andy.marshall Reviews

The Power (1968)

Extremely Watchable, Despite Flaws

[26 August 2004]

Possible Spoilers!

I was meaning to get an early night but when this came on, late last night on TCM I found I had to sit through it to the end. A jumble of different styles made this a little disconcerting but it stands alone purely as an actioner without reference to the sci-fi bits.

George Hamilton gets beaten up, pushed out of a jeep, bombed by the USAF, trapped on an out-of-control carousel, crashes his car off a bridge, climbs down an elevator shaft and has various fights, both physical and mental but comes through in the end, with hardly a hair out of place.

My only two criticisms are that 1.) there is a huge plot hole involving the identity of the villain, played by Michael Rennie (how come Henry Hallson didn't recognise him as "Adam Hart" when Rennie attended the meeting early in the film and 2.) whatever colour process was used here, it's disgustingly lurid and inappropriate for a thriller.

A Clockwork Orange (1971)

Kubrick's Vision?

[6 June 2004]

A flawed masterpiece, especially where Kubrick detours from the vision of Anthony Burgess.

Much of the comments about this movie refer to "Kubrick's Vision", unquote. The problem with that perspective is that the best parts of this movie are those that directly translate the novel by Anthony Burgess. The worst parts are those that Kubrick and his designers came up with themselves.

For instance, the original novel was set in a much more Orwellian world of dark staircases, concrete decor and the smell of cabbage. The so-called "vision" of Kubrick and his designers gives us what must have seemed very futuristic then but now appears so very 1971. Look at the decor of the Korova milk bar with it's naked female sculptures dispensing drencrom from the breast. Look at Alex's apartment with its silver and golden walls. Look at his parents in their oh so 1970 clothes. Look at "Home" cottage where Mr. Alexander and his ill fated wife live - looks more like a trendy 1970 flat in Chelsea!

In yet another case of the Emperor's new clothes, "Kubrick's vision" is, ultimately what fails this movie.

The Law and Jake Wade (1958)

Robert Taylor? Are You Sure?

[25 May 2004]

Made when the era of the western was coming towards its end, this hard working horse opera entertains throughout, despite its one flaw - Robert Taylor.

A good plot, some fine location shooting and well directed action scenes all contribute to this. Richard Widmark gives a truly convincing performance as the psychopathic Clint Hollister and Henry Silva is a standout as the equally nasty Rennie. The only problem is Robert Taylor's po faced and mournful effort in the lead role.

Thanks to TCM I have now seen quite a few Robert Taylor vehicles but I'm yet to see one in which he's any good. Who ever thought this guy could act just mystifies me.

Dangerous Corner (1934)

The past is a different country!

[9 February 2004]

It's amazing how different 1934 looks to us now, on the evidence of this movie. An ensemble cast of no more than eight, all with speaking parts and none of them filmed anywhere but the standard three sets. Camera angles are static and rigid, only the occasional pan out when confessions are being made and these are legion. Clearly this script could not have been filmed without the invention of cigarettes - they are central to almost every scene and crucial to the turn of the plot itself.

The plot is strong and rather typical of J B Priestly in that much of the drama consists of revelations and contradictions. No-one is quite what they seem!

American Masters: None Without Sin (2003) Season 18, Episode 1

Superb Examination of Kazan, Miller, Monroe and the HUAC

[13 January 2004]

At 120 minutes this is quite long for a documentary but it had me entranced for the whole time. Taking as a focal point the protests against Kazan when he was awarded a lifetime achievement Oscar in 1999, this film examines the different reactions of Kazan and Miller when called before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the mid 'fifties - and the consequences for both.

MI-5 (2002–2011)

Just Don't Get It!

[5 August 2003]

I just don't understand the adulation for this more than usually silly series. Admittedly, I only saw the first two episodes but that was more than enough. Cliched dialogue, far fetched plots and some rather amateurish acting.

Maybe it's just me. Seems like most of the glowing praise in these pages is from fans of "24" and "The Sopranos" and I don't like either of them either. To me "The Sopranos" is just like any other American drama except they say "f*ck" a lot.

Ned Kelly (1970)

It can't be that bad!

[1 April 2003]

Even today the character of Ned Kelly is seen by most Australians as more sinned against than sinning. It's a pity then that director Tony Richardson and male lead Mick Jagger couldn't be afforded the same latitude.

Contrary to some comments in this forum, this film was never a cult hit or even very popular at all in Australia. When I studied film criticism during the 'seventies, "Ned Kelly" was often held up as the prime example of just how bad a movie could be. This view is the orthodox one among Australians of generations old enough to have seen it. The trouble with this orthodoxy is that is simply not true.

Jagger gives a surprisingly strong performance given his physical limitations. The story features no glaring inaccuracies of the Kelly legend and the screenplay is very well structured and paced. Above all, the cinematography is simply superb. Some of the scenes, such as the shoot out at Stringybark Creek are highly arresting.

All right, Waylon Jennings singing Shel Silverstein songs is a little corny and intrusive but that's about my only criticism. I would be surprised if the 2002 version is any better.

The Magical World of Disney (1954–1997)

"One of these many worlds will open to you!"

[5 December 2001]

Certainly the original and the best of the family variety style programs.From the late 'fifties to the late 'sixties this was the high point of many an Australian family's televisual week. Walt himself singing "When You Wish Upon a Star" for the opening credits was a siren call for all the young and not so young.

One quibble however is that, in hindsight it was a rather blatant advertisement for the Disneyland theme park. The opening of each show placed the weeks story in one of the four "lands" that made up Disneyland.

Blue Murder (1995)

Just Brilliant

[31 July 2001]

What a pity that we in NSW and the ACT couldn't see this for five years. But then you can see just why. How good is Tony Martin as Neddy Smith? How graphic was the scene when Lanfranchi got blown away? How come Rogerson isn't in jail right now?

Hennessy (1975)

Chillingly Real

[8/10 · 5 January 2000]

Maltin is an idiot for saying that the plot is unbelievable. It is in fact all too believable. Rod Steiger shows his versatility by playing an Irishman who impersonates an Englishman. Lee Remick is delectable as usual and English fans will applaud the inclusion of Eric Porter

Inn of the Damned (1975)

How did this crap ever get filmed?

[1/10 · 5 January 2000]

Oh my goodness gracious, this one sets the standard for the worst movies of all time. I haven't seen many of those on the worst 500 list but how this turkey didn't make it is anyone's guess. Dumbest food/sex scene in history. Cliched slomo shots - hey this baby's got it all!