mufdivtwo Reviews

The Rock 'n' Roll Years (1985–1994)

Life is a song

[10/10 · 3 August 2020]

The Rock and Roll Years, was arguably one of the best compilation series made by the BBC in the mid 1980s featuring music and archive footage starting from 1956-1989. My favorite parts were from 1966-70, because some of the most creative and enduring music was written and performed during that time. I actually watched the 1969 episode yesterday evening and I enjoyed it even though I have watched it many times before. The postwar era continues to be one of the most intriguing period of time and this series bears witness to that.

Narrow Margin (1990)

poor remake

[1/10 · 21 January 2019]

First and foremost, I will never understand why one of the best actors ( Gene Hackman) chose to play the lead role in this remake. Think about the role he played in The French Connection, as the tough cop Popeye Doyle, and compare it to the role in Narrow Margin as a Los Angeles deputy district attorney, Robert Caulfield. Gene Hackman fails to portray the true attributes of a district attorney and instead he comes across as someone winging it and learning what to do as time passes. Anne Archer comes across as a dumb drama queen being carried along by Caulfield, and I can't understand how she was able to go through so much stress and anxiety without food or liquid refreshments.

In addition to that, Caulfield goes through 48 hours without having to shave or sleep, and eat food.

The fight scene in the washroom is absolutely laughable because there is no way that Caulfield would have been able to leave his shoes and trousers in such a way to convince the hit man to believe that he was having a crap and be able to catch and shoot him while he was emptying his bowels. Also, it's simply not possible for anyone to crash through a plate glass window without leaving a mark on his face and a mere cut on his hand. It would have been better if the movie had been a comedy because I argue that it would be difficult for anyone to watch the entire thing without laughing.

Moses the Lawgiver (1974)

Why wasn't God's ''personal name'' used in the series?

[3/10 · 16 November 2018]

I recall watching the mini series over 20 years ago and I think that the actual series was well made with some really good acting, it nevertheless was found wanting in certain parts.

Such as when Aaron speaks to the older men about ''God'' and rather than use the name ''Jehovah'' he uses the vague title ''lord God''.

As far as I know, the name ''Jehovah'' was not used at all in the series and I wonder why? It is an actual ''fact'' that the ancient nation of Israel not only knew God's personal name but they used it as well.

Of course, I am aware that the ''divine name'' stopped being used when the people started to believe that using it was wrong and offensive to God but of course that makes no sense when one takes into account the fact that '' God'' himself gave the ''divine name'' to Moses in order for it to be used by the nation.

I believe that the directors spoiled this otherwise good series by choosing to follow ''tradition'' by leaving out the name (Jehovah) which has been in use for centuries by the ancient nation of Israel and other nations too .

Using the name would have added credence to the series because even back in 1974, most people associated the name ''Jehovah'' with God and I doubt that using it would have caused any complaints, in fact I think it would have made the series better. after all, the series was supposed to be a depiction of something that actually took place in Egypt under the leadership of the man (Moses) who was chosen by ''Jehovah God'' to lead the ancient nation of Israel out of Egypt into the ''promised land.'' We should try to bear in mind that it was '' Jehovah God'' who empowered Moses to lead the nation out of Egypt and without him, he would not have been able to do anything. So to leave out God's personal name is a shame and spoils what is otherwise a really good series.

Mean Streets (1973)

I really mean that mean streets isn't worth watching

[1/10 · 15 September 2018]

From time to time there are movies which that really shouldn't have been made and ''mean streets'' is one of them.

I ''endured'' about 30 minutes of this yesterday evening before finally switching off because it is so boring and in my opinion does not reflect the lifestyle of the mafia. In fact I say that it is an insult to the mafia because apart from the predictable ''tough guy'' persona associated with italian amercian gangsters, such as the use of slang etc there is little in this awful movie that accuratly reflects the american mafia in the early 1970s. This movie is in my honest opinion one of the worst that was ever made and doesn't deserve any honor at all and is certainly not worth watching.

Columbo: Lovely But Lethal (1973) Season 3, Episode 1

I could watch Vera for miles and miles!!!

[10/10 · 14 August 2018]

I watched this episode over 20 years ago and I recently watched again and I must say that it is one of the best I have seen ever since I started watching Columbo.

Vera Miles is not just a first class actress but she is also very beautiful and I can't think of any actress that could have given a better performance than Vera.

I recommend this movie to everyone because it is one of the best and it stands the test of time given it was made in 1973.

Raffles: A Costume Piece (1977) Season 1, Episode 2

Funny but offensive

[10/10 · 30 May 2018]

SPOILER: I watched this particular episode of 'Raffles' yesterday evening and I found it funny but also offensive. It was funny mainly due to the character played by 'Alfred Mark's (Ruben rosenthal) A south african 'self made millionaire' who is very proud, arrogant, has a liking for brandy in vast quantities and is also racist. The plot is based around 'Raffles' and his sidekick 'Bunny Manders' and Raffles decides to steal Ruben Rosenthal's diamond stud and diamond encrusted gold ring. To cut a long story short, Raffles manages to steal the stud and ring and leaves Ruben Rosenthal looking stupid.

Fort Apache the Bronx (1981)

If this was a comedy you wouldn't find it funny.

[1/10 · 29 April 2018]

I was 14 years old when this film was released, and I watched the first 60 minutes of it last night for the 1st time. I wasn't impressed, in fact so far I think it is depressing because the characters and script are so predictable. Everyone from ' Murphy' to 'Dennis Connolly' are predictable, it is almost possible to guess what they are going to say in every scene and in my honest opinion that made what could and should have been a gripping film immensely boring and incrediably difficult to take seriously. I found myself wondering why a highly rated actor like Paul Newman chose to appear in this terrible film? I'm sure he didn't need the money. Paul Newman wasn't a chain smoking irish american cop that objects to being ' paid off' by some pimp, and then jumps into bed with some nurse. That is below the dignity of a man like Paul Newman and so I feel sad that he lowered his standards and took part in this terrible movie.

Mojo (1997)

Let down by a bad script ,bad acting and a terrible director

[1/10 · 25 April 2018]

I managed to watch about 30 minutes of this before I decided to switch it off. The acting is so bad and the script is worse. Why on earth did Jez Butterworth think that every other word that came out of Londoners mouths in the 1950s began with an F? The leading actor such as Ian Hart overplays the hard man role and I felt sorry for him because he knew that the script is poor and he was miscast as "Mickey." The worst of all though is Ewen Bremner who played "Skinny" his performance is so bad, it's enough to curl your toes. I am surprised that Ricky Tomlinson took part in this because I thought he was experienced enough to know the difference between a good and bad script. Nevertheless, his perfomance as "Ezra" is more convincing because he has that natural ability to lead. Overall, this movie is what I would describe as a "toe curling classic" it has all the elements that make a bad movie worse. A bad script full of swear words and cringe worthy lines. The director should have learned how to write a good script before going ahead with this movie.

From Noon Till Three (1976)

The perfect couple

[10/10 · 20 October 2017]

I watched about 30 minutes of this film yesterday night and I have to say that I liked what I saw so far. Charles and Jill work well in this film...They play their roles so well and so convincingly and I found myself laughing after a few minutes. I'll watch the rest of the film another time but in the meantime, I think its a good film.

The Turnaround (1995)

Good start

[5/10 · 13 September 2017]

I can just about remember when 'Sharman' first hit my TV screen in the mid-90s. I don't think I was that impressed at the time. But 20 plus years ahead I realize that 'Sharman' was good even though it didn't last more than one series. This episode was the starter and I have it on videotape and have watched it several times and to be honest I never get tired because it really is captivating from start to finish even though the script should have been better. But the poor script is compensated by some fine acting. The fight scene in the pub is well executed and later on Clive 'Sharman' Owen shows his ability to be stressed out when his daughter is kidnapped and held for ransom. Overall, it is a good start to what was a good series.

The Trial of the Incredible Hulk (1989 TV Movie)

not what it says on the tin...

[1/10 · 31 December 2015]

I first watched this several years ago and I couldn't help laughing cause I have to be honest and say that it cannot be taken seriously of course and would have been better if it had been written as a "comic book comedy" because I think it is impossible to sit and watch the entire movie without laughing and cringing...it really is that bad. the first thing is it called "The Trial of the Incredible Hulk" and yet the "trial" plays a minor part in the movie and the main focus is upon Wilson Fisk and Matt "daredevil" Murdoch while David 'the hulk' Bellson is barely noticeable and frankly looks tired and depressed in my opinion. in fact its possible that during the time the movie was made Bill bixby's prostrate cancer was starting to spread which would explain why he looked Tired...in fact its sad that his career and life would end four years after this awful movie was made. I say that if you want to laugh and cringe for 1 hour 40 minutes...watch this cause it cannot be taken seriously. in fact it is possible to sense Linda Darlow who plays the fake nurse cringing as she fights Matt "daredevil" Murdoch in the hospital. its so predictable cause its obvious that she would lose and then the great build up to the "fight scene" between Daredevil and Fisk's henchmen which is likewise poorly arranged. in fact there is is no fighting except the predictable punch here and there which ends with Fisk flying away in a spaceship with his disloyal sidekick who helps Daredevil free Ellie Mendez. and the movie ends with David Bellson hitch hiking to pastures new. what lets this movie down is the direction...you don't call a film "the trial of the incredible hulk" when the actual trial plays a small part in the actual plot.

Bodyguards (1996– )

could and should have been better....

[1/10 · 12 August 2015]

I watched 2 and a half episodes last night from a video tape I got many years ago. if I'm honest I found them rather predictable. because it is based around people who protect politicians and the like, therefore the scriptwriters do what I consider as "predictable" i.e. they invent a plot that inevitably leads to a politician being the target of a hit-man. but because the script writers know that to simply write a script which ends with a politician being shot, would be boring. so they decide to invent a plot which involves the bodyguard and his wife and young daughter, being held captive by a foreign couple who then attempt to manipulate the bodyguard by saying that unless he cooperates and leads the politician into a situation where he can be shot, the bodyguard's wife and daughter will be shot. the body guard then "predictably" feels stressed but decides to cooperate. there after things become even more predictable i.e. "the commander" decides that they should try to find and if necessary kill the hit man before he can kill the politician. that was obviously designed to create a feeling of "tension" but in my opinion it doesn't work and by this point it is difficult to take it seriously. anyway the plot ends with the wife of the bodyguard being shot. and before the episode ends we get to see the bodyguard "going through the motions" but again its too predictable and just lacks "realism" and feels rushed because don't forget that each episode lasts for 60 minutes, therefore everything feels rushed. it doesn't work in my opinion. this was a good opportunity to set a new standard because up till 1996 most British "cop shows" didn't focus on bodyguards who protect members of state. and so when "bodyguards" was created it was fresh and new. but the plot, script, and directing let down what could and should have been a good series. therefore its not surprising it only ran from 1996 to 1997.

Private Sessions (1985 TV Movie)

Thought provoking movie

[10/10 · 20 May 2015]

I watched this movie last night and I can honestly say that I was captivated from start to finish. It it one of the best made for television movies I have seen in a long time. The cast is perfect. Kelly Mcgillis is absolutely perfect in her role and its very difficult to not feel emotional as she finds the courage to talk about what happened to her as a child. Its one of those movies that go into my all time favorites. The doctor who treats her is also very good and convincing. the only fault I have is that the movie ends with the focus on the doctor rather than Kelly and so I found myself feeling slightly disappointed not knowing how things turned out for Kelly? after all the entire movie is based around her and so naturally it should also end with her right? either way Its still a really good movie, the kind of film that touches our emotions.

Footsteps in the Fog (1955)

good but predictable

[5/10 · 17 March 2015]

First watched this back in 2010 and watched some of it again yesterday evening. It's rather standard and predictable in the sense that if one has seen Stewart Granger act during the mid to late 1940s His roles were almost always the same...The Dashing English gentleman who Treats the ladies rough and get's into rather predictable scrapes. Sadly Footsteps in the fog Is predictable but still watchable. I laughed several Times while watching this film because its so predictable. one is able to predict how Stewart reacts to a situation.

I wouldn't be surprised if He had become by this time? I mean who wants to play the same role time after time? to Get a fresh role challenges actors of both sexes to dig a bit deeper even if it doesn't really work on the screen.

Upstairs, Downstairs: The Fruits of Love (1973) Season 2, Episode 11

pride comes before a fall

[10/10 · 22 August 2006]

i watched this particular episode this morning and i throughly enjoyed. i think the moral of the story was certainly based on the proverb that states that 'pride comes before a fall'

in this case the pride of the bellamy household was humbled when they were to be evicted from the stately '165 Eaton place'

luckily for the bellamy household they were saved from their fate by a Jewish gentleman who was seeing their daughter lady Elizabeth bellamy. they at first were horrified at the thought of their daughter being associated with a Jewish man but when that man saved them from being evicted they were surprised but very grateful. i think it was a very moving episode.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)

absolute brilliant film!!!!

[10/10 · 25 July 2006]

this film is a masterpiece based around 'Myra' and her long suffering husband 'billy'.

'kim Stanley' plays Myra so convincingly that one cannot help feeling great sympathy for her.

the director 'bryan Forbes' does a first class job from start to finish and the music by john Barry fits perfectly as the film progresses.

i actually watched this film earlier this afternoon and enjoyed it immensely.

Richard attenborough plays husband 'billy' in his own unique way and again one cannot fail to feel sorry for him as he carries out his unstable wife's plans.

the film also captures everyday life in the west end of London in the early 1960s. for example the scene on the train shows passengers smoking'something which is illegal now due to the tragic kings cross fire in 1985 caused by a combination of litter which had accumulated after some time, and presumably a dropped cigarette which hadn't been put out properly.

the end scene of the film is particularly moving as 'Myra'unwittingly confesses her guilt in the presence of two policemen whilst she is holding her séance. and poor billy is seen slowly accepting that the game is up before disclosing to the police where he hid the ransom money. truly one of the most moving films ever made in Britain in the 60s.

Eye Spy (1995–1998)

a good series

[10/10 · 25 June 2006]

i remember this series from way back in 1996-97. it was a series that focused on mainly petty crime and was similar to the long running bbc1 series 'crimewatch.

but like a lot of shows it came to an end and has far as i know, no new series has been made.

crime monthly was a similar programme that focused on crime and it was hosted by penny smith. that too ran for longer than 'eye spy' but came to a sudden end which is a pity as it was a good series.

Selina Scott also hosted eye spy. i think the problem with 'eye spy' was the time it was to run. time has shown that crime series tend to be watched at weekends rather than midweek. and in that sense 'eye spy' failed due to people preferring to watch 'eastenders' on bbc1.

Dee Time: Episode #4.16 (1968) Season 4, Episode 16

Dee time

[10/10 · 24 June 2006]

i was fortunate to purchase a copy of 'Dee time' which featured 'lionel Jeffrey's' and other guests.

apparently that particular episode is the only one that remains in the BBC archives, which is a pity because 'Dee time'was a popular chat show which started in April 1967- DEC 1969 and to think how made episodes were made in that 2 and a half year period and yet only one episode exists. however, it was broadcast 'live' as were most shows in the 1960s, no doubt to save the cost of buying videotape which was very expensive in those days. anyway another guest on that particular edition of Dee time was the actress 'susannah york' who appears rather taken aback and nervous during her chat with Simon Dee. at one point he mentions something about her loosing out on making a lot of money from a movie and she seems embarrassed. the music was provided by 'the equals' singing 'softly softly'. and 'wayne Fontana' of the mind benders fame sings 'when love calls'. young snake owner 'graham leaske' also appears on the show and talks about his snakes. the show ends with Simon Dee telling a joke about sheep and the end credits roll and one sees Simon driving away in a e type jaguar alongside a blonde beautiful woman. all in all a great show.

Every Home Should Have One (1970)

Marty Feldman

[5/10 · 18 June 2006]

i came across this film after it being in storage within my large film collection for a number of years and i must say it is an interesting film.

it is rather deliberately indecent throughout the film but i still like it. its well acted and i love the clothes worn by Marty! he really had that 60s look which suited him perfectly.

Judy corn well is very good too she gives a confident performance as Marty Feldman's wife. there are certain bits in the film that are rather unsavoury but maybe it was acceptable to make a joke about 'fetishes' in 1970. Marty Feldman was one of a kind and I'm sure he is missed even today.

Top of the Pops (1964–2023)

bottom of the pops

[1/10 · 17 June 2006]

i was born in 1967 so i can remember watching top of the pops from the early seventies to its peak which was the early 1980s. beyond that i think it has gone downhill which is a shame because it is our longest running show in great Britain and to watch it in 2006 is so disappointing. the presenters for a start don't fit bring back Reggie Yates! he is cool and his face fits! and Ferne cotton is OK but the rest! get rid! i think totps best era was in the middle 60's IE 1966-1969 and then from 1970-1971

after that in my opinion it had lost its appeal and by the way, the BBC shouldn't have wiped all those 60s editions of totps. time has shown that people like to re watch the old black and white editions. plus there was so many good groups and singers around in those days!

Black Joy (1977)

black joy

[5/10 · 30 May 2006]

this film is not to be taken seriously.

the character 'Dave' played by the late Norman beaton would never be able to con another man so blatantly as he does in the film. in fact once Dave starts conning the 'country boy' you cant help hoping that the so called 'country boy' would realise he is being taken for a fool and give Dave a good hiding!

instead all 'country boy' does is give Dave £50 in exchange for a car(which should have gone to Dave's friend) and he cant even drive it! Dave walks off laughing, and 'country boy' attempts to drive his new car! 'black joy' cannot be taken seriously. lastly why was the film named 'black joy'? throughout the whole film there are arguments,fights,cheating,etc but no joy? unless we are to believe that black people only feel happy when they are robbing and cheating each other?

99-1 (1994– )

excellent series

[18 January 2006]

i remember "99-1" way back when it was first broad-casted on Carlton back in 1994. i taped it a few times and regret throwing away the episodes i did tape at the time. i remember there was meant to be a second series but i think it was cancelled ? the first series was released on videotape but has since been deleted which i think is a great shame because i am sure there are many people that enjoyed watching "99-1" and would love to own the entire series on tape but finding them for sale is very difficult and although i managed to purchase the first 4 episodes for a reasonable price, i have seen a single tape being offered for £45 which i think is not only extremely greedy but ridiculous. who would buy one videotape with just 2 episodes on it for that amount of money? i wouldn't! i wish the series could be repeated on itv1. I've got only praise for that show, it was good and the characters were good. to say that "leslie Grantham" went over the top in his role as "ex copper Mick Rayner" is like expecting Julian Clary to play a hard nosed bouncer! Mr Grantham was perfect as "Mick Rayner" i cant think of any other male actor who could have done a better job as Rayner.