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The Thing (1982)
A Modern Sci Fi Classic
15 December 2004
Taut,atmospheric and superbly crafted, this remake of the 50's classic is a great film in it's own right. Arguably John Carpenters best movie. The Thing is also an absolute bench mark for incredible creature effects by Rob Bottin. No CGI back in '82, which makes the Thing all the more impressive as it's withstood the test of time magnificently. The design and execution of the monster effects are hideous.mind boggling and darkly humorous. Carpenters typically creeping camera work (in beautiful anamorphic widescreen) sucks you in and tantalises you, as does Ennio Morricone's pulsing score.

Kurt Russell is charismatic as ever and the rest of the cast do terrific work.

Ironically when released in '82, The Thing tanked mightily, got critically crucified for gross out effects and it's gallows atmoshpere. But it's important to remember that this was the summer of E.T and audiences weren't in the mood for this horrific paranoia thriller. In 82 the Thing was seen as gratuitous. In reality 'The Thing' was way ahead of it's time.

Now it can be admired for the terrific movie it is, showing the kind of suspense and creativity which seems to have deserted most big budget sci-fi and horror films these days.

The Universal Collectors DVD is the only way to discover this woefully under-appreciated movie. So grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, crank up the sub woofer, you wont be disappointed
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Roll (2004 TV Movie)
An absolute Travesty
25 November 2004
This ghastly Western Australian short film does nothing to dispel the opinion that Aussie film industry has never been in worse shape. Badly written, garishly shot and miscast to the max it's truly awful.

Ex WA actor Marcus Graham is badly out of sorts as a cop. He was so much better in the TV show 'Good guys Bad Guys'.

Plenty of resources were obviously poured into this effort, but with the script so bad and the visual style so off putting this film has little to recommend it.

Unfortunately the only good thing that can be said is the fact the producers managed to get this project off the ground. Oh and it has a nice credit sequence. On all other accounts it's a bit of an embarrassment for all concerned.
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Ned (2003)
3/10
Occasionally amusing but mostly flat low brow comedy
18 May 2003
With rich source material, Ned should be hilarious, but unfortunately distinct lack of belly laughs and wafer thin story ensure this falls into the mediocre comedy category-it's simply no where near funny enough. The cast is certainly energetic, particularly Felix Williamson, but biggest liability is Ned himself. Abe Forsythe is hammy,unfunny and not particularly ingratiating in the lead. Ned has some good production values from an obviously low budget- at least it didn't cost as much as 'Reckless Kelly' but even at a lean 90 mins it feels like a lot longer.

Rating: 4 out of 10
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