Change Your Image
dmdehill
Reviews
The Level (2016)
What a good serial this could have been
I tend to agree with Mr Ogden. This was a very uneven production. However, the main characters were miscast and their performances rather wooden. The plot had real potential - an interesting view of crime and police relationships on a professional and personal basis, rather than plain old cops and robbers. The layers of deceit and the twists and turns in the story do credit to the writer. There were a few cringe moments when the script seemed to slide off the edge of the turntable, but these would not have been so noticeable, had the acting been more credible. However, I felt that this was not entirely the fault of the actors, but rather poor directing. The ending left an obvious door open for a sequel. I will probably watch it in hope that the direction is improved and better performances drawn out of the cast, though I doubt the lead investigator could be made more realistic, sadly.
The Straight Story (1999)
Forget the box office enjoy the quality
Any write up will tell you what this film is about, so I won't. It is a gentle and beautiful story without being sugar sweet. Don't go too deep into it, just enjoy the human interaction, the superb photography, the warmth of the storyline. Watch it when you have the time to relax or when you want to relax. And it is not just for soppy types. I love sex, violence, boxing, rugby and gory war movies but I loved this film too - because it is damn good. A beautiful snapshot of mid west America and her people which is well portrayed in this first class, well made film. If you any romance or sensitivity in you, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did. See it.
Just Ask My Children (2001)
A frightening, but thought-provoking film
See also comments on "Snap Decision." "Just Ask My Children" was scheduled the following night at 2.30 am, which says a lot for our network! This should be prime time viewing to arouse public debate. I was horrified, outraged and sick to my stomach. The dramatisation no doubt contributed to that, but the basis of truth and the span of years to achieve any form of resolution was truly frightening. The comparisons with the witch hunts of past centuries is really scary for those of us far away from the States and watching the political developments which have been reinforced by recent election results. The seemingly uncontrolled abuse of power by police and "Child Welfare" authorities, supported by politically elected judges with local small town agendas (which is so alien to us) reflects to some of us a deep and frightening potential for hysteria supported by conservatism and possibly religious fervour, replacing the power of reason. All decent parents have a horror of paedophilia, but the impact of zealots who have set out to protect society from itself at the expense of reason can be just as damaging to us all. May all you good and decent Americans not be afraid to walk the middle road - clearly the makers of this film share the outrage and have the courage. How can we ensure no recurrence? See this film, you will be moved by it.