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Reviews
Funny Woman (2022)
Funny, smart, gorgeous and brilliant woman
What a treat this show turned out to be. Gemma Arturton in the lead was quite stupendous, consistently bringing every emotion to every scene - she ought to be right up there when the tv awards are handed out. Indeed, the whole cast are superb and so believable. Feel-good, yes, but I reckon it would be almost impossible not to be pulled in every emotional direction as this programme just gets better and better as it goes on. It would be great if a sequel came along, however, somehow it could just as well stay as a one-off. Finally, it should be thought of as a virtually unique tour-de-force and possibly one of Sky's ever dramas.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Otto's Triumph
I never previously knew this film was a re-make and so watched it with a completely open mind. My verdict was that if the original is, as often quoted, even better, then by golly it must be good, as this version simply sparkles. Once again, Tom Hanks has chosen a winner, and with quite superb supporting players in Rachel Keller as Sonya and Mariana Trevino as Marisol, this piece could only succeed. The underlying message of keep-going no matter what, is beautifully there and Otto remains to fulfill his commitments despite so many difficulties. Truly a film to remain in the heart for a long time to come.
Showtrial (2021)
System on Trial.
Magnificent. This 'whodunnit' and consequent trial is arguably one of the top 3 series this year and, perhaps beyond argument, features the wonderful Celine Buckens in, I believe, the top acting display of the year. A clear 10 out of 10. Don't miss it.
The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox (1976)
El Schmucko's Revenge.
What is it with people? It seems some reviewers want Shakespeare with everything they see. This is a superbly funny, brilliantly acted comedy Western which, for me, ranks with the best of US comedy films. The acting by George Segal and Goldie Hawn is awesome and happily takes you with them on their journey - and as for Blackjack the horse, what a star. A gem.
Last Christmas (2019)
Every Christmas
This movie is full of surprises and will surely become a Christmas standard for years to come. It is a genuine feelgood film, though many watchers will probably need to have some tissues handy. Emilia Clarke is perfect in the lead part and despite being unpopular with her landlords manages at all times to maintain the sympathies of the viewer. One of the most enjoyable Christmas movies I've seen, well worth the watch.
Do No Harm (2012)
No Harm Done
I can't really understand the lowly rating given to this pretty good thriller which, though far from perfect, provides an overall decent watch and, in particular, a fine vehicle for the beautiful Deanna Russo and convincingly menacing Lauren Holly.
Ok, it's not the sort of movie to win too many awards, but surely the most important issue is to entertain which it does achieve in abundance.
Once again, movie snobbery seems to win.
Alias Grace (2017)
With Good Grace
This extraordinary story is both riveting and is quite unlike anything I've seen before, standing up so well largely due to a remarkable performance by Sarah Gadon in the lead. It is one of those stories that you either switch off early on or stay with and become engrossed and no matter what, you find yourself on Grace's side and she gets all your sympathy despite her (potential) crimes. An outstanding series, so well told and brilliantly acted.
Bachelor of Hearts (1958)
Ms Syms Stole My Heart
This gentle comedy really scores for me. Hardy Kruger is very good, then again so are all the players in this film. However, I have to admit that one of my favourite actresses, the beautiful Sylvia Syms not only steals the film but also my heart. The Cambridge scenes and scenery are beautiful too, and as someone who lives near that iconic City it really is shown off at it's best. Others have suggested this is a film to watch if you have nothing else to do, I disagree, this feelgood film for me is a joy and as such needs to be watched and appreciated for what it is - a lovely piece of our past when things were simpler, happier and more innocent.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Full Redemption
It really is difficult to find anything at all negative to write about this absolute cinema classic. If there is just one point that comes to mind perhaps it would be the apparent lack of visitors to see the inmates, though it might well be argued they would probably add little to this near perfect story. There, at least I have thought of something!!
This movie dominates the mind in a way few others have ever achieved. The storyline unwinds in brilliant fashion, the playing by all the cast is beyond reproach, with Oscar-worthy performances throughout.
I can think of no other film that tells the penal servitude story the way this does, and frankly can only finish by pleading to everyone that they really must see this monumental movie at least once in their lives. Magnificent.
Shining Through (1992)
It Shines For Me
Well I'm not entirely surprised this terrific film does not score well with many critics. But then again again so many seem to be looking for Shakespeare or Brando rather than what is really needed, i.e. to be entertained, which this movie does from the start. It also excites, and draws you in throughout, providing Griffiths, Douglas and Neeson with arguably their best roles.
Certainly this film is way underestimated and, in truth, provides a rattling yarn, which whilst occasionally a little difficult to believe (which can also be said of many a true WW2 story), never fails to excite.
In short, I loved it.
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)
Eurovision Treat
Of all films which you would perhaps not expect to like, this one is an unexpected treat. Moreover, the power behind it is an American in Will Ferrell. Then add that wonderful Canadian actress, Rachel McAdams - both coming at this subject matter from 'left field'.
At the start you think to yourself "is this film for me", but it then draws you in, such that by the end you become totally engrossed. This is thanks in large part to the Ferrell script but in even greater part to McAdams playing a difficult role to perfection. What a great performer she is.
No small amount of credit is also due to the effects department - the hamster-wheel scene is both hysterical and brilliant. Oh, and the music throughout is both so Eurovision and yet great to listen to.
Well done all involved.
So Little Time (1952)
So Much to Offer
I saw this little gem of a film for the first time today and was not let down. Beautiful storyline and brilliantly acted by Marius Goring and the stunning Maria Schell who perhaps deserved an Oscar for her efforts.
The story seemed to be told from almost a neutral viewpoint and, though largely set in a couple of rooms never allowed itself to become claustrophobic.
One of those films which will always stay with you and leaves you wondering why it is so rarely seen. Once again, thank you Talking Pictures TV.
The ODESSA File (1974)
File Under Brilliant
Definitely one of my favourite films of the 70's, a spellbinding story that never let's go. The heavy background atmosphere is absorbing with a wonderful 'hook' in the "Christmas Dream" music (for me, Webber and Rice's best ever song). Jon Voigt is at his most impressive here as are all participants, and furthermore this has to be author Frederick Forsyth at his best - a storyline so much better than "The Day of the Jackal". If you haven't seen this movie please do so and be completely taken by it.
Unforgotten (2015)
Unforgettable!!
Quite brilliant cop series which looks into the solving of old crimes where body(ies) are recently found.
I watched Series 1 and was spellbound, then Series 2 was even better - among the best tv cop series ever. The acting led by the superb Nicola Walker is faultless, the storylines likewise. Guest appearances by the likes of Trevor Eve, Bernard Hill and Tom Courtenay only add to the sheer brilliance of the overall production. Enjoy - it does not get much better than this.
The Great Race (1965)
The Greatest Comedy
Now to be honest I'm not a big fan of US comedy, most of which leaves me cold and unamused. That said, in my opinion the 2 best comedy films ever made were both American and each starred Tony Curtis and the quite brilliant Jack Lemmon. The first, of course, was Some Like It Hot, a classic by any standards, but The Great Race actually outdoes that wonderful film if it's laughs you're after. Yes, for me this is no.1 in my list of funniest-ever films and needs to be viewed over and again to fully appreciate the sheer volume of spoken, implied and visual comedic moments herein. All the actors are at the top of their game, the Mancini/Mercer music score is superb, but best of all is Jack Lemmon who clearly should have been awarded an Oscar for his played to perfection roles in this movie. A long film it is, but if you have nearly 3 hours of spare time, you would struggle to spend it more amusingly than watching this very underrated classic.
The A Word (2016)
A For Absolutely Awesome
Wonderful programme, wonderfully acted, wonderful locations, a tour de force. This review is almost necessarily short as I can only find superlatives to write about all the above and a special superlative for the beautiful script. Superb in every way.
Circle of Deception (1960)
Lies...and More Lies
An excellent film which shows in some detail the depths of deceit it somehow and sometimes takes to win a war. This little gem, which was new to me, is well scripted, very well acted and shows at length the horrors which many a heroic figure needed to suffer to get to the ultimate result. Bradford Dillman, presumably takes the lead for the US audience, but is splendid in the part as are his future real-life wife, Suzy Parker and Harry Andrews in a movie which grips from the start and doesn't let go. Superb.
Ashes to Ashes (2008)
Out of the Ashes...
Having previously awarded its predecessor "Life on Mars" a well deserved 10 rating, I thought it was high time I rewatched "Ashes" a decade after first seeing it. In so doing, I realised that I had previously done it a disservice in 'only' scoring it a 9 - undersold it for sure. This second viewing has clearly confirmed to me that a top of the shop 10 is fully deserved and it not only ranks, but possibly even out-ranks its marvellous precursor.
Once again, it is brilliantly written with (thank goodness) a complete lack of political correctness, the acting is superb all-round, with top honours going to the magnificent Keeley Hawes in a series which knocks spots off her later way overrated show "Bodyguard".
Good to see here that the co-star characters played by Dean Andrews and Marshall Lancaster are given more air time than they had before so that all-in-all this becomes a tour-de-force and an all-time tv great.
Danger Within (1959)
Classic Escapism
With a stellar cast and serious input from Bryan Forbes this film was never likely to fail. Whilst not quite up there with "The Great Escape" or "The Password is Courage", this remains a must-see for anyone who loves the British movie POW genre. As I said, the cast could hardly have been bettered at the time (and probably since) and all involved are at the top of their game. Even a fairly young Michael Caine gets a look-in with an uncredited 'blink and you miss it' role - this film is not quite perfect but follows closely behind.
No Kidding (1960)
Just Kidding...I'm Afraid.
You'd have thought that with such a good team behind it and a great cast on set this old British comedy could not fail. Sadly it does in just about every way. Such a waste of so much comedy acting talent yet with an idea which was so promising. Unfortunately, virtually nothing works here and you are left with the impression the whole is like a car breakers' yard with so many bits which can be better used elsewhere. I usually love watching Leslie Phillips, Julia Lockwood, Irene Handl et al but with such a poor script they had no chance. A miss I'm afraid.
Life on Mars (2006)
Life in TV Heaven
This fabulous series was TV heaven for those, like me, who by 2006 had become fed up with all the politically correct drivel we have had to become used to on "the box". Whilst rightly showing the frequent lack of sensitivity and correctness of some of the methods often used by DCI Gene Hunt, it did so with such wit and humour that it was hard to fully take offence and anyway, DI Sam Tyler almost always (at least tried) put things right. Series 2 Episode 6 was a classic example of this programme and for me ranks as one of the best hours' television I've ever seen. In every way, from sympathetic character actors John Simm and Liz White to the quite brilliant Philip Glenister, this must rank as perhaps the best police drama series ever.
The Pelican Brief (1993)
Grisham's Masterpiece
When it comes to an exciting thriller, John Grisham is usually an early port of call. Well, in my view this is by far his best. This film, whilst having its necessary quieter moments, never let's the excitement relent and the result is a rip-roaring 2 hours plus of highest quality intrigue, assassination and spills. Roberts and Washington play their parts for all they're worth in a movie which feeds the senses like few others. Bond, Mission Impossible and so many others could learn a lot from this exciting tale.
The Notebook (2004)
My Notebook
What can I say about this beautiful film? It absorbs you in and takes you along on a magnificent ride never letting up. The whole picture is made up of lovely scenes and scenery, the acting is superb throughout with Rachel McAdams the standout at her absolute best. Unlike one or two of the other (minority) views I fail to see anything negative to say about this movie which would definitely have a place in my all-time top 20 and would probably be at number 1 in the "romance" sector. Unforgettable.
The Family Way (1966)
The Bolton Way
Having just watched this film again I was immediately reminded that it is indeed one of the best of the many 'kitchen sink' dramas of the 60's. Everything about it is real, including the Bolton locations and 1960's feel, even though it was beautifully shot in Eastman Color. Every actor is special in this, from 'nasty' Barry Foster to 'sympathetic' Hywel Bennett, and not least the gossipy ladies of the neighbourhood. But as so often best of all are the gorgeous Hayley Mills and the quite brilliant John Mills. A real treat and throwback to a gentler day which in this mobile phone and social network era are much missed.
Father Goose (1964)
Cary At His Very Best
I just love this film. It has so much to offer, including Cary Grant, Leslie Caron and Trevor Howard at their superb best. This film often feels like the sort of light entertainment you'd expect from Grant, but in the second half it brings the intense excitement of his and his "crew's" predicament all interspersed with the humour back at Howard's base not quite realising what's actually going on. A brilliant movie, wonderfully filmed and acted to a 'T''. Much as I love many of Grant's other films, especially "Charade" and "North By Northwest", this is for me his very very best film. Unmissable.