Andy-371 Reviews

Seven Days in May (1964)

1960's nuclear nightmare alternative reality

[9/10 · 13 September 2000]

Given the hyper sensitive anti communist paranoia of the era & the big names involved this is a remarkable & highly underrated movie of its time. In the context of the Cuban missile crisis, the escalating conflict in Vietnam, the death of JFK & the fact that most of us baby boomers were watching " The Addams Family" " McHale's Navy" "Combat" "The Jetsons" & many other good & funny shows on television only to see this gem on saturday afternoon TV, it is utterly remarkable that the 7 - 12 year olds did not rise up & halt the " US military industrial complex" in it's tracks. Having given this 30 year belated blast to the geopolitical stupidity of the 1960s I must say that as this film is a contemporary of " Dr. Strangelove" & having grown up with the belief that all things from the U S of A were "good" & "right" I discovered at a tender age that all is not necessarily what it seems. The possibility of a military coup in Washinghton is of course utterly insane but in the context of the times chillingly plausible & I ask the question: could it have happened?? As a lifelong historian, partly as a result of having seen this film at a young age ..... is it possible ? There's lots of money involved & without an enemy there's no need to produce weapons is there. Hmmm

Clocking Off (2000–2003)

REAL PEOPLE LIVING REAL LIVES

[9/10 · 25 August 2000]

This series honestly encapsulates real personal lives based around a realistic workplace in northern England. The desperation combined with the simple pride derived from a job well done is conveyed superbly. The setting, in England, is less relevant than the basic human desire to collectively preserve a happy & efficient workplace where people are considered as individuals & allowances are made accordingly. It's a particularly interesting study of the relationship between management & labour & a genuine analysis of the symbiosis therein. In this frightening world of globalisation this series will hopefully help in reminding all of us that we are all still capable of expressing ourselves as individuals & being credited accordingly.

Red Rock West (1993)

Good Lead, Female & Male, Good Bad-Guy, Good Music

[9/10 · 18 July 2000]

"No Self Pity" is a powerful message from this fun movie that has the advantage of entertaining from the first frame. You can be honest or bent & it still makes good sense! Stick up for yourself & never give up. F..k who.. F..k everyone! Stay true to yourself & you will get wounded but your karma is your karma & that's it.

Evil Roy Slade (1972 TV Movie)

A much underrated film

[10/10 · 31 July 1999]

I've had this movie on tape for over ten years & still watch it regularly. The Stubby Index Finger song is a classic. As far as I know this movie has only been screened twice on Australian TV. The reason I'm writing this review is because I screened it for my mother & two young nieces (aged 6 & 9) last week while I was in another room working & I was continually interrupted by bursts of near hysterical laughter from all of them. Now lets face it, these days if a film gets that kind of reaction from an audience ranging in age from 6yrs to 70yrs then it must have something good going for it. Most of the professional reviews I've seen don't really rate this film all that well which leads me to believe that these reviewers may need to stop being so anal & learn to laugh more.