Robert Cain
Bio
I'm a well-travelled blogger and writer from the UK who is looking to spread his blogs and freelance writings further afield. You can find more of my work at https://robc25.wixsite.com/thecainagecritique.
Stories (176/0)
Napoleon Movie Review
Over a long and storied career, director Ridley Scott has been a regular presence in the historical genre. Between great attention to detail and engaging narratives, his films have achieved widespread acclaim. For his latest large-scale release, Scott takes on Napoleon Bonaparte, perhaps the most decorated and successful military master in human history. This monumental figure has been covered several times in film but rarely in a full chronicle. The 2023 release is capable enough, but it does stumble in the adaptation process.
By Robert Cain5 days ago in Geeks
Killers of the Flower Moon
With many crime film hits through the decades, Martin Scorsese has often set the rules for the genre. The formula often involves fast-talking, violent mobsters breaking in and out of the criminal underworld. He returns to more historical trappings with Killers of the Flower Moon, another excellent production that embraces both heritage and a more emotive tone.
By Robert Cainabout a month ago in Geeks
The Killer Movie Review (LFF 2023)
[Reviewed as part of the BFI London Film Festival 2023] In recent years, Netflix has become a major supporter for several filmmaking auteurs; following a biographical stint with Mank, David Fincher returns to a more direct storyline with The Killer. Just like his previous works, it delivers another razor-sharp package.
By Robert Cain2 months ago in Geeks
The Creator Movie Review
After stepping away from major franchises, UK director Gareth Edwards has returned to the silver screen with his own science fiction story; on a visual level The Creator plays to his strengths but lacks the finer detail in story and characters.
By Robert Cain2 months ago in Geeks
Barbie Movie Review
From The Lego Movie to Transformers, there are very few IPs that haven’t been converted into feature films. The latest product to hit the silver screen is Barbie, arguably one of the most popular toys to ever hit the market. Far from a soulless corporate husk, Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation is an enjoyable flick with great self-awareness and clever writing.
By Robert Cain4 months ago in Geeks
The Witcher Series Review (Season 3)
Following on from the immense popularity of the video games, The Witcher made its small-screen debut in 2019. Offering a different take on the fantasy genre, the series had some potential. Long-time fans felt very ambivalent towards the second season and the latest set of episodes aims to go back to basics. This third outing has its moments, but settles into passable territory.
By Robert Cain4 months ago in Geeks
Oppenheimer Movie Review
When it comes to the biggest names in filmmaking, Christopher Nolan has always commanded a great deal of respect. His latest project, Oppenheimer, is quite the anomaly, adopting a 15 rating and being distributed outside of WB Pictures for the first time in over a decade. Success is all but assured as we’re treated to another intelligent blockbuster.
By Robert Cain4 months ago in Geeks
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 Movie Review
Mission Impossible is a rare beast; since 2006, the series has only gotten better with every new film; each has been more thrilling, expansive and exciting than the last, pushing the boundaries on all fronts. With Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, we have a two-part offering; while it doesn’t match what came before, this thrill-ride is well worth taking.
By Robert Cain5 months ago in Geeks
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie Review
Widely beloved by both old and new audiences, the Indiana Jones franchise delivered great thrills and entertaining adventures throughout the 1980s. In 2008, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was met with disdain and many believed it marked the end of the series. Fifteen years later, Disney and James Mangold have brought the famous archaeologist back for one more run. Regretfully, the end result is yet another failed legacy sequel.
By Robert Cain5 months ago in Geeks
Extraction 2 Movie Review
Helmed by skilled stunt professionals, action cinema has been on an upward trend for some time. In recent years, the genre has seen many impressive sequels that up the ante in every respect. Extraction 2 from Sam Hargrave and Netflix is firmly committed to the major set pieces, but you’ll find that other elements are lacking.
By Robert Cain5 months ago in Geeks
Black Mirror Series Review (Season 6)
Debuting in 2011, Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror earned a great deal of fanfare with a cynical satire of modern and futuristic technology. After five seasons, a transition to Netflix and an interactive film, many believed the anthology had quietly trailed off. Four years later, another set of episodes has arrived; a well produced outing, but it doesn’t rank among the best of the series.
By Robert Cain5 months ago in Geeks
Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse Movie Review
Spider-Man’s live action run has achieved great success through the years, but when the superhero entered the computer animation scene in 2018, an exciting new frontier emerged. At a time where many animated releases are playing it safe or settling into predictable territory, Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse spins up a fantastic tale that delivers far more than pretty aesthetics and colours.
By Robert Cain6 months ago in Geeks