walmington Reviews

We Dive at Dawn (1943)

John Mills is as brilliant as ever......

[31 March 2001]

Another typical war film starring John Mills. As ever he pulls the stiff upper lipped British officer role off brilliantly. This film is much stronger than the later submarine based film 'Above Us the Waves' also starring Mills probably because this was actually made during the war, when this was a real threat. It's a good story, with dastardly Germans (well, you have to don't you?) and the good old Royal Navy coming up with the goods. Credit must go to John Mills, who must by now know how to command his own submarine/battleship/platoon. He's also learnt how to look believably concerned whilst looking through a periscope. A must see film.

Folly to Be Wise (1952)

Alastair Sim compensates for a weak film.....

[29 March 2001]

On hearing of this film I was looking forward to watching it. It's the typical 1950's British film, with the added bonus of Alastair Sim. He is brilliant, but the plot is weak. Social matters are highlighted that were common in Britain then, such as the Labour party versus the Tories etc. But the plot doesn't hold together well. Over all a good enough film, but no where near the St. Trinian's series or The Green Man. Watch out for a young George Cole as a soldier as well.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Chilling tale well acted

[28 March 2001]

This film could not benefit any more from the amazing acting of Sir Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal 'the Cannibal' Lecter. He's so calm, collected and slightly likeable that he will scare you. I didn't think he had done until I had a nightmare that night dreaming he was by my bed repeating my name in the same hushed voice used when saying "Clarice". I can't think of anyone better suited for the role. Watch out for the part after he's killed two security guards. Standing with blood spattered over his face, his hands, his body he calmly turns on his classical music. Amazing. Jodie Foster is also good as the trainee FBI agent. The exchanges between her and Lecter are the main basis of the film and the most creepy. A brilliant film and I'm glad to see Hopkins will be reprising his role for 'Hannibal'.

Legends of the Fall (1994)

A so-so story, which could have benifitted a lot more from Anthony Hopkins

[27 March 2001]

This film was not exactly a disappointment but things could have been changed to make it a much better film. The story is quite flimsy, it's difficult to keep yourself interested in what's going on and although Brad Pitt's performance is good, I thought it was a slight weak. I think the majority of the film featuring Pitt, should be replaced with the superb acting of Anthony Hopkins. He holds the film together, not only as an experienced actor but also through his character, the father. Parts were good, for example the vivid horrors of the first world war. After seeing this, I think anyone can see the horrors of war. However, a bit too sentimental and Hopkins simply didn't spend enough time on screen, which if he had of done would have improved the film considerably.

Dad's Army (1968–1977)

the best programme ever

[27 March 2001]

This is simply my most favourite programme ever. There are too many things about it that I love to mention them now but it captures a lost England. Where we all pulled together, where bank managers where almost king and where everything was lot simpler. Brilliant acting, brilliant writing, a brilliant programme. Well done the BBC, well done Perry and Croft and well done all those fine actors who appeared. Watch it.

Meet Joe Black (1998)

A slight slow but is rescued

[24 March 2001]

My only reason for watching this film was Anthony Hopkins, and I wasn't disappointed in that respect. However, if the film had been any slower I think rigor mortis may have set in. Yes, there were good bits but the hushed voice of Brad Pitt and his quite uneventful love affiar with Hopkin's character's daughter didn't help the film. Although, I must admit the ending did make me fill up a bit but only due to Anthony Hopkin's superb acting as always. If you're a Brad Pitt or Anthony Hopkins fan see it, if not I wouldn't bother.

August (1996)

A largely unheard of film, which is a shame

[24 March 2001]

I had never heard of this film about a year ago, which I feel quite ashamed about. It was directed by Anthony Hopkins and also starred the great man himself. The largely Welsh cast act well and couldn't be replaced by anything better. The plot focuses on the life of Hopkin's character, his small family (mother and niece), his boredom with life, his missed chances and his undying love for a visitors wife. This film has many fine moments which can invoke thought in you, especially when Hopkin's breaks down in tears at the end. I would recommend this film to anyone if not only for Hopkins but for the story itself.

Shadowlands (1993)

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant...what more can I say?

[10/10 · 24 March 2001]

When I first heard of this film I thought it would be too near 'The Remains of the Day', made in the same year and along the same lines. A repressed English man in repressed England (which it is, I should know!), but I couldn't have been more wrong. There are similarities in his character but it doesn't matter because this film is amazing. Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger are brilliant. Winger as the brash American who falls in love with CS Lewis and he with her. It's such a heart wrenching film, you'll be groaning by the end of it. It hits you in all the right places due to Richard Attenborough's brilliant directing and the acting of the two stars. Watch out for Hopkins at the end sat with Winger's son after her death. I challenge anybody not to feel moved as he breaks down in tears. Or as he sits at her death bed. I don't know how he does it but you are so convinced that he is hurting, as we know he is.

My favourtie all time quote comes from this film and I think it defines the film so well. A vicar speaks to CS Lewis after his wife's death and tells him God is the creator and we can't do anything to change his decisions. And Lewis's reply is: "No, we're the creatures aren't we? We're the rats in the cosmic laboratory. I've no doubt the experiment is for our own good but, uh, still makes God the vivisectionist doesn't it?"

Think about it. I highly recommend this film.

The Remains of the Day (1993)

My favourite all time film.....

[10/10 · 24 March 2001]

I can only watch this film every 6 months as it affects me so much. It is the finest film I have ever seen, in acting talent, attention to detail, the excellent story and the relationship between the two central characters and their repressed love for eachother, Mr. Stevens and Miss. Kenton. This film is the only film that has ever made me cry and continues to do so, even though I've seen it now about 10 times. You will find yourselves, I promise you, shouting at the reserved Mr. Stevens "Tell her!". Some characters you will find yourself instantly hating just because they have any sort of contatct with Miss. Kenton simply because you know Mr. Stevens is so, so in love with her and she like wise yet they never ever tell eachother. The underlying story of the tensions before the second world war is also entertaining as is the fate of their employer Lord Darlington.

Being English the whole film also highlights an England lost and a reserve and restraint that in some cases still exists within our country.

Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Amazing. You have to see this film. A cliche, I know, but get the Kleenex in.

Howards End (1992)

A gentle but very entertaining film......

[24 March 2001]

This film benefits initially from the pairing of Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson as eventual husband and wife. Each an accomplished performer, their characters are at the centre of the world of the Wilcox's and Howards End, the family home. Excellent performances from the rest of the cast with exceptional parts of the plot. My favourite being when Thompson's character realises the starving woman at a function they are holding used to be Hopkin's character's lover. Strong cast, strong plot, strong acting from all but credit must go surely to Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins. A magic is there that they re-created for their performance in 'The Remains of the Day'.

Minder: Minder on the Orient Express (1985) Season 6, Episode 7

Feature length edition of the ever popular series.....

[4 November 2000]

This is a pure treat for any Minder fan. Nearly 2 hours in the company of Arthur, Terry and other less desirable characters. It's a shame that we see next to nothing of Arthur's selling abilities, but it's still extremely entertaining. There's visual comedy as well as the more subtle and funny one liners from George Cole and Dennis Waterman. Lines such as 'I am of course married....to my wife" and when learning about Terry's trip on the Orient Express: "What do you want tickets to a Chinese takeaway for?", just are magic. Delivered by Cole in such a way that everything goes smoothly. Very funny, very witty, extremely good performances from all cast members. It's brilliant. Chisholm is also a welcome extra.

Minder (1979–1994)

George Cole and Dennis Waterman act superbly well as........

[1 November 2000]

Probably the best comedy/drama to ever come from ITV. Arthur Daley is an entrepreneur. If he can make money, Arthur's interested. Except that he's also the king of dodgy deals, which calls for him to have a bodyguard or a minder. His minder is Terry McCann. He's just out of prison and needs the work. The relationship between Terry and Arthur is sometimes strained to its limit, but they're loyal to eachother. They're forever trying to dodge the law, and always succeed.

George Cole (Arthur) and Dennis Waterman (Terry) made the charcters and I can't imagine anyone else playing them so well. George Cole is an extremely experienced actor, as is Dennis Waterman and this shows throughout each episode. Just little things like raised eyebrows or a quick cheeky grin, give a whole new perspective to the programme. In all Arthur Daley is the man we love to distrust.

Dad's Army (1971)

Probably the best film of a TV show ever

[1 November 2000]

TV shows from the 1970's which were turned into films were usually terrible. Dad's Army is the big exception. The formula from the TV show worked just as well on the big screen and with the bigger budget it's lovely to see people walking around Walmington-on-Sea. The plot is similar to parts of some of the TV episodes, but that doesn't matter because they're still as funny. Other parts like when Mainwaring, Wilson and Frazer are stranded on the raft are classic. The only thing I can criticise it for is the sometimes obvious lack of input from the TV shows creators and writers, Jimmy Perry and David Croft. But beautiful performances from Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn etc.

The Pure Hell of St. Trinian's (1960)

The final outing for the girls from the original 3 films.....

[10/10 · 1 November 2000]

This is the final of the three original St. Trinian's films. Alastair Sim doesn't appear in this one, which leaves quite a space but is filled well by new characters and extensions of existing ones. The plot is a lot different from the 2 before, in that it's more surreal. In the other 2, the fact that Flash Harry, a police woman and a professor would become stranded on a desert island wouldn't have happened. Neither would the storming of an Arab sheiks palace. The charceters of Sergeant Ruby Gates (Joyce Grenfell) and Flash Harry (George Cole) are explored much more, with us learning things like Harry's middle name and where Ruby's mother lives. Fantastic performances form the whole cast but I think Cole and Grenfell steal the show. Comedy at its best. Watch out for the scene in the strippers club. Watch Harry's face. Probably the best comedy without words ever.

The Green Man (1956)

A classic black comedy film...................

[1 November 2000]

A top cast starting with Alastir Sim, George Cole and Terry Thomas. Sim plays the pretty evil hitman, Harry Hawkins who is foiled in his quest to blow up a politician by vacuum cleaner salesman William Blake (George Cole). The plot twists and turns to such an extent that it's quite hard to follow, but brilliant all the same. Terry Thomas appears for only about 20 minutes, but adds a hint of magic to the whole film. As always Sim and Cole work together brilliantly on screen and it's just a funny, quite creepy, good film.

The Belles of St. Trinian's (1954)

George Cole is brilliant.......

[31 October 2000]

the first and probably the best of the three original St. Trinian's films. What with Alastir Sim and Joyce Grenfell, this film will definitely make you laugh. however, I personally think what makes the film what it is is Flash Harry, the local cockney spiv played expertly well by George Cole. The interaction between Cole, Sim and Grenfell is magic. Flash Harry is a fantastic character and can't but make you laugh. A classic, classic film.