autobenelux Reviews

I Confess (1953)

a sound responsible film ,underated

[9/10 · 19 September 2007]

A very serious film without Mr Hitchcocks normal "Maguffin" as he called it.I question the desolation of the Quebec streets but apart from that feel the film is one of the Directors masterpieces. The acting is of the highest order with Clift,Baxter,Haas,and Aherne with Malden making a superb cast coupled with an effort to bring realism by filming, albeit perhaps too staged on the streets of Quebec city. Maybe in those days the ability to do so was some what limited due to the interest of passers by who today would not be too concerned. A story with depth told in a solid fashion. I believe Mr Hitchcock should have been more pleased with the result maybe time does improve the interpretation.

Lisbon (1956)

A Good potboiler of the time

[8/10 · 21 January 2007]

I consider Ray Milland was a much more influential director and actor than the afficiandos estimate. A good sound actor who could carry the lead particularly well and as this film and "A Man Alone" indicate he had the ability to create watchable,logical movies that had good camera work and never over egged the pudding.The Camera work in Lisbon is particularly good as are the sets which convey the aura of the time. The story line is clever without being to complex and an air of authenticity pervades the production which was done in an age where the backlot was normally everything.Splendid acting from Claude Rains as usual with Milland and the rest matching it perfectly. A good rainy day movie even now and worth my score of 8.

The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005)

rubbish

[4/10 · 23 November 2006]

As I have said previously French films can either be very good or like this one where the director seems more concerned with an esoteric format to produce what is in the end nothing.The film starts with potential but degenerates into a series of angst that the main character is attempting to resolve.This leads to a very disjointed movie where nothing of consequence happens and the viewer is left to employ some form of rational to begin to understand the story line. Experimental cinema has a place but to regard this movie as some form of new wave is a gross misunderstanding. I believe that there is a cult of film making and watching that "like the Emperors new clothes" permeates the industry where begin,middle and end are inconsequential and there more avant Gard they appear the more they are accepted.Techniques are fine but they must be employed within the frame work of a genuine story told in believable format with the enjoyment or compulsion of the watcher paramount.It is fine line between puerile rubbish and this type of film but an attempt to relate to the masters of previous successful productions would lead to far more success than this banal attempt to be modernistic and yet void of real incident.

Shooting Dogs (2005)

What a film!!

[10/10 · 20 November 2006]

This film is worthy of all the plaudits that one can offer. it is not a film from a large Hollywood studio and thus will not merit for any Hollywood inspired praise. Nevertheless John Hurt performance is without doubt Oscar worthy . The film is factual without being inspired by the normal heartstrings of sanitised music which usually accompanies movies such as this. It is even superior to Hotel Rwanda which again was wonderful but takes the issue even further particularly as it applies to the so called civilised UN nations. If ever there was a need for a real UN this film exemplifies it. Camera work is excellent and acting right through the cast is credible and believable without having to employ any token players from the extensive list of TV actors and the like.The Belgian Officer is so real and his frustration there for all to see.

In summary a film that everyone should see and form an opinion.There is no hard pressed "hit you in the face" moralising, but one would have to be non human not to appreciate the essence of this story. 10/10

36th Precinct (2004)

What a movie !!

[10/10 · 14 November 2006]

How can I explain the truly wonderful filmic quality of this film. It has great stars acting as if the whole concept was real.All the sundry portrayals are done expertly. The story is told so expertly with the main stars acting "out of their socks".The whole ambiance of the movie is so credible down to every detail. The photography is superb and the clarity of image beyond belief.This film must rank with the truly great ones of so many years.Hollywood could not make a film such as this.although I believe they are trying to produce their own version for some stupid reason. I expect to see Tom Hanks and Ice T in it!!! Or maybe Snoop Dogg and Steven Seagal. French movies are either colossally wonderful or a disaster but one can always appreciate the genuine effort made to produce a movie that evokes thought . A pity our friends in Hollywood apart from a revered few do not have that inclination.What a terrible world it would be if we had to survive on the normal tosh supplied from there. How this film has not had greater exposure is beyond belief and there again the monopoly of the US in this medium it is rather obvious. Money,Money .Money.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

What a waste of time

[4/10 · 13 November 2006]

This film with all its hype is the most disappointing production ever witnessed. The book was unworthy of reading and the film must rank along side.What is the story trying to say? A good caste was wasted in this hotch potch . are we to be treated as some unintelligent morons. Dan Brown must laugh all the way to bank as must the young man from HAPPY DAYS. He has made a good fist of his previous films but the story line here is so ridiculous and without real meaning the world public must lacking in intellect to regard this rubbish as of any consequence. Jean Reno a fine actor must be in need of some funds in know Tom Hanks is a pal of Ron but this takes friendship too far. Ron Howard had consider hid position before entering into any further fiascoes, he is advise to stick to sound propositions from now on or has he also gone for the big buck which is more and more the reason for most modern movies. Why not try to remake with modern magic, films such as Foreign Correspondent,The Third Man etc.This film is the best case of convoluted tosh ever seen. The rating in your site is beyond my comprehension how much were they paid?

The Borgia Stick (1967 TV Movie)

a wonderful movie fit for the screen or TV

[10/10 · 19 October 2006]

Why oh why is this not available for purchase. It exceeds anyones' wildest idea of tension,mystery and drama. The concept of the everyday man being caught in a web of intrigue has been done may times but never better than this.The cast is superb and Fritz Weaver excels .Can someone find this movie and release for all to see. I only caught it one night many years ago by chance but the experience was without parallel.Surely who ever made this or owns the rights can see the untold gratitude of so many people to repeat their pleasure and for those who have not seen it to witness a taught story with incredible twists and turns,imitated since but never bettered.Don Murray and the late Inger Stevens portray sensitively and unbelievingly ,initially ,the couple caught in this Web and Barry Nelson contributes valiantly.Someone out there do your stuff

Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

valiant effort but a failure

[5/10 · 12 October 2006]

This movie is too complicated to reason. The initial scenes were like an excerpt from Macbeth too dark and the characters while exhibiting the medieval characterisation looked too theatrical and unreal.The Story line is complex initially and hard to comprehend but does unravel as the plot continues.The sets and the majesty of the scenes are splendid but nevertheless it moves into the realms of almost fantasy without explanation of the background of various scene changes. Bloom is to weak to carry the lead and the gore that pervades this production is totally over the top.Realism is of course worthy but do we have to have such obvious barbarism even though we all know it was how it was it some how ingratiating to re run these alleged clashes in glorious wide screen colour.History is a wonderful subject but somehow the popularising of the gory bits is stretching entertainment too far.In summary I consider that Scott has undertaken a colossal peace of work but he is misguided in his interpretation of how to entertain.Modern film makers have to be more subtle in their direction and less intent on treating us as if massacre is to be portrayed so life like and bloody.More effort in telling a story would be more valid.

Sideways (2004)

A nice little film but certainly no world beater

[6/10 · 28 May 2006]

A movie that promised so much via the media. who are theses people who go prosaic about something that is OK but no more.This is not a cinema film but a TV play. Certainly in the UK where I believe we have a wider level a drama it would have made a good nights viewing as say a Wednesday play. In the states TV is generally a process of achieving the greatest market penetration and it is left to the movies to play around with indi. projects since the only out is thro' that medium. Movies are movies and should be so a small story line which is quite subtle is not for the cinema.I am sure the guy who put this together thought he was making something that would be entirely thought provoking where as he produced a nice film but no more than that. Who are these people who rate films today have they some kind of esoteric outlook which states that the more obscure things are the better.Remember "The Third Man" and then they will know how camera ,acting ,and story work together.

Walk the Line (2005)

a pathetic movie about an ignominious country and western singer.

[2/10 · 23 April 2006]

This film is synonymous of the type of modern film making that seems to eulogise facts and circumstances which are not only trivial but of no substance.We have the usual rags to riches type story peppered with some personality defects and from this we have to identify a character who appears to be a world wide representative of the good ol'country boy doin' good after a period in the wilderness. Maybe our American cousins have a greater affinity to this sort of thing but as a movie it was quite pathetic. The acting was reasonable but where a characterisation of a once living person is depicted an actor of merit should accomplish this without too much effort. Our friends in the movie business seemed to rate this movie quite highly this is not surprising in a mutual admiration set -up. I am beginning to question my own values where we are continually directed in way of MASTERPIECES which turn out to be so much turgid , uninspiring normality

The Outsider (1961)

A wonderful movie that has such feeling and speaks volumes of the USA

[9/10 · 6 December 2005]

A movie which speaks so much truth about the manner in which Heroes in the US are treated by the establishment.A man is utilised for his status and immediate appeal only to forgotten and downtrodden shortly after.The US has the ability ,like no where else, to allow heroes used for their immediacy to fall from grace so quickly while they move on to someone else. A performance by Curtis which is up there with all the other good movies he made about this time. Curtis had an appeal during this period for making good intelligent pictures before he reduced himself to almost a joke. A quality actor who for some reason became a virtual outcast by his contemporaries.Fame can do many things to people some not so good. The story of the Iwo Jima flag is legendary the spin and conivance that followed is such a blight on a society which we try to look up to but on many occasions feel sorry for.

The Statement (2003)

an excellent film with superb cast

[9/10 · 27 April 2005]

How this film had the scathing it had by those "in the know" is beyond me. The direction was sound and the acting wonderful . Michael Caine gave the performance of his career and the supports were all really good. The story line was compelling in that a man who was not really what he seemed, struggled to make penance for his failings at a time when the world was in turmoil. Those searching him and attempting his assassination marvelled at his ability to maintain his distance and the plot revealed a level of mystery which was entirely credible and in fact could possibly be true. Why do the assessors of movies always try to be so provocative in their assessment. The rubbish they portray to worthy is ,in my opinion, usually very disappointing. They were very wrong on this occasion,without doubt.

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

an excellent effort of a less than successful WW11 mission

[17 April 2005]

A wonderful film which describes in detail the incomprehensible blindness of the controllers of the War. The moving seen where the intelligence officer is sent to a Mental Hospital to cover up his discovery is all too true and exemplifies the attitude of some Senior War Office people who had the greatest illusions of their own ability regardless of the facts. The cast is mostly superb but particularly Anthony Hopkins,Sean Connery,Liv Ulman,Edward Fox,Micheal Caine. The scene is set in a genuine location ,no disaster as in Private Ryan ,where the Irish topography was so out of place with the actual setting andthe actual story so badly told. It is a film that portrays more than almost any other the superb discipline and blind faith of those who fought and in this case misguidedly. No doubt those who set up the operation where canonised and decorated and those killed forgotten. Richard Attenborough can feel a sense of achievement with this film which was much berated on initial release. Maybe time and real assessment can only be made when comparison is made with the rubbish known as art that now pervades our cinemas and airwaves. Edward Fox is the character in every way ,a wonderful portrayal of Horrecks .The Dutch scenes and sets are so actual it is a credit to all concerned no computerised matter in this but a genuine effort at resurrecting the scene of the events. All should see this film as a lesson in film making.

Why Bother to Knock (1961)

A brave effort to enter the realms of modern comedy.

[26 February 2005]

Richard Todd staked a lot in making this film which was received reasonably and attempted to loose his British stiff upper lip image. The cast included a plethora of pin ups of the time and the light hearted affair was very brave for the time. It however did not propel Todd into another vein of stardom and was probably his effort to galvanise his film career.He however continued to appear in many films with his most noted part being his reprise of the glider landing at the Orne river in The Longest Day.Unfortunately times change and his character type seemed no longer to be in demand as British films fell into more obscurity at this time.The mass movement of US big budgets and generally mass appeal took their toll.

Foreign Correspondent (1940)

Hitchcock at his best

[10/10 · 24 January 2004]

Despite the years ago this was made ,it remains the archetype for any suspense film, having all the ingredients to ensure the the viewer is mesmerised by the magic of the camera work ,the story progression and the suspense. Any modern movie maker would be well advised to obtain a copy and study how to make movies that people enjoy and yet at the same time command the acknowledgement of "officianados"

The Third Man (1949)

just the best film ever

[10/10 · 20 January 2004]

unquestionably the best film ever.The camera work is exemplary,the acting quite superb.The post war setting of Vienna is displayed in all its tragic and yet appealing manner.To think that Greene almost did not write the script but as some almost after thought conjured this masterpiece is almost unbelievable. Camera work at its best.

U-571 (2000)

as a film quite reasonable , as fact total rubbish

[5/10 · 19 January 2004]

Is it not time Hollywood stopped playing with history and told it like it is or was.no one disputes their ability to produce mountains of movies that with the exception of a half a dozen or so each year end up in oblivion. Why are they unable to accept that there are people who want to see a representation of fact not some manufactured screenplay. To any one without Knowledge of WW11 this may seem sound entertainment but surely film should educate to some degree as well as give pleasure. American involvement in WW11 was the saving grace, at the end for democracy, but please leave what achievements made by others to them to portray or do it factually.

Nothing But the Best (1964)

wonderful ,the rakes progress in modern dress

[9/10 · 19 January 2004]

What a superb film in my opinion difficult to beat. The British system slyly used to the main characters advantage . Alan Bates and Denholm Elliot excel in this classy tongue in cheek rendition of how to succeed. A film worthy of release particularly since the demise of both main stars.

Tiara Tahiti (1962)

an example of british movies at their best

[10/10 · 19 January 2004]

A splendid example of the British old boys system being tested to the limit. Wonderful performances by Mason and Mills ,showing how real acting is done. Films like this are so rare now and the incessant mumbling of so many of our modern "stars" leave so much to be desired.

Should be shown along with Tunes of Glory to all students of film to give them a yard stick of how it should be done.

No car chases ,violence,swearing etc,just high class masterfull acting.

The League of Gentlemen (1960)

a film to cherish

[9/10 · 19 January 2004]

Another example of how to make a movie.It may seem somewhat out of time now but the detail, characterisation,leave one in total admiration. Jack Hawkins,Nigel Patrick et al perform to the highest level in a movie that has the irony of how chaps like this having been used to their fullest are left to their own devices once re entering civy street where their talents are superfluous .The story bounces along with subtle humour and at the same a level of suspense giving a thoroughly professional feel to whole affair. A splendid movie. no doubt a remake would have Tom Cruise,Harrison Ford,The Rock what a prospect !!

Distant Drums (1951)

Formalaic story but told well

[9/10 · 19 January 2004]

Good sets and use of the everglades.Cooper is once again the ipitome of what a hero should be ,underplaying ,but shows what a superb cinema actor he was by seemingly doing very little but conveying through facial and body language all that is necessary. Good filmic acting is so different from the stage and this man had it!