stewart7864-672-662500 Reviews

Deadly Discovery (1992 Video)

Comedy with a difference

[4/10 · 18 March 2021]

Opening scene... shoot out, lone cop out in the open vs 6 criminals behind van. Cop wins setting the tone for this comedy. Very much in the Leslie Nielson school of Comedy..Airplane, Police Squad, except the comedy isn't quite as telegraphed giving the impression it's played straight. But it's intentionally hammed up and full of deliberate cliche. A strange film indeed but it is quite funny.

The Fall of the House of Usher (1950)

For all its flaws this is an atmospheric watch.

[7/10 · 26 December 2020]

An amateur cast support the brilliant Gwendoline Watford playing Usher's sister. Nevertheless the stilted acting ( Watford excepted) just adds to the overall menace and weirdness of this adaptation. High on atmosphere and with some outstanding scenes but obviously hampered by a low budget and plot adaptation of Poe's classic. Watford's solo piano performance is one of the highlights( she was a professional pianist and may have been performed live). Also watch out for the clever play on wall shadows. The hag mounting the main stairs and more impressive Watford in silhouette lighting the candle stick and blowing out the taper after her piano performance. A more impressive play on a silhouette on the wall you could not get from 100 takes in a modern film. Simply outstanding cinematography. The film was a huge success when it got belately released in 1950 and is said to have been the forerunner to the later Hammer Horror films. It was certificated with a (then) rare H certificate ( adult's only).

Armchair Thriller: High Tide: Part 1 (1980) Season 2, Episode 19

A promising start that quickly loses the viewers' interest

[6/10 · 25 December 2020]

For the first half hour as Mcshane takes the slow lane ( three days!) to Cornwall via country lanes through the West Country and staying at odd hotels the thriller appears to be a promising romp. He is haunted by his past crime and has the feeling he is being followed for a secret he unwittingly holds. Sadly as soon as he switches to a more nautical mode of transport when he ( finally) reaches the Cornish coast the plot gets rather ludicrous and samey..the hunter in search of unlocking the secret is also the hunted.

The Haunting (1963)

The Daddy of Haunted House Movies

[10/10 · 27 April 2020]

No recourse to special effects, use of suggestion and atmosphere as opposed to in your face spooks. Masterclass in how to do a haunted house film.

The Legend of Hell House (1973)

One of the Haunted House Classics

[9/10 · 27 April 2020]

A really strong leading cast, played relatively seriously; the use of atmosphere and a slow building of the tension as opposed to in your face special effects from the off make this a haunted house classic. Second only to The Haunting 1963 imo.

Original Sin (1997)

Quality production

[9/10 · 13 April 2020]

A real filmatic quality to this one, not least the opening scene. We have Dalgliesh reading poetry to some music and beautiful cinematography from a boat on the Thames with the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament. A quality cast too, Ian Bannen in his later years and the much under- rated Amanda Root in her prime particularly worthy of mention. A good plot, if slightly confusing opening , that is nevertheless worth sticking with.

The Man Who Cried (1993 TV Movie)

One of the better Cooksons

[10/10 · 29 April 2013]

Got to say that usually Cooksons are a bit predictable, with the heroine and villain being pretty clear cut from the outset. Here the relationships are bit more hazy and really only at the eleventh hour does a heroine emerge. All the characters are questionable and it is far from the usual black and white portrayal of life I associate with Cookson. A very realistic portrayal of family turmoil, strife and sibling rivalry.

Two of my favorite actresses here, a cameo from Gemma Craven as the man mad aristocrat and the brilliant (and under-sung genius of) Amanda Root makes this an absolute treat.