OllyBishop Reviews

Ten Who Dared (1960)

Under-rated live-action Disney movie.

[7/10 · 1 February 2010]

Many of the Disney live-action films from the 50's and 60's are too easily derided these days for their sepia-toned view of the past, and American past in particular. The main example of this would be Disney's interpretation of Davy Crockett. But without Walt's enthusiasm for the creation of America and it's people many a folk hero would be lost in time. So even though Disney may have painted a sugar-coated vision of these stories at least they were brought to the attention of a wider audience who could then discover them for real.

Ten Who Dared is a perfect example of this with it's exploration (pun intended) of the adventures of John Wesley Powell and his team who were the first people to explore and chart the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 1869.

As you can expect they get in to some scrapes with Native Americans as well as the river itself and a rebellion in the camp has some dire consequences.

Although the film may not sit with the best westerns ever made it is a fun journey, with a group of characters recognisable to any fan of men- on-a-mission movies, and is a great way to spend 90 minutes and learn some American history at the same time.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

wow, wow, wow.

[10/10 · 10 February 2007]

OK, i'm as biased as they come. i love these guys and everything they do, so it's gonna be no surprise that i loved it. Even a day later i still think it's better than Shaun! And no matter how much i love zombies, this one was more consistently funny, had a load of cool action, and even better gore and deaths than SOTD. The acting was as you would expect from such a top notch cast, top class. And the fine line between playing it straight and homage was perfect. The references, even when blatant, are not forced or shoe horned in. They fit in perfectly with the tone of the movie. And wait until you see old people with guns, hilarious!

Casino Royale (2006)

Best Bond film in 25 years

[9/10 · 15 November 2006]

Wow, what can i say? Not since the early days of roger moore has bond been so exciting, fresh and original. Such a good idea of the producers to go back to the source material, albeit with the modern twist. You just have to put all the chronology aside for a while and enjoy pure, gritty bond fun. And Daniel Craig...instantly places himself as the third best bond ever, (Connery, Moore, obviously) with an amazingly realistic understated and human performance. As for the action, two words...Free Running...WOW again. It has everything, a perfect mix of old tradition, and new invention. And if you're as big a fan as i am, when you hear that theme kick in you won't be able to help but well up! Bond is back to his best.

Waiting... (I) (2005)

All the critics are wrong!

[9/10 · 8 October 2005]

OK, so this film has been pretty much railroaded in to a small theatrical release but is destined to become a cult classic along the lines of Kevin smith's mallrats. years from now this will be the disc that kids in blockbuster will be begging their parents to rent for them, or that will be passed under the desk at school. the reason for this is that it taps in to the typical slacker-minimum wage psyche like no other film i have seen, and as a result is my favourite comedy film for years. OK, so as i too am an underachieving malcontent i may be slightly pre-disposed to it's humor but if you like American pie and other films of the gross out genre then you will love it!

Blackball (2003)

great un-sung British comedy

[7/10 · 7 September 2003]

this film has gotten mixed reviews and probably won't make a huge amount at the box office, which is a real shame, because although the film is not perfect it is lot better than most of the so-called comedies littering our multiplexes these days.

the genius that is Paul Kaye plays the bad-boy-made-good that takes the sport of bowls from obscurity to the front pages. ever since Dennis Pennis 'died' I've waited for Kaye to equal that comedic performance and feel that he does so here. the story has obviously been done before, lots, but i was never bored during the film, as Blackball has a great originality, and never becomes to preachy. it's because of this that the film is great FUN. Kaye is constant energy and is helped with an always-great performance by another comedy genius, Johnny Vegas.

as the film moves along it is helped by great direction, by Mel Smith, and editing, as well as a kicking soundtrack and some cool cameos from a huge US star(Vince Vaughan), and cult British figures(David Schneider and Statto). how Vaughan got involved in the project I'll never know, but he's not wasted here, in a small but funny role.

anyway, I'd thoroughly recommend going to see this at the cinema(if you're in England) and then with enough support it might get an American release date. this original comedy is a great alternative to the typical English stereotyping of most of our films.

The Goonies (1985)

One of the most life-shaping movies ever.

[10/10 · 24 February 2003]

This is an outstanding kids movie which has transcended film and and made a life of its own in the hearts of millions of kids that grew up in the eighties, myself one of them. Centering around a group of kids on the search for treasure to save their community, it manages to conjure up amazing feelings of youth and adventure when watched in hindsight, especially if you ever wanted to be 'Mikey' or 'Data' or 'Mouth' while playing with your childhood friends. I saw it recently at the cinema for the first time, after years of watching it on TV and video, with about 500 other like minded people my age who all had the same feelings i did. Although the print was pretty bad is was still the greatest cinema experience of my life. Admittedly, if you hadn't grown up with the film and all the things that go with it, then you might not love it as much watching it for the first time as an adult. But if you ever had a BMX, a tree house, or a NES, then you are in for a treat.

A rumored sequel could be on the way, and although fans have reservations about it's faithfulness to the original, i know most couldn't resist another trip to Astoria. 10/10.

Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)

aahhhhhh child hood memories...

[28 November 2001]

ok, so as a adult looking back probably not the greatest film ever, but this film is the key to my childhood xmas experiences. for some reason here in england the tv stations conspired to make sure it was on tv every xmas eve for the last 15 years, and so it became the film that prepared you for the excitement ahead. not only did it have a great santa and flying candy but an amazing turn by john lithgow as the baddie(ah ha). shaped my view of xmas and opened my eyes to one of the best actors ever, can't be that bad.