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Andrew-199
Reviews
Planet of the Apes (2001)
Boy those chimps are ugly . . . . .
Well, what can one really say about the Planet of the Apes except that it's relatively well-made. I must admit though, special effects are becoming the norm - however, I must give credit to the directors in that the apes look rather realistic, and significantly ugly. Generally the plot was sound, the character of General Thade being sufficiently menacing - I mean, snarling at the camera every five seconds was enough to send a shiver down my spine. Well, maybe a exaggerate just a touch but his characterisation was definitely superb. The other characters are less certain, in fact did the girl really say anything? Of course, she was there for aesthetic purposes .. . . . need I say more?
American Pie (1999)
Crude, but then what is life without its crudities?
Delightful, groundbreaking and refreshing - and not adapted from a book?! I even think there may have been a moral tucked away in there somewhere. Perhaps not for the older generations [those over seventy at any rate] and not a film to watch comfortably around the parents. It's crude and distasteful - perhaps that's why I like it so much?
I look forward to American Pie 2 most certainly
Emma (1996)
What can I say, it grows on you . . . . .
I admit it. I bought this movie not out of a burning desire to see an adaptation of Jane Austen on screen, but to aid me in my quest to understand 'Emma' which I had the 'pleasure' of studying as an exam text for my A-Levels.
With the book, at first I despised it. I could not see an ounce of comedy in it. The film, on the other hand, I considered fair to begin with. Unfortunately though, the more I watched the film the better it became and the better the novel became. By the end of it I actually *gulp* 'enjoyed' reading Austen. After the fourth viewing [and, incidentally, second reading of the novel] - on the eve of the examination itself - I was close to tears [metaphorically] towards the end.
Ultimately the novel is very good, but the film is equally good if not better. After all reading four-hundred pages of Austen can be a little bit tedious, and takes a considerable amount of time longer to do, than watching a ninety minute film like 'Emma'.
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Good, but the book is better!
Perhaps I am a bluff old traditionalist but this film just did not capture the heart-wrenching emotions of the book itself. Perhaps it was because it wasn't brimming with Stevens' self-justifying narrative?
Regardless of comparisons with the novel, the film was outstanding nevertheless - worthy of top marks. I recommend it to anybody . . . but be daring, and read the book too.
House of Cards (1990)
Can we have one of Labour now please? ;)
(Possibly some spoilers)
'House of Cards' - more so than its sequels - in absolutely outstanding and brimming to the top with political intrigue in the quest for power. It's excellent for any political enthusiasts - and does not lack on the usual crowd pleasers of sex, drugs and violence - and perhaps any budding meglomaniacs out there.
I find very few quibbles in the series though I did consider the very ending - where Ian Richardson speaks into the camera - not to be very good, unless you want a spouting of self-justification. Quibbles aside though, 'House of Cards' is excellent nevertheless.
Now when do we get one about the Labour Chief Whip?!
Elizabeth (1998)
Outstanding!
I must say that such an outstanding film as this has taken a while to be churned out. It combines, with excellence, the atmosphere of Elizabethan England (especially the religious troubles). Lord Walsingham's part is excellent and the actor who played him must be commended.
Hard Times (1994)
OK
The book of Hard Times can be very good at times and much of its description is captured on screen. However, I personally find these types of film occasionally dull but if you are keen to see the film-adaptation of the novel then enjoy. The film, in my view, is OK.
A Bridge Too Far (1977)
Excellent and Accurate
An excellent film! It is historically accurate and fascinating to watch. It brings WW2 to your living room.
Waterloo (1970)
First of all . . .
First of all let me ruin the ending . . Napoleon is defeated ( BUT WE ALL KNEW THAT - THE ENDING IS AS WELL KNOWN TO THAT OF TITANIC ). An excellent film in all respects, it is historically accurate (unlike many films nowadays), and its war scenes are good (though not excellent as it doesn't show the horror of a Napoleonic Battle such as this one). One of the classic war films
Titanic (1997)
Anti-British
Despite having excellent special effects there was something definitely wrong with Titanic. Its script was mediocre at best though some good acting did break through. However, in my opinion it had one major fault -IT WAS ANTI-BRITISH.Nowadays people don't seem to care about Hollywood insults to their country but signs of this prejudice appear in the film. For instance all of the British are portrayed as upper-class twits, cowards, etc who bumbled into this in the first place. The Irish appear as being oppressed and the Americans and Irish are all the heroes. It was also a fact that First Officer Murdoch didn't act in that way (and the makers had to apologise to the town and famly where he lived) So when is Hollywood going to end these films which attack the British evidently or subtley?
Life of Brian (1979)
Excellent, Bravo, Superb, Tremendous and Ausgezeichnet!
Ths is truly the BEST monty Python ever! It's very funny and excellently made and one of my favourites.
"Always Look on the bright side of life" "He's not the Messiah he's a very naughty boy" "Welease Wudolph the Wed Nosed Weindeer!"
These are some of the best lines ever!
Zulu (1964)
Excellent, Superb and Brilliant
Upon joining this site I thought I would comment about my personal favourite, Zulu. I am no film freak and I only joined to vote but in my opinion Zulu is one of the best films ever made.
It represents the British film industry in one of its best films.Zulu is both historically accurate and entertaining (watching hordes of Zulus been shot to pieces by 100 British Soldiers has to be entertaining!)The film quality is excellent along with some lines. Finally its battle scenes are some of the best that I have ever seen.