Mr.Meadows does is again. superb. classic Meadows film with loads of great quotable lines and funny dialogue, top notch acting and reservoir dogs esquire group strutting shots. oh yeah and another belting soundtrack - toots and Maytal's etc. you love Clayhill n all don't you Shane mate. is that a Smiths cover at the end? as with all his films there is a dark undertone and very very unstable characters. the dude who plays combo is so convincing but for me woody stole the show and of course the kid who plays Shaun nails it. its just great from start to finish, a cross between Kes, Quadraphonia and Made In Britain. i want that poster. i really hope that Shane keeps churning these films out and it is a travesty that the mainstream audience is completely ignorant of his work. real real gem of a film (as are his others). go and watch it. i gotta go now, there's this thing about aardvarks on t.v that i wanna record.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Dead Man's Shoes
(2004)
WHAT a film!
15 March 2005
I was already a huge fan of Meadows' work (A Room for Romeo Brass, 24/7) before going to watch this film and had extremely high hopes for it. Another reviewer hit the nail on the head when he said he was manipulated from the off with deep anxiety and anticipation. It recently came out to rent on DVD and I must have watched it about six or seven times now and loved every viewing and there are very few films that I can say that about. It is superb, if you have not seen it, don't read on, just go and watch it. It is obviously not technically the best film of all time, but I don't care what anyone says, it has become my second favourite film ever made, its that good. My reasons for loving it are probably very personal, so excuse my if you think I'm overrating it. I showed it to my mates though and they all loved it.
SPOILERS AHOY Its a dark, yes very dark film, but Meadows has a knack of using humour to ensure his work is never miserable or too depressing. The scene where Sonny accidentally shoots his mate in the head with a sniper rifle is gloriously farcical. I even had to chuckle during the scene where Richard shows Herbie the mangled body of Tuff because of Paddys fantastic acting- 'D'ya wanna give 'im kiss?', 'D'ya want me t' shut it? yeah', unbelievable. The drug scenes are some of the most realistic I've ever scene; whoever suggests they aren't needs to go out and drop some trips and say that again.
Just like all his films (except Once Upon A Time In The Midlands), the soundtrack is spot on. Perfect songs used with impeccable timing create a distinct, moody atmosphere. All the acting is fantastic (even the little kids at the end) the improvisation works a treat and you genuinely feel as if you know these characters, or have met them somewhere before.
I feel sorry for anyone who didn't like this film, you really are missing out. There's a few small continuity mistakes, but I only noticed them after watching it a few times and you've got to be a miserable git to let that spoil the experience. Shane and Paddy (if you're reading this), you are the best thing to happen to the British film industry since Loach, forget cockney gangsters. I can't wait for 'Le Donk'. 'thtweet boys and girth'. 11 out of 10 from me.
SPOILERS AHOY Its a dark, yes very dark film, but Meadows has a knack of using humour to ensure his work is never miserable or too depressing. The scene where Sonny accidentally shoots his mate in the head with a sniper rifle is gloriously farcical. I even had to chuckle during the scene where Richard shows Herbie the mangled body of Tuff because of Paddys fantastic acting- 'D'ya wanna give 'im kiss?', 'D'ya want me t' shut it? yeah', unbelievable. The drug scenes are some of the most realistic I've ever scene; whoever suggests they aren't needs to go out and drop some trips and say that again.
Just like all his films (except Once Upon A Time In The Midlands), the soundtrack is spot on. Perfect songs used with impeccable timing create a distinct, moody atmosphere. All the acting is fantastic (even the little kids at the end) the improvisation works a treat and you genuinely feel as if you know these characters, or have met them somewhere before.
I feel sorry for anyone who didn't like this film, you really are missing out. There's a few small continuity mistakes, but I only noticed them after watching it a few times and you've got to be a miserable git to let that spoil the experience. Shane and Paddy (if you're reading this), you are the best thing to happen to the British film industry since Loach, forget cockney gangsters. I can't wait for 'Le Donk'. 'thtweet boys and girth'. 11 out of 10 from me.
Spectacle. Hats off to Mr.Jackson
7 January 2005
I feel sorry for people who didn't enjoy this film and found it boring. Where is your imagination? I am familiar with the books, I read them when I was young and was mesmerised by them, still am, and I've always wanted to see middle earth rather than just imagine it. It shocks me to read that people couldn't be bothered with the other two after watching this and then complain that it is unfinished. Thats like reading the first chapter of a book and then moaning that you don't find out what happens. The trilogy is one story, not three separate ones. Tolkien wrote it as one and was told after to split it into three parts as most people couldn't handle such an epic tale in one sitting.
I wouldn't put it up there with the best films of all time, but its easily the best fantasy tale ever told, if you ask me. I didn't mind bits being left out from the book as I can see why they were left out- staying immaculately true to the book would have resulted in a film that would take years to watch. what i really liked was the mood and atmosphere that was created- classic Tolkien and nearly spot on to my personal images of middle earth and its characters and scenery.
McKellen, Lee, Astin, Weaving and Blanchett nailed it and the wardrobe , effects and artwork were perfect. I have certain reservations about the script, it got a little corny in parts and I'm sorry but i don't like Elija Wood, they could have found someone miles better, his lines seem so forced, overacted and hes far too serious for what Frodo is supposed to be like, but he looks the part, ill give him that.
Peter Jackson, its a triumph mate. You deserve all the credit you get. Now all you've got to do is make the Hobbit. 8.8 out of 10.
I wouldn't put it up there with the best films of all time, but its easily the best fantasy tale ever told, if you ask me. I didn't mind bits being left out from the book as I can see why they were left out- staying immaculately true to the book would have resulted in a film that would take years to watch. what i really liked was the mood and atmosphere that was created- classic Tolkien and nearly spot on to my personal images of middle earth and its characters and scenery.
McKellen, Lee, Astin, Weaving and Blanchett nailed it and the wardrobe , effects and artwork were perfect. I have certain reservations about the script, it got a little corny in parts and I'm sorry but i don't like Elija Wood, they could have found someone miles better, his lines seem so forced, overacted and hes far too serious for what Frodo is supposed to be like, but he looks the part, ill give him that.
Peter Jackson, its a triumph mate. You deserve all the credit you get. Now all you've got to do is make the Hobbit. 8.8 out of 10.
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