geoffreyperrin-244-410909 Reviews

Dirty Grandpa (2016)

Dumb but hilarious

[6/10 · 7 February 2017]

Lots of people trashing this film. It's dumb as hell, entirely predictable, but incredibly funny. De Niro, is on fire, holding it all together with some of the funniest put downs I've heard in a long time. Zak Efron is the straight man, literally, and works well as a foil for De Niro's wit and timing. If , anything, I'm wondering if there was an even grosser version left in the edit room. Lots of gratuitous drug references that spin the old moral compass around, and a bit of an odd fit, so park your brain for a while and enjoy the ride, it's not a significant film, but it moves along nicely for a running time of almost 2 hrs. It's a credit to De Niro that he can take on this kind of role and make something of it.

Columbo: It's All in the Game (1993) Season 10, Episode 7

Timeless classic

[10/10 · 13 February 2016]

Dunaway is astonishing in this, luminous, you cant take your eyes of her. The production values are tremendous, ,cinematography and editing are excellent, but it's the pacing that really makes this episode and the series as a whole work so well. There is the patient unhurried unveiling of evidence and plot , but this episode is different to the others because its the relationship between the two leads that keeps you involves as much as the story. and Falk as always is super. This really stands the test of time, superior television with a unique feel and tone, very different to everything we have now, do yourself a favour and take this in.

Private Vices, Public Virtues (1976)

From another time.

[8/10 · 20 February 2015]

Lots of information here in other reviews about the films historical context and ambitions, and also the directors other work and background. For me this film is from a time when film makers were not tied to mast of narrative, long lingering shots abound, with beautiful graceful composition , and the camera holding on little moments of reverie. The nudity is irreverent and celebratory , again capturing candid moments, and as one reviewer stated an almost dream like atmosphere is achieved. Also the use of diagetic and non-diagetic sound is playfully used and intertwined, with musicians playing the soundtrack itself on screen. A wonderful example of European cinema from a lost time.