Movie reviews of Bob Mann

This is a really enjoyable Spielberg semi-autobiographical film. Review

This is a really interesting work. A work that delves into a difficult and unaddressed world affecting a small, but still important, proportion of the population. Charlie is one of the most interesting characters we are likely to see on the screen this year... Review

In summary, this is a really great courtroom drama, and highly recommended. Review

I’ve seen the movie described as a hot mess, and I would completely agree. It’s simply brilliant in places. But it’s way too long. Review

Brutal. Visceral. Heartbreaking. These are the sort of adjectives I’d use to summarise this movie. But it’s a movie that I thought was technically excellent, and a worthy watch. Review

This isn’t going to win any awards, is pretty formulaic and has some rough edges. But it is a nice feel-good movie for these dark January nights, and noone’s going to argue with having one of those in the kit-bag at the moment. Review

I found Tár to be a really interesting film and one whose aspects I am still pondering on days after watching it. But it’s also a long and slow film that I think many, particularly those watching at home with a clicker in their hand, will lose patience with. Review

Like last year’s Fall, this is a ‘little’ film I had a blast going to see at the cinema, and it really deserves its success. Review

This is an important film, telling a little-known story (at least outside of the US) in a compelling and evocative way. It’s not an easy watch by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a very moving and rewarding one. Review

When matched with some superb performances from the cast, this is another cracking little film. A rather disturbing watch, but very much recommended. Review

I’m not a fan of stop-motion animated films. But this one was at least brilliantly done and its wartime setting added some unusual twists. Review

It’s unusual to find such a feel-good movie so neatly wrapped up in barbed wire. But this is a film that is both uplifing and sad in equal measure... Review

This was an entertaining watch without completely gripping me. The mix of negative vs positive comments above probably doesn’t reflect my overall enjoyment of the film. Review

This is a class film to kick off 2023 with. Although a tough watch in places, the film is exquisitely crafted and is a love letter from Sam Mendes to the cinema of his (and my!) youth. Review

Kasi Lemmons delivers a solid, if not particularly exciting, biopic. Unfortunately, it won’t stay long in the memory. Without the creative flourishes of Bohemian Rhapsody or Rocketman, I found it all a bit linear and bland. Review

As a whimsical mystery adventure story, this movie had legs and I enjoyed it a lot. Well worth a watch. Review

As an adult, there wasn’t enough clever dialogue (e.g. ‘over the kid’s heads’ double entendres) to really entertain me. Review

Criticism that it is a “rinse and repeat” of the first film are not very fair, in my opinion: the story evolves in a different direction and becomes more personal and relationship based, which is a good thing. And I personally don’t think you can justifiably give an epic movie that looks THIS good on the big screen and deploys such fabulous technical film-making prowess less than 3 stars. Review

I know a lot of people love this film. And I thought it was OK, having its fun (albeit exceedingly grisly) moments. But I must admit to having come out disappointed. This was another case for me where the premise of the film, however sick, had great promise but the execution fell short of that potential. Review

I enjoyed this one a lot. I thought the fantasy elements were well done and the musical numbers extremely catchy and well-danced. It’s good and proper that it is an adjunct to, rather than a replacement of, the stage musical. But it succeeded in making me want to plan a trip up to London to see the show. Review

It did have its bumpy moments. But Spirited had a much improved second half. It grew on me, increasing from a 3* to a 3.5* by its uplifting end. Review

I really enjoyed this one. It had a gripping story, a solid script and a fine ensemble cast. Review

A disappointment. I saw this as the second in a double bill with Glass Onion, so perhaps my adrenaline from that film influenced my enjoyment of this one. Or maybe its just that Luca Guadagnino and I just don’t get on? Review

This is a terrifically enjoyable romp, with a fabulous ensemble cast and a wickedly clever and funny script. You even get the Beatles titular track over the end titles. What’s not to love? Review