Harlekwin_UK Reviews

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Many twists and turns superbly done

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

This is an all time favourite!

Almost any discussion with any detail risks spoilers so let's keep it generic if we can.

It won two Academy Awards (Original Screenplay, Supporting Actor) and it is easy to see why.

During interrogation Verbal Kint (Kevin Spacey) tells the story of how five normally solo criminals are lured into a plot by a criminal mastermind.

As the plot unfolds via many twists and turns the audience are driven on with these five to an amazing and much admired final twist.

Each of the characters gets a clear moment to show more of what they are about. And the set piece "major event" is shown from so many perspectives - superb.

Oh, and have a go to at deciphering (the great) Pete Postlethwaite's accent!

Gosford Park (2001)

Watch once but you're unlikely to keep coming back again and again

[6/10 · 31 May 2024]

Odd movie, this. Should be great but doesn't quite make it.

It won an Academy Awars (Original Screenplay) but the plot seems, well, empty at times. Hard to put my finger on it.

As guests arrive for a weekend shoot at the invite of Sir William (Michael Gambon) and Lady Sylvia (Kristin Scott Thomas) McCardle, the relationships and and histories of the group come to the forefront as they face up to their positions in life.

Some of the comedy, though gentle is well done and Maggie Smith tends to run with the subject she is given.

It's very well done and very well acted but missing just a dab of something.

Things to look out for: that marmalade, stolen shoes and Stephen Fry as Inspector Thompson

If you like Downton Abbey, also written by Julian Fellows, you'll like Gosford Park.

Thelma & Louise (1991)

Well constructed, empathic play on the human condition

[7/10 · 31 May 2024]

How a disturbing crime and boring, unfulfilled lives bring about a tragic and yet life affirming series of events.

It won an Academy Award (Screenplay written directly for screen) and the plot is good and played well by the two leads.

Two unhappy, unfullfilled women yearn for a break from the ties that seem to be strangling the life from them. A short weekend getaway, however, changes lives forever.

After shooting a rapist the two women go on the run and hit the road.

Things to look out for: Harvey Keitel, strong as ever; Christopher McDonald's utterly unsympathetic Darryl (Thelma's husband); the final decision of the women.

Special Edition DVD has excellent extras and a good booklet.

Miss Potter (2006)

Heart warming and quirky in places, something of a bitter-sweet story

[7/10 · 31 May 2024]

The story of how the talents of Beatrix Potter were recognised and published and became loved by so, so many.

The movie concentrates on those early years with an emphasis on the romance between Potter and publisher (Ewan McGregor).

Clearly unhappy with the social climbing aspirations predominating her life (courtesy of her parents) Potter's childhood talent for telling tells of wilful rabbits and proud ducks offers a way of possibly finding true independence; a rare thing for a woman in Edwardian England.

Things to look out for:the sadness that comes with this story; the interactions between Potter and the creatures of her imagination; the recurring musical melodies, offering a lovely backdrop to the tale.

Ratatouille (2007)

excellent family animation, as ever from Pixar, this movie also doesn't shy away from the inevitable results of having a rat run a restaurant

[8/10 · 31 May 2024]

As young 'garbage boy' Linguini is just about to ruin a meal in a once great restaurant his mistake is turned on its head by a hidden but talented new chef, making the meal a huge success. The big story here is that this Guardian Angel is no other than Remy, the rat.

From here we have the premise, along with a little romance and masses of comic relief (Emile, Remy's friend for example).

With health inspectors, food critics, disapproving and jealous chefs, Remy and Linguini have a tough road ahead.

Things to look out for:as ever with Pixar one trick is finding John Ratzenburger, a discussion on fine dining between rats, Linguini being controlled by Remy like a string puppet.

DVD extras in the collectors edition include deleted scenes and the short "Lifted"

Tootsie (1982)

Simply watch and enjoy, one of the best comedies

[10/10 · 31 May 2024]

There are a few movies we keep returning to, playing them many times a year. These are almost always uplifting, humorous pieces that cheer us up. This is just such movie for me.

Includes an Academy Award winning performance by Jessica Lange (best supporting actress) as Julie but the entire cast are just excellent; Teri Garr is wonderfully over-the-top. Indeed, it is this film's misfortune to be up against Ghandi in the awards otherwise it would certainly have won more of its 10 nominations. Certainly Dustin Hoffman should have special recognition. Superb.

Michael is a professional actor with a wealth of experience and obvious talent but has built up a reputation that leads to his agent informing him that no one will hire him.

As desperation takes hold he decides to try for a female lead in a soap opera and is, even to his surprise, cast. So 'Dorothy' is born.

The various cross-dressing humour leads this movie down some extremely well constructed and played scenarios. For Michael the primary issue is his budding love for a female cast member, who thinks he is, of course, a woman.

The surreal nature of Michael's existence and the reality of the world inhabited by Julie (said love interest) play well against each other.

Michael's desperation though affects all around him as he has to try harder and harder to maintain the illusion yet desperately wants just one person to know the truth.

A movie that will keep you giggling and laughing out loud, no matter how many times you watch it.

Things to look out for: far too many highlights to mention them all; Bill Murray is outstanding; Julie's poor father; 'Dorothy' shaving; Michael's discussion with his agent about playing a tomato; the 'reveal'.

Dr. No (1962)

Wonderful action/thiller not over exaggerated in any particular direction, enjoyable spy thiller

[7/10 · 31 May 2024]

On the seventh day of the year, what else could it be?

Bond's first outing for United Artists/MGM is a true classic and enjoyable throughout.

This is pure magical cinema, built for no other reason than to entertain.

Ian Fleming's hero, James Bond(Sean Connery), and the world in which he inhabits are brought to life so well that over twenty other movies (some only loosely based on the original source material) and five decades later it's still going strong.

James Bond is sent to investigate the disappearance of another British spy in Jamaica. Through his investigations he learns of a plot to dominate the world via the space programme (a recurring theme in Bond movies). Along the way he'll meet double agents, CIA operatives, megalomaniacs and of course those lovely ladies.

The sense of fun and menace of the lead are here laid out as a future blueprint for the rest of the series.

Things to look out for:Honey's beach scene, The very opening (setting the stage for the investigation), the mechanical dragon.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Very funny animated action, beautifully rendered

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

Animated movies rarely hit these kind of heights. This is where Pixar showed they are not a one trick pony.

In a world where the Monster in the Cupboard is not only real but just the tip of the iceberg, the monsters too have their own world, full of life's ups and downs.

The movie follows two work colleagues and close friends as they slowly unravel the world around them, finding treachery and danger along the way.

Monsters power their world by collecting screams from human children and processing them into electricity (ish). The trick is doing this without letting the children touch you, as children are toxic to monsters!

When a small child finds its way into the monsters' world, it's a race aghast time to get the girl home.

Sound spooky? Well no. This is a wonderful, wonderful comedy that just makes you laugh over and over again. Sulley is the best scarer in the power plant and Mike is his Assistant. Each child's bedroom is accessed via a unique Door. One of the best animated comedies ever.

As the race to get the child, Boo, back to her own Door takes more and more hysterical turns and leads to the two monster friends uncovering a conspiracy in their own ranks.

Things to look out for:Harryhausen's restaurant, a monster changing camouflage every time it's punched, spotting (again) John Ratzenburger, don't eat yellow snow, code 2319, the 'outtakes'.

The Collector's Edition is exceptional and utterly crammed with goodies including Mike's New Car & For The Birds.

The Prestige (2006)

Although there are humorous moments in this movie it is a tense and powerful mystery thriller, an on the edge of your seats ride

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

One of those rare events in the modern age of cinema, a truly original tale. Wonderful story played out by a top notch cast.

Very simply the story of two colleagues learning their arts in the Magicians circle and the personal feuds that develop almost at the same rate as their meteoric careers.

Vying constantly to out do each other and even steal the secrets behind the tricks. Each magician is constantly raising the stakes.

But who will stop first and by that time who will have lost. Putting reputations, fortunes, friends and even their closest family at risk perhaps this story can have no happy ending - for anyone.

Things to look out for:beautiful performances of Michael Caine and Rebecca Hall, more-than-a-cameo by David Bowie as the misunderstood and pivotal Tesla, that wonderful Reveal, many twists and turns.

Down with Love (2003)

Very funny take on relationships in an evolving world, closing song

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

Upbeat comedy of the battle of the sexes. Charming, wonderful fun. Think Doris Day and Rock Hudson and you wont be far off.

The story revolves around the efforts of a feminist author to get her book published and a playboy journalists attempts to defrock her as no different from any other woman.

The comedy is beautifully presented and a wonderfully harmonious soundtrack catches the era with ease, allowing the viewer to be submerged in this outlandish world of double meanings, playboys and men about town.

Things to look out for: strong leads from Renée Zellweger and Ewen McGregor, David Hyde Pierce's gloriously lost Peter, the telephone sex, all that gloriously evocative music, some unbelievable twists, Catcher Block inventing the astronaut Zip Martin, Barbara Novak's book going on sale around the world, The Board at the publishers, some wonderful speeches based on the names of the various magazines.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Beautiful acting in a funny and emotional story

[8/10 · 31 May 2024]

Strong drama revolving about two brothers coming to know each other after the death of their father.

The Academy Award winning performance of Dustin Hoffman (Actor in a leading role) plays so well against what is easily Tom Cruise's finest moment to date that this move sucks you in and tears you apart as the humour and the emotion flow during this journey for two brothers, one of whom had no idea of the existence of the other, who is autistic. The treatment of the condition seems to be dealt with well and with care.

Things to look out for: card counting, tooth pick counting, Raymond driving a sports car.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Emotional roller-coaster, at times very funny and sad, wonderful effects

[8/10 · 31 May 2024]

When a furiously strong love comes to an end how do you cope? Try to forget? What if you could forget the whole relationship? What if you change your mind?

This is another one of those movies that start with a SciFi premise but simply aren't SciFi, in this case it's a Romantic Drama. Also yet another Academy Award winning movie (Original Screenplay) with a cast that play out the story magnificently.

When Clementine's relationship with Joel ends she decides to have all memory of it removed, a process invented by the Lacuna company. When Joel finds this out he decides that the memories are too painful for him also and elects to have the procedure.

Whilst going through the process however, Joel changes his mind (realising he still loves Clementine) and starts fighting the deletions. As his subconscious moves from memory to memory trying to protect what it knows of Clementine the story of their relationship unfolds. Things get more complicated by real worlds events around him though and Lacuna's future also hangs in the balance.

Wonderfully written and presented, the only odd note is that any company, like Lacuna, with such a powerful product would be run in such a shoddy fashion. Perhaps it's explained in there somewhere. Kate Winslet and Jim Carey are ably supported by their co-stars.

Things to look out for: Clementine's hair, the destruction of each memory, baby Joel under the table, DVD includes and advert for Lacuna.

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

Beautiful scenery and excellent acting play well through a very funny script

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

Comedy which has won the hearts of many and become one of the most loved westerns of all time.

The Academy Award winning story are given life and vitality by an outstanding cast at the height of their careers. Robert Redford and Paul Newman are pure cinema dynamite, in this case literally!

Two of histories most famous outlaws are given kindly treatment in this superb and extremely funny comedy, following them from disastrous robberies to their Bolivian escape and within a moment of the end of their lives. The beautiful American backdrops themselves almost become part of the cast as the journey, either to rob someone or escape from someone. As their attempts to live an "easy" life disintegrate, usually in a numerous fashion, the two bond every closer even with the girlfriend of one tagging along for the ride.

Only strange note is the lovely but incongruous "raindrops keep falling on my head", itself an Academy Award winner, odd check but popular.

The entire movie probably extremely inaccurate, historically speaking, but you won't care one jot!

Things to look out for: bicycle, dynamite, some beautifully delivered lines, scenery (did I mention that?)

Casablanca (1942)

Romantic and tragic drama

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

The last free port and the last ticket out for so many is a place of dreams, scandal, bribery and murder!

1942, Rick (Humphrey Bogart) man with a complicated past runs a bar in Casablanca where everything is for sale, even freedom, as long as Rick doesn't have to put his neck on the line.

With resistance leaders, mercenaries and the Reich all vying for Rick's favours life only becomes more complicated with the arrival of Rick's ex-lover - Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman).

A hard choice between personal happiness or countless lives creates such tension that in some way you know there can be no happy ending.

Not for everyone.

Classic and beautiful movie, with a love story that just brings you back time and time again. Beautiful.

It is easy to see how the movie won three Academy Awards (Picture, Director & Screenplay).

Things to look out for: you must remember this, nice flashback, Peter Lorre is superb, Dooley Wilson as Sam.

Marathon Man (1976)

Disturbing and powerful drama superbly played

[10/10 · 31 May 2024]

Is it safe?

Not to watch this movie if you don't like the dentist.

When his brother is murdered a university student is drawn into the dangerous and lethal games and intrigues of a Nazi fugitive, those trying to catch him and those trying to aid him.

The script is astonishing and the naive student against the weathered criminal is so powerfully and believed played that the movie is all the more disturbing in places.

Things to look out for: obviously the dental torture, superbly chilling Laurence Olivier, brotherly love (or is it interference?), trying to figure out the good guys from the bad (or is it just shades of grey?)

Johnny English (2003)

Entertaining spoof with proper production values

[31 May 2024]

After an explosion kills every active agent in MI5, the last trained spy Britain has is the inept and bumbling Johnny English or is he simply unlucky?

Left in charge of the Nation's security, Johnny (Rowan Atkinson) must learn fast. When the Crown Jewels are stolen from right under his nose the trail leads him time and time again to a French entrepreneur (John Malkovich). Unable to convince his superiors he must risk all to gain the evidence he needs.

Career, life, Her Majesty and even his Aston Martin are at stake.

An entertaining spoof on the spy thriller genre with both heart and real production values. Proper gadgets, laugh out loud humour and a preposterous plot, Johnny English is almost certainly the best movie based on an advertisement.

Things to look out for: so many bumbling mistakes by the hero, Natalie Imbruglia as the mysterious beautiful woman who just keeps cropping up, marvellously over-the-top John Malkovich, lovely gadgets, of course Rowan Atkinson is superb as our eponymous hero.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Entertaining enough but Pierce Brosnan cannot sing (at all) but wins a Razzie, keeps the 'better half' happy

[7/10 · 31 May 2024]

Who's the daddy? With music!

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) wants her father to give her away at her impending marriage but this is a topic that simply cannot be broached with her mother, Donna (Meryl Streep).

Using Donna's diary for inspiration she contacts the three most likely and invites them all to the wedding.

As they arrive, cue the fun, interrogations and (of course) the music!

Based on the massive stage hit, Mamma Mia! Is quite a lot of fun. It is without doubt a Chick Flick but has enough (honest and accidental) humour to keep most men at least awake.

The musical numbers are well staged, if not always well sung and the acting is good if tongue in cheek stuff.

Things to look out for: Pierce Brosnan sings (not), some of the big musical pieces are excellent, setting is beautiful.

Enemy of the State (1998)

Excellent, superbly drawn thriller for the '90 distrust of all things Government

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

It's not paranoia if they're really after you! (Good tag line is just the beginning...)

Lawyer,Robert Clayton Dean's (Will Smith) life starts to disintegrate around him when he is the unwitting recipient of a secret film showing the assassination of a US Congressman (good cameo by Stuart Wilson). Suddenly the full technical might of the NSA are unleashed against him.

The high tech game begins as Dean tries to find out why his professional and personal life have been savaged. He'll need the help of all his friends and even the mysterious "Brill", a contact he uses in his work through a third party, his ex-mistress (Lisa Bonet), if he is to clear him name. Dean being framed for murder turns the game nasty.

Excellent thriller in the style of Three days of the Condor or The 39 Steps.

Will Smith plays excellently against the huge Hollywood names of Jon Voight and Gene Hackman.

Things to look out for: underwear shopping, "Brill" destroying his home, two superb thugs, good performance by Regina King as Dean's suffering wife, lots of twists and turns, lovely surveillance tech, Jack Black at the start of his rise to stardom.

Sphere (1998)

Good effects, some seriously creep scenes, a wonderful descent into madness

[8/10 · 30 May 2024]

In the deepest ocean, finding an impossible alien craft, a First Contact team find that their biggest problem is their own imaginations.

An elite and broad team of scientists are drawn together by the US government in order to investigate an alien artefact but as a storm high above their heads disrupts all communication with the surface the isolation seems to get the better of them.

The strange, alien ship is only the beginning though as inside there are bigger mysteries and, of course, the Sphere!

Based on Michael (Jurassic Park) Crichton's novel and not a bad adaptation. Hard to describe the movie too much without giving away salient details. Good SciFi - watch and enjoy.

Things to look out for: special effect are excellent throughout, Queen Latifah has an excellent pivotal role, Page 87!, paranoia, squid, jellyfish.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

wonderful comedy - hilarious even

[10/10 · 30 May 2024]

How do two unemployed guys escape the clutches of the Chicago gangs? Why, maybe them dames ain't dame?

After witnessing a gangster related murder, two musicians(Tony Curtis & Jack Lemmon) are forced to get out of Chicago in a hurry. The only plan that presents itself is to join a travelling jazz band. The only trouble is, it's an all-girl band!

Cue "Josephine" and "Geraldine" or is that "Daphne"? Trouble really starts when romance rears for "Josephine" with Sugar (Marilyn Monroe). Trouble is, how can he tell her he's a he and keep up the ruse?

Playing the dame gets very tricky, from close quarters in dormitory, to potential (male) suitors, life is very confusing for the two men on the run from the mob.

Things just get worse when the gangsters turn up once again, by pure chance, and they haven't forgotten the two witnesses...

Things to look out for: some wonderful quotable lines - far too many to mention, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are excellent - even as women, bicycles, reverse only, the script is played out by two of the greatest cinema actors ever, gangsters played grittily and contrast well with the humour of the situation, last lines are pure cinema magic.

The DVD has a good documentary on how difficult the filming was.

Dangerous Days: Making Blade Runner (2007 Video)

Doesn't seem to hold back with the difficult topics

[9/10 · 30 May 2024]

Making a movie can't be that fraught, surely? It would appear it can, even a glorious SciFi opus!

Blade Runner is one of the most iconic and beautiful SciFi movies ever made but the production is notoriously difficult.

This documentary gets everyone involved discussing openly, apparently at least, their involvement and the various trials and tribulations.

Everything about the original production is discussed from budget and financial pressures to in depth technical details on special effects and directing.

Writers, director, producers, actors and even the crew speak about everything from script changes, number of takes, falling behind schedule, casting, lighting and ,well, everything!

A little sad to be reminded that Brion James passed away in 1999.

On the whole though the viewer will find this insight into making classic cinema refreshing.

Things to look out for: the tee-shirt war, script changes, beautiful production setups, nice to see the producers get their say, deleted and unfilmed scenes.

Wonderful insights into a type of film making that was pioneering at the time.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

definitely a date movie or chick flick, it has enough (just) humour to keep a Gent interested

[6/10 · 30 May 2024]

Friends & Sex?

Can a man and woman still be friends if they have sex or is the relationship ruined from that moment forward?

During a long car trip Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) discuss this without coming to any real conclusion.

Over the next eleven years the meet time and time again, passing through their own lives and relationship fairly unsuccessfully. With their friendship something they both now cherish, they both start to realise they have real feelings for each other. Now that question of whether they can be romantic and friends becomes a solid, important question rather than a friends' hypothetical discussion.

Things to look out for: two friends traversing life together yet not, Carrie Fisher, some lively discussions on relationships between trusting friends, one of Meg Ryan's best performances

Plus Carrie Fisher, and the 'How Harry met Sally' DVD extra is the best named yet surely?,

ok but..., oh & did I mention Carrie Fisher???

Night at the Museum (2006)

beautifully rendered fantasy, all the varied exhibits you find in a museum brought to life, very funny stuff

[9/10 · 30 May 2024]

Museums, where history comes to life!

Inventor Larry (Ben Stiller) just needs a bit of luck. Divorced and desperate to stay in contact with his son, rejected/sacked from so many jobs the employment agency can't find him anything, he's forced to try for a job that everyone else who's been interviewed for has been rejected for.

Night watchman at the museum.

But he gets the job.

However, when the retiring guards (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs) give him a very peculiar instruction manual, Larry isn't as attentive as he should be.

Later,as the sun sets and his first shift begins, Larry discovers all the exhibitions spring to life.

Rex the dinosaur is the least of his troubles as lions, cavemen, the Holy Roman Empire and one very mischievous monkey all conspire to make the new guards life hell.

Then - things just get worse...

Wonderful slapstick comedy as well as more thought through pieces that makes you feel for all the characters. The special effect are obviously what make this movie the success it is but the acting is superb. The exception is Ricky Gervais who very nearly ruins the film. Luckily he is off screen enough to be ignored. Steve Coogan's Centurion however is wonderfully played against Owen Wilson's cowboy.

Things to look out for: loads of special effects magic, living dinosaur skeleton, miniature cowboys, Incas and Soldiers, that darn monkey, beautifully funny turns by the three greats (Dick Van Dyke, Mickey Rooney, Bill Cobbs), the Clicker, Robin Williams is superb, playing with fire, 'gum-gum', 'unleash hell'.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Fantastic, funny, sad, scary children's cinematic magic

[9/10 · 30 May 2024]

A car that flies! Your fine four fendered friend!

Inventor Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) uses his skills to repair a delay dilapidated old racing car to its former glory but can't resist adding some "enhancements" of his own.

As the flying, floating, fabulous Chitty sparks up and sparks the lives of those around her, it seems the car has a life of it's own.

The flying car though soon brings villains and spies to the Potts household and with Grandad(Lionel Jeffries) kidnapped, there is no choice but to follow with the one-off-wonder and drive to the rescue.

Wonderful effects for the time that seem, somehow, to be lasting in today's CGI cinema experience are just the beginning of this adventure. Led magnificently by Dick Van Dyke the cast draw the viewer 100% into their world.

Based on the book by, bizarrely, Ian Fleming the story is so well done that it is now a stage sensation also!

Things to look out for: one of the screen scariest children's villains - the Child Catcher, Benny Hill's toy maker, the beautiful "Doll on a Music Box", "Hushabye Mountain" lullabye.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Movie fantasy at its best, children love it still

[10/10 · 30 May 2024]

We're off to see the Wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz! Yeah!

Dorothy (Judy Garland) escapes her dull farm life when she is swept away in a tornado. Arriving in the magical land of Oz, Dorothy soon realises that though all she ever wanted was excitement and adventure, all she loves and craves and longs for is to be home, with her family Accompanied by three very strange companions, Dorothy start across Oz to find a wizard (Frank Morgan) who should be able to help her find her way home. Unfortunately a Wicked Witch (Margaret Hamilton) is pulling out all the stops to get Dorothy's Ruby Slippers - which were given to her when she killed another Wicked Witch, by accident.

An absolute and wonderful classic. Superbly accessible and very very funny this is a movie that just keeps giving. Not timeless but just beautiful to watch. The transition from Kansas to Oz is very well handled.

Based on the books by Frank Baum the movie is a mish-mash of several stories but is so well done you don't care. It was done well enough to win to be nominated for the Best Picture Academy award and won Best Original Score and Best Original Song, for "Over the Rainbow". Of course has spawned the stage sensation Wicked!

Things to look out for: Bert Lahr's Lion "stick em up", Margaret Hamilton's Wicked Witch, the Lollipop Guild, wonderful songs, "over the rainbow", Toto, "Follow the yellow brick road".

The DVD is stuffed full of very good extras.