HiFi’s Film Reviews

353 Films have been rated or reviewed by HiFi.

Copycat (1996): Rings changes on the usual tropes, but often goes pointlessly over–the–top. Nicely written and performed – people say things people don't usually say in this kind of movie, in ways they don't usually say them – and Hunter, as usual, is excellent.
Pelican Brief, The (1993): Has a very good cast, is nicely photographed and there are a number of Pakula's tense, competently handled signature sequences, but is just a potboiler compared to his best work. Which is probably also true for Horner's score.
High Crimes (2001): Meh, should be tried for implausibility and deus ex machina. A good cast, especially Freeman and Adam Scott, but any other Carl Franklin film would be preferable.
Apollo 13 (1995): Howard carefully balances spectacle and character, rendering the incredible events in scrupulous detail (with a tiny bit of poetic license), while still managing to make it all hugely entertaining. A must–see.
Better Call Saul (TV Series) (2015): Highly enjoyable first season, with an excellent cast. However, I couldn't help but be reminded of formulaic '60s TV – there's a way in which, deep in its soul, it's very, very conventional.
Along Came a Spider (2000): Muddled, shoddy, implausible, and something of a waste of a pretty decent cast. Kiss the Girls is definitely better...
Silicon Valley (TV Series) (2014): Begins well and keeps improving. Comedy of frustration, with memorable characters and endlessly quotable dialogue. Adeptly written and performed. A tonic.
Red Lights (2012): Begins promisingly, but is then comprehensively (no, really!) bungled. When I thought the sinking feeling had bottomed out, there were lows still to come...
Upside of Anger, The (2004): Beautifully done all 'round. Top marks for Binder's writing and direction, and the cast is excellent.
Mean Season, The (1985): Moody cinematography and score, but a rambling, incoherent script with little to say about the issues on display. Jordan has fun, but the rest of the cast is upstaged by the windswept vegetation.

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HiFi’s Film Reviews