{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1", "title": "? Films on John PHIβ‘ŠPIN", "icon": "https://avatars.micro.blog/avatars/2025/50/4165.jpg", "home_page_url": "https://john.philpin.com/", "feed_url": "https://john.philpin.com/feed.json", "items": [ { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/05/31/on-the-waterfront.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ On The Waterfront β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I watched πŸŽ₯πŸ”— On the Waterfront last night as πŸ–‡οΈ I said I would. Of course it was good. How could it not be? It is 72 years old, so to a passing observer it might not have stood the test of time od story telling - arguably a little naive at the end - but we all want a good ending … don’t we? I am no film scholar - nor even a buff - I leave all that to @bitdepth - but if you haven’t - or even if you have - give it (another) whirl - on Netflix right now - alongside a lot of other ‘Oscar Winners’. (I might rewatch The Sting tonight.)

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πŸ”„πŸ–‡οΈ Review Ratings

\n", "date_published": "2026-05-31T12:08:45+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/05/31/on-the-waterfront.html", "tags": ["? Films","? WWW","? HUB","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/05/30/not-sure-if-this-one.html", "content_html": "

🎬 Not sure if this one has been hiding or if it just arrived on Netflix. But - added to queue and on the cards for tonight.

\n\"\"\n", "date_published": "2026-05-30T13:02:21+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/05/30/not-sure-if-this-one.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/05/11/abba-the-movie.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ ABBA: The Movie, 1977 β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Abba was never my bag, so why I went to see this in the Odeon (I think) cinema in Streatham, South London - I have no idea. It was fine - until it exploded into the closing credits. All this time later - I still remember the image and the music - a movie all by itself. Only two stars - but try to find the closing credits - sound up - on a big screen - dark room. Still 🀯

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\n", "date_published": "2026-05-11T09:20:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/05/11/abba-the-movie.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/05/10/f.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ F1, 2025 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I have no idea why it took us until last night to finally get round to watching. But get round to watching we did. I now have even less understanding as to why the delay.

If you still haven’t seen it … rectify the situation ASAP.

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\n", "date_published": "2026-05-10T07:11:21+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/05/10/f.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/04/25/big-fish.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Big Fish, 2003 β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

When I first saw this film … film, not movie - film … I logged it as one of my top, personal favourites of all time.

My opinion hasn’t changed.

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\n", "date_published": "2026-04-25T06:09:45+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/04/25/big-fish.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/04/05/baby-driver.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Baby Driver, 2017 β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Good action movie. GREAT Soundtrack.

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πŸ”„πŸ–‡οΈ Review Ratings

\n", "date_published": "2026-04-05T14:59:43+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/04/05/baby-driver.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/03/28/nobody.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Nobody 2, 2025 β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Not as good as Nobody - but then Nobody caught me out - where as Nobody 2 was - well ... Nobody 2. Colin Hanks looks so much like his Dad. Sharon Stone looked nothing like Sharon Stone - and yet was. The whole film was way better than any of Chevy's vacation movies - and the set up for the final action scene was lifted straight out of The A Team - and just as much fun.

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\n", "date_published": "2026-03-28T21:24:03+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/03/28/nobody.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/03/23/peaky-blinders-the-immortal-man.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, 2026 β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

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This is a film - not a show and so lacked .. a lot. It also requires the watching of the magnificent series that preceded it to really get it. So yes … enjoyed, but if you haven’t seen the shows … don’t bother and if you have, you will be disappointed.

.. and very glad I missed it in the Theaters.

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The star rating might seem harsh - it seemed that way - even to me - but this is a good example of how a normalised rating system can help you - dear reader - get better clarity on the 'why'. To cut to the chase - I did enjoy it - any film that sits with 2 or more stars in here are worth watches - but at this level - a lot of caveats.
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\n", "date_published": "2026-03-23T07:20:19+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/03/23/peaky-blinders-the-immortal-man.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/02/28/texas-rangers.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Texas Rangers, 2001 β˜…", "content_html": "

Why did I bother? Not sure. I even got to the end. It wasn’t that I didn’t like it - just amazed that someone thought to make it at all.

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Reel\"A

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\n", "date_published": "2026-02-28T20:08:01+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/02/28/texas-rangers.html", "tags": ["? Films","? HUB","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/01/11/the-courier.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Courier, 2020 β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Yeah .. No.Β 

BC did a really good job - including the transformation - but so slow … 

And if you know me and historical dramas .. doubling down on the β€˜yeah .. no’

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\n", "date_published": "2026-01-11T20:45:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/01/11/the-courier.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/01/04/chief-of-station.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Chief of Station, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Just a rewatch and LettrBoxd dropped a new post to the feed. Opinion not changed. πŸ–‡οΈOriginal Post

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\n", "date_published": "2026-01-04T19:15:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/01/04/chief-of-station.html", "tags": ["? Films","? HUB"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/01/04/jay-kelly.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Jay Kelly, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

There's that expectations thing again. I started-with high hopes - but no - mainly driven-by the fact that I didn't care about any of them - oh and I still have a hard time taking Adam Sander seriously - and I guess I'm not a giant fan of George to begin with - so no idea where those high hopes came from.

That said - Jax gave it 41/2 stars 'm 'would have been more if it wasn’t such a poor ending'.

\n", "date_published": "2026-01-04T14:44:07+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/01/04/jay-kelly.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/01/03/jack-reacher-never-go-back.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, 2016 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Having just rewatched the first - would be churlish not to revisit the second. Same conclusion.

\n", "date_published": "2026-01-03T10:25:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/01/03/jack-reacher-never-go-back.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2026/01/03/jack-reacher.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Jack Reacher, 2012 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Was a rewatch - and not bad - just prefer the Reacher on Amazon Prime.

\n", "date_published": "2026-01-03T10:24:13+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2026/01/03/jack-reacher.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/30/kate-amp-leopold.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Kate \u0026 Leopold, 2001 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I watched this 20 or more years ago - and was reminded of it whilst watching The Knight Before Christmas.

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Yes - it is the same story - proving that the premise is not the problem.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-30T09:25:44+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/30/kate-amp-leopold.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/30/the-knight-before-christmas.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Knight Before Christmas, 2019 - Β½", "content_html": "

Not my choice. Not by choice. But watch I did. It is movies like this that will ensure that AI Slop will take over part of the entertainment industry. Dreadful.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-30T09:07:08+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/30/the-knight-before-christmas.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/30/the-lost-bus.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Lost Bus, 2025 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It has McConaughey in it - so how bad could it? Yeah. Probably his worst movie ever. Not helped by my opinion of 'fiction based on fact' dramas. But even then there are good ones. This is not one of them.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-30T09:01:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/30/the-lost-bus.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/28/if.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ IF, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Totally loved. Tears - Joy and Laughter. A keeper.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-28T22:35:37+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/28/if.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/22/the-thursday-murder-club.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Thursday Murder Club, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I watched this when it first came out - with great anticipation - being a fan of the books and all - and ... sadly disappointed. Nice enough. If there was a follow up - would watch that - but definitely fell flat.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-22T11:49:16+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/22/the-thursday-murder-club.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/18/wake-up-dead-man.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Wake Up Dead Man, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I am a minority .. I did not like the original Knives Out … at all. So heaven only knows why I watched the second - which I liked even less - so what possessed me to watch the third? No idea - but so glad that I did. Finally the franchise delivered.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-18T09:15:29+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/18/wake-up-dead-man.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/09/i-watched-the-woman-in.html", "content_html": "

πŸŽ₯ I watched: πŸ”— The Woman in Cabin 10 and was severely underwhelmed.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-09T15:49:03+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/09/i-watched-the-woman-in.html", "tags": ["? Films","? WWW"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/08/the-family-plan.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Family Plan 2, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I watched the first and wasn’t really expecting a second … and I am CERTAINLY not expecting a third. PLEASE.

If you have nothing better to do .. in our house it’s one of those that fits in the Venn diagram overlap of β€˜what movie shall we watch’ twixt the two of us.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-08T08:37:23+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/08/the-family-plan.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/12/08/the-woman-in-cabin.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Woman in Cabin 10, 2025 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Remarkably average .. I had Guy worked out during his second scene. Keira needed to think more.

\n", "date_published": "2025-12-08T08:29:16+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/12/08/the-woman-in-cabin.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/11/07/one-battle-after-another.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ One Battle After Another, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I didn’t know what to expect .. I knew of the movie, director and of course Sean, Leo and Benicio .. but hell fire … did not expect this. Absolutely marvellous. Remember when UK PM Starmer said that the Netflix show β€˜Adolesence’ should be played in all schools so that every school kid gets to see it?

Yeah - every American should watch this.

Oh - and definitely

Leo wearing Arthur Dent’s dressing gown throughout was a lovely homage. That IS what it was - right?

\n", "date_published": "2025-11-07T16:47:44+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/11/07/one-battle-after-another.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/10/14/red-notice.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Red Notice, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Just rewatched - had forgotten all about it - so good.

\n", "date_published": "2025-10-14T06:27:26+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/10/14/red-notice.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/10/09/black-bag.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Black Bag, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Marvellous … so good.

\n", "date_published": "2025-10-09T06:34:50+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/10/09/black-bag.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/06/15/the-gorge.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Gorge, 2025 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

What was I thinking? I knew it wasn’t my kind of movie. And still I watched and … yeah. No.

\n", "date_published": "2025-06-15T21:36:51+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/06/15/the-gorge.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/06/14/echo-valley.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Echo Valley, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It was ok. Something to watch. Didn’t like ending.

\n", "date_published": "2025-06-14T19:36:53+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/06/14/echo-valley.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/05/24/192548.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Fountain of Youth, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Guy Ritchie .. who’s going to say no. Good cast. Fun story .. in the class of National Treasure and all the rest.

\n", "date_published": "2025-05-24T19:25:48+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/05/24/192548.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/05/15/nonnas.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Nonnas, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It’s Vince Vaughan so of course I checked it out. Not his best, formulaic - think I’ve seen the story a few times before - but cute nonetheless.

\n", "date_published": "2025-05-15T21:05:38+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/05/15/nonnas.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/05/10/200722.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Wild Robot, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Home alone and had heard good things. Just lovely. Just wonderful. And yes, I cried.

\n", "date_published": "2025-05-10T20:07:22+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/05/10/200722.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/05/10/the-wild-robot.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Wild Robot, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Home alone and had heard good things. Just lovely. Just wonderful. And yes, I cried.

\n", "date_published": "2025-05-10T20:07:22+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/05/10/the-wild-robot.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/15/barbie.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Barbie, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Finally got around to it and … Marvelous .. and I’m not even a fan of β€˜musicals’. Β So good that it needs to be rereleased.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-16T06:58:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/15/barbie.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/09/the-laundromat.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Laundromat, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Just a great one, that I saw in the theaters when it came out and logging it now .. 5 years later. Has it stood the test of time? No idea, have a watch and you decide.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-09T13:36:14+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/09/the-laundromat.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/07/sicario.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Sicario, 2015 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Good cast, gritty and wrestles with that eternal question that the world still faces today … even more so … how do you fix the problem of really bad guys by being good guys that don’t break the law.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-08T16:13:40+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/07/sicario.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/07/the-sum-of-all-fears.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Sum of All Fears, 2002 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

You don't often actually see a nuclear bomb go off in these kinds of movies - aren't they meant to be stopped with 2 seconds to go? It's a Reacher story with plenty of time during in to try to count how many different actors have played Jack over the years ... sorry not a big fan of Ben in these roles (no reason - he just always seems to fall short). They - for all of that - still 3 stars - I guess Tom is that good - and Morgan in the cast helps.

Don't not watch it - but don't go hunting for it either.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-08T11:34:17+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/07/the-sum-of-all-fears.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/06/the-equalizer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Equalizer 3, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I know I’ve watched the first two at some point - but for the life of me - gonna have to revisit (maybe). Good story - and it’s Denzel … a solid action movie.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-07T16:14:46+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/06/the-equalizer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/05/deadpool-amp-wolverine.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Deadpool \u0026 Wolverine, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

The reduction of the bloated explosions continues in the Marvel Universe - and from my perspective - that is good.
Plus Ryan and Hugh.
Plus β€˜Wick like’ choreography and it’s not that they are breaking the 4th wall - it’s more β€˜what wall’?
Oh - and it’s Deadpool.
Big Fan.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-06T13:17:10+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/05/deadpool-amp-wolverine.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/03/01/anora.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Anora, 2024 - β˜…", "content_html": "

When I first heard about Anora I looked it up and put it in the category of β€˜no’ .. not even β€˜yeah .. no’ .. just definitely .. NO. Despite this, I found myself watching it last night as part of a group where we are attempting to watch all the β€˜Best Picture’ nominations before our Oscar party on Sunday. Left to my own devices .. I would have switched it off, or walked out, by around the 20th minute.Β 

The rest of the movie just had me repeatedly asking myself β€˜why’. The final 10 or so minutes found slight redemption .. but not sufficient to move the movie out of the worst movie I’ve seen this year (have to think more if that should read β€˜ever’) .. but even β€˜the year’ qualifier is significant given that I recently saw Babygirl (a 2 star rating from me.)

Side note .. one reason I didn’t want to see it was it struck me as a low rent remake of Pretty Woman .. and yes similarities in the set up .. but no.

It was just bad .. and Oscar nomination? PLEASE!

BUTΒ judging by the ratings of others … I am very alone.

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πŸ–‡οΈ Baby Girl Review .. in case you were wondering.

\n", "date_published": "2025-03-02T03:16:42+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/03/01/anora.html", "tags": ["? Films","? HUB"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/24/captain-america-brave-new-world.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Captain America: Brave New World, 2025 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It’s marinated since I saw it last week. I had heard that it was a β€˜back to basics’ take .. ie a movie sans gratuitous explosions - planets being destroyed and using portals to jump through to parallel universes. And indeed delivered - though for my taste - that shield is just a bit too clever - but heh - I know it is me.

When Marvel (and Star Wars) did their 6 to 8 episode TV shows - I liked them - and again - it was the story - without all that β€˜extra’ stuff up there. I like my movies that way.

This one was like that. Not as cut back as I would like - but still well pared down.

And to see Giancarlo Esposito in there - so good.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-25T16:23:10+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/24/captain-america-brave-new-world.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/24/the-usual-suspects.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Usual Suspects, 1995 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I just spotted that Giancarlo Esposito was in this - and I decided that I should add a review - because it was ... is ... so good.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-25T16:20:12+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/24/the-usual-suspects.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/21/to-catch-a-killer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ To Catch a Killer, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It started well … it went on fine .. until the last 15 minutes. Queued up for a sequel .. but I don’t think so.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-22T16:53:26+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/21/to-catch-a-killer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/babygirl.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Babygirl, 2024 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I went because some friends recommended it. What a pile of drivel.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:28:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/babygirl.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/a-complete-unknown.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ A Complete Unknown, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I appreciate Bob - not a fan - but I do go see these biopics as they come out, because music. Definitely one of the best of that particular genre. Of course Timothy did a great job - but so did Edward Norton - and then some. I only hope people didn't watch it as a documentary. I mean they will - and history will be rewritten accordingly. A shame really - but do try to watch it.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:27:08+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/a-complete-unknown.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/queer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Queer, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Outside of Layer Cake - one of the best Daniel Craig movies outside of his Bond work that I have seen. I hadn't registered that it was a William Burroughs story when I first saw it and so my initial - leaving the theatre thought was .. not clear. Mainly because it wasn't what I expected. Once I joined the dots. YUP - pieces fell into place. BUT - holy mackerel - Jason Schwartzman - another one of those side roles that might just slip you by. Excellent all round - and even the end all made sense - in the end.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:23:33+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/queer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/the-miracle-club.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Miracle Club, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

One of those lovely little movies that you come across and get into and when it all ends you are sad.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:18:03+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/the-miracle-club.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/wallace-amp-gromit-vengeance-most.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Wallace \u0026 Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

How could you ever NOT love Wallace and Grommit - so good.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:13:36+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/wallace-amp-gromit-vengeance-most.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/140359.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Ferry 2, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I watched the series and then I watched [πŸ–‡οΈ the first movie](https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/ferry.html) and then I watched this second movie .. and I dunno - I keep watching them - but they don't get better. But somehow I am drawn in. No explanation.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:03:59+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/140359.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm","? HUB"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/02/11/ferry.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Ferry, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Watched it a while back - so logging it here. Not bad - but maybe watch the series first to garner some context.

\n", "date_published": "2025-02-12T10:03:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/02/11/ferry.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2025/01/05/carryon.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Carry-On, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I like both actors - so despite the warnings of β€˜the new diehard’ I ploughed ahead. it was a fine movie - but both actors have substantially better performances and films/shows on their cv.

\n", "date_published": "2025-01-06T08:58:11+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2025/01/05/carryon.html", "tags": ["? Films","366"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/12/14/the-two-popes.html", "content_html": "

πŸŽ₯ The Two Popes, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½ πŸ–‡οΈ

\n

πŸŽ₯ Conclave, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… πŸ–‡οΈ

\n

I’ve clearly got something about Popes‼️

\n", "date_published": "2024-12-15T12:09:52+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/12/14/the-two-popes.html", "tags": ["? Films","? HUB"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/12/14/conclave.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Conclave, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

My first ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in a looong time.
Stunning
Marvelous
Bravo
Encore

\n", "date_published": "2024-12-15T11:52:41+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/12/14/conclave.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/12/08/juror.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Juror #2, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It’s up there as one of his better ones - and like a lot of his better ones .. quiet, tight, personal.

\n", "date_published": "2024-12-09T12:33:39+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/12/08/juror.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/12/08/that-christmas.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ That Christmas, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Lovely

\n", "date_published": "2024-12-09T04:51:26+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/12/08/that-christmas.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/12/07/wicked.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Wicked, 2024 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Against my better judgement .. decided to go see it. I’m sure it’s a fine movie - just not my cup of tea - but so many people I know kept telling me how great it was. Yeah no. At least for this bear.

Don’t hate me. Don’t tell me that missed something. I didn’t.

\n", "date_published": "2024-12-08T11:44:46+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/12/07/wicked.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/11/29/father-figures.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Father Figures, 2017 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

An older movie that I hadn’t heard of with an awesome cast… I was nervous .. but decided if it was going to be bad, we could always switch it off. We got to the end .. Owen plays Owen, Ed plays Steve Carrell and the rest did a good job … stellar .. no .. but waaaay better than I expected which prolly explains the 4 stars.

\n", "date_published": "2024-11-30T18:36:16+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/11/29/father-figures.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/24/the-transporter-refueled.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Transporter Refueled, 2015 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Not sure why?

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-24T20:10:20+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/24/the-transporter-refueled.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/14/gunpowder-milkshake.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Gunpowder Milkshake, 2021 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I dunno - I thought it might be fun - it was for a short while - another failure to communicate. Sorry - and no idea how it ended.

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-14T13:43:10+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/14/gunpowder-milkshake.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/14/the-marksman.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Marksman, 2021 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Liam doing what Liam does. I couldn’t be bothered to get to the end, so two stars is generous.

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-14T13:41:22+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/14/the-marksman.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/07/chief-of-station.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Chief of Station, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Not bad to begin with.. but kind of fell off into cliches .. and isn’t Aaron a bit old to be brawling and fighting in the field?

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-07T20:52:25+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/07/chief-of-station.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/05/the-union.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Union, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I dunno .. Marky, Halle AND J.K. .. great cast .. so you expect a bit more than average? Don’t you? That said the choreography of chasing the case down the side of a building was well done. But if that’s the peak .. you wonder why I gave it 3 stars. Don’t you?

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-05T20:25:45+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/05/the-union.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/05/193609.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Rebel Ridge, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Three and a half stars … rounding up to 4 .. just for the audacity to remake Rambo and not give Sky any credit. Seriously .. not bad at all.

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-05T18:36:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/05/193609.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/04/argylle.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Argylle, 2024 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Cute. A good watch on a lazy sunny afternoon.

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-04T19:23:58+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/04/argylle.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/01/the-instigators.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Instigators, 2024 β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Average score for an average movie. Casey? Never been overly bothered, but Matt is capable of so much more.

\n

\"branded

\n

πŸ”„πŸ–‡οΈ Review Ratings

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-01T19:00:17+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/01/the-instigators.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Updated"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/10/01/wolfs-contains-spoilers.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Wolfs, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Wolfs … not Wolves. Not sure why. Need to look it up. Other than that .. all good. They have a good relationship IRL … it comes through in the movie.

\n", "date_published": "2024-10-01T16:51:53+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/10/01/wolfs-contains-spoilers.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/09/01/sas-red-notice.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ SAS: Red Notice, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜… ", "content_html": "

It is what it is. Of a kind. Set up for a sequel that prolly won’t be made. Netflix calls it something different. Don’t know why.

\n", "date_published": "2024-09-01T13:01:04+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/09/01/sas-red-notice.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/08/05/a-most-wanted.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ A Most Wanted Man, 2014 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

The only reasons it’s not 5 stars is that I find it hard to give 5 stars because 5 stars means it can’t be improved. Now .. how could this be improved .. I have no idea, just wonderful. Quite wonderful. The original book coming from one of β€˜my Johns’ (LeCarre), provided a solid foundation. Cast GREAT. PSH .. magnificent. Cannot be,I eve it’s taken me 10 years to get to it.

\n", "date_published": "2024-08-05T08:04:51+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/08/05/a-most-wanted.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/07/27/hidden-strike.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Hidden Strike, 2023 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Nothing to do - it was Jackie - you know what to expect.

\n", "date_published": "2024-07-27T14:37:42+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/07/27/hidden-strike.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/07/27/find-me-falling.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Find Me Falling, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Cute - ish … without Harry, wouldn’t have bothered. Been a while since I’d seen him … anywhere. Hallmark anyone?

\n", "date_published": "2024-07-27T14:29:19+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/07/27/find-me-falling.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/07/26/guns.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ 2 Guns, 2013 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

An older one. Couple o’ great action stars .. one of them a great actor .. but somehow the movie wasn’t great. Not bad, but not great.

\n", "date_published": "2024-07-26T20:45:05+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/07/26/guns.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/07/01/the-sleepover.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Sleepover, 2020 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

If you have run out of movies from the β€˜Spy Kids’ franchise, well now you have one not from the franchise .. but that is pretty much the only reason to watch it .. with your kids/grandkids .. oh … and get ready for the question … 

> If mom was a baddy and all her old gang are not in prison .. how did she swing being in Witness Protection?

The answer?Β 

Don’t be persnickety .. it’s a movie.

\n", "date_published": "2024-07-01T07:04:12+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/07/01/the-sleepover.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/07/01/the-foreigner.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Foreigner, 2017 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

On the whole, when I eventually get to them (7 years in this case) I do enjoy Jackie Chan movies. This was no exception. If you aren’t into Jackie Chan movies, this won’t change your mind.

\n", "date_published": "2024-07-01T06:53:02+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/07/01/the-foreigner.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/29/trigger-warning.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Trigger Warning, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Better than expected.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-29T20:14:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/29/trigger-warning.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/28/the-bricklayer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Bricklayer, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Netflix doesn’t do the best movies .. but it they do seem to have a knack of pushing out better than average. Like this one.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-28T20:35:46+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/28/the-bricklayer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/22/the.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The 355, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Not too bad actually. I started with low expectations .. but not bad at all.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-22T19:53:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/22/the.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/17/lift.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Lift, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Not totally bad .. but confused .. and definitely below expectations. Vincent was great. The rest .. meh.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-17T10:37:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/17/lift.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/16/safe-house.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Safe House, 2012 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Somehow missed this in 2012 .. good cast, good director, good film .. and what a YOUNG Ryan’s Reynolds … it was only 12 years ago.

Worth a watch - though a relatively predictable story arc.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-16T09:55:39+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/16/safe-house.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/16/elvis.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Elvis, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I know he died β€˜young’ at ’42’ (now THERE’s a reference), somehow I forget really just how young he was, given his impact on culture. That said, for me, never a great fan. Appreciate who he was, what he did .. but maybe just too young to be a real fan and maybe my musical interests are different.

This all to explain why it might have taken me this long to get round to watching the Elvis biopic (another being ’Tom’ - on this occasion playing ’Tom’ - someone else I don’t go out go my way to watch - but when I do, generally pleasantly surprised).

As always, never entirely clear as to the accuracy of the back drop of the historical perspective (at least the detail), but bottom line - yes - if you haven’t already - watch it.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-16T09:53:53+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/16/elvis.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/11/001529.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Hit Man, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Not bad, not bad at all. Knew nothing about it going in, but all added up to a nice delivery beyond my expectations.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-11T00:15:29+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/11/001529.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/06/08/atlas.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Atlas, 2024 - β˜…", "content_html": "

Gawd .. slit my wrists now.

\n", "date_published": "2024-06-08T13:51:15+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/06/08/atlas.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/05/10/three-thousand-years.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Three Thousand Years of Longing, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Yes, or is it no … not sure. I wanted to love it. But I couldn’t. Except sometimes. You can see that I’m a bit undecided. That’s not going to change.

Oh - and Idris.

\n", "date_published": "2024-05-10T22:16:59+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/05/10/three-thousand-years.html", "tags": ["? Films","366"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/05/08/confess-fletch.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Confess, Fletch, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I liked Chevy's all those years ago and Mr Hamm did a good job and to the spirit. Put it in the queue - it might appeal one day.

\n", "date_published": "2024-05-08T12:41:47+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/05/08/confess-fletch.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/05/08/page-eight.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Page Eight, 2011 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I love Bill Nighy - so I couldn’t give it 3 1/2 (except I could). Not a bad movie by any means - although Bill does seem to have one character that appears in many disparate movies. It’s 13 years old - no idea how I missed it when it came out - except maybe because it is missable? Only for the ardent Nighy fan.

\n", "date_published": "2024-05-08T12:39:07+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/05/08/page-eight.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/04/21/bastille-day.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Bastille Day, 2016 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Solid Idris - which somehow I missed at the time.

\n", "date_published": "2024-04-21T15:26:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/04/21/bastille-day.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/04/21/how-to-lose.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 2003 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I watched it because of Matthew McConaughey - and he played his part.

/END

PS (Not a loser at all - but 3 1/2 from me for McConaughey is not a good score.

\n", "date_published": "2024-04-21T15:24:36+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/04/21/how-to-lose.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/04/21/love-actually.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Love Actually, 2003 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

It's fashionable to knock it, but I won't. Solid. A splendid cast and really what's not to love? .. other than it is a bit n 'Lala Land' - but heh - it’s a Christmas movie.

\n", "date_published": "2024-04-21T15:20:55+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/04/21/love-actually.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/04/07/the-gentlemen.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Gentlemen, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Watching the spin off show recently reminded me that I hadn't reviewed this - which I watched only this past Christmas. I like most of Ritchie's movies - this was no exception. I like most McConaughey work - this was no exception. And - DEFINITELY better than the spin off series.

\n", "date_published": "2024-04-07T12:08:17+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/04/07/the-gentlemen.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/04/07/the-beautiful-game.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Beautiful Game, 2024 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

One of those 'little' movies that just hits the spot and then there is 'Bill' - so really, what is not to love.

Turns out there is a soccer competition for Homeless people around the world - and this release sees to be synched with the first annual competiton since before COVID. (If I read right.)

\n", "date_published": "2024-04-07T12:04:19+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/04/07/the-beautiful-game.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/01/22/shotgun-wedding.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Shotgun Wedding, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Yeah. No … unless you have nothing better to do.

\n", "date_published": "2024-01-22T20:20:08+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/01/22/shotgun-wedding.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/01/22/the-covenant.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Covenant, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Massive fan of Guy Ritchie. This is not your usual Guy Ritchie. Do not miss it. Wonderful.

\n", "date_published": "2024-01-22T20:18:22+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/01/22/the-covenant.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/01/22/fast-x.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Fast X, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I’m not a massive fan of the FandF franchise, I am definitely not a β€˜hater’. This one though .. X … OH MY .. and totally made my Jason Momoa. Played the β€˜baddie’ brilliantly, highly recommend just toΒ Β see him do his thing. This ain’t Aquaman.

\n", "date_published": "2024-01-22T20:15:35+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/01/22/fast-x.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2024/01/22/renfield.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Renfield, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Love and Hate Mr Cage … and his movies. This one is definetlu love. Over the top as only he can do, without it being bad. I’m not a Dracula dude. This was great.

\n", "date_published": "2024-01-22T20:06:44+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2024/01/22/renfield.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/23/jingle-bells-no.html", "content_html": "

πŸŽ₯ Jingle Bells

\n

No preview. Just Turn Up The Volume, Click On The Box and Enjoy.

\n\n\n\n\n\n", "date_published": "2023-12-23T11:56:25+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/23/jingle-bells-no.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/17/the-family-plan.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Family Plan, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Generally like a nice Wahlberg movie .. no exception .. in fact one of his better ones. It’s a formula .. sure .. aren’t they all? But overall .. YES.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-17T10:04:17+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/17/the-family-plan.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/10/heart-of-stone.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Heart of Stone, 2023 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

It was alright. I try out Gal Godot outings from me to time because I clearly am missing something. Whatever it is I continue to miss it!

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-10T08:31:52+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/10/heart-of-stone.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/09/the-peanut-butter.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Peanut Butter Falcon, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Lovely. One for the ’keeper’ department.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-09T13:10:57+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/09/the-peanut-butter.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/09/the-killer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Killer, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Watched on Saturday December 9, 2023.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-09T13:07:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/09/the-killer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/09/wingwomen.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Wingwomen, 2023 - β˜…", "content_html": "

No. Just no. I watched it all the way through .. Just for you. NO!

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-09T13:05:52+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/09/wingwomen.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/04/asteroid-city.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Asteroid City, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Yes it’s Wes Anderson, so you kinda know what you are going to get … except you don’t. To me seemed a lot more intricate than his precious outings.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-04T14:22:27+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/04/asteroid-city.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/04/oppenheimer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Oppenheimer, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Not sure I can add anything more to reviews than you already know, other than I didn’t see it in IMAX, I wish I had.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-04T14:19:28+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/04/oppenheimer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/02/napoleon.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Napoleon, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Not as long as I thought
I had low expectations after reading reviews - so much better than I thought
Joaquin was as good as ever
I barely recognised Rupert Everett

In all honesty, I went to see it in the theatre because there is a new cinema in the area - one of those fancy 30 seats per screen afffairs - and I wanted to try out that experience. I didn’t really care about the 'is it true to history ' commentaries because I didn’t care and had no idea ... being one of those people that when I see a fictional movie about real life - I assume that it is fiction - and if something really piques my interest I go investigate.

One such example : williamgallagher.com/selfdistract/2023/12/01/histerical-accuracy-with-ridley-scott/

Meanwhile I am definitely no expert on Napleon. What I do remember about him from my ENGLISH school days isΒ 

1 'Waterloo' - because 'english'
2) 'able was i ere i saw ellba' - because playground word games
3) 'Josephine' - because that is what I remember people talking about- there were even TV sketches as I recall

Good spectical, nothing in it that made be think to myself - OOH - need to go learn more about that.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-02T13:31:19+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/02/napoleon.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/living.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Living, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Lovely .. and one of those β€˜little’ films … and Bill Nye … c’mon .. why are you still here?

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T15:45:14+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/living.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/blackberry.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ BlackBerry, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I know most of the story, but like to crossΒ check that knowledge with what the film delivers, new stuff, look into … blah blah blah ..ok I generally like these kinds of movies … royal epics aside .. it didn’t disappoint. It is what it is.Β 

The Tetris story I knew a lot less about … enjoyed it more … because I didn’t know the story(?) or just a better story and movie(?) … I suspect the latter.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T15:42:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/blackberry.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/space-oddity.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Space Oddity, 2022 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Average … seen it before .. predictable

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T15:38:12+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/space-oddity.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/the-water-diviner.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Water Diviner, 2014 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Another β€˜little” movie .. and to prove I don’t automatically like them … this was alright, but .. yeah .. no. It was a while back when I watched it.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T10:54:20+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/the-water-diviner.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/what-a-life.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ What a Life!, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

… and I didn’t even hear the dialogue! Watched it on a plane, the audio system was so crapped out and dodgy … thankyou Quantas … Β that I mainly watched stuff on the iPad. Accidentally discovered this scrolling through … subtitles .. so I just watched and read the subtitles. Glorious. Another one of those β€˜little’ films. Need to find it again and listen this time.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T10:52:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/what-a-life.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/the-killer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Killer, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

He - β€˜somebody’ loves The Smiths. I don’t … but it didn’t stop me enjoying the film, because Fassbender is that good.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T10:48:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/the-killer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/12/01/the-unlikely-pilgrimage.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Lovely. The story broke in a couple of places ... but I didn't care. Lovely. One of those β€˜little movies’ that I LOVE.

\n", "date_published": "2023-12-01T10:46:01+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/12/01/the-unlikely-pilgrimage.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/11/26/the-wonderful-story.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Just wonderful.
Great story.
Perfect Wes Anderson.

\n", "date_published": "2023-11-26T20:42:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/11/26/the-wonderful-story.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/08/02/mission-impossible-dead.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Not a big fan of Tom - but for whatever reason I do eventually watch all the Mission Impossibles - but this is the first I had seen in a theater for years ... The story is what you might expect - but not always expected. Glad I managed it on the Big Screen before it disappears into 'Streaming Land'.

\n", "date_published": "2023-08-03T03:55:03+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/08/02/mission-impossible-dead.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/07/30/the-school-for.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The School for Good and Evil, 2022 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

It is clear that the key to enjoying a movie is to start with the lowest possible expectations, I didn’t even want to watch this … but then I did. Not a great rating from yours truly .. but 2 1/2 stars is 2 1/2 stars more than it was going to get. Special shout out to Sophia Anne Caruso who I thought was excellent.

\n", "date_published": "2023-07-31T04:38:55+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/07/30/the-school-for.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/07/29/blacklight.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Blacklight, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Liam gonna do what Liam does.

\n", "date_published": "2023-07-30T07:53:04+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/07/29/blacklight.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/07/28/oppenheimer.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Oppenheimer, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Stunning. 🀯 … if you’ll pardon the pun. Wanted to see it - and couldn’t fit the IMAX experience in to the schedule, so will go again next week. Not for me to review this movie - far more qualified and interesting people than me to read on that front - BUT - it is as good as you have been told.

Two thoughts beyond what yours truly has so far read.

1] I knew Robert Downey Junior was in the movie and just did not recognize him. He must surely be up for a best supporting actor nomination.

2] I did not know Tom Conti was in the film - and there he was - playing Einstein. For me, not a logical choice, but having scene him - GREAT choice.

\n", "date_published": "2023-07-29T08:55:46+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/07/28/oppenheimer.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/07/20/unknown-cave-of.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Cave of Bones, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I think it could have been done in 30 minutes rather than β€˜90’ … interesting, but if the findings are as revolutionary as they intimate, not sure why it isn’tΒ more widely talked about? Or am I … once again … hanging out under a rock?

\n", "date_published": "2023-07-21T03:40:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/07/20/unknown-cave-of.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/07/11/asteroid-city.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Asteroid City, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It's hard not to like a Wes Anderson - no exception, but to me, different to his usual films. No point in rehashing what you can read about elsewhere - but let me add one nugget - because I sat right through to the end - through the title and everything ... that last song mesmerizing. But why?

Well of course - the titles revealed or ... one of two songs that were a collaboration of two old friends and at times band mates - Jarvis Cocker and Richard Hawley.

The song?

β€œYou Can’t Wake Up If You Don’t Fall Asleep.”

\n", "date_published": "2023-07-12T04:28:49+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/07/11/asteroid-city.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/07/01/antman-and-the.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Nothing wrong with a good Marvel … and this was a good Marvel … not a great one mind, good.

The continuing Marvel arc of the β€˜multiverse of multiverses’ ( I wonder if they got their inspiration from the first episode of the latest Black Mirror?) sets the reset expectation and of course no sets needed … a few shots in San Francisco and the rest CGI? (Caveat .. I am no expert).

I know behind the scenes, there is a focus at Marvel of β€˜getting back to story .. very apparent from the various series they launched that connects some dots and introduced back stories … but the movies still tend to be β€˜Big’. I believe that this is changing soon. Can’t wait.

\n", "date_published": "2023-07-02T02:57:37+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/07/01/antman-and-the.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/25/the-gunman.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Gunman, 2015 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Watched it a while back - and reminded of it last night as I surfed Netflix for a good watching experience. In the end I elected not to rewatch - but it really is so very good. Sean doing his thing, along with Javier, Idris and even Ray = what a cast!

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-26T04:26:18+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/25/the-gunman.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/25/kill-boksoon.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Kill Boksoon, 2023 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It was alright. I am just not a fan of badly dubbed movies.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-26T04:08:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/25/kill-boksoon.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/23/made-in-italy.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Made in Italy, 2020 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Seeing iTunes promoting it as β€˜available to rent’ … reminds me that I saw it at the time and the best thing about it is that Liam is NOT using his β€˜particular set of skills’ … other than that … nice enough.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-24T13:20:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/23/made-in-italy.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/20/092406.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Extraction, 2020 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

πŸ–‡οΈ See Extraction 2!

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-21T04:24:06+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/20/092406.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs","? HUB"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/20/extraction.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Extraction 2, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

If you enjoyed the first - you'll enjoy this one. It is what you might expect. Just wondering if Hemsworth is trying to compete with Keanu on most 'kills per minute' in a movie.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-21T04:23:04+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/20/extraction.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/18/ticket-to-paradise.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Ticket to Paradise, 2022 - β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Talk about β€˜phoning it in .. not my choice to watch and would not recommend, particularly if you know the Mamma Mia stories … both of which I have not seen, but I think the two sentence summary of the first would be identical to this one.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-19T02:50:46+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/18/ticket-to-paradise.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/01/dirty-grandpa.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Dirty Grandpa, 2016 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

It's got Robert DeNiro in the main role ... slam dunk - right? Sadly - no.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-02T12:26:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/01/dirty-grandpa.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/01/cloverfield.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Cloverfield, 2008 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Three stars is generous, because I didn't get through it. Just spotted it on AppleTV as a promo - so thought I would try it out, since I never saw it the first time round. (I know I know). Maybe it just hit me wrong?

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-02T06:32:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/01/cloverfield.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/01/big-night.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Big Night, 1996 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I watched it in the theater when it came out. Love Tucci and this did not disappoint. (Just thought it was time to post a positive review - because I have been sharing some clangers recently.)

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-02T06:28:10+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/01/big-night.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/06/01/asterix-amp-obelix.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Asterix \u0026 Obelix: The Middle Kingdom, 2023 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I used to love the Asterix comic books. But have never really enjoyed the films. So not sure why I thought this time it would be different.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-02T06:26:18+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/06/01/asterix-amp-obelix.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/31/dragged-across-concrete.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Dragged Across Concrete, 2018 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Yeah … no .. despite it including two of my favorite actors.

\n", "date_published": "2023-06-01T16:31:12+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/31/dragged-across-concrete.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/30/mothers-day.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Mother’s Day, 2023 - β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Not to be confused with other films called Mother’s Day … I’ve not seen all of them, but none can be as bad as this one.

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-31T15:39:44+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/30/mothers-day.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/22/the-mother.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Mother, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

It’s JLo, so it wasn’t Β going to be bad … and it wasn’t … though predictable … like the bad guy who never dies. Interesting that director and writers all women.

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-23T05:05:15+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/22/the-mother.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/13/tetris.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Tetris, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Maybe it should be 4 stars? Great little bit of history ... But I don’t know the real story well enough to know how much poetic license was employed. I liked the graphic reminders (and associated pixel resolutions) spread throughout the film, that were so mind blowing to everyone at the time. I also had no idea that Maxwell was so involved in the story.

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-14T02:10:04+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/13/tetris.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/09/guillermo-del-toros.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Does the fact the we started watching it - had to stop half way through and still haven't yet felt inspired to go back and finish it tell you anything?

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-10T12:28:31+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/09/guillermo-del-toros.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/08/a-man-called.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ A Man Called Otto, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I’m not a big Hanks fan .. often skipping over his movies … β€˜because’. So glad I didn’t jump this one. Just lovely. And yes I shed a tear or three.Β 

Maybe there is something about having low expectations before watching a movie?

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-09T04:26:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/08/a-man-called.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/07/uncharted.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Uncharted, 2022 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

The usual fodder … even β€˜names’ can’t change some movies.

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-08T03:33:07+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/07/uncharted.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/05/05/ghosted.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Ghosted, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Cute. Predictable and scenes lifted directly from John Wick, Β The Fast and Furious franchise, Tarantino’s catalogue .. and more … all of them failing to better the originals. Then again, I didn’t pay anything to see it (except my time).

I think Ryan Reynolds has decided to make a new business out of quick cameos.

Also delighted to see 10 seconds of John Cho (Cowboy Bebop)

\n", "date_published": "2023-05-06T06:37:40+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/05/05/ghosted.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/04/26/the-falcon-and.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Falcon and the Snowman, 1985 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Long time since I watched this - but I have watched it more than once - which is rare for me ... Came to mind this morning as I was reading the news and my mind revisiting the theme song and then thinking about Schlesinger - and then Timothy Hutton and of course the amazing Sean Penn. Well worth a **focused** watch.

\n", "date_published": "2023-04-27T05:36:21+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/04/26/the-falcon-and.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/04/09/162152.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Murder Mystery 2, 2023 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

If you read my review of Murder Mystery ... You might be surprised to learn that I also watched this. BUT as I said in the review ... the film’s saving grace (at best) was the Maharajah ... and spotting him featured heavily in the promo, I though maybe they would give him more screen time ....

Spoiler alert ... and I can't say this with absolute certainty ... But I'm going to say he had LESS screen time.

And yes ... the star count is accurate ... Worse than the first!

Oh .. And murder mystery? This was a kidnapping mystery, sure a fe murders along the way ... But the title isn't Murders Mystery.

Disappointed? Not really ... Sandler generally is what he is and does what he does.

\n", "date_published": "2023-04-10T11:21:52+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/04/09/162152.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/04/09/murder-mystery.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Murder Mystery, 2019 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

With Netflix holding back on the 6th series of Better Call Saul ... What's a boy to do? Murder Mystery 2 was floating around and I had never seen the first ... so decision made.

It would be unfair to say it was a total disaster, though I am definitely NOT a Sandler fan .. I do kinda like Aniston .. So who knows I thought ... Maybe she could lift him up?

She couldn’t. (Though he did a pretty good job of bringing her down!) .. Stamp was another I had high hopes for ... but not to be the case, which becomes clear should you elect to give this a whirl.

But there was a saving grace in the ’Maharajah’ .. Played by one Adeel Akhtar .. What a spectacular part ... What a spectacular performance .. Just not enough of him.

Salvation, though the rating didn’t move.

\n", "date_published": "2023-04-10T11:13:25+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/04/09/murder-mystery.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/03/16/luther-the-fallen.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Luther: The Fallen Sun, 2023 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

The story continues and gets weirder, but it’s Idris .. right?

And it all ends with an interesting set up for the next story.

\n", "date_published": "2023-03-17T17:10:31+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/03/16/luther-the-fallen.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/03/08/bohemian-rhapsody.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Bohemian Rhapsody, 2018 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I’m not big into biopics … but for this I will make an exception and all because of Rami Malik. Quite brilliant in this role.

\n", "date_published": "2023-03-09T03:44:21+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/03/08/bohemian-rhapsody.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/03/08/paddington.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Paddington 2, 2017 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Loved the first one. Loved this one. Love the books. In my mind, Paddington can’t go wrong.

\n", "date_published": "2023-03-09T03:42:13+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/03/08/paddington.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/03/08/office-space.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Office Space, 1999 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Maybe it should-be 5 stars ... but that would mean it couldn’t be improved ... and everything can be improved .. can’t it? How? No idea.

\n", "date_published": "2023-03-09T03:40:42+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/03/08/office-space.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/03/03/the-guernsey-literary.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Guernsey Literary \u0026amp; Potato Peel Pie Society, 2018 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Watched on Friday March 3, 2023.

\n", "date_published": "2023-03-04T05:57:10+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/03/03/the-guernsey-literary.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/03/03/reservoir-dogs.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Reservoir Dogs, 1992 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

One of his best. Maybe even his best?

\n", "date_published": "2023-03-04T05:55:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/03/03/reservoir-dogs.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/27/the-pale-blue.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Pale Blue Eye, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

3 stars from me, 4 stars from Jax. I likeChristian Bale’s work, I thought the β€˜Poe’ character was excellent … but in the end, I didn’t really care, even with β€˜twist’ at the end.

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-28T04:10:58+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/27/the-pale-blue.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/25/rrr.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ RRR, 2022 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I wanted to like it … nay .. love it. I really did. But it was not to be. Definitely extraordinary scenes of β€˜spectacularity’ within, but they weren’t enough to create a 3 hour movie and even at under 2 hours would have still been a push. Sorry.

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-26T05:20:16+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/25/rrr.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/25/black-panther-wakanda.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

A solid Marvel movie. Perhaps overlong?

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-26T05:15:10+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/25/black-panther-wakanda.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/22/myfilms-and-myfilmreferences.html", "content_html": "

‘πŸŽ₯ MyFilmReviews’ and ‘🎬 MyFilmReferences’ are now clearly delineated and once the MicroBlog category filter catches up and gets back into synch it will be a lot easier to find relevant posts.

\n

PS - I am fully aware that only I care about (or even use) the categories.

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-23T11:19:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/22/myfilms-and-myfilmreferences.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/19/this-is-the.html", "title": "🎡 This Is The End", "content_html": "

I wrote an email this morning, responding to something that had been sent to me, announcing - and I paraphrase - that despite the longevity of the work that he had been personally driving for decades, he has decided that this was indeed - β€˜the end’.

\n

I guess it is one of those days, where every where you look, every page you turn emotion takes over and (at least for me), music takes hold.

\n

Because I - and indeed he - are β€˜of a certain age’, β€˜The End’ came to mind. (If you aren’t of a certain age - I commend you to watch just one (if not all three) of the YouTubes below.) If you are of a certain age - you don’t need me to tell you.

\n
\n

This is the end
\nBeautiful friend
\nThis is the end
\nMy only friend, the end

\n

Of our elaborate plans, the end
\nOf everything that stands, the end
\nNo safety or surprise, the end
\nI’ll never look into your eyes again

\n

The Full Lyrics

\n
\n
\n

β€œEvery time I hear that song, it means something else to me. It started out as a simple good-bye song… Probably just to a girl, but I see how it could be a goodbye to a kind of childhood."

\n
\n

πŸ’¬ Jim Morrison

\n

If you want a really good cry, the images most certainly do nothing to distract from the pain of the song …

\n

πŸŽ₯ Apocalypse Now

\n

If you want to listen to the original recording of nearly 11 minutes that took just 30 minutes of studio time (think about that) …

\n

🎡 The original recording

\n

If you are of the live music persuasion… in the US you had Woodstock. In the UK we had The Isle of Wight …

\n

πŸ”— Live at The Isle of Wight in 1970

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-20T12:32:16+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/19/this-is-the.html", "tags": ["? Music","? Films","? WWW","? Quotes","? Videos","? Film Refs","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/18/if.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ if...., 1968 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I had it at 4 Stars in my head when I first watched the film. I checked it out again recently. It’s dated … and not as great as I remembered. Because I’m older? Or just more considered.

I still like the idea of never quite putting your finger on when it suddenly went the character’s tipping point occured.

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-19T10:45:23+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/18/if.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/08/a-space-odyssey.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ 2001: A Space Odyssey, 1968 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Watched on Wednesday February 8, 2023.

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-09T04:47:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/08/a-space-odyssey.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/02/03/zero-effect.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Zero Effect, 1998 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Just a great, wacky, fun movie.

\n", "date_published": "2023-02-04T17:01:15+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/02/03/zero-effect.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/14/the-royal-tenenbaums.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Royal Tenenbaums, 2001 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

I love Wes Anderson … so of course … but even if you don’t, you need to try this one out.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-14T11:40:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/14/the-royal-tenenbaums.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/13/in-bruges.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ In Bruges, 2008 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

I watched this for the second time … inspired by how greatΒ β€˜The Banshees’ was. Just as good as I remembered it. Excellent … and on Netflix at the moment.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-13T21:47:57+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/13/in-bruges.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/mile.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ 8 Mile, 2002 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It was all right.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T20:32:59+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/mile.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/191348.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Everything Everywhere All at Once, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

One of those very different, really excellent movies. Don’t miss it.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T18:13:48+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/191348.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/eternal-sunshine-of.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, 2004 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It’s a long way from Ace Ventura! Great movies.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T17:25:27+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/eternal-sunshine-of.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/apologies-for-the.html", "content_html": "

Apologies for the mini timeline flooding with movies. Sorting out and categorizing - if I am not done - I am nearly done.

\n

[My Film Category](https://john.philpin.com/categories/films/) now has two different emojis in the title

\n

🎬 is just a comment on ...

\n

πŸŽ₯ is a movie β€˜review’ that ties back to Lettrboxd - where I followed a few MicroBloggers just last night.Β 

\n

Probably not all of you - but if you are here and want a follow - reply to this thread.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T11:36:16+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/apologies-for-the.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/the-parking-lot.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Parking Lot Movie, 2010 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

Accidentally found this movie on TV … q super way to spend an hour and ten minutes … a documentary revealing humor and humanity.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T10:52:14+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/the-parking-lot.html", "tags": ["? Films","366"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/the-hundredfoot-journey.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Hundred-Foot Journey, 2014 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Another one of those β€˜little’ movies. Highly recommend.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T10:49:52+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/the-hundredfoot-journey.html", "tags": ["? Films","366"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/the-french-dispatch.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The French Dispatch, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Wes Anderson Hasn’t Changed With β€˜The French Dispatch.’ And That’s Perfectly Fine.It was on my β€˜to watch’ list even before I read this;

\n

> β€œBut the most endearing thing about Wes Anderson is that he’s a hopelessly romantic filmmaker, and these worlds he creates clearly mean a lot to him. His latest film, The French Dispatch, is a love letter certainlyβ€”to journalism, to writers, to art in general and filmmaking specificallyβ€”and rather than change or adapt in the way some want to see, he gloriously doubles down on his style, making for his most maximalist, hyper-imaginative film yet.”

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T09:46:23+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/the-french-dispatch.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/the-hitmans-bodyguard.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Hitman's Bodyguard, 2017 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

If you are thinking about watching the sequel - watch this one instead.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T09:42:39+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/the-hitmans-bodyguard.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/09/mrs-lowry-amp.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Mrs Lowry \u0026 Son, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

Slow and gentle and worth curling up with if you in the right frame of mind.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-09T09:39:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/09/mrs-lowry-amp.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/08/the-boy-the.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Lovely - just lovely - with occasional cringeworthy self help one liners.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-08T19:07:56+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/08/the-boy-the.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/08/the-banshees-of.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Banshees of Inisherin, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜… ", "content_html": "

\n

If you saw Colin and Brendan in their last outing .. which btw was very good … then this might catch you by surprise. Personally I love β€˜little movies β€œ like this - the Brits and the Irish do so very well … this is no exception. Great dialogue. Beautiful scenery. Stonking cast and acting. If you … like me … saw a couple of trailers, you will likely be inspired to watch. I was. I wasn’t disappointed .. but make no mistake this is not a light movie. It is dark. It is humorous. It is great.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-08T19:02:26+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/08/the-banshees-of.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/08/the-da-vinci.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Da Vinci Code, 2006 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Yes it is a yarn and the book is badly written (though I still turned the pages VERY quickly), this is the movie - and was a good one.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-08T17:45:03+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/08/the-da-vinci.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/08/spectre.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Spectre, 2015 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It’s Bond. It’s Daniel Craig. The story continues.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-08T12:08:59+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/08/spectre.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/06/amsterdam.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Amsterdam, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Been on my list since it came out and was not what I expected. Took 15 to 20 minutes to recalibrate. But I did. Really good. If I closed my eyes, the audio and dialogue reminded me of a Wes Anderson project (close your eyes .. the visuals are nothing like Wes. Bale was great .. at time channeling Peter Falk’s β€˜Columbo’ … or is that just me?

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-06T08:37:24+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/06/amsterdam.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/05/the-power-of.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Power of the Dog, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It just popped up as a β€˜why not watch’ kind of alert … I had. Very good.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-05T10:57:49+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/05/the-power-of.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2023/01/03/dont-look-up.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Don't Look Up, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

I resisted watching this for a while … Β asked on the trailers … It was all right … but the cheesy trailers are a clue.

\n", "date_published": "2023-01-03T09:46:25+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2023/01/03/dont-look-up.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/27/glass-onion-a.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It was better than the first in the series! Maybe I’m just not the target audience.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-27T09:44:11+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/27/glass-onion-a.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/23/how-to-train.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ How to Train Your Dragon, 2010 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Totally unexpected delight.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-23T21:17:14+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/23/how-to-train.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/21/pulp-fiction.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Pulp Fiction, 1994 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Wednesday December 21, 2022.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-21T20:07:33+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/21/pulp-fiction.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/21/minority-report.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Minority Report, 2002 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

4 stars .. and I’m not even a big fan of the man!

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-21T20:06:31+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/21/minority-report.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/21/the-holiday.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Holiday, 2006 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It’s a perennial that is regularly revisited.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-21T20:05:17+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/21/the-holiday.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/15/the-grand-budapest.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Grand Budapest Hotel, 2014 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Wes Anderson has such a distinctive style it’s amazing how they are so different. Love them all.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-15T22:07:06+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/15/the-grand-budapest.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/12/spirited.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Spirited, 2022 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

To be fair, the β€˜other viewer’ gave it 3 stars - but whichever way you look at it - dud.

\n

Count me in the camps of

\n

- β€˜definitely not a Will Ferrell fan’
- β€˜definitely a massive Ryan Reynolds fan’

\n

I didn’t know the director, so looked up his prior work. Now I understand.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-12T09:27:30+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/12/spirited.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/11/the-takeover.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Takeover, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It was alright, but 3 stars is not a recommendation.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-11T16:17:02+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/11/the-takeover.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/05/my-name-is.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ My Name Is Vendetta, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Probably a script that Liam rejected? It was ok - but we know how these movies pan out don't we? The clue is definitely in the title.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-05T13:37:02+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/05/my-name-is.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/05/bullet-train.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Bullet Train, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

**GREAT** movie. French Farce on a fast moving train, channeling Quentin Tarantino (with more humor and not quite as much violence) and Guy Ritchie ... directed by David Leitch - who according to IMDB is a producer, director, actor, stunt performer AND coordinator ... with John Wick, Hobbs and Shaw and Deadpool2 (which MIGHT explain a 2 second cameo by Ryan Reynolds) in his 'canon'.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-05T13:35:18+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/05/bullet-train.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/12/05/love-in-the.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Love in the Villa, 2022 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Not my choice to watch - but watch I did. Yeah ... no.

\n", "date_published": "2022-12-05T13:26:51+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/12/05/love-in-the.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/26/crisis.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Crisis, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Alright. Not great.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-26T22:32:18+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/26/crisis.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/26/lesson-plan.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Lesson Plan, 2022 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

I know that there are only 7 stories in the world. My question is why is this the one that keeps getting told - and then badly. In fairness, I got to the end, so it wasn't a total dud, but if you want to watch this story sometime, choose a different movie.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-26T20:29:27+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/26/lesson-plan.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/25/nobody.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Nobody, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Sly, Liam, Bruce, Gerard, Dwayne et al … meet Bob. Loved it.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-25T22:01:26+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/25/nobody.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/25/slumdog-millionaire.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Slumdog Millionaire, 2008 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Probably one of those times where the film could never live up to the expectations … and yes it’s taken me 15 years to watch it! It was ok .. but for me the best part was the dance on the station platform at the end!

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-25T20:54:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/25/slumdog-millionaire.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/24/slumberland.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Slumberland, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Totally unexpected delightful movie.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-24T21:47:41+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/24/slumberland.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/18/medieval.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Medieval, 2022 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Yeah ... No.

Appalling sound quality just the start.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-18T21:08:55+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/18/medieval.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/18/the-two-popes.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Two Popes, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

So so so very good.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-18T20:34:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/18/the-two-popes.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/14/the-silencing.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Silencing, 2020 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

It is what it is - it was what it was - a 'free' movie on Netflix

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-14T13:00:42+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/14/the-silencing.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/14/big-fish.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Big Fish, 2003 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

Quite simply one of my favorite movies of all time.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-14T12:58:04+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/14/big-fish.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/14/the-batman.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Batman, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

I'm a sucker for Batman. Not the best and so DARK ... not the storyline, the cinematography. At times just watching a black screen. Probably more a commentary on the TV than the movie, but still...Β 

I guess if they are trying to get us back to the movie houses... It makes sense?

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-14T07:24:57+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/14/the-batman.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/13/211351.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Enola Holmes 2, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Having watched β€˜round 1’ … I knew what to expect and I wasn’t disappointed.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-13T20:13:51+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/13/211351.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/13/enola-holmes.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Enola Holmes, 2020 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

Fun. What you’d expect.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-13T20:12:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/13/enola-holmes.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/11/07/war.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ War, 2007 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It is what you might expect from a movie with Jason and Jet - and nothing wrong with that.

\n", "date_published": "2022-11-07T13:15:15+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/11/07/war.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/26/blind-ambition-just.html", "content_html": "

Just added πŸŽ₯ Blind Ambition to my watch list.

\n

I recently watched πŸŽ₯ Uncorked .. which has nothing to do with Blind Ambition - but have you noticed how studios often release related / competitive movies at the same time?

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-26T11:44:47+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/26/blind-ambition-just.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/25/everything-everywhere-all.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Everything Everywhere All at Once, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

One of those multiverse movies that isn’t your usual. Well worth a watch. No disappointment.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-26T00:33:52+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/25/everything-everywhere-all.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/25/the-gray-man.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Gray Man, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Let’s watch The Gray Man I suggested. We did, both of us looking at the arch other throughout .. the story seemed familiar. And then it didn’t. And then it did. We watched to the end. It was familiar because we’d watched it already. Just didn’t remember. And now … the following morning. Here we are again. Still not knowing what it was about.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-26T00:32:02+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/25/the-gray-man.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/24/eternals.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Eternals, 2021 - β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Well named.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-25T03:35:20+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/24/eternals.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/15/mr-harrigans-phone.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Mr. Harrigan's Phone, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Maybe because I have recently been watching some below average / average movies recently - that this one stands out. On another day. I might rate it at 3 1/2 stars - but leaving at 4 for now.

\n

Here’s the question … coincidence … or action from the grave?

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-15T23:56:32+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/15/mr-harrigans-phone.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/15/skandal-bringing-down.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Skandal! Bringing Down Wirecard, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It’s a documentary - so move on if you don’t like them. Personally - big as the issue was - I totally missed the story when it was in the news. BUT very good. I would like to have seen more delving into the Libyan connections - rather than a β€˜simple’ fraud - maybe there will be a part two?

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-15T23:53:00+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/15/skandal-bringing-down.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/15/cleanskin.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Cleanskin, 2012 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

Mindless. Watched as part of a binge-watch when I was feeling sorry for myself. Not too hard to keep up. Definitely don’t bother if you are sitting down to β€˜watch a movie’.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-15T23:49:42+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/15/cleanskin.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/15/thor-love-and.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Thor: Love and Thunder, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

I have watched all the Thor’s and this one is VERY different - probably because Taika Waititi isn’t just the director (Thor - Ragnarok) but also the writer. Not sure what the β€˜Marvel Heads’ will say / are saying … but for me it worked.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-15T23:47:05+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/15/thor-love-and.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/14/blackout.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Blackout, 2022 - β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

Just like the character in the movie … I really can’t remember much. The script is out of some script hopper and this is the latest version of it,

\n

I have a streaming cold … so in that respect perfect, too hard to switch off, and not much to track.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-15T06:22:12+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/14/blackout.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/14/i-used-to.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ I Used to Be Famous, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Friday October 14, 2022.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-14T12:18:58+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/14/i-used-to.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/14/glengarry-glen-ross.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Glengarry Glen Ross, 1992 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

30 years ago. Seriously? It feels just like yesterday. Of course … it could have been. The script is timeless.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-14T12:14:58+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/14/glengarry-glen-ross.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/06/uncorked.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Uncorked, 2020 - β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

It was on Netflix … and just wanted β€˜something’. Turns out it was just what I needed. The storyline is recognizable .. with wine and barbecue this time. For all of that - well done.

\n

Trust me, I don’t need to spend time reviewing a bad film … so I don’t.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-06T21:43:04+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/06/uncorked.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/04/the-curious-case.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, 2008 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

It took me forever to get around to watching this film and when I finally did … oh my. Tears (mine) at the end - which to me is always a good guide to the quality.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-05T05:27:33+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/04/the-curious-case.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/02/joker.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Joker, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Β½", "content_html": "

\n

I’m a sucker for the Batman franchise interpretation anyway…but they don’t always work. This β€˜side story’ is a stunning film.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-03T00:22:26+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/02/joker.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/10/01/my-lettrboxd-import.html", "content_html": "

My Lettrboxd import worked, so cleaning up β€˜film’ category and adding a collection of β€˜πŸŽ₯’.

\n

That said … Category Film is not QUITE the same if you β€˜find’ πŸŽ₯

\n

Distinction?

\n

Not quite there on the articulation - much less on the consistency of application!

\n

Β 

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-01T11:30:48+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/10/01/my-lettrboxd-import.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/09/30/jojo-rabbit.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Jojo Rabbit, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Wednesday January 15, 2020.

\n", "date_published": "2022-10-01T01:27:56+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/09/30/jojo-rabbit.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2022/09/30/i-used-to.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ I Used to Be Famous, 2022 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Friday September 30, 2022.

\n", "date_published": "2022-09-30T19:19:28+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2022/09/30/i-used-to.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/27/rumor-has-it.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Rumor Has It..., 2005 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Monday September 27, 2021.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-28T07:22:12+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/27/rumor-has-it.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/27/big-fish.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Big Fish, 2003 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Friday July 22, 2005.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-28T06:41:34+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/27/big-fish.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/27/the-good-liar.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Good Liar, 2019 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Tuesday September 21, 2021.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-28T06:39:53+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/27/the-good-liar.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/27/boss-level.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Boss Level, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

SciFi Groundhog Day.
Very unsatisying ending.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-28T05:45:33+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/27/boss-level.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/27/anon.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Anon, 2018 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Monday September 27, 2021.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-28T05:43:54+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/27/anon.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/24/lansky.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Lansky, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

For a 99 cent rental I wasn’t expecting much - but heh - Harvey Keitel - right? Well worth it. In fact at $9.99, would have been worth it.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-24T23:46:19+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/24/lansky.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/24/hitmans-wifes-bodyguard.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Not as good as the 2017 Hitman’s Bodyguard - but definitely well worth a watch.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-24T23:44:18+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/24/hitmans-wifes-bodyguard.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/24/pig.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Pig, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Cage’s films are either great or awful. Put this one in the great bucket.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-24T23:42:40+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/24/pig.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/09/20/cruella.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Cruella, 2021 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Watched on Sunday September 5, 2021.

\n", "date_published": "2021-09-21T04:51:09+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/09/20/cruella.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2021/08/01/shouldnt-be-recognized.html", "content_html": "

Shouldn’t 🎬 be recognized as a film πŸŽ₯ emoji on micro blog?

\n

// @manton @VincentΒ @burk

\n", "date_published": "2021-08-01T10:51:56+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2021/08/01/shouldnt-be-recognized.html", "tags": ["? Films","? Film Refs"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2020/05/30/a-steady-change.html", "content_html": "

A steady change ongoing over at my blot site. Any piece of writing has to fit into one folder … any and all additional tags will only be emoji - so far I have identified these :

\n

πŸ₯‡, πŸŽ₯, 🎡, πŸ’‘, πŸ’¬, πŸ“š, πŸ“œ, πŸ”—, πŸ–‹, πŸ—’, πŸ“ƒ, πŸ˜‚, πŸ”

\n

πŸ”— All Explained Here

\n

Not there yet - but it is the right thing to do.

\n", "date_published": "2020-05-30T17:13:01+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2020/05/30/a-steady-change.html", "tags": ["? Films","? WWW","? Quotes",":'D Humour"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2018/12/11/introduced-some-emojis.html", "content_html": "

Introduced some emojis to index a few of my posts on the πŸ”— Words site.

\n
\n

🎡

\n

πŸŽ₯

\n

πŸ“š

\n

πŸ–‹

\n

πŸ”—

\n

πŸ—’

\n

πŸ’‘

\n
\n", "date_published": "2018-12-12T11:00:55+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2018/12/11/introduced-some-emojis.html", "tags": ["? Films","? WWW"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2018/07/19/the-adventures-of.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ The Adventures of Tintin, 2011 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

Marvelous - hadn't even heard of it till I watched it - highly recommended. Just do not understand why the stories have never been turned into a film series. Hopefully '2' will be forthcoming in that not too distant future.\n

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-19T20:18:03+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2018/07/19/the-adventures-of.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2018/07/19/acts-of-violence.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Acts of Violence, 2018 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

a total car wreck - if I am being generous

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-19T20:16:47+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2018/07/19/acts-of-violence.html", "tags": ["? Films","? LongForm"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2018/07/19/ready-player-one.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Ready Player One, 2018 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

very good. great special effects.

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-19T20:13:58+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2018/07/19/ready-player-one.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2018/07/19/tomb-raider.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Tomb Raider, 2018 - β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

high hopes - but really - not that good

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-19T20:13:14+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2018/07/19/tomb-raider.html", "tags": ["? Films"] }, { "id": "http://johnphilpin.micro.blog/2018/07/06/hostiles.html", "title": "πŸŽ₯ Hostiles, 2017 - β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…", "content_html": "

\n

If it’s a 4 star that I can’t see how to improve - then it is a 5 star - this is a superb film.

\n", "date_published": "2018-07-06T15:23:29+12:00", "url": "https://john.philpin.com/2018/07/06/hostiles.html", "tags": ["? Films"] } ] }