Stephen Carty
Tomatometer-approved critic
Edinburgh, Scotland
Movies reviews only
| Rating | T-Meter | Title | Year | Review |
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French Connection II (1975) |
The French Connection II is a decent genre effort, but not a massively memorable one. - Eye for Film
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| Posted Sep 05, 2021
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Doc Hollywood (1991) |
Director Michael Caton-Jones leans much heavier towards the romantic end of the rom-com spectrum rather than out-and-out laughs, but the film remains heart-warming without ever approaching a syrupy corn-fest. - Eye for Film
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| Posted Jun 24, 2021
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Infinitely Polar Bear (2014) |
Ruffalo is incredibly charming, and while Cam's behaviour is often erratic, he is also sweet, funny and endearing. Happily, the same can be said about the film. - Radio Times
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| Posted Aug 13, 2020
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Liar Liar (1997) |
Despite being way, way, way (way) over-the-top at times, Liar Liar is vintage Jim Carrey and a nice return to form. Honestly. - Eye for Film
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| Posted Apr 07, 2020
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The Goonies (1985) |
If you don't like The Goonies you may be a little dead inside. - Eye for Film
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| Posted Apr 06, 2020
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Earthquake Bird (2019) |
So while Earthquake Bird isn't especially thrilling, it is atmospheric and intriguing enough that the story should keep you guessing until the very end. - Radio Times
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| Posted Nov 11, 2019
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Driven (2018) |
It all adds up to a fun and entertaining ride. - Radio Times
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| Posted Nov 11, 2019
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Skin (2018) |
The film is slightly longer than it needs to be, but it offers an authentic, thought-provoking story about redemption and forgiveness. - Radio Times
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| Posted Oct 02, 2019
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Sprinter (2018) |
Yes, it contains the occasional corny moment but Sprinter ensures you want Akeem to succeed, which is what really matters. - Radio Times
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| Posted Sep 07, 2019
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Balance, Not Symmetry (2019) |
Nothing really works in this underwhelming drama: the sad scenes aren't sad; the uplifting scenes aren't uplifting; moments that should be dramatic have no impact. - Radio Times
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| Posted Aug 05, 2019
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Escape Plan: The Extractors (2019) |
The fight sequences are refreshingly brutal, but the story doesn't hold the attention, and there isn't much drama, tension or excitement. Stallone deserves better. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jul 11, 2019
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Diego Maradona (2019) |
Some of the footage is revealing, but Kapadia's portrait lacks variety (there are only so many old video clips you can watch), and it is too long. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jun 17, 2019
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I Am Mother (2019) |
If you like small-scale, high-concept sci-fi (such as Ex Machina or 10 Cloverfield Lane), then I Am Mother is a must-see. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jun 08, 2019
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John McEnroe: In the Realm of Perfection (2018) |
In the Realm of Perfection is a dull, ponderous experience that lacks the energy and excitement that we associate with McEnroe himself. - Radio Times
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| Posted May 26, 2019
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High Life (2018) |
In fairness, there are times when High Life is intriguing and strangely mesmerising. Mostly, though, it is a dull, confusing experience that never really goes anywhere. - Radio Times
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| Posted May 10, 2019
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Eighth Grade (2018) |
In short, it is a warm, relatable comedy drama that captures the teenage experience to a tee. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 28, 2019
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A Dark Place (2018) |
Steel Country is a watchable, well-acted thriller, but it's hard to shake the feeling that something is missing. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 18, 2019
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Dragged Across Concrete (2018) |
If you enjoy violent, slow-burn crime dramas, Dragged Across Concrete is a must-see. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 18, 2019
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At Eternity's Gate (2018) |
By the end of this affecting film, this painter's final years have been brought satisfyingly if tragically to life. - Radio Times
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| Posted Mar 29, 2019
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Unicorn Store (2017) |
Unicorn Store won't appeal to everyone, but it's an endearing film about the difficulties of growing up. - Radio Times
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| Posted Mar 29, 2019
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Outlaw King (2018) |
Highly recommended, even if you aren't Scottish. - Radio Times
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| Posted Nov 16, 2018
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Never Steady, Never Still (2017) |
It offers a sensitive, insightful portrayal of how this debilitating disease affects both the sufferer and the people around them. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 20, 2018
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The Leisure Seeker (2017) |
The Leisure Seeker doesn't offer many surprises, but it really captures the realities of a long-term relationship, and is the kind of film that makes you appreciate the person you're with. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 20, 2018
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Funny Cow (2017) |
The dramatic scenes are surprisingly effective...and Peake is excellent. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 20, 2018
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The Marker (2017) |
The Marker is entirely predictable, but it is worth watching if you enjoy dark, brooding crime movies that occasionally erupt into violence. - Radio Times
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| Posted Dec 26, 2017
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Brimstone (2016) |
Inevitably, some viewers may find certain scenes are unpleasant and distasteful. But if you like films of an unusually dark hue, you'll find an intriguing revenge thriller here that has the ability to get under the skin. - Radio Times
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| Posted Dec 26, 2017
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6 Days (2017) |
Don't expect 90 minutes of action. Instead, writer Glenn Standring and director Toa Fraser take a different approach, providing us with a taut, detailed thriller that re-creates a significant chapter in the history of international terrorism. - Radio Times
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| Posted Dec 22, 2017
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Boy (2010) |
The film may be slight, but there's plenty of charm and wit to engage and amuse. - Radio Times
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| Posted Dec 21, 2017
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Thelma (2017) |
The whole thing is frustratingly slow and drawn-out, but this is the kind of film that seeps under your skin, and there is no doubt that it is beautifully crafted. - Radio Times
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| Posted Dec 21, 2017
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Filth (2013) |
[James] McAvoy is sensational - utterly convincing as the manipulative bully who's racist, sexist and practically every other kind of 'ist' you can think of, while managing to elicit sympathy during rare moments of humanity. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Sep 06, 2017
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The Wee Man (2013) |
But here, the various power-plays and shifting alliances feel like musical chairs, while [Ray] Burdis's attempts to make [Paul] Ferris sympathetic are undercooked. - metro.co.uk
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| Posted Sep 01, 2017
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Song to Song (2017) |
Song to Song might be nice to look at, but it is a chore to sit through. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jul 09, 2017
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Tommy's Honour (2016) |
Tommy's Honour could be described as unremarkable, but it is a solid, well-acted, perfectly enjoyable film that doesn't do much wrong. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jul 09, 2017
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Gifted (2017) |
Evans is likeable and engaging. Happily, the same can be said about the film as a whole. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jun 15, 2017
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Berlin Syndrome (2017) |
The film is a bit slow to start, but it gradually evolves into a riveting, tension-soaked thriller that will keep you on tenterhooks until the very end. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jun 08, 2017
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My Life as a Zucchini (2016) |
My Life as a Courgette could be described as slight, given that the running time is just over an hour, but it is a beautiful, heartfelt film that deals with some difficult subjects. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jun 01, 2017
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The Secret Scripture (2016) |
Mara ensures that we feel for Rose, and James is surprisingly effective as the man who ruins Rose's life, but The Secret Scripture isn't as moving or intriguing as it should be. - Radio Times
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| Posted May 18, 2017
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The Levelling (2016) |
The story may be slow and uneventful, but it's peppered with moments that are quietly devastating. - Radio Times
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| Posted May 11, 2017
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Away (2016) |
So grim and downbeat that it may just be too bleak for some viewers. - Radio Times
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| Posted May 11, 2017
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Aftermath (2017) |
Schwarzenegger delivers an impressively understated performance, portraying a broken man desperate to take back control of the situation in whatever way he can. - Radio Times
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| Posted Apr 06, 2017
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Aquarius (2016) |
This quietly absorbing Brazilian drama features an outstanding performance from Sonia Braga, who is so natural and authentic that you forget you're watching an actress performing. - Radio Times
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| Posted Mar 24, 2017
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The Age of Shadows (2016) |
The Age of Shadows is perhaps too long, but there's no doubt that it is a sumptuous, elegantly crafted piece of cinema. - Radio Times
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| Posted Mar 24, 2017
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Catfight (2016) |
Tukel's feisty film won't be for everyone, but it's worth a look if you like your satirical comedies to combine scathing dialogue with contemptible characters. - Radio Times
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| Posted Mar 09, 2017
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Don't Take Me Home (2017) |
The team's story is inspiring, uplifting and infectious. Happily, the same can be said about the film. - Radio Times
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| Posted Mar 03, 2017
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Prevenge (2016) |
Prevenge won't appeal to everyone, but Lowe deserves plenty of praise, given that she directed the film while playing the main character, not to mention the fact that she also wrote the script. - Radio Times
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| Posted Feb 09, 2017
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The White King (2016) |
The White King only springs to life when Pryce is on screen, which isn't often. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jan 26, 2017
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Cameraperson (2016) |
This is, essentially, a very long outtakes reel. - Radio Times
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| Posted Jan 26, 2017
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American Pastoral (2016) |
American Pastoral is a flawed film that lacks inspiration, but it has its moments, and the story might strike a chord with parents. - Radio Times
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| Posted Nov 10, 2016
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Arrival (2016) |
If you like thoughtful, cerebral sci-fi films that are driven by ideas, you will be in for a treat. - Radio Times
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| Posted Nov 07, 2016
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The Comedian's Guide to Survival (2016) |
The film rarely rings true, and there are very few laughs along the way. - Radio Times
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| Posted Oct 28, 2016
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