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Reviews
The Cruel Sea (1953)
Retains its quality
Almost 60 years on this film retains its quality. If you haven't seen it for many years or read the book I strongly recommend you revisit them; they both stand the test of time extremely well. If you haven't seen the film and/or read the book I suggest you do so - you won't regret it. The film suffers a little from the decisions that are necessarily made in order to fit a long book to the time constraints imposed by a film although for its time it is quite long. There are several vignettes of individuals that are excluded completely. The character of Ferraby is neglected to a certain degree for it is he that Monserrat hangs much of the elements of horror in the story on. However overall the adaptation is sound and the film is lucid and extremely effective in its accurate portrayal of the longest and bloodiest battle of the second world war.
Keeping Mum (2005)
Lovely Performances, Reasonable script, too long
Pity - the film has the opportunity to be very good indeed but it's at least 30 minutes too long - needs more pace and fizz. Never mind you can always relax with some sumptuous performances. The twist is seriously telegraphed which is a pity!
In addition anyone who knows anything about England will know that the settings are wrong - producers should not be allowed to ignore the issue of continuity and shoot all over the place and assume that the topography (and the trains)make sense.
Furthermore the film has to justify its casting - it may be possible that Ms Scott Thomas might have married someone who looks like Mr Atkinson but I doubt it
Days of Thunder (1990)
Duvall excellent otherwise Top Gun with cars (and Nicole)
In the Top Gun genre although without the homo eroticism. But a great performance from Duvall who lights up the screen every time he is on - which is often. Nicole Kidman lights up the screen as well and not just for her acting! Cruise is OK as the foil to Duvall's Harry. Tony Scott's direction is standard for a Bruckenheimer film and deserves applause.
The plot is entirely predictable and there is little tension. Like Top Gun the bits in between the action are too long and the sub plot of the injured driver coming to terms with his forced retirement is tedious and contributes little. BUT see this if only for Duvall's flawless performance.
The Accidental Tourist (1988)
A subtle and lovely film
This is a film that engages you. It's an old plot but it is beautifully done, (even the child is not unnecessarily intrusive). There are also great cameos and an intriguing sub plot - it is not to be missed.
The direction is subtle and well judged and the use of scene is very sophisticated in places. The director handles the three stars very well and they respond, as you would expect, in consistent and persuasive performances. Hurt is so achingly lost that you want to scream at him. Davis is wonderful as the saviour and her sensitivity is there for all to see. Turner plays her role in a way that allows for the unexpected revelation of her humanity.
This is a film that could have degenerated into utter tripe in the wrong hands but it doesn't and it is a triumph - it is difficult to understand why it is something of a lost gem.
Love Actually (2003)
Drivel
It's drivel - It's a seriously good idea but it's sloppy, the links between the characters are poorly done and not exploited at all.
There are too many plots for us to understand the characters - so we cannot identify with them and we don't care what happens to them.
Too many good actors are going through the motions and fail to convince us that they are worth caring about. Only one or two strong scenes, not enough humour, all in all - drivel.
If many people saw this and liked it, as apparently they did, it explains why so much mainstream cinema is lightweight and worthless.
I suspect Richard Curtis is too busy - he should devote more time to the script and make sure that he is in the editing room so that he does not end up with a reputation which is surely much diminished by this film.
Gosford Park (2001)
Away with plot
What a delight! Film is not about telling a story - books do that far
better. Film is about wonderful performances, great designers,
magical directors who understand that this is art and perfect
contributions from everyone. This film is all of that and more.
Those who need a story should seek other directors.
Plunkett & Macleane (1999)
Hopeless failure of a film
This film has nothing that could be described as even satisfactory.
The characters are poorly defined, the plot is sparse and the
actors are wasted. As a vehicle for making a few extra dollars it
probably served well; as a piece of entertainment it is a real
failure. Just one or two nice directorial touches but clearly the boy
has far to go.
One Fine Day (1996)
Very poor vehicle for two competent stars
Clearly Clooney is not that bad and Pfeiffer knows how to handle this sort of role to perfection (Frankie and Johnny) but this is truly awful - even the children are lacklustre and weighed down by a terrible script and sluggish production. None of the support shines and the whole thing becomes unwatchable very quickly. Persevering to the end produces no reward whatsoever - miss this!
A Nero Wolfe Mystery (2001)
near faithful representation of much prized and applauded novels
I have read my way through Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe books and have a very clear view of both his characters and his environment - especially the old brownstone. I find nothing offensive about these clear and satisfactory film adaptations although inevitably there are minor characters and scenes that one misses. The period design and realisation is excellent and the central characters are faithful to the originals. The plots are clearly scripted with enough mystery to reflect the challenging nature of the books as written by Stout.
Only one thing grates and that is the fact that Wolfe has a tendency to rant. The written character clearly does not do this. Archie acknowledges that Wolfe had an extremely effective way of shutting a difficult client/suspect/witness/visitor up but also confesses that he does not know how Wolfe does it. Clearly it was not by ranting.
Now the series has started to arrive in the UK British viewers are in for a treat especially those members of the Sherlock Holmes Society for whom Wolfe is the preferred second best.
The choice of books to adapt is somewhat puzzling but let us hope for the next series so that more of the characters and plots can be enjoyed.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Strong political satire with man manipulated by woman
Capra's film is distinguished by a number of issues. Surprisingly strong for its time - a mainstream film offering a strong crticism of the potential for corruption and graft that is endemic in a system built on the lobby and in a society where only money and power are counted as important in the social class system. In addition it offers criticism of the introspective and bureaucratically dominated political system endemic in any so called democracy where the process and the power are clearly more important to the participants (representatives) than the outcome. Finally, of course, it, yet again, causes one to wonder why on earth men are in charge of anything given their hopelessness and their susceptibility to manipulation by the superior sex.
As a light comedy, which appears to be the ostensible reason for its existence, it largely fails; being neither obvious nor subtle. Perhaps it is an early and worthy example of the satirical genre.
You Can't Take It with You (1938)
Old movie still trading on false reputation
I realise that we are supposed to continue to applaud and celebrate wonderful heart warming films such as this (which I viewed recently for the first time) but no-one drives a Model T Ford anymore.
Notting Hill (1999)
A real delight in a world of increasing sensation and trial
I grew up watching the romantic comedys of the 1940s - now regarded as 'classics'; probably so but i see no reason to exclude this film from that list, it is clearly fantasy (find me anyone who would turn her down after her appeal in the final scene in the bookshop), the actors are fine, the script pacy and the ups and downs exactly what is required - the director has some clever tricks - the scene through the market as time passes is notable. Grant is more than adequate and Roberts a delight - the support cast is nicely judged and the wheelchair well handled - in all a real pleasure in a world of glitz, bangs and computer enhancement.