I got the impression there were 15 minutes missing. Is there a director's cut version waiting to be unleashed? The story line is a bit jerky in places, notwithstanding the fast paced action. I was impressed with the slight references to 19th century Literature that only the well-read person would recognise.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Almost as over-rated as Titanic
18 February 2004
Nice things first ... as a visual feast, this movie is unsurpassed. 15 out of 10. Its problem, and that of the first two parts, is that it's too close to the book. That means too little plot and too many characters. You have to admit, it isn't much of a story ... get from one place to another and chuck a ring in a volcano. OK, there are sub plots but even the Yellow Pages has surprises. And come on, three hours? Why? It's a good movie, but not a great one.
Moulin Rouge!
(2001)
The popcorn was good anyway
30 May 2001
Let's give away the plot right at the start, which is your classical "Love Story" anyway, ie cliche. Okay, now we can concentrate on the ever so predictable path to the end of the film. Throw in some admittedly very good music and dancing, albeit shamelessly over-produced and over-acted, and you have Moulin Rouge, version 2001.
The best bit was the CG graphic of the Paris roofscape in 1900. Should have been more of that. Moulin Rouge 2 anyone? Nah, have to wash what's left of my hair.
The best bit was the CG graphic of the Paris roofscape in 1900. Should have been more of that. Moulin Rouge 2 anyone? Nah, have to wash what's left of my hair.
The Concert for Bangladesh
(1972)
Only Hari could have organised this concert
28 January 2001
As one who was watching this event unfold, if only from Australia, it's a great disappointment that this outstanding rock concert is no longer available on video. Bring on the DVD too! I have been to a cinema on my own to watch a movie only twice. The first time was to watch the Concert For BanglaDesh. I didn't regret it. I bought the triple album for $A17 . . . . it was a long time ago remember . . . . and just had to see it as well. It took an ex-Beatle to gather together so much rock muscle for this benefit concert. The names alone should be enough to sell this movie: George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Leon Russell, Jim Keltner, Badfinger to name a few. Don't forget the Ravi Shankar warm-up either, just to get you in the mood. From the comfortable vantage point of 2001, it's rather pleasant to see a much younger George Harrison in his white suit and long hair playing for the benefit of those who suffered so much in BanglaDesh thirty years ago. Surely the anniversary is enough to warrant the concert's re-release on video and DVD?!
The 39 Steps
(1959)
Read the book
24 January 2001
Having recently re-read John Buchan's (short) novel "The 39 Steps" and already owning the 1935 and 1959 videos, a reappraisal seemed appropriate. While the '59 version is a delightful movie, it is a long way removed from the novel. On screen, Kenneth More is more Kenneth More than Richard Hannay. There are one or two "I don't think so" scenes such as Perce's (Sid James) attitude to a wanted killer. But we'll let that pass. You have to look at the production in its own right, because as a movie version of the book, it just doesn't make it. The Hitchcock version was much better in that respect. However, the Kenneth More film is utterly enjoyable as a bit of light drama. Certainly the underlying plot is worthy and overall, I'd give it 7 out of 10.
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