advertise on TV. He enlists the help of Arthur Ashton, a makeup man working for National TV. They manage to plug an advert for Bonko on National Tv by interrupting a live feed of a programme. The advert proves extremely popular and demand for the product soars.
This great comedy was clearly designed as a vehicle for Arthur Askey and his particular approach to comedy with Sid James also getting a large role even though he plays second fiddle to Askey's antics. It's the familiar little man against the system fluff with the movie also taking a pop at stuffiness of the BBC at that time. The influence and power of TV advertising also gets a poke in the ribs. There's plenty of laughs to be had and some quick cameos from Tommy Trinder and Dickie Henderson amongst others. I enjoyed this movie a lot - it's well enough made, busily paced, has a decent supporting cast and best of all it's a lot of fun.
This great comedy was clearly designed as a vehicle for Arthur Askey and his particular approach to comedy with Sid James also getting a large role even though he plays second fiddle to Askey's antics. It's the familiar little man against the system fluff with the movie also taking a pop at stuffiness of the BBC at that time. The influence and power of TV advertising also gets a poke in the ribs. There's plenty of laughs to be had and some quick cameos from Tommy Trinder and Dickie Henderson amongst others. I enjoyed this movie a lot - it's well enough made, busily paced, has a decent supporting cast and best of all it's a lot of fun.
AKB48Fan's rating:
7
6.8
6.8
Ichiro Inuyashiki is a loser in life. His family despises him, his boss at work is close to firing him and worse of all he's been diagnosed with cancer and has only 3 months to live. One night at a nearby park, he and a high schooler named Shishigami Hiro are struck by a mysterious explosion that turns their bodies into powerful machines. Both of their lives begin to change when they discover that they have abilities to effortlessly save and take lives.
This is a great Japanese movie and despite a few far-fetched concepts, which you shouldn't think too much about, I was blown away by the story, the twists and especially how it was told. The build up of the two main characters is done right. The plot is meaningful and shows the two sides of the coin of having powers. The storytelling was no doubt helped by tremendous acting performances from the leads in Kinashi Noritake and Satō Takeru. You feel sympathy for the kind but disrespected Inuyashiki and you definitely feel the menace that eminates from the evil Shishigami. The action scenes and special effects are fantastic. The movie feels refreshing, heartfelt and exhilirating considering how boring Marvel's superhero movies have become. This was like a breath of fresh air. The ending is left wide open which hints that there might be a sequel in the offing. As someone who hasn’t read the manga or watched the anime series, I find Inuyashiki to be quite a unique and satisfying superhero movie.
This is a great Japanese movie and despite a few far-fetched concepts, which you shouldn't think too much about, I was blown away by the story, the twists and especially how it was told. The build up of the two main characters is done right. The plot is meaningful and shows the two sides of the coin of having powers. The storytelling was no doubt helped by tremendous acting performances from the leads in Kinashi Noritake and Satō Takeru. You feel sympathy for the kind but disrespected Inuyashiki and you definitely feel the menace that eminates from the evil Shishigami. The action scenes and special effects are fantastic. The movie feels refreshing, heartfelt and exhilirating considering how boring Marvel's superhero movies have become. This was like a breath of fresh air. The ending is left wide open which hints that there might be a sequel in the offing. As someone who hasn’t read the manga or watched the anime series, I find Inuyashiki to be quite a unique and satisfying superhero movie.
AKB48Fan's rating:
Hikari has been best friends with Anna since they were children when she defended the young dreamer against bullies. Now an adult, he is a mild-mannered and gentle soul who works in a bookstore but dreams of writing and drawing manga. He has produced his own work over the years, and sells one or two copies at conventions, though his most successful character is Devil Claus, who appears in anonymous and pithy flyers he puts up around town. Anna has been in love with Hikari for years but hasn't plucked up the courage to confess. However, Hikari falls for newly arrived Korean beauty So-Young who happens to be running the Christmas illumination spectacular that Anna is working on.
Christmas is a time for romance in Japan (even more so than Valentine's Day I think) so this slushy movie is targeted for those that want to share warm feelings with their other half. It is all engagingly old-fashioned mainstream stuff, and delivers the right amount of warm-hearted romance. It's predictable every step of the way, it at least never pretends to be anything other than frothy festive fun. The lovely Nana Eikura and Korean actress Han Hyo-Joo shine in this movie.
Christmas is a time for romance in Japan (even more so than Valentine's Day I think) so this slushy movie is targeted for those that want to share warm feelings with their other half. It is all engagingly old-fashioned mainstream stuff, and delivers the right amount of warm-hearted romance. It's predictable every step of the way, it at least never pretends to be anything other than frothy festive fun. The lovely Nana Eikura and Korean actress Han Hyo-Joo shine in this movie.
AKB48Fan's rating:
37
6.2
5.6
The Lost Continent (1968)
Passengers travelling on a dilapidated steamer find themselves marooned on a misty sea, surrounded by killer seaweed, murderous crustaceans and descendants of the Spanish Inquisition.
A very bizarre b-movie by Hammer Studios which has to be seen to be believed. You'd think this is just your routine ship mutiny story until it changes into a weird creature feature where the crew and passengers are trapped in a ship's graveyard. It's a shame that this scenario wasn't incorporated earlier into the movie as I found the first hour to be a bit tedious. Even though the whole thing is ludicrous, it's still entertaining. The monsters are terrible and are guaranteed to make you laugh. There's a good cast with Eric Porter leading the way as the initially unlikable Captain alongside Nigel Stock (of Peter Cushing Sherlock Holmes fame) and the ample charms of Dana Gillespie. The sheer wealth of funny monsters and well-staged action keeps this movie from being boring. Give it a whirl and see what you think of it.
A very bizarre b-movie by Hammer Studios which has to be seen to be believed. You'd think this is just your routine ship mutiny story until it changes into a weird creature feature where the crew and passengers are trapped in a ship's graveyard. It's a shame that this scenario wasn't incorporated earlier into the movie as I found the first hour to be a bit tedious. Even though the whole thing is ludicrous, it's still entertaining. The monsters are terrible and are guaranteed to make you laugh. There's a good cast with Eric Porter leading the way as the initially unlikable Captain alongside Nigel Stock (of Peter Cushing Sherlock Holmes fame) and the ample charms of Dana Gillespie. The sheer wealth of funny monsters and well-staged action keeps this movie from being boring. Give it a whirl and see what you think of it.
AKB48Fan's rating:
4
7.3
7
Hana's Miso Soup (2015)
This tearjerker is based on a true story. It's about a teacher Chie who gets diagnosed with breast cancer and has to have a mastectomy to remove one of her breasts. Her boyfriend Shingo shows his support by asking her to marry him. Despite being told that the cancer treatment will leave her unable to have children, a miracle occurs and the couple have a daughter called Hana. However, the cancer returns with a vengeance and eventually spreads throughout her body. Knowing her life is coming to an end, Chie begins to teach Hana life skills, including how to cook traditional miso soup.
Even though the movie has a sad tale to tell, it's quite entertaining and uplifting. The cast who perform in their roles extremely well have a big part in making this movie so good. The husband Shingo was easily the funniest and quirkiest character because he usually had the most bizarre reactions to things. I also loved the special bond within the family members. It's guaranteed to make you shed a tear or two by the time the climax arrives. Those who like this kind of movie will enjoy this one a lot.
Even though the movie has a sad tale to tell, it's quite entertaining and uplifting. The cast who perform in their roles extremely well have a big part in making this movie so good. The husband Shingo was easily the funniest and quirkiest character because he usually had the most bizarre reactions to things. I also loved the special bond within the family members. It's guaranteed to make you shed a tear or two by the time the climax arrives. Those who like this kind of movie will enjoy this one a lot.
AKB48Fan's rating:
5
7
6.5
Boxer Rebellion (1976)
3 young martial arts brothers go in search of fellow patriots dissatisfied with Imperialist foreigners and wind up joining a rising sect of the Boxers, led by an opportunistic conman.
A rather long but still a great martial arts movie by Shaw Brothers Studios. The story is rather drawn out at times leaving you fiddling with your fingers waiting for the next action scenes to appear. The action when it arrives though is absolutely fantastic and that alone makes the movie a worthwhile watch. Shaw regulars Alexander Fu Sheng, Beardy, and Chi Kuan-Chun are fantastic in their roles as the brothers who want to help drive the foreigners army out of China. The rest of the movie is a hit and miss affair. Scenes involving the Empress Dowager are routine and unnecessary in my opinion. This movie is not quite a masterpiece, but the action is complimented by the involving politics of the story and it keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
A rather long but still a great martial arts movie by Shaw Brothers Studios. The story is rather drawn out at times leaving you fiddling with your fingers waiting for the next action scenes to appear. The action when it arrives though is absolutely fantastic and that alone makes the movie a worthwhile watch. Shaw regulars Alexander Fu Sheng, Beardy, and Chi Kuan-Chun are fantastic in their roles as the brothers who want to help drive the foreigners army out of China. The rest of the movie is a hit and miss affair. Scenes involving the Empress Dowager are routine and unnecessary in my opinion. This movie is not quite a masterpiece, but the action is complimented by the involving politics of the story and it keeps you engaged from beginning to end.
AKB48Fan's rating:
50
4.8
4.7
In a post-apocalyptic Earth, a group of punk friends looking for food and water in an abandoned city find themselves against millions of bloodthirsty and intelligent rats.
This movie has the sort of plot line that could go either way - but if you've seen any of director Bruno Mattei's other efforts, you probably already know which way this one went. The movie is something of a cross between John Carpenter's influential Escape From New York, and James Herbert's book Domain. The rats themselves are hardly fear inducing as they're not giant or even menacing, and basically they're just your usual bog standard rats. The script is ridiculous and there is pretty much no attempt to capitalise on the horror of this situation as Mattei prefers to keep the focus on his ragtag bunch of characters, the most ridiculous of which is a bald idiot with a triangle on his head. Apart from a couple of gory moments of rats burrowing their way out of human corpses, there isn't that much to recommend it.
This movie has the sort of plot line that could go either way - but if you've seen any of director Bruno Mattei's other efforts, you probably already know which way this one went. The movie is something of a cross between John Carpenter's influential Escape From New York, and James Herbert's book Domain. The rats themselves are hardly fear inducing as they're not giant or even menacing, and basically they're just your usual bog standard rats. The script is ridiculous and there is pretty much no attempt to capitalise on the horror of this situation as Mattei prefers to keep the focus on his ragtag bunch of characters, the most ridiculous of which is a bald idiot with a triangle on his head. Apart from a couple of gory moments of rats burrowing their way out of human corpses, there isn't that much to recommend it.
AKB48Fan's rating:
76
6.5
7
A young boy named Kun feels forgotten by his family when his little sister Mirai arrives. Running away from home, Kun stumbles upon a magical garden that serves as a time-travelling gateway where he encounters his mother as a little girl and has a series of adventures with his baby sister, who is all grown up, opening a new perspective on his world.
I liked the idea of a young boy turning to make-belief and fantasy in order to grow as a human being and as a big brother. Unfortunately the focus of the movie is on his temper tantrums and his difficulties in accepting that he is not the sole focus of his parents' love. The problem with that being that almost the entirety of the movie is him acting like a total brat. And it's hard to get behind a character like that. I would also have liked for the movie to confirm that he was in fact imagining all these things that happened to him. Director Mamoru Hosoda's style is so pleasing on the eye. The almost too simplistic character designs set against elaborate backgrounds are a joy to watch and there's a really great sense of movement in everything he does but it's not his best movie. It's still a very well animated movie with some truly inspired pieces though.
I liked the idea of a young boy turning to make-belief and fantasy in order to grow as a human being and as a big brother. Unfortunately the focus of the movie is on his temper tantrums and his difficulties in accepting that he is not the sole focus of his parents' love. The problem with that being that almost the entirety of the movie is him acting like a total brat. And it's hard to get behind a character like that. I would also have liked for the movie to confirm that he was in fact imagining all these things that happened to him. Director Mamoru Hosoda's style is so pleasing on the eye. The almost too simplistic character designs set against elaborate backgrounds are a joy to watch and there's a really great sense of movement in everything he does but it's not his best movie. It's still a very well animated movie with some truly inspired pieces though.
AKB48Fan's rating:
38
5.4
5.5
Triple Threat (2019)
A crime syndicate places a hit on a billionaire's daughter, making her the target of an elite assassin squad. A small band of down-and-out mercenaries protects her, fighting tooth and nail to stop the assassins from reaching their target.
This is a pretty simple but also entertaining action movie that is a poor man's Expendables pitting various mercenaries with and against each other. There's not much more to the story, but the movie is not as bad as some suggest even though the dialogue is poor at times. Director Jesse V Johnson brings together a dream team of Asian martial artists together with Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Tiger Chen, Jeeja Yanin and Scott Adkins. Some are better used than others for example Jeeja Yanin is wasted in the movie and is killed off in the first third. If you don't really care about the generic plot and just want some action then you have it in droves here. This movie could have been a whole lot better though.
This is a pretty simple but also entertaining action movie that is a poor man's Expendables pitting various mercenaries with and against each other. There's not much more to the story, but the movie is not as bad as some suggest even though the dialogue is poor at times. Director Jesse V Johnson brings together a dream team of Asian martial artists together with Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Tiger Chen, Jeeja Yanin and Scott Adkins. Some are better used than others for example Jeeja Yanin is wasted in the movie and is killed off in the first third. If you don't really care about the generic plot and just want some action then you have it in droves here. This movie could have been a whole lot better though.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
8
6.6
The Contract (1978)
A hopeless man Chi Man under contract to MTV Studios (not that MTV!) is given a chance to become a TV host for a rival company but his current boss refuses to cancel his 8 year contract. The only way therefore to leave MTV is to find the contract and destroy it; but with the contract gathering dust in the guarded MTV safe, Chi Man’s bid is made all the more difficult. Now is the time to call on his inventor brother and a TV magician to get past the boss' ogre-like thugs and get back his artistic freedom.
This is a very funny Hong Kong slapstick comedy starring the brilliant Michael Hui and his 2 brothers. This movie shows the Hui brothers near the top of their game and follows the familiar characterisations that audiences expect to see in a Hui brothers comedy. If you’ve yet to enter the inspired world of Michael Hui and his brothers, this movie is an excellent introduction and ranks among their very best. It's filled with witty humour, slapstick fun and wild misadventures that is guaranteed to make you laugh. The plot is fast moving and has unforgettable characters such as a man who has a metal hand just like Tee Hee from the 007 movie Live and Let Die. I would say this a must-see HK comedy and comes highly recommended.
This is a very funny Hong Kong slapstick comedy starring the brilliant Michael Hui and his 2 brothers. This movie shows the Hui brothers near the top of their game and follows the familiar characterisations that audiences expect to see in a Hui brothers comedy. If you’ve yet to enter the inspired world of Michael Hui and his brothers, this movie is an excellent introduction and ranks among their very best. It's filled with witty humour, slapstick fun and wild misadventures that is guaranteed to make you laugh. The plot is fast moving and has unforgettable characters such as a man who has a metal hand just like Tee Hee from the 007 movie Live and Let Die. I would say this a must-see HK comedy and comes highly recommended.
AKB48Fan's rating:
98
6.2
6.8
A special warfare unit "SWORD" embark on an unapproved scheme to infiltrate Japan amidst reports that they are developing robotics technology after it has been banned by the U.N.
This is a stylish and energetic dystopian fantasy, marked by imaginative storytelling, exciting action sequences and fabulous CGI 3D animation. The animation is crisp and believable, the settings are beautifully realised and it has an interesting story. It does borrow ideas from other movies such as the Jags which are more or less the Sandworms from Dune. The dialogue was a little weak at times, and there wasn't much for serious character development but on the whole I really enjoyed this movie. It's worth seeing for it's great story and rich animation.
This is a stylish and energetic dystopian fantasy, marked by imaginative storytelling, exciting action sequences and fabulous CGI 3D animation. The animation is crisp and believable, the settings are beautifully realised and it has an interesting story. It does borrow ideas from other movies such as the Jags which are more or less the Sandworms from Dune. The dialogue was a little weak at times, and there wasn't much for serious character development but on the whole I really enjoyed this movie. It's worth seeing for it's great story and rich animation.
AKB48Fan's rating:
132
5.8
6.1
Brainscan (1994)
Horror movies and computer games fascinate teenager Michael and a CD-ROM that portrays murder from the killer's point of view combines these interests. The first time Michael plays it, he kills a stranger and cuts off a foot, thinking the events take place in virtual reality. But the next day Michael finds a foot in his refrigerator, and cyber-ghoul Trickster emerges from the program and forces him to keep playing and to continue committing violent crimes.
The plot of this movie in which fantasy and reality are always mixed up is fairly familiar and it doesn't hold any surprises although it does have some entertaining visuals and effective gore. Veteran filmmaker John Flynn keeps it moving along well, and gets a reasonably sympathetic performance out of Eddie Furlong. The movie goofy and patently far fetched, but is also intense and creepy at times as well, entertaining its viewers in decent enough fashion. I wasn't too keen on the ending though.
The plot of this movie in which fantasy and reality are always mixed up is fairly familiar and it doesn't hold any surprises although it does have some entertaining visuals and effective gore. Veteran filmmaker John Flynn keeps it moving along well, and gets a reasonably sympathetic performance out of Eddie Furlong. The movie goofy and patently far fetched, but is also intense and creepy at times as well, entertaining its viewers in decent enough fashion. I wasn't too keen on the ending though.
AKB48Fan's rating:
9
7.2
6.3
Soul of Chiba (1977)
After his master is brutally murdered, his student goes after his killer but barely escapes with his life. After recovering and training his skills, he once again goes after the murderer.
This is one of those martial arts movies that is unintentionally funny due to the poor dubbing. Sonny Chiba headed over to Thailand with his martial arts crew to make this movie. Don't waste your time trying to make sense of the plot and just enjoy the unadulterated, delirious entertainment on show as Chiba's character goes in search of Samuan (the dubbing makes it sound like he's going after a person called "someone"!!!). There are many bizarre events in this movie such as Sonny training by strapping on a body device to give himself high voltage electricity to make his movements faster, taking on 4 men that have been possessed by monkey spirits and a man creating a bow and arrow out of some string and twigs and using his biceps to fire the arrows. You don't find too many movies such as this one. It feels like the wild exploitative nature of Japanese karate flicks collided head on with the energy of the Hong Kong kung-fu movie, crash landing in Thailand. You just have to see it to believe it!
This is one of those martial arts movies that is unintentionally funny due to the poor dubbing. Sonny Chiba headed over to Thailand with his martial arts crew to make this movie. Don't waste your time trying to make sense of the plot and just enjoy the unadulterated, delirious entertainment on show as Chiba's character goes in search of Samuan (the dubbing makes it sound like he's going after a person called "someone"!!!). There are many bizarre events in this movie such as Sonny training by strapping on a body device to give himself high voltage electricity to make his movements faster, taking on 4 men that have been possessed by monkey spirits and a man creating a bow and arrow out of some string and twigs and using his biceps to fire the arrows. You don't find too many movies such as this one. It feels like the wild exploitative nature of Japanese karate flicks collided head on with the energy of the Hong Kong kung-fu movie, crash landing in Thailand. You just have to see it to believe it!
AKB48Fan's rating:
4
6
6.8
Wu Song (1983)
Wu Song slays a man-eating tiger preying on farmers and villagers and becomes the hero of the province, getting appointed as a constable by the local magistrate. He is reunited with his older brother, the short, disfigured Wu the Elder. After being sent on a mission, he comes back to find his brother dead and cremated and suspects his brother's attractive young wife is involved.
This is a likable Shaw Brothers martial arts drama which while light on action (the kung fu only really appears at the beginning and the end), it delivers on story and dramatic performance. Ku Feng and Wang Ping really excel in their roles of the Tiger Killer's faithful older brother and his deceitful, shrewish wife. Ti Lung in the title role is also very good. Shaw Brothers really went the extra mile with how this movie looks too. Like many of their productions, it is 99% studio based, but the set design is fantastic and the costuming great as well. A movie that definitely worth tracking down.
This is a likable Shaw Brothers martial arts drama which while light on action (the kung fu only really appears at the beginning and the end), it delivers on story and dramatic performance. Ku Feng and Wang Ping really excel in their roles of the Tiger Killer's faithful older brother and his deceitful, shrewish wife. Ti Lung in the title role is also very good. Shaw Brothers really went the extra mile with how this movie looks too. Like many of their productions, it is 99% studio based, but the set design is fantastic and the costuming great as well. A movie that definitely worth tracking down.
AKB48Fan's rating:
9
7
7
Doraemon's bell is stolen whilst he is sleeping with the culprit being Kaitou DX who is well known classic gadget thief from the 22nd century. Doraemon and Nobita, along with others travel to the 22nd century to visit the Gadget Museum and retrieve his bell back.
This is the 33rd Doraemon movie and not the best I've seen. The story did get better as it progressed though and it builds very nicely to the climax but it's still not that special. Some parts were confusing as I haven't really seen the original series. The animation overall was pretty solid and I liked all the characters. All in all, those that have watched the majority of Doraemon's movies will enjoy this one but if you're a newbie to Doraemon's universe then this movie isn't the one for you to start off with. It's good but not that good.
This is the 33rd Doraemon movie and not the best I've seen. The story did get better as it progressed though and it builds very nicely to the climax but it's still not that special. Some parts were confusing as I haven't really seen the original series. The animation overall was pretty solid and I liked all the characters. All in all, those that have watched the majority of Doraemon's movies will enjoy this one but if you're a newbie to Doraemon's universe then this movie isn't the one for you to start off with. It's good but not that good.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
6
6.2
Kill or Cure (1962)
An inept private investigator is called to look into the strange goings-on at a health club. He teams up with one of the health instructors to solve a murder at the club.
I wouldn't say this is an excellent movie but it is a solid British comedy and a perfect example of a now extinct genre. Terry Thomas is a wonderful British stereotype with some funny dialogue and a wonderful accent. Alongside him is Eric Sykes and Lionel Jeffries with a host of cameos from Peter Butterworth, Patricia Hayes and Ronnie Barker. The soundtrack is also mildly effective in a cheesy sort of way. This movie has a lot to recommend it but it is also a very standard example of the 1950/60's British comedy genre.
I wouldn't say this is an excellent movie but it is a solid British comedy and a perfect example of a now extinct genre. Terry Thomas is a wonderful British stereotype with some funny dialogue and a wonderful accent. Alongside him is Eric Sykes and Lionel Jeffries with a host of cameos from Peter Butterworth, Patricia Hayes and Ronnie Barker. The soundtrack is also mildly effective in a cheesy sort of way. This movie has a lot to recommend it but it is also a very standard example of the 1950/60's British comedy genre.
AKB48Fan's rating:
8
7
7
Fisherman's Friends (2019)
A fast living, cynical London music executive reluctantly heads to Cornwall on a colleague’s stag weekend where he’s pranked by his boss into trying to sign a group of shanty-singing fishermen. He becomes the ultimate ‘fish out of water’ struggling to gain the respect or enthusiasm of the unlikely boy band who value friendship and community over fame and fortune. Attempting to overcome the fishermen’s scepticism about the music business, he finds himself drawn into the community, has his integrity tested and ultimately is shown the meaning of loyalty, love and friendship.
I really enjoyed this movie, based on a true story of a group of Cornish singing fishermen who made it big in the UK album chart against all odds. With a tight script, brilliant camera work, fine music, great scenery of Cornwall, and plenty of jokes, it has much to offer. There are some cringe-worthy scenes but they are only fleeting in their embarrassment to viewers. I would single out Daniel Mays, who played Danny the musical agent from London, for special praise, he trod the line of comedy and pathos, romantic lead and nerd so well against a backdrop of dour old seasalts. This movie gives you exactly what is on the tin, no more and certainly no less.
I really enjoyed this movie, based on a true story of a group of Cornish singing fishermen who made it big in the UK album chart against all odds. With a tight script, brilliant camera work, fine music, great scenery of Cornwall, and plenty of jokes, it has much to offer. There are some cringe-worthy scenes but they are only fleeting in their embarrassment to viewers. I would single out Daniel Mays, who played Danny the musical agent from London, for special praise, he trod the line of comedy and pathos, romantic lead and nerd so well against a backdrop of dour old seasalts. This movie gives you exactly what is on the tin, no more and certainly no less.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
7
6.3
On Oriyama Karin’s 16th birthday, she receives a present from her rich parents. Her present is marriage. The person she marries is her crush and high school senior Tsurugi Nao who is popular. Debt ridden Nao only marries Karin for economic reasons and in particular the wealth of her parents. Karin loves him truly, but Nao doesn't love her at all. Their marriage is a secret, but Ebina Isuzu, Karin's friend, holds feelings for Karin, learns of their marriage.
I didn't think I was going to like this movie at first but it somehow grew on me. All the characters are pleasant and the story and script are rather off the wall but watchable once you get used to it being OTT. You will be left with some unanswered questions like why would loving affluent parents allow their pampered child to marry at 16? The cast are fine in their roles. If you're after a light hearted romance/comedy to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon this should do the trick for you.
I didn't think I was going to like this movie at first but it somehow grew on me. All the characters are pleasant and the story and script are rather off the wall but watchable once you get used to it being OTT. You will be left with some unanswered questions like why would loving affluent parents allow their pampered child to marry at 16? The cast are fine in their roles. If you're after a light hearted romance/comedy to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon this should do the trick for you.
AKB48Fan's rating:
48
5.3
5.3
Beyond Skyline (2017)
Mark Corley, a Los Angeles police detective, helps his estranged son, Trent, out of jail just as an alien invasion begins. The entire population of the city is sucked into various spaceships by a blue light. Mark leads a group of surviving humans through underground subway tunnels to escape, though most of the humans are killed or abducted one by one. The survivors – Mark, Trent, transit operator Audrey, and a homeless man known only as "Sarge", who is immune to the blue light due to his blindness – escape to the marina following its nuclear destruction, only to be abducted into the alien flagship by a towering alien tanker which then crashes in Laos.
I enjoyed the first Skyline movie and hoped that this would have been the same. Although it started out pretty good it soon went pear-shaped. It has a muddled storyline, corny dialogue and the acting is nothing to write home about. It all gets a bit silly with long action sequences in which little blokes doing kung-fu manage to somehow kick the crap out of 8 foot tall robots! On the positive side the CGI of the critters and alien spacecraft were OK although nothing was new or creative in design. I have seen worse attempts at science fiction and this movie is reasonably entertaining if you really have nothing better to watch.
I enjoyed the first Skyline movie and hoped that this would have been the same. Although it started out pretty good it soon went pear-shaped. It has a muddled storyline, corny dialogue and the acting is nothing to write home about. It all gets a bit silly with long action sequences in which little blokes doing kung-fu manage to somehow kick the crap out of 8 foot tall robots! On the positive side the CGI of the critters and alien spacecraft were OK although nothing was new or creative in design. I have seen worse attempts at science fiction and this movie is reasonably entertaining if you really have nothing better to watch.
AKB48Fan's rating:
18
5.6
6.5
The Killer Must Kill Again (1975)
Giorgio is a greedy adulterer who makes a deal with a serial killer to dispose of his wealthy wife, Nora. Unfortunately, a thrill-seeking young couple steal the killer's car with Nora's corpse in the trunk, ending up at a run-down seaside villa. The killer follows their trail and eventually finds them.
Though it is considered a giallo, this movie isn't really one. There's no masked and black gloved killer stalking high society types, and nor is there any mystery as to the killer's identity: the viewer knows him as we see him. The movie actually has some quite suspenseful moments involving whether or not the body will be found, and whether or not the killer, indeed, "must kill again" - and when he will end up doing so. Unfortunately the movie does stall a bit towards the end but overall a great Italian movie to watch.
Though it is considered a giallo, this movie isn't really one. There's no masked and black gloved killer stalking high society types, and nor is there any mystery as to the killer's identity: the viewer knows him as we see him. The movie actually has some quite suspenseful moments involving whether or not the body will be found, and whether or not the killer, indeed, "must kill again" - and when he will end up doing so. Unfortunately the movie does stall a bit towards the end but overall a great Italian movie to watch.
AKB48Fan's rating:
23
6.3
6.3
Hai Phuong (2019)
When traffickers kidnap her daughter from their village, vengeful Hai Phuong returns to Saigon, and her outlaw roots, to take down the abductors.
This is a brilliant movie from Vietnam. It's an exciting, well-done action thriller filled with sensational chases and martial arts fights. Dancing star turned actress/producer Veronica Ngô is superb as the mother who leaves a trail of blood and destruction as she seeks to rescue her daughter from kidnappers. She gives a fascinating, vivid performance as the desperate mother. As well as Ngô, there's Thanh Soi as the central villain and she is incredibly fierce. Her fight with Ngô is well worth watching this movie. For fans of pure action, Furie ticks pretty much every box, but it also impresses when it comes to the story. Think of it as the Vietnam version of Taken and you'll get what's it all about.
This is a brilliant movie from Vietnam. It's an exciting, well-done action thriller filled with sensational chases and martial arts fights. Dancing star turned actress/producer Veronica Ngô is superb as the mother who leaves a trail of blood and destruction as she seeks to rescue her daughter from kidnappers. She gives a fascinating, vivid performance as the desperate mother. As well as Ngô, there's Thanh Soi as the central villain and she is incredibly fierce. Her fight with Ngô is well worth watching this movie. For fans of pure action, Furie ticks pretty much every box, but it also impresses when it comes to the story. Think of it as the Vietnam version of Taken and you'll get what's it all about.
AKB48Fan's rating:
98
6.1
6.1
Body Bags (1993)
A horror anthology movie featuring three unconnected stories which are bookended by a creepy looking morgue attendant.
The first tale is, in my opinion, the weakest, but has many recognisable faces which add in-jokes for horror buffs to salivate over. A young woman, Anne starts a gas station job and runs into trouble throughout her first night. It is stated that a serial killer is on the loose in Haddonfield (a nod to Halloween but Michael Myers does not appear in this movie). Wes Craven provides a cameo as a weird customer and even Sam Raimi turns up. The second tale is hilarious and finds Stacy Keach as a man constantly haunted by his thinning hair-line who enlists the aid of a hair-growth company through chairman David Warner and nurse Debbie Harry who convince him to take their treatment. The treatment works great but then the viewer discovers what the hairs are and where they come from. The third tale is a grisly affair with Mark Hamill as a baseball player who loses one of his eyes in a car accident and given a new one through surgery. Unfortunately the eye belongs to an executed psychopath which takes over his mind. I enjoyed all three stories but the second was my favourite as it was unintentionally funny. It's worth seeking out if you get the chance.
The first tale is, in my opinion, the weakest, but has many recognisable faces which add in-jokes for horror buffs to salivate over. A young woman, Anne starts a gas station job and runs into trouble throughout her first night. It is stated that a serial killer is on the loose in Haddonfield (a nod to Halloween but Michael Myers does not appear in this movie). Wes Craven provides a cameo as a weird customer and even Sam Raimi turns up. The second tale is hilarious and finds Stacy Keach as a man constantly haunted by his thinning hair-line who enlists the aid of a hair-growth company through chairman David Warner and nurse Debbie Harry who convince him to take their treatment. The treatment works great but then the viewer discovers what the hairs are and where they come from. The third tale is a grisly affair with Mark Hamill as a baseball player who loses one of his eyes in a car accident and given a new one through surgery. Unfortunately the eye belongs to an executed psychopath which takes over his mind. I enjoyed all three stories but the second was my favourite as it was unintentionally funny. It's worth seeking out if you get the chance.
AKB48Fan's rating:
1
6
4.7
Satoshi is in the 3rd year of high school. He and transfer student Rin are busy forming a band to perform at the school cultural festival even though there is a ban on forming bands at school. They perform live at the school cultural festival, but Rin later collapses. Tragedy ensues for Rin and Satoshi becomes devastated. Satoshi somehow goes back in time to when he met Rin for the first time.
Yes, it's another Japanese movie with a plot you've seen countless times before - that of a guy or girl dying in the prime of their life but this one is slightly different in that the main character Satoshi doesn't go back in time to save the girl he likes. Instead he wants to change the outcome of what he said at the hospital before his girl dies. It hasn't got a story that really draws you in but the creation of the band Primember and the songs they perform are catchy enough. It makes for a good 100 mins or so but don't expect anything different from the norm in this genre.
Yes, it's another Japanese movie with a plot you've seen countless times before - that of a guy or girl dying in the prime of their life but this one is slightly different in that the main character Satoshi doesn't go back in time to save the girl he likes. Instead he wants to change the outcome of what he said at the hospital before his girl dies. It hasn't got a story that really draws you in but the creation of the band Primember and the songs they perform are catchy enough. It makes for a good 100 mins or so but don't expect anything different from the norm in this genre.
AKB48Fan's rating:
105
6.4
6.5
Burnt Offerings (1976)
When the Rolf family shifts to an old and shabby mansion for their summer vacation, they experience various horrible events and feel that the house is responsible for everything.
This movie is based on the Robert Marasco novel of the same name. It contains thrills, chills, ghastly events and is quite entertaining. Dan Curtis' creepy movie gets a spin on possessed-house sagas with original results. The requisite scary proceedings appear including an unbalanced wife, a haunted pool, the vision of a sinister hearse driver, the young son being suffocated by gas and several others happenings. While it may not be as overtly chilling as other ghost tales, this story displays some shudders that gets under your skin thanks to great performances of Oliver Reed, Karen Black and the veteran Bette Davis. It is similar to The Shining in some ways so if you enjoyed that movie you might like this one as well.
This movie is based on the Robert Marasco novel of the same name. It contains thrills, chills, ghastly events and is quite entertaining. Dan Curtis' creepy movie gets a spin on possessed-house sagas with original results. The requisite scary proceedings appear including an unbalanced wife, a haunted pool, the vision of a sinister hearse driver, the young son being suffocated by gas and several others happenings. While it may not be as overtly chilling as other ghost tales, this story displays some shudders that gets under your skin thanks to great performances of Oliver Reed, Karen Black and the veteran Bette Davis. It is similar to The Shining in some ways so if you enjoyed that movie you might like this one as well.
AKB48Fan's rating:
3
6.5
6.5
Young Cliff Bonsell accidentally kills the local bully when he finds a loaded gun on an old abandoned US base. Another man is blamed for the murder due to a feud he had with the bully.
This interesting social drama is a joy to watch if you remember the times when as a child you made dens in the woods and the interplay between Cliff and his friend Willy who seems to have learning difficulties. Both are likable characters and their adventures together may remind some viewers of their own childhood and growing up in seemingly more innocent times in a rural setting. Jack Warner plays the main lead and the father of the young lad who has shot the bully. Don't expect an edge of your seat thriller, it's a little bit more subdued but I found it a great watch nevertheless.
This interesting social drama is a joy to watch if you remember the times when as a child you made dens in the woods and the interplay between Cliff and his friend Willy who seems to have learning difficulties. Both are likable characters and their adventures together may remind some viewers of their own childhood and growing up in seemingly more innocent times in a rural setting. Jack Warner plays the main lead and the father of the young lad who has shot the bully. Don't expect an edge of your seat thriller, it's a little bit more subdued but I found it a great watch nevertheless.
AKB48Fan's rating:
2
5.5
5.9
When his colleague is shot dead by a burglar, PC Frank Mason vows for justice. After becoming a dog-handler, he finds a new partner in a dog.
An enjoyable movie which shows how they trained police dogs in the 1950's (not sure if it's the same now or not?). This is much like the 50's version of the James Belushi movie K-9, albeit without the laughs. If you're a dog lover then you'll be in for a treat as Alsatians play a large role in the proceedings and have plenty of screen time. They're exceedingly well trained and get up to all kinds of escapades. There are minor roles for a young Christopher Lee and John Le Mesurier. I found it a bit pointless going on about the dog coming in between a copper and his girlfriend. An interesting movie about the important work police dogs do in solving crime.
An enjoyable movie which shows how they trained police dogs in the 1950's (not sure if it's the same now or not?). This is much like the 50's version of the James Belushi movie K-9, albeit without the laughs. If you're a dog lover then you'll be in for a treat as Alsatians play a large role in the proceedings and have plenty of screen time. They're exceedingly well trained and get up to all kinds of escapades. There are minor roles for a young Christopher Lee and John Le Mesurier. I found it a bit pointless going on about the dog coming in between a copper and his girlfriend. An interesting movie about the important work police dogs do in solving crime.
AKB48Fan's rating:
21
5.7
5.6
The Terrorists (1974)
Attempting to secure the release of political prisoners, a terrorist group, led by the fierce Ray Petrie, takes over a British plane. Tough Scandinavian operative Nils Tahlvik is sent in to deal with the armed men and free the aircraft's passengers. Unfortunately for Tahlvik, the terrorists prove to be quite formidable. Meanwhile, another unit of the same extremist organisation is holding an English ambassador hostage, which further complicates matters.
This thriller from the 70's is probably forgotten because it's all a bit hum-drum and consistently fails to thrill at any level. The story is unnecessarily convoluted and at less than 90 minutes overlong, with a number of superfluous scenes. Characterisation is non-existent, the terrorist's ideology and objectives sketchily described, and the climax is badly bungled. Sean Connery is fine as the Swedish security chief while Ian McShane makes a completely unconvincing terrorist. The only good thing going for this movie is the great cinematography. Depending if you haven't got anything better to watch, it makes for an undemanding hour and a half.
This thriller from the 70's is probably forgotten because it's all a bit hum-drum and consistently fails to thrill at any level. The story is unnecessarily convoluted and at less than 90 minutes overlong, with a number of superfluous scenes. Characterisation is non-existent, the terrorist's ideology and objectives sketchily described, and the climax is badly bungled. Sean Connery is fine as the Swedish security chief while Ian McShane makes a completely unconvincing terrorist. The only good thing going for this movie is the great cinematography. Depending if you haven't got anything better to watch, it makes for an undemanding hour and a half.
AKB48Fan's rating:
14
7
6
Horrors of the Black Museum (1959)
A crime writer Edmond Bancroft is responsible for a series of gruesome murders of young women helped by his suggestible assistant Rick, the knowledge of which murders enhances his literary career and makes him taunt Scotland Yard with their supposed incompetence.
This isn't a bad movie which mixes police procedural, a Jekyll and Hyde murderer and a mad scientist but it just isn't that thrilling. The ending in the fairground is rather weak. It does however have the great Michael Gough who steals the movie effortlessly as Bancroft. Visually it looks good and the direction by Arthur Crabtree is staid. I wouldn't say it's a movie that's well worth seeking out but vintage horror completists might like to check it out.
This isn't a bad movie which mixes police procedural, a Jekyll and Hyde murderer and a mad scientist but it just isn't that thrilling. The ending in the fairground is rather weak. It does however have the great Michael Gough who steals the movie effortlessly as Bancroft. Visually it looks good and the direction by Arthur Crabtree is staid. I wouldn't say it's a movie that's well worth seeking out but vintage horror completists might like to check it out.
AKB48Fan's rating:
139
5.4
5.6
47 Meters Down (2017)
Young sisters Kate and Lisa and travel to Mexico for a vacation filled with sun, fun and adventure. Lisa needs some extra persuasion when Kate suggests that they go diving in shark-infested waters. Safe in their protective cage, the thrill-seeking siblings come face to face with a group of majestic great whites. Their worst fears soon become a reality when the cage breaks away from their boat, sending them plummeting to the ocean floor with a dwindling supply of oxygen.
Let me say that visually the movie is incredible and is one of the most claustrophobic heart pounding movies I've seen in years. You feel for these ladies, the movie gets across the panic, severity and time restrictions very well and it taps into something which makes me personally feel very uncomfortable as I hate sharks. However, the movie's logistics are dumbfoundingly stupid and defy logic. The dialog is also poor. If you can get past that, there are some good moments in this movie which makes it somewhat worthwhile to watch.
Let me say that visually the movie is incredible and is one of the most claustrophobic heart pounding movies I've seen in years. You feel for these ladies, the movie gets across the panic, severity and time restrictions very well and it taps into something which makes me personally feel very uncomfortable as I hate sharks. However, the movie's logistics are dumbfoundingly stupid and defy logic. The dialog is also poor. If you can get past that, there are some good moments in this movie which makes it somewhat worthwhile to watch.
AKB48Fan's rating:
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All the movies I've watched in 2019. I've had to delete (or tried to!) WATERMELON as it keeps duplicating it on the list for some reason.
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All "Watched in 2019" lists on Listal
(281 lists)list by Triggerhappy6
Published 5 years, 3 months ago 
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