Book Reviews and More: MovieReview

As You Like It - 2025

The Winter's Tale - 2025

Annie - 2025

Anne of Green Gables - 2025

Goblin Oedipus - 2025

The Tempest - 2026

Othello - 2026

Saturday, Sunday, Monday - 2026

…

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

Macbeth - 2015

…

Twelfth Night - The Pelican Shakespeare

The Dark Lady and Pandora: Two Plays - Jessica B. Hill

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream

…

Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing:

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt

…

Guy Hale's Shakespeare Murders Series:

3. Put Out the Light

4. Sleep No More

…

Thursday, 12 June 2025

Macbeth 2015 - Movie Review - William Shakespeare

Macbeth

Year: 2015

Director: Justin Kurzel

Writers: Todd Louiso, Jacob Koskoff, Michael Lesslie

Music: Jed Kurzel

Run Time: 113 min.

Production:

StudioCanal

Film4

Distributed by StudioCanal

Macbeth 2015 - Movie Review - William Shakespeare

The description of movie states:

“Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders his king and takes the throne for himself.”

And the synopsis states:

“Macbeth is a 2015 epic historical drama film directed by Justin Kurzel and written for the screen by Todd Louiso, Jacob Koskoff, and Michael Lesslie, based on the Shakespeare play.[6] The film stars Michael Fassbender in the title role and Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth, with Paddy Considine, Sean Harris, Jack Reynor, Elizabeth Debicki and David Thewlis in supporting roles. The story follows the Scottish lord's rise to power after receiving a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Like the play it was adapted from, the film dramatises the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake.”

Key Cast:

Michael Fassbender as Macbeth

Marion Cotillard as Lady Macbeth

Paddy Considine as Banquo

Sean Harris as Macduff

Jack Reynor as Malcolm

Elizabeth Debicki as Lady Macduff

David Thewlis as King Duncan

David Hayman as Lennox

Maurice Roëves as Menteith

Brian Nickels as Thane of Cawdor

Ross Anderson as Rosse

James Harkness as Angus

Seylan Mhairi Baxter, Lynn Kennedy, Kayla Fallon and Amber Rissmann as the Witches

Lochlann Harris as Fleance

Hilton McRae as Macdonwald

Scott Dymond as Seyton

Rebecca Benson as Maidservant

Gerard Miller as Macbeth's messenger

Roy Sampson as Doctor

This is an intense production. I have seen a few productions of this play over the years. This is a grim, stark, almost minimalist presentation of the story. The intense battle scenes filmed almost in black and white and often in slow motion set the stage for the production. The use of the stark terrain, and light and darkness throughout the filmed adds to the intensity and sense and feel of the work.

A few years ago my son (now 16) fell in love with the bard, now my youngest daughter (14) has started to have an appreciation for his works. We have tickets to see the production at the Stratford Festival in 2025 and watched this to prime us for that production.

This film version of the Scottish play is well worth watching. Not for the young, or the faint of heart, but well worth it. I am thankful we gave this one a watch, we had 3 options across our streaming services and this was an excellent place to start.

Reviews of Stratford Shakespeare Productions:

The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

As You Like It - 2025

The Winter's Tale - 2025

The Tempest - 2026

Othello - 2026

...

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

Macbeth - 2015

…

Something Rotten – Stratford 2024

The Dark Lady and Pandora: Two Plays - Jessica B. Hill

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream

…

Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing:

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt

…

Guy Hale's Shakespeare Murders Series:

3. Put Out the Light

4. Sleep No More

…

Saturday, 31 May 2025

The Passion of the Christ 2004 Movie Review

The Passion of the Christ

2004

Director Mel Gibson

Screenplay:

Mel Gibson

Benedict Fitzgerald

Produced by

Bruce Davey

Mel Gibson

Stephen McEveety

Starring

Jim Caviezel

Monica Bellucci

Maia Morgenstern

Sergio Rubini

Cinematography Caleb Deschanel

Music: John Debney

Icon Productions

I recently watched this film, again, for the first time in over 20 years. I had seen it 2 or three times before. The first time I watched in in theatre with a close friend, we could barely speak about it afterwards. And we both had cried during the film. Even though we were roommates we barely spoke about it for days. When it came out on DVD, I watched it on Good Friday. And this year I watched it during Holy Week with my 16 year old son. He asked a few years ago about it, and I advised against it at that time. This year he asked again. And we watched it together.

This film is based on The Passion in the New Testament of the Bible

And The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ by Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich. I have not read that volume, I have had a copy for a few years but will bump it after this on my ‘to be read list’.

This is a very visceral film. A few years ago I read What Christ Suffered A Doctor’s Journey Through the Passion by Thomas W. McGovern, having read this doctor’s analysis of what Jesus went through and then watching such a realistic representation of it is not easy. I am writing this 2 days later and my gut still clenches thinking of scenes from the film.

This film is not an easy watch. But to be honest it is an important one. To see the effects of our sins, of my sins, of the cost Jesus paid. It is overwhelming, it is humbling, and it is inspiring. It inspires me to try harder, to do better, and to give all back to God.

I was on retreat a few weeks ago, and one of my, one of my resolutions was to say ‘yes’ to my son more. Often he would ask to watch something, or watch it again. Often I would say no, I wanted to read, or work on reviews or just did not feel like it. I almost hesitated with this film, I was not sure I was up to watching it again. But it was well worth watching on Holy Week, and having a few discussions based on it with my son. Next we plan on watching the Jesus Film from 1979 which depicts the Gospel of Luke.

The day after we watched this a man on X asked if he could watch it with his 10 year old son. I recommended against it, stating my son who is 16 barely made it through. And my son loves action movies and has seen a lot. We both look forward to the proposed continuation of this The Resurrection.

Not an easy film to watch, and to be honest not one I could watch often. But one I am very thankful I watched, and that I watched it again this year with my son.

Wednesday, 12 March 2025

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016 - Movie Review

The Hallow Crown

Year: 2012-2016

Directors:

Rupert Goold

Richard Eyre

Thea Sharrock

Dominic Cooke

Executive producer: Sam Mendes

Producer: Rupert Ryle-Hodges

Running time: varies

Production companies:

Neal Street Productions

NBCUniversal

WNET

The Hallow Crown 2012-2016 Complete Series

A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. After having seen a few of the plasy in this collection we decided to give this series a try. It did not disappoint. It is an absolutely stunning series of adaptations of William Shakespeare’s Historical plays. The title of the series is taken from Richard II:

“For within the hollow crown

That rounds the mortal temples of a king

Keeps Death his court...

— Richard II, act 3, scene 2”

Season one released in 2012 and season 2 in 2016.

The description of the DVD of this movie collection states:

“From executive producer Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) comes a stunning adaptation of four of Shakespeare's most celebrated history plays: Richard II, Henry IV (Part 1 and Part 2), and Henry V. Academy Award® winner Jeremy Irons (The Borgias), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), and Ben Whishaw (Skyfall) in his award-winning role as Richard II star in this epic tale of three kings, their battle for survival, and the rise and fall of a dynasty.”

And the synopsis states:

“The Hollow Crown: The Complete Series is a collection of Shakespeare's history plays adapted into a television series, showcasing the rise and fall of English kings and the political intrigue of the time.”

Another description states:

“A collection containing all seven BBC filmed adaptations of Shakespeare's 'History Plays' from 'The Hollow Crown' series, comprising 'Richard II', 'Henry IV: Parts 1 & 2', 'Henry V', 'Henry VI: Parts 1 & 2' and 'Richard III'. Beginning in the year 1399, the plays deal with events affecting the monarchy during a period where the ruling orders of Richard II, Henry IV and Richard III find themselves beset by rebellion, greed and war.”

This can be purchased in a number of ways, you can buy season 1, or season 2 called War of the Roses, There are couple of Complete editions with different covers. And I believe you can purchase each separately on DVD or from digital services.

The plays in this collection are:

Season 1:

Richard II

Henry IV, Part I

Henry IV, Part II

Henry V

Season 2:

Henry VI Part I

Henry VI Part II

Richard III

Key Cast:

Jeremy Irons

Tom Hiddleston

Benedict Cumberbatch

Hugh Bonneville

Judi Dench

Sophie Okonedo

Tom Sturridge

Simon Russell Beale

Judi Dench

Ben Whishaw

Patrick Stewart

From what I have read the first season stayed very true to the plays, but season 2 truncated much of the source material. But that does not take away from the power of these productions. Richard III is one of both y sons and my plays. I have seen Colm Feore play the role over 30 years apart at the Stratford Festival in Ontario. My son had scoliosis and his curvature nearly perfectly matched Richards from when his grave was discovered. So it is always one dear to our hearts. But to be honest each of the 7 productions was magnificent.

My son's before and after and a costume from Stratford 2022

I honestly feel writing a review of the series will never do it justice, I should go back and rewatch each and write a review after each one. The series was nominated for 14 awards and won 6. Stand out performances by Simon Russell Beale as Falstaff, Jeremy Irons as King Henry IV, Tom Hiddleston as King Henry V, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard III as well as incredible supporting casts make these productions unforgettable.

Each of the 7 could easily have had theatrical releases. The production quality is top notch, The locations, the costumes, the combat, and even the cinematography is all excellent!

If you are a fan of the works of The Bard these are a must watch!

The Hallow Crown Series 2 The War of the Roses

Reviews of Stratford Shakespeare Productions:

The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Something Rotten – 2024

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

As You Like It - 2025

The Winter's Tale - 2025

The Tempest - 2026

Othello - 2026

...

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

Macbeth - 2015

…

Something Rotten – Stratford 2024

The Dark Lady and Pandora: Two Plays - Jessica B. Hill

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream

…

Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing:

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt

…

Guy Hale's Shakespeare Murders Series:

3. Put Out the Light

4. Sleep No More

…

Friday, 7 February 2025

MAS*H - 1972-1983

M*A*S*H

1972-1983

Creator - Larry Gelbart

It took me just over a year but I rewatched M*A*S*H and at the beginning alternated seasons with seasons of Columbo. I had always been a fan, I can remember watching episodes with my dad, my grandmother, and later my step-mom had the series on DVD. Before beginning the series, I watched the 1970 movie, which I am pretty certain I had never seen. After finishing the series I watched M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television which was released in 2024, and W*A*L*T*E*R (1984) which was filmed as a pilot and only aired once. I could not find anywhere to watch After MASH (1983-1985). Trapper John M.D. (1976-1986) is a spinoff of the 1970 movie and I do recall it a bit from my childhood, apparently the pilot has a photo of Rodgers and Alda thus partially linking it to the TV show.

It was interesting watching the series from beginning to end. Many of the episodes were familiar, I few I recalled in their entirety, and only a couple did I not recall at all. I felt a certain sense of melancholy every time the opening sequence played. Over the last several years my son and I have read many books about Military Chaplains, especially Emil Kapaun. But the melancholy was appropriate for the material, I feel like the theme song became more sombre as the seasons progressed, it felt muted and more sombre in the later seasons.

What stuck out to me watching the entire season was the realism. The series started as pure comedy but soon they start tackling deeper subjects, and they explored many different ways to present the episodes story. Two that stand out are the episode filmed entirely from the patient’s Point of View, and the one with a running clock in the corner counting down in real time Life Time. The episode where Hawkeye and Houlihan get trapped in an active battle Comrades in Arms. BJ’s failing at keeping his marital vows Hanky Panky. And even Father Francis Mulcahy’s loss of hearing and struggles with his faith over it.

What I think of most when reflecting on the series is friendships, and even just acquaintances coming together in difficult times and finding a way to get through them. I think about comradery and having support. I think about faith, doubt, and finding a way to keep moving forward no matter what life throws at you.

The key cast members are:

Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce - Alan Alda

Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Penobscott) - Loretta Swit

Maxwell Q. Klinger - Jamie Farr

Father John Patrick Francis Mulcahy - William Christopher

Trapper John McIntyre - Wayne Rogers

Henry Blake - McLean Stevenson

Frank Burns - Larry Linville

Walter Eugene "Radar" O'Reilly - Gary Burghoff

B.J. Hunnicutt - Mike Farrell

Sherman T. Potter - Harry Morgan

Charles Emerson Winchester III - David Ogden Stiers

When the series ended it was the highest rated Television Show of all time for live viewership. It is a record it still holds for non sporting television, and one unlikely to ever be broken in the age of streaming. The show had 64 wins and 154 nominations for awards including 14 Primetime Emmys. And Alan Alda won three different Emmeys he won: Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (twice), Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series, and Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series also a record.

M*A*S*H: The Comedy That Changed Television which was released in 2024 used footage from the 30th Anniversary special for cast members who are now deceased and new footage with several of the surviving cast members. Woven around the story about the series and stories about on and off set happenings.

I greatly enjoyed rewatching this series and seeing it from beginning to end. What I love most is it is about friendships and relationships. And it took me back to watching it with my father. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the 251 episodes and believe it is better than much on TV or streaming these days. If you have not watched it, maybe give it a try, and if it brings back fond memories maybe revisit the series. Goodbye, so long and farewell.

Friday, 25 October 2024

Cymbeline - Movie Review - William Shakespeare

Cymbeline

Year: 2014

Director: Michael Almereyda

Writers: Michael Almereyda William Shakespeare

Run Time: 98 min.

Production: Grindstone Entertainment Group

Benaroya Pictures

Distributed by Lionsgate

A few years ago my son discovered a love of theatre, and I rediscovered it from my own youth. Since then we have been to numerous productions at the Stratford Festival in Stratford Ontario. We both try and read the plays before going and often watch other productions before going to see the play live. This was a stunning production that is very hard hitting, done in the style of the 1996 Romeo and Juliet. In that it is filmed with modern sets, weapons and vehicles, but keeps the Shakespeare language and pacing.

The description of the DVD of this movie states:

“Academy Award nominees Ethan Hawke (2014, Best Supporting Actor, Boyhood) and Ed Harris (2000, Best Actor, Pollock) lead a powerhouse cast including Milla Jovovich, John Leguizamo, Penn Badgley, Dakota Johnson, Anton Yelchin, Bill Pullman, and Delroy Lindo in a gritty story of a take-no-prisoners war between dirty cops and an outlaw biker gang. When extortion, betrayal, and fiery passions threaten his criminal empire, a drug kingpin (Harris) is driven to desperate measures in this explosive, modern retelling of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy.”

And the synopsis states:

“Based on the play Cymbeline by William Shakespeare, the story revolves around a war between dirty cops and a biker gang. The king of the bikers has lost his sons and needs his daughter to marry royalty to maintain the bloodline. The new Queen wishes to kill the king and her step-daughter in order to install her own son as the new gang leader. The step-daughter has married a penniless gang member, who is banished from the gang territory by the King. The banished son-in-law is tricked into believing that his wife is unfaithful through a photograph taken while she was sleeping. These many intertwined players will travel through desperate straits before all is resolved.”

Key Cast:

Ethan Hawke as Iachimo

Ed Harris as Cymbeline

Milla Jovovich as The Queen

John Leguizamo as Pisanio

Penn Badgley as Posthumus

Dakota Johnson as Imogen

Anton Yelchin as Cloten

Peter Gerety as Dr. Cornelius

Kevin Corrigan as The Hangman

Vondie Curtis-Hall as Caius Lucius

James Ransone as Philario

Spencer Treat Clark as Guiderius

Bill Pullman as Sicilius Leonatus

Delroy Lindo as Belarius

Harley Ware as Arviragus

Diego Cortez as Frechman

Mauricio Ovalle as Fu Manchu

This is an excellent production. Since watching it I have mentioned it to numerous friends and family. And it has come back to mind often. After seeing the play version of Cymbeline from Stratford twice now I can say both are excellent productions. This production keeps true to the play very closely. The play version gender swapped the roles making it Queen Cymbeline but it worked very well.

In this version I came to have a greater appreciation for many of the actors who were in the production. Ethan Hawke as Iachimo was outstanding as the villain.

And Ed Harris’s portrayal of King Cymbeline is masterfully played. I was surprised by Milla Jovovich as The Queen and her cunning and guile. But a stand out performance was John Leguizamo as Pisanio.

This has taken over as my favourite film production of a Shakespeare play. It is a near perfect execution. The cast, the music, the action it is all very well done. I can easily recommend this production for fans of Shakespeare, or to be honest anyone who wants an incredible drama action movie to watch!

Reviews of Stratford Shakespeare Productions:

The Tempest - Stratford Festival 2019

Richard III – 2022

Hamlet – 2022

King Lear – 2023

Goblin MacBeth - 2023

Something Rotten – 2024

Romeo & Juliette – 2024

Cymbeline – 2024

Twelfth Night – 2024

As You Like It - 2025

The Winter's Tale - 2025

The Tempest - 2026

Othello - 2026

...

Reviews of Shakespeare Movies:

Cymbeline – 2014

Macbeth - 2015

…

Something Rotten – Stratford 2024

The Dark Lady and Pandora: Two Plays - Jessica B. Hill

…

Books by Ted Neill:

Post Apocalyptic Space Shakespeare Series:

Twelfth Night

As You Like It

A Mid Summers’s Night Dream

…

Shakespearean Shorts from Pettyfeather Publishing:

ERROR 404: LOVE NOT FOUND: A Romeo and Juliet Reboot - Ty Balt

…

Guy Hale's Shakespeare Murders Series: