dlew919 Reviews

Gabriel (2007)

Is not too bad until the End

[4/10 · 9 October 2008]

I knew nothing about this film till I saw it. While we were watching it, my wife and I were quite enjoying it. But: WHAT HAPPENED AT THE VERY END?

He commits suicide for freedom? What? This came from nowhere, made no sense, was badly integrated, and the dialog was so poorly constructed as to make no sense. We watched the last scene three times - it made no further sense, and indeed, its stupid ambiguities became worse.

Credit must be given to what was an OK film - but the end ruined it for me. I note the director has work with Universal: I wish him well. But he needs a good script writer.

Grey's Anatomy (2005– )

It's hard to write 10 lines on a show which deserves one word...

[1/10 · 24 July 2006]

And that word is rubbish. If you want an engaging hospital show that shows it as it is, watch Scrubs. If you want a show which maybe is dramatised, but is at least entertaining, watch House. If you want a badly miscast show (only Sandra Oh looks like she might be a doctor: Ellen Pompeo looks at least 3 years OLDER than everyone else), with overdramatised turgid plot lines, all about how dreadful the life of the special person who becomes a surgeon is, watch this.

Surgeons have little contact with conscious patients: this rubbish that surgeons give up their life to save others is insulting to nurses, allied health professionals and the other specialists who actually deal with patients. Would that there be justice: shows like this wouldn't get made.

Ford Superquiz (1981–1982)

Update of Pick-a-box

[5/10 · 23 July 2006]

This was a game show in Australia, based on the old radio (then TV) format of Pick-A-Box. The premise was essentially that you'd answer questions, and qualify to either pick money, or pick a box with a mystery prize. The prize ranged from a ball of string to a new car, with the typical spoils of Australian TV game shows - new kitchens, holidays, appliances and the like.

Bert Newton, an Australian TV legend, gave a zest and sparkle to this tired format, which lifted it to a higher level to what a lesser host would have given. Patti, his popular and bubbly wife, co-hosted. I've given it a five, as it was worth a 10 if you liked gameshows, and a zero if you didn't.

Rove Live (2000–2009)

So what changed?

[14 February 2006]

Rove Live has gone through a makeover: but it is the same. The set has been updated, but there's still Peter Hellier, with that uncanny talent of going one joke too far; 'What the?' (which can be very witty) and the latest personality shilling their stuff. Some of the meaningless segments (eg, 30 seconds at your house), seem to have gone, but nevertheless I didn't see a whole lot of change. It is still entertaining, and still funny. ROve can be a terrific interviewer, especially if his guests relax. The show should continue for a while, but remove Peter Hellier (who is slightly less annoying than Corrinne Grant). He is not funny. Admittedly, there is not a deep talent of comedic talent in Australia, so replacing him may be difficult. Otherwise, Rove, keep up the good work!

Gimme Some Truth: The Making of John Lennon's Imagine Album (2000 Video)

Useful documentary on Lennon

[7/10 · 14 December 2005]

It's hard to argue with the other reviewers who say that there is too much Yoko Ono; however, I think that it shows just how pervasive her influence was. Whether one sees her as a Machiavellian Lady Macbeth (to mix two classical examples), or a true artist with a powerful vision, or something in between, she certainly made sure her influence on a willing Lennon was felt. Lennon is clearly devoted to her, for good or bad, and if it was she who broke up the Beatles, it is not hard to see why.

The two most interesting scenes are the one where the stranger claims all Lennon's songs are about him: Lennon says, 'How could they be'? The shot of the face of the disillusioned fan is worthwhile. The other interesting scene is that of Lennon showing George Harrison (perhaps I should have prefaced that with 'the late')'How do you sleep', which clearly shows it to be about McCartney. Harrison is a willing conspirator, which breaks the legend down a little.

Long and rambling, yet gripping, it is no 'End of the Century: The Ramones, or even 'Some Kind of Monster', but it is certainly worth watching. I gave it 7/10

The Footy Show (II) (1994– )

Vautin not missed

[29 September 2005]

The Footy Show (NSW) is a strange kind of institution. Earlier this year (2005) Paul Vautin was seriously injured and couldn't perform. All viewers of the show wished Vautin the best, as it was quite serious. However, it was apparent that the show did not need him: it moved a bit better, and Johns, Sterling and Harrigan were good.

Whether the show will return next year (2006) is questionable - maybe it will become a late night show: its move back to football hasn't worked. And Vautin has too many weaknesses as host. Maybe he can move to the panel, and not be the MC. anyway, glad he's recovering, and may he continue to grow from strength to strength...

The D Generation: The Bottom Drawer (1997 Video)

Very funny, if puerile

[7/10 · 14 July 2005]

This is a re-dubbing of the old Australian show 'Homicide', which was an exceptionally popular cop show in the 1970s. The team from the D-Generation, some of whom later became Working Dog, and others who went on to some note in Australian comedy, take various characters voices, and puerile, scatological and sick pun humour is the result. It's a shame that these guys did the Panel: they should really stick to scriptwriting.

It won't win a Nobel prize, but you will laugh, if you allow yourself. So, do yourself a favour, watch it, knowing full-well it's harmless.

And, stop wearing that brown suit!

Becoming Queen (2004 Video)

Not bad

[7/10 · 6 April 2005]

Interesting as it has interviews with members of Wreckage and Smile, early bands the members of Queen were in. As a result, well worth watching for fans, or those interested in rock music. Probably there are no new insights, but well worth owning if you are a fan. More interviews with the band (which aren't BBC file tapes) would have been valuable. Other people, such as management might have contributed. And, do you think they really couldn't afford to buy the soundtrack, rather than just try and compose a 'sound-a-like' - which doesn't work particularly well.

Nevertheless, well worth watching for those with an interest in this most interesting of rock bands. Also avoids the Spinal Tap lookalikes - the downfall of many a rock documentary.