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Reviews
Jazzin' for Blue Jean (1984)
Jazzin' It Up
Sometimes, people just totally miss the point. David Bowie 'not known for his acting'. Harsh dude, his whole life is pure drama but, forget that, check out Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence..... I rest my case.
First and foremost, this is a pop video. This is a medium to deliver a new song to an audience. During this era, a few artists with bottomless bank accounts (Michael Jackson) fancied trying their luck in the movies. Fortunately, people like Julien Temple were there to help them and so started the 'Video Short', a mini movie containing a pop video.
So, here we have an attempt at the most simple story. Boy meets Girl, Boy wants to impress Girl, Boy gets in all sorts of trouble.... Since David Bowie is not known for his acting we need a strong supporting cast to carry him.
Dream Girl, Louise Scott, she says nothing, does nothing and goes on to do a lot more nothing. The Bouncer, nope. Ah, the pop star, eh.... that's David Bowie again, he's playing two roles with no real supporting cast AND he does a sterling job. Some marvellous 'off the cuff' ad lib. I find it hard to believe it was scripted as it's far too natural, and his character is so likable, straight out of Only Fools & Horses.
OK, context folks, this is a tongue in cheek extended pop video with a superb performance by David Bowie. A 20 minute advert for Blue Jean and very enjoyable it is. I saw it premier on TV and I just watched it again on YouTube. It's OK, fun and mildly entertaining and, YES, it has a jolly good pop song at 13:32.... Enjoy, just don't expect Gone With The Wind or Citizen Kane. ;-)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
I'll Never Forget!
I was bitterly disappointed with this film, especially since I love the actors in this cast.
Having recently watched Ray Winston's portrayal, (far from his best work but fairly convincing and considerably better than Beowulf) I expected this all star cast, Tim Burton production, to be, at the very least, entertaining. How wrong was I? Bearing in mind that this is a musical, only one song in the movie manages to carry any communication at all. From start to finish, the soundtrack emulates a monotonous grandmother humming an unidentifiable tune. There is no memorable tune, melody or chorus and I found it very difficult to determine what was being said in the songs. Had I not known the story I would have been totally lost.
On the up side, Burton's London was quite convincing in a Hollywood kind of way but then that is his forte. The Cockney accents were fair and the actors performances tremendous considering what they were working with. Alan Rickman was sadly wasted, Timothy Spall looked fantastic but his dialogue let him down.
A musical horror is hard to pull off but Rocky Horror Show and Little Shop Of Horrors managed it. The reason - good songs that explained what was going on and got the viewer involved in the story. There was also a good balance of dialogue and song. In Sweeney Tod the balance falls in favour of the songs but since the songs are weak, this is a negative attribute.
I find it hard to believe this film is rated 8 out of 10. I can't be the only viewer to feel this way?
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
A Truly Great Movie
This film is based on one of my favourite Stephen King novels (albeit a 'novella') The original book contained four long 'short stories' one which became 'Stand By Me' (another great movie) and 'Rita Heyworth & The Shawshank Redemption' which has been (full marks to the director& production team)lovingly rendered into a true cinematic masterpiece. Staying true to the printed word, it follows the prison life of Andy Dupree from sentence to freedom with care and sympathy, never revelling in his hardships or flouting his attempts at beating the system. The film concentrates on his will to survive and his hope for eventual freedom. Tim Robbins & Morgan Freeman were born to play their respective parts in this film. If neither had ever made another film, it would not matter because this film will always be their mark in movie history. No major action sequences, no breathtaking special effects and no outrageous subject matter. Just a great movie, based on a great story, acted convincingly with great skill by two men who could really be the best of friends the story requires them to be. Superb.
Soldier Blue (1970)
Excellent Period Piece
I remember seeing this film when it came out and having my head completely turned. I had seen 'Custer's Last Stand' shortly before which had bored me with it's stereotypical 'Good Guy/Bad Guy' view of American history. Soldier Blue raised the 'Wild West' period out of the 'OK Corral' mire and gave us an interesting story with an educational backdrop. We learned to appreciate the other side of the story. I also developed a crush on Candice Bergen, admiring the idea of a woman that could stand up for herself, more so than a trained soldier. This film inspired me, setting standards by which all further movies would be judged. A landmark film in movie history with many quality films that should pay homage to it. (I wish I owned it on a DVD, maybe with some historical documentary 'extras')
Alias Smith and Jones: Alias Smith and Jones (1971)
A Blast From The Past
A great series back in the day. I watched it on Sunday afternoons (I think?) when I would otherwise have been intolerably bored. Smith & Jones gave me 30 minutes of humorous escapism and left me with a smile on my face. I remember the shock of Pete Duel's untimely death only too well. It was like losing a good friend. The memory of 'Alias Smith & Jones' washes over me like the first sunny day of springtime. I wonder if it would stand up if I actually watched it again. Nostalgia... it ain't what it used to be.
Lolita (1962)
Uncomfortably Compulsive
Finally took time out to watch this because of the remake. It made me feel like a naughty schoolboy. I felt guilty watching it, did not want to enjoy it and found myself worrying about other people's thoughts of my viewing material? Despite all this, I couldn't not see it. Try as I might I needed to get to the end. How anyone can play a character called 'Humbert Humbert' and still maintain his dignity is beyond me. Sellers injects some wonderful light relief and I'm glad I've seen it. I'll not be watching again. I'd feel less embarrassed watching Deep Throat with my Mum.