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Reviews
Ordeal by Innocence (1984)
An underrated Christie thriller with transatlantic cast
I had heard about this film for a while due to the many international faces that appear in it and also the bad reviews the film has attracted due to the inappropriate music score.
I finally got my hands on a DVD this week. First of all, the story is most compelling and i really enjoyed Donald Sutherland's lead performance as the doctor who wants to solve the mystery.
The film is beautifully shot; very moody night scenes and the stars are flatteringly shot. The film has all the hallmarks of a good British thriller.
The only criticism i can give the film is the music score. I agree with the masses; i do not know how they could have allowed it to be in the film. It's actually not that distracting. It's quiet most of the time and not throughout the entire film like most reviews led me to believe.
Faye Dunaway, who was living in England at the time, weaves in and out of the story. I don't think i've seen her more beautiful or restrained. She plays an ominous part of the film. The supporting cast of players were also on top form with a surprisingly stand out performance by Annette Crosbie (better known for One Foot In A Grave on TV).
Give the film a chance; it is fairly fast paced, beautiful cinematography, top notch cast... just don't plod on the music aspect!
A Little Night Music (1977)
A good try but Rigg is the reason to see this!
I found this at my lending library. I've always wanted to see it being a fan of the three leading actresses and the songs from the play.
While Elizabeth Taylor really tries with her role she doesn't quite get there and any scenes with Diana Rigg she may as well not try because Rigg steals the entire show as the strong willed Charlotte.
Lesley Anne Down is a good choice and while she was dubbed she still gives it her all. Her rendition of Everyday A Little Death with Rigg is superb and i rewind that scene many times.
The male cast members are pathetic and you can tell they are from the stage because they act dreadfully.
See this if you are a fan of the actresses, especially Diana Rigg. Pity it flopped this could of really done something for her film career!
The Stepford Wives (2004)
I loved this one, Glenn Close and Bette Midler ruled the show!
I saw this one the day after it opened in Mt. Barker. I felt the audience was generally scared in the 'Kitchen Scene' with Bette Midler being robotized and being SCARY! The trailer is awesome and you'll here Nicole Kidman say "What have they done to you?!!" in your nightmares.
But they did have a major plot hole but forget about it, Glenn Close is simply adoring and has those cold robotic eyes as usual so the part was made for her. Bette Midler takes the cake as Bobbie ('I love you but please die!'). Matthew Boderick was severely out of place here, he was completely unlovable and you wanted to hate him for being in this film.
I don't like Nicole Kidman, never ever had, but she was good here and showed genuine sympathy and lose when her two best friends were taken from their lives.
A great film, i'll give it 9.5 (-.5 because of the plot hole). And i cannot wait to have this one on DVD!
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961)
Great fun! Full of mystery
When i first saw this film on DVD i thought, wow! Its great, its got my favourite actress Joan Fontaine who is really good in it and i'm glad Irwin Allen considered her for the role because its a good movie for all these stars. This film was a major box office hit in 1961 and a big cult classic to this day. The sets have dated but thats part of the fun, its best viewed on DVD with the widescreen presentation. Walter Pidgeon is quite good as the captain and 'Jeannie' Barbara Eden is quite good in one of her first roles, i think. Frankie Avalon does a beautiful entry for the films title song. Its mystery and actually quite sad. The ending of the film came a big shock to me as the saboteur came out of the radioactive engine room. You'll never guess who it is!
Watch this film i highly recommend it, sure the story is quite far fetched but sit back and relax, this film has more intelligence and acting power than any new movie like 'Dude Wheres My Car' or American Pie. See this film for great veterans (Fontaine, Pidgeon, Peter Lorre!, Eden and Avalon). 10/10