greatgonzo Reviews

Rent a Friend (2000)

Funniest Dutch movie in years!!!

[8/10 · 10 January 2001]

After having seen Rent-a-Friend for the first time (at the Rotterdam Film Festival), the smile at my face didn't disappear for hours. THIS MOVIE IS REALLY FUNNY!!! And there aren't lots of FUNNY Dutch films (except 'Flodder' and 'Abel' (both 1986) or perhaps Terstall's previous movie, 'Based on a Novel'). And wasn't a comedy -first of all- supposed to be funny?

Of course, Terstalls films all have certain things in common. For example, they are -like a cabaret show- more based on fragements and funny scenes than at a great story. The same in Rent-a-Friend. BUT in this film it doesn't matter, because the basic idea (friendship for sale) is simply brilliant.

Babylon (1998)

Not Terstalls best work, nevertheless some funny scenes

[6/10 · 10 January 2001]

After 'Hufters & Hofdames' (Bastards & Bridesmaids), 'Babylon' is Eddy Terstall's second low-budget-Amsterdam-movie. The movie was shot in Terstalls neighbourhood (the famous 'Jordaan') in about two weeks, for some 20,000 dollars. Like in 'Bastards...',Terstall wanted to make a movie (to keep his skills going), but he didn't want to wait for money of the Dutch Film Found (it would last ages to get some...)

So he wrote five little stories about comic outsiders in love in summertime Amsterdam (based on some of his friends, who also play their roles), and put them on film. As a result, 'Babylon' hasn't really its own substantial plot: there are just these five subplots which, in the end, barely get together.

Nevertheless, some of these subplots have really funny moments. But as a whole, Terstalls earlier 'Bastards & Bridesmades' and later 'Based on a Novel' and 'Rent-a-Friend' are way better.

Lost Highway (1997)

Definitely brilliant! No, FASCINATING!

[10/10 · 10 January 2001]

Well, this is one of such movies. Such movies which you either LOVE or HATE. And man, I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! I've got a maximum of 1,000 words, so I won't get into details. I just wanna say that this is one of the VERY FEW movies that's got everything in its right place.

After having seen the film for the first time, I discussed for hours with a friend. And I still didn't get the answer. Just like the second, third, fourth etc. time.

It only seemed the Lost Highway-mystery became more and more FASCINATING. And if I'd to describe this movie in 1 keyword, it'll be that one: FASCINATING!!!

And whether you hate or love this movie, it IS a fascinating one!!!!