Merlin Harries

Merlin is a full-time resident in the world of academia and writes film reviews on a freelance basis. He cites his principle influences in life as Dr Albert Einstein, Dr Mark Kermode and Dr Peter Venkman. His ideal day involves a dressing gown, a rug and an ice-cold White Russian. His life philosophy is that if all else fails, go bowling.

We have 48 reviews by Merlin Harries in the database: read them here.

Latest Film Reviews

The Act Of Killing (2012)

Review preview for The Act Of Killing

Unquestionably and understandably harrowing, in places unbearably so, this reflection upon acts of murder, genocide and torture, told by the perpetrators themselves, is a masterpiece.

Merlin Harries · 5 out of 5

People responsible for the mass murder of suspeced Communists at the onset of the military regime in 1965 are challenged to restage their actions and question the pride they still take in them.
The Hangover Part III (2013)

Review preview for The Hangover Part III

Reckless, feckless and, above all, utterly irredeemable.

Merlin Harries · 1 out of 5

The Wolfpack try to rescue their pal.
Perlasca: The Courage Of A Just Man (2002)

Review preview for Perlasca: The Courage Of A Just Man

The highest accolade one could bestow on Negrin’s production is that it is a worthy tribute to this incredible story.

Merlin Harries · 4 out of 5

It is the real story of Giorgio Perlasca (Luca Zingaretti). During the 1920s he was an Italian Fascist supporter...
The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)

Review preview for The Place Beyond The Pines

Cianfrance should be commended for offering audience something increasingly rare, something truly epic.

Merlin Harries · 4.5 out of 5

On discovering that he has a baby son, a circus motorcycle stunt rider approaches responsibility by robbing banks, but runs afoul of a corrupt politician.
The Last Days Of Dolwyn (1949)

Review preview for The Last Days Of Dolwyn

An intriguing picture, with plenty of heart.

Merlin Harries · 3 out of 5

Villagers mount a campaign after a water company threatens to flood them out.
Valley Of Song (1953)

Review preview for Valley Of Song

Valley Of Song is a pleasing if utterly unchallenging delight.

Merlin Harries · 3.5 out of 5

A village competition leads to rivalry and romance in a local choir.
Rust And Bone (2012)

Review preview for Rust And Bone

Rust And Bone is the rarest of cinematic delights - poignant, provocative and profoundly visceral.

Merlin Harries · 5 out of 5

A bare-knuckle boxer embarks on a relationship with an injured whale trainer.
The Walking Dead (2011)

Review preview for The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead has arguably marked a pivotal point of evolution in the horror genre; the discerning cinema-goer now shying away from the more pedestrian gore-fest, in favour of more meaningful character-driven narratives.

Merlin Harries · 5 out of 5

Police officer Rick Grimes leads a group of survivors in a world overrun by zombies.
Our Paradise (2011)

Review preview for Our Paradise

Morel struggles to bring shallow and uneven characters to life in what is ultimately an awkward and outlandishly graphic drama.

Merlin Harries · 2 out of 5

A murderous sex worker strikes up a bond with a youngster he meets by chance.
The Mission (2009)

Review preview for The Mission

Bratt delivers the performance of his career.

Merlin Harries · 4 out of 5

A father in San Francisco's Mission District, struggles to come to terms with his son's sexuality.