Sandy’s Film Reviews

656 Films have been rated or reviewed by Sandy.

Loveless (2017): Harsh & sordid. A really dark film with no convincing redeeming features.
Unknown Soldier, The (2006): Difficult to watch. Lots of contemporary footage of atrocities and coverups. Great contrast between honest young expert German historians & the "excuses" of ex–soldiers. Preferred "The Nasty Girl" as this newer movie is too intense & unstructured.
Hours, The (2002): Complex & densely plotted so that the original novel "Mrs Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf is split over 3 time periods in the US. Stunning caste and a very hard realistic view of the inner lives of women in relationships. Brilliant plot & profound.
Serenity (2019): Not much serenity! B–grade entertainment, unprofessionally made. BTW, satellite tracking shows that frigate birds regularly migrate over extensive land masses like Java en route to the Arafura Sea. Dramatic overall; just sloppy.; DVD $29.95 | Blu-Ray $34.95
I Think We're Alone Now (2018): Spooky trivia! Don't waste your time with this.; DVD $29.95
Old Dog (2018): Great NZ doco with terrific human/dog portraits. Strongly recommended. Quite emotional. Docos don't get better than this!
Filmworker (2017): 94 mins. Genius of Belgian actor Leon Vitali who gave up his career to be Stanley Kubrick's 'right arm', without whom many of his films might not have been made to the same standard. A man of great dedication. For all interested in filmmaking.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018): Very original and extremely witty. Outstanding acting by McCarthy & Grant create recognizable but unforgettable characters. For me, one of the "films of the year" because of the near–perfect integration of great acting & script–writing.
Mary Shelley (2018): Great true literary story. Progressive reconstruction of the complex lives & relations of some of the greatest English writers in history. Very avante–garde & interesting. 127 mins.
Gabbeh (1996): Visually intoxicating. Greatest film on handcraft design ever. Magical realism; men select colours, women distinctive patterns telling their stories & dreams. Made by nomadic Qashqai in Zagros Mts, SW Iran. Surreal, paced like music, unforgettable!

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Sandy’s Film Reviews