jrb1802 Reviews

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

Elliot Gould is great !

[30 September 2003]

Love this movie. Love the cast. Great performences especially from Elliot Gould, Brad Pitt (proving again he can actually act, and isnt just a pretty face), George Clooney and Matt Damon.

I`ve seen the original also, but think the remake just tops it. One thing I am curious about tho is Don Cheadle's character? Why did he have a cockney accent? If he was uncredited, due to other work commitments at the time, they should have got a real British actor to play the part with a cockney accent.

Nevertheless, Cheadle's attempt at a cockney accent is good in parts, but he does slip every now and then.

I would recommened this movie. It's very entertaining, and the score is good too... I like DeBussy's Claire De Lune, which is played when they are all looking at the dancing fountains after successfully completing their heist.

Also, see the original too. Frank Sinatra's Danny Ocean is great also, but Clooney's just as that extra kick.

8/10.

Your Friend, JRB.

Don't Say a Word (2001)

Why Does Sean Bean play the bad guy all the time???

[31 August 2003]

I wouldn't say this was one of Douglas's and Bean's best movies but its worth watching.

Won't go into the details too much, but once again Sean Bean plays a bad guy. This guy is a good actor and although he plays a baddie very well, he should start turning down rolls that typecast him to this.

As for Douglas, I still cant see him ever beating his own performence in Wall Street, but he makes a good psychiatrist in this.

Brittany Murphy and Famke Janssen both give good performences also.

I would recommend this film but only if there is nothing better to watch.

One last thing: TxMike... Sean Bean isn't Irish. He is a Yorkshireman form the North of England.

Your Friend, JRB.

Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story (2001 TV Movie)

The Accents are laughable

[30 July 2003]

Hmmmmm.... where to start? Well......... for a start its a Made for TV-movie. Now, I know TV-Movies are bad (well most of them are), but this is among the worst. For a start... Def Leppard come from Sheffield, England. The actors playing the band members dont even attempt a Sheffield accent. Early part of the film is set in Sheffield... but its soooooo obvious that it was shot in California. British roads don't have a double yellow line up the middle of them... The M25 motorway is not in the north of England either, but its 9 miles from Sheffield according to this movie

Your Friend, JRB.

From Hell (2001)

Agree with Josefin on this one....

[14 September 2002]

As a former reviewer as already stated this film was sooo off the mark, it was laughable.

I to, have done many researches into Jack the Ripper. If you have read my review of the Michael Caine drama Jack the Ripper(1988), this is not a whole lot different.

Why are Hollywood so obsessed with bending the truth? If you going to make a good Jack the Ripper film, based on ACTUAL events, for a start off, STOP using good looking actresses to play the roles of the Prostitutes. In reality, the Prostitutes were toothless, unbelivably ugly, and fat.

At least get the murders in the right order!

Not even the police were as handsome as Johnny Depp. Abberline was a short stout man, balding, with a beard.

On the whole, the film would probably pass a few hours away, if you had nothing to do. I wont be seeing it again for sure.

I have yet to come across a Jack the Ripper Film/TV Series that is true to the actual events of 1888. Michael Caine's 1988 version is probably the one I would recommend.

In this one, Lysette Anthony played Mary Jane Kelly (played in this one by Heather Graham).

If you have ever seen a painting of Mary Kelly, Lysette bears a remarkable resembelance to her. Graham looks NOTHING like her.

Forget this one, and see the Michael Caine TV Film. Although, still not acurate, it is the only one closest to the truth.

JRB.

Shallow Hal (2001)

I felt sad in places, but good overall film.

[9 September 2002]

Rented this film on DVD last night, and enjoyed it. However, there are a few scenes in this film, that made me feel really sad.

*** SPOILERS *** Do NOT read if you havent seen it...



When he fails to recognize Rosemarie, when running to the phone booth to phone... well, her. The look on her face was really gutting.

The young child in the Burns Unit after he sees what she really looks like had me close to tears.

I`m just glad he did hug the woman who he shared the cab with, when he sees what she really looks like.

Rosemarie at the end really had me going too. She had been hurt once, and now, she was being hurt again..... it was very sad.

However, I did like the film. I thought it was neatly done, and well acted. Jack Black and Gwenyth Paltrow were both good, as well as Jason Alexander. It really does go to show, that you should always look for that extra quality in a woman/man. And not just go for what you see on the outside.

8/10. But be prepared to feel sad at some scenes. JRB.

Bedazzled (2000)

Frances O'Connor beats Hurley for me

[2 September 2002]

Everyone so far, as commented how lovely and hot Elizabeth Hurley is, in this movie. Although, she is a top babe, I personally prefer the British-born Australian Frances O'Connor who plays Brendan Fraser's love interest through-out the movie. ..... the movie??? ah, yeah... well, I wasn't overly impressed with it, even though it did have some laughable moments (Fraser shocked and embarrased by the size of his manhood in the Basketball wish was funny).

Fraser plays the part of the nerdy loser well, but he is nowhere near as good as Dudley Moore in the 1967 original version.

Hurley for me looked uncomfortable as the devil, and I really couldn't see any chemistry between the two actors on screen. Peter Cook, the original Devil from 1967, was much better and a lot more rotten.

I would recommend this movie, if say, you was in on a rainy night, and there was nothing on TV, or you didn't have a decent video/DVD to watch. But would recommend the original Cook/Moore movie anytime !!!

JRB. 02/09/2002

The Cable Guy (1996)

The film was very sad... yet brilliant

[23 March 2002]

This film was so moving. I don't care what the real so called "film critics" said about this, saying it was Carrey's worst performence, and the film was terrible, and it almost killed his career etc..

The film is absolutely brilliant. And Jim Carrey was outstanding as the lonley Cable Guy, Chip Douglas/Larry Tate/Ricky Ricardo etc.

I found myself with a lump in my throat at the end. And it makes me glad that I am, and never will be, alone through this life. I felt so sorry for Chip Douglas, when he was giving his speech at the end on top of the "International skyways".

Another piece of brilliance about this film, I found, was the trial of Jabob Sweet (Ben Stiller, the director, in a cameo role). At the end of the film, The Jury come to a decision whether or not he is guilty of murdering his twin brother. But you don't get to hear it, because by then, you get what the film is all about, and don't really care of the outcome of the trial. Well I didn't anyway.

Carrey / Broderick / Stiller - Absoulute class.

Sanford and Son (1972–1978)

Steptoe and Son did it better.

[27 December 2001]

Although Sanford & Son had its moments, it was NOWHERE near as funny as the British show it copied - Steptoe and Son.

Enough Said........

Jack the Ripper (1988)

My favourite Jack the Ripper movie

[27 August 2001]

This version (out of many on the subject of Britain's most famous serial killer) is by far, my favourite.

I have studied Jack the Ripper for many years, read many books, seen many documentaries, and even been on the Jack the Ripper tour in Whitechapel, where I saw the actual murder sites.

The acting is first class from everyone involved (notably from Lewis Collins as Sgt. Godley, Steve Payne as Billy White and Amande Assante as Richard Mansfield), and the direction is first class.

There are only two things I didn't like about this:

1) The Killer's Identity - I just do not agree that he was Jack the Ripper.

2) Once again, the Prostitutes were portrayed as good looking showgirls, when in reality they were ugly, toothless old crones. (Only Mary Jane Kelly was attractive, and Lysette Anthony who played her in this film, bares a remarkable resembelance to the real Kelly).

It's a shame this movie is not available on video or DVD. I was fortunate enough to have taped it off the TV, and have kept it ever since.

For any budding Ripperologists out there, I would strongly recommend you see this. But I`ll leave it up to you, if you agree with who they say it was -- I certainly don't.

Scary Movie (2000)

It is Funny...But Not Hilarious

[13 July 2001]

This was a very clever and funny movie spoofing the horror films of the 90s. I wouldn't go as far as "The Funniest Movie of All Time." as some of the other reviewers have stated, but it certainly has it's moments.

I do like the films that the Wayans brothers make (Dont Drink your Juice, I`m Gonna Git You Sucka etc), and I liked this too.

The Films it has digs at are Scream 1 and Scream 2, I Know What You Did Last Summer, The Blair Witch Project, The Matrix, The Sixth Sense, American Pie and There's Something About Mary (If there are Anymore, I didn't notice them).

I thought the Parody of Blair Witch Project was the funniest. It was the one part of the film, that really made me laugh hard.

Just one other thing: I can't believe that the IMDB has listed who the killer is in the cast. To Someone who hasn't seen this film, and has come here to search for Cast details/Reviews etc, is going to see who it is, and not be surprised by the ending !!!

8 out of 10.

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)

Mark Addy's Fred Flintstone is better than John Goodman's.

[14 May 2001]

I was surprised by this movie.

I hated the original, I suppose because none of the cast of the original (except Elizabeth Perkins) resembled the Cartoon cast.

I'll probably get stoned alive for saying this, but I didn't like John Goodman's Fred Flintstone. I think he played him awkwardly as though, he didn't really want to be in the movie.

But Mark Addy was a lot lot better. OK, he didn't have the voice down to a tee, but he resembles Fred, when made up, a whole lot more than Mr. Goodman.

I just wish they would have asked Elizabeth Perkins to re-create her role as Wilma. She did a great job in the original, and resembled and sounded like the cartoon character, where Kristen Johnston, didn't quite do it for me in the role. She looked far too mature to be playing Wilma, and didn't have the voice either.

But full marks to Stephen Baldwin and Jane Krakowski as Barney and Betty. They were also a lot better than Rick Moranis and Rosie O'Donnell from the original film. Mostly because, again, they sounded like the cartoon characters and Krakowski resembled Betty. (Baldwin in no way looked like Barney though - oh, well, can't be perfect, but he makes up for it with the voice and laugh).

Joan Collins is also hilarious in the film, as the Filthy Rich Mother of Wilma, and again, does a better job that Elizabeth Taylor from the original.

Also watch out for Alan Cumming. He almost steals the film with his "Mike Jagged" from the Stones, while also playing an alien in a dual role.

With great creatures (Jim Henson workshop), good gadgets and an all-round enjoyable film, I give this an 8 out of 10.

Killing Time (1998)

Possibly the worst acting I`ve ever seen!!!

[14 February 2001]

It's such a shame that the acting in Killing Time is unbelievably bad. The film does have a decent plot, and the lead role of Maria the Assassin, played by Kendra Torgen is worth renting the film just for her. She is stunning! It's a shame she isn't in any other movies..yet.

As for Killing Time, the film is set (I think) in Newcastle, Northern England. I've seen Get Carter (The 1971 version), which was also a gangster movie set in Newcastle, and decided to give this a whirl.

***** SPOLIERS AHEAD... Do not Read, If You Havent Seen the Film!!! ***





I quite enjoyed it. The story of a semi-corrupt cop who hires an Italian Hit-Woman, who speaks no English, to kill off a Gangster boss that has killed his partner. He then hires another group of hitmen to kill of her, after she has completed her job!

The fun starts, then. She has some spare time, until her intended target arrives on the 17:40 train. So, she takes baths, kills off the target's henchmen, and also has to deal with the guys that are trying to kill her. She also learns English from a "Learn English" cassette, which becomes apparent at the end of the film.

It's a good film, with some funny humour, it's just a shame the acting is sooo terrible, and the lovely Ms. Torgen hasnt appeared in anything else to date.

Gladiator (2000)

Overrated. But Good in Parts.

[4 February 2001]

This film was a bit too long for me. And after all the hype, I found it to be a little disappointing.

Nevertheless, If you have a spare 2 and half hours to kill, and have nothing better, and you haven't seen this movie before, I would recommend it.

I can watch a film over and over, if I like it enough. Sadly, this is not one of those movies. Once is enough. Maybe I'll watch it again, if it comes on TV at Christmas. But thats about it.

An incredibly overrated movie, but enjoyable in parts.

The Blonde Bombshell (1999)

Great re-telling of Britain's Tragic Blonde Bombshell

[17 January 2001]

A very well made series about Diana Dors, who was Britain's answer to Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield in the 50s and early 60s. Both actresses who played the lead role (Keeley Hawes, as the young Dors, and Amanda Redman as the elder Dors), are very good. The only criticism I've got against the series, is they should have got a better actor to play Rod Steiger. The actor who portrayed Steiger, looked nothing like the real Steiger! Dors led a tragic lifestyle in some ways (as did Monroe), and Redman playing the elder Dors achieves this very well. After taking beatings from her alcoholic husband, she threatens to leave him, and this makes him stop drinking. Dors died from Cancer, and her husband were so heart broken, he took his own life soon after. This is strongly portrayed in the series also, and it does bring a lump to your throat at the end.

Get Carter (2000)

Tagline: The Truth Hurts.-- Yep, The Truth being This Movie Sucked.

[11 January 2001]

I knew I would hate this film. Being a fan of the original Get Carter in the early seventies, I felt I had to go to see it, and find out Sylvester Stallone's version of Jack Carter was like. I came to the conclusion it was laughable.

What a heap of rubbish. Typical Hollywood movie. For all those of you who have commented on this tripe, and called it: "The Greatest movie I have ever seen." - Please, please, see the Original. This film isn't even in the same class.

And why the hell Michael Caine agreed to be in this and play a role that was originally played by Alf Roberts from Coronation Street is beyond me. Its not like he needs the money.

Better luck next time, Hollywood. Why don't you remake Zulu? I`m sure you can make a complete mess of that one too.

Deep Impact (1998)

Scary Stuff

[2 January 2001]

Havent seen this movie until today when it was shown on BBC 1.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. And it scares me a little to know that this is not impossible. What if, in another 50 to 100 years, we do have a comet the size of New York City heading towards us. What, if, the scientists and astronaughts couldn't do anything to prevent it ? The way this movie handled that "what if" scenario, was very well done. There would be nothing at all you could do about it, so you'd just have to do your best in a situation like this. I can imagine mass panic also, and this film was very well done. I`ve seen Armageddon also, but thought this film handled the situation a lot, lot better. The Ending is very moving also. And you have to feel sorry for the characters that don't make it at the end of the movie.

Mars Attacks! (1996)

America in trouble again !!!

[2 January 2001]

The same old story: Aliens attack the world and we only see America's point of view (again!).

It makes me laugh when I see an Alien flick. Why do they always choose America to land on? Why do they assume the President is ruler of the Earth, and not just his own country?

One bit of this film made me really angry. I know its a bit of harmless fun, but the scene with Rod Steiger giving Churchill's "We`ll fight you on the Beaches" speech was just not on. How dare he !

It must be great to be an American. Especially if you`re a patriotic American. Most Alien movies are "America saves the World". They seem to forget there are other countries in the world, that have the same technology as they do. And why is it The Presedent is asumed to be the ruler of the whole world? MMMmmmmmmmmmm?

Will wait for the next Alien film. I wonder what happens then? I`ll have a random guess: Do Aliens land on America, ask to see the leader of Earth (The Presedent), and the Americans kick their butts and say to the other countries of the world, "Hey, dont worry.. We saved the Earth for you again." Pathetic.

Scrooged (1988)

You'll Either Love it or Hate it.

[10 November 2000]

Well, Christmas is almost upon us again. So I'm going to comment on a view Festive films. Starting with Scrooged:

I personally enjoyed this film, but after reading other user's comments on here for the movie, I guess you either Love it or Hate it.

Why do people get so serious about a movie ? Its just a comedy that pokes a little fun at the Dickens classic.

They mention that Murray's character of Frank Cross was hateful, spiteful, nasty, horrible etc. etc. ... That was the whole idea!! (You wouldn't have had a movie if he wasn't those things). Scrooge in the novel was horrible, spiteful, nasty, etc. etc.

Scrooged is funny, but it does hit on a few serious notes also. Especially when Frank is visited by Carol Kane's Ghost of Christmas Present.

Scrooged is the type of movie that no-one will ever agree on. They have their opinions, and I have mine.

I love it. The bit at the end where Bill Murray finally realizes what Christmas is really all about, is quite moving as he talks directly to the viewers about it. Then when the cast break into song, Murray urges the Cinema audience to join in with them. The cinema we went to, did! It was a great atmosphere with the cinema singing along with the cast. And it was near Christmas too, which made it all that little bit more special :o)

Schindler's List (1993)

One of only two Films ever to make me cry.

[25 October 2000]

I dont mind admitting it. I am a 30-year old man, who saw this film at the cinema when it first came out. I was 24 then, and only one other film had ever made me cry (David Lean's Elephant Man). But this film got to me. Even now when I see it on Video, it still brings a lump to my throat. The cast are wonderful in the movie. What a good actor Ralph Fiennes is. They say if an actor playing a bad guy, can truly make his audience hate him, he has a gift for acting. Well, I truly hated Fiennes at the end of this movie. Not the man himself, of course, but the evil German Nazi he was playing, Amon Goertz. Having seen a documentary on Schindler a few weeks after the movie came out, Fiennes also chillingly looks like the real Goertz.

**** SPOILERS AHEAD... DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVENT SEEN THE FILM

The film was shot in Black and White, to add an eerily atmosphere, which made it look more realistic. But the bit I broke down to at the cinema, was the young girl that you spot in the Red Coat, running away with the rest of the people. Then a few scenes later, as the Germans are pouring the bodies of Jews into the mass Burial hole, you see the girl in the red coat come out of the wheelbarrow and into the pit. This was too much for my Girlfriend, who left the cinema. Also the ending where Schindler is apologizing to Stern for not saving more Jews was quite moving.

I remained in my seat, alone, and just watched as the real survivors of the holocaust, and the actors that played them were led to Schindler's Grave to lay a stone. And then the final bit where you dont actually see him, but Neeson lays a flower on the grave of the hero he had just portrayed - and so convincingly.

In years to come when Speilberg is long gone, I believe he`ll best be remembered for several films: Jaws, Back to the Future, Saving Private Ryan, Jurassic Park and this one.

10/10.

The 11 O'Clock Show (1998–2000)

Not the same without Iain Lee or Daisy Donovan

[23 October 2000]

I love this show. But I must admit, it as faltered a bit since the departure of regular presenters Iain Lee and Daisy Donovan. The new hosts now are Sarah Alexander and Jon Holmes, and although they do their best, you always think there is something missing. The show has spawned the likes of Ali G, Ricky Gevaise, and now there a few new ones, Will Smith Posh Boy, which is OK, but not really funny, Susan Waugh, in which Alexander herself dresses up as a some kind of bimbo interviewing various celebs. But the one that stands out in this new wave, is the heavy in Prison (the name escapes me now), but it is superbly played by Comedian Ricky Grover. I would still recommend this show to people. It is witty and amusing, but just a shame it's two original presenters are no longer with the series.

American History X (1998)

Romper Stomper does it Better

[17 October 2000]

I finally got round to seeing this movie last weekend, after having some spare time to myself. After all the hype it got, and all the reviews I read, I was looking forward to one brilliant movie. I have to say I was left slightly disappointed. Perhaps it's because I was expecting too much. I`d also seen a film called Romper Stomper, which stars Russell Crowe in probably one of his first films, about Australian skinheads and the racism towards the Chinese community. This, in my humble opinion, is a more powerful movie than American History X. Better directed, and better acted. I would recommend that if you had a choice between the two movies - forget American History X, and go for Romper Stomper instead.

An American Werewolf in Paris (1997)

Good, but not as Good as the Original.

[18 September 2000]

I found this movie surprisingly good. Having seen the original many times (An American werewolf in London), I tried not to compare the two, and think this is the reason I enjoyed it. The film is full of Special Effects, which spoils it somewhat, but if you get the chance, see it. And dont compare it to the original, or you will hate it.

Pleasantville (1998)

Great Cinematography.

[13 September 2000]

I was very Impressed with this movie.

Not knowing what to expect ( Well, I thought it would be another movie similar to The Truman Show ), I was surprised.

The Cinematography of this movie is Fantastic. The way it blends Black & White with Colour, is very clever.

I`m not sure if it won an award or not, but if didn't, it should have.

The storyline is good too, with the two main actors (Toby MacGuire and Reese Witherspoon) doing a very good job.

And finally the end tune. I fell in love with it, and am trying to get hold of a copy of it. Fiona Apple's version of The Beatles' Across the Universe.

Great Stuff. 8 out of 10.

An American Werewolf in Paris (1997)

I quite Enjoyed it

[13 September 2000]

I enjoyed this movie. Its not in the same league as the Original (An American Werewolf in London), but fun all the same. I think a lot of the reviewers on here have gave it a bad write-up, because they were probably comparing it to the original too much.

6 out of 10 ... It's worth watching.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Funny, Disturbing and Damn Right Scary!

[13 September 2000]

1st Man: "Oi! You Promised You`d never cheat on me again."

2nd Man: "I Never Promised you anything of the sort!"

1st Man: "Not you, you twit... her!!"

Woman: "But I`ve never seen you before in my whole life."

1st Man: "Oh.... Sorry!"

This is the "great" movie that Jack is watching at the Porno theatre, whilst his victims sit with him, and discuss the best way he can commit suicide.

This film is very funny at times, and deserves its place in the "Hall of Classics" in another 50 years or so.

It is often Gory, and damn right scary. Also it's rather disturbing in places, especially the nature of Jack's Nightmares, while he is recovering in the Hospital.

This film was later remade as An American Werewolf in Paris, which is also good, but no where as good as this one.

9 out of 10.