AgentSauvage Reviews

The Amazing Mr. Blunden (1972)

So very memorable - it should be a classic

[9/10 · 17 March 2024]

Two years before this piece Lionel Jeffries won huge acclaim for The Railway Children. He hoped to garner similar laurels for this 'ghost' story, but it failed to attract the same interest. However, I have remembered and treasured this charming British film since I first saw it - it should be a classic, and it obviously has a loyal following, hence the remake a few years ago. It has many memorable characters, including Mr Clutterbuck (Graham Crowden), Mr Wickens (an interesting role for David Lodge), Bella (with Madeline Smith making a break from the bawdy comedies or horror films she had made until then), the wastrel Uncle Bertie (James Villiers), Laurence Naismith as the eponymous Mr Blunden (a solicitor who failed his young charges, and regretted it for years) and both Rosalyn Landor (Sara) and the excellent Lynne Frederick (a few years before she met and married Peter Sellers), but the tour-de-force performance was, of course, given by the seldom sober Mrs Wiggins (Diana Dors at her very best).

Watch the film and - a few years down the line - I can guarantee this is a film the memory of which will make you smile when offered a chance to see it again.

Just to give a brief synopsis, a recently widowed Mother is unexpectedly offered employment as the housekeeper of a burnt-out mansion, which solves her immediate financial worries. The solicitor who offered the position enquired of her two older children if they are scared of ghosts, then they heard rumours from the locals that the house was haunted by two orphaned children who died in the fire one hundred years before. Whilst exploring the garden they meet two other children they thought were ghosts - but they weren't ethereal, so how could they be spirits? Then their two new friends set them a task that seems reasonably simple but also logically impossible, but they promise to help - And there begins the adventure.

Stardust (2007)

Most underrated film for a long, long time

[9/10 · 24 September 2023]

This is a classic!

The film has everything to make your cinematic experience memorable.

Why it was not nominated for various oscars (for instance , best original song, best supporting actor (Robert de Niro as a cross-dressing pirate), best supporting actress (Michelle Pfeifer as the best witch for many a year seen in movies) is a mystery. This is an wholly enjoyable romp, with an extra-ordinary cast. It will be watched for years to come and the soundtrack will become a part of life for us all (my son's choir has song the backing song to great acclaim - so much so that people who had not seen the film felt compelled to seek out and watch the movie). The casting was superb - the characterisation was excellent. I loved the backplay of all the dead princes displaying the means of his untimely death. A truly excellent movie experience!

Local Hero (1983)

My favourite film since 1983

[10/10 · 2 August 2023]

I cannot say why I love "Local Hero". Not much happens, but the characterisation is superb (how did they think up the Character of Murdo, the local priest? His persona is perfection), the direction is wonderful (everything just meshed beautifully, and the scheming locals, intent on cashing in on the dreams of the rich Americans, are portrayed with humour and compassion) and the characters are all realistic and loveable. The musical score is a perfect match for the film. The end scene (a lone telephone box, with a ringing 'phone but the call unanswered) is one of the best conclusions to a film ever conceived. Since 1983 I have loved this film and I think it will continue forever. Watch and enjoy one of the best films ever made - if 'It's a Wonderful Life' was an overlooked gem, then so is this.

Fall (I) (2022)

Heart in Mouth and sweaty palms - 'live' the action (however unrealistic the stupid decisions were)

[8/10 · 8 March 2023]

This film, about an adrenaline junkie and her friend climbing a very tall tower, then getting stuck, is very well realised, albeit probably on a lower budget than had been hoped and with decisions made that no true climber would ever have done (so, please suspend your disbelief before watching!) The film-makers have managed to make the viewers almost live the action - heart in mouth and sweaty palms - whenever the two protagonists did anything fool-hardy or just plain dangerous. Unexpected twists added to the tension, which could suddenly come crashing down with a number of unexpected disappointments and failures. Decent performances from the main actors, though unlikely to win any acting awards. A number of flaws in the script and story-telling, but this is a film - a theatrical entertainment - not a documentary on thrill-seekers nor a guide on climbing. I cannot imagine what it must have been like watching on a large cinema screen, but would welcome the chance to try. I woke up thinking about the film, which is a sure sign it achieved what the film-makers set out to do - to entertain by presenting a very frightening situation.

Harvey (1950)

"You can't have too many friends"

[10/10 · 29 January 2023]

Truly one of the most delightful films ever made.

My dear departed Father did not like films, but he did reminisce about watching Harvey and it was the only film he owned on VHS and DVD.

It is the tale of Elwood Dowd, beautifully portrayed by James Stewart in possibly his best performance ever (why he did not win an Oscar is a mystery). Mr Dowd is a carefree man who is polite to everyone and whose bosom companion is a 6' 3 1/2" rabbit invisible to most people. Elwood's family think he is insane so try to get him committed, which leads to all the misunderstandings in the film.

A fabulous film!

"Years ago, my mother used to say to me, she'd say: 'In this world, Elwood,' she always used to call me Elwood. 'In this world, Elwood, you must be oh, so smart or oh, so pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. And you can quote me."

Donovan's Reef (1963)

Enjoy this timeless classic

[9/10 · 27 January 2023]

I can truthfully say I have not enjoyed a film so much in years, despite the fact not much happened.

John Wayne is utterly charming as the former naval officer now bar keeper on a Polynesian island who pretends to be Father to three children when their straight-laced half-sister attends the island from America to meet her Father, the local doctor, for the first time ever.

The casting was superb, starting with a conflict between John Wayne and Lee Marvin, whose characters became friends over a shared birthday, but who always fight.

Not much happens, but the story is told gloriously. A Classic film!

Harold and Maude (1971)

A 'must watch' classic - you'll think back to it for days afterwards.

[9/10 · 27 November 2022]

I came to this film late - 51 years after it was released - and really enjoyed the quirky tale of a bored rich young man (age undisclosed, but old enough to marry) whose pleasures are to shock people with simulated suicide or mutilation, attending funerals and watching destruction (demolition sites and car breakers). His life changes when he meets a 79-year old rebel called Maude, who also likes attending funerals and then will steal a car to take her home. Brilliant characterisation and an inspired choice of using Cat Stevens music to follow the action. I gave 8/10 but changed my mind - 9/10!

Hunt Angels (2006)

Charming history of Australian film-making

[6/10 · 12 September 2022]

This is a charming film, quirkily made, and of a real subject matter.

Production could have been 'snappier' BUT that would detract from the story - this is about a pair of mavericks who wanted, more that anything, to have the Australian film industry rival Hollywood.

Told in the black-and-white film of the time it is a story of the struggling artists, keenly searching for every cent they required, against a film industry funded by people whose background may be a bit more dubious than history suggests.

Bob Mendelsohn is excellent as the lead, and there are excepts from some of the most recognisable faces in the early years of the Australian film industry.

Well worth a view, but not the best film ever made. HOWEVER, I enjoyed it.

The Adventures of Maid Marian (2022)

Poorly conceived

[2/10 · 8 September 2022]

Sophie Craig did her best, but was surrounded by people who seemed to have no intent to put any effort into telling the story or reciting their lines. Everyone was very clean, which seems inappropriate considering the era depicted. Very poor staging and directing and editing. The supposed historic sites were presumably chosen because they were cheap, not because they depict the relevant era. Kirklees Priory was represented by a church, without any of the necessary residential quarters nor protective walls there would have been to help keep the Nuns safe. It was shown in long shot atop a hill, but on site it clearly was not so placed and had a tarmacked road outside the gate in the hedge. The ruined building at 16 minutes into the film clearly has C20th housing in the middle distance - did no-one even try to edit the images? The story then took a downhill turn.

I gave up after half an hour.

Even Mice Belong in Heaven (2021)

Charming and enjoyable stop-motion film about friendship

[8/10 · 11 July 2022]

A truly enjoyable and charming family film about an unusual friendship. Almost ( but not quite) as good as the classic stop-motion film "The fool of the world and the flying ship". The characterisation could have been improved a little, but the need to keep the timing down to something reasonable for the younger viewers is probably a reasonable excuse. Definitely one I would have watched with my Kidlings when they were younger. Some flaws but overall the feel-good conclusion allows me to give 8/10.

OSS 117: From Africa with Love (2021)

Great spoof on Bond for those who remember 1981

[8/10 · 13 June 2022]

Imagine an aging French James Bond in 1981 sent to Africa on a mission and told not to appear either racist or misogynistic. This is the resulting film. Very enjoyable, as long as you understand the underlying humour and political situation - and, of course, performed brilliantly by Oscar-winning Jean Dujardin. The negative reviewers seem to misunderstand the underlying story and the background with which the film-makers have brilliantly dealt. It is not as laugh-a-minute as the original two films, but this is an OSS117 who is several years older and trying to cope with his decline in functions. I actually prefer this film to the original two - it is more developed upon the changing life of the main character - and it is still funny too!

The Favourite (2018)

Superb acting - so-so directing

[8/10 · 17 October 2021]

I cannot but commend the acting performance of the three leading ladies in this costume drama. Olivia Colman was superb and richly deserved the Best Actress Oscar. I would have loved to give this sumptuous costume drama ten out of ten but unfortunately it was much affected by the appalling directorial choice to use frequent but unnecessary and very annoying use of a low level fish eye lens, together with other annoying traits that detracted from what could have been the best film of the decade. However, I cannot but repeat that the acting was superb - the three main actresses completely stole the show!

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

A ridiculous 'love story' involving 12 year olds - but it works!

[8/10 · 19 September 2021]

The story of an unliked 12 year old Khaki scout and the unwanted 12 year old daughter of a pair of disfunctional lawyer parents, all set in 1965 - then the pair of 'lovers' decide to run away together on a fairly small island. The whole concept is ridiculous, but the absolutely stellar cast pull it off. The use of music by Benjamin Britten and other C20th composers works very well. I give it at least 8/10 (possibly 9/10 - it is very good).

Cold in July (2014)

Not at all the film you thought you would be watching!

[7/10 · 9 September 2021]

I bought this film months ago and delayed watching it as I thought it was simply the psychological effect on a family of being stalked by a malignant and possibly violent man - how wrong I was. This is a really good plot-twister where Sam Shepard and Michael C Hall act their socks off to produce an unexpected 'buddy movie'. To say any more would give away plot twists, but the build up to fear in the first half hour was superb - what happened in the next hour or so was so unexpected - A good film to watch with the lights off and perhaps a beer or two to sup as the story develops! Worth at least 7 stars, possibly 8!

Green Book (2018)

Superb film - will become one of my favourites

[9/10 · 4 September 2021]

This tale of a NY Italian hired to drive a black concert pianist to various venues through the Deep South is a fictionalised version of a true story - and it could not have been better played nor better cast. What a terrible shame for Viggo Mortensen that he was faced with Rami Malek's stellar performance as Freddie Mercury at the Oscars in 2019 (for 2018), otherwise he surely would have won. This delightfully told but disturbing film makes the viewer's skin crawl at the inexpressibly inhuman attitudes of the White residents of the Deep South - how could anything so intolerable have existed in living memory?

I have no doubt I shall watch this film many times in the future - it is beautifully played and wonderfully written.

A MUST SEE film.

The Mule (2018)

Slow moving, but ever so good!!

[8/10 · 8 January 2021]

Clint Eastwood shows yet again why he is a legend. (If you didn't appreciate Gran Torino and Trouble with the Curve, stop reading now - you will not like this film - alternatively, if you agree that they were both superb, this will certainly be added to your collection of favourite films!) The story of a 90-year old coerced by the Mexican drugs cartel to simply drive larger and larger bundles of drugs is engaging and beautifully acted. There is a superb supporting cast - I didn't even recognise Dianne Weist at first, but it was obvious she was a superb actress from the outset, and her later scenes with Clint Eastwood were just wonderful. I think "Only a 99-year old wants to be 100" is now among my favourite throwaway lines said on film by Clint Eastwood. Don't expect car chases and explosions, but do expect brilliant acting and direction. Sit back and enjoy a film that will one day be recognised as a classic!

The Exception (2016)

Excellent Casting (with one exception) and a really enjoyable story of love in war

[8/10 · 5 November 2020]

I was very pleasantly surprised by this superbly well-acted WWII story with 'action' that occurred well behind the lines. I was unexpectedly pleased to find that Jai Courtney was convincing as the Wehrmacht Officer assigned to command the bodyguard for exiled, abdicated Kaiser Wilhelm II (played superbly by Christopher Plummer - this has become my favourite of all his many roles because he played it so naturally that one would be forgiven for forgetting that he is not a grandson of Queen Victoria with a withered/damaged left arm). The direction and script writing was excellent in leaving the viewer for perhaps half the film to query the true character of this German Officer from a family of German Officers. The chemistry between Kai Courtney and Lily James (playing a Dutch woman apparently compelled to enter service in wartime to survive, and with a secret she dare not reveal) seems genuine. The story revolves around two threads - Kai Courtney is tasked to keep a watch-out for a Dutch Resistance worker active in the area of the Kaiser's Country House/Castle (perhaps intending to assassinate the Kaiser), and Janet McTeer (again, superbly cast as the former Empress of Germany) believes - so we do too - that the monarchy may yet be reinstated in the new Germany of the Third Reich. Ultimately it seems there is deception from every quarter but Jai Courtney finds himself falling for the servant-girl who reads Neitzsche and questioning where his duty truly lies (and he is unexpectedly helped with this by the Kaiser's Aide-de-Camp, brilliantly underplayed by Ben Daniels). This is not an adventure story, but it is an engaging tale of very different characters adjusting to a very different type of wartime than any had originally expected, some with an hidden agenda and - I have to say it again - brilliantly acted by a superb cast (with one exception, but as that is my personal opinion I shall not share it with you!)

Exotica (1994)

Superbly staged story of seriously mucked-up people

[9/10 · 21 June 2020]

The title should not be off-putting. Ignore the fact this has an 18 rating. This is an incredibly tastefully produced story about the people who frequent a strip-club, and the terrible events in the past that link so many of them. Christina dances and dresses as though she is a schoolgirl - she was once girlfriend to Eric, who announces the acts - her regular client is Francis (brilliant portrayal) whose teenage daughter was kidnapped, molested and murdered - and when Francis was suspected of complicity the Police told him things he didn't want to hear - and then there is Thomas, for whom Francis is his investigating tax inspector and whose real identity he is still trying to discover. This is an excellent film, built around a tragedy that led to another tragedy. It is not sordid, but could easily have been - it is incredibly well acted, incredibly well directed. It is worth seeing!

The Giant King (2012)

Slow to start but enjoyable 'friends' movie

[6/10 · 17 June 2020]

This Cartoon starts slowly but then develops into an enjoyable (but somewhat predictable) tale of robots risking everything for a friend. The basic premise is that two mortal enemies awaken chained together centuries after the war to end all wars and have no memory of who they are. They spend ages trying to break the chain that binds them (physically, not metaphorically) and find, eventually, after the odd argument or two, that they actually like each other. Of course, an ancient computerised system wants to complete its mission to end the final conflict and the two friends have to find out whether they must obey their programming or help an enemy now turned friend. Some nice characterisation, but ruined somewhat by actors wholly unable to pronounce the letter "T". The words are DuTy not doody, BaTTle not baddle and WhiTey not widey - that was perhaps the most annoying element in the whole film!!

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Taron Egerton is Elton John - but he NEEDS the others too!

[9/10 · 31 December 2019]

A truly surprisingly good film. Taron Egerton is - and continues to be - excellent, but this is an ensemble piece - without the superb performance from Jamie Bell, the unexpectedly skilled presentation of a truly unlikeable character by Richard Madden and the inspired choice of both Matthew Illesley and Kit Connor as the younger Reg Dwights this film could not have worked. It has a masterful weaving of fact with fantasy and - as you might expect from a film about Elton John - there are a number of hugely enjoyable musical set pieces. It is no surprise that a film about the music of someone who appears in most music collections is such fun to watch. Very enjoyable. For some odd reason several people compare this film with Bohemian Rhapsody, but that would be unhelpful. This is a musical about the rise to fame of Reggie Dwight as he became Elton John. It has musical pieces interspersed with the story and works very well. Bohemian Rhapsody is a better crafted film (I was absolutely blown away by Bohemian Rhapsody when I saw it at the cinema), and it deserved the Oscars it received but (sshhh - little secret) I actually find watching Rocketman more enjoyable, somehow!

Iron Sky (2012)

Heil Adler! - what a hoot!

[7/10 · 31 October 2019]

This is a refreshingly funny B-movie - but watch the Dictator's Cut not the original theatrical cut, it makes much more sense. Several of the cast of 1 1/2 Ritter were reunited to make this fun film, but Udo Kier is at his campest best at the Moonfuhrer (and, of course, you have to ask whether he will suffer the grisly, bloody end he has endured in many of his films). The whole basis of the film is that a black American Astronaut encounters the occupants of a Nazi base hidden on the dark side of the moon since 1945. A mad scientist realises that an iPhone has more computing power than all the devices he has available to him, so the astronaut - who pretends to have been Nazified - and a small squad of Nazis - lead by obergruppenfuhrer Adler, the chosen successor for the Moonfuhrer - get sent to New York to look for more computers to aid the proposed Nazi invasion of Earth. Then a spin-doctor recruited to help the US president get re-elected meets the National Socialists and has a brain-wave! Good fun. Not the best film ever made, but a a fun romp on an original idea.

Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 (1983)

The worst sequel ever made - - probably.

[2/10 · 24 October 2019]

This film has the weakest plot, the worst dialogue and is probably the least memorable sequel ever made, not least because it is a Smokey and The Bandit film that does not feature the Bandit'. Junior looks ancient, which doesn't help and Big & Little Enis give their worst performances ever in an almost instantly forgettable movie. The only reason to give two stars is because Jackie Gleason gives a creditable homage to Patton at the beginning of the film - that is the only good point and is probably the highlight of the film!!

1 1/2 Ritter - Auf der Suche nach der hinreißenden Herzelinde (2008)

A German comedy that is actually funny even through subtitles

[8/10 · 18 October 2019]

I was incredibly surprised that I enjoyed this film, but I found it to be one of the best 'Friday Night' comedies I have seen for a long time. Even though the film is subtitled and scripted in German (never my first port of call for issues of comedy) I laughed out loud (genuinely, not the trite LOL of social media) at several points. It is an historical romp that sensitively touches on several issues and has several modern day references that could ruin a film, but actually fit in. I loved the idea of a psychiatrist analysing the German equivalent of Robin Hood and concluding 'You've got a problem!' and I thought the idea of fans of a boy band throwing their chastity belts at the singers instead of their underwear an amusing sideline. The sensitive addressing of certain issues puts this film ahead of the crass denials of The Holy Grail and other similar comedies. I also loved the idea of inviting a sympathetic gaoler - and his daughters - to your own wedding a pleasant touch. This film has touches of the Holy Grail, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Man of La Mancha, Les Visiteurs, The Blackadder, Time Bandits and Jabberwocky all mixed together but given an unique feel - all in German with sub titles. I also found the slightly unusual musical score refreshingly good - I would like to know if a recording of just the score is available. The Knight of the title is a Superstar Knight who falls from favour - and is imprisoned - because he failed to protect the Princess he was meant to be guarding, but he is then given a chance to redeem himself by searching for the kidnapped princess, whom he adores. The Half-a-Knight from the title is a Christian Moorish con-man (what a concept!) whose very existence touches upon many modern issues, and whose role is sensitively played. I suspect the negative reviews are from viewers who could not see beyond the mixing of modern with medieval (there was a decision to add a New Kids on the Block concert that makes little sense apart from the comic issues that arise therefrom). Perhaps those reviewers should remember that this is a comic romp and is not intended to be historically accurate! In fact there are some interesting performances here (albeit no great acting moments), sensitive treatment of certain issues and the occasional genuine laugh-out-loud moment of real comedy. I will definitely watch this film again (and again)

Cookie's Fortune (1999)

An unexpectedly enjoyable and underrated film

[9/10 · 20 June 2019]

Robert Altman managed to assemble a Stellar cast for this superb gem of a film. It is a simple story, deliberately slow moving, where a black live-in handyman (Charles S. Dutton - excellent performance) is accused of killing the elderly woman in whose house he resided (Patricia Neal - a better performance than she gave in her Oscar winning 'On Golden Pond'). The whole story progresses in the small Southern town of Holly Springs, while the great and the good are rehearsing a performance of Oscar Wilde's Salome. Glenn Close (at her obnoxious best) and her sister Julianne Moore (superb performance) assert they are the closest living relatives of the the deceased and thus ignore the police tape at the home of the deceased and stake their claim to her property. Julianne Moore's troublesome daughter (Liv Tyler - great performance) knows instinctively that the suspect is innocent, so surrenders to custody for her numerous parking offences so she can support her friend (which lets her continue a one-time affair with deputy sheriff Chris O'Donnell). While the suspect is imprisoned and the play is performed the investigation continues, leading to a conclusion most of the Police did not expect - apart from Ned Beatty (giving his most compelling performance) who as first deputy to the Sheriff knows the suspect is innocent "because I've fished with him". Further excellent performances are given by, in particular, Lyle Lovett at his creepiest best as he tries unsuccessfully to endear himself to Liv Tyler. The music is wonderful, composed by David Stewart from Yazoo, and adds to the entire feel of the film. This is definitely a 'marmite' film - you either love it or you hate it. I love it!

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

A beautifully crafted and memorable film.

[9/10 · 29 March 2019]

I was undeniably 'blown away' by this film. It is a superb cinematic experience, superbly directed by Clint Eastwood. It is the story of the tragic but unexpectedly long-lasting defence of Iwo Jima shown through the eyes of several protagonists, but mainly an unwillingly drafted Japanese soldier, who had promised his unborn child he would return from the war, and the General who completely revitalised the Japanese war effort on the island, despite being commander of mainly traditional officers who believed that a soldier should commit suicide if his position was about to be overrun, rather than living to fight another day. Watch the film and enjoy. It is so well crafted it will live with you for years to come.