Reviews

I recently saw this on a late night viewing at the local cinema, I thought it was fantastic, it was very powerful, and hard-hitting, and perhaps even bleak in the whole realistic Ken Loach kind of way.

The characters in Loach's films are so real they're someone you can relate to, that's what I like about KL's films, obviously they are not for everyone, but give me Raining Stones, or Sweet Sixteen over

'Triple xXx' anytime, there is enough action, and personal adventure for my liking.

The thing with Loach's work, a first time viewer may read the synopsis and would think "what's that all about?" A poor,young and desperate boy tries to raise the cash to buy his mother, who is in prison a caravan, in order to get her a better quality of life when she gets out, and get her away from her bad influences. He will stop at nothing to raise that cash, even selling drugs, so what! he at least has the heart to do something, he could be a careless junkie like the rest of them. The great thing about Loach's work is he gets involved with social and political issues, and is not afraid to be daring. Like raining Stones the story; a man at hard times tries to raise money to buy his daughter a communion dress, is the basic gist of the story, to some that may sound very un-exiting but the film is excellent. I have to say that Ken Loach is a superb director not supported enough by the public in my opinion, our country need more film makers like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, we should be the envy of the film work with directors like these, they are not out of touch either, I think they seem more aware of life, and in this instance young life, than most other directors. The only downside in this film for me was, the fact it used subtitles for the first fifteen minutes, I think due to the broad Scottish accents being hard to understand by viewers after a few screen tests. I understood every word spoken in the film, and was disapointed it and to do this, if it was all tongue in cheek I can see the funny side of it, but the sort of people watching this film have seen enough films to 'get' the accents. But using them may have been for the sake of a wider audience, which is what this director deserves.

8/10

Possibly the best performance from Great, great actor Jack Nicholson, one of the greatest individual performances from an actor ever, this is a very moving film, it's funny, it's touching, it even asks questions about the reality of mental institutions perhaps. I recently bought the special edition DVD, and after a few more viewings, I forgot just how good this film is, I realised this should be up there in any top ten list. I think this film has got better with age, and is better on even more viewings, a very good film indeed. *********9/10

mmm'Juicyfruit

It may have a clue to whats in the case.........

I've had many an argument over what's in the case. The fact is no one really knows and no matter how many times you watch it and thing you know other thing throw it in a different direction.

My theory is it is either:

Marcellus Wallace's soul . Clues being the plaster, Jules' bible references and his determination to protect the case, the 666 combination amongst others.

OR

It may be Butch's boxing belt. again references crop up to make you think that it is this.

OR it may just be a clever stunt to get people thinking more of an already great film!

This is the first of several 'Vacations' in which Clark Wilheim Griswald ( the super Chevy Chase )attemps to take his family on, its truly funny from the 'AMAZING' title music (and I mean amazing, call me cheesy, but I love it) to the Walley World conclusion,

its Fantastic!

There is a great cast Randy Quaid, Anthony Michael Hall, Beverly D'Angelo etc, and this has a more adult-type feel to it, including bare flesh and even the odd ' f 'word it has everything an 80's road tripping disaster movie should have.

I think the European Vacation was great aswell, But Why did they keep changing the kids ? ? ? The series went a bit downhill from here as they got a more bit childish, but still very watchable. I liked the Vegas Vacation scene where the sexy girl in the car(Christie Brinkley)is re-created that was class!

Chevy Chase may have been in a few stinkers, but think Vacation, Caddyshack and Fletch the mans a hero!

I love Jackass, it opened a whole new world to me, I don't know how it all started but I believe there was the CKY, Camp Kill Yourself crew, which featured pro Skater Bam Margera, Brandon DiCamillo, Ryan Dunn, Chris Rabb, Rake Yohn etc, whos stuff makes up a lot of Jackass and it alone is amazing, buy the dvd boxset now! its great, it features everything, stunts, skateboarding, people urinating on their mates, but thats their way of saying they love them!

Then there were the Big Brother( not the very dull TV show in UK )crew, which was a skateboarding magazine, but they also did videos, this featured Johnny Knoxville, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Wee Man, and Steve O et al, they came together and brought us JACKASS!!!!

At least I think thats how it went, I love this show and I am longing for an uncut DVD release,( PLEASE ) I have to put up with MTV UK or channel 4 showing edited episodes, I can't wait for the movie, I just keep thinking this great show is going to be taken from us, because idiot people are copying it despite all WARNINGS! Sometimes Jackass pushes the boundaries with its Pooh content and nudity, but its all in a good cause, this is the most original TV show ever made and is so memorable, I have probably seen several episodes about ten times over, but don't get bored, and the fact that these are all young lads, around the same age as me, I think its cool how they're all so likeable and none of them annoy me. I just want to be friends with them all and hang around with them!

If you are going to watch a Larry Clark film, you are going to watch a truthful account of American youth, not glossed over in any way at all. Think how far apart this and 'American Pie' ( another film about American youth ) really are...... this is possibly on a par with kids as far as controversy goes. Marty( Brad Renfro ) and Bobby ( Nick Stahl ) are longtime pals, despite the fact that Marty suffers constant abuse from his so called pal.

They then meet two girls, and this maps out the story, Bobby turns his attention to Marty's girlfriend, and she now decides his reign of terror must end. The film shows how the youth form a deadly plan, but don't see anything really wrong with this, the acting is great from all the leads, but perhaps there is a little to much nudity, which for some could make for uncomfortable viewing. Brad Renfro, Nick Stahl, and the other cast members all put in great performances, but in my opinion ( Rachel Miner ) seems a little out of her depth in her role, and at time annoyed me, but that is the only flaw in this hard hitting great movie.

This film was critically panned, this film has been voted as being the worst of 2001, hardly anyone likes it..........but I did!

I like to think of myself as someone who likes really decent films, someone who doesn't go and watch the money making block-busters, I hate Star Wars, I hate the 'big films' I like intellectual films from good directors, good imaginitive films... So why did I enjoy Freddy Got Fingered? I can't answer that. Yes, parts of this film were just stupid, yes there were unbelievable bits of it, but it was tongue in cheek. One thing you must get straight if you hate Tom Green then this is definitely not for you, He can at times be VERY OVER THE TOP and quite annoying, but some of the things he does are hilarious, this is not exactly a life changing film, put it that way, the story doesn't matter, it goes off the subject, but its harmless fun. Tom Green is funny he does things you wouldn't dream of doing, who can say they didn't find the horses' penis scene funny? most of the skits are very bad taste, the baby being born, the girlfriend in the wheelchair etc but its worth a look. People are disgusted by this and slamming it at every chance they get, but perhaps thats what Tom Green wanted a reaction, its still being talked about now, and hey, theres even a very welcome cameo from the great Anthony Michael Hall.

This is a truly great film, not seen by enough people in my opinion, Shane Meadows is a breath of fresh air for the British film industry, and I won't hesitate to go and see his next film, on the strength, of his last two ( twentyfourseven, romeo brass ) While most british audiences are somewhat ignorant to quality films like this, and would rather watch overrated films like 'Lock Stock...' there is always a hardcore of fans for films like this. Shane Meadows is inspired by the likes of Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, possibly Britain's best independent directors, but Meadows adds a bit more 'cheer' to this film, who says its uncool to have a happy ending? Romeo and Gavin are twelve year old pals, who have a great understanding of each other, and their surroundings, but then their friendship is tested when Morrel ( Paddy Considine ) enters their life, at first he is a pal, but why is a grown man hanging around with two boys? he then wants to date Romeo's sister, little do they realise they are being drawn into a world of obsession, violence and desperation, will it all come good in the end? Watch out for the outstanding performance from Paddy Considine, it really is the best debut from an actor ever!

this film is well worthy of its seven Oscar Nominations, this is a bizzare film, in the fact that its quite hilarious when it really shouldn't be.

Jerry Lundergaard ( William H Macy ) is a struggling car salesman in the Midwest, and when debts are mounting he has a masterplan..... he hires two thugs ( Steve Buscemi )and ( Peter Stormare ) to kidnap his wife, in an attempt to collect a big ransom pay off from her rich father, according to Jerry, " nobody's gonna' get hurt" ...until people start dying that is. The 'hero' of this film is Marge Gunderson ( Frances McDormand ) a pregnant police officer, who will indeed get her man. The weird Scandinavian Surnames, and bizzare lingo( is this true to Minnesotan life??? ) only add to this catchy black-comedy.

Some of the things that happen are sickening yet very funny, this is one 'helluva movie ...you betcha' yah......

David Lynch presents the story of Robert Crumb, so those three words 'David Lynch Presents' obviously sets the tone for what you are about to see, how a documentary about a strange cartoon artist can be so good you never know, but it is. Crumb is a look into the mind of the man responsible for the Zap Comic, and Fritz the Cat, he's a joker, he's strange he's sexually frustrated, he likes getting piggy backs from ladies! but he is the films hero, and when you look into his life and see his family, he's the most normal one of them all. This is a thoroughly enjoyable and extraordinary documentary, perfect when you want to watch something really interesting!

Jack Carter ( Michael Caine ) is a cold blooded super cool London gangster, who against all the advice from his cronies, goes up to Newcastle to inquire about the death of his brother. The main plot has Carter going back home to Newcastle to demand answers as to how and why his brother died, on going there he finds he is not exactly welcome, this is a super cool British thriller, from the fantastic opening titles, with the great theme music, to the scene where he walks out the front door with nothing but a rifle to protect his manhood. Cain gives the performance of his career, as the relentless 'hitman'. Carter goes on a 'join the dots' mission to find out what has gone on, up in Newcastle as he tries to find out why his brother died he also finds out a few truths, and finds his brothers' daughter( or is she his? ) starring in a 'home movie' he quickly picks up the pieces and seeks revenge, but is revenge sweet, or is it at a cost??? in this very stylish film-noir gritty drama from 1971 revenge suddenly turns sour.

STAY AWAY from the very, very, very bad Sylvester Stallone 2000 Re-make.

This is without a doubt one of the most controversial films of recent times, and with a very delicate subject matter, its a hard task to get right, and this is a modern masterpiece. How a film can be very disturbing and very funny at the same time, I do not know but this never fails to impress. This is a subversively funny film, it has everything required to make a great 'indie' flick, each character gets their chance to shine individually, and in turn you cannot single any actor out for their part. Philip Seymour Hoffman, must be one of the most reliable actors in America today and his part is awesome, as too is Dylan Baker, whom I can only remember being the Redneck son of a hotel clerk in Planes Trains and Automobiles, who gives Steve Martin and John Candy a ride! watch out for the show stealing final scene from the young boy, its sickeningly funny! this film really does deserve the critical acclaim it received, see it now!! 10/10

The first time I saw Gummo, I couldn't believe it, I didn't enjoy it, it didn't seem to make sense, I couldn't understand why it was getting such critical acclaim. I must have been in the wrong frame of mind, when I fist viewed it, after a few (3) more times of watching it clicked, I think this is really up there on its own, you have to see past what I first saw, I thought it was a documentary, showing really disfunctional people I didn't care about, I didn't think anyone in it were actors, but it is truly good, and at times disturbing, but funny, I like my films weird and I guess thats why I like Gummo. Its a film you watch and a few weeks later you keep reminding yourself about bits of it, it sticks in your head, if you want an enrtertaining action flick with big explosions, and a plot, stay away, if you want to be tested to your limit, and see a freakshow of a movie, watch Gummo, it has it all, as it says on the case 'the cult starts here'. Harmony Korine is one to watch as an up and coming director, although his second film Julien Donkey Boy is perhaps even more strange, and intimidating than Gummo.

This is without a doubt one of my favourite films ever! Vincent Gallo, could be considered a genius, he wrote,directed,starred in, and even did the score! This is a truly original film, its funny and sad at the same time, its a meaningful love story. Christina Ricci is amazing in this film, I think she's a very smart, sexy and exiting actress, and intelligent for choosing/accepting a clever role, all this for a young girl who looked to be destined for a life of Disney productions. I was surprised by how good this was when I first rented it, it's stuck we me ever since, I hope there is more of the same still to come from vincent Gallo, and I'll look forward to his next production with great excitement!

10/10 PERFECT FILM

Dorky Dawn Wiener New Jersey seventh grader, couldn't get a break if you sent it 'Fed Ex' to many a film about a dorkish schoolgirl in New Jersey struggling through what looks to be a long puberty, doesn't sound very attractive. But this is Todd Solondz, director of the 'unbeatable' Happiness. if you like your indie films then you can't get much better than the likes of welcome to the dollhouse, its stunning! this film has a performance worthy of winning an oscar by the lead Heather Matarazzo, who is only about 12! ( I'm English so I don't know where you are when you're in 7th grade ) I won't tell the plot, as not to spoil it, but lets just say I will go and see any film by Todd Solondz, just on the strength of this, Happiness was a 10/10 film, and Storytelling was another great, this was well worthy of its Grand Jury prize at the '96 sundance festival. Unmissable.....Buy it now!!!!!

I have an English vhs of this and it goes by the title of Catholic Boys over here, I was surprised to see this was not available and dvd format, as it is one of those memorable 80's teen films. This is actually dubbed 'Animal House gets religious' on the video case, I think it couldn't be more wrong, although it does have its similarities, Catholic Boys has a real sensible feel to it, it also has its very funny moments, and a fantastic young cast. This is one of those films with lots of familiar faces who seemed to have vanished, Andrew McCarthy, Kevin Dillon, Patrick Dempsey and Malcom Danare, are all quite unknown figures nowadays, although their performances in this make you think they would have had their careers set up for life.

The great cast really sets the tone and their is a real togetherness from them, especially when the sadistic(?) brother Constance tries to get his way, it all comes good in the end and the movie left me very satisfied in the end, watch out for Stephen Geofferies character Williams who is always masturbating at every chance he gets, it seems fitting that he is now a star of the gay porn industry! I'd like to see this on dvd and even a comeback for the excellent Andrew McCarthy, and Kevin Dillon!

I'm 22 now and I'm still waiting to go on a 'Goonies' style adventure! I love the goonies, its more than just a kids film. This is so memorable, it has it all, Sloth, Chunk, Mikey, Mouth, Data, Momma Fratelli, etc, everyone loves the goonies. I could stop anyone in the street and ask them if they'd seen the goonies, and they'd probably reply with a quote from it! They just don't make kids films like this anymore, I must have seen it a hundred times and still it never gets boring, I was so pleased to buy the US dvd last year, and to actually here from the Director himself ( Richard Donner ) that the sequal is in the works, is just the stuff dreams are made of, there will be a whole generation who will make this one of the most eagerly anticipated films ever, ( I just hope it takes off ! ) I would like to say I wish some 'cool' director would give Corey Feldman a really good role, such as someone like Paul Thomas Anderson, this man needs a comeback more than any other actor! it was good to see him in the Moby music video for "we are all made of stars"

Goonies fans: if you love this film buy the dvd now!!!!!

8/10

I think this genre of Saucy 70's British film is forever being slated by critics, Yes they are dumb, but they are harmless, the makers of these films did not intend to make groundbreaking cinema, but a funny and saucy alternative to the rest of the films tha country was producing from that era. I say these films are a cult, along with the On the Buses films, and the far more mainstreem Carry On's. I like to watch these films last thing at night, I call them 'bedtime films' you can just switch on after a hard day's graft, and perhaps even switch your brain off to watch them, there is just a fun, cheap thrill element to them, the films have an 18 certificate, due to nudity, but take that away they'd probably be a 'U' due to almost childish humore and very slapstick stuff! When they came out they were probably intended to be sexy, now the hairstyles, the fashions and the women are very funny, although not initially intended to be, these films have got better with age, and hey, I should probably not admit this but I really enjoyed the start of this film with Robin Askwith riding on his bike to a cheesy theme song!

I don't know how well perceived the Carry On's are in the States, but I like to think us Brits consider them a national treasure. This is on the usual format, lots of characters, lots of silly antics, etc, but again the British films of these genre are always getting on the wrong end of critisism, they are harmless fun, and the Carry On's are the best for this, put them on if you are feeling down, or ill, they are guaranteed to make you feel better, whether you're a fan of the King of cool himself (Sir)Sidney James, Kenneth Williams' overly campness, Charles Hawtrey's ability to mock himself, Barbara Windsor's amazing sexiness,Kenneth Connor, Peter Butterworth etc etc, this has it all. buy them all*******

You forget just how good Goodfellas is, its one of those films you

must watch at least 3 times a year, and despite owning it on every format its available on, you still sit through it when its on telly!

( or is that just me?) I remember not being allowed to watch this when it first came out, my Dad and older brother were watching it, and I walked in the room right when Billy Batts was being murdered, it stuck in my head ever since. This is at times frightening, shocking, funny, moving, films just don't get any better than Goodfellas. Despite only being twelve years old, it remains an all time great, Ray Liotta puts in the best performance of his career, and its hard to take when you see him turning up in films like Operation Dumbo Drop! Robert De Niro is on his usual fine form,what can you say about Joe Pesci? I had to watch home alone just to convince myself he is not evil! The viewer is totally gripped from the minute the film starts, its a roller coaster of a movie, I found myself as a first time viewer being glad I was just watching fromthe comfort of my sofa, because these are the last people you'd want to upset, they really are that believable. I think the whole 'wise guy' persona is possibly the most frightening film character of all time, possibly because its non fictional,

but Id rather be locked in a cage with a lion than take on Joe Pesci as Tommy De Vito!

This really is a great film, I have always been a fan of the early 80's alternative comedy scene, and the comic strip films were the perfect setting for this genre. Like the Young Ones, and French and Saunders, most of these comedians got tegether for the comic strip, most were made for TV movies, but The Supergrass was a full-length feature film, which if I'm not mistaken even went to the cinema? The main character is Dennis ( Ade Edmonson ) who despite being a moron, still living at home with his mother, thinks he's something he's not. Dennis tells lies in order to impress his wannabe' girlfriend, he is overheard in a pub, boasting about a fictional drugs ring, by a policeman( the ever excellent Micheal Elphick ) But, the so called drug deal by the seaside is not just a lie, the police have been trying to crack this for a long time. Dennis becomes a supergrass and gets dragged deeper and deeper into it, The trouble is he doesn't know anything, or does he.....? The Supergrass is one of those films you are still trying to work out, is Dennis just the goon you think he is, or does he know more than he'll tell? Though the Supergrass has its truly funny moments, it is added to by the terrible 80's fashion and music, which obviously was not supposed to be funny first time around. Dennis buys a horrible red leather jacket (identical to Micheal Jackson's thriller one) was this actually cool in the 80's or was it intended to be funny? The Film is made up of great individual performances, Peter Richardson, Keith Allen, Jennifer Saunders, Daniel Peacock, Nigel Planer, all put in exceptional shows of acting, and who can forget Alexi Sayle's most annoying policeman. The only thing missing is Rik Mayall. If you are a fan of British Comedy, and the likes of the young Ones etc, this is a must own film * * * *

Lucas and Speilberg take note this is how you make great films....

that's how I feel about this made for TV film, from the seventies, if you are a fan of Independent cinema, then I urge you to go out and buy this film,. Mike Leigh, along with Ken Loach are arguably Britains' best film makers, and although not to everyones taste, you can only enjoy films such as Nuts in May, how can a film about a strict vegetarian couple on a camping trip can be so good? I hear you ask , trust me it is. I don't want to spoil this for anyone who has not seen it, but you will almost wet yourself with laughter. Special mention must go to Roger Sloman, who is one of the most underrated British actors ever. He has turned out in mostly the same role as a 'typical b*****d' such as Keith Pratt, and the TV man/holiday maker in Neils bedroom in the Young Ones. Along with Alison Steadman ( another Mike Leigh regular )

the performances are fantastic, watch out for the scene where they 'force' fellow camper Ray to join in their sing-a-long, Unforgettable * * * * *

I don't know why but the 'prison genre' is a good one, from

'The Shawshank Redemption' right through to 'Stir Crazy'

its funny how films set in such a dull place can be so enjoyable. This proves that Steve Buscemi is equally as good a director as an actor, and with his films you can see Cassavettes as an inspiration,

like Trees Lounge this is an indie film and probably not for

everyone, but it doesn't dissapoint, at times it can be dark, but it is prison. There is a good cast, Edward Furlong as the main character based on Eddie Bunker's( Reservoir Dogs Mr Blue ) exploits as a youngster in and out of prison, see also Straight Time, there is also a good, back to form turn from Mickey Rourke as a transvestite, and Willem Dafoe as a veteran convict, respected by both the inmates and guards. this shows the reality of prison life, its violent its sleazy its grim, and you wouldn't want to be there, which makes for a good finale 7/10

This is arguably the best comedy of the 1980's, it is very well made, and is not just a simply structured comedy. Eddie Murphy gives the performance of his career in my opinion, as down and out 'Valentine' from the minute he appears posing as a legless,blind Vietnam vet, is hilarious, two policemen who actually were in that war question him, "where were you stationed" his reply- "I was in the green beret's we were all over, I was in Sang Bang...I was special agent orange( the name given to a nasty substance used in the war ), thats what they called me"....fantastic! Dan Aykroyd is not far behind him, with his performance of Louis Windthorpe III, a spoilt stuck up 'rich kid' who does very little for himself, the turn of events occur when he and his opposite Valentine clash, and a bet made by the Duke bros.( Don Ameche and Ralph Bellamy ) makes Windthorpe and Valentine trade places, with hilarious consequences. I don't want to give the script away to anyone who has not seen it,but has anyone not seen this film? there are other fantastic performances from great actors, notably the late Denholm Elliot and Don Ameche, plus small parts from Frank Oz, James Belushi and Paul Gleason, and how can anyone forget Jamie Lee Curtis' breasts, I love this film, as its always on UK television at christmas. I think all the central characters give superb performances which make this more than just a cheesy 80's comedy, 9/10 so underrated, but what happened to John Landis? All I can now hope for is a special edition DVD .

Police Academy is a 'great' film! Okay it's not Oscar winning quality, no but it's one of those films with a certain 'appeal'. Yes it did brandish six more sequels which went downhill in quality! But the original is the best. It's genuinely funny and unlike the many to follow it has adult humour. It's probably best viewed after midnight for maximum pleasure. This brings a real mix of the 'finest' raw recruits desperate to be police officers, pick of the bunch would be Mahoney signing up with the intention to get booted out! or there's ex-florist and huge mantle Hightower, who could end all crime himself! There's the womanising George Martin. The excellent Lesley Barbara, gun mad Tackleberry etc led by the madcap Lt. Harris and his dominating matrix Lt. Calahan, who are ably watched by the bumbling Commandant Lassard. A hooker running loose on the campus, a huge riot, not to forget Blanks and Copeland and of course the BLUE OYSTER bar! Fantastic! 8/10