Ronald's Reviews

Being a Steven Spielberg film, I thought that this would be an OK flick. Wrong !! It's absolutely appalling. Definately Hollywood at it's worst. Most people would be familiar with the storyline, but you would be the odd man out if you are not disappointed with the stunts, the same old minor sub-plots, and the very forgetable screenplay. I would have turned it off half-way through if the batteries in my remote had been working.

Produced by Mal Brookes, with music and lyrics also by Mal Brookes. I really liked the closing credits - they just didn't come soon enough though.

Never previously having been a fan of Nicole Kidman, I am now after having my socks blown off with her performance in this flick. WOW !! She definitely out-acted her leading man Sean Penn, who is no slouch in these matters, and shone like a mega candle power spotlight. ('Moulin Rouge' is now well and truly in the past for Nicole; it's forgotten. and fortunately never to be repeated, history). Great direction from Sydney Pollack brought out the absolute top-shelf best in these two brilliant actors. Screenplay is also wonderful, with lots of little twists and turns in the plot. No explicit language or violence, no nudity, no bias or prejudice, it's no Walt Disney flick either, just a thoroughly entertaining and absorbing movie you can watch with your kids - if they let you.

Tripe – absolutely, certainly, completely, definitely, extremely, fervently incontestably, incontrovertibly, irrefutably, totally, unquestionably, utterly, vehemently and wholly.

Great entertainment, a classic cowboy movie for the western aficionado made by Sergio Leone.("A Fistful Of Dollars; For a Few Dollars More; The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" etc ).Sergio's stamp is everywhere in this movie. Besides directing it, he also co-wrote the story and the screenplay. An old associate, Enrico Morricone, supplies the music. Released in 1968, the movie was made on location in Spain and the USA. Interior shots were done in Leone's home town studios in Rome, Italy. The italian influence is everywhere; the 'spaghetti' western music, the elaborate costumes, the dramatic theatrical pauses, and the relieving moments of quick, topical humour such as one of the hero's exclaiming – " They wanna hang me .. the idiots....I'd kill anything, but never a kid. Be like killin' a priest !!..... Catholic priest - that is...." With lines like these and others, by the time the closing credits appeared, I was convinced that Leone's artistic aim was sardonic satire. A superb performance by Jack Elam, and a very determined fly, in the opening scenes also added to my amusement. For the opening sequence where three bad guys are waiting for the inevitable train, filmmakers lightly coated the craggy face of bad-guy Jack Elam with jam. They then began filming close-ups of Elam's very expressive and ugly face as a fly, released off-camera from a jar full of flies, would land on his cheek or nose and record Elam's attempts to blow the fly away with strong quick puffs. It is an absolute classic piece of 'candid-cowboy-camera' Other all-time great cowboy actors in this dit, and all turning in brilliant performances include Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Jason Robards and Woody Strode.

Acting, screenplay, direction - all absolutely first-class. Kevin Costner has given us some lemons at times, but this flick is not one of them. Fourteen years after its release, it is still chillingly relevent when considering Gulf War 1 & 2, Afghanistan, Iraq and (maybe yet to come) Iran and North Korea. Combine the allegations Michael Moore makes in 'Fahrenhight 9/11' with some of Jim Garrison's revelations and WOW !! you have much food for thought and answers to many questions on USA foreign policy. (Don't miss the scene where Garrison makes his summation to the jury - rivetting stuff)

Gross ... extremely gross ... and I mean as in :- (a) vulgar: (b) coarse (c) without good taste: not sensitive to, or not able to appreciate, the finer things in life (d) disgusting: highly unpleasant. (thanks to Encarta ® World English Dictionary) A collection of home movies put together by, and featuring, half-a-dozen drunken/drug-crazed stuntmen eating, drinking, inhaling animal and human waste products, vomiting, bleeding, breaking bones, exposing their genitals and constantly baring their 'jackass'. It's enough to put the roughest, toughest, most hairy-arsed jack-tar stoker off his rum issue. .......... I liked it.

Loved it. Very good story line, expressed well in a first-class screenplay. Dustin Hoffman is outstanding, particularly in the rather longish, very dramatic, extreme close-up shot of him speaking on a pay phone to his ex-wife. It's hard to understand why this film never won an Oscar, nor even a nomination. There is humour, there is sadness, and there are some terrific lines. My favourite was Deke, the archetypal hard hearted, unsympathetic, unemotional and unfeeling news director at Channel 4 (played by an uncredited Chevy Chase) after watching the first rushes of the ' accidental hero' giving his grandiose sob-story - " Have you ever heard more drivel, coming from someone who's not even the President ? " A extremely under-rated movie that has lots of inspiration, lots of humour, lots of wisdom, and leaves you with lots of warm fuzzy feelings.

A rather enjoyable film; well made, directed, acted and edited, that swings between the macabre and the humorous. A cowboy version if you like of a classic Greek tragedy complete with cows, guns, horses and hanging judges. The background scene of the opening credits and title clearly tells us what this movie is going to be all about. 'Hang Em High' is emblazoned in bright red over a pair of cowboy boots (still attached to the cowboy) swinging gently in the Oaklahoma breeze. A bit heavy-handed perhaps, but there are scenes with more subtlety that convey the dominant social message of 1968. My favourite is the mass hanging scene where six of the territories unlucky criminals are all lined up on the towns gallows (a seemingly permanent fixture in Main St, early USA) ready for the drop. The hangman has attached the black hoods. The preacher leads the throng of several hundred spectators (dressed in their Sunday best) singing hymns. Small boys are hoisted upon their fathers backs for better views. The place is packed; and to one side some entrepreneur is of course doing a brisk trade selling cold beer and pretzels to the crowd. Even though the message may appear to have been concocted and presented by Mel Brookes, it is still clear. Hanging by the neck until dead is an abhorrent practise. When this film came out in 1968 this (extract of an) article appeared in the USA press - . " In the 19th and early 20th centuries Americans led the way against capital punishment. Between 1968 and 1978 there was not a single execution in the United States. By then European countries were catching up. At the end of the 20th century the death penalty was gone in the United Kingdom and the countries of Western Europe, as well as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Against this background of unanimous Western European abolition, something else has happened in the United States since 1976. Capital punishment is the law in 38 states. There were 98 executions in 1999. By October 1, 2000, there were 3,703 residents on death rows throughout the United States. The numbers went down a little in 2001 and probably in 2002, but polls still showed an overwhelming majority in favor of capital punishment " (source: Stuart Banner's, article 'The Death Penalty: An American History ' in the New York Review of Books, April 10, 2003 of E. & M. Morgan's 'A Very Popular Penalty')

This flick will never be a contender for an Oscar, but it is entertaining enough for a rainy night when there is nothing better to watch. Teenagers may possibly enjoy it, particularly those who are trying anything and anyone in that wonderful period of discovering their own sexuality. The most memorable bits for me were firstly, the inept casting. Ben and his lover certainly do not look like 16 year olds. The plot was memorable too, I can remember the same basic storyline from other movies and TV series. Best of all though was at the end (and just beating 'the end' for top score) - the dumpy, ugly, English, girl-next-door , after 42 driving lessons, at last behind the wheel of her brand-new (left-hand drive ??) bright red sports car (with 'P' plates) ostensibly given to her by an infatuated, married admirer for some sexual favours. Credibility in casting was obviously not a priority in this cinematic excursion around the school ground.

Very interesting and educational. Particularly I would presume, to all those who can remember the possibly biased newspaper accounts of the rise of Fidel Castro during the late 50's and early 60's. My recollection was that it was - like Lenin's grave in London - a communist plot. This semi-documentary flic explains many things about the early 'non-communist' days of the Cuban revolution, how it happened, and where it went – most importantly, when and why. It takes far too long however (three hours & twenty minutes ! ) to get the message across. And there is no clear explanation for his erratic behaviour in later years. One possible answer may be found in recognising the many (very tame) bedroom scenes featuring Fidel and yet another woman. He may have fallen victim to a serious STD. If you are patient enough to go the 204 minute distance, you will be rewarded with a succinct and passionate monologue from Fidel on his experiences, and thus the reasons for his unshakeable opinion, of his 'imperialist, blood sucking' neighbours just 100 miles away. A well-made film technically, passable acting and direction, good colour, historic story. I liked it.

Great photography, costumes, scenery, script and acting - outdone only by the music. Performances by Robbie Williams, Elvis Costelo, Diana Krall and many other are top-line. Kevin Kline - you have done it again. A tremendous performance under the guidance and direction of Irwin Winkler

This is such a great story and true about steadfastness and genuine courage that the Australian defence forces use it as a training film. There were eleven Victoria Cross's awarded for bravery in one day amongst the 100 British soldiers under attack by 4,000 Zulu warriors at Rourkes Drift. in 1879. Cy Endfield's finger is in just every pie in this piece. He co-writes the screenplay, part-produces with Stanley Baker, directs the entire shooting match, and in his spare time introduces a relatively unknown Michael Caine. The stalwart Stanley Baker takes the lead role as the deep and quiet, determined Lt Chard. He is assisted in his engineering duties of building a bridge at Rourkes Drift by a young, in-experienced but courageous, Lt Bromhead played brilliantly by Michael Caine. There are other familiar faces to look for amongst the magnificent scenery presented beautifully in Technicolour. You will recognise Nigel Green as the imperturbable column of strength, Colour Sergeant Bourne, Jack Hawkins as the raving, alcoholic missionary Reverend Witt, and James Booth as Private Hook who is having a day off in the hospital and 'not going to work today' as he has a doctors certificate. You will also recognise the marvellous voice of Richard Burton doing the narration, and get goose bumps when the lads on the gun line face their enemy and defiantly sing the Welsh National Anthem. An unforgettable movie moment from a gripping movie that will last and be relevant forever.

Absolute awful. Extremely disappointing. A completely unprofessional performance. Very little effort made to justify their fee. Reminescant of geriatric has-beens relying on the past and hugging guitars to supplement their pension. ( I suspect the Paradise Theatre was chosen as it is probably the only theatre in the world that doesn't have steps, and there are plenty of facilities backstage for the disabled. )

Absolute awful. Extremely disappointing. A completely unprofessional performance. Very little effort made to justify their fee. Reminescant of geriatric has-beens relying on the past and hugging guitars to supplement their pension. ( I suspect the Paradise Theatre was chosen as it is probably the only theatre in the world that doesn't have steps, and there are plenty of facilities backstage for the disabled. )

Fast moving, lots of visual gags, not intellectualy demanding, improbable story line with a laugh every second, and the very young, easy-on-the-eyes Val Kilmer demonstrating, for the first time, his talent as a credible actor AND singer/songwriter.

An interesting documentary with archival film and re-enactments by some of the actual people involved. Arguably the most interesting aspect of the doco are the graphic displays of the methods used by US Army interrogators. You read about them, but cannot realize the level of inhumanity until seeing it portrayed on film. In an archival clip, Donald Rumsfeld the then US Secretary of Defence it all up when, responding to allegations of inhuman treatment, he says ... " .. the fact remains that treatment is proper, and there is no doubt in my mind that it is humane and appropriate, and consistent with the Geneva Convention - for the most part "..

The germans may have lost the war, but they certainly won the acting in this movie. On the Allies side, Richard Burton delivers a few lines which are believable. John Wayne is pathetic, Eddie Albert comical and Robert Mitchum, complete with cigar, jutting from his jaw, appalling. On the other side, the german direction and acting (notably from Curt Jergens) is entirely credible. The special effects are worthy of the Oscar it received, as is the photography, but the directing & acting of the Allied content is abysmal.

........ DREADFUL ......

Hang on a minute. Can we have a break from the on-screen action, I'm getting confused. Was this flick made in 1964 or 1961 ? Up there on the screen, is it the Cincinnati Kid or the Hustler ? Was that Paul Newman or Steve McQueen I just saw amongst the cigar smoke and dim lights in the same opening scene of the same sleazy backroom with the same boys gambling ? I think they were playing pool weren't they, or was it poker ? Aha, enter stage right, the master of the game to take on the eager, young upstart. Is that Jackie Gleason or Edward G Robinson though that's dressed up like the Prince of Wales ? Hell, now the ending is even becoming clear ! I'm going to have give watching Hollywood flicks a miss for a while - egads, I think I have seen it all before somewhere !!

I clapped. I cheered, I laughed, I stomped my feet, I got a little sad, - and I absolutely loved the whole thing ! I didn't think there could be any equal to Superman 1 but there is - this one. The screenplay very gently and cleverly gives just a hint of subjects affecting all of us today. The plot is ......well, who cares when your at the Saturday afternoon matinee all over again. The credits are inspired by and look like the original Superman 1, but, indicating the scope of this version, are even longer. The visual effects are great, the sound is excellent and, at the end, you realize that it is a true 'feel good' movie. The movie is correctly dedicated to Christopher Reeve who, after playing the original part, turned out to be a real life Superman himself with his super-like 'crusade' for paraplegics.. All in all, a superb, splendid, extremely soul satisfying; 'Superman'.

Gee Whiz ! Wham bang !! Whoosh !! - there goes another one !! The ultimate in toys for boys. I loved it - best thing since all the fireworks and flames when Guy Fawkes burnt down Parliament House..

There is little emphasis in this doco on the actual events of 1994 in Rwanda, the reasons why or the historical background. Instead, the film concentrates on the return to Rwanda of General Roméo Dallaire in 2004, during the tenth anniversary of the massacres. He is portrayed as a broken and dispirited man, suffering from PTSD and depression, and full of remorse and apologies from not being able to stop the bloodshed. The style of the doco is really like a home movie of someone's holidays. We see the General and Mrs Dallaire visiting old sites of genocide, museums, the local UN compound (where, being unannounced, he is kept waiting at the gate) and even his old office (" On this wall was a picture of ......, , and here was my ....... , there was my ...... , golly gee, what memories ") He is received however by the President of Rwanda (obviously being expected and announced this time), and makes several speeches during his stay. Throughout the doco, he also puts in several plugs and references to his book concerning his tour of duty in Rwanda( aha, the real plot ?) 'Shake Hands With The Devil'. . I have serious doubts that this, as touted, is :- " ... undoubtedly the most powerful documentary produced about the Rwanda genocide.".

Wonderful !! Best movie I've seen this year. Terrific story line (John Steinbeck), great acting (Gary Sinise & John Malkovitch) marvellous direction (Gary Sinise), beautiful photography, colour and locations. All in all, an outstanding movie and a perfect example of the craft

Can't find enough words yet to write a rave review of this excellent movie; but I'm working on it.

Based on the autobiographical book by Frank Abagnale Jr. with screenplay by Jeff Nathanson and assistance from Abagnale, this is the thoroughly enjoyable, fascinating and often unbelievable true story of a teenager known eventually in 26 countries & all fifty US states only as "The Skywayman". In an illustrious, innovative and dazzling career that started when he was 16, Frank Abagnale Jr forged and cashed cheques totalling between US$2,6000,000 and US$4,000,000. He was so good at it, having an IQ of 136, that after being finally arrested and charged, he went on to advise the FBI on forging currency, and major US banks on the prevention of fraudulent cheques.. (Yes Dorothy, it could only happen in America). You can see the real 54 year old Frank in the movie when he appears as a French policemen. And for a further bit of fun and trivia, if you're quick you will see the son of director Steven Speilberg – young Max - sitting behind Leonardo DiCaprio during both parts of the airplane scene. A very entertaining, well-made film with a great story line summed up by the young Frank when making apologies to his teenage sweet-heart :- " ..Brenda, I don't want to lie to you anymore ... I'm not a doctor ... I never went to medical school... I'm not a lawyer ... or a Harvard graduate ... or a Lutheran. ... Brenda, I ran away from home a year and a half ago when I was 16 ".(her reply) "..Frank ...Frank ...You're not a Lutheran ? "

It helps if you have read the book (In Cold Blood) that Capote wrote about the murders which this film revolves around, but it is not absolutely necessary. The subject matter is more concerned with Capote himself and what sacrifices he is willing to make, what ends to go to, how low to stoop, to be a successful author. An absolutely riveting piece of cinema which necessitates complete concentration and a quiet dark room without any outside interruptions.

I'm not really sure if this very graphic explicit 2-disc set is, as described, for "beginners". It's certainly not for the faint-hearted nor the squeamish, and definitely not for après-dinner viewing pleasure unless you are Hannibal Lecter. It has nearly all the requisites to make it the perfect movie though. The picture quality is clear and bright, the photography is excellent, there are no animals, no kids, no romance, no overacting; but there is no plot either. There is a chance however for a nomination for an Academy Award as best supporting (character) actor. The ever-smiling professor wielding an 8" Bowie knife, whilst wearing a black fedora hat, rimless glasses, a dark green surgical robe and speaking with a heavy german accent, whilst completely removing the skin of a volunteer cadaver hanging from the roof, ( ... and this is just the first five minutes of the first episode ... ) is an odds-on winner. The series carries a MA 15+ rating. It should also carry the extra warning :- "Children, do not attempt to do this at home".

Darwwin's Nightmare was my nightmare too. Poor photography, bad lighting, inept editing, dreadful directing. Fortunately, like all nightmares, it didn't last very long - I turned it off after 5 minutes.

Unashamedly the story of William Randolph Hearst, this 1941 movie by Orson Welles made history and a lot of lawsuits. It's content and portrayal of the great publishing baron was such that attempts were made to have it banned. Nowadays it is listed by the American Film Institute, and other groups, as one of the 'Best American Movies' of all time. Every serious movie buff and collector would have this movie in their collection. Why ? Besides the contentious subject matter, Orson Welles shows his brilliance (nay, genius) in direction, camera angles, lighting, scripting and production. This is a movie that film makers use as a model, a datum point, an example of how to do it. There is an accompanying bonus disc somewhere (check to see if it's included) which itself won an Oscar in 1995 for Best Documentary. The two disc package represents excellent value and truly is a collectors delight. Otherwise, just grab 'Kane' for your library.

Absolutely wonderful, thoroughly enjoyable, a first-rate family movie – I loved every minute of it. I loved the story line, which is based on the true life success story of a NASA engineer who was born into the helplessness of a poor but honest West Virginia coal-mining family. I also loved the attention to detail, such as the circa 1957 haircuts of the teenager characters, and the background classic rock & roll tracks. Best of all though was Jake Gyllenhaal as the (very convincing) 17 year old coal-miners son who aspired to be a rocket scientist, and fulfilled his dreams. (The fact that Jake was only 18 year old himself at the time of shooting does not detract from his performance.) A truly satisfying and lovely film.

How 'Tricky Richard' (sic – this site wont allow the abbreviation of Richard that rhymes with 'Tricky') did any work, or made any rational decisions, as President whilst he always had a glass of whiskey to his lips, as Olive Stone portrays him, escapes me. But then I think - he (Nixon) did lift the Bamboo Curtain, raised the Iron Curtain (well, enough to slide a glass of vodka under anyway) and had more US Presidents than Roosevelt at his funeral (some may ingraciously say only to confirm that he was actually dead). As a movie - terrific stuff. Great direction and screenplay by Oliver Stone. Well photograped, exceptional continuity, and very well casted. If you are a movie buff, this is a movie you would want to have in your collection. (No copying though, that's illegal - like Watergate)

How 'Tricky Richard' (sic – this site wont allow the abbreviation of Richard that rhymes with 'Tricky') did any work, or made any rational decisions, as President whilst he always had a glass of whiskey to his lips, as Olive Stone portrays him, escapes me. But then I think - he (Nixon) did lift the Bamboo Curtain, raised the Iron Curtain (well, enough to slide a glass of vodka under anyway) and had more US Presidents than Roosevelt at his funeral (some may ingraciously say only to confirm that he was actually dead). As a movie - terrific stuff. Great direction and screenplay by Oliver Stone. Well photograped, exceptional continuity, and very well casted. If you are a movie buff, this is a movie you would want to have in your collection. (No copying though, that's illegal - like Watergate)

This is the riveting semi-autobiographical story of the gifted US choreographer and director Bob Fosse (remember 'Cabaret'.) as told, directed and choreographed by himself. Excellent lighting, editing scripting and casting help make this an outstanding production that shows up well on the video screen. But that's not all !!. The dance sequences are stunningly beautiful and the star attraction .of this true life story/movie. .Grace, beauty, line and absolute perfection of dance. Truly memorable stuff. You will never again experience such a short 117 minutes.

This true story of the life of Wolfgang (Wolfie) Amadeus Mozart begins when he is married. Peter Schaffer, who wrote the original stage play, provides an excellent screenplay for director Milos Forman. Eight Academy awards were won in 1984 by this film which has now been remastered and digitally restored - including the magnificent sound track, which is what we are here for, right ? . The lighting, photography, editing and continuity are also absolutely first-class. So are the portrayals of Mozart by Tom Hulce, and the envious Antonio Salieri played by F. Murray Abrahams who won Best Actor. The bonus disc is fascinating and adds dimension and understanding to the movie, and makes the package excellent value. Have some family fun watching this production. See who can recognise and name the most Mozart pieces. The movie score is full of them, and superbly conducted by Sir Neville Mariner. This is a classic period film that you could replay and enjoy as many times as you would Wolfies Klarinetten Konzert KV 622.

Shocking music & sound production, terrible lighting, so-so songs - all coming from a tent show (yep, a tent show) made during an afternoon in England. If you can wait for it, the best part is a slow, rear, upwards pan of Dwight from his heels to his head. Yum - Nice Bum !!

Rather slow paced, some terrible acting, mediocre direction. The book was much better, and more titillating, when I was a 14 yr old teenage boy.