reg-4 Reviews

Clueless (1996–1999)

oh dear oh dear oh dear

[3 November 1999]

yet another example of industry bigwigs trying to milk success far beyond the limit. What made the film a success was the way in which Jane Austen's Emma was cleverly adapted for 1990s Los Angeles. The television version removes all trace of Austen and adds extra vacuity - this may be an ironic gesture, but somehow that seems doubtful. Overall, a steaming pile of pants.

Willo the Wisp (1981)

The Best British Kids Programme Ever

[10/10 · 12 April 1999]

This was a fantastic little series. Kenneth Williams did a great job providing all the voices for the characters: Willow the Wisp, the narrator; Arthur the Caterpillar; Mavis the Fairy; and Evil Edna, the wicked witch of a TV (subliminal message alert). Great.

The October Man (1947)

Excellent, little-known gem.

[10/10 · 15 February 1999]

This is a cracking film, yet not many people seem to have seen it. All the performances in this film are great, but John Mills deserves a special mention for his excellent work in the lead role. The film also has great cinematography, a well-orchestrated sound-track and an excellent plot. Good work.

Brighton Rock (1948)

Nice

[10/10 · 15 February 1999]

This film is a pretty damn fine adaptation of one of Graham Greene's best thrillers. Good old Richard Attenborough (in really young mode) plays a blinder as the driven gang leader Pinkie Brown. The ending may be surprising to anyone who read the book beforehand, but that isn't to say that this film fails to work extremely well in its own right. It does.

Crossmaheart (1998)

Read the book!

[5 November 1998]

This advice is valid for all movies made adapted from the novels of Colin Bateman. Please read the book!

Far from the Madding Crowd (1998 TV Movie)

a word from a native

[10/10 · 5 November 1998]

As a native of 'Hardy country', I feel I have a duty to comment on this production. I, as with many other people in England, eagerly awaited this series, and I have to say I was not disappointed. As us English have come to expect from our television dramas, the locations and costumes were fantastic, but this has the added bonus of an extremely accomplished screenplay. Also, the acting is superb. The accents, one of the major stumbling blocks to American acceptance, are accurate enough to satisfy English viewers (including those with the same accent!), while at the same time allowing American viewers to understand the dialogue. Particular praise should, I feel, go to Nathaniel Parker, who has achieved something very spectacular, in eclipsing Alan Bates' 1967 performance as the faithful shepherd Gabriel Oak. All in all, a feast of Wessex magic which can be enjoyed by all. Nice one.

Jude (1996)

a decent adaptation

[9/10 · 5 November 1998]

As a student of Hardy, I feel it would not be arrogant of me to say that I have a sound grasp of the intention that lies behind this novel. Bearing this in mind, I feel it would be fair to say that this is one of the best film versions of Thomas Hardy I have ever seen. The scenery and cinematography are superb, although highest praise must go to the acting. Kate Winslet ably demonstrates the way in which the carefree nature of Sue Bridehead is slowly transformed by the realisation of her love for Jude, as she portrays the ensuing confusion over his complicity in the resulting tragedy. Similarly, Chris Eccleston, a very underrated actor, perfectly displays Jude Fawley's desire and subsequent despair. The chemistry between these two is among the best I've seen. The script may not be as true as it could have been, the accents may be a bit ropey, but the feel is spot on.

Hamlet (1996)

Very satisfying

[9/10 · 5 November 1998]

Four hours? For many people this would seem an excessive amount of time to spend watching one film, but consider this: the average performance of Hamlet on stage is 4/5 hours, and it has been Shakespeare's most successful stage and film work for the past 395 years. That sends a clear message. This version, adapted by Kenneth Branagh and updated to the 19th century, has a fair claim to be up there with the best of them. There are several reasons for this. Firstly there is Branagh's personal love of Shakespeare. Following on from Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing and Othello, Branagh remains extraordinarily true to the original text, using 95% of the actual lines of the play. Secondly, there is the overall appearance of the film which, although set 250 years after it should be, remains true to the story of the play and provides the cast with the opportunity of speaking the original lines in a way that doesn't seem difficult. (As a student of English lit., I know how great an achievement this is) Also, the musical soundtrack is perfectly matched to the action of the film - something which is comparatively rare in Shakespearean adaptations. Finally, and surely most importantly, the performances. Branagh as Hamlet and Jacobi as Polonius are, as one has come to expect, superb, but there isn't a single bad performance here. Kate Winslet's Ophelia is one of the most convincing I have seen. Special mention must go to the American cast members. It is often said that American actors shouldn't attempt Shakespeare as they don't have the right accent. This is absurd. Jack Lemmon's cameo is the best thing he's done since Glengarry Glenross, and Billy Crystal is excellent as the jovial gravedigger. It may be true that Branagh has as big an ego as James Cameron, but consider this: he's a better director, and he can act and adapt as well.

Withnail & I (1987)

.

[10/10 · 5 November 1998]

This is surely the funniest British film ever. I particularly enjoyed the dialogue between Paul McGann and Richard E. Grant about a chance to stay in the country for a bit which ended:

"Well, what's his number?"

" I don't know, I've never met him."

" Well, neither have I. What the **** are you talking about?"

Made in Britain (1982 TV Movie)

early Tim Roth performance

[10/10 · 5 November 1998]

This film is one of, if not the, earliest appearance of Tim Roth on screen. Here he is an out of control teenager, seemingly intent on a life of crime and racism, despite the fact that he clearly has the intelligence for so much more. This film, together with others of its type like Scum, highlighted to a previously ignorant British government the reality of life for most working-class youngsters. It's a raw, powerful piece, full of violent words and actions, but it is worth watching if only for the chance to see Tim Roth before he was famous.

Watch Out, We're Mad (1974)

.

[10/10 · 5 November 1998]

Hey, good choice!

This is a fantastic film.

How about a beer and hot dog contest?

Far from the Madding Crowd (1967)

don't believe SarahMae

[8/10 · 5 November 1998]

I have to disagree. When you consider what could have happened with this film, I think it is important to remember that this production is faithful to the spirit of Thomas Hardy's novel. Maybe it isn't the sort of film that would do well in America, as it is fairly long, dense and complex, but there is a vein of wry humour running through this film, and I think it is worth watching just for Terence Stamp's swordsmanship.