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Darbs
Reviews
Blink (1993)
Unexpectedly Good
A good, absorbing thriller with an unusual idea at its core, "Blink" also enjoys the benefits of good acting and direction, and some truly heartstopping scenes. What struck me also was its success in making the audience share the "Emma Brody's" confusion when faced with the the sights of the city around her for the first time in years. The very last scene is, perhaps, a bit pat, but we've had our fun by then and can indulge the filmmakers here. Recommended.
Summerfield (1977)
Full of mood and bitterness
This is a remarkable film. Slow moving, it nevertheless gripped me, thanks to an intriguing premise, moody photography and sympathetic playing. The "if only" ending is surprising and satisfying; even now, 20 years after I first saw the film and with plenty of others to compare it with, I still think it's one of the most memorable film endings I've seen. Recommended.
The Postman (1997)
Wasted potential
David Brin's novel "The Postman" is an original piece of work, alternately exciting and moving, and always absorbing. Kevin Costner has taken this premise, ripped out much of its interest, inserted a lot of trite moralising and added a glutinous and ridiculous ending. It's much too long as well. So why bother watching? Well, some of the scenery is nice (!) and the concept just about keeps it going. But how COULD you, Kevin?
Waterworld (1995)
Exasperating
This must be one of the most infuriating films ever made. Its strengths are an intriguing scenario, an absorbing first hour and a robust performance from Dennis Hopper. So, what happens then? The second hour degenerates into an incredibly hackneyed "lonesome hero protects woman and cute kid" story before dribbling away into an insultingly obvious conclusion. This doesn't make "Waterworld" an altogether bad film, but it could - indeed, should - have been so much better. Full marks for trying, Kevin - but try again eh?
I... comme Icare (1979)
Breathtaking
The first time I saw this film, I was in shock for days afterwards. Its painstaking and absorbing treatment of the subject holds the attention, helped by good acting and some really intriguing music. The ending, quite simply, had me gasping. First rate!
The Final Countdown (1980)
Not bad, but could have been better
I always enjoy watching this film when it comes on TV, even though, in some respects, it is wildly frustrating. Having set up an intriguing situation, the film makers seem unsure what to do with it. However, the ending, if predictable, is highly gratifying. Great special effects and acting.
The Shining (1997)
Well...
At least you can say that the mini-series is better than the terrible, even ridiculous, Kubrick film. It goes into the background of the characters more, so that we have some idea of what causes the things we see. But the special effects are poor and the actors don't seem terribly sure of what they're supposed to be doing. The book is probably the best of Stephen King's novels, but it's a complex story. Maybe it's impossible to make a good film of it.
Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974)
A surprisingly good film
This film benefits from a better script than we're accustomed to seeing in horror films. I particularly liked the verbal jousting that precedes the swordfight at the inn (which is itself not actually shown!). Appearances by a couple of stalwart British performers, plus a story that is less silly than many vampire movies, complete a film that is well worth seeing.
Bob Roberts (1992)
Intriguing and Clever
This is a very clever film indeed. The performances are very classy, while music and the script make the desired points with all the punch a viewer could ask for. If I had to criticise, I'd say the film does meander a bit and lacks pace. At the end, though, I was both amused and chilled by what I had seen. I just hope there isn't too much truth in it.
Il postino (1994)
A good film, but...
Unless you demand lots of action, this film has plenty going for it - excellent acting, a charming score and beautiful scenery. The story is pleasing too; though it's a bit on the thin side, the ending had me in pensive mood for the rest of that evening.
12 Monkeys (1995)
Gripping
This is a really excellent movie, with a gripping scenario and plot, superb performances and one of the most exciting climactic scenes I've ever watched. Bruce Willis deserves particular credit for his contribution, with Brad Pitt providing an uncomfortably convincing portrayal of a lunatic.
First Degree (1995)
Hmph!
There was absolutely nothing in this film that hadn't been done better in a hundred other films. It was barely worth the trouble of watching through to the end. Even the bad language sounded tired. Tom McCamus, a very fine actor, was particularly disappointing here.
Babettes gæstebud (1987)
Glorious film of lives and contrasts
It's hard to find a fault with this film. Acting, characterisation, photography and music are all perfect. The lives led by the village folk contrast sharply with the stultifying hypocrisy revealed in the brief glimpses of society life. But what really makes this film a delight is the meal which gives it its title. The humour as we see a group of people enjoying a sumptuous repast while pretending not to is never less than successful. But the film ends on a sobre note - as Babette is told "Oh, how you will enchant the angels" by the very woman who was herself told that, but chose not to exercise the gift she had. Few films move me to tears, but this one line of dialogue came close. First rate!
I Love a Man in Uniform (1993)
A haunting film
This is a film it pays to watch more than once. When I first saw it, I was tempted to dismiss it as merely bizarre. Second time around, I was absorbed by the story and thoroughly gripped by the characters and acting, particularly a superb leading performance by Tom McCamus. Fans of cop shows will also be entertained by some of the clichés we see in the fictional programme where "Henry Adler" has a role. So, if you're into cop shows, good acting and psychology, you can't do much better than this film.
Willow (1988)
Mixed review!
An oddly endearing film, "Willow" benefits from good music, good effects and sympathetic performances. But it goes on too long and, after a while, I started to find the action sequences wearying. But a good effort on the whole!