simoncross Reviews

Without a Trace: Check Your Head (2006) Season 4, Episode 17

Pathetic and childish episode

[3/10 · 28 November 2006]

This episode has just aired in the UK.

What a disappointment. The heavy-handed touches of humour were ill-judged, childish and detracted from what could have been a pretty good storyline. I cannot believe that Jerry Bruckheimer allowed this episode to take place. I have seen every previous episode of this show, and even the episode where Jack played his own older self was way ahead of this episode. The lesbian kiss was pathetic sensationalism.

There was also no continuity from the previous episode. There was nothing in the storyline investigating Martin's dangerous behaviour or possible drug addiction. There was similarly nothing explicitly written about Jack's burgeoning relationship with Ann. Usually Without A Trace is pretty good at this sort of continuity.

The next episode needs to be a considerable improvement.

Carry on Regardless (1961)

Definitely one of the best Carry Ons

[8/10 · 26 February 2004]

This film is definitely in the top three of Carry On films.

Alongside the early line-up of usual players - Kenneth Williams, Joan Sims, Charles Hawtrey, Kenneth Connor and Sid James - this film is notable for its host of cameo roles by other comedy greats. Some, such as Hattie Jacques and Fenella Fielding, had greater prominence in other Carry On films. Some, such as Betty Marsden, became famous elsewhere in comedy. Further familiar faces in cameo roles here include Molly Weir, Terence Alexander, Joan Hickson and Nicholas Parsons.

The five main actors listed above are ably assisted by Liz Frazer, Bill Owen, Esma Cannon, Terence Longdon and Stanley Unwin, all united around an agency that aims to help customers in whatever way they can. Hence the great range of cameo roles available.

Joan Sims performs one of her greatest drunk roles; Kenneth Connor does his best tongue-tied shy man, both in the company of temptress Fenella Fielding and when he's attempting to give up smoking; Charles Hawtrey wins a boxing match; and Kenneth Williams gets to walk a very unusual pet.

The humour in this film is far superior to the sex and toilet jokes that later filled (and possibly destroyed) this great series of films. This is a film that the family can watch time and time again.

Gosford Park (2001)

Dull, dull, dull.

[1/10 · 15 February 2004]

What a dull film.

Unbelievable, nonsensical, not remotely thrilling, not always fully audible.

The film smacks of famous actors desperate to work with a famous director, and not particularly bothered about what their audience thinks of the finished product. This film was hyped way beyond its merits.

One of the worst evenings I have ever spent in a cinema.