Nigel's Reviews
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A black slave joins forces with a bounty hunter to save his love from an evil plantation owner. Another homage to exploitation cinema from Tarantino. Those who never saw these types of movies in the 60’s and 70’s may think Tarantino’s vision is new and exciting rather than the work of a director who has arguably run out of original ideas. Still, compared with the rest of his movies since Jackie Brown this one at least moves briskly along and once again has a top performance by Christoph Waltz. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
President Lincoln tries to push through anti-slavery legislation in the last days of the civil war. A turgid historical drama that is like those school history lessons that were to be endured rather than enjoyed. By the time the legislation is passed any sense of exhilaration has been beaten out of you. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
An ex-con and his wife go on the run after a bank robbery goes wrong. A slow moving heist movie that exhibits some of the annoying sexism of 70’s movies. Ali McGraw couldn’t act for nuts and the meandering plot lacks real tension.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The CIA launch a secret mission to free American Embassy staff caught up in the Iraq hostage crisis. Though based on true events the liberties taken with the truth have an uncomfortable smell of propaganda about it which I found annoying and in the end laughable. I don’t need this, particularly from a director and producer with so-called libertarian credentials.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi sacrifices family life for the greater good of the Burmese people. While Michelle Yeoh looks the part her strange voice and that of her husband are distracting. Also the script spends too much time on her husband and we are left hungering for more about what was happening on the ground in Burma. Worthy but a little superficial. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An ex-policeman turned pimp tries to track down the person responsible for the disappearance of one of his escort girls. Fantastic Korean movie that manages create plenty of suspense and horror. No doubt Hollywood will remake the film.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A seemingly reformed Gordon Gekko is released from prison and warns of forthcoming financial catastrophe. Is he a prophet or still a player? OK sequel which lacks the quotable lines of the original. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
After being bitten by a wolf a mild mannered heir to an Estate becomes a savage beast. Lon Chaney Jnr wasn’t much of an actor but this role managed to suit him. As with most of these Universal horror movies of the thirties it is the monster make up that elevates them above the ordinary. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A scientist discovers the secret on invisibility and goes mad. Nice little horror movie ignores the more sensational possibilities of invisibility and focuses on the destructive. Stands up fairly well after all this time. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Son goes in search of father who has disappeared into a computer game. I was never a fan of the original Tron and the same goes with this sequel. Despite both films trying to be at the cutting edge of computer graphics both come across as pretty uninspired and unimaginative.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Old age pensioner living in a housing estate decides to take the law in his own hands after the death of his mate. A sort of Dirty Harry for the elderly who live in fear of out of control youth. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A father exercises tough love on his children while the mother exudes grace. A movie that tries to represent in microcosm what is happening in the grand scheme of things. Visually the film is striking, particularly the creation of life scenes, but overall the juxtaposing of the two doesn’t quite work. Tarkovsky did it a lot better in The Mirror. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A couple of meteorologists at a remote Russian weather station find their relationship deteriorating after a tragedy. Although visually interesting the story isn’t particularly convincing given the motives remain unclear. A sort of mood piece. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A former nurse in a loveless marriage with a wealthy ex-patient forms the basis of this drama. There is a sense of foreboding over the events (emphasised by Philip Glass’s score) leading up to what is probably the inevitable. However, the film feels empty at the centre as if any deeper meaning or context is missing. 3.5
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An unemployed son living with his mother searches for some sort of meaning in life. A slightly offbeat but engaging comedy drama that doesn’t come across as forced in its quirkiness. The side story of the mother’s search for love and some sort of adventure in life is a nice touch.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
The Duke agrees to help a young girl to find the killer of her father. Pretty good late Western from John Wayne that depends on the dynamics between him and the girl. Wayne plays grumpy old man to perfection. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A cruise ship capsizes and passengers fight for survival. An enjoyable disaster movie that is elevated above the banal by the terrific performances from older actors who are definitely not of the macho variety.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
The Duke and an assorted bunch of outsiders take on a gang terrorising a town. Starts off well with a train hijacking but descends into the usual predictable Western. Apart John Wayne and Jack Elam the performances are pretty ordinary.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A down to earth sailor and a prim female missionary join forces in Africa against the Germans in WWI. An adventure drama with a top cast and witty script that has stood the test of time well. What makes it doubly delightful is that the heroes are oldies.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A group of mercenaries are brought together to seize a mysterious suitcase in the possession of criminals. A great crime thriller with two fantastic car chases that put most to shame. This was a great penultimate swansong for director John Frankenheimer who made one on the best movies of the seventies, The French Connection. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A good old boy is sent on a road challenge. Annoyingly silly car chase movie that was strangely popular in its time. The action sequences are repetitious and the comedy laboured.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A hit man confronts his future self who wants to change the past. Another tiresome time travel action movie that tries to be different but ends up being fairly bland and predictable. Supernatural powers are thrown in but their is no real sense of time and place. The CGI on Gordon-Levitt's face is plain weird.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An advertising executive’s life is put in danger when he is mistaken for a FBI agent by foreign spies. A pretty good spy thriller from Hitchcock which is let down by the numerous holes in the plot. The scene between Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint on the train are priceless and worth the ticket. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Semi-documentary starring Steve McQueen that manages to avoid the sensationalism of these types of things. Apparently shot without a proper script the film is like a Antonioni movie with the angst turned down a notch. One of the more curious sport movies.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Two couples go to Cambodia for a holiday and one of them vanishes. A mystery drama that lacks the sort of tension and element of surprise that one would expect given the subject matter.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
After his son dies in an accident a devastated father uses supernatural means to kill those who he believes responsible. OK horror movie that has its moments but is generally par for the course.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Uday Hussein lookalike finds himself in the unenviable position of being a virtual hostage to a psychopath. A shocking look at the abuse of power and horrible deeds of the ruling elite. Claiming to be based on true story of Uday’s double, by all accounts this is largely fiction. However, the acts that Uday perpetrated are not. Worth a look for the lead performance. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Bond takes on a baddie who has mother fixation on M. Bond movies were never big on plots which usually involved some nutter wanting to control the world. This one breaks the mold to some extent but nevertheless comes across as sillier than ever. The film is slow at times and a little duller than usual, thus giving one plenty of time to ponder the many implausibilities in the script. Disappointing.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A salmon expert and financial consultant join forces to help a sheik realise his dream. A romance that despite being little off beat comes across as a little dull. Pleasant enough but not much more.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An investment bank discovers that its financial position is dire. For the better part of two-thirds of the film there is an ominous current to the proceedings. However, things become more conventional in the end lessening the impact of what came before it. Worth a look though. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The class of '99 guys get together for a school reunion with the usual results. Entertaining but largely predictable ‘get another squeak out of the pig’ sequel. Older and little wiser – maybe not.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The kings of light opera have another triumph despite Sullivan’s desire to do more serious work. Overly long and somewhat plodding look at theatre life. Some of the scenes are drawn out and don’t really go anywhere. The wardrobe and sets are quite good though.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
American journalists bear witness to the Russian invasion of the Georgia. Pretty good action drama based on real historical events, although the ‘truth’ is as the movie states in the beginning is the first casualty of war or, in this case, the Hollywood treatment. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An elite police raid on a criminal compound goes badly wrong. A fast moving and action packed film made in Indonesia that shows the Americans how it should be done. The violence is raw and not dependent on special effects.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Vicious Mexican crime gangs fight for territory and find new recruits to brainwash. Although depicting the dark side of Mexican life, this film doesn’t quite get beyond being a love story set against this backdrop (no wider context). Still it is fairly disturbing viewing and worth a watch. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Psychoanalysts Jung and Freud increasingly have differences over the direction of the method. Apart from the strained relationship between the psychoanalysts, the film focuses on the relationship between Freud and one of his neurotic female patients. Interesting rather than riveting viewing that a least gives some insight into the world of pre. WWI repressed society. A lot of what Freud expounded was twaddle but I guess he was a pioneer in that he opened the mind. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Working class kid gets a place in Oxford, gets turned onto drugs and becomes a trafficker. Biopic of the life and crimes of Howard Marks that while largely entertaining doesn’t really do justice to the subject matter. The production values are fairly poor and the narrative is a bit too fragmented.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A hit-man becomes the hunted when he doesn’t carry out a contract killing. One of Director Seitaro Suzuki’s better offerings that manages to avoid being overly stylistic at the expense of plot. The butterfly woman gives the film quite a strange touch. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An ex-cop infiltrates a couple of Japanese crime gangs to root out the killer of his mate. Slightly confused story that is notable for its odd editing, look and style. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A sister of a murderer puts herself through law school in order to prove his innocence. Based on a true story the film follows a predictable path to its inevitable outcome. A sort of Erin Brockovich tale. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A separated couple find the going tough in more ways than one. An Iranian movie that shows more maturity and insight into life issues faced by families than most Western films dealing with similar issues put together. The other thing which makes this film standout is that it doesn’t offer easy answers and is multi-layered.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A husband plots to spring his wife from prison after she is found guilty of murder. Pretty good drama that poses two questions – is the wife guilty and how will he get her out of prison? Though missing edge of the seat tension, it nevertheless moves at a steady pace without too much implausibility as is the usual case for this type of thing. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A corporate headhunter and art thief gets more than he bargained for when he falls foul of a client. A pretty good Norwegian crime thriller with a few twists and some nice touches. The lead looks like a cross between Steve Buscemi and Christopher Walken. The type of movie that is destined to be remade by Hollywood.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A group of teenagers are progressively killed off by a psychopathic killer at a holiday camp. Along with Halloween this movie was influential in spawning more of the same. Graphic for its time it had some suspenseful moments but generally it is pretty run of the mill. The soundtrack is a rip off of Psycho and its success may be partly put down to audiences enjoying seeing the obnoxious teenagers knocked off.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An American spy in Shanghai suspects the Japanese are up to something big after his colleague is murdered. Pretty lacklustre affair which lacks the snappy dialogue of those classic forties movies set in the East.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A lowly officer worker finds he can climb the organisation by letting out his apartment to his superiors for their liaisons. Another entertaining and well scripted offering from Billy Wilder. Fred MacMurray is particularly good as the contemptible boss.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A small time black hoodlum finds his life spiralling out of control after a robbery goes wrong. Interesting rather than striking look at the life of poor South Africans. The reason for the youth’s love of the baby is not quite clear.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A youth who feels alienated from his father after his mother’s death feels anger at the world. A film that deals with several issues but doesn’t quite explain the motives behind the actions. The African sequences don't really add anything to the story.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
After an airplane crash the survivors face deadly wolves. Why the survivors would leave the refuge of the plane for the even bleaker snow wastes is beyond me. The end result attests to this. As far as survival movies go this one is ok, but nothing more.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The life and times of J Edgar Hoover, the head of the FBI for 48 years. A film that tries to get under the skin of Hoover but ends up being neither fish nor fowl. Most of what we already know about Hoover is up on the screen, including speculation about his sexuality, but the whole thing is a bit tired. Di Caprio is not particularly convincing or even shares a likeness to Hoover, and the old age makeup of his partner, Tolson, is awful.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Member of a Charles Manson type cult finds the going tough when she leaves. A film that doesn’t sensationalise the subject by turning it into a horror movie. The tension is created by the fear of being tracked down by the cult. In that way you can never fully escape.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A couple of gay guys, one uncomfortable with his homosexuality, the other celebrating his sexuality, meet and form an unexpected bond which may or may not endure. Pretty good look at the need we all share for love and companionship regardless of our sexuality. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An engaged couple’s romantic trip to Paris turns into a back in time fantasy for the male partner. Another whimsical offering from Woody Allen that treads familiar territory and in the end is quite forgettable.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A husband becomes angry and morally adrift after the death of his wife. An affliction flick that doesn’t really succeed in conveying the angst or show the husband in a sympathetic light. The symbolism of fire throughout the film comes across as awkward and unnecessary.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A sexaholic finds it difficult to form meaningful relationships. A strange film that presents a problem but doesn’t give the audience a clear understanding of its roots or possible solution. In the end it is rather pointless like the endless pursuit itself. Maybe that’s the message. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
In 1994 a cave was found in southern France with pristine prehistoric wall paintings. Ok documentary that could have done without Werner Herzog’s leaden ponderings. The true stars are the painting themselves and forgotten artists who painted such striking images.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The life and times of Margaret Thatcher . The impact that Thatcher had on Britain is skimmed across in this biopic which spends too much time on her dementia in old age. It’s a pity because Streep’s performance in first rate and could have been used to even greater effect. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A reporter investigates what appears to be a conspiracy to fake a space walk on Mars. A pretty good drama that is let down by its less than taught direction and a pounding soundtrack lacks subtlety. Also the DVD release seems to be taken from VHS tape. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A mole inside the British Secret Service is slowly flushed out. A pretty good adaption of the Le Carre spy thriller. The major drawback is that characters of the suspects are sketchy compared with the TV series which had more time to flesh them out. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Dying matriarch sees her expat children for last time. Excruciating twaddle from the pen of Patrick White. The cast do their best to make something of it but to no avail. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
The experiences of a German U-boat in WWII. Pretty good submarine movie that is let down somewhat by pedestrian direction. Also the quality of the print is fairly poor despite claims that it is a restored print. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An inventor puts both capitalists and workers off-side when he invents an indestructible cloth. Enjoyable and quirky Ealing comedy that puts forward an interesting scenario in an entertaining manner.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A crook finds himself in a life / death situation when he is injected with a serum that will ultimately lead to his death. Crazy action drama with ubiquitous Statham that is easily out done in absurdity by its bizarre sequel Krank; High Voltage.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
When his crime boss goes straight a gangster finds himself an exile when trying to keep the peace. A strange Japanese movie that comes across as a homage to sixties crime movies even though it was made in the sixties. The story is uninspired but the images are impressive.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
French pop singer and songwriter Gainsbourg gets the biopic treatment. Largely built around his Jewish background and odd looks it is the sort of biopic that focuses on his search for acceptance and a cool image. The alter ego cartoon image sequences don’t quite work and in the end he comes across as a self-indulgent bore.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A wife is wrongly accused of adultery in Iran so her wicked husband can marry a younger woman. Apparently based on a true story the film is one of those message movies that hope to expose such nasty practices in some Muslim societies. The stoning sequence is quite harrowing but the film is a touch glossy at times which lessens the impact. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Wannabe superhero gets the backing of a real deal father and his daughter team. Other than having a young cute teenage girl as a deadly killing machine there is nothing here that sets it apart from a lot of this type of thing.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A teacher has a relationship with a policeman who may or may not be a serial killer. A strange and unsettling crime drama that is controversial at times but ends like your usual slasher flick. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A would be politician finds that he is not in as much control of his destiny as he believed. Pretty daft sci-fi drama which totally stretches the bounds of possibility. An excuse to run around town opening and closing doors.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A cellist loses his job and finds his true vocation as a person who presides over death ceremonies. Nicely observed and gentle, and sometimes comic, movie dealing with what could have been a fairly gruesome subject.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A planned murder goes awry when things are revealed to be not quite as they originally seemed. Nice plot which doesn’t quite work on the screen. Maybe the performances could have been a little stronger and the script tightened up a bit.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The untold story of the forced migration of supposed orphaned British children to Australia up until the 1970’s. A human drama based on real events that focuses on the victims who suffered maltreatment and subsequently rediscover their lost past. Nicely handled and informative. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Lennon’s NY years are put under the microscope. It’s an irony that the city he loved was also where he was murdered. Compared to Scorcese’s soporific and indulgent documentary on George Harrison this one (made for TV) comes across as informative and lively.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A couple of individuals touched tragedy cross paths with a reluctant psychic who communicates with the dead. After a fairly stunning opening this exploration of death settles into a story of the search for the unknowable. Interesting but lacking soul. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Dramatisation of the early life of John Lennon before the rise of The Beatles. Hints at an almost incestuous relationship between mother and son. Well done with extras including interviews with a couple of the original Quarrymen. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Captain America takes on a mad Nazi scientist whose plans for world domination even outstrip those of his boss Hitler. Better than average comic book adaptation that is helped by having it based during WWII. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A psychopathic pervert draws those around him into his evil world. A gritty study of a murderer whose influence is so malignant that he comes across as far worse than those he accuses. A pretty stunning movie based on a true story that is helped by the authentic surroundings and the use of non professional actors..
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A wagon train gets lost searching for the land of milk and honey. A quite dull but authentic look at American pioneering families and their trials and tribulations. Worthy rather than enjoyable.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Train commuter gets caught in a time loop prior to a disaster. A twist on the find the bad guy before he kills story. A bit too repetitious and unlikely for my taste.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Moroccan migrant worker in Germany marries an elderly fraulein. Strangely engaging story that deals with a number of social issues, in particular racism. It is like watching a Douglas Sirk’s melodrama stripped of the glamour.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A social climber goes up the ladder then quickly down. Kubrick’s dull adaption of an equally dull book by Thackeray. To me this film sounded the death knell of Kubrick’s once exciting directorial style. Ryan O’Neal was a poor choice in the lead and the story is episodic and slow. I’ve seen BBC productions far better than this.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A down at heel private detective gets drawn into a murder case involving his friend’s wife. A homage to crime writer Raymond Chandler set in the 70’s. Other than that it is pretty routine. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The caped crusader saves Gotham City from another nutter who wants to destroy it. Though an improvement on its overlong and muddled predecessor this final chapter of the Nolan trilogy is nonetheless riddled with plot implausibility’s and a relentlessly thumping soundtrack to make it distracting. The actions scenes are epic without being inspired and the two fight scenes between Batman and Bane ham fisted. Worth a look though. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An Egyptologist seeks revenge against those who would thwart his quest for immortality. A horror movie with comedic touches that has its moments but is generally par for the course. This print of what was thought to be a lost movie is pretty terrible but I understand there is a later pristine print distributed and released by MGM also available.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Old buddies get together for an overnight trip to some hot springs. Observational rather than narrative driven story of life and changing friendships. Some will find it boring but I found oddly unsettling and at the same time alluring. For those who want something a little different. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
There is a monster in the house which must be destroyed. A horror movie set in outer space that manages to be visually inspired and full of tension.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A white woman insists in bringing in the coffee crop as civil war rages in a former French colony in Africa. Interesting drama that stretches bounds of probability at times but in the end succeeds because of its central performance. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The story of Glenn Miller is given the full Hollywood treatment. By today's standards it is highly romanticised but nevertheless it looks good and rolls along at an enjoyable pace. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Gay confidence trickster does it all for love. Based on a true story this film is notable for tour de force performance of Carrey as the bold shyster. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A vague female student drifts into a kinky gentleman’s club scene to make ends meet with strange results. Silly movie that tries to be more profound than it actually is. The twist at the end doesn’t really come as a surprise. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A couple of young rural lads, one white and the other aboriginal, find their relationship changing as the silent minority begin to find a voice. Mood piece doesn’t bludgeon us with a message but gives us some insight into the lives led.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A couple with an interest in antiquities meet (he a writer, she a collector) and their relationship takes a mysterious turn. A sort of contemporary take on Antonioni movies dealing the identity and alienation. However, it isn’t particularly well handled and the story becomes quite plodding and inspiring.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Three stories from Guy de Maupassant adapted to the screen. The story which stays in my mind is one about the masked man. The other two stories are more conventional but nevertheless well handled. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
After the death of her son a mother goes in search of the father. My thoughts of Almodovar is either you love him or are totally indifferent. While his films are well made there is something I find dull despite the sensational aspects. Leave this one for the fans. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Has been boxer with drug habit threatens to derail his brother’s budding boxing career. Nicely observed drama (based on a true story) that is another case of Christian Bale undergoing physical change for his role. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Nasty goings on in hillbilly territory when a father vanishes and his daughter seeks the truth. Atmospheric thriller with ominous overtones. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Bad apple cop goes totally out of control after murdering a crook. OK study of corruption that stretches the bounds of plausibility towards the end. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A dark vision of the nuclear arms race which results in devastation. While Dr Strangelove focused on the black comedy of the situation, Fail-Safe takes a sober view. Interesting to compare both approaches. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Executives find the going tough after losing their jobs in the GFC. A strange film that fails to address the moral and spiritual crises that it is the heart of the problem. Success is seen in terms of position and material accumulation. By the end of the film there doesn’t seem to be any progress for the characters beyond this viewpoint. Otherwise it’s still worth a watch. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Prophets of doom have walked this earth since Adam was a boy. Ruppert believes the end of civilisation is nigh because oil is about to run out leading to economic meltdown. The current GFC is just another symptom of this inevitable decline. As with most of these types of predictions the fear factor of what may pass is far greater than the actual reality of event should it occur. Generally it is the totally unexpected that can be disastrous (think deadly epidemics, asteroids hitting earth). Still it is worth a watch. The guy is a great talker
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Let’s put a show on that will blow their socks off. The blueprint for behind the scenes Broadway musicals. Some nice saucy dialogue that seems to have slipped by the censors scissors in there as well. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Female workers at the Ford factory in England in the sixties go on strike for equal pay. The Brits are pretty good at making potentially dull subjects into lively entertainments. This is a case in point. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A British soldier infiltrates Rommel’s inner circle to discover the secret of his success in Northern Africa. Fairly routine war time drama that has some nice moments.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A French journalist investigates what happened to a Jewish family in WWII. A holocaust drama that doesn’t quite have the impact it should given it deals with a black chapter of French history.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Bowling alley buddies go on a mission to recover a carpet. Tedious stoner comedy that is more notable for being cool rather than anything more interesting.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Bowling alley buddies go on a mission to recover a carpet. Tedious stoner comedy that is more notable for being cool rather than anything more interesting.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A journalist and punk computer wiz investigate a suspected murder. Starts of well but falters towards the end with its reliance on crazed stereotypes. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A love triangle begins to turn sour when the object of the couple’s affection wants to move on. One of those liberated 60’s movie that is notable for dealing with subject of bi-sexuality. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An alien creature infiltrates a polar camp and creates paranoia. A scifi movie that improves on the 50’s original (which is overrated). The increased tension and fear is palpable. The special effects are first rate even after all this time.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An alien creature infiltrates a polar camp and creates paranoia. A scifi movie that improves on the 50’s original (which is overrated). The increased tension and fear is palpable. The special effects are first rate even after all this time.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A journalist is ordered by his boss to rescue his daughter from nasty aliens. A sci-fi action movie that shoots above its weight. The journey through the alien infested no man’s land is quite effective given the low budget. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A gentlemanly hit man who is about to retire has his life turned upside down by a young female thief. Sometimes amusing but largely uninspired and dull comedy crime drama.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A poet seeks out a paranoid and reclusive multi-millionairess living on a Greek Island. A complete piece of twaddle that goes to show that what little Tennessee Williams had going for him as a playwright had completely deserted him by the time this movie was made.
(Don't bother!) - review by Nigel
A Thai villager is sent to Bangkok to retrieve a Buddhist statue which was stolen. An action movie that is driven by its outstanding martial arts fights. These Thai’s know how to do it unlike the Chinese who seem to have forgotten. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A psychopathic father and daughter seek retribution on those boys who reject her. Aussie violent shocker that doesn’t quite pull it off.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Three American Iraq war veterans support each other after returning home. A movie that looks into the personal lives of those sent to serve. Shows the pain does not end after being in a war zone. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Machete wielding Mexican seeks revenge against those who set him up as a fall guy. Over the top but enjoyable action movie that is notable for its rough looking but charismatic lead. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A US truck driver in Iraq is buried alive by insurgents and awaits his rescue. A surprisingly riveting drama taking place in a very confined space. No flashbacks etc. to pad out the time which is quite an achievement.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A couple of old school mates go on a wine tour before one of them is to get married. An odd couple scenario with love interest thrown in. Wry and observational this comedy manages to engage in a pleasant and subtle way. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A young Maori girl struggles to win the support of her grandfather who still believes in a traditional culture that is male dominated. Another nicely observed NZ movie. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A hired assassin on his last hit faces his own annihilation. A mood piece that eschews thumping dramatics for subtlety. Many will be disappointed but I quite liked it. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A scientific mission to a distant planet seeks answers to the origin of life on earth. I wanted to like this film more than I did. Compared to Alien it is full of ideas and has a mystery at its core. But unfortunately it lacks tension and is a little dull and plodding. When the mandatory big special effects scene happens at the end it is quite predictable and unexciting. Disappointing but worth a look. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A western junkie in Japan meets his maker. Excruciatingly self-indulgent filmmaking that eschews plot for improvisation and endless hand held camera movement. Rather pointless. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A selfish, uncaring, womanising son of a Texas rancher alienates those around him. A drama that is more notable for the performances rather than offering a sympathetic insight into a unlikeable character. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Aristocratic family with dark secrets confront their own desires and fears when a mysterious stranger enters their lives. A soft core movie dressed up as art during a time that some directors bothered to do such things before the arrival of the hard stuff. Historically interesting.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Charles Darwin suffers moral and religious torment before the publication of The Origin of Species. A movie which reduces Darwin’s struggle to that of a domestic drama. Would have liked the film to concentrate more on the evolution of his ideas. Interesting but not particularly inspiring.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A widowed husband suddenly confronts things about his recently deceased wife and two daughters that jar his world. One of those films about people which puts it to the head of the queue through fine performances and a strong and witty script.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A dysfunctional family whose two sisters are at constant loggerheads feel the stress of relationships and life. A quirky movie that has nice performances but in the end is a little too enamoured with its quirkiness. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Ancient Alexandria is torn apart by sectarian violence and science is viewed with suspicion. Thought provoking movie that deals with ideas and religious beliefs rather gladiatorial battles. Its approach of viewing history from a godlike perspective at intervals throughout the movie is a novel. Worth a look. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A film based on the true story of a female serial killer which manages to avoid the sensational and concentrate on what possibly turned the subject into a monster. The performance by Theron is stunning. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A bank robber hits pay dirt but with dangerous consequences. Engrossing heist drama with a top notch performance by Matthau. John Vernon makes a good villain as he did in Point Blank.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Young man in the big city tries to find himself. Wacky comedy with Kline playing an eccentric gigolo to wealthy society women. The young man could be straight out of Harold and Maude. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Society wife in pre-WW1 France falls in love with an Italian diplomat much to her husband’s chagrin. Study of manners in a hypocritical society where women were expected to flirt but not fall in love. Somewhat tiresome drama that is nevertheless nicely handled
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An orphan living at the Paris Railway Station uncovers a magical past. A homage to early cinema that is notable for its recreation of Paris in the 1920’s. Nice but oddly lifeless. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A crude and out-of-control teenager is sanctified by his school after his death. A black comedy about the family and the media. Robin Williams gives a one dimensional performance. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Strange goings on in the Scottish highlands when a group of soldiers go on a training exercise. Quite a good horror movie given the budget. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A Marshall is hired by a young girl to track down the killer of her father. A tough western with strong performances from the leads.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Mercenaries find a hidden valley and community during the 30 years war. A turgid drama which is never clear about people’s personal and religious motivations. The historical context is muddy and Caine’s accent is all over the place. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A criminal goes to the north of England to investigate the death of a friend. A fantastic crime drama with all the usual twists and turns. The grittiness and depiction of violence were quite progressive for the time. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A writer gets more than he bargained for when he is engaged to work on the autobiography of an ex British PM. A classy suspense drama that presses all the right buttons.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A couple of US soldiers are given the unenviable task of informing families of the death of loved ones in Iraq. A subtle critique of the US military and its treatment of soldiers and their families. An interesting look at the other side of war.3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An Egyptian band becomes stranded for the night in a new housing estate in Israel. A lovely understated observational drama that ticks all the right boxes for this type of thing.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
An ageing thespian and his servant suffer the trials and tribulations of show business. An adaptation of a stage play that is so annoyingly hammy and overplayed by the two leads that you wish the theatre they were performing in had been bombed by the Germans. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A reserved gay British academic ponders life after the death of his one love. Dour study of loss which is largely interesting as it set in LA during the early sixties (a strange fish out of water atmosphere). Performances are strong with Julianne Moore channelling Ann Margaret. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An investigation into the sexual life of Aussies. A pseudo documentary that is largely of historical interest these days. Oh how things have changed!
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
American soldiers in Vietnam in 1964 get a preview of how tough the coming war is going to be. A potentially interesting look at America’s involvement before things got really crazy. The film is let down by poor production values and uninspired direction. The whole thing looks like an episode of Mash. An opportunity lost. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A legion of Roman soldiers wage war against the Picts. A movie which explores the legend of a lost legion of soldiers. While obviously done on a tight budget the film nevertheless comes quite well. As usual with this type of thing the women look like they stepped out of a French fashion show. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A married couple cope with the loss of their 4 year old son. A measured and non-sensational look at parents dealing with the emptiness and self-questioning of such a loss. Both leads put in convincing performances. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
After a car accident which kills his young brother Zac Efron retreats from the world. OK drama that will have young girls wanting to nurse Efron through his blues.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A married couple start questioning their marriage with the wife wanting to do social good. OK drama that offers some interesting insights into a tired relationship.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A debonair criminal seeks refuge in the Casbah much to the chagrin of the police. A classic of sorts that at the time of its making had an air of gritty reality about it. Today in comes across a nice little drama. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Korean police try to track down a serial killer before he kills again. An okay police drama that lapses into silliness from time to time.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A husband accused of the murder of his wife tries to track down the witness who can prove his innocence. Fairly lacklustre affair with the culprit fairly easy to spot. The scene where Elisha Cook Jnr plays the drums in a frenzy of lust is a highlight though.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The genesis of those intelligent apes is explained. OK but oddly familiar story of animals (thinking Project X) getting their own back against humans. Lacked that certain emotional oooomph to take it beyond being just another good action movie.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The wife of a wealthy merchant falls in love with his assistant with devastating results. OK Japanese melodrama that tries to send a message about the inequality of the sexes. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A dancer with a shady past goes to Las Vegas to seek fame and fortune. An enjoyable melodrama that has its tongue firmly in cheek. Fun for what it is.3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A Kiwi lad is reunited with his immature dad with both amusing and sad results. This movie could have been grim viewing if it had not taken a light approach to the subject matter. Enjoyable in an offbeat sort of way. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Four Japanese tales of the supernatural. Strikingly good looking movie that moves at a glacial pace. It’s a pity that the stories aren’t more interesting. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Film producer experiences hard times with devastating effect on himself and his family. OK French movie that I felt lacked dramatic impact despite the unfolding events. The teenage daughter puts in a stunning performance.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A smart young woman who wants to be a doctor falls for a bit of a no hoper, gets pregnant and ponders what went wrong with her life. A sort of kitchen sink drama American style with top notch performances from the leads. If you believe love transcends everything you may overlook the mismatch and focus on the beautiful tragedy of it all. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Dirty Harry takes on a psychopathic revolutionary and his gang. Substandard fair that comes across as quite silly compared to the original. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A dogged police officer hunts for an escaped criminal who has hooked up with another crook for the big job. A nice crime drama that unfolds in its own methodical manner. It is let down somewhat by it fairly abrupt ending.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A kidnap drama with some nice twists. The performances are quite good and the resolution inevitable. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A psychopathic police officer goes completely off the rails. Fairly ugly affair, particularly in its treatment of women. Well presented but dubious. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A fishing expert who cannot fish is threatened with exposure. A Rock Hudson comedy that is a bit strained though it does have some nice moments. Paula Prentiss overdoes her role but Hudson is good as usual.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A wife suffers from post accident trauma. Set against an almost post apocalyptic industrial landscape this is as much an environmental shocker as a psychological study. As usual Antonioni’s characters walk around these modern landscapes like lost souls. (This is the Red Desert review. See under Red Desert for La Notte review by same director).
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A lesbian couple with two children experience a crisis when the sperm donor father comes on the scene. An acting tour de force that manages to straddle drama and comedy nicely.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Husband and wife experience angst in a material world, he from writers block and she from ennui. A meandering affair from Antonioni that lacks the freshness, allure and mystery element of its predecessor L’Avventura. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A retired lawyer cannot forget a murder case he worked on years ago. An interesting drama which deals with unrequited love, loss and how we deal with it. The ending is a little predictable but by and large it keeps you guessing. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A nerdy teenager will do anything to win the girl of his dreams. Although the film tries to be inventive it becomes a little tiresome in its familiarity.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The daughter of Count Dracula tries overcoming the blood lust of her father. Pretty dull affair with a less than scary lead. What makes this DVD interesting is that it has the Spanish version of Dracula which was shot concurrently with the English Bela Lugosi version in 1931. Like the Lugosi movie the film suffers from being slow, stagey and creaky in the acting department. The Spanish actor who plays Dracula is almost a ringer for Lugosi.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The story about a video documenter of street art who becomes a street artist himself. An enjoyable and illuminating insight into the world of street art that seems to support the view that anyone and anything is art today. The documentary leaves open the question whether the subject is another creation of the mysterious street artist Banksy.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A group of British would be Islamic terrorists plan jihad. A black comedy that progressively becomes more serious. It has its moments but, despite the logical ending, fails to satisfy.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A radicalised lawyer looses the plot to a degree after the glory days of civil unrest. Although fairly bland in its presentation this documentary made by Kunstler’s daughters makes it clear their father had great strengths as well as glaring weaknesses.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An alienated and bored teenager living in a housing estate tries to find meaning in her life. Modern day kitchen sink drama that wallows in its own misery. Adults are failures and poor role models. The film could have developed into something more sinister but fortunately avoids doing so. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A childless Aussie couple go to India to adopt a child. A colourful drama that, given the subject matter, could have been mawkish and manipulative. However it avoids these pitfalls and develops into an involving human drama that doesn’t succumb to predictable outcomes.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Eager to please niece of a lighthouse keeper finds the going tough on an isolated island. Moody drama that doesn’t quite know where it’s going. A mood piece of sorts.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A working man’s caf? becomes hip after it gets an experienced chef. Fluffy comedy drama that presses all the right buttons when it comes to this sort of thing.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Once again Zombies are taking over, this time it is Paris. Better than average zombie flick that offers no explanation as to why they have suddenly appeared. Personal enmities between cops and crooks are temporarily put on hold to fight the brain dead.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An eccentric doctor and his assistant travel in time to rescue the world from destruction. A fond homage to silent cinema that manages to capture the look and mood of that time. Fans of silent cinema will enjoy but many will find it dated as is the case with these things.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A petty criminal and 'lost soul' receives an ugly education in prison from the big boys. Quite a good prison drama that is notable for the performance of the lead. A story of redemption of sorts.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A conservative wealthy family begins to disintegrate after the death of its patriarch. D H Lawrence meets Henry James in this story of repressed passion and suffocating conformity. Although it tries hard it is difficult to emphasise with these people. A movie out of its time.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A petty criminal and 'lost soul' receives an ugly education in prison from the big boys. Quite a good prison drama that is notable for the performance of the lead. A story of redemption of sorts. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A fervent revolutionist and playboy becomes a latter day anachronism. A fast paced TV series (300 minutes) that turns the real life Carlos into something of an action hero despite his crimes. Strangely enjoyable.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
The unrequited love affair of a poet for an eccentric artist. Somewhat plodding depiction of the early life of Dali, Lorca and Bunuel. Dali is depicted as a complete weirdo and Bunuel's character isn't particularly well drawn. The Lorca character is more interesting and the actor looks a dead ringer for him. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
The shocking events of a day shown told in reverse. A novel approach to narrative which begins in virtual chaos and winds down from then on. Two very graphic violent scenes are shown which stir controversy. Other than drawing attention to itself it doesn’t offer much of substance.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Young American journalists and camera crew go to the remote jungles of South America to do a report on cannibalism. A reasonably well made exploitation flick that largely owes its notoriety to the highly graphic footage of animal cruelty. If one was going to be kind to this movie one could say it is a savage criticism of modern media and imperialism.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Political media minders and manipulators wreak havoc at Downing Street. What makes this movie different from TV explorations of the same comedic subject matter is the torrent of swearing by the lead character. Otherwise it is a fairly predictable fair.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A geeky looking rock musician is attacked by the former lovers of his girl friend. The whole thing is played out like a computer game. After the first couple of attacks the film becomes quite repetitious and mind numbing. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
An entertaining documentary that focuses more on the anti-censorship movement of the so-called 60's sexual revolution than on the darker aspects of the porn industry. As usual it is the guys who appear to be more comfortable than women with its legacy.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Married in the 1950's is tested when a husband falls in love with a younger woman. An unusual film in that it falls between being a black comedy and serious drama. Performances are uniformly good and Brosnan has found a nice niche in his later years playing questionable characters.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Tales from the Arabian Nights as told by Pasolini. Pasolini was one of those directors who had a very distinctive style. Although there was an ever present voyeuristic nastiness to his later films (particularly his last Salo) there was also a freshness that one rarely sees in films today. What also made them delightful to watch were the exotic locations. In this case, Arabian Nights is the most beautiful looking of his films.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Social climbing angry young man betrays himself and also realises life is not so good at the top. Ground breaking movie of sorts that captures the post-war social divides well. The gritty look also adds to its appeal.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Men with lots of baggage get together and slowly confront who they are. Excellent acting and convincing dialogue make this a surprise winner. Too many of these sorts of things turn into a self-indulgent bleeding hearts excercise. This one manages to avoid the pitfalls.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Flynn the naval doctor on a mission to solve the dangers of flying. Not a war movie but one of those overcoming adversity through science challenges. Aeroplane buffs will enjoy the flight sequences. It's in color too.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Murder and cover-up as the wife of a plantation seeks to avoid justice. As far as these things go this is a superior example of the genre. Creates a nice moody tropical ambience.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Zulu warriors take on those British Imperialists. Better than average actioner that moves along at a steady pace. Although considered a classic I found it didn't quite create the necessary tension to make it gripping. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Errol Flynn takes on an abolishionist terrorist but can't kill an idea in the end. Fascinating take on the roots of the American Civil War which arose out of anti-slavery movement. Massey is great as fanatical anti-slaver John Brown who bears a resemblence in Osama bin Laden! 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Wealthy socialite undergoes surgery for a brain tumor and falls in love with the surgeon. Tear jerker with a tragic ending. Davis puts in a top performance but overall the thing is fairly routine. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A US platoon landing in Italy make their way inland to a farmhouse. Understated war movie that focuses more on the state of mind of the soldiers than the fighting. The enemy is never seen in the flesh and there is no focus on heroics. In many ways it is a more honest war movie than most. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Giant bugs threaten to over the world. Better than average low budget horror comedy that doesn't try to be anything more than it is. For those who need a time filler.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A mentally unstable ballerina gets her big break and becomes progressively delusional and self-destructive. A familiar story of life emulating fiction. The performance by Portman is first rate but overall the film is lacks originality. Also the ballet sequence at the end could have been better (reference The Red Shoes). 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A journalist creates and pushes the career of a budding beauty queen. An attempted expose of the sordid and exploitational side of beauty pageants. The film seems to be trying to capture the feel of Italian movies of the time (particularly Fellini) but fails. It is also a bit overlong.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Lonely, introvert and brow beaten daughter of a wealthy matriarch finds herself. Superior melodrama that manages to have something important to say about how we treat others. It is brave in that it doesn't come up with the usual romantic solution in the end.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Young man goes in search of truth in the East then tries to do good in the West. Interesting film as it deals with existentialist issues at a time in Hollywood when such self-searching would have been alien. The first Hippie movie I think.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Childhood deep sea divers compete for supremacy, one for love of the sea and the other for love of competition. Overlong, ,laboured and self-consciously arty movie that is quite silly. Why the French loved it, who knows?
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An English village fights against a fifth column of enemy soldiers. A propaganda movie that manages to be entertaining and has aged fairly well. The German's never stood a chance against this mob. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Big on the suffering but almost nothing on the teaching. Gibson relishes in the violence as he did with Braveheart and Apocalyto. Profoundly superficial.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Boy's own adventure where fantasy collides with contemprary reality. Enjoyable romp that has the added authentic touch of post-war ravaged London. Parents don't get a look in. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Another irreverant biopic on a classical composer by Ken Russell. Comes across as a little too fractured and might I say corny at times to make it an enduring study. Nevertheless it is full of the usual Russell energy. Was he the father of the music clip?
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A teacher becomes a captive of a young widow living beneath the dunes. A strange film that manages to avoid being pretentious despite its artiness. A discordant musical score adds to the mysteriousness. Make of it what you will. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A struggling idealistic and short tempered doctor puts his profession before relationships and rubs people up the wrong way in the process. An enjoyable drama with Douglas Sirk overtones. The night scene between Mitchum and Grahame at the horse stables is a classic.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
An uptight reluctant King with a stutter is helped by a down to earth Aussie speech therapist. Performance driven piece that hits all the right buttons in that British upstairs downstairs sort of way. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Brothel owning mother and her disapproving daughter fall in love with the same man. A symphathetic look at life inside a house of pleasure. The resolution at the end seems to work. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Powerful town patriarch demands grandchildren to carry on the family name. Deep South melodramatic nonsense that is notable for Welles' over the top performance. Also the ending is quite daft.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Kabuki actor seeks revenge against the threesome who were responsible for the death of his parents. A drama that takes elements of Japanese theatre and serves it up in innovative cinematic terms. Despite this I found the film quite tiresome, long and not particularly riveting.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Rural Chinese working in a Beijing theme park face the modern world. Unusual film with touches of Ozu and Antonioni. The unreality of the park and its cultural desolation is a possible portent of what is to come for Chinese society. The film is let down somewhat by its perfunctory ending. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Manic army bomb disarmer potentially jeopardises the live's of his comrades. If one ignores some of the more questionable aspects of this film and concentrate on the drama it is quite good. Its depiction of Iraq post invasion is fairly atmospheric.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
The struggle of the Jewish people to create a state of their own. An 'epic' tale that isn't too bad if one ignores the politics. In view of the events since the making of the film one wonders how it would be handled today. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Verteran hard drinking country singer falls on hard times. Most notable for the convincing performance of Bridges. Otherwise it is the usual set of cliches for these type of things. The young love interest, the protege and rival, the problem drinking and health problems. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Code breaking and intrigue in WWII. Interesting subject that gets lost in a confusing and not particularly convincing spy drama. Should have stuck to telling the true story of the enigma code and its cracking.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A marshal investigates the disappearence of a patient from a mental asylum. The movie creates an atmosphere of mystery in the beginning but it soon dissipates when you realise it is none other than a modern version of the old silent classic The Cabinet of Dr Caligari. Those who haven't seen Dr Caligari might enjoy it more. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A white man with a love of black music helps to create rock n roll. As far as music biopics go this one isn't too bad in that it is fast moving and helps shed some light on a lesser known record label and its artists (except for Chuck Berry of course). 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Two men are trapped in a room by a psychopathic sadist. Starts of reasonably well but succumbs to standard conventions of the genre in the second half. Had it been better directed there might have been something more there.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A group of poms led by Caine execute a major a heist in Italy. Somewhat sluggish caper that for some reason is held with affection. Caine is very good but the film lacks tension and is a bit too episodic.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
America's most decorated soldier stars in a movie of his wartime experiences. A movie which is strangely devoid any of the fear and danger of war. An almost antiseptic depiction of war which comes across more like a comic strip. Surely Audie Murphy deserved better.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Self-obsessed computer geek becomes a success despite his obvious social inadequacies. Interesting study of the me generation whose shallow obsession with the now only goes to show that the internet does not deliver true togetherness and awareness.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A positive single female keeps her optimism despite some people trying to bring her down. This movie reminded me of those swinging sixties movies about kookie girls but without the self-indulgent camera work and editing of that era. The mannerisms of the lead tend to get on your nerves after a while. Interesting but rather pointless. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Jews hide from the Nazis during the Dutch occupation. Given the film takes place mostly in one room this wartime drama works surprisingly well given it goes for almost 3 hours. The constant fear of being discovered is palpable and the sentimental aspects largely under control.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A fairly woeful 'epic' that is more like a domestic melodrama than a story of great conquests. The script in clunky and the editing just as bad. Plus Burton looks unconvincing in a blond wig and toga.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A black obese teenager struggles against the terrible circumstances of her life. A brave and confronting drama which manages to offer hope amongst the gloom. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Events from the past influence our future actions. Pretty dull afair from a director who really challenged in the past. The hypothesis is a little too deterministic and the characters not particularly interesting.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Plane crashes in desert and struggle for survival begins. Action drama that has a strong story and great characters. The fact that the characters are at loggerheads most of the time gives it a more interesting dimension. A classic.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Borstal boy with a hatred of the system tries to stick it up the system. When you take away the once fresh realism of these 'angry young men' movies of the sixties there isn't much left to like about the characters. This one is a thief and a liar who spouts communism but doesn't do anything to improve his lot or that of society. A true rebel..I don't think so.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Arrogant working class womaniser lives for the weekend. An influential and shocking film in its day. However, the problem with this film is that there is not much more to the Finney character other than his unlikeableness. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Nelson Mandela inspires the Springboks to victory and in the process restores national pride. Another workmanlike rather than innovative offering from Eastwood. At times the exposition is a little too obvious and the added threat scenes unneccessary, but overall it is a good watch. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A group of misfits wage war against a couple of arms manufacturers. A quirky French 'comedy' that is rather tiresome in its oddness. It's as if the director is trying too hard to be offbeat.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The dead seek the help of a crotchety dentist for unfinished business. A sort of ascerbic romantic comedy with a supernatural theme. Despite looking interesting on paper it nevertheless comes across a quite bland and tired.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The troubles of the adult world are visited on the young. Another dour offering from Bergman that sees the world as "this dim vast vale of tears, vacant and desolate". There is religion of course but this of the old testament variety. I am not a fan. But that said, this is one of his better offerings despite some daft ghost sequences. The best part is the middle sequence which focuses on the married to the bishop. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A sensitive teenager tries to be tough but isn't. Somewhat romanticised look at early sixties gang culture despite the knifings and fights. Visually it has touches of The Night of the Hunter but the characterisation is a bit lacking. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Nude and bondage model shocks 50's America. A fairly light and superficial look at a subject which has a far darker side. Nevertheless the performance by the lead is very good and the whole thing moves along at a rapid pace. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Alien virus threatens mankind. A drama that is big on science and little else. With a bit more action increasing tension it could have been less leaden. 2.5 stars.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A returned soldier is accussed of his wife's murder and sets out to find the truth. Fairly routine film noir which is largely let down by the sluggish direction. Also lacking spark between the two leads. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Three Western journalists in a love triangle during a civil uprising in Nicaragua. Though the film is unbelievable in parts, it nevertheless is a pretty good attempt at capturing a country in turmoil and the political machinations involved. As usual Hackman is excellent in his small role. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Autistic young girl seeks vengance against those who destroyed her mother. While the story is so so the fight sequences are quite extraordinary, in particular the last 20 minutes. This is a bit of throwback to those early kung fu movies which were largely real action and not special effects. Note the injury toll on this movie. Shows the Thai's can do it better these days. 4 stars for the fights.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A mishmash of a serial killer flick that doesn;t quite capture the full terror of the acts even though it tries to be 'real'. It also skirts around the sexual and power elements of the acts by concentrating on the revenge against society aspect of the crimes.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The armed forces take on the bug threat from outer space. A bit of satire on corporatised warfare and the power of advertising. The special effects are pretty good and the story moves at a rapid pace. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A corporate hatchet man almost comes down to earth after his high flying lifestyle is threatened. A movie that tries to be profound but in the end is quite superficial. The young female go getter who poses a threat to Clooney is unconvincing and the outcome of his fling with the business woman is predictable.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Father and son endure the grim reality of a hostile and dying world. As far as these types of movies go this one has a bit more depth to it. However, in the end it doesn't quite have the impact it should. The sequences involving potential threats are well handled though. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Son of a union leader killed by the communist regime seeks to follow in in father's footsteps. Though of some historical interest I found this movie overlong, plodding and quite dull. Surely revolution is more exciting than this. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
None too smart evil cowboy tries to go straight for love. A comedy with enough jokes to make ten comedies. Far better than Blazing Saddles it's only let down by its made for TV budget. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Working class Aussie lads live for cars and girls. Somewhat bleak slice of life drama that is like Two-Lane Blacktop set in the suburbs. While it is a bit slow and lacks dramatic tension it nevertheless has a gritty realism to it that captures a time and teen angst wonderfully. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
"Now you will pay your debt to society ... with your life!". Those who grew watching The Samurai on TV in the sixties will enjoy this documentary which puts the show in its Australian cultural and social context but with humour. Having caught a few episodes of the series recently I can say it stands up very well. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Overweight Mexican girl seeks her own path in life much to her traditional mother's dissatisfaction. There can be something cloying about these types of movies that deal with ethnic communities and family problems. This one isn't too bad.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Mountain climbing expedition turns into rescue mission after ambitious capitalist ignores warnings. Boys own adventure stuff with enough mishaps and cliff hangers to fill five movies. Enjoy it for what it is. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A murder and rape take place. But was it murder and rape? Four witnesses give their versions. An award winning movie that put Japanese cinema on the map in the West. The problem is that some of the acting is overdone (particularly Mifune) and some scenes drag (particularly the fight sequences). An influential film that is worth watching. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Precautionary celibacy following a medical crisis and its trials and tribulations for a married couple. Meandering family drama that doesn't quite have the impact is should. The side story of the female priest doesn't ring true at all.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Egos clash as the hard men of the outback lock horns. Pretty good drama with moments of humor. Kennedy is particularly convincing as the hardnosed supervisor of a mining team. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Murder investigation in the Big Apple. Hollywood moves from the studio backlots into the real mean streets. Interesting crime investigation which doesn't stretch too much the bounds of possibilty. What is off-putting is the flippant narration. While not quite as good as Call Northside 777 of the same year it is still worth seeing because of its historical significance. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A possessive mother of a retarded son seeks to find him innocent of the murder of a young girl. A good suspenseful drama with several twists. However, there are several episodes which diminish the mood of film, such as the dancing sequences and the golf course incident which I could have done without. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A fiercely self-made man is destroyed by his own early success. A very strange movie that touches on several genres but has an overarching existentialist theme. What I like about it is that it is different and quite haunting in its own way. There is no sitting on the fence with this one. Either you love it or hate it.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Nigel
The town nymphet drives three men into uncontrolled passion. Bit like an modern version of the Lulu story. Considered risque in its time it now comes across as quite tame. Still, it's stood the test of time pretty well and looks good.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Long John Silver returns to Treasure Island. More talk than action in this Australian made pirate movie from the early 50's. It is worthwhile watching for Robert Newton's delightfully over the top performance.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The trials and tribulations of a Welsh mining family. A classic from the old Hollywood school of film making. While a little too rose coloured in its depiction of mining life, it is also quite harsh in other ways (child exploitation and abuse). Looks good as well. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
An out of control dog manages to become a valued family member through good times and bad. A surprisingly good film that manages a fine balance between comedy and drama. Though it could have milked the sentimental aspects of the story it doesn't. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A provincial Japanese governor and his family fall on bad times after he sides with the under dog and is dismissed from his position. A tragic tale highlighting the abuse of power and privilege. Visually the film is beautifully composed. A classic of sorts. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The singing cowboy Gene Autry is under attack by Radium prospectors and the Queen of an underworld city. Bizarre blending of 3 genres into a kids matinee serial. The acting is mostly second-rate (Autry can't act for toffee) and the story repetative. Nevertheless it has an odd charm for baby-boomers who recall seeing the truncated movie version in the sixties....anyway, got to get back to the Radio Ranch for the broadcast at 2 o'clock or I'll we'll lose the ranch.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A send up of the buddy cop genre. Some nice touches but overall its more of the same. Ferrell is particularly good as the annoying partner who is more than he seems.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Asbestos removers at a former psychiatric hospital become affected by its past. An unusual blend of the supernatural, psychological and horror genres that doesn't quite succeed. Like the director's next film The Machinist it doesn't quite have the pay off in the end that it should. Also the cinematography lacks mood in that it is too bright for this type of thing (The Shining being the best example of bad lighting in a horror movie).
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
International financiars go to extremes to turn a profit. A pretty good action thriller that manages to blend third world topicality with the shady world of arms dealing and financing. Manages to stay within the realms of possibility despite the somewhat over the top action scenes. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A card counting team hit Las Vegas much to the chagrin of Casino security. A nice build up but becomes increasingly improbable once security detects the team. Should have kept to the facts of the true story on which it is apparently based without resorting to the usual Hollywood treatment which sensationalises what is already interesting in itself.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Alcoholic lawyer makes a last ditch attempt to redeem himself. An engaging court room drama with a strong performance by Newman. Even though the proceedings are a bit of wishful thinking the film nevertheless rises above this shortcoming.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A family from the big smoke spend the day picnicing in the country with unexpected consequences. A delightful short movie about romantic loss that manages to capture in 40 minutes what most fail in 90 minutes. Renoir's best.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Gangsters who have infiltrated local politics see their influence being jeopardised when one of their own appears to turn good for the love of a woman. Complex drama with lots of twists and turns. Ladd is particularly good as sneering Mr Fixit to his boss.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A group of people, including gangsters, are holed up in a hotel during a hurricane. Superior drama with excellent performances from the whole cast. Though based on a play it manages to translate well to the screen.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A dangerously emaciated factory worker becomes delusional. But what are the causes? A fascinating idea that almost works. In the end it lacks the pathos it was building up to. Bale notably takes it to the max in this acting role. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The monster is revived wreaking havoc once again. Pretty ordinary entry in the Hammer series. Much of it doesn't make a lot of sense. Also the monster looks as if he's made of badly baked clay and not flesh.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Young self-obsessed wannabe writer indulges in seduction regardless of the consequences. I quite liked the period recreation and mood of this movie but found the story in the end quite pointless. Worth a watch. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Old fashioned tale of white mischief in colonial India. While the film looks good, the laid back presentation makes it a little ho hum and lacking in dramatic tension.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A married missionary couple share a train sleeper with a backpacker couple with disturbing results. A wonderful thriller that manages to keep one guessing throughout. The film is almost a throwback to earlier movies of its type in that it relies more on characterisation and suspense than fast cutting action and formulaic plots. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Pretty routine zombie flick where the only noticeable difference to many others is that the zombies are fast movers. The film also lacks tension and a real sense of threat. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Who knows what this movie is about? Memory, dreams or social criticism? Despite all its pretensions it manages to work as a piece of innovative and spellbinding cinema. ......again I feel like I'm walking through those corridors to empty rooms.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Nigel
A group of New York gay guys get together to celebrate a birthday. Annoyingly stagey screen version of a play that is probably more of historical interest these days. The drama is overwrought and after a while I just got fed up with the continual bitching and moral torment. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
There is much to admire about this movie but it left me feeling cold. The premise is interesting but I felt I've seen it all before (even the TV series Star Trek has played with the concept of multi layered 'realities' and of course there is The Matrix and Dark City). However, compared to The Fountain it comes across as a little, might I say, conventional in its execution. 3.5
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Mysterious goings on at a country house. As far as these things go this isn't half bad in that the tension is built around an unseen threat. The last third is a bit more predictable once the threat becomes tangible. 3.5
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Another movie about damaged people that wallows in its own misery. Well done but predictable and stylistically reminiscent of those recent movies where the seperate stories merge towards the end. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
This delightful comedy about a married couple who inherit a cinema has a measured restraint that is often missing from comedies these days. Film buffs will love it.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Chinese ballet dancer defects to the West much to chagrin of the communist party. A politcal drama that manages to entertain and inform. The dance sequences are well choreographed and the scenes from China have an authentic looked.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Compelling real life drama about the Nazi resistance movement the White Rose. Performances are excellent, particularly that of the female lead who shows dignity, honesty and resolve in the face of Nazi fanaticism. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Bad goings on in the bayou. OK crime drama that gets quite confusing at times. The ghosts of the civil dead sequences don't work and come across as a bit daft.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Pretty uninspired story of a relationship between an Italian American writer and a Mexican waitress in 1933 Los Angeles. The relationship doesn't really convince and the racial theme is only paid lip service to. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Female answer to Indiana Jones. Fast paced and entertaining romp that doesn't pretend to be anything other than it is. Jolie looks good in tight fitting clothes. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The Brits do these types of movies well. In this case, an ambitious football manager manages to get results despite his loud mouth and putting everyone offside.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
White colonisers fall for a Indian beauty who happens to be a princess. Like Malick's previous films this one tries to show how man has become divorced from nature. But the film comes across as too earnest and self-conscious. The occassional scenes where the princess frolics in the fields a hippy are like something out of a bad sixties movie.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Drug addict tries to keep clean after leaving jail but finds it hard going. Compared to a lot of recent movies of this type this one is a gem in that it doesn't wallow in subject matter. Throw in a bit of melodrama and it makes an entertaining mix.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A cold, idiosyncratic and opportunistic university professor slowly learns compassion. I liked this movie because I never knew where it was going. There are lots of strands to the story and it never looks for simple answers.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Aussie wogs visit the homeland and endear themselves to the local community. Nice looking but highly predictable and at times embarrassing comedy. The two leads are far too old for the role. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
One of those epics which seems to be more focused on the image and action than telling an involving story. The introduction of characters who have only fleeting roles doesn't help. As dumb as many Hollywood epics.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Dad and son go on a bonding trip after death of mother. An enjoyable observational comedy that doesn't force the humor. Stay right to the end so you don't miss the final joke.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Love gained and lost French style. A innovative musical that is unusual in that all the dialogue is sung (in that way it is more like opera). While significant in its own way, I still enjoy Demy's The Young Girls of Rochefort.better as it has a lighter touch.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Aging action star gets a dose of reality. I found this movie extremely tedious and predictable. What made it worse was its attempt to make it more significant that it actually was.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Crime family feels the heat of the police and spirals out of control. Better than average example of this genre which doesn't quite achieve the level of tension I would have hoped. I think this is largely due to the uninspired performance of Ben Mendelsohn who can't compete with David Wenham's menacing performance in a similar themed The Boys. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A tribute to Bob Dylan that is as mind numbingly obscure, drawn out and might I say tedious as some of his songs. I found it all a bit of chore. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A seemingly happy and decent married couple are held hostage by a stranger with a mysterious motive. A suspenser that keeps you guessing until the end. Although pretty good it doesn't quite bring it off as the machinations of the plot aren't always convincing. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Peace and Love (60's style) hits unprepared and unsuspecting small town America. Fairly superficial look at Woodstock which concentrates on the impact it had on the local community. Stereotypes abound. Good fun in its way though. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Some pretty unenlightening extras where Pasolini blathers incomprehensibly about his movie and critics and friends of the director try to offer questionable arguments in support the movie. The best is the director Bertolucci who obviously has problems with the film but avoids being critical of his friend.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
There is something unpleasant about Salo that makes you suspect the Director's stated objectives are a mask for far more deeper and troubling problems of the Director himself. There are glimpses of this in Pasolini's so-called trilogy of life. The fact that Pasolini draws you into this world by making it a voyeuristic experience (note the binoculars at the end) makes it doubly unsettling. Highly dubious but unforgettable. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Better than average marriage in crisis movie set in a foreign city. Performances are convincing and like all good movies of this type there are no easy answers. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Another enjoyable Studio Ghibli animation about a child befriending an odd creature who represents the natural order which is invariably out of balance. 3.5
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
This documentary has lost much of the impact it no doubt had on its release. Though much of the (familiar) footage is still powerful the presentation is a bit bland by today's standard.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A woman with a mysterious past has a short relationship with a young student who is haunted for the rest of his life. A different approach to Holocaust story which poses difficult moral questions about the past and our response to them through contemporary eyes. Kate Winslet is excellent in the key role in that she creates a complex character full of ambiguities. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Escaped convicts get the taste for human flesh. A restrained movie about survival, desperation and cannibalism that doesn???t sensationalise the subject matter. However, it is a bit dull and doesn???t really give us insight into the characters. Looks good though.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Teenager suffocated by mother's expectations finds personal expression her own way. Pretty familiar story that has the cult sport of female roller skating (a sort of female equivalent of male wrestling) at the centre. Ellen Page puts in another notable performance.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Probably the best movie about Jesus and it was directed by a communist and atheist. It is a fairly faithful interpretation of the Gospel of Matthew which concentrates on the more radical social aspects of his teaching. Unlike Hollywood it strips away all the gloss and gives us the raw character. Nice use of music too.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Nigel
Innocent orphan is welcomed into new family but is anything but innocent. Fairly predictable horror movie that is redeemed by its performances. Watch the The Innocents to see how this thing can be done without 'strong violence'.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Astro miner undergoes identity crisis. Interesting idea that is let down somewhat by having the plot twist revealed early. After that it becomes at bit of a slog. Obviously influenced by films like Solaris and 2001.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Costume drama that lacks the necessary tormented passion between the leads which would give the story greater power and tragedy. The film would have looked great on its original release but the colour quality of this DVD is substandard.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Routine gangster movie that looks like it was shot for TV and is nevertheless quite dull. Seen it all before but done better.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Young kid gets bullied and takes up boxing to protect himself but can't control his anger. Interesting documentary that lets Tyson do most of the talking. I guess it's the story of one scary guy who lost the plot but has hopefully mellowed.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
An aging professor falls in love with one of his young students. There is something uncomfortable about such relationships. This one tries to make it more palatable by introducing another factor towards the end. Well acted but questionable.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Aspiring young banker is cursed by a gypsy woman. Pretty predictable horror story that offers no surprises. Suspense is lacking and as usual with these things is special effect driven. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A bullied youngster strikes up a friendship with another marginalised youngster who is a vampire. Interesting if somewhat tepid affair that at least tries to take a different approach to the genre. Needed a bit more bite.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The Americans try and thwart the last great offensive by the Germans in WII. A mixed bag of a film that tries to be historically correct but ends up being more like comic book heroics. Robert Shaw totally overplays his part as the Panzer commander. The best scene is when the Panzer soldiers sing a patriot song which reinvigorates the fanatic Shaw. Priceless.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A crazed action movie that sends up the genre with its manic hero who is literally shocked into action. Deliberately offbeat and amusing. Classify as a guilty pleasure. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Down and out superhero undertakes an image remake and lessons in anger management. A movie that delivers less than it promises. Slips into predictability towards the end. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Mother Nature takes its revenge on us humans. The film starts reasonably well but becomes increasingly nonsensical as it goes on. The back story involving the main couple doesn???t add much and by the end one wishes the contagion had hit Hollywood. 2,5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Young iterant and sadly lost girl goes in search of her missing dog. A beautifully understated film which doesn't resort to tawdry sensationalism to make an impact. This may explain the totally negative reviews by others on this site. Essentially this is a mood piece. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
American's capture German U-Boat and Enigma machine. More boys own adventure than historical truth. Predictable but otherwise watchable nonsense. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Tough Sergeant with personal problems prepares his troops for the horrors of war. Quite a good war movie that takes a warts and all approach. The major problem is that the documentary and movie footage doesn't blend that well. In addition, the music sometimes comes across as a bit too jingoistic and lessens the impact of the human tragedy we witness. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A number of people who are tied together by tragedy face their own mortality. A bit slow and too self-consciously arty for my taste but you cannot fault the performances. The end is fortunately upbeat.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Gay couple revisit their past at a Catholic boarding school and in the process uncover sordid secrets. Old story of clerical abuse dressed up for the modern times. Looks good but lacks the power it could have had by being flippant.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A small group of nuns have their faith tested when they are sent to the remote Himalayas to open a mission in what was a former harem. Memory and desire come to fore in a sexually charged atmosphere, with one of the nuns going literally mad with lust. A genuine classic that exudes atmosphere, beauty and tension.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Nigel
Strange events occur after the mysterious death of a small town country girl. The story takes a while to get going after which there a few surprising twists and turns. The problem is that for a ghost story it isn't particularly scary.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Parents grieve after losing their child in an accident and increasingly act in very strange ways. Pretty daft this one with pretension mistaken for profundity. The film is dedicated to Tarkovsky but lacks his unique vision or religious sensibility.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
A zombie road movie that is derivative and not particularly amusing. Sean of the Dead beats it hands down. You need to be brain dead to enjoy this one.
(Don't bother!) - review by Nigel
A man's love for his car becomes a centre piece of his life. Not being a car nut I approached this with trepidation. But I was surprised and found it enjoyable. Well put together by Bana.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
OK documentary that tends to skip over the events of his life and leaves out completely the 2 years he spent in England before Hollywood beckoned. The original wild boy of Hollywood who was what us Aussies would refer to as a larrikin. He certainly knew how to party much to his detriment.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Maniac returns to wreak havoc ten years after his supposed demise. Pretty awful slasher movie that lacks suspense and everything else. It also looks like it was shot for TV.
(Don't bother!) - review by Nigel
Groom goes in search of a Best Man with interesting results. Enjoyable comedy which should satisfy both sexes. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Vietnamese refugees flee to America but the past still comes back to haunt the present. An excellent drama which doesn't resort to cheap emotionalism to further sensationalise what is already a powerful story. Very good performances by all. Visually the film creates a strong sense of time and place.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Masked hero seeks to destroy his nemesis Octopus and regain lost love. Dreadful comic book adaptation that manages to fail on almost every level. You can't help feeling embarrassed for Samuel L Jackson.
(Don't bother!) - review by Nigel
Depressive falls in love with another sufferer but eventually finds love of sorts. Though well directed I found the central character uninteresting and self pitying which makes the interest these two women have in him unconvincing.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Working class daughter of a single mum experiences all the hardships and pitfalls of growing up. Great kitchen sink drama that has aged very well. What I love is the brutal depiction of a bleak post war Britain before the advent of the Swinging Sixties. Downbeat but also strangely enjoyable. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Alien refugees are treated as second class citizens by authorities and even blacks in South Africa. Novel sci fi movie that takes a different approach to the genre. Apart from the shaky camera approach and unusual locale this is a fairly conventional movie in other ways. OK but not great.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Wonderful Japanese movie that focuses on the events occuring in an almost enchanted neighbourhood of Tokyo in the 50's. Reminded me of those Hollywood movies of 40's set in small town America which are full of oddball characters and events. There are touches of darkness but the film doesn't dwell on them. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Lebanese boys bite of more than they can chew when they try to mix it with the big boys. Quite a good Australian ethnic crime drama with convincing performances and assured direction. Compared with Two Fists One Heart and the abysmal Combination this is winner. 3.5
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A male dancer is mysteriously kidnapped by three women and sexually abused. Pretty dull affair that seems to be saying that such an experience can be as deeply traumatic for men as for women. While the film tries to dress the whole thing up in deeper significances none of it works.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Wayward son gets religion and rises to the presidency all in a effort to get his father's approval. Pretty bland depiction of George Bush jnr which skims along the surface of events. Give it a W for Weak.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Hapless couple and their abductors are attacked by weird mutant. Pretty ordinary affair which the lacks originality and any form of tension.
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Indian child bride becomes disappointed with marriage and life after migrating to London from rural India. There can be a cliched sameness about these ethnic stories that, despite injections of supposed reality, have a suspiciously manipulative sweetness about them. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
At last a mafia movie that doesn't glamorise the subject matter. A great cast with convincing locales which adds to the believability factor. The major problem is that the multiple stories lessen the impact to a large degree. Well worth a watch though. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Hired killer rides into town causing underlying fears and animosities to rise to the service. Interesting Western that does not quite reach classic status though it had the potential to.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Prodigal son of a top cop is stirred into action when his family is threatened by Russian mobsters. A fairly predictable police drama that doesn???t quite have the impact it should. However, I found the car chase in the rain particularly well handled.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
A remote frontier family disintegrates whilst a predatory panther circles. Overwrought, offbeat drama with a supernatural undercurrent. The two sides of story do not quite jell. The drama taking place at home is fairly stagey and search for the panther in the icy wastes lacks a real sense of menace. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Journalists take extreme risks and suffer the terrible consequences. I found that this movie based on actual events lacked the emotional impact that I would have expected. In addition the fragmented narrative seemed to lessen any tension that was building. Although the actions of the Indonesians were deplorable, the response of the Australian Government was just as deplorable. There is another movie in there somewhere.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Corrupt cops get their comeuppance when Stallone decides he???s had enough. Better than average cop drama with strong performances by the top line cast, in particular Stallone as the disenchanted and abused Sheriff.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Camping trip turns into a Deliverance type nightmare. Fast moving horror movie with some quite scary moments and violent episodes. The ending is a bit predictable. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Young son of a concentration camp commandant befriends Jewish inmate of same age. Although this was quite a good story there were aspects of it that I found distracting. British actors playing Germans but keeping their English accents was the main one. Also the ending came across as a bit too contrived and manipulative. Still you can???t fault the performances of the two boys.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Wife of a French diplomat in Thailand goes on a voyage of you know what discovery in the steamy tropics. Despite the questionable ponderings on you know what, the film manages to be quite enjoyable. This is helped by the exotic location and touches of realism that counter the pure fantasy elements of the film. 4.5
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Allied forces launch ill fated operation to seize a strategic bridge behind enemy lines in WWII. A bit of a hit and miss affair this one. At times it comes across as a boys own adventure and at others a serious look at war. This is not help by the sound track which is inappropriately jaunty at times. Like many war movies of the period it has a start studded cast.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The British justice system tries to put bad boys on the right track. The most distracting thing about this movie is that the boys are played by men which undermines the attempt at realism. Also the depiction of the authorities is a bit too benign. Of most interest is that the film was a springboard for some notable acting careers.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
As far as documentaries on Nazi Germany go this is one of the better ones. Using rarely seen historical footage and creating a novel narrative out it, it manages breathe new life into a genre which usually is fairly conventional in its use of stock footage and condemnatory voice over.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Like Batman Begins and Watchmen, V for Vendetta manages to transcend its comic book origins and become something more than mere superhero heroics. Set in a Nazi like future where the state uses fear, propaganda and violence as tool to suppress and control the masses, the hero with a tragic past seeks to destroy it. Having the film set in Britain rather than the US also helps. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Inspired by the French new wave???s turning upside down traditional narrative and camera technique, the English soon got in on the act. Mixed with swinging sixties sensibilities and class critique, the English came up with its own trendy but often vacuous films, such as this one. Very much of its time, it now comes across rather shambolic and tedious.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
U.S. and German forces fight for a strategic bridge in the closing days of WII. Fast paced war movie that doesn???t quite achieve classic status. The US soldiers are cynical and burnt out but still willing to put their lives of the line. The opening sequence where the US army rushes to capture a bridge is particularly good. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The second instalment of the Emmanuelle series with Sylvia Kristel is a fairly tepid affair. Set in Hong Kong and briefly in Bali the whole thing is less challenging than the original. Whereas its predecessor was punctuated by a gritty realism, this one is pure confection and might I say total fantasy. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Not much mystery in this one with a crazed Russian doctor conducting Nazi like experiments in America. Why America? Who knows? With a paedophile psychic priest thrown in for no good reason it???s all very silly. 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
This doco from Mike Moore is best when it is focuses on the US health system. When it moves offshore it becomes quite repetitive and is probably more interesting to US viewers who are ignorant of how bad their health system is. Still it is generally very good. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Israeli solders suffer post traumatic stress and memory blanks long after committing atrocities in Lebanon. Less of a condemnation of Israeli actions than an attempt to sympathise with the perpetrators. I guess what makes it different is that it is animated.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Hanks once again finds instant answers to cryptic clues and runs around finding further answers to even more cryptic clues. In other words, another far fetched but fast moving offering which is marginally better than its predecessor. Read the book instead.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Memorable naval drama set during WWII where the captain loses his marbles (but still has metal ones). Performances are very good, especially Bogart. Let down however by the speech at the end by Jose Ferrer which is unconvincing and goes against everything we've seen and heard. Worth watching nevertheless.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A superior melodrama with all the usual elements of deceit, double cross and deadly passion. Moves along at a rapid pace helped by a stirring score by Rozsa. Stanwyck is a standout as usual.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A coming of age story that veers between Porky's style humor and arthouse sophistication. For some reason the two sides manage live comfortably side by side. A sort of poem to innocence lost. Great music too. 4.5 stars
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
A British couple question their marriage on a trip to Italy. The wife undergoes an existentialist crisis in the process while the husband remains cold and practical. A ground breaking movie of sorts. The final resolution is unconvincing but I guess a downbeat ending wouldn't be acceptable to audiences of the time.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Probably one of the best R & H musicals realised for the screen. The drama blends in well with the music and the all Asian cast is quite brave for the time.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Humoress take on the giant killer croc genre. Moves along nicely with no real surprises. Nice time killer.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Another low rent offering from Trenchard-Smith. Lacks the craziness of Turkey Shoot with its gratuitous everything. What more can one say? 2.5 stars
(Maybe) - review by Nigel
Whilst this movie is reasonably good it is also annoyingly cliched and predictable. Things only liven up when Murray Abraham appears as the malicious professor.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Somewhat slow going affair interrupted by episodes of blood spurting a la Monty Python. Probably a cult because it is a woman this time creating the carnage. OK but not great.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Allegedly based on a true story this movie doesn't quiet work. Should have been played as either comedy or thriller but not a combination of both. Almost gets there.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Somewhat ridiculous forensic crime potboiler wilh all the usual red herrings. Well directed but needed a strong dash of probability.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
Superior conspiracy drama that doesn't go over the top like many of these types of films with car chases and highly improbable plots. Solid performances by all. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
The problem with this movie is that it takes an interesting subject and turns it into an uninspired, cliched and shallow look at the 60's. Too light hearted for my taste.
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
I loved the understatedness of this movie. The women never overplay their roles and issues seem genuine in a cultural as well a universal context.
(Excellent) - review by Nigel
Pretty familiar territory this one. Good performances, particularly the father. Needed a bit more punch and originality to make it truly worthwhile. 3.5 stars
(Worth watching) - review by Nigel
