Rob-77 Reviews

Jules Verne's Mysterious Island (2010)

Truly awful

[3/10 · 13 December 2020]

Do not waist your time on this truly awful movie. There are very little redeeming qualities apart from ... nope I got nothing.

The Wiggles: Wiggle Bay (2002 Video)

My son has watched it about 100 times !

[7/10 · 1 July 2006]

A fun little movie with the Wiggles (of course). Lots of lovely songs that your children and you will soon be singing along too. The movie moves along with a nice pace with a fun (but silly) plot. My son loves this movie and wants to watch it every evening when I'm working on my PC.

A minor annoyance is the actual acting ability of the various Wiggles. Mostly it's fine, but some scenes are particularly "stilted". The red Wiggle in particular when he's commenting on a gift that Dorothy receives is a real low point.

But.. if you're under 5 you're going to love this movie.

Trois (2000)

Utter crap unfortunately

[2/10 · 18 February 2003]

This movie was so painfully bad, that despite all my better judgment I actually made it through to the end. All that can go wrong in a movie did- utterly terrible acting, predictable ending, discontinuity, did I mention that my dog can do a better performance? Finally, for a movie whose title is quite obvious in meaning, the actual "trios" is over in about 30 seconds, shot in what seems like soft focus and barely warrants the rating the film got.

I highly recommend this film if you have obnoxious family members visiting (or friends), who refuse to leave your home, as a last ditch effort to retain your sanity.

2 out of 10.

Resident Evil (2002)

Gore, glorious gore.

[8/10 · 5 May 2002]

Fast. Furious. Fabulous!

If you are a fan of the PlayStation game of the name, then you will NOT be disappointed. Unlike most other movies that are based on games (ie. Wing Commander), Resident Evil is so close of the game that it scared me more than the nasties on the screen. Okay, so the plot is a tad thin, and the memory loss thing is just a bit too convenient, nevertheless I enjoyed the rollercoaster ride that this movie provided.

In a nutshell its blood, gore, sexy ladies and damn nasty zombies. The movied played out as nicely as the game and so I figured it was a good way to spend a almostly drizzly afternoon.

8/10.

Ali (2001)

Maybe I missed something while munching on my popcorn

[1/10 · 18 April 2002]

I have hoped for a lot from this movie, but maybe I missed something while munching on my popcorn. Yes, the acting was fine - but the disjoint time-line / story-line had me wishing I'd gone for a chock-bomb. Maybe its also an American thing or my lack of familiarity with the whole civil rights movement from the time - but unfortunately this movie left me quite confused. 1/10.

Cruel Intentions 2 (2000 Video)

The worst movie I've seen so far in 2002

[1/10 · 20 March 2002]

I think that the comments from most of the other reviewers speaks for itself. Basically the story line is a rehash of the first movie. The acting is poor and quite simply unbelievable.

This movie is quite simply one of the worst I've seen. Do not waste your time seeing it.

Life in a Day (1999 TV Movie)

Science gone wrong

[7/10 · 20 December 2001]

To be honest, I wasn't paying a great deal of attention at the beginning of this made-for-TV movie. I had other things on my mind, dinner, work etc.

However, as the movie progressed and our protagonist was faced with some real issues (test drugs on animals to save a loved one etc) I began to pay more and more attention to the actors. As a previous reviewer has commented, the plot is not new. Mary Shelly still does it best. But, I did enjoy the development of the young lady Jasmine from your girl, to beautiful woman and beyond...

This tv-movie was never going to change the world, but it'd recommend it if you are between meals and need a change of pace. 7 out of 10.

The Infinite Worlds of H.G. Wells (2001)

A fab mix of science fiction and romance

[10/10 · 16 September 2001]

If you are a fan of H.G. Wells and like the odd spot of romance then this "made for tv special" is for you. I saw it on the Hallmark Channel over the span of 3 nights and thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

The format is reasonably simple. Set in post-WWII, Wells is visited by an "up and coming star" lady, a supposed journalist, who comes to quiz the famous author on an old science chum. This in leads to Wells relating a number of stories that he played some small part in well over 50 years ago. All of the stories are short, lasting about 40 minutes screen time. They mostly revolve around time and its a wonderful exploration on its varying effects on people.

Thrown into all of this is Well's love interest. A charming lady scientist who urges the great writer onto bigger and better things.

All in all this is one of the better 'made for telly movies' that I've seen. A decent cast, nice settings and a good script. I gave it a rare 10/10.

Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966)

EXTERMINATE!

[8/10 · 24 June 2001]

Sure the sound is on the dodge. Sure the acting is a tab below that of a drunken hamster. Sure there is one too many close ups that seem to last forever (ie. the guy blown up in the shed).

But nevertheless if you are a die hard Dr Who fan I defy you not to enjoy this movie. What with Daleks, Tardis, and a good dose of "EXTERMINTE" thrown in, who could complain.

Enjoy :)

Lilian's Story (1996)

Best forgotten.

[2/10 · 15 May 2001]

While I haven't read the novel (which by all accounts is quite good), there is little good to be said of this film. I'm not sure if it was the incoherent flash backs, or the real "Aussie" acting, that most had me reaching for the remote control.

So, unless you are a big Ruth Cracknell fan and can stand the tedium this film has to offer, it is, unfortunately, best forgotten.

I Don't Buy Kisses Anymore (1992)

Seinfeld all over again

[6/10 · 29 April 2001]

Okay so if you like George from Seinfeld then you are going to enjoy this movie. Jason Alexander as Bernie Fishbine is the ever lovable George all over again. With all of his usual hang-ups over weight, getting a gal, and generally being a grown up Charlie Brown.

Although this movie is almost a decade old, it's sentiments are pretty much universal. That is, it is the tried and true formulae- boy meets girl, boy falls for girl, girl hurts boy, boy forgives girl and the rest is history.

All in all a good rainy day movie. Bring a big bag of popcorn and some Bacci's - they go well with this flick.

Looking for Alibrandi (2000)

Looking in all the right places.

[8/10 · 22 April 2001]

Okay, so firstly this is a fine Australia film. What that means is that it is quirky, memorable, identifiable and just a great way to spend an hour or so. Don't expect big names, well outside of Australia, and don't expect guns, car chases, FX, or your typical Hollywood blaise. This film goes to prove that the simple story of a girl looking for who she is in the world, can still bring a tear to ones eye.

Secondly, for the ladies, if you are looking for a good "chick-flick" you can hardly go wrong. And for the lads, Pia epitamises the "girl next door" look.

Lastly, if you haven't experienced a good Aussie movie and don't fancy a youthful Mel Gibson, why not give this movie a go. I highly recommend it.

On the Beach (2000 TV Movie)

A great Aussie remake.

[8/10 · 30 January 2001]

This is a brilliant Aussie remake of Nevil Shute's classic story. This film is filled with a great cast of Australian actors and the familiar Melbourne skyline only heightens the feeling of dread as the final hours are played out. I strongly recommend this movie.

Quicksilver (1986)

Great music score, if a little slow paced

[30 January 2001]

Hey, I liked this movie. Bacon puts in a solid performance both as an actor and as a bike courier who is trying to turn his life around after loosing big time on the stock exchange.

Positives- The music score is great and if you are feeling the need for a little of the 80's, you could do a lot worse.

Negatives- okay, so the plot is a little light on. Some of the acting supports are a little rough too, but hey you got to love the red berret.

Imaginary Friends (1987– )

Kind of like an X-Files episode, but set in 80's Britain.

[8/10 · 18 December 2000]

Set in the mid-80's, this ripping yarn will have X-Files devotees wondering why we had to wait for Mulder and Scully to make the scene. Based on the novel of the same name, this mini-series details the debunking of an occultist group by two academics. The majority of the scenes are based in a rather greyish, yet picturesque British sea-side town. If you like unusual and spooky tales with a little humour and oddish music thrown in, you'll like Imaginary Friends.

Being John Malkovich (1999)

A must see for 2000

[8/10 · 25 April 2000]

I saw this movie twice on board a Singapore Airlines flight from Australia to Manilla via Singapore. They had to ply me from the seat to stop me watching this great movie a third time. You MUST see this movie.

Fathers & Sons (1992)

Like father, like son

[3/10 · 25 April 2000]

Made prior to Goldblum's recent biggies, Fathers & Sons is one that the actors would probably rather forget. At it's heart is the evaluation of the relationship between a father and his son as they both attempt to master their own personal demons. But it is the annoying 'mysterious stranger' and other red herrings that had me grabbing for the fast forward button. At 45 minutes too long, I'd recommend Goldblums classic 'Into the Night' any day.

23 Paces to Baker Street (1956)

A great rainy day, suspense movie.

[8/10 · 30 January 2000]

If you have worn out all your Hitchcock videos and need a good way to fill in a few hours on a rainy afternoon, this is the movie for you. A blind play-write over hears a fiendish conversation and is determined to intervene. Armed with his trusty man-servant and beautiful American female companion, this flick delivers on many levels, right up to the twist at the end.

They don't seem to make movies like this one anymore. Mores the pity. A must see for all suspense fans, plus a lovely glimpse into 50's London.

Scored it as 8/10.

The Truman Show (1998)

How will it end?

[9/10 · 5 October 1998]

In the 'The Truman Show', Jim Carrey comes of age. Not only is he funny, but I found the movie to be somewhat of a satire on the entire movie industry. Darkly funny, strangely sad, I enjoyed every moment.

The plot centres on Truman and his Hollywood made world. A world where he is the unwitting star and everyone is in on it. There the entire world is witness to every moment of Truman Burbanks incredible life - a life carefully orchestrated by Christof. A movie producer driven to wrench every emotion from Turman, no matter the consequence.

Like Citizen Cane's "rosebud", the shirt button "How will it end?" is sure to become an icon of this fine movie.