fiddle01 Reviews

The Sweeney (1975–1978)

Blinding TV

[18 July 2005]

I was amazed recently when watching a television programme on a debate about good TV and The Sweeney was completely slated!! The content in those episodes is as fresh today as it were then and the violent feel throughout most instalments has some how become more menacing as time as moved on. You see this series is about real Brut swilling Coppers who new exactly how to wear their bell bottoms. This series was about as good as it gets and I would go as far to say that after this and The Proffesionals latter police style programmes look plain. Dated maybe but like a fine rolls Royce...never out of fashion for those who are lucky enough to see one.

Call Me Genius (1961)

A witty and funny film!

[8/10 · 28 February 2005]

For anybody with a love for Handcock this film is a must see. For those who really know Handcock it is also a farewell as in many ways it could be seen as his last true work? Coming at a time when Handcock was desperately trying to re-invent himself and re mould his style whilst fighting off the blackness of depression the film is a mixture of hope and sadness. If you look behind the laughter and mirth you can see Hancock as he really is - a one of genius never to be repeated. Hancock plays a struggling artist who leaves his London office job to seek his fame and fortune in Paris. Look for the great line between himself and his Landlady Mrs Cravat when Hancock exclaims "Its a self portrait" Mrs Cravat looks and him and asks "Of who?" Handcock is at the end of his line "Who do you think Laurel and Hardy" Lol The film has the usuall Galton and Simpson tight story line and the action is very funny. In my opinion a film which in ever way is on a par with the carry on style genre. Enjoy you wont see the likes of Tony again!

Nosferatu (1922)

Please wash your neck I'm a vampire!

[10/10 · 28 February 2005]

Well as far as the horror genre is concerned then this film is just about as close to a classic as we may get. A truly original and inspired take on the whole Dracula thing. What makes this film even more weird is that it is silent but still works. The sets are out of this world with doors and windows at odd angles to each other and of weird and wonderful design and the vampire monster is truly horrific. I just wonder what these guys would have done with todays technology cause in a nut shell this film raises more hairs than most of your more modern vampire flicks out together. Creepy shadows abound as our young hero falls more and more into the grasp of Nosferatu. Its a must see for any horror fan as their is something to be said for going back in time to look forward. This film is undiluted, contains none of the usual normalities that tend to dog down modern horror and whats more the state of the art special effects (1922) style take some beating. Do those doors really open that way?

Pumpkinhead (1988)

Fast Paced Gripping Horror

[6/10 · 28 February 2005]

Well you may have seen it all before? You know the old bunch of kids idea in a log cabin being attacked by a nasty monster? Yeah you may have seen it all - but this film ranks one of the better amongst them. Shot in a eerie location and subtle (no words wasted) story line, the action is fast but simple. A kid gets killed by a group of no good bikers and it just so happens that the kids old man knows a wicked witch who can unleash his own demon in the form of pumpkin head. If you enjoy original looking monsters and plenty of gore then this is your film. Enjoy the story, revel in the horror and who knows maybe you will also find your pupmkin head!

Straw Dogs (1971)

Watch This One...its for real!!

[10/10 · 20 October 2004]

OK..So for some it would seem Straw Dogs doesn't hit the nerve, and I understand that in someways. After all Straw Dogs is indeed Hofmans least known work..but why? Well the film was banned for many years due to its sexual content and somewhat violent ending. In order to really enjoy this film you have to remove your 21st century brain and place yourself in the context of the early 70s. Watch the film with care and you will see so many tried and tested film making methods that you will soon lose count, but thats the point. Old hat now, but as fresh as a daisy then. Sure the film lacks some of the pace that by methodology we have come to accept as the recognized bench mark for a good movie. But again onto my next point..the film doers not meet the recognized standard but rather creates its own ideal. The pace being weighted to capture the mood.

So add all the above up and whats my summary.

Straw Dogs was for its time unique and became the setting for so many latter films. The violence in this movie is not only felt from the outside but also the inside. The movie is a one of and unique exploration into human relationships and the powers that make us what we are.