Tag: review

Exploring Humanity in _The Great Flood_: A Film Review

One of the best things about Netflix is that you get to watch films and documentaries from all over the world. One such film is The Great Flood from South Korea. It was co-written and directed by Kim Byung-woo.

An-na, an AI researcher and recent widow, played by Kim-Da-mi, wakes in her apartment to find floodwater rising in the thirty-floor complex. With her six-year-old son Ja-in, she attempts to reach safety.

However, they are no ordinary mother and child. The child is a robot designed to experience emotion. This is critical to the whole film. An asteroid has hit, and human extinction is imminent. World governments knew what was going to happen and funded secret efforts to survive, including a space station and research into the creation of engineered human bodies and consciousness. An-na’s employer is also revealed to be involved in these projects, putting her and her child central to humanity’s future.

What stands out most is the film’s balance between scale and humanity. While the flood itself is rendered with striking visual power—ominous skies, rising waters, and carefully staged moments of chaos—the story never loses sight of the people caught within it. The narrative lingers on personal choices, moral dilemmas, and quiet acts of courage, allowing the disaster to feel not just catastrophic, but deeply personal. This focus gives the film an emotional weight that elevates it beyond a standard disaster movie.

The performances are uniformly strong, grounded, and convincing. Rather than leaning into melodrama, the actors bring restraint and authenticity, making fear, grief, and resilience feel earned. Small gestures and silences often speak louder than dialogue, and those understated moments are some of the film’s most powerful.

Technically, The Great Flood is impressively crafted. The cinematography captures both the beauty and menace of nature, using light, color, and movement to heighten tension. The sound design is particularly effective—the rush of water, distant alarms, and sudden quiet all work together to create a visceral experience that keeps the audience on edge. The pacing is deliberate, allowing suspense to build naturally while still delivering moments of urgency and release.

Ultimately, The Great Flood is a film about survival in the broadest sense: not just surviving a natural catastrophe, but preserving compassion, responsibility, and hope when everything familiar is threatened.

If nothing else, it is a great story. With AI coming to the forefront of our lives, I expect more films of this nature in the future. Four out of five stars from me.

Be terrified of The Devil in Disguise: John Gacy

For those of my readers with a stronger disposition, I came across this docuseries that may be worth giving a watch. Beware, though, it can be horrific at times.

Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy is an eight-episode, American true crime drama miniseries that premiered on October 16, 2025, on Peacock. You can currently watch it on RTE Player for those in Ireland. It dramatizes the life and crimes of serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who murdered dozens of young men and boys during the 1970s.

is a gripping and deeply unsettling docuseries that stands out for its thoughtful storytelling and emotional depth. Rather than simply recounting shocking crimes, the series carefully explores how John Gacy was able to hide behind a façade of normalcy, offering a chilling insight into the psychology of deception and the failures that allowed his crimes to go unnoticed for so long.

The pacing is excellent, balancing suspense with clarity, and the use of archival footage, interviews, and expert commentary feels both respectful and impactful. Particularly powerful are the perspectives of investigators and those affected by Gacy’s actions, which add a human dimension that elevates the series beyond typical true-crime narratives.

Michael Churnus gives a great performance as John Gacy, displaying all the traits that helped him evade capture. I was particularly fascinated by how he could talk himself out of getting caught.

I give it four stars out of five. You have been warned.

Why Dune is a Must-Read for Sci-Fi Fans

I finally did it, I read the novel Dune, written by Frank Herbert and originally published way back in 1965. It’s a significant feat, at one hundred and eighty thousand words. And every page was worth it! It’s one of the best-selling science fiction novels of all time.

Dune is set in the distant future in a feudal interstellar society, descended from terrestrial humans, in which various noble houses control planetary fiefs. It tells the story of young Paul Atreides, whose family reluctantly accepts the stewardship of the planet Arrakis. While the planet is an inhospitable and sparsely populated desert wasteland, it is the only source of melange or “spice”, an enormously valuable drug that extends life and enhances mental abilities. Melange is also necessary for space navigation, which requires a kind of multidimensional awareness and foresight that only the drug provides. As melange can only be produced on Arrakis, control of the planet is a coveted and dangerous undertaking.

This is one of those rare novels that feels vast without ever losing its grip on the reader. From the opening pages, Herbert immerses us in the harsh deserts of Arrakis, a world where sandworms rule, water is sacred, and politics are as deadly as the climate. The setting is not just a backdrop but a living system, intricately tied to culture, religion, economics, and power. Few science fiction novels build a universe that feels this coherent, purposeful, and alive.

The level of detail does mean it can be a hard slog at times, but I became increasingly engrossed. As a writer of science fiction myself, reading the novel spoke to me about the immense importance of world-building and that even minute details are important.

The political intrigue is equally gripping. The power struggle between House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and the Emperor unfolds with the complexity of a grand historical drama. Herbert trusts his readers, refusing to over-explain, and instead allows meaning to emerge through dialogue, internal monologue, and carefully placed details. This approach rewards close reading and makes the world feel ancient and layered, as if the events of the novel are just one chapter in a much larger history.

Herbert’s treatment of ecology was remarkably ahead of its time. Arrakis is a planet shaped by scarcity, and the Fremen’s intimate understanding of their environment is portrayed with deep respect. The idea that an ecosystem can be deliberately transformed—and that such transformation carries cultural and moral costs—feels strikingly modern. The sandworms, the spice melange, and the planet’s fragile balance form one of the most memorable and meaningful ecological systems in all of science fiction.

Ultimately, Dune endures because it combines epic storytelling with serious ideas, without sacrificing tension or wonder. It is a novel that challenges the reader as much as it entertains, offering action, mysticism, and political drama while quietly probing the dangers of power and prophecy. More than sixty years after its publication, Dune remains not just a cornerstone of science fiction, but a profound and unsettling meditation on the future of humanity itself.

Five stars out of five from me.

Exploring Horror and Music in Sinners: A Unique Film Review

Hello, my dear readers. Are you in the mood for some horror? I certainly was last Sunday, when I watched Sinners.

Set in 1932 Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack Moore (both played with stunning nuance by Michael B. Jordan) as they return to their hometown with dreams of opening a juke joint and leaving behind their troubled pasts. They seem to have made it big, splashing their cash at the locals. And they have big dreams.

This period drama was the part of the film I liked the most. I love films from this period, and it was covering a part of the US that I had not witnessed before. It showed the harshess of their environment as they clung to existence.

Then the horror starts. Irish immigrant vampire Remmick shelters from Choctaw vampire hunters with a married Klansman couple, whom he turns into vampires. They are attracted to the Duke joint on its opening night.

One of the things that makes this horror unique is the use of music not just as accompaniment but as a narrative force. Blues sequences aren’t just evocative backdrops — they become conduits for emotion, cultural memory, and even supernatural influence.

There is a lot I like about this film, but the vampires’ behavior was erratic, making it seem too silly at times.

I give the film three stars out of five.

Nuremberg (2025): A Cinematic Exploration of Justice

Not for the faint-hearted, this film is currently being shown on Sky Movies. Nuremberg (2025) is a compelling and meticulously crafted film that succeeds both as a historical drama and as a deeply human exploration of justice, morality, and responsibility. From its opening moments to its final, reflective scenes, the film commands attention with quiet confidence and emotional weight.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its restrained yet powerful storytelling. Rather than relying on spectacle or melodrama, Nuremberg allows tension to build through dialogue, performance, and ethical confrontation. The screenplay is intelligent and precise, presenting complex legal and moral questions in a way that feels accessible without ever being simplistic. The pacing is deliberate, giving viewers time to absorb the gravity of the events while remaining consistently engaging.

Nuremberg is a 2025 American psychological thriller historical drama film written, co-produced, and directed by James Vanderbilt. Based on the 2013 book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, the film follows U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) seeking to carry out an assignment to investigate the personalities and monitor the mental status of Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe) and other high-ranking Nazis in preparation for and during the Nuremberg trials. Leo Woodall, John Slattery, Mark O’Brien, Colin Hanks, Wrenn Schmidt, Lydia Peckham, Richard E. Grant, and Michael Shannon have supporting roles in the film.

Russell Crowe, in particular, gives a breathtaking performance as Hermann Göring. The back and forth of his testimony is the central plank of the film.

Visually, Nuremberg (2025) is striking in its understatement. The cinematography favors muted tones and carefully composed frames, reinforcing the somber atmosphere without feeling oppressive. Production design is detailed and immersive, effectively transporting the audience to the post-war setting while maintaining a grounded, realistic feel. The score is used sparingly but effectively, enhancing emotional moments without overwhelming them.

What truly elevates the film is its thematic depth. Nuremberg does not simply recount historical events—it invites reflection on accountability, the rule of law, and the enduring consequences of moral choices. The film resonates strongly in a modern context, reminding viewers why truth, justice, and ethical responsibility remain essential values. Its relevance feels intentional and timely, adding an extra layer of significance to the viewing experience.

In the end, Nuremberg (2025) stands out as a thoughtful, mature, and deeply respectful film. It is not only an important historical portrayal but also a gripping cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Powerful without being preachy and emotional without being manipulative, it is a film that rewards careful attention and thoughtful reflection. Highly recommended for audiences seeking intelligent, meaningful cinema.

The film gets five stars out of five from me. Beware, there are some horrific images from the concentration camps in the film.

Have you seen it? Let me know in the comments.

Four-Star Movie Review: Fun Light Entertainment

Hello, my dear readers. Guess you are all looking forward to Christmas right about now. I finished this gem called “The Adams Project” last night and thought I’d do you all a quick post. It’s been a while. What can I say? Alcohol comes first.

The plot zips around like it’s had too much coffee—time travel, futuristic jets, evil corporations—but it never forgets to slow down for heart. The real secret weapon is the banter between adult Adam and his younger self, which feels like watching your inner monologue argue with you in real time. It’s funny, oddly touching, and painfully accurate.

One of the funniest parts is where he convinces his younger self to stand up to a bully, only to get pummeled. Of course, that could be my strange sense of humor..

The film is quite uplifting, never getting particularly dark. His being mean to his Mum is about the worst of it, and he gives her a big hug at the end. The action scenes are good and will keep your heart beating away.

A small bit of romance, but it never gets in the way. Down with that sort of thing.

Four stars out of five for me. Good light entertainment.

A Review of Netflix’s ‘Being Eddie’: Insights and Reflections

Anybody within seven or eight years of my age (I’m forty-six) would have fond memories of Eddie Murphy. I still remember seeing Beverly Hills Cop for the first time. A great film that would never have made it without him. It was the first time I saw on-screen a black character who was clearly more intelligent than the white people around him. All the curses stuck out as well.

But what happened to him recently? I haven’t heard his name in an age. I was also interested in what other aspects of his life were like.

That’s why I watched the documentary “Being Eddie” on Netflix a couple of nights ago.

If you are looking for something visceral, raw, then this is not it. Some critics think it’s more like a prelude to him returning to stand-up more than anything else. It retreats from anything awkward/contentious. He comes across as a family man and reminisces about voicing the donkey in Shrek. There is nothing about the paternity suit with Mel B, for example. He has ten children. Musk would be proud.

The best part is when it just lets him speak. I found his tendency towards OCD intriguing. Great minds appear to have a likelihood for such things, and I doubt it’s a coincidence.

He also brings up that he has never won an Oscar, despite his great performances and sometimes playing multiple characters in the same film. I wouldn’t worry about it if I were him; their value has greatly diminished over the years.

The interviews with other comedy legends, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart, and more, show what a powerful influence he was on the industry. They all say nice things. What a pity!

I give it three stars out of five. It’ll make you feel warm. Just don’t expect anything beyond the bland, though.

Have you seen it? Let me know what you think.

Review of “The Missing Ones” by Patricia Gibney

This was published way back in 2017. It is the author’s debut and also the first in the renowned Lottie Parker series. The author is from the same town as myself. The story is set in Ragmullin, a clever anagram of the real town.

Make no mistake, she is picturing Mullingar at every stage. It made reading the novel quite an intimate experience, immediately recognizing where the different scenes fictionally occurred. The scenes of bitter cold and snow brought my memory back to a particularly harsh few winters from nearly a decade ago.

The central character is Detective Lottie Parker. A deeply flawed hard-nosed detective trying to juggle a demanding job with a complicated family life. Her husband died a few years previous leaving her a single parent.

There are numerous complex relationships like Lottie’s relationship with fellow detective Boyd, with her Sergeant, and then each of her children.

The case she is investigating is a series in a presumably normally quiet Ragmullin. The first occurs at the town’s Cathedral and it all revolves around what happened many years beforehand. What follows is a grotesque and excellently written tale of child abuse, corruption, and murder.

It is beautifully crafted and you’re never quite sure where it will go next or who is responsible for the grizzly killings. The author has stated that she just likes writing but this was excellently planned and thought out.

The scenes of child abuse may be too much for many and for those with a weak disposition, I’d give it a wide berth. But if you’re looking for a good crime thriller, look no further. My rating is five stars out of five.

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Review of “Confessions of an Irish Rebel” by Brendan Behan

I first came across the name of Brendan Behan when I was reading about Christy Brown. Socially, they were on friendly terms but Brown was anxious to match his success. Behan, just like Brown was a voracious drinker, and it played a significant role in his early death at the age of forty-one.

This book was released posthumously. It tells the story of his life, in his own inner voice after Borstal Boy (when he was imprisoned for attempting to bomb the Liverpool docks). Brendan dictated this book during the last years of his life. Thankfully, the book had been completed, but it had not been edited by Behan. It tends to wonder at times and is a bit loose here and there. It can meander from one subject to the next and at times it can be hard to keep track of.

More importantly, for me anyway it leaves many questions unanswered. He never states why he drifted away from the IRA, just that he did. There is nothing about how he feels about his poor health in the end or about his illegitimate child (a further child is born to his wife post death).

However, it is very well written and has many very funny sub stories. One of the funnier aspects is how he gets on with some of the British police and prison guards. For instance, after another stint in prison, he is given the option to get out if he agrees to leave the country. A policeman goes with him to the port and they both get drunk along the way. He is supposed to spend his last night in another prison but they won’t let him in as they say he is too drunk! The book is full of such anecdotes and can be very laugh out loud at times.

Another, is when he’s working for a pimp in Paris from one of the pubs. A man is there with his mother, so they convince her that her son heading to a late night mass only for men.

He never talks about his own liaisons, but the book gives me the impression that there were many. It’s a pity cause I’m sure there must have been some stories left out.

The book ends quite abruptly. Probably, on his death he didn’t want to say too much about those he loved most.

I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.

Review of “The Best Man” by Annabelle Costa

All the readers who have closely followed my blog, will know that I’m a big fan of Annabelle Costa and that she has had a strong influence on my writing. This is the latest novel of hers I have read. Once more, it is a romance story between a disabled man (John) who is a quadriplegic and his future love (Kirby).

The book begins with Kirby’s long-distance boyfriend surprising her at a friend’s wedding and proposing. Kirby says yes, excited about the proposal and finally reaching the next stage of her life. Kirby lives in New York, while her fiance, Ted, lives in Silicon Valley. They met online and have spent very little time together. Ted asks Kirby to meet up with his best man (oops) and help him with some of the best man duties.

This love story takes a few twists and turns a long the way. Okay, things don’t look great at the start, the woman is after all engaged to his supposed best friend. Now, I suppose one guy stealing a woman from another guy is not something that I would usually condone, but as he’s in a wheelchair and the other guy is not, so I’m willing to make an exception. Not sure why, like I wouldn’t be the biased type.

So, there’s that and the fact that their first meeting goes horrendously. John comes across as obnoxious and not the kind of person that you would want to get to know better. But as time goes on you see things from his perspective and he becomes less horrid. Kirby and Ted (her fiance) gradually grow apart, well on her side anyway!

Generally, this is quite an uplifting story but there are some raw and cutting scenes. At one point when John is on a date and a woman asks for money to stay cause he’s unable to walk. Then there’s the mugger that pushes him out of the wheelchair and how helpless he feels. We also learn about some of John’s day to day struggles. That’s one of the things I like about this author, she has insight into the obstacles of living with a disability.

One criticism though is that the character of the fiance is very two dimensional. She makes it too easy to be against him. Even right up to the end, he has no redeemable characteristics. The way he lashes out after finding out about the relationship means that there is no guilt, no moral ambiguity. John was the good guy, that’s all we need to know. I feel if she’s going to win the Booker prize she needs to bring a bit more grit.

So, taking everything into consideration it get four stars out of five from me.

Hopefully, I will have the latest part of Squalor out by the end of the weekend.

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