David198 Reviews

Wide Sargasso Sea (2006 TV Movie)

Best drama of the year!

[10/10 · 12 October 2006]

Thought-provoking, multi-layered, moving, gripping, with wonderful scenery and music, and outstanding performances from Rafe Spall (son of Timothy Spall) and especially Rebecca Hall (daughter of Peter Hall, previously seen in The Camomile Lawn).

It deserves all the BAFTAs going! Hopefully it will be released on DVD before long.

Based on the classic book by Jean Rhys, who was herself a Creole, written in 1966 - apparently one of the 'best 100 books ever' on Time's listings. It's an illuminating prequel to Jane Eyre, and a story which in my opinion is actually better than Bronte's classic.

And I'm writing this as someone who can't stand Jane Eyre and wouldn't normally dream of watching this kind of film!

Sweet Hostage (1975 TV Movie)

Unforgettable!

[9/10 · 18 July 2006]

I was fortunate to have recorded this film on video many years ago, and it's always a real joy to watch it again.

A literate script, a totally involving storyline, Linda Blair's best-ever performance, and an awesome turn from Martin Sheen, all go to make up one of the best films of the 1970s.

A pity about the slightly OTT music soundtrack and naff song, and the film could have been a little longer. Also the much better book title of 'Welcome to Xanadu' should never have been dumbed down to 'Sweet Hostage'. But these are minor gripes about what is in any sense of the word a masterpiece.

A Dance to the Music of Time (1997– )

Memmorable adaptation with just a few flaws

[7/10 · 17 May 2006]

They don't make adaptations like this any more - no doubt for cost reasons and a lack of imagination and bravery at the TV companies. 7 hours of solid drama, yet full of incidental humour and some very fine characterisations.

Unfortunately it is flawed, and the flaws make it just very good viewing rather than the excellent series it should have been. The biggest flaws to my mind are:

1 The decision to replace Nick and his wife by new actors for Film 4 was totally wrong. Nick ages far too much in too short a space of time, and looks completely different. This creates a real problem of believability.

2 Still on ageing, some of the actors are 'aged' very well, whilst others (especially the ladies and Odo) seem hardly any different as the decades progress.

3 Film 4 is by far the weakest, though to be fair this reflects the books on which it is based. Perhaps it should have been cut further and the earlier years given even greater prominence.

4 Despite a great deal of pruning, there are still too many characters and insufficient narration for non-aficionados of the books to be sure all the time of who is who.

5 The scenes often seem to be a succession of dramatic deaths - difficult to avoid with the way the story has to be condensed, but very predictable nonetheless.

However, it's still pretty good, and light years removed from much of the dumbed-down drama on TV today.

Cuba (1979)

Fascinating backdrop but an ultimately disappointing film

[6/10 · 13 February 2006]

This drama/love story could have been excellent. Played out against the last months of the corrupt and US/UK-supported Batista regime, the collapse of the old society as Castro's fidelistas begin to take over is shown compellingly. The point is well made that a revolution will only succeed if the people are behind it which, in this instance, they clearly were.

It's a shame that the movie couldn't have been filmed in Cuba, as of course all the famous landmarks of Havana are missing, but its real problems are threefold.

Firstly the storyline is confusing, complicated and unconvincing, with none of the characters being allowed to hold one's attention.

Secondly, the acting is poor. Even Sean Connery - who is normally excellent - seems to have had his mind on other things the whole time.

And thirdly, for some inexplicable reason, the chanting of 'Fidel' as Castro enters Havana in triumph morphs into a Nazi crowd chanting 'Sieg Heil'. Whatever was this trying to say? When Castro actually came into power, one of the first things he did was to open all the 'whites-only' clubs to black people, and to make it clear in an early speech that there was no such thing as a superior race. To liken Castro to Hitler is a travesty of the facts.

So, ultimately a flawed film. Watch it not for the story or the 'message' but for what is going on in the background.

The Island (2005)

It's a clone of Logan's Run!

[3/10 · 22 August 2005]

How Michael Bay can get away with such an awful rehash of Logan's Run is beyond me. Notice the similarities:

• a male and female escape from a closely-controlled underground (LR - under domes) society - they have been told that the rest of the world is uninhabitable

• the Lottery (LR - carousel) is the 'official' way of getting out

• the Island (LR - renewal) doesn't actually exist

• the male and female are chased both in the city and outside it

• there's a shot of the sun meant to provoke wonderment

• they come across a scorpion (LR - snake) outside

• they meet a helpful and slightly eccentric character outside

• they decide to go back to the city to warn the others

• the male character manages to destroy lots of machines there

• the film ends with shots of the city's inhabitants streaming outside.

OK there are also differences, but probably someone who knew both films better would find even more plagiarism.

The ironic thing is that for it's day Logan's Run was a pretty good film. The Island is awful - dumbed-down Hollywood at its worst. Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson don't get a decent line between them, and the main part of the movie is composed of car chases, improbable escapes and the sort of thing that's been done to death in hundreds of other big-budget pieces of mindless escapism.

And Scarlett's tunic doesn't even get ripped in all that she goes through! (though it does suddenly change from clean to very dirty...) At least Logan's Run had some flesh showing and a bit of gratuitous nudity!!

MAJOR SPOILER:

The scene where Ewan McGregor ultimately destroys the city by basically pulling a lever that says 'Don't pull this lever' is reminiscent of an Austin Powers movie.

The possibilities of a thoughtful story about cloning are all but lost in the way it's treated. A good director could have made all the difference.

Don't get me wrong, I think Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johannson are brilliant actors (take Moulin Rouge and Lost in Translation for instance) but why ever did they agree to be a part of this rubbish?

The Magic Toyshop (1987)

Unique and never-forgotten!

[10/10 · 31 January 2005]

This film was shown on ITV in the UK on a Saturday night in 1988 or 1989, and enjoyed a 2-page feature in the main UK listings magazine of the day. Since then it has disappeared without trace, presumably because its mixture of fantasy, horror, mild eroticism, romance, and apparent children's fare never found a target audience. Even Caroline Milmoe, then 23, who played the 15-year old central character hasn't appeared in TV or films since 1995.

The story is unique and literally unforgettable. Having just procured a copy from the USA and seen it for the first time in 17 years, I'm amazed at how much I could still remember. Some of the scenes are beautiful and dream-like; others are down to earth kitchen-sink drama. And the whole takes place in a real world that isn't quite the real world, one where magic is an accepted part of life.

An incredibly imaginative and totally involving film.

Stardust (1974)

Memorable but flawed

[7/10 · 20 September 2004]

I managed to catch this on TV again recently, having not seen it for many years.

Rather surprisingly it doesn't look particularly dated, and the storyline still packs a punch. Both David Essex and Adam Faith are good in their roles, and there's never a dull moment on screen. But whatever happened to Ines des Longchamps who played Jim's girlfriend? (Not much, according to the IMDb!)

Two very big flaws however stand out on this viewing.

Firstly, the songs which apparently sold millions for Jim Maclaine and the Stray Cats just aren't very good or very memorable. The story is obviously based on the Beatles' rise to fame, and for them as well as for every other pop group of the day, it wasn't just a pretty face but catchy, hummable songs that took them to the heights. Jim's are either covers or very weak.

And as someone has already mentioned, the crowds at the 'Pollwinners concert' clearly weren't 1960s young people. Obviously the filmmakers just rounded up a crowd when they made the film in 1974 and got them to come and see David Essex. Presumably it would have been far too expensive to dress them in the fashions of a decade before.

These two flaws apart, it's a good film, if not your standard popcorn-munching Saturday night fare.

Catwoman (2004)

Did I see the same movie?

[7/10 · 16 August 2004]

This film has been almost universally panned by critics and viewers alike. But what did they expect for a story about a catwoman? Ingmar Bergman? Subtle philosophical debates? Profound insights? Come on, get real!

This is a tongue-in-cheek film that is excellent entertainment - it was never meant to change the world. Halle Berry is sexy and sensual as Catwoman, the cityscape scenes are breathtaking, particularly the one from across the water at night when Patience is 'reborn', and there's a light-hearted and humorous touch that works well.

OK, a few scenes are embarrassing, especially the dancefloor and the volleyball ones, the special effects could have been better, and there could have been a greater sense of urgency and threat. And we could have seen a bit more of Halle Berry in that catsuit!

But there's a brilliant scene where the handwriting analyst concludes that Patience and Catwoman aren't the same person, because Patience's handwriting signifies a shy person with low self-esteem, whereas Catwoman's is the opposite. And overall the movie is FUN!! Lighten up, people!

Sparkhouse (2002– )

Outstandingly excellent

[10/10 · 12 August 2004]

The best drama on UK television since Our Friends in the North. This has everything: brilliant acting (especially from Sarah Smart who should have won a BAFTA), passion, drama, unexpected plot twists, and above all INTENSITY. It's well-written, incredibly moving, and has a real power to it that most TV dramas lack.

Yes, it's based on Wuthering Heights and there are one or two quotes from the book, but it's a million miles away from being plagiarism. I would go so far as to say that it's better than the original, certainly more contemporary, and in many ways quite different.

The fact that this is not available on DVD is a crime!

The Parole Officer (2001)

Much better than the reviews

[7/10 · 21 June 2004]

This film has been almost universally criticised by reviewers, so much so that I rather assumed it would be an unfunny dud. I was pleasantly surprised!

(S0ME VERY MINOR SPOILERS)

The plot may be highly improbable and have some gaping holes (e.g. why didn't the murderers just destroy the incriminating video?) but it is a very strong storyline that carries you and the film along with it. The presence of Omar Sharif and Jenny Agutter lend real weight to the cast list - Sharif in particular is excellent though Agutter is under-used. And there are many genuinely funny scenes.

The all-singing all-dancing 'feelgood' finale is reminiscent of Bend It Like Beckham. And for this British reviewer it was refreshing to see a very British film for a change, with British locations and a totally different 'feel' to most US fare.

In my opinion, where the movie could have really benefited would have been from a rewrite of the weaker sections, where the jokes fall a bit flat. This could have taken it from being a good film to a great one.

Far and Away (1992)

Not as bad as some would make out

[7/10 · 17 May 2004]

This movie has been almost universally panned, and it certainly has major flaws.

For one, it's too long without being 'epic' enough to sustain the length. Also Tom Cruise's occasional attempts at being funny and Irish just don't come off. And cliche is piled upon cliche and coincidence upon coincidence, just to make the story work.

But some of the criticisms seem unfounded to me. OK, Cruise and Kidman don't really control their destinies - but who does? Yes, they're pushed from one situation to another - but who isn't? And they do, on certain occasions, make significant decisions which change their future.

One fault of the DVD and video is not the film's: it does really need to be seen on a huge screen to help it work, particularly the final land-race sequences. And Nicole Kidman is as always excellent, with just the right amount of feistiness and yet also vulnerability.

All in all, a good piece of entertainment, but some tweaking of the storyline would have helped.

Gothika (2003)

The Sixth Sense it ain't

[6/10 · 26 April 2004]

It's always difficult nowadays doing a good ghost story. The Sixth Senses managed it. So did The Others. This one doesn't.

In fact it's more of a whodunnit than a ghost story, and the ghost aspect is a lot more believable than the resolution - which frankly just doesn't work other than as a plot device.

However the movie is still worth watching - but purely for Halle Berry. She is an amazing actor, who can transform herself apparently effortlessly from smart, sexy, clinical psychologist to screaming, messed-up mental patient. She is also beautiful, even on what she later called her 'bad-hair days' as the mental patient.

But the plot sucks. And the lead-in to a sequel at the end makes it like some second-class TV series.

The Girl Next Door (2004)

The juice is worth the squeeze!

[7/10 · 26 April 2004]

...to answer a repeated question in the movie.

The critics don't like this, but the moviegoers do. OK it's not exactly Shakespeare or Ibsen, but it is an enjoyable night out.

Elisha Cuthbert (woefully underused in 24) gets her chance to shine and is fantastic. Drop-dead gorgeous and she can act as well. It's a shame that for a 15 (in the UK)-rated movie we get to see so little of her amazing body.

The story is fairly predictable, although the director does try to fool us now and again by including the odd scenes that turn out to be a dream or fantasy. There is an occasional flash of violence that seems a little out of place but otherwise it's all good fun, albeit a little raunchy for the more conservatively-minded.

The story reminded me just a little of 1968's The Graduate, and the excellent soundtrack ranges back to the 60s with Donovan and Thunderclap Newman, and right up to today with David Gray.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Flawed but fascinating

[7/10 · 19 April 2004]

This is a film which divides its audience into those who are fascinated by it and those who are bored stiff.

There's a lot that's good about it. Tom Cruise turns in his usual capable performance, Nicole Kidman her usual brilliant one. The sets are magnificent, reminding one of the huge rooms of The Shining or the emptiness of outer space in 2001. The plot is thought-provoking, with its suggestions of the decadence and corruption of the rich and powerful. The storyline, though long drawn out, is fairly easy to follow and has some sort of resolution at the end.

There are even some light touches - Stanley Kubrick must have know it would be his last film, as there are visual or aural references to most of his previous films, and even a pile of Stanley Kubrick videos in a bedroom scene near the end!

And any film with 3 different shots of Nicole Kidman's bare bottom will get me buying the DVD!

But there are also flaws. It is definitely too long, and would have benefited from losing 20 minutes at least. There are illogical plot developments - e.g. just how did everyone at the orgy know so fast that Bill was there under false pretences? - and how did Mandy recognise him under his mask? Also we learn virtually nothing about Alice and Bill's background other than that she used to own a gallery. And much as I like Nicole Kidman's bottom, I have to acknowledge that its appearances in this film do seem totally gratuitous!

A good film, but it doesn't come anywhere near Kubrick's best. And, by the way, the Region 2 DVD is uncensored, unlike the Region 1 release.

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Not quite as bad as the critics claim

[7/10 · 5 April 2004]

This and Moonraker are probably the most-slated Bond films of all, and there are certainly good reasons. (SPOILERS AHEAD)

The cartoon-like sound effect that ruins the 360 degree car leap, Sheriff Pepper and his racial discrimination, the most bimbo-like Bond girl ever, the climactic duel with Scaramanga that doesn't even happen, the dozens of grown men floored by two karate-chopping girls, Bond left behind by his getaway car - the list of awful moments goes on and on.

But there are compensations. The stunning scenery of Pang-ha Bay near Phuket and the amazing island that is now known as 'James Bond Island' even on maps, Britt Ekland in a bikini (though apparently the producers had seen her when pregnant and assumed she was bigger-bosomed than proved to be the case, hence the conservative bikini-top!), the beautiful Maud Adams, Christopher Lee as the cool and calculating villain, the British HQ in the sunken QE1 with its Avengers-like odd angles - the film has a lot going for it.

And Moore as Bond is even surprisingly harsh and Connery-like at times - witness his early treatment of Maud Adams.

In all, good entertainment but flawed.

Flirting (1991)

An Australian Wonder Years

[8/10 · 29 March 2004]

Those who've watched The Wonder Years will recognise the style of storytelling here. The main character is also the narrator, there's an ongoing reference to world events, there are adolescents growing into maturity, and there are some wonderfully rounded and recognisable individuals.

Both main characters experience discrimination, including in Thandie Newton's case, racial discrimination both overt and implied - e.g. an Australian lad says to her "Your English is very good", to which she responds "So is yours"!

On the surface it's just a coming-of-age school story, but the film continually rises above this to greater heights of poignancy and subtlety.

Nicole Kidman is brilliant in the difficult role of the head of school who apparently has it all until, in one of the most moving moments of the film, her true self is revealed.

House of Sand and Fog (2003)

A little slow but very moving

[8/10 · 1 March 2004]

I wasn't sure how interesting I'd find this film - the apparent storyline of 2 people fighting over a property didn't exactly sound engrossing. And the first two-thirds of the over 2 hours run-time is a little slow.

But the film more than delivers with a totally unexpected denouement which is really moving. Just when you think you know how it's going to end, it out-manoeuvres you and keeps you guessing.

Riveting performances from Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley, both of whom should have had Oscars, and a story that transcends the surface issues and deals with prejudice, pride, desperation and obsession.

It's not exactly a chick-flick for the popcorn munchers though!

Dogville (2003)

Compelling and satisfying

[9/10 · 23 February 2004]

A 3-hour movie totally set on a studio lot, with chalk lines for houses? - surely an incomprehensible no-no?

Well, Dogville confounds all negative expectations. The story is straightforward to follow, quite gripping, and has a very satisfying twist at the end - which I don't think anyone on these pages has given away.

The chalk-line set is not just a gimmick, but justified by the storyline, which is all about seeing people as they really are. A kind of Lord of the Flies.

Nicole Kidman is brilliant as usual - though looking painfully thin - and it was nice to see James Caan again. John Hurt's voiceover is detailed and helpful.

It's a shame that, at least in the UK, the film has been given such a limited release that few will make the effort to see it - an effort that would be well repaid.

Batman Forever (1995)

A great film struggling to get out

[6/10 · 23 February 2004]

This could have been a great film.

The sets are amazing: Gotham City's towering, entangled, crazy skyline - the setpieces are fascinating: the weird circus, the vast public celebrations that you just know are going to end in mayhem - and the film does examine the dark side of Batman (and Robin). In total contrast, the witty one-liners are a welcome relief after the ever-darker first two films.

Jim Carrey manages to outdo Jack Nicholson in over-acting as the villain, and, despite some reviews, there is 'light and shade' in the film, with quieter moments interspersing the more manic ones.

But there is also a lot wrong. Two-Face really has nothing going for him compared to the Riddler - just flipping a coin is hardly fascinating. Val Kilmer is totally miscast as Batman (and Bruce Wayne), and makes the role uninteresting.

Nicole Kidman is brilliant as usual, but has to act within the limitations she is set - the greatest being that she somehow has to avoid realising Bruce and Batman are one and the same: a common flaw in superhero/secret identity tales.

All in all, good escapist entertainment - but it could have been so much better!

Lost in Translation (2003)

An unforgettable classic!

[10/10 · 17 February 2004]

One of the handful of films over the last 40 years that I've returned to the cinema the following week to see again.

Poignant, atmospheric, funny, brilliantly acted, moving, memorable, words fail me.

But why hasn't IMDB highlighted that it won 3 BAFTAs in Britain last weekend? Bill Murray - Best Actor, Scarlett Johannson Best Actress, and Best Editing. It's extremely rare for the same film to gather both Best Actor and Best Actress awards.

Walkabout (1971)

One of the classic films of all time

[10/10 · 17 February 2004]

Jenny Agutter's best film by far, also Nicolas Roeg's best film, this atmospheric, unique and mesmerising story deserves even more plaudits than it has received. It could almost be an illustration of Simon and Garfunkel's classic song Sounds of Silence, the way it deals with lack of communication - and the contrast between rural and urban societies.

Just make sure you see the uncut DVD version, as the trimmed TV version misses out a key scene near the end which throws an entirely different light on the story.

********SPOILER ALERT!!*************

It's where the Aborigine boy meets a friend whom the girl doesn't notice, and it becomes clear that she's right on the edge of a community rather than miles away as she thinks. The boy is therefore not taking her back to civilisation as she wanted him to, but has his own purposes in taking her on his walkabout. This scene could only have been axed by someone who had no idea of its significance!

Baby Love (1969)

Rare, interesting, but ultimately disappointing

[29 November 2003]

This extremely rare British film of the late 1960s features the debut of Linda Hayden, who went on to appear in a succession of horror films and the 'Confessions' sex comedies, and an early appearance of Keith Barron, known to British audiences as a prolific character actor to this day.

The story, of a sexually-precocious and beautiful 15-year old who takes revenge for her mother's suicide by using her body to seduce not only her mother's former lover, but also is wife and son, is probably unlikely to be shown again in today's paedophile-aware society. Scenes where she lets a disgusting lecher in a cinema start touching her up, and on another occasion seemingly consents to gang rape, are both unlikely and perverted. The film does however have a lot going for it - a relentlessly downbeat yet gritty storyline, an illuminating probe behind the outward respectability of an ordinary middle-class family, and the physical assets of Linda herself, who reveals everything but full-frontal.

On the negative side, the ending is an anti-climax and suggests a loss of interest in the story by this point. Linda whilst undeniably sexy, sports a very variable northern England accent and variable acting talents - excellent in some scenes, less so in others. It's clear that subsequent casting directors saw more in her physical assets than her acting skills, considering the low-budget and fairly dire movies she went on to appear in.

The lesbian scenes between her and the relative unknown playing Keith Barron's wife are probably the most memorable. All in all, an interesting combination of a 'kitchen-sink', very British, family drama, with sexual situations which would not be allowed in a film today - especially considering Linda herself was only 15 when she made it.

Another viewing may bring out some hidden depths, but on first sight this was disappointing. A better-developed story and more care over the acting could have made this a classic of its day.

Underworld (2003)

Batman meets X-Men

[30 September 2003]

Not normally my type of film but I went to see it as I had some time to kill and because Kate Beckinsale was in it.

A lot of good points. The sets were brilliant - Gotham City before Joel Schumacher jazzed it up - dark, rain-filled, huge old buildings and narrow streets. The plot was surprisingly complex for an action film: I had to concentrate to keep up: a lot of mythic elements and some interesting twists. Kate Beckinsale was perfect for the role: slim, sexy and with an attitude. Just a pity all we really saw of her was her face and occasionally neck and shoulders! I wasn't expecting to see Bill Nighy as the head vampire, being more used to his domestic dramas on UK TV - but he was good.

On the negative side, too much action, too much violence, and too little dialogue. And too geared to a sequel. But generally well worth watching!

Sweet William (1980)

Well worth watching

[8/10 · 28 September 2003]

I've just found this again on a video tape and have really enjoyed it. OK it's slightly dated (especially in some of Jenny Agutter's dresses) and it's firmly in the genre of the British 'kitchen-sink' dramas of the early 1960s, but it's well worth watching.

Jenny Agutter does a tour-de-force with some brilliant and totally believable acting (the occasional and far too brief nude scenes are a bonus). Sam Waterston is equally believable as charming rogue William who neglects to tell his various conquests of his various other conquests and wives.

The twist at the very end throws a different light on much of what has gone before (and you have to watch very closely to see it!).

This should be re-released on DVD so that everyone has a chance to give it a second look. It stands the test of time well.

Birthday Girl (2001)

A gem which everyone missed

[10/10 · 25 August 2002]

The critics didn't like this film. It bombed in the States and as a result received only a limited showing in Britain. Which was a great shame, because it represents British rather than American humour and should have been shown in Britain first.

Nicole Kidman looks stunning and is a totally convincing Russian. Ben Chaplin is the Dustin Hoffman character from 'The Graduate', and 'Birthday Girl' has at least 4 scenes which remind the viewer of that 1960s classic (despite being a totally different story!).

Sure it changes tack a number of times from comedy to black comedy to thriller to adventure - but it's memorable, moving and a weclome breath of fresh air compared to the average mega-budget blockbuster.

See it with an open mind!