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suewhitfield
Reviews
Gentleman Jack: I Was Just Passing (2019)
Just great!
Someone else wrote a review saying that there was nothing likeable about the title character. I don't understand that at all....she is shown in the first episode to be compassionate and kind. Yes, she has a streak of hardness but that doesn't mean she isn't likeable! I loved the episode, the writing, the acting and the soundtrack....can't wait for tonight's episode!
The Meg (2018)
I wish...
This is just my kind of movie, I love a super mega-prehistoric creature film and decided to rent this on Netflix rather than wait to see it for free. There were a few great effects and a bit of a story but I'd suggest waiting and watching it for free. I really wanted to love it....but I didn't. Sorry.
A Closed Book (2009)
Strange but rather compelling
I wasn't sure what to expect of this film but thought the cast list made it worth a look. Having just finished watching it, I'm still not entirely sure whether or not I enjoyed it but it was certainly interesting and somewhat compelling.
It is a thriller and there are several moments of suspense and moments where I found myself taking a sharp intake of breath, but it is certainly not particularly scary or shocking. The best moment, for me, was the ending which, even though I realised what was going to happen, was well-executed and did make me jump.
Elaine Paige is a very strange choice for one of the cameo roles and I'm not sure what prompted her casting, and (sorry if it sounds trivial) I found Daryl Hannah's "new" facial appearance rather distracting. Tom Conti's character is rather wooden at times and, at other times, is rather moving and interesting. Miriam Margolyes is one of my favourite actors but is given no opportunity at all to shine.
All in all? As I said in my title, strange but rather compelling. Definitely worth watching but just don't set your expectations too high.
Framed (2009)
Excellent!
The comments from the "racism, pure and simple" viewer might hold more sway if he or she wasn't called "bingedrinkingisamazing" from Wales.
Your credibility is slightly damaged by that... As for the accusation that Welsh people were portrayed as bumbling idiots, there was the usual smattering of jerks you get in any comedy drama set anywhere, and a lot of the characters were shown to be intelligent, witty and sensitive to the paintings.
Eve Myles shows herself to be capable of comedy as well as the Dr Who/Torchwood genre and Trevor Eve was his usual brilliant self. The kids in the drama did a great job too...thoughtful and comedic all at once.
I thought it was funny, interesting, diverting and a clever premise for a drama. Nothing to moan about here!
The Golden Compass (2007)
Disappointing
This movie, as far as it goes, is good. The special effects, the costumes and the acting is all great. But if you've read the "His Dark Materials" trilogy you will be very disappointed. Pullman, in his books, lends such a feeling of great atmosphere and gives so much background to his characters. We are given a good deal of information about the motivation of the characters and their emotions and feelings.
The movie misses most of this, skipping rapidly from scene to scene with a speed which left me breathless. How anyone can glean anything from the story if they've just seen the movie but not read the books, I will never know.
I did enjoy the movie. But only because I'd read the books. And I was disappointed by the movie. But only because I'd read the books.
High Society (1956)
Pure enjoyment and excellence
This is one of the best musicals ever. Bing Crosby is relaxed and amusing, Frank Sinatra is full of energy and his voice amazes as always, Grace Kelly is at her most beautiful and the story is littered with fantastic characters. There are some hilarious one-liners and some moving moments as well.
With a cast made up of Hollywood A-listers form the fifties, and Cole Porter's genius spilling over with every song, there isn't a foot put wrong. And adding the unusual and perfect concept of Louis Armstrong as both participant and commentator proved an idea which works so well.
This is definitely one you'll watch with a smile on your face from start to finish.
That Hamilton Woman (1941)
Vivien Leigh at her best...as always
This film is just excellent...Vivien Leigh sparkles and scintillates as Emma Hamilton, and Olivier brings an appropriate seriousness to the role of Nelson.
One of the critical things to remember about this movie is the time in which it was written. In 1941 England was at war and this film is propaganda, pure and simple. The moment where Hamilton teaches his wife about the war - talking of the Commonwealth and the necessity for small nations to stand up against large dictatorial ones is so of it's time. No wonder Churchill loved this film so much!
If you want some nostalgia, more than a little jingoism and an opportunity to see Leigh and Olivier smouldering like no-one else can, this is just the movie for you.
Smilla's Sense of Snow (1997)
...read the book.
I thought the film was pretty good, but it was spoilt for me somewhat because I had enjoyed the book so much. The film struggled to show us the exceptional amount of description in the narrative and the character of Smilla was never really deconstructed thoroughly. Gabriel Byrne and Julia Ormond were marvellous, as always, and were backed up by a list of big names. Vanessa Redgrave didn't get a chance to shine in her role, unfortunately, but the cast were good to watch. The book "Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow" is written by Peter Hoeg and translated from the Danish by Felicity David. It is one of the best books I've ever read. So if you're feeling rather ambivalent about the film...read the book first.
Sparkling Cyanide (1983)
80's tack but great for Anthony Andrews fans
I'm only giving this 10 because I love Anthony Andrews. And Colonel Potter from MASH is in this too! Hurrah!
It's a typical 80's murder-mystery. Fun, tacky, full of shoulder pads and bad hair. But Anthony Andrews looks as lovely as ever. So....what's a girl to do?
The plot isn't blindingly obvious which is good. I'm not sure the transfer of events from England to the US really works, but I'm sure they had good commercial reasons for doing so. If you're a fan of the 80s you'll love it. There's even an actress from Dallas in there! It's pure eighties-fest and if you like Anthony Andrews and heavy eye makeup you'll love it!!