drew-121 Reviews

NCIS: Grace Period (2007) Season 4, Episode 19

You Got Me

[9/10 · 15 August 2007]

This is a great series, the acting is spot on, the chemistry between the characters is super and I would be hard pressed to ever knock the story. But this week, this episode - you got me! I wont give away the ending but I was speechless - fantastic episode and really underlining just why NCIS keeps rolling along.

As this season moves towards its climax, I hope the powers that be will be thinking about the next series and making sure that the quality of the writing and directing stays top notch - because NCIS deserves to run and run.

This episode alone has made me want to buy the box set of all back episodes and sit through them all again.

Housewife, 49 (2005 TV Movie)

A Treasure

[9/10 · 31 December 2006]

As a long time fan of Ms Wood, I was very happy to watch this sojourn into the drama world. The writing contained her usual naturalistic flow, the evocation of 1940's Barrow was superb and the journey portrayed by Ms Wood as Ella was totally believable.

The subtle way in which she dealt with such issues as those raised by her son Cliff was heartening and again true of the period. Her grasp of the historical perspective, the way families lived and coped with the war was so very true and at the end of the film I was left with a sense of having witnessed real life not a drama.

Great acting from David Threlfall and Stephanie Cole.

The best thing on TV over Christmas by far!

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

Was it better than the original?

[7/10 · 20 January 2005]

Whenever a film gets the modern treatment, the use of the technical can destroy the spirit of the acting - I think that happens with this remake.

I found the film thrilling and scary but not as scary as I thought it should be.

The performances are fine but I just didn't care if they lived or died, with the exception of the dog of course! I found the ending rather predictable too and would have preferred less definition - let the viewer decide.

I now await the next instalment of the zombie film genre and hope that they put more effort into making the characters come to life (pardon the pun).

7 out of 10 but had the potential to score 8 or 9.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Not What I Expected (SPOILERS)

[8/10 · 24 January 2004]

I hadn't read the book and had very little understanding of the storyline to this movie, but I went along to see it after hearing that the opening scenes rivalled Private Ryan. The opening battle scene was quite gruesome and brought home the true horror of a war fought on land that belonged to all of the participants, and which ran red with their blood. When the battle was over it was time for the real story to unfold, the real story, not of war or desertion or slavery but a story of love and journeys. Jude Law as Inman, makes a long and treacherous physical journey back to the arms of his soul mate whilst she makes a journey from somewhat spoilt and superficial girl to strong determined womanhood. There are many that will rail against the historical inaccuracies, and the script, and the acting - but the story was well told.

Bravura performance from Ms Zellweger and excellent support from Brendan Gleason, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Hunnam and the wonderful yet still underated Kathy Baker. Ms Kidman and Mr Law are just a little too pretty for me, but the audience seemed to like them and cried alot at the end. 8/10 and a good effort from Mr Minghella, who but for Peter Jackson would certainly be taking home an Oscar.

The Last Debate (2000 TV Movie)

Missing The Point

[8/10 · 15 December 2003]

When watching films set around the world of US politics, us Britishers are sometimes a little non plussed by the way the system works there. Films like this make me realise that politics and the media are made for each other and the relationship that has grown up around these two massive institutions has become so powerful as to make each organisation totally reliant upon the other - it is symbiotic if not parasitic.

Congratulations to the makers of this film, they point out, as did the original book, the dangers that lie ahead. Satire is a great tool and is not used enough in US movies, Michael Moore is doing his bit I suppose, but generally we are fed a bland diet. Thanks for this touch of spice.

James Garner, superb and restrained in his acting. John Badham, didn't try to 'Hollywood' the movie. And for those who didnt like it, well you are probably part of the problem.

Killer Flood: The Day the Dam Broke (2003 TV Movie)

Killer Flood - The day my patience broke! (SPOILERS)

[3/10 · 7 July 2003]

What a dreadful movie. The effects were poor, especially by todays standards, but that was forgivable. What was unforgivable was the terrible rehashing of every flood/dam breaks disaster movie ever made into this piece of trash. The acting was awful and I mean AWFUL. The point in the story where Michelle Green stops to rescue a dog from the approaching torrent was hilarious. They see the water approaching and run for their lives. (By the way they had to find a very old fat dog so as to not make Ms Green look to unfit). They manage to outpace the water for some time before taking refuge. What speed! Later, a speeding car is not fast enough to escape the torrent. God, she and that dog did run fast! If you want to watch a good movie about a dam breaking - this isn't it. Porchlight Entertainment turn out some good family films but this time they just missed the mark.

The Boys of Sunset Ridge (2001)

A film that tells a story

[7/10 · 7 July 2003]

I sat down to watch this film because I like golf and I thought it would be an easy way to pass 90 mins. What surprised me is that I enjoyed the film greatly. The cast of well known supporting stars took the chance to create a wonderful piece of work. The story was easy to follow and actually made sense, the feelings expressed about friendship and renewal were sentimental but not overplayed - it was just a nice piece of film making. As a fully paid up member of the "men don't cry in public" club - this was only one of very few occasions when a film moved me to tears. More films like this and I will be forced to resign from the club!

The Elevator (1974 TV Movie)

The No Disaster - Disaster Movie

[5/10 · 23 April 2003]

This film could not be more of its era. Old movie stars, good character actors and some unknowns locked in a lift. The problem is that you just know the lift cannot fall and therefore there is no suspense. Good work as usual from Roddy McDowell. Perhaps there is a challenge here for Joel Silver or Scott Rudin, remake this film and make it exciting.

Haunted (1995)

No frights in this frightful movie.

[6/10 · 16 October 2002]

This had the potential to be a great film as it was based on a great story, but it didn't come out that way.

The film did not contain any of the suspense or chills of the book and in fact was not scary at all.

Shame really, because Aiden Quinn and Miss Beckinsale could do better and Lewis Gilbert certainly has done better.

The Music Man (1962)

Great Musical

[8/10 · 6 October 2002]

One of the best musicals of the period.

Great songs and great performances from Preston and Jones.

The supporting cast were fab too. Mary Wickes is a particular favourite of mine as is Paul Ford.

I always end up with a smile on my face after watching this film.

The Alphabet Murders (1965)

Spoof?

[4/10 · 15 August 2002]

Bloody awful film, save for Robert Morley.

We are asked to treat this film as a spoof. No. Murder By Death is a spoof, this is just a bad bad bad film.

The Tony Randall portrayal of Poirot was miserable and he couldn't even maintain the accent. And we all know that Poirot is Belgian, he tells us often enough, so why were we bombarded with the frenchesque soundtrack?

4D Man (1959)

Terrible

[4/10 · 9 August 2002]

One of the worst films of it's genre.

The only bright spots were Lee Merriwether showing some of the sparkle she would later bring to the Time Tunnel and Batman.

A young Patty Duke also outshone the more established actors.

Queer as Folk (2000–2005)

Same Name, Different Product

[30 July 2002]

As someone who loved the original British version of this show, I was concerned that by being Americanised it would lose it's edge.

I was wrong. The american version of this show is still very sharp, witty, challenging and entertaining.

The development of the protagonsists is completely different in many ways from the original so I now choose to think of this as a separate entity that happens to share it's name with a UK tv show.

By the way, as a devout Tyne Daly fan, I have to grudgingly admit that Sharon Gless does a super job as Debbie Novotny.

The Searchers (1956)

Simply The Best

[9/10 · 30 July 2002]

There are many films that I can view over and over again and there are many reasons why they can be revisited so often.

With this film it is simply to see John Wayne do what he did best - be John Wayne an American icon.

The supporting cast is laced with friends and people he and John Ford liked, and this gives the film a real warmth and glow even though the subject matter is not pleasant.

The contribution from Hank Worden is one of my favourite charecter roles in any film - "thank ya kindly for the loan of ya rocking chair ma'am".

Because of this movie and She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and The Quiet Man, John Wayne will be remembered with affection for many years to come.

The Formula (1980)

This formula didn't work.

[6/10 · 28 July 2002]

What a waste of talent.

George C Scott looked almost disinterested.

Brando looked and acted like a pretentious idiot.

Beatrice Straight must have felt lucky to be shot so early in the movie.

The editing was very poor and with such a complicated plot this only added to the sense of incomprehension that descended whilst watching this dire film.

It appeared that the whole story was some sort of warning about the way global conglomerates are controlling oil production and prices.

Why spend so much time and money to tell us something we could get from the front page of The Observer or The Independant?

Murder Most Foul (1964)

Murder Most Fun

[7/10 · 28 July 2002]

When Agatha Christie created the spinster detective Jane Marple, she could never have pictured Rutherford playing the role on film.

Leaving aside Rutherfords distance from the written charecter, she does bring a wonderful quality to this film and the others in the series.

Playing opposite her real life husband, Stringer Davies, and with great support from Charles Tingwell, she sets out to prove that a miscarriage of justice is being perpetrated.

This brings her into contact with the Cosgood Players, run by Driffield Cosgood (Ron Moody).

Typically with Christie, the plot is not always fathomable, but the denouement is entertaining.

This film is good fun and Rutherford is hilarious as she gurns her way through the story.

The Winslow Boy (1999)

The Epitome of An English Film

[8/10 · 27 July 2002]

Having watched this film three times, I must say that it is quite emphatically one of the best movies of the 1990's.

Mamet knows how to rework a script and how to direct. He certainly drew great performances from his wife and the late great Sir Nigel Hawthorne.

My greatest praise too for the cinematography. Simple and effective.

Recommended viewing for those who like a good story and classy films.

Stuart Little 2 (2002)

Nice Film For Big Kids Too

[8/10 · 26 July 2002]

I was dragged to see this film by my two nieces and thought I was in for a boring 87 minutes.

WRONG.

I would pay to see this film again, if only to hear the wonderful contribution of Nathan Lane.

Clever writing made this a film for all ages and I loved the way the charecters all took the mickey out of themselves.

Well done to all concerned.

Under Milk Wood (1971)

Listen

[23 July 2002]

There is no way on earth that this film can ever compare visually with the lyrical lines written by Dylan Thomas.

Although it is nice to hear Burton speak the words of his great idol, the inclusion of Elizabeth Taylor as Rosie Probert is a mistake.

Full marks to Peter O'Toole for a fine effort as Captain Cat.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

The Best Trek Movie

[9/10 · 16 July 2002]

Re visiting this movie twenty years on, I realised that the reason it is the best of the series by far, is because it has the best story and the best charecters.

It is like a good episode from the original series, beefed up with superb effects and a fabulous soundtrack.

After playing Kirk and company for so long, the cast didn't sit back and rely on past glories, they invested something new and invigourating in their performances.

Ricardo Montalban is superbly hammy as Khan and this fits in so well with the plot.

This film was certainly entertaining and I doubt we will see it bettered by any future Star Trek movies.

Star Trek: Generations (1994)

Kirk goes down fighting

[8/10 · 14 July 2002]

I have to admit this is not my favourite Star Trek film by a long chalk, but there are moments of pure magic in it, which make forgive those moments of pure horror.

Shatner gives a nice performance as Kirk and in the process shows off his superb horsemanship.

Being a fan of real charector actors, I loved seeing Doohan, Koenig and MCDowell go through their paces.

The ending did manage to pull a few tears from my cynical old eyes, but as a Star Trek lover that isn't surprising.

In my opinion,the death of Kirk is a simulacrum for the death of the Star Trek genre.

Six Feet Under (2001–2005)

Grave Humour

[9 July 2002]

This is the sort of television that I pray for.

Good writing, good acting, in fact nothing to complain about except that in the UK, it's shown too late.

Along with Picket Fences,CSI,Will and Grace, Judging Amy and MASH, this makes my list of tv greatest hits of all time.

Tigerland (2000)

Very Watchable

[8/10 · 5 June 2002]

It has been a long time since I watched a film, and dreaded missing a moment of it because the phone might ring, or someone might knock at the door. This film was worth buying an answer machine for.

The story was well written and the script was tight.

There were no extravagant over the top performances, just real gritty explorations of the interaction of men in difficult circumstances.

Colin Farrell must be a star of the future.

Superb film.

The Wild Geese (1978)

Flying High

[8/10 · 1 June 2002]

When I first saw this film, I was too young to appreciate just how good an actor Richard Burton was.

Having watched this movie again, I think I became more aware of what great acting is all about. Burton was a great actor because you couldn't see him acting. Likewise with Richard Harris.

The supporting cast, especially Jack Watson and Kenneth Griffith, are also fine exponents of their craft.

In these days of action packed thrillers, and no brainers, it is nice to watch a film with a clear plot, a competent script and good acting.

The Time Machine (2002)

I wish I had a Time Machine

[5/10 · 31 May 2002]

If I had a time machine, I would use it to go back in time and talk Guy Pearce out of appearing in this awful film!!

Alan Young must be glad they kept his cameo down to a brief flash.

Jeremy Irons was watchable but not on screen long enough.

Just a terrible film.