PHASEDK Reviews

The Living and the Dead (2006)

Wow, I'll have to watch it again..Horror Channel UK.

[10/10 · 16 April 2013]

What an extraordinary film.. made on a tight budget in an old mansion I looked it up. Fascinating.As with other reviewers I also suffer from a mental health problem, part hereditary, anxiety.. I think the first thing that grabbed me was the sons seemingly hyper active behaviour.. thats a wow to start with. What acting? Exhasting to watch let alone perform I would think. He was brilliant. I admit to 'losing' it here and there, but that makes you watch more to get a grip again. The speeded up schizo effect was so well done.. that indeed is how some unbalanced minds think.. way too fast.. confusion.. so it takes a while to realise whats going on but when Dad has to go to London, oh dear. Unlike some reviewers who tried to compare this film with a reality check, they seemed to forget the 'scenario'? There were reasons why.. I wont forget the son in a hurry, the Mother suffering the indignities, I had similar with my Mother in Hospital.. Father trying to keep a lid on it, I will say the Horror Channel put the ad breaks in good places. But.. when was it going to end. Not too long, but one wondered a couple of times, is that it. What was 'real' and what fantasy? All part of the fascination and I must catch it again. Brilliant from top to bottom. How did they shoot the 'arm' scene.. got to wait for it again.

The Challenger Disaster (2013 TV Movie)

Surprisingly accurate account of reality.

[10/10 · 18 March 2013]

I remember where I was at work when the disaster happened, I've read everything there is, and early on knew.. so watching this apparently first airing of this sensitive event on UK TV tonight.Firstly, who was brave enough to do it.. BBC? I guess its time and the facts have been in the public eye for years. Yes, this seems to be a very accurate depiction of what must have happened as it happened. This TV airing has lasted an hour and a half.. not two hours, so what was dropped I wonder. Enough to make me want to buy a DVD if released? Maybe.

William Hurt was so good as the knowing he was up against authority physics expert. One feels for him, and know the usual reactions of, oh no, what will he stir up. Everything about this 90 min version worked, I hope the 120 min version works too.

High Stakes (1986)

Just saw the last 20 mins but........

[10/10 · 30 September 2012]

Just caught the last few minutes of this on early morning UK TV.. satellite, and though it has the look, soft at that, of a film like Mannequin..if you know what I mean.. softish look about it.. synthy music typical of its release year, but one or two 'gag' lines and, whats this? Actually flippin hilarious! Now I'll wait for it to be round again, it will be, but how many films are there called High Stakes? When I saw the list on here I thought.. which one? Blimey.. so, well worth watching and I cant wait to see all of it.. some saucy bits in it but all family stuff. Yes, the other comment I read first was complimentary.. I'll read the other few after this, but as there aren't many.. how many people have seen it? Didn't look for box office yet. Its a well shot film..maybe should have been wide screen and not just 16-9.. if its a cheapie DVD.. I'll think about it.

Riverworld (2003 TV Movie)

Very well made, stunning locations.. but...

[10/10 · 14 September 2012]

On Movies4Men in the UK late night..until I read this IMDb..why, each time I go to a site the login has changed.. anyway, having watched this, realised it was a made for TV movie.. but.. as someone said, left high and dry at the end..as in WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? We are taken on a journey, guessing whats happened, some questions answered along the way, damned good action and story, I've not a clue about the books.. as a film buff this was good, very humorous as times..and then its the end.. AH.. OK..characters realised..on their way.. then.. well, i'm ready, aren't I. Another TV pilot? Drat and double drat! They suck you in.. how much did it cost to make? Cos its made for TV that doesn't matter? So not a box office flop then but.. I thought equally as good as any other adventure film? I saw the film maker.. Alliance and realised thats the same 'maker' as many sci fi TV shows.. I guess that should have told me. New Zealand.. very nice. I'd still like to know how much it cost.. was it destined for a series, did someone change their minds..?

The Barber (2002)

Kept me interested/watching..

[10/10 · 23 July 2012]

Late night 'horror' film.. its not a horror but was on the UK Horror Channel. BBC1 often comes up with these never heard of, good films.. so, as usual I came in about a 1/3 through and picked up. I too am a McDowell fan..from early days.. and yes, what a cast.. what a film. I needed to watch it through to at least answer some questions.. dark and gloomy because of where it is set..Alaska.. McDowell does his 'usual'..creepy stuff, are we being sold a 'flanker'.. type acting, keeping everyone guessing. And we aren't sure through virtually the whole film. I loved that.. well..the whole town has history, records are called up.. so, OK then. But we aren't let into any secrets until way late on. I'm a film buff but I never heard of it.. how many more like this, and I got confused looking for this here, German and Netherlands released.. and it won awards. Good. Still never heard of it. So, was it a co European/Canadian production? 1M budget.. what was box office, was it a flop then? I haven't found many facts here. Thats a annoying, anyway, well worth the watch.. and I'll watch for it again. Small Town People has been on another channel, and thats worth a watch too, but we know thats 'backwoods UK' made..local people. Low budget. Making of on DVD which I haven't got yet. So, The Barber.. well worth it.

Sky Bandits (1986)

Obvious very well made adventure spoof?

[10/10 · 15 March 2012]

Lighten up some of you, this was obviously made to be a spoof, a laugh, overacted.. but.. all this talk of trashy model work.. I just watched 3/4 of it on Movies 4 Men in UK multichannel, left my hard drive on record by mistake, and laughed all the way through.. model work, well, much of the air-plane work was real? Yes, near the end obviously models and silly but fun? The money must have gone into production and many people haven't even realised. Read how it was made, though there's not much of it in general wrote up.. so trivia and such.. there's not enough detail in production for me. .I didn't recognise 'Fritz'..Ronald Lacey? Rodders was obvious..plonker.. younger of course. Yes.. print was grainy though.. shame. Yes, similar ideas to magnificent men in their flying machines.. but why not. Nutcase upper ranks, but why not.. its supposed to be feel-good.. made me laugh and thank goodness I'm not the only one.. I think many these days get too used to flashy state of the art effects.. and don't even recognise when something is real.My Mother thought the jeeps in A Team were models... I didn't think so.. dummies in them yes.. until they crawled out after.. no one ever got shot or badly hurt.. comic book! Thats what this film is. McGuiver?

In Dreams (1999)

Never heard of it.. caught it by mistake on TV..

[9/10 · 28 November 2011]

I was watching a previous programme, left the recorder hard drive on.. started watching near the start without realising it was.... SO..OK.. I fell in love with the lead character. Gorgeous..but.. I'm not sure the write up of the film in the TV guide was right.... I got the wrong impression.. NOW I know.. ah!! If you start at the beginning, and I watched it again after it finished thinking.. eh? Did I miss something. Actually no.. the film leads you into the story nicely, interesting obviously flooded town for a reservoir.. OK.. it IS a film you have to see from the start. You'll get confused as heck if you don't. Shes brilliant.. the daughter, cute of course.. hubby, OK.. one is reminded of Medium the TV series but this hubby isn't used to coping. Thats part of what makes it sad.. she really gets a 'bum deal'. One feels for her, even if one doesn't fancy her..(ahem).. but what is real? I didn't like the end but having seen it twice, it makes sense.. its NOT spelled out. I did get drawn in and it kept me up much later than intended.. that to me is good. WHAT the hells going to happen. The stunts..very well done and if one is going to do a major..stunt.. for me, not enough was shown of it happening.. a recent Steve McQueen TV/film stunt was shown from many angles to MAKE you realise they did it for real.. and how well it was done.. this time.. I'm not sure. I didn't like the end, but where this film is concerned.. I suppose it couldn't end any other way. Yes it could.. no it couldn't, excuse me.. pantomime time soon. Anyone who wants the story spelled out, no.. it doesn't, and thats what makes it intriguing, if you haven't patience to stay with it to find out.. like some said they almost did.. in the cinema? What a shame, such a bril film wasn't appreciated. We do get so many of these on Brit late night TV in the UK..BBC, uninterrupted, and that helps. WISH they were on EARLIER!!!

Small Town Folk (2007)

Bad reviewers definitely missed the point.

[10/10 · 21 June 2011]

This film was shown late night on a multi channel in UK.. and once I saw the first few minutes, I was hooked. Its a shame the first page of reviews contain the bad ones... the second page has some more favourable. Fact is.. there ARE parts of many counties in England where.. some families aren't the 'norm'... off the beaten track. I found this film so well made, yes, the credits make you realise there wasn't a large cast, it was shot locally to them.. four years to make and they paid for it, well.. no surprises there BUT.. all the work was good? I loved the humour.. I don't mind gore.. I'm turned 60 now and a film buff since before Kubricks 2001.. and THIS film kept me up. I didn't know what was going to happen.. you cant know. Yes.. some miss-fit cross bred yokels.. good/bad do they know any better.. as the film goes on.. yes.. a family.. drawn together in a bid to survive almost. BUT.. the visitors.. interesting. IS 'helmet' one of the goodies or baddies. Young cast.. so is Daddy the director? Fine.. amateur but well done.. Kept me up until about 6am. I'll watch it again, but may get the DVD for the extras.. so its a little gory.. slasher..but very funny in parts. You cannot guess the end. So, where is Ringwood..

Roswell: The Aliens Attack (1999 TV Movie)

Rubbish title, surprisingly good film.

[9/10 · 21 May 2011]

As usual I missed the start, UK satellite Horror Channel but I saw most of it and IT kept me interested. Some of these comments have made me realise some people didn't listen or watch properly. There were answers, as some others have now said. Some women may find the, quiet,mystery man different.. that made me laugh. So he has a gismo that can do things. When the woman hes with turns up, aha, good twist.. fact is I recognised many 'facts' mentioned, and it made a change to have an educated, 'seen it all' type base boss. I found none of this impossible. It was a good alternate story of what could have happened at Rosswell and for all we know did. NO one apart from those there at the time know? The end narrative..jump to 'now' when the story was being told from.. again, food for thought for anyone who may still wonder if its possible. Shame more of us haven't the brain to at least wonder.. sci fi often predicts the future, Star Trek manuals.. they make sense, Roddenberry still makes me wonder if he knew more. The people that wrote the manuals.. known physics expanded. Thoroughly well made over all. Sparce special effects, just what was needed. Kids now expect more. We remember cardboard boulders from Trek and the Brit earlier TV sci fi limited budgets.. they had charm. I'd recommend this film to anyone, but the title, the impression of an 'Indepndance Day' attack.. nope.

Hideous! (1997)

Leave your brain at the door, but have fun.

[8/10 · 17 April 2011]

This film was just shown on the UK Horror Channel on Sky free to air, from word go one thinks.. o..k.. there's a lot of humour here.. Yes, a topless hijacker certainly adds to the Dads appeal to the film, cor.. and for the rest of the film too.. little monsters? Well, brain left at door. Some very good ideas, characters were very good and at times hilarious. Monsters.. not good, but they didn't really need to be. They are 'there'. The fact they shouldn't be doesn't really come into it. Spoof comedy horror I would say. I don't like any sex in my sci fi, but this is comedy horror and, yes.. added to the interest. So not for gore fans..just comedy spoof horror 'plain and simple'?

Slow Burn (2005)

Never Heard of it, gave it a chance on TV..

[28 September 2010]

Seven out of Ten as some things didn't stack up. Highly amused at the comments about when did Jolene Black turn black.. some people don't know who she is?? T'Pau from Voyager?? No one watches that then? Shes been in several films it seems, but I HATE love scenes with favourite actresses in. Still, film very good. A channel showed it last night and straight away i was 'caught' by the intro music.. but what was it. I notice many queries about the music used, nothing more irritating to find out they used a special mix. Very dark film.. so ended up watching to see what would happen.. one didn't know what to believe. So, keeps interest. Wasn't keen on Rays constant 'confused' state/expression.. we are supposed to be confused.. thats deliberate.. doesn't spell anything out and I like that. But no real clues as to what IS truth. Well worth the watch but don't expect answers. Music good, there's a list of it somewhere, but.. what was the opening track? So yes.. worth the watch, then again anything with her in it.. I'll watch. Voyager gave her more exposure.. at times maybe a little more than normal but for sci fi acceptable.. but the fella she was with in this film.. no.. not keen. LL J was in a few films, this one...just exposure for him I think. Then again.. hes not really an actor is he. Just to be 'cool'.. horrible word. I think Isaac Hayes played a better character in what he's done. Yes, I'm a Brit.

Foyle's War: The Russian House (2010) Season 6, Episode 1

War is over but there's still crime to solve.

[10/10 · 12 April 2010]

After the end of WW2, Foyle is sent back to his 'old job' as there 'is no one else'.. to find his enquiries cross those of the local Police after the murder of Sams employer, a complete coincidence. Straight away the local 'plod' clash with him, his ex sergeant sees Foyle as competition when all Foyle wants to do is get the job done and.. leave again. I LOVED the London scenes with the war damage, and wondered where it was shot, how it was done. Too soon for such info apparently. This IS a new season just aired in April 2010.. the new series was OK'd after the re run of series 6 was a success in 2008, as it should be for such a well made programme. Michael Kitchen HAD said no more, but was obviously persuaded back.. good. First ep was full of action and surprises..red herrings, etc. Well worth the watch.

The Island (2005)

I'll have to watch it again..

[10/10 · 19 September 2009]

ITV2 showed this tonight. I'd never heard of it and from what I've read.. some thought it a flop. WHY? Damned good action movie.. OK, it borrowed from a countless number of films.. and seems one niggled accuser of copying got an out of court settlement. I'm amazed not more of that goes on.. BUT.. lets face it yet again.. WHAT film is totally original? Not now.. after all these years of cinema. I could have written this story.. and it Wasn't Pamela Anderson.. so thats Scarlett Johanson(sp).. gorgeous. Yes, shades of all sorts in this and I came into it before the escape chases started. HAD to be Michael Bay.. yes, lots of it over the top, too fast to see so almost a waste of stunts BUT.. damned good? Well worth watching and do I wait for the repeat or buy the DVD... Wide is preferable. If there's a making of... has anyone noticed lately many recent dvds haven't GOT a decent making of? Thats annoying. Still.. clones,I didn't hear the mention of a pollution scare, but thats current/topical. I like Ewan, was annoyed with his English accent in Star Wars.. didn't suit. It amuses me people find fault, and things that are missed in editing? Maybe thats because its against the clock. I think it had the lot.. a good all rounder. YES.. I must see it from the start next time.

To Sir, with Love (1967)

This IS how it was in the 60's.. how many times do I say that.

[10/10 · 29 August 2009]

Channel Five just showed this film, and I'm so glad. I'm 58 and left school, which was changing as I left it in 1966.. and this film IS how it was at that time. The coloured teacher, well, we had coloured pupils at my school and thought nothing of it. American of course, far more sensitive.. but THIS IS how it was then. We had the young delinquents, looked upon as heroes by the less educated, we had mixed classes and never gave the girls a lot of thought at that age, respect, yes.. and the characters in this film ARE how things were. How many more times am I going to say that. The class rooms, the teaching staff, yes yes and yes again. I'd forgotten a lot of this film, and it captivated me. Its a LOST time.. it was a good, fairly innocent time, pregnancy WAS a no no.. WE didn't do those thing YET.. but girls older than their time came a cropper. WE DID form a relationship with our teachers and one I mer later in my career said the mid 60's WAS the last of the 'family' class feeling. It all changed after that. The system was changing so THIS FILM.. is a lovely reminder of how it was. Judy was ALWAYS gorgeous.. HOW can anyone be that lovely.. it just WORKS. YES WHAT was in this stove.. I didn't get it either. And the end.. WILL HE WONT HE.. hes reminded of the challenges hes already met and conquered.. I cant praise this too highly. 60's London life IS HERE.. Lulu deserved her hit.. and the other young stars DID go forward. WHY didn't all these films of the mid 60's come out?? STILL many not.. WHY NOT.. we NEED the feel good NOW... Smashin Time..Mulberry Bush.. COME ON..

Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush (1968)

STILL one of my all time favourite 60's fims BUT...now have three more full screen copies..

[10/10 · 28 July 2009]

Saw another review of the double dvd issue...since my first review..reading the imdb write up now CONFIRMS the film was 1-85-1 BUT.. not on the other nights Sony Movie channel...MUST have been BBC1 or ch4 so still I wait...why...because having read amazons reviewr saying he couldnt see the difference between standard dvd abd bly ray double issue..I chanced it again...BOTH discs are 16-9.;.WHAT is going on...i've now emaild amazon..it seems though they are standard and blu ray my copies ARE THE SAME...16-9...same menus, no sign of extras now. Packaging problem then. Yes its complete, considering Mary is wearing not flattering dress..when she strips...shes more up top than thought...its entirely innocent now..then it was something. SO...IT IS wider...thanks imdb for that info. I await amazons answer but what a muck up. Sonys film is full screen...complete..enjoyed it anyway,, the humour just my kind..yes..NEED IT WIDE..I worked stevenage in my career, know it sort of..played its police station canteen band wise...ha..that was fun. SO...WHAT will amazon reply...if all their double packs are the same...who complains now.

Pearl Harbor (2001)

Its a cinematic effects film... not 100% factual.

[8/10 · 23 May 2009]

191 comments and oh dear, is it worth writing another one. Being a brit I'm constantly amused/bemused by the American 'style' of how they see themselves at war, especially this title, and how historical fact, which still hasn't been admitted/proved where this attack is concerned, for sure.. so of course some people are going to be mad. Seems we brits were about the sub film and the enigma machine.. I say what the hey. It doesn't claim to be factual. I just watched from after the start to the attack scene, to the end on BBC1/UK, as I forgot what happened in the film, and though on my 16:9 screen, as usual on TV, didn't see all if it as wide as it should have been (grrr).. was STILL impressed by the effects. But then, I was with Titanic as well.. reading the hows and trivia/goofs, yes, it all added up. It IS another film where one should leave ones brain 'at the door'.. but, for spectacle and action, forget the romance bit.. VERY entertaining. Its all very well watching a film about a known historical event, but didn't Hollywood always do these things? How difficult to get all the designs/vehicles right. 8/10 because of the inaccuracies. I even wondered if the Dollittle bit was an extra fiction bit to round the film off and say, see, we did have a go back, risked it to say take that.. BUT NO? It happened? Well, there you go.I've been educated tonight. The end bit of Ai was criticised, but to me it worked. IT rounded the film off nicely. And as one of the characters in this one I guess, had to 'not come back'.. for the sake of the story line.. again.. OK.

Mad Men (2007–2015)

Never Heard of it..... 'buried' in UK schedules?

[3/10 · 23 April 2009]

I kept forgetting to look this up. I caught it while at a friends house one night when dropping him off.. and having coffee.. we watched it not having a clue what it was.. and after it finished I was none the wiser. We are both film/TV buffs.. and I thought apart from it looking slightly period, glossy, just didn't fall into it at all!! WHY Mad Men... now I'm thinking.. OK.. Advertising Men.. Mad as in Madison Avenue... now thanks to this site I now have an idea. Strange. I'm usually very good at picking things up. I have patience. My mate doesn't. So its early 60's.. well, that stacked up. Thank you people. This site is very useful for all TV/film info.

Impostor (2001)

As the subtitle says.. things are not what they seem

[10/10 · 31 March 2009]

Never heard of this movie, but as BBC1 showed it tonight.. saw the start and lots of space shots.. OK. Got into it, and stayed with it. I noticed many 'hints' and comments about the possible future in this film. None of them good. Some very good and inventive ideas on the way, and OK, maybe they borrowed as usual from other films. Who doesn't. There are holes in the story here and there but whats perfect. Many sound effects seemed to be put in just for effect, but again, never mind. Yes, the lead from CSI NY was brilliant. As that was also on tonight, he did well for exposure. I didn't see much wrong with this film at all. Thank goodness no sex. OK, hes in a shower. Dark and moody yes, but that was the idea. Well worth the watch for any sci fi buff I think.

True Identity (1991)

Reason for flop at box office.

[10/10 · 20 February 2009]

Very interesting.. I remember when this film came out, and didn't catch it. BBC showed it last night and I saw maybe 2/3 of it.. and thought it hilarious in places. Well.. does ANYONE in the U.S. know Lennie? We in the UK do as a comedian/stand up... full of beans, larger than life. He is in a position to be able to play two 'races'.. he knows both, and I couldn't hear anything wrong with his accents. So, Disney signed him for three films.. pulled out after this flopped. Surprise. What American likes anyone taking the Michael, which they may think watching this. Not quite the 1941 syndrome, but.. Lennie wouldn't be KNOWN?? The story was easy to catch up with.. his 'sidekick' amusing.. WOULD any gangster be as 'slow' in catching on, I don't know. The men who played the parts were, I thought excellent. As in.. it WAS a part of the film.. tongue in cheek.. YES.. even the end.. 'worked'.... We are being told here in the UK now.. even our TV costs are unsustainable.. our movies cant be made without foreign money.. and now we have a Boston company telling commercial TV its costing too much. This to me is sabotage. Iaon Griffiths told us Hornblower would no longer be made due to costs.. that goes for most now. Indies spend the money with help..or nothing gets made? This is madness? I'm saying I fear for the future of our TV..and films.. UK wise.. This film bombs as it has a Brit in its lead role. A VERY good comedy, well made.. by Disney... well.. there you go. Shame.

The King and I (1999)

Blimey what do people expect from a cartoon...........

[7/10 · 24 January 2009]

People, this is a cartoon. The comment from the site got me looking further. Dear oh dear. What did they expect. Thank goodness some thought it OK. 1999? That late.. and I still thought Anna was based on Julie Andrews.. Miranda Richardson, OK. As we in the u.k. have had a recent ad on TV with the Julie Andrews version of Getting to Know You on it, something I didn't even know she had done, yes she has, who could mistake those sliding notes, on a soundtrack with Ben Kinglsey apparently. The company admitted to me in a return mail it got the clip from i-tunes? Good grief, an advertising agency uses an almost unknown clip from i-tunes. Well, I'm not even a third through the cartoon and its OK.. I never have expectations, in fact I'm usually scared to watch a sequel in case it doesn't live up, but.. whats not to like about THIS cartoon. Warner Brothers used to make a different version of.. another cartoon character, than the original, and one could always tell. Why cant I remember,Bugs? It was long ago. I should know, I'm a film buff. Someone said ideas from the stage show were copied, oh surprise? COME ON.. get those eyes/noses out of expectations gained from other formats... THIS IS a good cartoon.. has licence to do nearly anything they wanted it to. Maybe the same artist drew Anna as did Mary Poppins somewhere along the line. SO WHAT? Take it for what it is.

Battlefield Earth (2000)

Seems I'm in the minority.. why did I find it so funny?

[10/10 · 7 October 2008]

How come many thought it rubbish yet it entertained me, not from word go, as its a slow start, but I have patience. ITV4 showed it last night late on in the UK.. I've had it on DVD for ages but not re watched it. Seeing it on TV, probably cut for violence, I really enjoyed it, but.. of course can pick holes in it. Its not a perfect movie. Was it supposed to be? Many ideas nicked from other movies. I'm not going to recheck the years of the movies I recognised in it to see who came first. For any SERIOUS sci fi fan.. the most striking nick was as the 'greener'(?) smashed through the plate glass time and time again.. aha.. Bladrunner? Of course. There were many ideas in this movie but people seem to be more interested in slagging it off than realising. No, the aliens didn't 'think' about what the men ate.. after all that time, apart from that porridge. OF COURSE one wouldn't expect to learn to fly a harrier after a stint in a simulator.. especially if the brain isn't that advanced... BUT THATS THE JOKE.. isn't it? Huh? The Harriers MAY have been more manoeuvrable than the box type alien ships. Yes.. when the dome collapsed finally.. girders, glass... so? Many comments suggesting differences in race.. the Aliens of course thought they were superior.. why shouldn't they.. arrogance, BUT Travoltas Alien... realised this greener was different, realised he could be handy.. and used him. I did recognise Travoltas side kick but so much of it was tongue in cheek.. so.. the people slagging it off.. have either just joined the band waggon.. OR all this went over their heads? How old? Slag off what you don't understand? Happens a lot on this site. Bad effects.. yes, in places. Maybe I'm the age thats thankful for any effects.. I still consider what Kibrick did in 2001 was groundbreaking, because it was. The money spent though. Now computers.. much easier if maybe expensive.. Star Was still infancy effects compared to now which is why Lucas redid them. I'm glad to now get a clear picture on my TV due to satellite.. having had bad terrestrial reception for years. HD? Maybe one day. Many messages in the film.. tag lines.. but sense. OK, ignore all that if you want to slag, but you just show yourselves up. As one comment said, in the cinema, many laughs.. I would have. I did.. in my flat. Well worth watching, I had no idea how it would finish.. so.. superior race thinks it can be the master, but is proved wrong at the end. Due to more thought from what they assumed was a savage man. Doesn't THAT sound familiar? Many films state the same message yet not many seem to get it.. because THEY themselves think they are superior? Thats not a put down, it seems to be a fact. What do under 30's know of film history. Unless they have parents that have enjoyed it. You do know the UK has a Home Office? That amused me. Many things did. Well, I enjoyed it and thought it worked well..

Bicentennial Man (1999)

Another roller-coaster of emotions.

[10/10 · 21 September 2008]

Ah, so Chris Columbus did Mrs. Doubtfire. Why didn't I know that, hence Robbin Willams. I have to admit I was blaming Spielberg for the emotional content. My goodness its heavy in places. I totally disagree about it being boring. Whoever watched this and was bored totally missed the point and must be devoid. The first part..as in Ai.. the family bit.. was very humorous, the music helped set the mood and the acting did the rest. It tugs heartstrings. For Andrew to be 'free' he has to leave the family circle. I didn't quite understand that but he had to 'find' himself.. I guess so. Yes, the 'Data' complex about having logic but not feelings or being human. Better to have loved, well, if one enjoys being torn apart when a relationship doesn't work.. having a feeling of contentment and then knowing its time to go, thats a different matter. Yes, a very well made film, many points touched on. Kept me enthralled all the way. Channel five just showed it and I always remember forgotten bits when on TV. I have these films on DVD but they get left on the shelf. Its good to be reminded. As I get older I find more of interest in them. Seems some people on the comments pages are younger,OK.. yes, everyone has the right to their own opinion. There have been some wonderful films over the last 40 odd years. Just remember the older films didn't have the technology. I loved asimovs books. I found them an easy read. Maybe thats an indication of my frame of mind. Robots will always fascinate.. some people have a fear of the unknown. I thought this film dealt fairly with the subject. Sam Neil seems to have cornered the market on understanding Fathers. But.. works very well. I was amazed at the tissues I got through!!

That's Your Funeral (1972)

A Hammer Comedy... worth the watch.

[10/10 · 14 September 2008]

Once again BBC shows it late night. I missed the start but caught up with it. Very much a 70s film. I'm always trying to recognise locations, as in Elstree, but this was Pinewood, Windsor, and I don't know that area. Yes, the fight between two funeral parlours plying for trade, except one of them is more shady than the other. Lots of Brit actors, comedy very good, typical 70's again. I have to admit I didn't get the end scene joke. Must have missed something. Many set pieces, station clerk, all characters as one would expect them to be. A touch of Benny Hill style here and there. I don't remember the TV sitcom. Maybe that made a difference. One often may wonder what these parlours get up to trade secrets wise, and this wouldn't be a film to watch if one had recently had to use one for a dear departed. Having said that, hilarious at times, well worth the 90 odd minutes and I think not having ad breaks helped the continuity. One COULD guess the end... but so what. Yes, any negative reviews, it just makes you wonder why people watch these things if they don't enjoy. It IS 70's humour.. that WAS my time and its great to be reminded of the people about then.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Way too clever and emotive.

[10/10 · 5 September 2008]

Ai was shown on UK's BBC again recently, and I was again enthralled, in fact.. moved more than I wanted to be by the first story. This film is in three parts, and I can imagine, as in the old days of theatre, many people walked out thinking thats the end, to beat the hoards leaving, and missed the final part of it. Spielberg we know if a master of tugging heart strings. I wasn't and still am not an ET fan.. but Spielberg knows what hes doing. I was going to comment straight away but got caught up in the varying other comments on this site. Some people don't want to have to think. They want entertainment, well, unless you are a sci fi freak.. who loves fantasy, this isn't for you. It IS one of the most spectacularly made spectacles of film making, I'm surprised he didn't include a kitchen sink somewhere.. as he did the moon, which I realised is a trade mark. I've marked this with spoiler in case I mention something. Yes, the first story.. well, it has holes. The family doesn't know what will happen to its cryogenic son so Hubby decides to bring home the new android boy his company has worked on. Full marks to leading lady for the emotional roller coaster ride.. taking me with her. It was nearly too much. WHAT does one do.. what a dilemma. I felt for her.. but.. oh dear, the phone call.. sonny jim is recovering. What of the android.. hes been programmed/mentally etched now. Oh dear. Of course sonny jim plays tricks.. hes that age, it isn't going to work.. so.. at least Teddy is there too. Thats so well done I could not 'see the joins'. Story two, the mechs are of course a threat to some of society. THEY are being whipped up into a frenzy of fear, much as the public are NOW.. in the real world about various things, my goodness this is true to life, so.. racism rears its head. Adventures as David tries to find his dream.. who will make him human. Glorious sets of a pleasure city. His android friend romeo is on the run but becomes a friend. I felt for David all the way along the line. I knew this was part influenced by Kubrick, forgot Spielberg had taken it over. If this is the case and Kubrick hadnt put the end piece on, I'm not sure it would have worked so well. Part three David thinks hes found his angel and talks to her.. over and over until his power runs out.. Narration.. how many years pass and some alien craft is seen ... we've already seen Manhatten under water. I didn't see the twin towers but noticed tall towers broken in the middle and leaning.. I think that was a comment. The aliens, I got slightly confused.. David is the last of his kind that had contact with humans. So who were these Aliens. They reactivate him and there IS a nice end.. that worked for me. Spielbergs happy ending. I know I preferred it that way but how many cinema goers missed the end? My Dad used to wait for the credits and so did I. Dad was in am dram.. and I learned production from an early age. I'm so glad as I have an appreciation now. As long as cgi is not noticeable.. fine. I'll no doubt watch this again and again and see more each time. A firm favourite, as is K's 2001. Considering its age...OK, with Nasas help.. but.. K TOOK us into space.. as in reality. And the recent dvds HAVE the docus on too.. AT LAST.

Summer Heights High (2007)

Am I slow or what.........

[10/10 · 3 August 2008]

I caught this show by complete accident, hadnt a clue what to expect. Yes, three main characters.. all played so well I didn't think about it apart from how true to life they were. I think its BBC3 that showed them, some back to back, so I caught up as I watched, and.. how very clever. Never heard of the star, but hes obviously very talented. Someone has knocked Neighbours in this section, it may be a generation thing. Yes, this is a mockumentary, but likely very real. I'm not sure when I started to suspect similarities, but I think it was the eyes. The girl, taller than the others, an obvious leader of girls..absolutely spot on, the class rebel of I presume 'abo' origin.. so hes going to be fighting back all the time, and the Drama teacher with ideas above his station, who has to be a child star who never made it... everything about them to me worked. Yes, the eyes.. I had to read the credits to confirm my suspicions. Well, thanks late night BBC multichannel, or I may never have seen it.Or was it on before, I don't know. But so well done? The school production, better than your average I would have said, and the attempt at making the head teachers squirm.. but they didn't. I was very impressed, saw one twice. It just works? 'She' works.. it all did. So, clever man. Pulled it off completely. Maybe there is such language spoken in school these days, but it seemed in place. Thats why I get annoyed at warnings of bad language before some programmes. And sometimes its pathetic. If its late night, its become acceptable in the UK. My query is with the mid evening series being shown earlier with the odd questionable word in there.. no one seems to mind. Maybe no ones watching.