Film Reviews by CK

Welcome to CK's film reviews page. CK has written 7 reviews and rated 322 films.

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A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence

concern over previous review

(Edit) 07/09/2015

I am not a fan of abstract cinema. Not even Monty Python, so I would not normally do a review for this film. However, given the comments in the previous review, bearing in mind that the director was making a political statement I would like to suggest that the use of English (a second language many Swedes understand) to suggest "them and us" in a film made in 2014 after the previous 5+ years of Sweden's relationship with the English speaking world need not be taking as a personal insult.

I do not expect the British media to remind the British of some less glorious moments in British history but that should not be an excuse for forgetting and rewriting history. Therefore, we should allow other nations to deploy the same stance of:-" that is what "THEY" do. "WE" would never do that". As indeed most people would not ..... unless, perhaps, ordered to do so by "THEM" .

The scenes portraying the actions of the Swedish King are not flattering and they precede the scene referred to. I am sure everyone already holds their own personal opinions as to the ethics behind the actions of the people leading certain corporations and armies.

2 out of 4 members found this review helpful.

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David Bowie: Bowie in Berlin

Fact light

(Edit) 25/07/2015

This is a group of men talking about what they think about Bowie. Factually light and the reference to the Berlin years is incidental and probably chosen because Bowie himself knows very little about that time of his life.

I guess clips like the ones of Madonna and war footage were included to bulk up the running time as they had so little information to speculate with. I do not consider the dvd content worth 50p but as a Bowie fan I had to include it on my list.

Watching it did remind me of some tracks I have not played for a long time and why music experts should always be completely ignored. The way they selected disjointed single frames from a life and claimed logical intent and planning from a drug-fuelled alcoholic annoyed me. I presume they needed to create a persona to suit the presenters view of the world in order to have something to say.

Watching this dvd, did make me play Low, my least favourite Bowie album, again. It did not make me like that any better. Possibly I understand Station to Station more.

0 out of 0 members found this review helpful.

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Django Unchained

Not light viewing

(Edit) 28/10/2014

Although I adore Tarantino's first 3 directorial offerings I do not like any of the later ones. Having read the previous reviews I really did not expect to enjoy this but I am giving this a 5 as it really is a good film. It is not however, a lightweight, feel good movie. It is a movie that rather makes me wish those sci fi offerings claiming a brutal alien race has disguised themselves as humans were true.

All the usual Tarantino light touches are there. The little boys fantasy gunfight, the one liners and the situation comedy. The KKK scene is hysterical. The story plotline is faultless and the actors are totally believable. The suffering of the slaves is in your face from the moment the film opens and does not get easier. The brutality and sadistic delight of the slave owners and handlers is a mere fact of life at the time. It still goes on, which makes this even more unbearable. Sadly the powerful will never comprehend that fine clothes and trinkets may make the man as far as shallow perception is concerned but that is not what makes a worthwhile human being. I sadly will never be able to erase from my memory the hot box or the fights to the death. The same holds for Candy's anger that his $500 fighter is a broken man after winning 3 of these fights when he expects 5 fights for his money. The fighter is torn to pieces by the dogs.

1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

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Femme Fatale

This is a porn movie

(Edit) 15/08/2014
Spoiler Alert

This is a porn movie not as billed as a thriller, suspense movie. The plot is an incidental vehicle to move between sex scenes and other than the actual theft (lesbian sex scene) is a totally unbelievable series of coincidences. The story follows the activities of one woman, who having double-crossed the gang dons a disguise which just happens to fool a couple at a funeral into thinking she is their daughter. Said daughter, commits suicide conveniently leaving passport and ticket to America. On plane she is moved to first class and the guy on the seat next to her marries her. I am sure we all know someone with charmed lives like that.....not. The twist is It's a ......dream. So the suicidee and thief have the foreknowledge to cook up a scheme covering the next 7 years of their lives. Oh hum. Thriller it is not.

0 out of 3 members found this review helpful.

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Death Proof

Nearly reported film as faulty

(Edit) 08/08/2014

Thank you for explaining the dreadful cuts between scenes RP. I thought DVD was jumping like a damaged vinyl record. Enjoyed the film. Not very often women play strong characters instead of victims and doormats. Good to see a bully get their comeuppance. Suspect the people commenting on f and blinding and boring conversations are male. I have seen many films with men swearing a lot more and being far more boring, Not as good as Pulp Fiction or Jackie Brown but a enjoyable action movie. Thought the ships mascot car chase was great. Good to see something original.

1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

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Dark Habits

Watch twice Almodovar fans

(Edit) 27/06/2014

First let me state clearly, I love Almodovar films. I totally recommend Dark Habits (DH) to anyone interested in film directing or like me merely wanting to observe the development of creative genius. This is NOT a film I would recommend to someone who has not seen and loved Almodovar's later works. DH is certainly not another Volver or nervous breakdown.

Owning Pepi Luci, Bom (PLB) I already realised that Dark Habits would be more about a director learning his craft than a good film and so it proved. Although the humour, characterisations, direction and budget of DH is already vastly superior to that of PLB it does not possess the finesse of the later films.

DH is one of those films that improves upon better acquaintance. Although the plot resolves itself on first viewing it is far more satisfying second time around. During the first watch I found the actions of the characters too bizarre to make sense. I needed to see the film a second time in order to understand their roles in the story. I can easily imagine someone with direct experience of the Catholic faith could find far more in this film during subsequent viewings. Twice was enough for me but that must make it a good film as there are not many films I want to watch twice in quick succession.

1 out of 1 members found this review helpful.

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The Station Agent

Beautiful Film

(Edit) 13/06/2014

Can only confirm Shatners Bassoon's review says it all However, that review gives the plot away. I am glad the story slowly revealed itself for us. That said it is such a wonderful film it is a pleasure to rewatch. Watched it three times in five nights and it was an excellent watch everytime. Even got out of control cars and train chases, Lol.

3 out of 3 members found this review helpful.