Carlisle Cult Cinema Club presents its monthly film recommendations, by Paul PD Donaldson.
Attention all film and TV lovers! The Carlisle Cult Cinema Club is excited to bring you our new monthly film review column.
PD will be scouring the streaming services to find the hidden gems and must-see titles that you won't want to miss.
From the latest releases on Netflix and Amazon Prime to the classic films on Disney+ and beyond, we'll do the searching so you don't have to. Get ready to discover your new favorite show or movie as we bring you honest and insightful reviews every month.
THE MAN WHO KILLED HITLER AND THEN THE BIGFOOT. (2018)
"The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot" is a captivating film that takes viewers on an intriguing journey through the life of Calvin Barr, portrayed brilliantly by the always excellent Sam Elliott.
Directed by Robert D. Krzykowski, this film seamlessly shifts between different timelines, providing a unique perspective on Barr's experiences as a legendary assassin during World War II.
The movie begins with an elderly Barr, lost in contemplation as he stares into his whiskey. Through a flashback, we are transported to Nazi Germany, where a young SS officer navigates a Nazi stronghold.
One of the standout aspects of the film is Sam Elliott's portrayal of the older Calvin Barr. Elliott's performance as a world-weary and bitter recluse who has seen his fair share of hardships is nothing short of fantastic.
His ability to convey emotions through subtle expressions and body language is truly remarkable and one of my favourite roles of his.
"The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot" falls into two unique exploitation genres, Nazisploitation and Bigfootsploitation, making it a win-win for fans of both.
The film manages to strike a perfect balance between the two, providing an intriguing narrative that keeps viewers watching The soundtrack and score of the film are also worth mentioning.
The music adds depth and enhances the overall viewing experience, immersing the audience in the melancholic atmosphere of the story.
It beautifully complements the back-and-forth nature of the film, as Calvin Barr reflects on his past actions and the impact they have had on his life.
Furthermore, the portrayal of the Bigfoot creature in the film is absolutely Cracking. The decision to keep the creature's appearance grounded in reality adds to the overall tone and believability of the movie.
It avoids the trap of becoming overly fantastical and stays true to the film's melancholic and introspective nature. "The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot" is a highly underrated film that deserves more recognition.
Despite its seemingly silly title, the movie offers a thought-provoking story with powerful performances, a captivating soundtrack, and a unique blend of genres.
If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance. It's a hidden gem that should not be missed.
GOOD OMENS SEASON 1 & 2
Good Omens, the Amazon Prime Video show adapted from the book written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, is an absolute delight from start to finish.
With a cracking cast and outstanding chemistry between the two leads, David Tennant as the Demon Crowley and Michael Sheen as the Angel Aziraphale, it's no wonder they are now best friends in real life.
The recently released Season 2, which is just as good as the first, continues to captivate viewers with its wonderful storytelling.
This show reminds me of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, taking viewers on a journey filled with narration that seamlessly fills in the exposition. It's a nice and easy watch, with each season consisting of only six episodes.
One of the standout aspects of Good Omens is its talented ensemble cast. With the likes of Jack Whitehall, Miranda Richardson, Michael McKean, and Jon Hamm, among others, the show is chock-full of great actors who bring their characters to life with charm and wit.
The show strikes a perfect balance between being quirky, funny, and gory. The writing is well-crafted, and it's worth mentioning that Neil Gaiman also acts as the showrunner, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly.
In the first series, set in 2019, we follow the dynamic duo of Crowley and Aziraphale, who have grown accustomed to their pleasant life on Earth as representatives of Heaven and Hell.
Despite their conflicting sides, they have formed an unlikely friendship. When they learn of the impending Armageddon, they team up to prevent the coming of the Antichrist and protect their cherished existence on Earth.
The second series takes place post-COVID-19 lockdown and introduces the Archangel Gabriel, who arrives at Aziraphale's bookshop without his memories.
Aziraphale and Crowley embark on a mission to uncover what happened to Gabriel and protect him from the clutches of Heaven and Hell, both of which are eager to find him.
Good Omens is a wonderful watch that seamlessly blends humor, fantasy, and a touch of darkness. With its witty writing, incredible cast, and fantastic chemistry between the leads, it is an absolute must-see for fans of Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, and captivating storytelling.
NETFLIX. ONE PIECE. (2023)
ONE PIECE the 2023 Netflix series, based on the beloved manga and anime of the same name is an epic pirate adventure.
Set in an alternate version of Earth during the 'Golden Age of Pirates', the series takes us on a thrilling journey through a world where ruthless pirates rule the seas and the mythical treasure, 'One Piece', holds the key to becoming the next Pirate King.
I’ve watched 326 episodes of the anime and I’m enthralled by its ongoing story, I was initially apprehensive about a live-action adaptation.
However, I am pleased to say that the first season, consisting of 8 episodes that are basically the first 45 episodes of the anime condensed down, is a fantastic watch.
While some of the little side stories from the anime were omitted, such as the encounter with Gaiman and other wacky characters, the live-action format benefits from this decision.
The narrative remains tight and engrossing, resulting in an absolutely cracking watch and a faithful adaptation.
I am hopeful that future seasons will continue to sail the seas of this captivating world. The live-action adaptation has successfully captured the spirit and charm of its animated counterpart, leaving me eager for more adventures with Monkey D. Luffy and his crew.
One of the standout aspects of the live-action series is how the likenesses of the characters from the anime have been brought to life.
The attention to detail is remarkable, and it is evident that the creators have gone above and beyond to ensure authenticity. The sets, too, look as if they were plucked straight from the vibrant pages of the original cartoon, further enhancing the immersive experience.
It is worth mentioning that the involvement of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, in the creative process of the show speaks volumes about the dedication and love for the source material.
This collaboration ensures that the live-action adaptation stays true to Oda's vision, making it a treat for fans who have followed the franchise for years. The first season serves as an origin story, delving into the formation of the Straw Hat Pirates and their journey towards the Grand Line.
It is a captivating introduction to the crew and sets the stage for the grand adventures that lie ahead.
Furthermore, the visual effects in the series are impressive, with great CGI and well-executed practical effects. From the grand ships sailing the seas to the intense battles, the visual elements bring the fantastical world of One Piece to life.
Personally, I had never read the manga but had watched some of the anime on Cartoon Network years ago. When the live-action adaptation was announced, I decided to revisit the series from the beginning.
Thanks to Netflix, I found the series and have now watched 326 episodes, thoroughly enjoying every moment. The live-action adaptation is a testament to the love and respect the creators have for the source material, making it a truly delightful watch.
ONE PIECE, is a fantastic live-action adaptation that captures the essence of the beloved manga and anime. With its spot-on character likenesses, faithful set design, and the involvement of Eiichiro Oda himself, this series is a love letter to fans.
The first season, serving as an origin story, offers a tight and gripping narrative. Combined with impressive visual effects, both CGI and practical, One Piece on Netflix is a treasure worth uncovering. So, set sail and embark on this grand adventure—it's a journey you won't want to miss.
DISNEY PLUS JUSTIFIED: CITY PRIMEVAL
"JUSTIFIED: CITY PRIMEVAL" is the highly anticipated continuation of the beloved series, bringing back the always-great Timothy Olyphant as the iconic Marshal Raylan Givens.
This new installment proves to be just as excellent as the original series that ran from 2010-2015, delivering a superb watch for fans and newcomers alike.
The series picks up eight years after Givens has left Kentucky, now based in Miami where he navigates the challenging balance of being a marshal and a part-time father to his 14-year-old daughter.
A chance encounter on a Florida highway leads him to Detroit, where he crosses paths with Clement Mansell, portrayed brilliantly by Boyd Holbrook. Mansell, also known as The Oklahoma Wildman, is a violent sociopath who has eluded the grasp of Detroit's law enforcement and is determined to do so again.
One of the highlights of "JUSTIFIED: CITY PRIMEVAL" is the return of Raylan Givens, played flawlessly by Timothy Olyphant. It's a joy to see Olyphant reprise his role, delivering the same charm, wit, and intensity that made Givens such a beloved character.
The chemistry between Olyphant and Holbrook's Mansell is electric, providing a captivating dynamic that adds depth to the series. The supporting cast surrounding Olyphant is equally impressive, bringing depth and complexity to their respective characters.
Each actor delivers strong performances, further enhancing the overall quality of the series. As a fan, I can't help but hope for more Justified in the future.
The series has consistently delivered exceptional storytelling, memorable characters, and thrilling moments. "JUSTIFIED: CITY PRIMEVAL" is a testament to the enduring quality of the franchise and leaves audiences eagerly anticipating what's to come.
If you haven't seen "JUSTIFIED: CITY PRIMEVAL" or the original series, I highly recommend diving into this world.
With the original series available on DISNEY+, it's the perfect opportunity to experience the brilliance of Timothy Olyphant's portrayal of Raylan Givens and immerse yourself in the rich storytelling that makes Justified such a standout series.
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