oldcarbuff Reviews

Eiffel (2021)

A mixed bag

[7/10 · 25 October 2021]

The acting was good, as were the photography and the sets which suitably evoked the Paris of the 1880s and the tower construction.

I felt it a shortcoming that the film seemed to reduce the massive engineering design work to little more than Eiffel drawing sketches of his planned tower. In those pre-computer times, there would have had to be teams of people doing calculations (probably with slide rules), but while this aspect did not need to be laboured, it would have been good to at least give it some acknowledgement by having Eiffel walk through the office.

As already noted in the comments, the background love story sometimes intrudes on the film narrative. There also seems a jump in the tower construction to finalisation, despite questions having been raised about the ongoing support of the council and funding.

Overall, an enjoyable film, even if not in the 'great' category.

Poms (2019)

Not for everyone

[4/10 · 28 May 2019]

First up, I should mention that we went to the movies to see another show, but were directed to the wrong theatre. My reaction was to head out in search of the right place, but as my wife wanted to see this we decided to stay.

At the risk of being seen as a grumpy old bloke, all I can say is that it was an afternoon of my life I shan't be able to live again. Essentially this is a "chick flick" for ageing women, and my wife loved it. I'll admit there were a few points where I managed a chuckle too, but beyond that I kept thinking of other places I could be.

Avatar (2009)

Arrant tripe

[2/10 · 11 February 2017]

I've avoided this movie until now, however when a neighbour invited us to visit and watch it while being amazed by his 3D video system, diplomacy meant that saying "no" was a little difficult.

It was every bit as bad as I'd heard. The story was clichéd, simplistic and quite cynically aimed at all those "liberals" who recognise the evils of colonialism and greed. The characters were, at best, cardboard cut-outs. So why did I give it two points? Well, I do have to admit that the colour and CGI scenery were impressive, as was the 3D effect - though by the end my eyes were beginning to complain.

Had it come on the TV at home, I'd have promptly changed channels and I'm very glad I did not pay to see it as, apart from the special effects of various kinds, this is a load of arrant tripe.

La La Land (2016)

Ordinary beyond belief

[6/10 · 29 January 2017]

I've always enjoyed musicals, though they've been sadly few and far between in recent years. So, when this came along with great publicity, it seemed a good option to fill a hot Australian summer's day.

There's not much point going into details, this show doesn't merit the effort. Apart from a little reasonable jazz, the musical score is unexciting and the main "theme" is both inane and forgettable. So much for it being a musical, it doesn't come close to even the "reasonable" musicals of the past (think "Les Miserables" or "Xanadu") let alone the many Gene Kelly/Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers/Cyd Charisse classics.

The acting is not bad, but neither of the main characters could be considered either an interesting or pleasant person. He is ignorant and ill mannered, while she is a nobody with pretensions. And neither of them ranks as a singer.

Which leaves only the story, and the plot is trivial. Boy meets girl etc.

I scored this as a 6, on the basis that I'd probably sit through this again on TV if there was nothing else showing. But don't waste your money going to a theatre to see it.

The Legend of Ben Hall (2017)

Back in the Australian bush of the 1860s.

[9/10 · 22 January 2017]

Sadly, the distribution of this film is patchy, to say the least, and it will not be found in most mainstream cinemas. That is a real pity, as it is far better than many "big name" films (I'm tempted to write a spoiler here about the one we saw a few days ago) and deserves to be seen more readily. We had to travel to another town to see it.

For a film made on, essentially, a shoestring budget, the quality on all scores is excellent. The Australian bush is captured beautifully, the casting and acting is entirely credible as are the sets and production values. The script brings out good character development in the main characters and the story itself is historically accurate to the point that it could almost qualify for documentary status.

Trying hard to look for negatives, the most I could suggest is that there could have been slightly tighter editing of some of the "moody pensive" shots and horse riding. But that was a minor consideration. I also should mention the great musical score.

Definitely worth seeing to visit the Australian bush of the 1860s and to learn of one of the most legendary of our bushrangers.