rm.bentley Reviews

Hell Night (1981)

Surprisingly good with a great ending

[6/10 · 11 September 2003]

Overlooked this one when it was released but after seeing the DVD on sale and reading some positive comments on this site decided to part with my cash. Was I disappointed? No. Once you get past the cheesy opening with its gloriously B-movie style credits it turns into one of the more interesting stalk and slash films of the 80's. The set up is simple - 4 frat pledges have to spend the night in a mansion with a sinister past and a killer on the loose... who will survive? Do we care? Well yes, these kids are surprisingly likeable and, by cleverly putting them in pre-20th Century fancy dress in a candle lit house, removes them from the contemporary teen horror genre. The killings are pretty conventional – decapitation etc.– but the film then builds up to a tense and exciting final 30 minutes with a few surprises and a brilliantly staged ending. I'm probably over-praising this film somewhat but my expectations were low and my rewards were a decent 6.5/10!

Terminal Velocity (1994)

Behind the B-movie title is a cracking action comedy!

[7/10 · 4 September 2003]

It's a shame to see Deran Sarafian has ended up directing episodes of TV shows because he proves with this, his best film, that he's a very competent hand at the helm of a big action film. Admittedly he's helped by the two leads, Charlie Sheen and Nastassja Kinski, who have the C-word... Chemistry, not to mention the villains, James Gandolfini and Chris McDonald who have the B-word... Baddy?

The stunt work is both impressive and breath taking because you can see it's genuine – witness the nail biting scene involving a car in free fall – would it be half as exciting if it was done with CGI? With a script full of great comedy moments it all adds up to a very enjoyable way to spend 100 minutes. 7/10

The Keep (1983)

A compelling horror oddity

[7/10 · 30 July 2003]

I've never quite been sure what to make of this film but every few years I'm drawn back to The Keep's dusty video case. Well, the video had it's fifth play tonight since I originally unearthed it back in 1984 and I have to say I really enjoyed the viewing experience... again. Yes it is uneven and some of the effects and make up look a little cheesy but it does have tremendous atmosphere, great visual style, an effective score and some very watchable performances, particularly from Jurgen Prochnow and Gabriel Byrne. I look forward to the day when it's (hopefully) released on DVD in it's proper aspect ratio so my faded pan and scan video can finally rest in peace!

Irreversible (2002)

No thanks.

[4/10 · 16 June 2003]

If I had to choose between watching someone's head being beaten to a pulp with a fire extinguisher followed by a very graphic and brutal rape scene or sitting through Billy Madison for a second time... I don't care what anyone else says, I found it nasty, pointless, sickening and impossible to watch... and I'm not talking about Billy Madison.

When the Bough Breaks (1994)

A surprisingly good thriller

[7/10 · 14 June 2003]

I have to thank the 'Further Attractions' trailer section on my American Yakuza DVD for finding this gem. My expectations weren't exactly high when I hit the play button but I was utterly hooked from the movie's start (when a young couple make a gruesome discovery) up until its nail biting finale. With an engaging story line, stylish and assured directing and writing, photography and music that perfectly blends with the mood of the story and good performances from all the cast I found this film an uncomfortable pleasure to watch. I'm not one that's easily scared but I can tell you my was heart pounding during the final 15 minutes of the film. If you enjoy a good thriller I would highly recommend buying the DVD... NOW!

Lost in La Mancha (2002)

The pleasure and the pain!

[8/10 · 18 March 2003]

Poor old Terry, he started the film brimming with energy and enthusiasm which made the agony of watching his spirit and the entire production literally get washed away all the more painful. Fulton and Pepe's documentary is a pleasure to watch capturing the emotions and disasters of trying to bring 'Who Killed Don Quixote' to the screen and giving you a little taste of what could have been. I really hope Gilliam's vision comes to fruition one day because the combination of Johnny Depp's character being transported through time into the world of Don Quixote/Terry Gilliam is right up my street! Good luck to you Terry!

Thunderheart (1992)

Teriffic!

[8/10 · 15 March 2003]

Just watched this again on DVD for the first time in 10 years and it's still an excellent film, probably Apted's best. The (based on fact) story is engrossing, the acting from Kilmer, Greene and Shepard first rate and the screenplay, photography and music all top notch. Highly recommended.

Sweet Home Alabama (2002)

Don't expect too much and you might come away smiling

[6/10 · 30 January 2003]

Reese Witherspoon always has a certain 'smug' look on her face that makes you really want to um... dislike her but that crooked smile of hers just seems to win in the end. In SHA, that smile is considerably well cast in the role of a successful NY fashion designer who visits her home town seeking a divorce from a childhood sweetheart.

Nice support too from Candice Bergan (who has the funniest line in the movie), the reliable Fred Ward and the always likeable Ethan Embry (who starred opposite RW in A Far Off Place). Men be warned, I've seen women drool when talking about male leads Josh Lucas and Patrick 'Woo Woo' Dempsey which could make for uncomfortable viewing on the sofa.

Some of the IMDB reviews for this have been on the very lengthly and harsh side but so what, if you fancy a night in with a lightweight, predictable romantic comedy - you could do much worse than this.

PS The scene on the battlefield is a hoot!

Antitrust (2001)

Predictable but entertaining

[6/10 · 8 May 2002]

Considering some of the talent involved you'd be forgiven for expecting more from this inoffensive but forgettable thriller. I'd rate it a couple of notches above 'The Net' or 'The Skulls' which like this, pass the time, no more, no less.

Taxi 2 (2000)

If you thought Blues Brothers 2000 was a much better film than The Blues Brothers, you might enjoy this.

[3/10 · 5 May 2002]

I bought this DVD expecting a dumb, fun movie with some good action sequences - well it was dumb and just got more idiotic as it went along. The lead actor looked like France's answer to Adam Sandler (it even had someone stepping in doggy do for a laugh). The action could have been on a par with Ronin but again... just plain stupid. If you've read my review and you're still unsure, a word of advice, rent before you buy!

The Road Home (1999)

You won't be disappointed.

[10/10 · 12 March 2002]

From the very start of this film you know you're in for something special. Shot in black and white against a bleak winter landscape, a son returns to the small village of his childhood to arrange the funeral of his father and to comfort his devastated mother. The story then shifts back 40 years and into glorious colour as he remembers the remarkable story of his parents' courtship. Zhang Yimou has woven a piece of outstanding cinema with performances that capture genuine emotion (Zhang Ziyi is excellent), photography that is truly breathtaking and a beautiful score that will draw tears for all the right reasons.

Forget Titanic, this is what love from the heart is all about.