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Reviews
Sherlock (2010)
Superb
I have been a fan of Holmes since I was a kid and when I heard about this "updating", I was convinced that the BBC would make a hash of it. As a fan of the Jeremy Brett series, I did not consider that taking Holmes out of his Victorian environment would be a good idea. How wrong I was!
I found the first episode of this series to be enormously entertaining, not least Benedict Cumberbatch's performance as Holmes. In removing Holmes from his Victorian roots Cumberbatch has, ironically, delivered the closest portrayal yet to Conan Doyle's original character. An eccentric genius just on the right side of being a complete weirdo. Cumberbatch also brought out Holmes' physicality, charisma and masterfulness. It was great to watch. I hope the next episodes are as entertaining as this.
Batman Begins (2005)
best yet
This was a thoroughly gripping and entertaining movie, by far my favourite of all the bat flicks to date. In pure enjoyment terms, it easily matched the classic (and very underrated) '60s Adam West campathon. The action scenes were wonderfully cut, conveying the speed and agility of Batman as he beats up bad guys. Let us not forget superb supporting turns from Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman and, especially, the great Michael Caine as Alfred, but the star of the film is Christian Bale who gives a most compelling performance as Batman/Bruce Wayne, creating a new cinematic vision of the now familiar character by pushing him to the edge of sanity. Cillian Murphy is undeniably creepy as arch-villain and psychopath the Scarecrow, a wonderfully different type of villain for a Bat movie, but one that seems to fit with the tone of this one. A great movie for people of all ages.
The Master of Ballantrae (1953)
Excellent late Flynn
Flynn, though pickled and clearly the worse for wear, gives a fine performance here. In fact, his haggard features compliment his role as a defeated war veteran. You`ll see little of the humour and athletic prowess of Flynn`s early movies, but it`s a grand experience none the less. The supporting cast are fine, especially Livesy. But the leading lady is not up to Flynn`s standard. Olivia should have made a comeback for this one. That said, Flynn does engage in some obviously stunt-doubled sword play. However, he is neither as humorous, mischevious or as boyish as he was before. 8/10
Brats (1930)
I laughed
(possible spoilers...)I consider this to be Laurel and Hardy`s funniest short. The dual roles gimmick is fantastic, as it the clever use of oversized furniture. Stan and Ollie effortlessly ooze hilarity and Ollie`s constant chastising of Stan seems to be more evident in this picture than in most others. The dual roles trick was often used by Stan and Ollie, but never with such a hilarious effect. Stan and Ollie are the only two cast members, so it`s up to them to keep the comedy coming. Though this is their funniest short, I did not find it as funny as some of their features, such as Way Out West.
Captain Blood (1935)
In Like Flynn
Flynn`s big break picture is a masterpiece. It`s fun, its colourful (even though it was filmed in black and white) and is only just inferior to The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938). Flynn in superb in his first stab at a role that would become his trademark; the swashbuckling adventurer. There is excellent support from Basil Rathbone (at his dastardly best) and Flynn`s regular co-star, Olivia DeHavilland. I can not find anything wrong with this movie (except, perhaps, a hilarious use of classic 1930`s back projection a the beginning of the movie, maybe this just adds to the fun). If you`re looking for an exciting, thrill-a-minute adventure movie, then this is definitely one for you. You might also like to check out The Sea Hawk, The Adventures of Don Juan, The Master of Ballantrae and, of course, The Adventures Of Robin Hood. These films all feature Errol at his swashbuckling best. If you`re in the mood for Flynn the actor rather than Flynn the action man, check out The Sun Also Rises and Gentleman Jim.
Boys from the Blackstuff (1982)
Great series
This series is a wonderfully realistic portrayal of life for the unemployed in the 1980s. It also manages to focus on characters, with all the cast giving magnificent performances, especially Bernard Hill as the deeply troubled Yosser Hughes. A masterpiece from start to end, this is one series that definitely should be repeated on TV. Another great thing is that you can watch and fully understand each episode without having to have seen any of the others.
The Wicker Man (1973)
realistic and scary
POSSIBLE SPOILERS, BUT NOTHING MAJOR!! The reason this movie works so well and is so scary is because it is so believable; the characters seem to have come from real life. For all his star quality, Christopher Lee delivers a thoroughly convincing performance, expertly switching from polite gentleman to obsessed madman. Its setting, photography and, above all, cinematography add to the sheer realism of this movie. It was scary when it was first made, and it`s still scary. This is a horror film unlike any you`ve ever seen before.
Dracula (1931)
I`m sure that it was scary then.
Many peole regard this as the definitive adaptation of Bram Stoker`s classic vampire novel. However, as with most adaptions, the original story has been butchered, and the remains moulded into a surprisingly weak script. Lugosi is fine as the seductive, menacing count. However, we see some shocking overacting from Dwight Frye as Renfield (before and after he goes mad). But perhaps I am examining this from the wrong viewpoint: In 1931, this film had people turning green and marching briskly out of the cinema. It now seems theatrical and dated. Despite Frye`s performance, the first quarter of the movie is great, with impressive, atmospheric sets of Dracula`s castle. The cobwebby, crumbling rooms were brilliantly constructed. However, when the count arrives in London, things slow down considerably. This movie is worth seeing, but don`t expect anything great: It`s highly overrated. Overall, 6/10
Gladiator (2000)
Great Fun, and often unfairly criticized
Several people have criticized Gladiator for it`s so called historical inaccuracies. So what? If people want absolute realism, plausibility and accuracy, they should watch a documentary. They should not expect the aforementioned qualities from a fictional feature film, even if it shows events and people that actually existed. What people should concentrate on are the dramatic and technical qualities this film has; The performances are uniformly excellent, particularly Phoenix's. He manages to make the viewer pity as well as hate the character of Commodus. Russell Crowe also turns in yet another fine performance. There is fine support from Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Honsou and, above all, the late, great, Oliver Reed. The script, though not the highlight of the film, was in general very good, and the cinematography was marvellous. On the whole, Gladiator is hugely enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, action and drama. 9.5/10
Dr. Terror's House of Horrors (1965)
Hugely enjoyable
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!!!! This horror movie stands out from all the others in the Amicus canon due to the strength of the performances and the ingeniously written situations. Characters are more complex than in similar Amicus outings such as Asylum or The House That Dripped Blood, ranging from a deeply cynical art critic (a deliciously sneering Christopher Lee) to an absent minded musician. On the whole, the film is great fun, and is almost a parody of the Hammer movies, making use of such stock characters as vampires, bats etc which sit comfortably alongside the entertaining characters and stories. Peter Cushing is splendid in the role of the bizarre fortune teller. The mood of the film changes frequently, ranging from the hilarious (a plant that strangles people) to the chilling (Voodoo curses, handled with wit by the cast and director). The film's cinematography is full of vivid, varied colours. Some set pieces are remarkably composed, and music is used to good effect. Though it may now seem dated, this is one of those films you can watch over and over. Overall, I rate this film 8/10
The Masque of the Red Death (1964)
A work of art
This is one of the finest horror movies I have ever seen, not only because of the magnificent central performance by Vincent Price (one of his greatest roles), but also because of the breathtaking cinematography, which fills the screen with vibrant colours and images of death. This film is also highly atmospheric, with the lighting and sets used to good artistic effect. Who cares if the screenplay is different to the plot of Edgar Allan Poe`s original? Besides, how could anyone make a feature film from a short story that, although great, is only a few pages in length? Catch this if you can, it`s a classic of its genre.
L.A. Confidential (1997)
A truly magnificent movie
Curtis Hanson`s adaption of James Ellroy`s novel is a masterpiece of cinema. It succeeds both dramatically and visually, with a magnificent re-creation of 1950s LA, and breathtaking performances. Russell Crowe is magnificent as the tough bullyboy who discovers he has a conscience; Guy Pierce also turns in a great performance as the ambitious, rookie cop. The real star of this film, however, is the screenplay, turning Ellroy`s stunning novel into an equally stunning film. 10/10
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
An expertly filmed masterpiece
This is without doubt Steven Spielberg`s greatest film, and probably the greatest films of all time. The director has captured the horror of combat with stunning realism, and has drawn magnificent performances from his cast.
A must see for any film fan.