harrystanton-83344 Reviews

Rocky (1976)

This is where it all began

[15 January 2019]

Rocky has become a part of popular culture for so many years its hard to look at the first film as a standalone low budget entry in the boxing genre. This is a great film and put the writer and main lead Sylvester Stallone into the stratosphere of Hollywood. Considering what the Rocky series became - popcorn action films with little heart, less intelligence, and a lot of testosterone - it's a somewhat refreshing experience to go back and re-connect with the original, which offers a lot more substance than the sequels. Rocky is not a flawless motion picture, but it is a feel-good classic, and well worth another look. The basic storyline has been done to death over the years; this is still one of the most effective and successful applications of the formula.

Amadeus (1984)

A masterpiece of epic proportions

[11 December 2018]

Amadeus was neither the first nor the last great motion picture crafted by gifted director Milos Forman. Nine years earlier he made One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest. 12 years later, his The People vs. Larry Flynt became the darling of the critics. Yet, of all the projects Forman has been involved with, none has striven for and achieved as much as Amadeus. No matter how many additional great movies he makes, he is unlikely to surpass this one. Whether you choose the original 1984 theatrical version or the extended Director's Cut, you won't find a better motion picture depiction of genius, art, and the artist. Not only is Amadeus a fascinating character study, but it also features a tragedy of Shakespearean proportions in the twisted triangle of Mozart, Salieri, and God. No movie before or since has so effectively woven music into the tapestry of the motion picture.

Zombieland (2009)

Great zombie comedy

[17 September 2018]

One of the more innovative and genuinely funny movies of recent times. Zombies are usually seen as scary but Zombieland and Shaun of the dead have shown that when done right the cryptic beasts can induce a laugh as well. Zombieland features Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and a hilarious cameo by Bill Murray as this bunch of misfits try to make their way across a zombie infested America. This is a hilarious movie and should be a must watch for any fans of zombies or comedy.

Amélie (2001)

A great French film

[16 July 2018]

Amelie is a great French movie combining the playful and eccentric nature so often deployed by period films when they're played out for fun. Audrey tatou is perfect for the titular character and the French capital has rarely looked as lovely. This film causes a stir when it was released in 2001 and you should have a look to see why. The dark comedic element, eccentric nature of the scenes and some great acting by Tatou should encourage you to do so.