Category: Reviews

My Grandfather: Charles Manson Hits the Spot

Corridor with numbered rusty barred prison cell doors and peeling walls

It was my pleasure to watch this documentary on Netflix, about a week. It is definitely not for the faint-hearted.

My Grandfather Charles Manson is a raw, intimate, and unexpectedly compelling documentary that turns a shocking personal discovery into a thoughtful exploration of identity, family, and the weight of inherited history.

Directed by Sophia Maddox, the film follows her journey after a genealogy test reveals that her unknown grandfather was Charles Manson. Rather than sensationalizing the connection, the documentary stays grounded in the human cost: the emotional upheaval it causes for Sophia and her father, the quiet reckoning with resemblance and legacy, and the difficult process of separating one’s own life from a notorious name.

The result is a personal story that feels honest and unguarded. What stands out is the film’s emotional authenticity. Maddox does not shy away from vulnerability; her on-camera reflections and conversations with her father capture the confusion, grief, and determination that come with such a revelation.

An important question she poses is whether some of the evil has been passed onto her. That it is in her nature. Here, we learn more about Manson’s life and his horrendous time in an industrial school where he was regularly beaten and raped. There can be no doubt that this would have affected his personality for the worse. She also has her personality traits compared with Manson by a psychologist.

The relationship between father and daughter becomes the heart of the piece—strained at times, yet ultimately marked by a desire to understand each other better. Their interactions give the documentary a lived-in quality that elevates it beyond typical true-crime fare.

Visually and structurally, the film is understated and effective. Home footage, family photos, and carefully chosen archival material are woven together without excess. The pacing allows space for reflection, and the focus remains on the present-day impact rather than rehashing well-known historical events.

This restraint strengthens the documentary’s po

wer: it trusts the audience to bring their own knowledge while centering the very real people living with the aftermath. By the end, My Grandfather Charles Manson leaves a lasting impression as a study of resilience and self-definition. It shows how one person chooses to confront an uncomfortable truth, process it openly, and still claim agency over her own story.

Four stars out of five from me.

Why Goodfellas is a Timeless Crime Classic

Vintage revolver, playing cards, poker chips, and vinyl records on a wooden table with city skyline at night

I was recently flicking through the TV when I came across this film. It’s up there with my favorite films of all time and I recommend you watch it if you have not already done so.

Goodfellas is a masterclass in filmmaking—a relentless, exhilarating, and brilliantly crafted immersion into the seductive, brutal world of organized crime that remains one of the greatest American movies ever made.Martin Scorsese’s 1990 adaptation of Nicholas Pileggi’s nonfiction book Wiseguy follows the rise and eventual unraveling of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta), a half-Irish, half-Sicilian kid from Brooklyn who grows up idolizing the local mobsters and eventually becomes one of them. From the opening freeze-frame and that iconic line—“As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster”—the film announces its confidence and energy. It never lets up.

What elevates Goodfellas above almost every other crime film is Scorsese’s electrifying direction and the seamless collaboration with editor Thelma Schoonmaker. The camera is constantly alive: tracking shots that glide through the Copacabana in a single unbroken take, freeze-frames that punctuate Henry’s narration, and rapid-fire cuts that mirror the characters’ high-wire lifestyle. The famous long take through the back entrance of the nightclub is pure cinematic joy—glamour, status, and danger all distilled into one fluid movement. The film’s pacing is propulsive yet precise, shifting from exhilarating highs of easy money and loyalty to the paranoid freefall of the later years without ever losing the audience.

The performances are uniformly outstanding. Ray Liotta gives Henry Hill a magnetic everyman quality; you understand exactly why the life pulls him in even as you watch it corrode everything around him. Robert De Niro’s Jimmy Conway is cool, calculating, and quietly terrifying—a masterclass in restrained menace. Joe Pesci’s Tommy DeVito is unforgettable: volatile, hilarious, and explosively violent in equal measure. His “Funny how?” scene remains one of the most perfectly calibrated moments of tension and dark comedy in cinema. Lorraine Bracco brings real emotional weight as Karen Hill, grounding the story in the personal costs of this lifestyle, while Paul Sorvino’s Paulie Cicero radiates quiet authority and paternal menace.

The screenplay, co-written by Scorsese and Pileggi, is razor-sharp. The voice-over narration feels conversational and confessional rather than explanatory, pulling the viewer into Henry’s perspective so completely that the moral compromises register as almost inevitable. The dialogue crackles with authenticity—streetwise, funny, and often casually cruel. Scorsese never romanticizes the violence, but he also refuses to look away from the intoxicating pull of power, money, and belonging that the life offers.

The soundtrack is legendary. Scorsese’s needle-drops—ranging from Tony Bennett and Cream to the Rolling Stones and Sid Vicious—function almost as additional characters, underscoring mood, era, and emotional undercurrents with uncanny precision. Combined with Michael Ballhaus’s rich cinematography and the meticulous period detail, the film feels fully lived-in and alive.

Goodfellas is more than a crime story; it is a study of ambition, loyalty, betrayal, and the American Dream twisted into something dangerous and irresistible. It captures the intoxicating rush of the early days and the inevitable decay that follows with equal clarity and style. Three decades on, it still feels fresh, urgent, and unmatched in its energy and craftsmanship.

Five stars out of five.

A few years ago, there was a documentary about what happened to Nicholas Pilegg after the film ended. He ended up going back to the life while in witness protection. What a legend.

Gomorrah: The Origins – Captivating Storytelling in 1977 Naples

Wet cobblestone street with people holding umbrellas and lit shop signs in Italian town

This is a new Series on Sky that I recently started watching. It is a prequel to the much vaunted Gomorrah, a series that I absolutely loved and was hoping for more of the same.

Gomorrah: The Origins is a stylish, atmospheric, and compelling prequel that deepens the world of the original series while standing strongly on its own. Set in 1977 Naples, the six-episode series traces the early years of a young Pietro Savastano (Luca Lubrano), a street-smart kid from the impoverished Secondigliano neighborhood.

Alongside his friends, he navigates petty crime, cigarette smuggling, and the allure of local power while idolizing neighborhood figure Angelo “A Sirena” (Francesco Pellegrino). What begins as survival gradually pulls him deeper into the criminal underworld, exploring ambition, loyalty, first love, and the irreversible choices that shape a future boss.

The production captures the era with rich period detail—leather jackets, haircuts, cars, music, and the textured, poverty-stricken streets of a transforming Naples—creating a vivid, immersive atmosphere. There’s a freshness and even a surprising tenderness amid the grit that sets it apart from more formulaic crime dramas. The cinematography and direction (with Marco D’Amore helming early episodes) deliver tension, style, and emotional weight without overstaying their welcome across the tight six-episode run.

My favorite moment so far has been Angela outwitting his opponent at a party just as all appeared to be lost.

Performances are a major strength. Lubrano brings quiet intensity and complexity to young Pietro, making his transformation feel earned and human. The supporting cast, including Pellegrino and others portraying friends and emerging figures in the local hierarchy, adds authenticity and chemistry that echo the original series’ strengths while feeling distinctly of this earlier time.

As a prequel to the acclaimed Gomorrah saga (inspired by Roberto Saviano’s work), it rewards fans with meaningful backstory on key characters and the roots of the Camorra world, yet remains accessible and engaging for newcomers. It balances coming-of-age elements with the harsh realities of organized crime, delivering moments of real tension, friendship, and moral ambiguity. Overall, Gomorrah: The Origins is a worthy expansion of the franchise—gritty yet stylish, intimate yet epic in its implications. Four stars out of five from me.

Unfiltered Look at Kylie Minogue’s Life and Career

Silhouetted lead singer holding a microphone on stage with vibrant purple and pink lights and band members

You would be correct in thinking that I would never have been the biggest Kylie Minogue fan. Still, there were some of her tunes I liked so I gave this Netflix series a watch.

Kylie is a joyful, intimate, and genuinely moving celebration of one of pop’s most enduring icons. This three-part Netflix documentary series (2026) follows Kylie Minogue as she opens her personal archives—home movies, photos, and private footage—to reflect on her journey from Neighbours soap star to global superstar. Directed by Michael Harte, it feels refreshingly unfiltered and human rather than a polished brand exercise.

What makes it special is Kylie’s candor and warmth. She walks through the twists of her career with honesty and humor: the sudden fame, creative reinventions, relationships, public scrutiny, and personal challenges (including health struggles).

The archive material is rich and evocative, paired with new interviews that let her personality shine—resilient, gracious, playful, and grounded. Supporting voices from family, collaborators, and friends add texture without overwhelming her story. The series captures the pure euphoria of her music and stage presence while showing the grit and adaptability behind the sparkle. It’s tender, often emotional, and frequently uplifting, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for both the artist and the person.

It gives a powerful insight into her battle with breast cancer. The effect on her and her family is particularly poignant. She also details her love of children and her use of IVF. At the end, you feel like you know her that bit better.

Four stars out of five from me.

Mortal Kombat II (2026) Review: A Nostalgic Action Sequel

Two samurai fighting with swords in ancient ruins with sparks flying at sunset

The Mortal Kombat franchise always brings warm memories to the fore of when I was much younger, It was too difficult for my hands to use the controller but my friends and brothers did. They all got so animated at times. So, there was a touch of nostalgia when I flicked onto the latest film in the franchise.

Mortal Kombat II (2026) is a gleefully brutal, crowd-pleasing sequel that delivers exactly what fans of the franchise want: spectacular fight choreography, over-the-top fatalities, self-aware humor, and deeper dives into the lore.

Directed once again by Simon McQuoid, this high-stakes martial arts fantasy picks up after the events of the 2021 reboot and throws the Earthrealm champions into an even more intense confrontation with Outworld’s forces under the tyrannical Shao Kahn.

The addition of Karl Urban as the cocky, washed-up action star Johnny Cage is a perfect fit—he brings charisma, comic timing, and genuine presence that elevates every scene he’s in. Returning favorites like Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson, Ludi Lin, and others get expanded roles and memorable moments, while newcomers such as Adeline Rudolph as Kitana add fresh energy and emotional stakes.

The action is the clear highlight. The film leans hard into the game’s signature style with inventive one-on-one (and larger-scale) battles, creative special moves, and satisfyingly gory finishes that feel faithful without becoming pure spectacle for its own sake.

Arenas look fantastic, the choreography is kinetic and well-shot, and the movie embraces its silly, high-fantasy roots with confidence. Moments of levity balance the darker tone and higher body count, making it more consistently entertaining than its predecessor for many viewers

.While the narrative remains relatively straightforward (as expected from a video-game adaptation focused on the tournament and defending Earthrealm), the expanded cast, improved sense of scale, and stronger emphasis on fan-favorite elements make this the most roundly enjoyable entry in the live-action series so far. It knows exactly what it is—a self-aware slugfest that rewards longtime players who can tell their Fatalities from their Babalities—and executes that mission with energy and style.

Three stars out of five from me. Don’t expect anything too deep.

I Will Find You: A Must-Watch Netflix Thriller

Long corridor with rows of closed prison cell doors and overhead fluorescent lights

I had a few hours to spare during the week, so I decided to give Netflix a try. A good series would do the thing. Then I found just the thing.

I Will Find You is a gripping, pulse-pounding Netflix thriller that delivers pure Harlan Coben excellence.

From the moment it opens, this eight-episode limited series locks you in and refuses to let go. Sam Worthington gives one of his most intense and emotionally raw performances as a father wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his young son. When new evidence surfaces suggesting the boy might still be alive, the story shifts into a desperate, high-stakes quest that feels both deeply personal and relentlessly suspenseful. I particularly liked the prison break episode with its fast action and clever thinking.

The series masterfully balances heart-wrenching parental love with clever twists, tense escapes, and that signature Coben style of peeling back layers of secrets. Britt Lower and Milo Ventimiglia are outstanding in their roles, adding emotional depth and sharp intensity that elevate every scene.

The pacing is tight, the stakes feel constant, and the production values keep everything looking cinematic and immersive.What makes I Will Find You especially satisfying is how it explores the lengths a parent will go to for their child while still delivering the kind of addictive mystery that makes you want to binge the entire thing in one sitting.

It’s dark, suspenseful, and surprisingly moving—exactly the kind of smart, twisty crime drama that keeps you guessing until the final moments.

If you love Harlan Coben adaptations or just want a thrilling limited series that hooks you hard and rewards you with strong performances and satisfying payoffs, this one is an absolute must-watch. Highly recommended. Four starts out of five from me.

The Odyssey (2026) Review: A Cinematic Masterpiece

Ancient wooden trireme with rowers in a stormy sea with lightning and dark clouds

Hello everyone, yesterday I went to see my first film in years. Cinemas have changed quite a bit over the years. Using smartphones to book seats. How strange! All the posters to say what was on were no more. It was mostly teenagers; they must have wondered what the auld fella was up to.


But what did I think of the film?


The Odyssey (2026), directed by Christopher Nolan, is a breathtaking, monumental achievement—an IMAX-scale epic that transforms Homer’s timeless poem into a visceral, emotionally resonant cinematic voyage of unmatched ambition and power. From the opening moments, Nolan plunges us into a world of myth and consequence that feels both ancient and prescient.


Matt Damon delivers a stellar performance as Odysseus, the cunning, battle-weary king of Ithaca whose decade-long struggle to return home after the Trojan War becomes a profound meditation on guilt, resilience, leadership, and the longing for home. Damon captures every facet of the character: the brilliant strategist, the flawed warrior haunted by his choices, the devoted husband and father, and the survivor who must confront the cost of his own cleverness. His Odysseus is fully human—proud, resourceful, and deeply complicated—never reduced to a simple action hero.


Anne Hathaway is equally extraordinary as Penelope, radiantly strong and fiercely intelligent as she holds Ithaca together against the predatory suitors who overrun her household. Her quiet determination and emotional depth anchor the film’s parallel storyline. Tom Holland brings youthful intensity and growth to Telemachus, the son searching for both his missing father and his own place in a fractured world. The supporting cast is a dazzling ensemble: Robert Pattinson is perfectly hateable as the sleazy Antinous; Charlize Theron is mesmerizing as the alluring Calypso; Samantha Morton is chilling and magnetic as Circe; Zendaya brings quiet power and wisdom as Athena; Lupita Nyong’o shines in dual roles as Helen and Clytemnestra; and John Leguizamo adds heartfelt loyalty as the faithful Eumaeus.


Nolan’s direction is at its most confident and expansive. Shot entirely on IMAX 70mm film cameras, the film is a technical marvel—every frame brimming with tactile grandeur. The practical effects, sweeping location work across Greece, Morocco, Iceland, and beyond, and Hoyte van Hoytema’s cinematography create an immersive experience that no digital spectacle can match. You feel the spray of the sea, the weight of the Trojan Horse, the terror of the Cyclops’s cave, the seductive pull of the Sirens, and the raw chaos of battle. Ludwig Göransson’s score elevates every sequence with thunderous, haunting power that underscores both the mythic scale and the intimate human drama.


What elevates The Odyssey beyond pure spectacle is its emotional and philosophical richness. Nolan weaves the classic episodes—Polyphemus, Circe, the Underworld, Scylla and Charybdis, Calypso—into a non-linear tapestry that explores fate versus free will, the burdens of war, the meaning of hospitality and loyalty, and the hard path toward redemption and reunion. The film honors the spirit of Homer while thoughtfully expanding the narrative with material from related myths, creating a cohesive, thrilling whole that never loses sight of the characters’ hearts. The final act, in particular, delivers a cathartic, rousing payoff that feels earned and deeply moving.


The Odyssey is Christopher Nolan at the height of his powers: a grand, passionate, visually stunning homecoming story that reminds us why these ancient myths still matter. It is one of the most impressive and rewarding epic films of the decade—best experienced on the largest screen possible. Do not miss it.


Four stars out of five from me.

2026 World Cup Highlights: Spain’s Triumph and Record Attendance

Glowing soccer ball flying over Earth with digital light trails representing global connection

Hello readers, I don’t know about you but I thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup. Okay, it helps that I won 150 euro with Argentina at my work draw. And the actual final was a bore fest.

Still, The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was an unqualified triumph—the biggest, most attended, and one of the most thrilling editions in the tournament’s history. From June 11 to July 19, this expanded 48-team spectacle delivered drama, upsets, record crowds, and unforgettable moments, culminating in Spain’s deserved 1-0 extra-time victory over defending champions Argentina in the final at MetLife Stadium.

The numbers alone tell a story of massive success. Attendance shattered the 1994 record (set in the U.S.), surpassing 3.6 million early and ultimately drawing well over 4.6 million fans across 104 matches with a staggering 99.7% stadium occupancy rate and averages around 64,000–65,000 per game.

It was also a tournament where the world’s best players shone, especially Messi and Mbappe. We are truly blessed to be able to witness such great players.

Spain emerged as the undisputed stars, claiming their second World Cup title (first since 2010) with a masterclass in possession, defense, and clinical finishing. They extended an unbeaten run to 38 games, conceded just one goal all tournament, and dominated the final despite Argentina’s resilience. Rodri earned the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, while young talents like Lamine Yamal shone brightly. Their extra-time winner—Ferran Torres volleying home after a brilliant Nico Williams header in the 106th minute—capped a controlled performance where Argentina managed zero shots on target.

Argentina fought valiantly to defend their crown, with Lionel Messi delivering moments of magic. But they let themselves down badly in the final with over defensive play, cheating and bad tackles. And I was supporting them.

The real heroes included underdogs like Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockouts. They drew with Spain, pushed Argentina to extra time in a 3-2 thriller, and captured hearts with their resilience and skill. Other surprises, strong runs from teams like Morocco, Norway.

Highlights abounded: dramatic comebacks (e.g., Argentina’s 3-2 turnaround), penalty shootouts, end-to-end thrillers, and emotional celebrations. The third-place playoff saw England edge France 6-4 in a goal-fest. Host nations punched above expectations at times, with passionate crowds creating a festival vibe. One thing I hope never to see again though is farcical water breaks when they are not needed.

The 2026 World Cup wasn’t just bigger; it felt more inclusive and joyful. It blended established powerhouses with fresh narratives, high-stakes football with global party energy, and legacy venues with modern flair. Spain’s triumph symbolized a new era of exciting, disciplined play, while underdog stories and record engagement showed football’s universal pull.

The Magic of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup Team

Soccer match at night with players in red and blue jerseys, illuminated by stadium lights

There was a time when you felt excitement and wonder as a Brazilian team took to the field. They played with flair and imagination that other countries could rarely match.

This 1h 26m Netflix documentary, called USA 94: Brazil’s Return to Glory and directed by Luís Ara, brilliantly captures Brazil’s dramatic journey to their fourth World Cup title in 1994—the moment A Seleção ended a 24-year drought and reclaimed their place among football’s elite.

I remember from the time that this Brazil team was viewed as much more defensive than those of the past. However, they still had that extra bit of magic up front to set them apart.

What sets this film apart is its intimate, insider perspective. Rather than recycling familiar match highlights, Ara weaves in never-before-seen handheld camcorder footage shot by goalkeeper Gilmar Rinaldi and right-back Jorginho during the tournament. These raw, unfiltered clips—showing bus rides, locker-room banter, hotel corridors, and quiet moments of young stars like Romário, Bebeto, Dunga, Branco, Raí, Zinho, and Viola—feel like stepping back in time. You see the players not as legends, but as determined men carrying enormous weight on their shoulders.

The present-day interviews are gold. Captain Dunga’s leadership shines through with quiet intensity, while Romário and Bebeto’s chemistry and reflections add warmth and humor. The film doesn’t shy away from the struggles: the skepticism from fans and media after a poor 1990 World Cup, a tense qualification campaign, and the heavy national grief following the deaths of rising star Dener and national hero Ayrton Senna earlier that year. The dedication of the victory to Senna provides some of the documentary’s most emotional, lump-in-the-throat moments.

The on-pitch drama builds beautifully. From the gritty Round of 16 clash against the USA on Independence Day (which players still call one of their toughest tests), through the knockout stages, to the tense, goalless final against Italy decided by penalties at the Rose Bowl. Italian perspectives from Gianluca Pagliuca and Demetrio Albertini add balance and respect, highlighting the mutual admiration between the sides. The penalty shootout sequence, with Baggio’s missed kick, is edited with genuine suspense.

sually and narratively, the film pulses with energy. The mix of archival footage, player-shot videos, and crisp modern interviews creates an engaging rhythm that feels fresh and personal. It celebrates not just sporting glory but cultural redemption—a nation in mourning finding joy and unity through football.

Well worth a watch. Four stars from me.

Liverpool’s Istanbul: A Miracle Documentary Review

Atletico Madrid players celebrating with fans after 3-3 draw vs Liverpool

Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul is not just another documentary about that legendary 2005 Champions League final—it’s the one fans have been waiting for. Streaming on Netflix, this 78-minute film captures the drama, emotion, and sheer improbability of Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down at half-time against AC Milan with a freshness and intimacy that makes it feel brand new, even two decades later.

I still remember the night unfolding as a Liverpool supporter. The horror, then the very unexpected elation. I was the only person in the house so I could shout as loud as I wanted.

From the opening minutes, director Matt Rudge sets the stage perfectly. The 2004/05 season was turbulent: a new manager in Rafael Benítez, key departures (including the looming exit of Michael Owen), squad uncertainty, and a rocky path through the competition.

Jamie Carragher gives an intriguing insight into what is happening. He is at an England and newly appointed Benitez arrives to have a meeting with his three star Liverpool players – Owen, Gerrard and Owens. Carragher expects him to give them a warm embrace and his plans for the future of the team. Instead, he concentrates on where they need to improve as individuals – Owen leaves the club. Gerrard thinks about it. It takes time for them to warm to Benitez, but things gradually click.

The film doesn’t rush to the final. It builds the context beautifully—Liverpool’s struggles, the tactical masterclass that got them to Istanbul, and the underdog spirit that defined the club. Archive footage is crisp, evocative, and plentiful, blending seamlessly with modern interviews that feel raw and reflective.

The real magic lies in the voices. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, and Rafa Benítez (among others) speak with the hindsight of champions but the passion of men who still can’t quite believe what happened. Gerrard’s leadership and that iconic half-time team talk, Carragher’s never-say-die attitude, Alonso’s cool penalty, and Benítez’s tactical tweaks come alive in ways that go beyond the highlights we’ve all seen a thousand times. You feel the tension in the dressing room, the roar of the Liverpool fans in the stands, and the disbelief as goals from Gerrard, Šmicer, and Alonso turned the game on its head before the dramatic penalty shootout.

Five stars out of five from me. A must watch for all Liverpool supporters, or people who love the beautiful game.