Comberman Reviews

Thunderbirds (2004)

Total waste of time.

[4/10 · 28 January 2006]

I just wonder what prompted Gerry Anderson to allow his name to be associated with this travesty; though I guess it must have been an awful lot of money. Everything about this film was so – so wrong and a total corruption of what Thunderbirds, the team and their FABulous rescue vehicles was about. This was not about International Rescue. This was more about the Tracey Family and with the exception of the first few minutes the only rescuing seen in the movie was the rescue of themselves from a situation preposterous in the extreme. This was "The Brady Bunch" with special effects. Being an ardent fan of the original Thunderbirds series, which was imaginative and entertaining (despite the strings!), I bought the DVD of the film for my grandchildren on the premise that they might enjoy it. All I can say is that I'm glad it was an "on offer cheap". If you are a Gerry Anderson fan don't watch this movie; you'll be frozen in your seat in total disbelief and dismay. My copy is destined for the next 'car-boot' sale – if I can shrug off the guilt for passing it on.

2 Days in the Valley (1996)

Worth watching....for its entertainment value.

[7/10 · 1 April 2004]

Trying to compare Two Days in the Valley with Tarantino's Pulp Fiction is pointless. There is very little originality in the vast majority of modern movies; by and large within their particular genre most movies are variations on a theme. I've watched Pulp Fiction several times and enjoyed it every time and I'll probably watch it many times more. I watched Two Days in the Valley and never once thought about PF, because I enjoyed it and accepted it as just another variation on a theme that was worth watching....and I'll more than likely watch it again....for its entertainment value. The characters were believable in a many-threaded plot that finally knitted together in a way that did not seem contrived.

Blood Beast from Outer Space (1965)

Another British SF Gem from the 60s

[15 January 2004]

I don't know why they had to have John Saxon play the leading role in this movie; the Production Team could have chosen one of several dozen British actors who would have done a better job and better fitted the role. But then perhaps the film had American backers and they were calling the tune. Speaking of tune, the introductory song/music on the DVD version of the film is pathetic and totally incomparable to the original brilliant 60s pop instrumental "Image" with its Telstar-type organ backing. All that aside the movie is one that joins many other British SF films in the ranks of fame and is not totally unfaithful to Frank Crisp's 1963 novel "The Night Callers" on which it was based. It has moments which are slightly unnerving, particularly when the proposed candidates for shipping back to Ganymede are being interviewed by the man (monster) behind the shadows. Generally speaking there were very few dull moments and the pace of the plot was just right. Perhaps the ending could have been extended and more seen of the hideous alien with the claw-like appendages. Denham shines out above anyone else in the male cast leaving Saxon looking on from the sidelines as if he were a last minute, and not totally comfortable sub. A must see gem of a movie and despite the absence of the original introductory music the DVD will make a good addition to any SF Movie Buff's collection.

The Villain (1979)

Silly but enjoyable slapstick

[12 November 2003]

I think those who have only bad comments to say about this movie have watched it wearing blinkers. The Villian (Cactus Jack)is a slapstick comedy and by and large it is funny; predictable but nevertheless funny. But what makes it different from other adult comedies such as It's A Mad...Mad World, is the fact that the majority of the players in The Villian have been taken out of the genre in which cinema-goers are used to to seeing them perform (drama/thriller), while the opposite is the case in IaMMMMW (Spencer Tracey being the exception). All in all Douglas, Ann-Margaret and Arnie have put on a good show to provide us with some good entertainment. As for Paul Lynde his hilariuosly funny character was so far removed from reality no native American should ever feel grieved. Not a movie to dissect - a movie to enjoy!

The Day of the Triffids (1963)

Enjoyable escapism

[14 September 2003]

My two favourite scenes: when the first Triffid manifested itself in the Botany Establishment and rudely interrupted the Warden eating his packed lunch, and when Faye and Keel's car got stuck in the mud with the nasty weed creeping inexorably towards them. DotT is not a great movie, but it has its high moments (any movie with Jeanette Scott in it just has to have high points!!). I'm a keen fan of Wyndham and wasn't particularly bothered that the film did not diligently follow the plot of his novel - but then how many movies ever do? On the whole it wasn't a bad adaptation - that's all it could be called. A must for the SF Movie Buff's collection!

Unearthly Stranger (1963)

A British gem that deserved better

[21 August 2003]

One of the most entertaining films to come out of British studios in the Sixties which sadly has never been given the plaudits it richly deserved. Both Neville and Stone (who played an excellent part in "The Shining"), demonstrated total commitment and kept the pace and excitement of the plot going right to the end. And we shouldn't neglect to mention Patrick Newell, who played the 'sweet-toothed' security bod, with precision-like reality. I too was surprised by the similarity to the plot of William Sloane's "TO WALK THE NIGHT", an eerie and thought-provoking story I first read in 1959 and have read a dozen times since. The similarity is just too close to be coincidence and it is nothing short of criminal not to have Sloane's name on the credits. The film was excellent; the novel is superb, both deserve a place in any SF collection.

Valley of the Kings (1954)

Good old-fashioned romp

[4 July 2002]

I first saw this film when it was released in the UK. I was thirteen at the time. It will always be a favourite because it sparked off what was to become one of my greatest passions: anything and everything to do with Ancient Egypt and its remarkable impact on the imagination, ambition and sometimes greed of every civilisation that succeeded it. Yep, Robert Taylor was perhaps out of place but Eleanor Parker made up for the weaknesses and foibles of the plot. It's just a good, old-fashioned romp.

Bound (1996)

Frightening and funny; superb plot with a few surprises.

[23 December 2001]

A storyline that is both frightening and funny. Frightening because it doesn't pull any punches when describing gangland nastiness; funny because of the amusing twist that is the essence of the plot. Gershon and Tilly (Corky and Violet respectively) were superb but first prize must surely go to Joe Pantaliano who really kept the fires stoked up in this totally rivetting movie. Not to be missed.

Another You (1991)

Not a patch on 'Silver Streak' or 'Stir Crazy'.

[29 April 2001]

Another turn out for the Pryor/Wilder duo which does have some funny scenes and amusing dialogue. However, Another You does drag its heels and seems to lose its way halfway through. Just a little too slapstick and not a patch on the fantastic 'Silver Streak' and very funny 'Stir Crazy. I'll give it a 5.

Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid (1982)

Funny and clever movie with some excellent one-liners

[7/10 · 3 June 2000]

Steve Martin's Phillip Marlowe/Sam Spade inane and somewhat inept character was unbelievably funny. Cuts from early classics were cleverly dove-tailed into the story and made for good entertainment. Altogether a film worth watching.