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.- Blu-Ray
$20 $15
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.