Change Your Image
mikeysmovies
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againThere are some notable exclusions, some of which are on my watchlist and others that I consider greats in many aspects - just not my personal favourites (be sure to check out All Time Greats - Not In My Top 250).
There are also inclusions of horrors and comedies, the likes of 'A Haunted House', which may seem unfitting of a place on such a list. However these are my personal favourites, chosen with consideration of their quality, but ultimately on the basis of: what would I rather watch?
My Philosophy Often entertainment value trumps all - a strong story is a films most pivotal element, though a confident cinematic style is closely crucial. I try to embrace something for what it is, not what I wanted it to be. I love a good sci-fi or psychological thriller. I'm soft for romantic tear-jerkers and really feel that comedies are massively underappreciated. Ultimately though, it's films which are thought-provoking that I hold in the greatest sincerity. And if there's a clever twist at the end I'm all for it.
Key Previous Position | Highest Position | Highest Rating | Overall Views | First Viewing | Latest Viewing
A well-made show which pays expert attention to detail is key to my enjoyment of it. Thoughtless, plotless twists are often what ruin once-great shows. I try to embrace something for what it is, not what I wanted it to be.
Check out my other lists to see individual episode ratings of most of the series listed and have a look at My TV Schedule to see when your favourites are due back!
Any title rated 8.1 or above can also be found in My Top 250 Films, along with some of those rated 8.0.
Reviews
WandaVision (2021)
An inventive, daring dive into the great beyond of the post-Endgame MCU
'WandaVision' is a creative triumph of television which will excite you for the next phase. It's bonkers; it's emotional; it's the perfect proof that Kevin Feige and co. have more surprises up their sleeve yet. Go in with an open mind and enjoy the show!!
This Is Us: Birth Mother (2021)
Think twice
It may make you think twice when you see someone effected by drugs. Giving a further backstory to the life of someone we've not long met, This Is Us drops it's strongest episode this season evoking the thoughtfulness of it's greatest hours. With a love story at its center, it perfectly demonstrates the beauty of even the hardships in life.
The Walking Dead: The Storm (2019)
Setting up the wars to come
Rating: 8.8
In true Game of Thrones style, 'The Storm' provides a calming review of the seasons events, while setting up the wars to come next season.
Although some viewers will be disappointed by the lack of excitement compared to what they've grown used to in a finale, I think it actually represents a positive change for the show - to learn from the best show on TV isn't a bad idea. If you view this episode with that point of view, you will be able to enjoy it as it was intended. With some refreshing zombie action and visual effects which borrow from classic undead interpretations (rising from beneath the ground), this episode continues its trend of utilising old school scares to thrilling effect. It feels somewhat reminiscent of 'The Distance' from season six, making use of the concept of the physical environment playing a role in the apocalypse.
Other than the stunning visuals, the production (in terms of writing and intelligent storyline plotting) has improved remarkably. With usually overlooked aspects taking precedence, like remembering the past by having our survivors take shelter in the Sanctuary, or showing the progression of Carol's character as she opts not to kill any more kids...These are important moments which make evident the vast improvement in character building and world building this season has accomplished. Carol has had a lot of great moments over the years, but this felt like her rebirth, with an absolute masterclass in acting. On the whole, season nine has achieved the impossible - TWD feels like a coherent show worth watching again. Kudos to Angela Kang for pulling off one of the greatest, most unexpected comebacks in TV history.
Writing - 5 Stars
Story - 4 Stars
Character Development - 5 Stars
Action - 4 Stars
Still Game: Over the Hill (2019)
One of the most heartfelt episodes of the entire series
An ending which elevates this episode to one of the most heartfelt of the entire series. 'Over the Hill' successfully pulled together everything that Still Game was about - friendship, life and laughs to provide an ending fitting of such a great show. It's emotional, shocking, and makes it easy to forget how forgettable some of series nine has been. Yes, it could've been funnier and it could've produced a more coherent story - but what the finale (and indeed the entire series) did achieve was packed full of heart, with definition and finality to each characters arc.
You'll feel shocked at first, perhaps even disappointed, but once the final scene closes - you'll know that Ford and Greg did right by the characters...You know, before the overwhelming sense of loss sets in and you begin grieving as the show departs our screens forever. Goodbye Still Game, you will live long in the patter of Scots everywhere.
Still Game: Fly Fishing (2018)
A welcome return to form
Given the mediocrity that last season brought in all but one episode, I was pleasantly surprised (and in stitches) with the first episode of season eight.
As a loyal Still Game fan, it makes something inside you happy when you realise a particular scene or bit of patter is going to stay with you and be referred to over-and-over again. Take for example "Know what I got for my 72th? Hee wrapped in haw" or "Aww that's a pity Boaby because I was toying with the idea of s****ing myself and getting you to wipe my arse for me". It's quote-able and never gets old.
What's more, this episode contained a reference to the difference between pub and home-drinking at a time in which pubs are struggling to get by - it's being able to relate to the wider story that makes Still Game such a great sitcom.
Right so the production since it's return to our screens hasn't been as good as it's peak. Yeah I agree there's too much focus on side characters like Boaby and Isa. And yeah I know the writing has sometimes been more slapstick and forced than we'd come to expect. But, at the base of it all - it's still the Still Game we know and love, it's just adapting to a more mainstream audience.
If they can keep up the quality and quote-ability this episode brought for the remaining five episodes of the season, then it'll be a welcome return to form for the gang from Craiglang.
Ant-Man (2015)
Wasn't expecting such an awesome film
I'm a massive fan of the Marvel Universe and have been so impressed with all the films thus far, but this one didn't really appeal to me as much when it came out. How wrong was I?!
I've just recently seen the newest Captain America: Civil War - if you've not seen it yet then delay no further because its an awesome film - and wanted to get myself up to date on the backstory of the only other Marvel film I hadn't yet seen. I went in with mild expectations, I mean how could a film about a superhero ant be awesome? But I was pleasantly surprised.
The film incorporated an excellent mix of wonderful visuals, a fantastic origin story and the usual (awesome) Marvel humor to make for an enjoyable watch. Don't get me wrong, this one is (even more than the others) targeted at kids but don't let it put you off. Even if you're not a kid anymore, you'll still find yourself glued to the screen.