Bendrew Reviews

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

I just don't see what the fuss was about

[1/10 · 1 October 2001]

With my ears ringing from praise thrown in the direction of this film I thought I had better check it out. I spent the first half an hour thinking "It's got to get better soon" and the rest of the film thinking "What the Hell was all the fuss about?". I like to think I am open-minded to films slightly out of the ordinary, but have come to the conclusion that this film was just 'Pants'.

The Girl's swearing all through the film was rubbish too.

Das Boot (1981)

An unforgettable mission

[9/10 · 1 October 2001]

The story of a U-Boat's tour of duty during the Second World War. We see the mission through the eyes of Lieutenant Werner, a Correspondent reporting on life beneath the waves.

The films claustrophobic setting helps to drag you into feeling that you are there. Its nice to see humanity of the crew and their trials throughout the journey.

Some excellent acting and some excellent film-making in general go to make this, in my opinion, the best war film made so far....

Clockwork Mice (1995)

A masterpiece of acting

[8/10 · 24 September 2001]

A minor, understated classic with exceptional acting from the staff and a raw realism from the pupils. The story follows a teacher Steve (played brilliantly by Ian Hart) starting a new job at a Special needs school. He has to become accepted by the pupils as a teacher, but more than that, wants to reach the children as individuals. Steve discovers a common interest of cross-country running with Conrad, the pupil who's been there the longest. This common interest proves a good form of communication between the two to begin with, but goes on to unite the Children as well. Played with an underlying sense of humour, but for me the acting is what really makes this film work so well.

Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1983–2004)

The reason TV was invented

[24 September 2001]

Auf Wiedersehen is an example of everything falling into place. It is a interesting story, has endearing characters and a script that doesn't seem like a script - just the characters saying what you'd expect them to say. All of the characters have their place within the well-balanced team. Most people's favourites are the big-mouthed Oz or the boring Barry, but each member of the group is vital to the whole. Series one sees the group first get together in Germany and forge a strong bond under difficult circumstances. There are then a number of adventures they go through - always with an underlying sense of humour. Series two sees the boys reunite and find work firstly in England and then in Spain. The program begins to fall away when they go to Spain to work, and eventually degenerates into a silly bit of farce. But not to concentrate on the bad bits.... Two series seems to be the limit of any good comedy. However, I'm looking forward to the new series they are making - a reunion nearly 20 years on will be like catching up with old friends.

American Graffiti (1973)

The Yardstick for Teen films

[9/10 · 24 September 2001]

The story of two teenagers on the final night of the security of their hometown, before moving away to college. The first, Curt Henderson played by Richard Dreyfuss, is having second thoughts while the other, Steve Bolander, played by Ron Howard in a pre-cursor to his role as Ritchie Cunningham in Happy Days, feels more comfortable about leaving. As the events of the night unfurl, they explore whether they are making the right decision. If they stay home and don't go away to college they could end up like their friend John, a man several years their senior who has never stopped being a teenager. Curt gets advice from a number of people over the course of the night such as his former teacher, his friend John Milner and DJ Wolfman Jack. All express the opinion that he should go away and experience life a bit. Steve on the other hand, realises that he is not as adventurous and would rather have the security of his hometown and his Girlfriend.

The film is a series of amusing vignettes of their last night together as teenagers before they move into Adulthood. It is one of those films where everything falls into place and every line seems totally believable. A film I find it easy to lose myself in, a classic.