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Reviews
More American Graffiti (1979)
not quite the worst film I've ever seen, but close
Ok, so I knew that this film was going to be awful. I'd read the reviews and like everyone else, found the original to be one of the best. So, I forced myself to watch this sequel and tried to be as subjective as I could - but found myself spending more time manually closing my jaw and shaking my head that actually enjoying the film. The storyline (all three of them) is disjointed , the dialogue is juvenile and the acting is just awful. The Milner story at least has some decent drag cars and some eye candy in the shape of a blonde that doesn't even speak english. The debbie/freak/hippie story is just plain stupid. The vietnam story is the only thing that keeps you watching. Well, I managed to get through the film - but unless you (like me) get the curiosity bug - spend two hours trimming your toe nails - you'll get more enjoyment from it.
American Graffiti (1973)
A film that changed a generation
I know what you're thinking - a 10? yep, not for acting, not for story line, but for the feel good factor. As an impressionable young teenager, seeing this film for the first time changed my life. All of a sudden, I wanted to be like John Milner, I fell in love with hot cars, fast women and the romance that would come with it. So, I started listening to rock'n'roll, bought old cars and learned to fix them and quoted lines from this film to try and pick up girls.. Yep, sure was fun. Anyhow, if you've never seen this film, it is a lighthearted look at four friends last night in town before leaving for college. Some noteable performances from harrison ford and cindy williams. Ron Howard is at his best and the rest of the crew are wonderfully cast. The soundtrack is amazing and well thought out. I have no idea how many times I"ve watched this film, but can quote the whole thing :( So, grab a milkshake and some fries - sit back and enjoy a generational changing film.
Red Sparrow (2018)
There is probably a worse film that will come out this year... but I doubt it!
Wow, what a terrible film. Poor old Jennifer Lawrence, can sing, can't dance and can't act to save her life. To have to put on a Russian accent was just the final straw. Not only that, but her American drawl comes through it a lot of the time.
For some odd reason, the Director felt it necessary to parade Ms Lawrence body in every second scene. What ever happened to being discreet? It seems funny now how much of a rage Ms Lawrence went into when the naked photos of her found their way onto the Internet. Now I guess, she just doesn't care?
Anyhow, the plot is actually quite good and it does have quite a nice twist to the ending - just as well I wasn't asleep or would have missed it.
Charlotte played her role well - if not quite believable, Joel probably should stick to tap dancing - as he's good at that.
yep, 2018 still has failed to produce a jaw dropping film so far this year.
Move on - nothing to see here (well, nearly).
Logan (2017)
Nothing like previous X men films - bitterly disappointing
Perhaps my expectations were high, but I found this film very disappointing. The previous films in the x-men series had great acting, interesting story lines, and believable action. This film had shocking dialog, way too much swearing (not that i'm a prude, but it was totally out of character for all the actors) and took so long to get to the point, it became boring. Yes, there was action, but so far fetched it was terrible. Hugh Jackman is such a great actor, he must have felt pretty betrayed by this movie as it did him no favours at all. Still, if you're an x-men fan, you'll probably want to watch it as it will help with some closure, but don't expect too much.
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit (1956)
A "must watch' film
The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit is one of my top ten films of all time. Yes, it's that good. You may have to watch it twice to see everything going on in the film. The secret to watching this film is to put yourself back into the same date and time. Remind yourself of what 1950's America was like ten years after the war. How Men that had served in the War were supposed to act, behave and get on with their life. How Women whom had been so important during the war, has then had to go back to being housewives again. All of the above will help 'prepare' you to get the most out of this film. It is true of some films made so long ago that they become dated. Nothing could be further from the truth with this film. The struggle between reality, expectation, duty, honour and honesty all play their part. The chemistry between the characters is nothing short of perfect. Gregory Peck gives (in my opinion) his best performance of any film that I've seen him in. Jennifer Jones portrays the 50's housewife just brilliantly. Fredric March is one of the best character actors ever and he nails this part as well. The cinematography, use of light and colour is also first rate. Gregory Peck's character's use of dialogue is top notch and there are a lot of excellent scenes. As this film was made in 1957, there are a lot of things you have to work out for yourself and which could not be said (due to censorship rules) - but that makes the film all the more intriguing. There actually is not ONE bad actor in this film. Helen Hopkins is outstanding as the fragile wife of a powerful executive. Even the couple's children play their roles very well and right down to the housekeeper/Nanny who will make you laugh. I hope this recommendation helps your decision in viewing this film - as you'll be in for a very special treat. I guarantee you'll still be thinking/talking about it the next day !
A Stolen Life (1946)
an amazing time piece - much watch movie
I have lost count of how many times I've watched this wonderful film. Each time I get something from it and i believe it is Bette Davis best work - which is a big statement ! Viewers will be hypnotised by Bette's amazing performance and the filmography is truly amazing. To watch this film through modern eyes, you often find yourself trying to work out how the director and editor managed to get away with the 'two bette' film sequences. This is no evidence of 'lines' in the film, or murky backgrounds and if you didn't know it was the same women, you would really think they were twins. The story line is terrific, Glenn Ford (very young) fits the role perfectly and Dane Clark's performance is very direct and well played. There really is something for everyone in this film and a must watch.
Jason Bourne (2016)
worth a watch, but leaves you wondering
I can't remember being so eager to see a film in a long time! As it turns out, I ended up seeing this film twice in three days (as a birthday treat from my children!) which was great! I found the film very entertaining, however was left scratching my head at the end wondering what I had just watched. The story line was very weak compared to the previous films and although I am a great fan of Greengrass - found the over use of hand held cameras very annoying and really frustrating at times. There is no doubt Matt Damon carries this film. Julia Stiles is disappointing, Alicia Vikander totally unbelievable and Tommy Lee Jones (although a great actor) didn't get the best of lines. So, if you're a Bourne fan - it is worth a look, but probably not twice like I did :)