The Magic Faraway Tree 2026 by AverageMansReviews

The Magic Faraway Tree 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/transformation/animal cruelty/animal waste/environment/bodily functions/reference to child abuse

We meet the Thomson's: briefly; husband-and-wife Tim and Polly [Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy:] he is a stay at home dad, whilst she works for this tech company, which she has recently lost her job for quitting over what she believes in: they have three children; Beth, Fran/Francesca and [Delilah Bennett-Cardy,  Billie Gadsdon and Phoenix Laroche:] one moody young teenager, one that doesn't talk and one into computer games and such. But because of this one decision that Polly has made they lose everything so Tim initiates an idea that they have always wanted to do, but it will quieten to move from the city into the country, which opens up a brand-new world to their three children and no it isn't just the countryside, it is something much more magical.

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 110 minutes is a little bit so to begin with, but after it settle things down and it gets into his rhythm; it moves so much more better and take on a life of its very own.

Art, action and character development; well that art is clear to see; as every landscape has everything best associated with that landscape [most of them; as you will see one is built as a school] so the attention to detail is immaculate, imaginative and highly creative and the same be said for the wardrobe, their individual alterations and accessories, we even have some time for dancing or singing and we even have this flying machine that can fly from place to place, but be warned this individual can be awake and fall asleep

Character developments, performances, voice performances and comedy; on both counts they are excellently played out versions of what they are; by changing city life for country life it gives all of our systems characters the opportunity to grow and using some model of coming-of-age regardless of human or/and fantasy individuals. Now if at some point in the future there is to be a sequel, they without question need to bring back this entire cast as long as a character comes back; they come back as well, it is crucially important that nobody gets re-cast, because everyone makes these characters and connections naturally and very organically and changing the performer would without doubt throw off the organic atmosphere/chemistry throughout this past; so in a nutshell these characters are these performers/voice performer and these performers/voice performer are these characters. There is nothing wrong with the comedy per se, it is built for family viewing, but I am a little bit concerned of other countries for an example like the US getting it; because it is very British; be it drinking alcohol, misunderstanding city language and country language as it relates to WiFi/Wifeaye or a character misunderstanding words, because of the way he is designed or bodily functions.

This film receives: 9/10, this film is excellent; as I may have already alluded to already, this is a highly engaging project on multiple levels, on reflection I think it would be fair to say that it does need some time to warm up and yes I am slightly concerned about how this movie will be received in the US for it being a very British project, but by and large for those around the world that like a slice of British culture this film will suit you down to the ground, so consequently I have decided to award an extra mark based on its entire viewing experience and finally this film does have 2 extra scenes; 1 right near the closing credits and the other right at the end of the closing credits

 

Missing in Action 1984/1985 by AverageMansReviews

Missing in Action 1984/1985 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/mental health/torture/shooting/stabbing/impaling/cutting/man on woman violence/vehicle hit/vehicle crash/burning

There is only one man for this job: briefly; when the Vietnamese Government are lying one man steps up Colonel James Braddock [Chuck Norris:] he has at minimum elements of PTSD, but he goes into Vietnam to bring some American MIA's/POWs back home.

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 104 minutes film is for a large amount of this movie slow and steady, but it has to be said this film does move much better when it has some gusto behind it and we do have some exposition in this kind of PTSD character developments.

Action and art; the art and action coincided in one another in its subtlety or/and chaos; we do have a good mix of action; Colonel Braddock now and again does some stealth as he very quietly escapes from this hotel room without being spotted by those that are there to keep an eye on him, but then again in this occasion I have to give an assist to this character dropping a glass so it brings over/creates a diversion for him to make a clean getaway or later on we either have martial arts or let's just say it very chaotic conflict sequences with explosions, ammunition or/and chasing vehicles on land or by water.

Character developments and performances; the character developments are very much the standard outlay for these action films for this time in history; so by definition they are good, I would like to defend myself for seeing this exposition as PTSD; if I didn't see it as PTSD it would seem a crucial character development and also a great disservice to people that fight for their country regardless of what is on the flag that they come from; that if they are lucky enough to come home, they regardless of gender also; they still have to rotate back to real life, after what they have seen or felt or done or other, the cast performances are also solid versions of what they are meant to be with good chemistry it has to be said; the performances that stood out for me were as follows Norris, James Hong as General Tran: he is the head/overseer of this political situation for Vietnam and I mean this in a good way; he is positively an unpleasant individual and then we have M. Emmet Walsh as Jack "Tuck" Tucker: a good friend of Colonel Braddock, they go way back in the day as they have both served alongside one another; Braddock goes to him for help amongst other things.

This film receives: 6/10, this film is good; now for disclaimer on reflection I was in two minds if I should give his mark or something slightly less as I really did struggle to keep awake throughout this film regardless of a better pacing or not; it is just if that was straight through consistently with good pacing, and speculating that this probably wouldn't have been a problem, but I also wanted to give high praise for a trio of really positive performances so I went with something slightly higher. This film does have some awards accredited to its name such as 2 Nominees; Video Software Dealers Association 1985 VSDA Award Most Popular Current Video Program and from the same award ceremony/event VSDA Award Most Popular Current Action/Adventure Movie. Now sadly I would like to dedicate this content to; Chuck Norris that sadly is no longer with us; RIP Chuck Norris 1940-2026; you were a member of the original generation of action heroes that inspired future generations of action heroes, so you may be gone but you will never be forgotten and it has just come to my attention that M. Emmet Walsh is also no longer with us; just looking back over his volume of work being 236 acting credits spanning from 1968-2024, I have always regarded him as someone that is always there and what was given to him he made it the best we could every time so RIP M. Emmet Walsh 1935-2024; you will always be there for future generations to be enjoyed in your works.

 

Average Extra of: James Tolkan Dies 94 in 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Average Extra of: James Tolkan Dies 94 in 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Related content: Top Gun 1986 Link https://averagemansreviews2017.blogspot.com/2019/08/top-gun-1986-by-averagemansreviews.html and then Masters of the Universe 1987 Link https://averagemansreviews2017.blogspot.com/2020/01/masters-of-universe-1987-by.html

Real Talking Time: 

Well that sucks!: On Friday 27 that on Thursday 26/03/2026 James Tolkan had died aged 94. I would like to send my condolences to his family, friends and network at this most difficult time. Tolkan will always be best remembered for portraying stern types of characters that when they entered into the film or into the scene; you knew business was about to go down, so you very much had a larger-than-life presence and he was always a major asset to the project in question and dare I say it they don't make performers like this anymore, where regardless of the role size, he makes his presence known, I have just put up a couple of this project he is known for in a related content section; RIP James Tolkan 1931-2026: you may be gone but your memory will live on throughout your works

 

The Last Starfighter 1984 by AverageMansReviews

The Last Starfighter 1984 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/transformation/disfigurement/torture/melting/dismemberment/robotics/kamikaze/vehicle crash/burning/medical

How much trouble can an arcade machine put you in?: Briefly; well seemingly a lot as Alex Rogan/Beta Alex Rogan [Lance Guest:] an Earthlin that gets the high score on this arcade machine called "Starfighter," so you basically got called up to the war for real.

Generally speaking: the framework and pacing of this 101 minutes film is good; okay having said that it does need a little bit of time to warm up a bit, but other than that everything is fundamentally sound and it has a job to do and it sticks to it.

Art and action; the science fiction outlay on every single level be it scenery or/costumes and so on, including the outer space sequences or/and action sequences are; clean and tidy, well presented and consequently still hold up excellently decade later and I should imagine they will still look excellent decades in the future, just maybe a little bit more worn by then. That is the thing when you originally put in or on and attention to detail they age much slower or even become more authentic as time goes by and this film would be a great example of things going more authentic in the concept of the movie and likewise taking down on his enemies in outer space still has its charms.

Character developments and performances; to begin with on both counts they are all good, but to give you a little bit more substance now, we do have this coming-of-age outlay as it relates to Alex Rogan; as it begins to dawn on him his purpose but he never forgets his promise.

This film receives: 8/10, this film is excellent; I would have to be blind not to notice this; but I am very much aware that this movie is very much an origin storyline outlay and in a nutshell we may or may not get a sequel or a reboot, so as things are right here and right now this is a single title. But if you have never seen it; it is well worth a watch and because of its artistic visions I have decided to award this project an extra mark, there is an ongoing scene in the closing credits with this blue star flashing and it even has some awards accredited to its name such as 5 Nominees which include but not limited to Hugo Awards 1985 Hugo Best Dramatic Presentation Nick Castle (director) Jonathan R. Betuel (written by)

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Related content: Average Extra of: Huw Edwards gets handed a six-month suspended prison sentence for handling under age material in 2024 Link https://averagemansreviews2017.blogspot.com/2024/09/average-extra-of-huw-edwards-gets.html

Review Time

Warning: this project is no way meant for children, granted you don't see anything under age; but the implications and verbal references are there, so there are mature themes, drugs, mental abuse, adult self gratification, mental institution and references to under age, sex offender and suicide

The fall of: briefly; this project is about Huw Edwards [Martin Clunes:] once highly respected BBC News report now highly disgraced

Generally speaking: even though this project is based on real-life events; it does feel like we are having to squeeze everything in so yes now and again we get dates and so on, other times I am like where the hell are we? Including going full circle  at some point as well, So the script could have done with some work especially with later on in this content you will find out that we don't spend too much time on the downfall, consequently the framework and pacing of this may be 80 minutes project [as I watched this off TV; which was roughly 118 minutes I have included advertising] is at best after everything has been considered okay

Character developments, performances and comedy; predominantly the character developments were based on real-life events so they were all good versions of what they are meant to be but Clunes; as Edwards puts in a masterful performance, what with his perfect impression of mannerisms and voice pattern, he also puts across which is absolutely crucial here, what kind of monster Edward was and Clunes should hopefully win some at minimum positive award nominees for this performance and I will even though one more step and I will add an additional mark based off this performance. Now towards the end of this project we have this dark comedy scene; where we have Edwards/Clunes reading off this teleprompter to what he yet he received as a punishment for these criminal acts; now straight off the bat I need to highlight that this sequence is done with impeccable seriousness as he lists off what was found and woe for the consequences, but if you can read between the lines/subtext of that fine line between seriousness which is, but also this very, very fine pinch of dark comedy in this monologue to subtly imply seriousness, but " Yes remaining impartial, but we know it was a joke of a punishment." So even though we all know this was a serious situation, don't feel too bad if or when you come to this scene and you end up laughing a little, because as I have just shown, it is saying more than what you think; in a nutshell it comes off slightly passive aggressively, but what can I say I really like how they cover up this subtext with Edwards coming across as just doing his job as usual; this monologue is excellently written and performed.

This film receives: 5/10, this film is mixed; like I have been indicating I can only give high praise to Clunes and the well timed dark comedy interpretation, but in all seriousness; the time jumps, about 20 minutes covering the downfall section and yet again I am sitting here wondering how Edwards is not in any prison cell is beyond me, because in a nutshell; if we are now having people being put in prison for what they say on social media, which by comparison is absolutely nothing compared to what Edwards did [just for the record; I am not condoning what people say on social media,] I am just obviously saying by comparison there is no comparison Edwards should be spending years upon years in prison and without is fat BBC pension as well, without giving too much away but it is a fair point or points nonetheless; but if you are expecting this project to give you answers unfortunately it won't do that, it will only give you more questions; like how did Edwards get into this lifestyle, I know he makes reference to it in some capacity but I am talking about online, I know I have said this already; but why is he not in prison and what is he doing now?

 

 

Hoppers 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Hoppers 2026 by AverageMansReviews

Related content: The Wild Robot 2024 Link https://averagemansreviews2017.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-wild-robot-2024-by.html

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/transformation/robotics/burning/environmental/animal cruelty/animal feeding/animal waste/biting. I will also be making reference to an adult content creator

In Beaverton; No this is not a euphemism for Bonnie Blue: briefly; we meet Mabel Tanaka [Younger voice by: Lila Liu/Older voiced by: Piper Curda:] she is a lifelong animal lover/animal protector, she will do anything to stop this construction development from taking place, as it will destroy this natural location where she spent many years with her grandma that sadly is no longer with us, but even Mabel couldn't even see this option materialising.

Art, character developments, comedy and action; as we have grown accustomed to animation projects of this nature; the computer animation is eye-catching, warm and welcoming and highly detailed to really immerse their audiences into this world they have created with details such as a genius stroke; yes I know it is simple, but very effective. But the character development of the bridge between our world and the animal kingdom; with doing a change of facial features and expressions [No I am not being racist here, because this is what happens in the film so there are no racist connotations here,] where simply put they go from how humans see animals to how they see each other and back again or/and including the usage of mobile devices; this was highly comical. I really did appreciate the artistic and character developments of the different entrances of royalty, they really did put the emphasis on yes they may be of essentially the kingdom, but they also have their own kingdom and way of doing things and being presented.

There is other comical moments where Mabel Beever quickly scurries around with these wider eyes saying hello or something to that effect as we can see from her perspective and other comical moments such as this moment of action where a member of a royal family gets squished and we this slow hand wiping to clearly make this intense situation 10 times worse with everyone else looking shocked at what just happened.

Character developments and voice performances; stripping back a character developments and the voice performances [because I will discuss them again in the final section anyway;] on their own merit the character developments and voice performances are good; safe and reliable versions and performances of what they are meant to be at this time.

This film receives: 8/10, this film is excellent; the concept of this film is imaginative, but it is also wrapped up in a foundation style of a project, so I'm not saying there will be a sequel, I am very much indicating if they wanted to do this in the future they had very much covered the bases to do this and build upon in the future, which let's be honest most animated Disney/Pixar get the green light for at least a sequel at some point down the line, it has to be said I prefer The Wild  Robot 2024: they are very different, but they have three things in common; the environment, the bridge between two worlds and robotics on some level and yes throughout the closing credits there are extra bits and pieces including the end.

 

D-Tox 2002 by AverageMansReviews

D-Tox 2002 by AverageMansReviews

Review Time

Warning: there is flashing effects/colourful effects/shooting/religion/impaling/hanging/disfigurement/decomposing/cutting/self harming/suicide/animal cruelty/bodily functions/drugs/environment/vehicle crash/medical. I will be using an adult language reference and references to adult content.

Usually I wouldn't be this blunt; but this film is a big steaming pile of manure: briefly; this Federal Agent; Agent Jake Malloy [Sylvester Stallone:] has to go and seek psychiatric assistance, after his last case went south in a big way culminating in losing a loved one, but there is strange goings-on at this facility.

Generally speaking: everything about this film is either just bad or solid versions of what they are meant to be; the storyline/script for this 96 minute film; is just terrible; from the outset it has clearly been designed as an exercise in exposition, but I don't know how this was meant to work, when we are at the beginning of the film, but clearly and quite possibly three quarters way through the case, so when these things happen of any detail, it is impossible for us to identify with these characters, considering we have just done the equivalent of walking through the door, so be it from a script or character developments this is just garbage, moving on we have more exposition in the framework and pacing of memory recall from our lead character; which as I have just eluded to this is absolutely pointless, because we didn't get to see or feel any connection, so you can do this memory recall garbage as much as you like, it still isn't going to change that fact that we the viewers still feel nothing about your relationship to one another and on top of that; the production value of these memory recall moments are cheap and tacky, which is highly surprising considering the budget for this movie was relatively large, but for now I digress; the framework and pacing is slow and steady and insufferably boring; on a quick side note; it would have been better if they had just began the film at this psychiatric institution.

Action and art; I mean the action components of this project are as exciting as being the last one to have intercourse with Bonnie Blue after 24 hours of a sex party; meaning let's just get the job done, taking this location has a psychiatric facility is the only good thing I can write home about really; it sets the tone for the rest of the film and put across that this is a very serious location to talk about mental health

Character developments and performances; broadly speaking the versions of these character types and consequently performances were/are solid versions of what they are meant to be.

This film receives: 1/10, this film is poor; I mean relatively early on in the film I got the idea that this film is going to be a struggle to watch and if you're wondering about the budget it was $55 million and it only taking $6.4 million at the box office, so I would avoid this film as much as having an invitation from Bonnie Blue.