jhborg Reviews

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - World Premiere (2016 TV Movie)

Finally

[9/10 · 7 April 2017]

Finally, a prequel worthy of the name Starwars. This is the kind of film we should have been given after all those years of waiting. Congratulations Lucas Film you finally got it right. Let's hope there is more to come of the same high quality. Many of us shall be eagerly waiting.

Arrival (II) (2016)

Style over substance

[5/10 · 1 February 2017]

I approached this film with a fair amount of excitement based upon the high praise in some of the reviews. Sadly for me things did not turn out so well. "Arrival" initially gave me the impression that I was about to watch an interesting and thoughtful sci-fi thriller. But as things progressed, especially after the appearance of the aliens, I realized this was not to be the case. Eventually, the film devolved into a series of confused and confusing scenes that despite their stylish look seemed to add up to very little, until the whole thing eventually collapsed into a vast pool of anticlimax. Needless to say, Amy Adams was, as usual, likable throughout despite what was going on all around her. A huge disappointment.

Vicious (2013–2016)

can't wait

[10/10 · 28 July 2014]

I, for one, can't wait for a second series of "Vicious". The cast is delightful including Stewart's mother who looks like she walked over from a production of Macbeth, and I love the set of Freddie and Stewart's apartment. I wish I had a place like that to which I could just drop by and have a cup of tea with the likes of Violet, Penelope, Mason and Ash. Am I pronouncing that right? Do let me know if ever I'm not. I came upon "Vicious" quite by chance and have now watched all the episodes a number of times without getting tired of them. As others have mentioned it's too bad there are only seven episodes but each one is a gem, and it certainly leaves me wanting more. To some of the reviewers here who seem to have so much trouble with the humour of this program I can only say, "lighten up".

Man of La Mancha (1972)

I wanted to like it

[4 February 2012]

I recently viewed this film again, not having seen it since it was first released. Sadly, the disappointment I felt at first viewing hasn't changed much with the passing of time. I saw this show on stage many years ago and was charmed and captivated by it. I eagerly looked forward to the film version like many others no doubt. How can a film with such an enviable cast go so oddly wrong? I want to lay the blame at the director's feet but it's hard to be sure where the majority of blame lies. I suppose the concept perhaps was the director's but maybe it was the writers'. The film wants to open up and take us out of the stagy dungeon set but it only does so half heartedly so that we spend most of our time in a studio set of the inn. The cinematography is oddly dull and gritty even though it's the work of the justly famous Rotunno. And then there is the hideous make-up Peter O'Toole is obliged to wear throughout most of the film. And to get back to the cast again, although enviable the casting is far from ideal. Each actor seems to be in a different movie and acting in his or her own separate style so that in the end you don't get an ensemble you get a stew, and not a very tasty one. It would be a treat to see this musical done again set in a real Spain not just in Spanish clichés and with a really good cast of singer/actors. Perhaps, however, it is best to leave some stage pieces on stage.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Che Valiers de Sangreal

[8/10 · 23 May 2006]

I am now convinced that Hans Zimmer has taken over from John Williams as the most interesting composer of film music at this time. His score for "The Da Vinci Code" which at first hearing sounded so very subdued becomes more and more interesting with each repeated listening. I believe the movie has the same quality. It bears re-watching. I think critics are jumping too early on the "let's pan it" band wagon. It's almost impossible to take one's eyes off Audrey Tautou, or off Tom Hanks for that matter. In fact the film is impeccably cast down to the smallest role. It's hard to imagine a better adaptation of a book, and I can't imagine who could have done it better. Would that "Memoirs of a Geisha" had been handed into the skilled hands of Ron Howard and Hans Zimmer. It's hard to remember the last time I left the theatre genuinely thinking and feeling something as I did after seeing "The Da Vinci Code".

My Geisha (1962)

top of my "guilty pleasures" list

[7/10 · 29 December 2005]

This film is at the top of my "guilty pleasures" list of films; not a great film but one for which I have great affection. I first saw it in the mid 60's when I was a teenager at a Saturday afternoon matinée. Then, I had no idea what the title meant. The word geisha was totally new to me. At that age I would go to a Saturday matinée and watch whatever was offered, and as I watched this film I found myself falling in love with Shirley MacLaine, the music of Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" and Japan. I credit it with starting my abiding interest in and fascination with the culture of Japan and for my making several visits to that country as an adult. I watch it once a year between Christmas and New Year on my now worn VHS tape version. I have been looking forward, in vain, to it's release on DVD which for some reason has yet to happen and to seeing it once again in all its wide screen charm. p.s. Finally, Paramount has condescended to release this film in DVD format and it looks and sounds great.

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

great expectations, huge disappointment

[5/10 · 17 December 2005]

This film comes as a huge disappointment after its long awaited appearance. The book managed to get beyond Japonism and give us a fascinating glimpse at a strange and wonderful aspect of Japanese culture, IE. the unique living art form of the geisha. The film never gets past its flamboyant art direction, which reaches ludicrous heights at some points particularly during the solo geisha dance sequence. If anyone wants to have a more interesting look at geisha life they ought to go to the films of Kenji Mizoguchi of half a century ago. Another detail that bothered me was the fact that although the film was obviously done in the English language it would occasionally throw in some Japanese dialogue which made no sense at all. I find details like that irritating. Even John Williams who has done such masterful work in so many films provides what I consider just a serviceable score of no great distinction.