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Reviews
The Last Hangman (2005)
Fiction
Anyone who has read Mr Pierrepoint's book, seen his TV interviews or heard his radio interviews will know this film totally misrepresents his life, character and work.
If you want to make fiction go ahead but don't pretend it's autobiography.
There is zero evidence that Mr Pierrepoint was ever troubled or disturbed by his work, he viewed himself as a public servant who's duty was to perform his duties diligently and efficiently.
The makers of this film chose to misuse Mr Pierrepoint as a vehicle for their own opinions knowing Mr Pierrepoint can not object.
If you want to know the true story read Mr Pierrepoint's excellent autobiography, there are also interviews with him to be found online.
One Hour Photo (2002)
Almost a masterpiece
I didn't see this at the movies, I am not a fan of Robin Williams and the trailers didn't appeal, now I regret that. Caught it on TV and was immediately involved.
Sadly one reason I was so engaged is i related to the isolation of Sy. The loneliness of people with no family is something few understand.
Some of the scenes really capture life of the unconnected. No-one to buy a present for or spend Christmas with, just work, home, work, home ........
Of course Sy takes it much farther but hey it's a movie.
If you missed this first time around get the DVD but be prepared for a disturbing time.
Spring and Port Wine (1970)
Glorifying abuse
While I can see what people are saying about this being a snap-shot of 1960's England it concerns me that few people are concerned about the sympathetic portrayal of the James Mason character.
He is a sad pathetic loser and bully. He abuses his wife and children but its all OK because he loves them really - give me a break.
I can remember these times when the only way a 'man' connected with his family was as some sort of dictator and prince.
Of course for many people nothing much has changed and women still remain with abusive non-achieving men but I would like to think that most women would not tolerate the behaviour of a 'man' like this for long.
As for adult children living at home and being part of it surely not. None of the adult children (especially the adult son) step in to protect their down-trodden mother.
This is an insight into life for many working class people - use it as a discussion tool as to why it was (and is) so unacceptable.
On a good note at least this family didn't have a dog for this horrible little man to kick.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
2 hours of my life I won't get back..
I went to see this to see if Jacki Weaver did more to earn her Oscar nomination than last time - she didn't.
Several strands of the thin plot are beyond irritating. The nonsensical superstitions of the bookie are given legitimacy they don't deserve. The idea that idiotic and dangerous superstition can influence outcomes drove me nuts.
Bad enough that people believe rubbish it but using films to reinforce nonsense, by giving it a feel good ending, is an insult to the audience. I so wanted them to get what they deserved for being do stupid, sadly they didn't.
The other Oscar nominations have nothing to beat in this effort.
Quartet (2012)
Awful
I generally like the old English 'luvvies', for example Marigold Hotel was a funny, sweet, well acted film, although, like most of these movies, spoiled by the stupid old people in the audience this type of film attracts.... why do they screech at irony or mild humour as if it's the funniest thing they ever heard.
However, this was awful, the acting was like amateur night at the local village hall dramatic club, the plot was thin at best.
Since when is sexual harassment funny. Dirty old men flirting with a young woman - cringe making at best, insulting and disgusting at worst.
Sad to see Maggie Smith in this rubbish.
Please if you are one of the stupid old people who go to these movies, if you can't get through without commentating, chatting and screeching - please wait for the DVD.