The Curse Of Robert (2016) REVIEW

"The Curse Of Robert" is an independent British horror film from director Andrew Jones. Released only this month (September 2016), this follow up to Jones' 2015 effort "Robert" came in #1 in the UK DVD charts. Apparently some strange people, like myself, still buy DVDs! Check out the trailer:

Doll related horror films! They've seen a resurgence in recent years with films like "Annabelle" and "The Boy", here we have a fresh British offering to this sub-genre, little red headed Robert. Could he be the British answer to the horror icon that is Chucky? No, is the simple answer. However I'm not sure director Andrew Jones had the intention of rivalling Chucky. "The Curse Of Robert" bring a gritty and almost down to earth quality to this habitually over the top genre that only a British horror could (I say almost down to earth, we're still talking about a killer doll guys.). I'm afraid that's about as positive as this review is going to get, buckle in boys.

The overall plot is pretty thin and cliché, possessed doll, kills people for virtually no reason; our little friend Robert doesn't seem to have an end game!

There is a small attempt at making the plot deeper with references to the previous film (Robert 2015). Unfortunately these references have no bearing on the story arc what's so ever. The acting quality is a small port in a storm for this film, however due to the plot or lack there of, its almost impossible to feel any connection to these characters when they're getting off'd! In fairness to Andrew Jones, to make two films out of very little "based on a true story" source material may be the reason for such thin plots.

The worst part about this film is regrettably the killing scenes (the massive body count of 4). Robert essentially looks as of he's being held and shook above his victims. These scenes really take away from Robert's genuinely creepy ascetic, another saving grace of this film. The shots when Robert isn't moving are creepier than the ones in which he is.

The best way I could describe the majority of "The Curse Of Robert" is like watching a soap opera with a killer doll appearing now and again. The film really should feature more of its star doll and less cliché dialogue between characters that, lets be honest, no one watching cares about.

Other than Robert's creepy look and the decent acting, watching this film truly felt like a curse.

The tagline reads "Chucky and Annabelle were scary, Robert is your worst nightmare" and I couldn't agree more.

Tell us your thoughts on the film or what we should review next by following us on twitter! @SatNightsIn

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Line of Duty (2012-) (TV Review)

Line of Duty is a British TV crime drama that began in 2012, spawning two series with a third on its way. Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) are partners in AC12, an anti corruption unit looking into the actions of potentially dirty members of the police department. Each series focuses on a multi strand investigation into a member of the police force that may be involved in criminal activities.

Martin Compston stands out as exiled DS Steve Arnott who has been transferred to AC12 following the death of an innocent man by a counter terrorist unit under Arnott's supervision. DS Steve Arnott takes a stand against corruption leaving him an easy target for resentful coppers. Compston plays the multi-layered character to perfection, delivering lines with stony eyes in intense interrogation and interview scenes. Vicky McClure also puts in a stellar performance filled with gritty realism only adding to the intense atmosphere of the show that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout each episode.

This series is a thrill ride from start to finish with twists and turns that will have you saying "just another episode." Line of duty encompasses everything that is great about British crime drama and uniquely captures the adrenaline rush of a Hollywood action movie. Intelligent writing, great performances and all around top quality British TV.

We Can't wait for the third series!
5/5

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The Bad Education Movie (2015)

Can this BBC Three high school based comedy show starring Jack Whitehall make the jump from small screen to large? Whitehall also makes his big screen debut alongside the TV show as misfit secondary school teacher Mr.Wickers. The planned school trip turned lads holiday to Cornwall is foiled when a disgruntled parent decides to come along and watch every move Mr.Wickers makes.

It’s easy to be sceptical when approaching this film, there’s no doubt that Jack Whitehall is naturally funny on screen and makes the move to the big screen like a fish to water but did an average BBC Three comedy running 2 series really need a movie? The answer is probably not but to be honest we’ll take it anyway. From start to finish this film produces sheer belly laughs; from Whitehall being spiked with drugs and stealing a wax work Anne Frank to him leading a Cornish revolution the laughs just keep coming.

Needless to say Whitehall really does give this film an edge incorporating largely his own brand of comedy with this signature making fun of his own background jokes. The supporting cast of the usual suspects in the class room from the BBC Three TV series are faultless but without Whitehall carrying this film it may have been a massive misfire from the BBC Three but at the end of the day this film is hilarious and pushes Whitehall onto a larger stage and hopefully more on screen appearances in the future.

A Hearty British comedy with a great concoction of slapstick and witty comedy filled with references to British youth culture, it’s worth a watch just for the performance of Whitehall alone.

6/10

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The Wee Man (2013) REVIEW

The Wee Man (2013) Review

 

As we continue our journey through Netflix we come to “The Wee Man.” Now there are a lot of British gangster films on Netflix that simply aren’t worth watching. This isn’t one of them. “The Wee Man” details the life of Paul Ferris (Martin Compston) growing up on the rough streets of Glasgow and winding up in the middle of a “gangland war.” This true story based film gives a gritty look into the Scottish criminal underground, with twists and turns throughout “The Wee Man” keeps you gripped from start to finish.

“The Wee Man” takes us on an emotional roller-coaster feeling the rage and helplessness of Paul Ferris as he descends into a life of crime despite his father’s best attempts to shelter him from this lifestyle. Martin Compston (Paul Ferris) provides a stellar performance giving life to film depicting a boy becoming a man involved in a vast criminal empire. The charm of this film also comes from how action packed it is without becoming too farfetched like many British gangster films do, “The Wee Man” doesn’t take itself too seriously referencing the Godfather on many occasions and reminding us The Godfather it isn’t, but a cult classic it may just be.

The 4 star Netflix rating is perfect and well deserved, this film stands out from the crowd against the numerous second rate British Gangster films on Netflix proving that Scots can pull out the goods. Martin Compston is stand out, maybe it’s our personal favour for him since seeing “Sweet Sixteen” many years back or just the fact that he consistently preforms in any role he takes on.

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The Guvnors (2014) REVIEW

Continuing our journey through the world of Netflix Independent films we come to the first of which that has higher than a one star rating! But the question is are three stars too generous?

The Guvnors deviates from the conventional British football hooliganism based gangster movies by bringing more depth and just coming across as a little more classy than trashy. The Guvnors follows a group of ex football thugs that have grown up and left the hooligan lifestyle in the past, until a group of young, ruthless thugs challenges the reputation of the "old timers" on the old estate that the Guvnors once ruled.

This disrespectful young thugs vs respected ex thugs plot creates an interesting watch with emotional ups and downs The Guvnors allows you to connect with the characters who certainly ain't one dimensional thugs. Harley Sylvester is strong bringing a gritty realism to the role of the seemingly heartless young ringleader who controls the estate with an iron fist and a sharp blade. On the other hand Doug Allen is the stern, charismatic family man with a violent past, Allen plays this role to perfection with a style reminiscent of Pierce Brosnan's Bond.

The Guvnors surpasses expectations and joins the handful of British hooliganism films that aren't terrible (For the record: The Football Factory, Green Street and The Firm), this is maybe because this film goes beyond hooliganism and really does draw up some raw human emotion when watching.
If you like your British crime films give this hidden gem a watch, get your NetFix!

Does The Guvnors deserve the 3 star Netflix Rating? We think so and would personally give The Guvnors 6/10. A True British Clash of Cultures.

Which film should we review next?
Ramsaywork@hotmail.co.uk
@Satnightsin

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We Are The Freaks (2013) REVIEW

The birth of the British anti-teen movie

This surreal comedic look at life as a British teen in the 90's takes you on a journey through a day in the life of three lads who are searching for something to do to kill time,drugs,girls,parties, whatever it may be. However this isn't just "another teen movie" the lives of these teens will never be the same again.

The fourth wall is broken, crushed, just non existent in a surreal fly on the wall insight into the thoughts of the young protagonist, Jack (Jamie Blackley). Blackley stands out throughout this film with a natural, convincing performance. Supported by Sean Teale (Chunks) and Mike Bailey (Parsons) who play the roles of rebel and outcast respectively to perfection, Bailey's role reminiscent of his role as Sid in the teen drama Skins.

The charm of this gritty British teen comedy comes from the fact that really there is no moral of the story, no lessons learnt, only a depiction of a real(ish) day in the life of a group of 90's teens. The addition of "archive footage" really brings a charming sense of nostaliga to a film that all in all doesn't take itself too seriously.

So does it deserve the dreaded Netflix 1 star rating? We don't think so, but check it out for yourself and let us know what you think!

6/10 British Anti-teen grit and fun

@SatNightsin
Ramsaywork@hotmail.co.uk

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Starred Up (2013)

After seeing rave 5 star reviews of this film flying about I thought I'd give this a watch and see if it lives up to the large hype that followed it. oh and it also took away 3 awards at the British Independent Film Awards 2013 including best director and best screenplay.

Now, I've always been a fan of Jack O'Connell ever since I first saw him on Skins playing the role of 'James Cook', I thought he was brilliant, he brought a real fire and realism to the role that made the character 'James Cook' just so entertaining to watch but this isn't Jack O'Connell's biography so lets get to 'Starred Up'. O'Connell plays a youth offender(Eric Love) that has been prematurely moved to an adult prison due to the extent of his crimes (which are never disclosed in any detail). O'Connell plays these roles with such ease and realism that the performance is always exceptional but it does raise the question, is Jack O'Connell a one trick pony actor? Like Statham, Danny Dyer, Vinnie Jones, actors that can only play that stereotypical cockney hard man? Possibly, but that doesn't mean to say that he can't be successful in his own right playing these roles.

The film itself is pretty  good; now I'm not going to provide you with a full synopsis here (if that's what your into stop wasting your time and just visit IMDB) but the story is based around O'Connell's character Eric Love meeting his dad in prison and basically realizing how much of a cock his dad really, Love goes through a process within the prison of maturing by joining a group ran by a therapist. Now this group isn't necessarily a therapy sessions, a select few of the inmates attend and chat about any old shit; needless to say tensions rise on various occasions with chat surrounding racial issues and a lot of digs at each others mums... it certainly makes entertaining and interesting viewing. Initially Love is aggressive towards all authority and attacks police after knocking out a fellow inmate. This creates a very Bronson like scene in which Love greases up his body and beckons the police officers to enter his cell and takes most of them down and holds one hostage. This then leads on to Love biting one of the officers cocks but ill not spoil that scene for you. The group then protect Love and are a major part of his maturing process. With Love's father opposing this group and what its doing to his son this creates tension and anger between the two, proving a violent, gritty and entertaining film.

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