This episode is fascinating but for the opening which shows 4 engine German bombers flying over Buckingham Palace. The Germans never developed 4 engine bombers, which contributed greatly to their losing the Battle of Britain, by failing to knock out the radar masts of the chain home stations and the RAF airfields.
Claire Foy gives a fine performance, dressing down Winston Churchill and Lord Salisbury.
Reviews
33 Reviews
A hurried, dark, loveless affair
17 December 2007
Despite the hysterical protests of Harry Potter fans who seem willing to accept anything Hollywood dishes out, OotP is such a poor serving it wouldn't give anyone enough soulful nourishment to make even a wispy patronus. As one of the most important books in the series, OotP has to bring the movie audience along with Harry and his friends as they finally start to take a more adult portion of life. Unfortunately most these elements are left out and the three friends' time together seems uncomfortable and disconnected for the first time in the film series. The director's shallow emphasis on 'darkness'' totally misses the point of this film, which is Harry fighting his feelings of isolation, vulnerability and guilt as he begins to access Voldemort's thoughts and feelings. And it is Harry's developing sense of leadership as he takes on the mantle of the number one foe of Voldemort. I first saw the film in IMAX and the 3D sequence was dazzling, but when watching the film on the small screen, one misses the human moments which make up the core of the Potter stories. One also misses the sense of wonder the first films managed to convey. As a fan of the books, some compromise is needed in order to enjoy the films because so much is left out, but this time the journey seems not worth the effort. I'd give this film a 6 out of 10.
Young Tom Edison
(1940)
A terrific and timeless film
7 December 2006
This was always a favorite of mine when I would see it on television many years ago but I had forgotten how good a film it still is. I just saw it today on TCM and I have to say something about this under-appreciated gem. The cast is a terrific ensemble of filmdom's great character actors such as George Bancroft who appears in countless films, among them Stagecoach. He plays Tom's father with great heart and finally when he realizes who is son really is, they share a heartwarming thumping of the town's most obnoxious father, son pairing. Virginia Weidler is very good as Tom's sister. Another of Hollywood's most talented children, she appeared frequently with Mickey and Judy and also had a high profile role in The Philadelphia story.
Fay Bainter has one of her best roles ever as Tom's mother, easily worthy of an academy nod. While the story may not resemble reality, it communicates some very important human truths about family. This film is every bit as good as The Yearling and should be considered a must for family viewing.
Fay Bainter has one of her best roles ever as Tom's mother, easily worthy of an academy nod. While the story may not resemble reality, it communicates some very important human truths about family. This film is every bit as good as The Yearling and should be considered a must for family viewing.
The Goblet of Fire burns brightly as the best of the series to date
18 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
This long awaited entry in the Harry Potter saga is the first really fully realized film which stands on its own merits of terrific story telling,the fine acting of an ensemble of some of the best veteran actors on screen today and the continuing transformation of Harry, Ron and Hermione into young adults is charmingly portrayed and never cloying. The CGI effects serve the film beautifully but never take over. The direction and pace of this film is perfectly done.To my mind Mike Newell solves a problem that Peter Jackson never quite solved with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which were always headlong, breathless races against time. 'Goblet'never feels rushed and 150 minutes is the perfect length for this film. The climax is very satisfying because it is not a big bang; by allowing the three co-stars a human moment of recognition of their own changes to be the last word in the film rather than a pyrotechnical climax, Newelllets us see who these people are becoming and sets the stage perfectly for the next entry, The Half-blood Prince. This is a must see for fans and non-fans alike, I give it a 10!
Monster
(2003)
A confused and depressing mess
3 June 2004
Leaving aside for the moment Charlize Theron's amazing transformation, the experience of watching this film was unpleasant in the extreme. This was another case of a female director attempting to make a heroine out of a completely worthless individual. Creating a feminist heroine out of a vicious murderer is no mean feat and Patty Jenkins fails miserably. comparing this film to say, Bonnie and Clyde, is worthwhile. We get to see Clyde and Bonnie as the people they are, warts and all, and yet somehow get swept up in the story. The supporting roles are all ably handled and given enough flesh to make sense. Monster does nothing of the kind. The supporting roles are mere devices to move the story. The victims' personalities are paper thin. I have to search hard in memory to find a more unsatisfactory film experience. Given that I must say that Charlize Theron does an amazing job within the limitations of a hackneyed script and confused storyline.
The Longest Day
(1962)
This magnificent tale is still as relevant and as fresh as it was 60 years ago
1 June 2004
The Longest Day is a magnificent story that is still as fresh and relevant as it was when it came out in 1962. The comparisons with 'Saving Private Ryan' that some of the reviewers make here are not relevant. With no disrespect to Spielberg's achievement, 'SPR' in no way compares to this documentary style black and white film. The cast is superb and there is no way a contemporary movie could include such a high caliber collection of star power and talent because frankly, it just doesn't exist these days. Contemporary film makers seem to be too busy rewriting history to be able to tell it accurately and objectively. Many of the terrific character actors that sparkle in this film would not be instantly recognized, but their performances shine nonetheless. Such actors as Richard Munch ( as General Marks)gives a bird's eye view into the German dilemma of trying to trace the allies true intentions, which were all too cunningly guarded by an invincible 'bodyguard of lies'. Hans Christian Blech also terrific as a German ace pilot in command of the beleaguered Luftwaffe's front line fighter squadrons gives an unvarnished portrait of the divide between desk-bound commanders and the fighters who have to make do with too few planes and tanks close enough to the front to do any good. Any military man would give gruff assent to this point of view. 'SPR' is told through undeniably brilliant cinematography and superb direction, 'TLD' is told by some of the best actors of the 20th century and superb editing. Both are valid ways of telling a story but I must say, that while I've seen 'SPR' at least 3 times, 'TLD' is a film I 'must' see at least once a year, especially at Memorial Day, as one of the only ways ( as a tribute to the sacrifices of these men and women) I can attempt to share the experiences of the many thousands who lived and died on that longest day of days.
Lost in Translation
(2003)
Hype aside, this is an okay film, but nothing to write home about
10 February 2004
I'm flabbergasted by the hype surrounding this film. It does indeed have some charm and the opening shots of Tokyo remind one of Woody Allen's 'Manhattan, but as a love story? Not! It's easy to see that the camera loves Scarlett Johanssen, and she is lovable, but the plot goes nowhere and the blood of this film is thin and watery, rather than red and robust. Bill Murray's acting as a sour old codger doesn't remind me of anything but someone wandering around on tranquilizers. The screenplay is not exceptional, but the director does show promise and some genuine talent that is really her own. I give this film a 6 for effort.
Henry V
(1989)
Among the greatest films ever made
10 July 2003
From The thrilling prologue and challenge to the audiences' imagination delivered by Derek Jacoby to the final epilogue, this flawless and timeless presentation makes one remember why one loves the cinema. The fierce exhortations at Harfleur and Agincourt made chills go up my spine to the top of my skull in a riot of electricity. Brannagh,Dench and Holm, indeed all the cast are superb. This even surpassed for me the great Olivier's version of this play. A war film as fine as any ever made, it looks deep into the human soul with a masterful touch. 'Henry V' belongs near the top of any list of great movies, 10/10.
The Pianist
(2002)
This film is not outstanding but..
27 June 2003
I have to agree with a number of comments about this film being somewhat standard and numbing. Indeed much of the film goes by and leaves one in that state. However, the beginning and end do transcend that, which is all to the good. Brody gives a fine performance; the music is beautiful as is the photography and the setting.Unfortunately, the other actors are given short shrift and they are one feels, also capable of giving fine performances,had their characters been more fleshed out. Having seen many of Polansky's films, I must say I don't recognize his artistic style here as I've come to know it over the years. That in itself is not necessarily a negative, however he has made some gripping films and this one just doesn't quite live up to that standard. There are some fine things about this film and I do not dismiss it, and indeed would recommend it to others with some caveats. The film is rather too long for what it is and could have been 20 minutes shorter with no harm done. The thing that most impressed me about the experience of watching this was that I had just watched another holocaust film, albeit one about the holocaust of Cambodia, The Killing Fields. This film has all the emotional tension after repeated viewings that it had the first time, this is what I wanted from The Pianist but it wasn't there. 'The Killing Fields' conveys the nightmare scene of Cambodia under the Khmer Rouge and shows how it got there. It also shows very well the drama of people being caught up in the maw of evil beyond their ken. Having watched this extraordinary film first, I found myself feeling a little detached from the plight of those in this film and it felt like nothing in the movie really reached out and grabbed me the way the subject normally would. I would also say that while I felt 'bludgeoned' by the impact of 'Schindler's List', it also did not reach out to me in the way that 'The Killing Fields' does. It seems that while some movies are greater than the sum of their parts, some are less. This one was less and thus somewhat disappointing, albeit still worthy of watching. I give this film 8/10.
The Killing Fields
(1984)
One of the great films of the last 100 years.
27 June 2003
Seeing the Pianist after re-watching 'The Killing Fields' for the what seems like the 10th time, I feel compelled to make a comment. Compared to 'Schindler's List' and 'The Pianist', both of which seem to be somewhat less than the sum of their parts,in contrast 'The Killing Fields' distinguishes itself by being more than the sum of its parts and is indeed one of the great achievements in cinema. As someone here said, "Sam Waterston is at his self-righteous best...", that is so true. But, Haing Ngor is a revelation! His performance is one of the great acting performances ever. I know that is a mouthful and sounds preposterous but it is absolutely true. This film reaches out and grabs you by the throat and engages you emotionally without bludgeoning like 'Schindler's List'.There is not an extra minute or unnecessary scene in the entire movie, as there is in 'The Pianist'. The supporting roles are given the time and space to make their impact and the acting is top notch. The photography is unbelievably real and beautiful as well as sensitive and nuanced. The direction is as tight as in a great thriller but respectful and beautifully paced. A Triumph. It disturbs me to note that this film is number 240 something out of the top 250 and 'The Pianist' number 29! That is shocking and not at all indicative of the relative merits of the two films. This says to me that many of the people who watch films and vote on this website are sorely lacking in a real knowledge of film history and indeed of history itself. Thus they are taken in by Hollywood's 'PC' attitudes these days and are unable to make distinctions between mediocre and great or or even between fact and fancy. Is this because of the youthful age of many of these people? My guess is yes. Many of the so-called generation 'X-ers' and their successors have been treated to a dizzying menu of mediocre films from Hollywood for the last 15 years or so. They missed the great films of Hollywood's apotheosis, they missed the New wave and also the great films of the '70's and lastly they missed the stunning films that came out in the early and mid '80's. I can only say that every film lover should go back into the vaults and look again or for the first time at some of these great films and then come back and look once more at 'The Killing Fields' and 'The Pianist' and then put them in their proper place. I give the this film a 10/10 and put it in my own top 20, if not top 10 of all time. That's where it belongs here at IMDB.
The Conquest of Everest
(1953)
A most worthy telling of a remarkable feat
27 May 2003
This is indeed a remarkable story very well told with drama and emotion as well as great respect for the risks taken by all involved. In light of the 1996 disaster on the summit, with the mountain cluttered by unqualified rich people who seem only to be interested in self-glorification, this is a feat that all humanity can take pride in. The script and the music add a great deal to the story and the photography is terrific. It makes me wonder about the nearly lifeless documentary filmed by David Breshears in late May of 1996. Instead of concentrating on the mountain and the terrific feat of getting the equipment up to the increasingly high and potentially fatal altitudes, instead of concentrating on the terrible tragedy ( 8 people losing their lives needlessly) unfolding right in front of them, with Breshears and the whole team acting in a truly unselfish fashion, instead of this, they concentrated on the weak story of a female climber who in no way rated the spotlight. The Conquest of Everest not only shows the terrible sacrifices made to reach the summit, but it teaches the viewers that the mountain must only be attempted by those qualified by years of effort. Anything less is a travesty. This film is a must-see.
Superlatives are commonplace in this masterful film
18 December 2002
I'm of two minds as I write this. I must agree with Roger Ebert's assessment that the Hobbits get shortchanged in these films. They get carried along by the needs of an making action film that covers the huge canvas of Tolkien's story. At the same time, I utterly enjoyed this second installment of the Lord of the Rings. I must say it was even better than the first. In my mind I try to separate the book from the movie, my enjoyment of each is not dependent upon the other. The terrific action sequences bring the basic message of this film home- there is a tide of evil that is coming and no one is immune or safe. The absence of Gandalf only adds to the desperate plight of the humans, Hobbits, Elves and even Ents. Peter Jackson has outdone Francis Coppola and George Lucas and made the greatest sequel to ever hit the big screen. The scope and sweep of this film is transcendental as has been said. The story rules despite the liberties that Jackson took, he always came back to the essence of the book. It's too early to hand out individual plaudits to such a group effort, but suffice it to say that in every way this film has become an instant classic that raises the bar for future films This film rates the highest possible score and then some.
Celebrity
(1998)
An intelligent and revealing look at celebrity
6 November 2002
This is a funny and intelligent picture. Kenneth Brannagh, who usually puts me to sleep, is shockingly good here. You think that he is Woody standing there and doing his usual shtick. Judy Davis is also very good, as are the other leads and cameos. This picture sheds light on the empty adulation of celebrities that has become second nature to Americans. This brings me back to Brannagh, I just can't stop being amazed at this performance, which brings out all the neurotic desperation, fear of death and ultimate sadness which underlies Woody Allen's comedies and perhaps all great comedies. The photography and the direction is terrific, I caught echoes of Manhattan, Stardust Memories and even Annie Hall; somehow it just works and doesn't seem at all redundant. This film is a little gem.
The World at War
(1973–1974)
An Absolute Must,one of the greatest documentaries ever made
12 September 2002
This should be required viewing for all young people. This is documentary at its best, from the haunting music and terrific narration by Olivier to its unflinching and penetrating analyses, The World at War is unforgettable and irreplaceable for anyone who wants to know about humanity's sorry experience at the nadir of the 20th century.
The Lives of a Bengal Lancer
(1935)
A Rousing adventure on the Northwest Frontier
27 June 2002
In the very place where American and British troops are searching for Bin laden, the untamed Northwest frontier of modern Pakistan, the regiments of the Imperial British Raj ruled three hundred million with a hand full of men like Guy Standing and C. Aubrey Smith, who exemplified the very best of the military tradition. There are moments of this film that even transcend the story of outnumbered British soldiers, as when C. Aubrey Smith tells a hot headed Gary Cooper the meaning of honor and duty to the regiment. He explains that sometimes there may be a higher calling than fatherly love. Excellent portrayals by Gary Cooper and Franchot Tone and precise attention to detail ensure that this movie holds up nearly 70 years after it was made. This film should be required viewing for modern day Hollywood types, actors and directors alike who think they can make an action movie! This is one of the great films, I give it a 10!
The Shining Hour
(1938)
A surprising '30's potboiler
24 June 2002
This movie is far more interesting than it should be, thanks to the very articulate discussions of feelings or the lack thereof. Good acting by Joan Crawford, who is no favorite of mine and Margaret Sullivan, who is and Hattie McDaniel who always seems to bring some needed reality to any situation with an intelligence not exceeded by anyone in the film. Fay Bainter is good at playing with her claws out.
Queen Christina
(1933)
Nobility and Magnificence
19 June 2002
Garbo is nothing less than magnificent as Queen Christina, speaking her lines with the power of a Luther or Mark Antony. This film is stunning and a revelation. Lewis Stone and C.Aubrey Smith play her stalwart supporters with their usual competence. The beautiful direction of Mamoulian gives us the memory of the unforgettable visage of Garbo, transcending by far the saccharine looks of most of the modern imposters called stars.Feeling? This movie has it in spades. A crowning achievement in cinema, an unforgettable film.
Once Upon a Time in America
(1984)
Once upon a time in American cinema...
12 June 2002
I can only say I'm stunned by the poetic beauty of this picture, the incredible haunting music and the terrific acting. The Godfather? Although it has been a longtime favorite, it has been dethroned by this movie. The comparison might be likened to a domestic asiago cheese versus the real thing. ( why such a comparison? For many years I lived above the butcher shop where Francis Copolla would buy his imported asiago and spring goat and home made sausages) This movie is one of those rarest cinematic gems, one of the very few deserving the ultimate accolade, of masterpiece.
Bad Day at Black Rock
(1955)
A two fisted tale of a one armed man.
11 June 2002
Action, intrigue and a deadly secret buried in the one horse town of Black Rock! Spencer Tracy and a stellar cast (Brennan, Ryan, Marvin, Jagger and Borgnine) tell a story of the worst of human nature. In one of the best uses of Cinemascope, John Sturges has made a film tighter than a snare drum, helped in no small measure by Andre Previn's great musical score. I agree and appreciate with all of the many positive comments about this film and can only express befuddlement for the unfounded comments about the lack of realism. The person who made them has obviously never seen combat or real fighting in which a big lug like Borgnine can be brought down like a felled ox. I liked the touch of Tracy pulling the switchblade from Borgnine's pocket after he laid him out, a tribute to From Here to Eternity. This film is among my all time favorites and is a must see.
The Return of Frank James
(1940)
A Satisfying tale of Revenge served hot!
4 June 2002
Thanks to the terrific cast and photography, this story makes a terrific western. Henry Hull is terrific as major Cobb, who expresses justified Southern outrage over the depradations of the carpetbaggers and the railroads. Despite the ignorant comments of some who dare to make a ludicrous comparison to fascism, what we get here is an honest expression of southern feelings. Yes, there was a condesencion toward blacks then, but let film show it as it was, let's not try to rewrite history or create a pleasing fiction as all too many modern films do. 'Shoot em down like dogs??!' I would dearly love to see Major Cobb in a modern day courtroom, giving fire and damnation to the lawyers and other parasites that hide behind suits and ties! This is a real satisfying film and Gene Tierney never looked better.
Almost Famous
(2000)
A wonderful film
30 May 2002
Like many of the old films I love with great character acting, 'Almost Famous', is beautifully realized on many levels, with terrific acting performances from Kate Hudson, Frances McDormand and Patrick Fugit as well as numerous others, a tight script, and nary a wasted scene or false note in two hours, accompanied by wonderfully evocative music. As far as some of the comments that the film is to unbelievable to be true, they are merely ignorant and lacking in imagination. At nearly the same age as William Miller, I found myself face to face with some of the most exalted legends of rock and roll backstage at Woodstock. I 'gods'. HBO has been showing this film quite often and it easily stands up to repeated viewings, showing nuances missed previously. I give will never forget riding the stage elevator with Jimi Hendrix and his manager and driving them to the helicopter in a rented Plymouth, as well as driving the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane when they arrived at the festival. Being part of the stage crew gave me the chance to have a long talk with Marty Scorsese while he filmed the the opening sequences of the festival, long before he was a cinema icon. I was a a budding photographer and journalist, magnetically and magically drawn to occupy a catbird seat at this defining moment- and yet I was treated with kindness and respect by these rock 'gods. This movie gets a wholehearted 10 from me. It is a rare must-see among the many pallid Hollywood offerings of recent years.
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet
(1940)
Another great Hollywood Bio
24 May 2002
I must echo the glowing comments about this fine film by William Dieterle. The entire cast is superb, from Robinson to Maria Ouspenskaya and Donald Crisp. Some of the cast had appeared in the very fine 'Life of Emile Zola' some 5 years earlier. Everything about this film was well done, from the acting to the photography to the music. A Must see.
A Walk in the Sun
(1945)
A thought provoking glimpse of the reality of war
30 April 2002
I remember watching this film with my father who said it reminded him of his experience as a combat soldier in Italy and he said it was more like his experience of the war than all the other Hollywood pictures. A terrific cast, great character development and an appreciation for the real dichotomy between battle and boredom that is the life of the combat soldier make this a must see.
Beau Geste
(1939)
A Rousing adventure when Hollywood knew how...
28 March 2002
This fine film wears exceedingly well more than 60 years after it was made. The story of a jewel with a haunted past, a trio of gallant brothers, a beautiful girl and the French foreign Legion make for for a mighty entertaining diversion. Brian Donleavy's riveting Oscar performance, as brutal Sargent Markoff, alone is worth the price of admission. Excellent acting all around From Gary Cooper's Beau Geste, his two stalwart 'brothers' played by Ray Milland and Robert Preston to that of J. carrol Naish as the 'human hyena' Rassinoff and Albert Dekker plays a menacingly mutinous legionaire. A great story of love and loyalty set in a rousing adventure film. A must see.
The Adventures of Robin Hood
(1938)
Hollywood Adventure ar its finest
28 March 2002
This movie set the standards for action films to come. Terrific acting and swashbuckling set to Korngold's rousing score hasn't dated at all and is still a terrific piece of cinema. From the scene stealing turn if Eugene Pallette as Friar Tuck to the emminently hissable Basil Rathbone, there isn't a false note in the picture. Flynn is at his best as is Claude Rains, as the scheming Prince John. The sword fight between Rathbone and Flynn is one of the best ever filmed, perhaps only outdone by the swordplay between Rathbone and Tyrone Power in "The Mark of Zorro". Olivia DeHavilland is lovely as Marian and Una O'Connor and Alan Hale add their usual fine characterizations to make this film a 10, a must see for the ages!
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