Watching Sam Hazeldine's Movies, part 2:
I've added three more of Sam Hazeldine's films to my watched list: The Machine (2013), Persuasion (2007), and The Last Duel (2021).
First up, I really enjoyed The Machine; it's a solid 90-minute AI thriller. Sam's role in it is fairly small, and it's actually one of the critiques I have of the movie - I would've liked a little more of his character. Besides that, the movie is filled with solid performances including those of Caity Lotz (who is excellent), Toby Stephens, and Denis Lawson. It's nothing life-changing, but is a solidly engaging film. It can be found for free on tubi.
Next, I watched Persuasion. I'll be honest that I was completely unfamiliar with this story, having never read the book or seen any other adaptation. I enjoyed the film and Sam's performance as Charles Musgrove; he reminded me a bit of Hugh Laurie in the role. This movie is very Adar heavy as Joseph Mawle is also in it! Really enjoyed him in his role. Overall, I can't say it's my favorite movie in the world, but I'm glad I watched it; there was a lot of running towards the end 😂 It can be watched on Peacock.
Most recently, I watched The Last Duel. This is a movie I'd been meaning to watch since it came out in 2021, so I was glad to finally sit down with it. Firstly regarding Sam's role - I spotted him a couple of times sitting next to several of the main supporting characters at the duel, but I didn't spot him anywhere else in the film? I'm not sure if I just missed him, or if most of his scenes were cut... given where he is sitting in the opening scene, I expected to see more of him.
Here he is in the opening scene:
The movie as a whole is good - I think I'd give it a 7.5/10. Jodie Comer is excellent in her role and Adam Driver also gives a solid performance. Where I came away a bit puzzled, though, was with Matt Damon and, in particular, Ben Affleck. Neither of their performances were bad, but they just seemed to be really odd casting. It didn't necessarily take away from the film (though good lord what was going on with Ben Affleck's hair) but I do think that some different actors might have added a bit to it. Jodie Comer was, in my opinion, the highlight of the film.
A few of my favorite clips:
Ben Affleck's fantastically protracted proclamation of "cuuunt!":
Adam Driver's epically devious cape swish in front of the king:
Jodie Comer's delightfully delivered "sow!":
This movie is available to rent online, though I got the DVD from my library (and ugh the DVD is so frustrating to navigate; I accidentally hit the scene back button and I swear it went back 20 minutes). Please read a bit about the content of this film if you are going to watch it, as it is very violent.
I'm not sure what is up next - any recommendations? I'm also thinking of delving into Charles Edwards' filmography; I've seen a few things he is in, but there is a lot left to discover so I'd also be grateful for recommendations there!
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