Nicola Gray

As someone who actually followed the trial intensely while it was happening and watched more than half of the direct footage as well as live legal commentaries and body language expert analysis, this series is a gross attempt at trying to insinuate that public opinion was just a cyber bullying bandwagon against Heard in favour of Depp’s greater stardom. I can tell you nothing is further from the truth and she deserved everything she got (except death threats to her and her family, that’s disgusting, but this trial brought out a lot of anger in people understandably). Most media was solidly on Heard’s side prior to the trial, based in her status as a DV survivor essentially at a peak time in the MeToo movement. I expect it’s why Jonny’s legal team will have fought to have it televised, so he could clear his name and people could see her for what she was. While I can see the show were trying to give evidence and side by sides on an even standing, it massively detracts from the truth that came through in the trial that ultimately led to the jury ruling majorly in Depp’s favour- he was not the abuser. The reality is, the only person who ever ended up seeking medical attention was Depp. Amber is even recorded admitting to hitting him. Those are the facts that came out in the trial, and you can easily find all of the footage to come to your own conclusion on YouTube. Neither of them are angels so let’s not get this confused. They both said some disgusting things to each other and were clearly quite toxic as a couple, and they both were substance users at varying times. But Social media didn’t get it wrong. Victims of DV were understandably angry with Amber when they realised she was pretending to be the victim to HER OWN victim, and social media rightfully crucified her for it. If this was supposed to just be a commentary on the dangers of social media witch hunts, I feel like they picked the wrong social phenomenon. But somehow, I don’t feel like that was the primary goal. I think they were actually trying to redeem Heard in the public eye. Just… no. Men being the victim of DV doesn’t undermine the me too movement. I just hope there’s a better documentary yet to come out that truly reflects this trial, because we all know most people won’t watch the first hand stuff for themself.

I give this a solid 4 out of 5. Overall it’s a fun to watch, action packed film with a simple premise, and doesn’t try to be anything else. I haven’t watched the original so won’t be basing my review on comparisons to that. I really enjoyed the set up, the humour and even the eccentric villain’s personality, although the accent takes some getting used to. He definitely made it more fun to watch. I also thought the younger biker gang member was a funny and cute addition. The first half of the movie was strong, I felt. There were one or two things they did that didn’t quite come off, especially towards the end. The one liner in the fight at the end really didn’t work and detracted from the scene. They also tried some creative camera work during the fights that just didn’t work unfortunately. I also don’t quite understand why everyone is so angry in this town. I can understand the hired thugs starting issues but regular townsfolk who don’t seem to have anything to do with the villains just feels really odd. Otherwise a generally quite enjoyable movie and I really don’t get why it, or the actors, have as much hate as they do. It has its issues but doesn’t deserve the flack it’s getting. Worth a watch if you just want a straight forward, fun action movie to switch off to one evening. I would watch it again.

Finally watched Barbie yesterday. There has been so much hype... Why? It is the most thinly veiled, hate filled, male bashing movie I have ever watched. It was disgusting. I have never wanted to walk out of a cinema before, but I sat there hoping it would redeem itself... Nope. The plotline and message was so blurry I don't even know if there was one. I honestly just felt sorry for Ken/ all men for being reduced to stereotypes by the end, and I regret spending money and time on it. It's so appalling. You don't empower women by trashing men. How embarrassing. Why anyone would enjoy watching this, I don't know.