TheMightyHodgeheg Reviews

Zombieland (2009)

Great fun and quirky!

[9/10 · 4 May 2013]

I would say that this is the second funniest Zombie Movie of all time.(Sean of The Dead being the first of course!)

I loved the intro, where he is explaining his rules of how to survive. It's funny because it is not the usual macho, take on the world, guns-a-blazing survival tactics that most zombie films portray. Instead this is an every day practical guide, for regular guys and gals to survive in the post zombie apocalypse. I love the contrast between the lead guy with all his neurosis and the Woody Harrelson character and even the contrast between his all American cowboy mannerisms and his love (and impending search) for twinkie bars! You could tell that he had real fun with the character.

One thing I love about this movie is that the two female characters are totally kick ass, they are two steps ahead of the boys throughout the film and although they need saved at the end in typical Hollywood style (sigh) it was great to have some proper tough female characters that didn't just become screeching, semi naked, zombie food.

I also loved the helplessness of all the characters, the utter pointlessness in life post zombie outbreak, the guy is just vaguely heading north,(or was it south?), harrelson's characters roaming for twinkies and enjoying kicking zombie ass and the girls, deciding that their safe place could be at a themepark. It was a really great idea, no one was trying to save the world, just trying to get by and squeeze what enjoyment they could out of life.

The cameo from Bill Murray was also excellent. (and I am not even a Bill Murray fan) What a clever idea to have them end up in a celebrities house. These are just some of the things that make this movie quirky and fun and a bit off the wall compared to your average zombie flick. I have thoroughly enjoyed this a couple of times now and highly recommend it!

The Riches (2007–2008)

Rich in many ways

[9/10 · 4 May 2013]

I loved this show and I am so gutted that it didn't get to finish that series, let alone get a whole other one!

I found it totally gripping and I loved all of the characters. Minnie Driver was so funny and fierce, I thought she was incredible, she usually plays such wholesome characters and this was a far cry from her usual style. Eddie Izzard does well in it too, it is good to see him play someone so suave and less of a clown and actually Minnie out does him when it comes to the comic parts! I also loved their son Cael, played by the superbly talented and rather gorgeous Noel Fisher. I felt that the show had a good pace and was not only dramatic but hilarious and it was just getting exciting when it was sadly cut short because of the writers strike. I am still hoping for it to be picked up again but I am guessing everyone will have aged too much by now for it to have started from where it left off! Such a shame. Is it realistic? Not particularly, but it's wildly entertaining and satisfying to watch and keeps you hanging on for more. I thought it was a great concept and really creative, especially for an American show (must be all the British influence!)

A couple of points that were mentioned in other reviews. First of all the accents. Well I don't know if you've heard many travellers speak of late (Irish or Romany) but they definitely have a rich, lilting and sometimes seemingly garbled way of talking (they use a lot of slang) so I felt that their accents were authentic enough. Also they are con artists who use a range of accents and personas to get what they want so it's perfectly realistic that there accents were adaptable and slipped in and out of their native and more regional accents as this is not uncommon.

Secondly the cross dressing aspect of the little boy. Well one way that this quirk could be included is so that the boy can (and does) dress as both a boy and girl which could be used in a con or help them to further disguise themselves. Secondly, in case you hadn't noticed Eddie Izzard is a transvestite/cross dresser. He may well have wanted it to be included to educate people, to help to normalise it so it's not something that people are so afraid of. There is nothing wrong with trying to educate people and not every little part of a TV character needs to be scrutinised in order for it to work. Sometimes people cross dress. It is comfort to them or brings them pleasure and there is nothing wrong with it or further investigation needed.

The person who said the boys wall drawings were pointless, well in case you didn't notice he was actually documenting everything that they had been through. It was partly therapeutic and just plain fun for him which is explains the why and in terms of plot development far from being pointless it was actually a form of evidence which could potentially be used against them if and when they get caught! It's actually quite clever this show, perhaps a bit much for some.

Huff (2004–2006)

The Male Menopause in Glorious Technicolour!

[8/10 · 4 May 2013]

I thoroughly enjoyed this show but I am glad that it ended where it did as I get the impression that it could have spun off into that trap of trying to outdo itself or push agendas or cheapen itself for shock value.

This show had me laughing and crying and crying with laughter at times. It was subtle in all the right places and outlandish in others: the sub plots provided plenty of comical reprieve throughout. A great show if you have any interest in human psychology and you are longing for a show which isn't afraid to show more realistic, less 'American-dream-ised' characters, albeit there are some heavily stereotyped characters combined with lots of darkly comical drama.

I love it when a show has you rooting for someone one week and then repelled by their inadequacies the next, which this series does very well with all of its characters. Although it was very slow paced at times the characters were really well written and acted, you were really going along with them whilst they fumbled their way through these difficult situations. I really enjoyed the character development throughout as they were all awkward and flawed and multi faceted and were given plenty to work with from life changing to banal every day life. It also provided an exceptionally realistic representation of drug abuse and addiction and tackled the issue of severe paranoid schizophrenia well for the most part. Admittedly some of the story lines were clichéd, (unfortunately some clichés are justifiable as they are the norm) as was the character of Russell to a degree but the actors really made their roles their own and did a brilliant job of something which could have been very hammy.

I believed it to be very well acted for the most part. Oliver Platt is superb in this (best in show) as is Blythe Danner, both of whom play despicable but ultimately lovable characters. Andy Comeau is brilliant in his portrayal as Hoff's mentally disturbed brother Teddy and Faith Prince as Kelly provides some much needed comic relief throughout. There are some deeply touching moments between the various characters as well as some frustrating ones! One thing that was a little different about this show is that I didn't really like a lot of the characters as people, I certainly wouldn't be attracted to people like that in real life as they were all so self absorbed, and spoilt, but they weren't the usual 'love to hate 'em' characters either and in the end I did end up sympathising with and caring about them. It's just an interesting portrayal of people and families, their relationships and every day first world problems with a bit of extra drama thrown in. Definitely worth a watch but it flagged a little in season 2 and glad it's been put too rest before they had a chance to ruin it!

United States of Tara (2009–2011)

Putting the FUN back into Dysfunctional!

[10/10 · 4 May 2013]

I absolutely loved this show! Why oh why didn't they make a 4th season?!

This show touches on some serious issues: DID and childhood sexual abuse being the most prominent ones (as well as homophobia, under age sex) and I can see why people are keen to spout righteous indignation before having even seen how they have dealt with this in the show. I have personal experience in both these issues and I can honestly say that it is done in a very respectful, courageous and thoughtful way. It is not entirely realistic in places, of course there is plenty of artistic license involved but this is a work of fiction, not a documentary! I also believe in the importance of using humour in order to get through life, even at the most tragic of situations and I don't feel that this show was in any way belittling, damaging or insensitive to the issues it included. It is heartbreaking in places and absolutely hilarious in others, but the humour is timely and appropriate. It is not exploitative or mocking in any way and despite its creative license dismissing a few real life technicalities, I don't believe that it does a disservice to those affected by DID or CSA.

Toni Colette is absolutely superb in this as she switches in between her 4/5/6? 'alters' and she plays each one to perfection. Her 'Buck' character is hilarious and between them all it just shows her range as an actress.

The relationship between her and her patient and loving husband Max is endearing and beautiful. To people who are saying that she is a b*tch (can you imagine just for 2 seconds what it is like for her knowing what her condition does to those she loves without having any real control over it?! It is exhausting for one and puts you in a permanent state of guilt and self absorption) and saying that he's too sweet/saintly and it's too unrealistic etc, you have clearly never met a couple who are completely in love, no matter what life throws at them. This couple clearly has that, he is devoted to her and contrary to what your jaded life experience may have taught you, this kind of love and commitment and support exists! Go back to sex in the city if you want to believe that is what true love (ie compromising for the rest of your life with an incompatible pig) is all about.

The love/hate relationship between the two sisters (Charmaine and Tara) and the way that the whole family interacted with each other was touching and remarkably well done. Yes of course the characters quirks were all slightly heightened, but again this is TV land, do you really want to watch a show of a bunch of people just like your next door neighbours who pretend to be 'normal' for the cameras every night? I don't think so. It isn't overly done on the quirky factor.

The son, a quiet, intelligent introvert is lovable and sweet and mature beyond his years but this is quite realistic of someone who has had to grow up with a young mother who suffers from a disruptive mental health problem. It is just as likely for a child to become rebellious, wild and want to grow up fast just as the daughter does. Again the relationship between them is realistic enough and a pleasure to watch. All of the characters are developed really well as the show goes on, particularly that of Tara's younger sister Charmaine who is self indulgent and uptight to begin with before she unfolds as a complete wreck and then becomes more lovable as time goes on. Tara's character also develops well as do all of the alters (although realistically they are not as multi faceted as Tara as herself)

Eddie Izzard, despite him being a better comedian than he is an actor, did a great job in this too. I thought his character was great and he gave a sincere performance.

The message that far surpasses the subject of psychiatry is one of love. It's about how we connect to each other in our relationships and the strength we can find in family and friendship. It is a feast for anyone who enjoys quirky, flawed but endearing characters, has a vague interest in psychology (but doesn't feel the need for 100% accuracy from a TV drama) and doesn't mind peeking into the lives of a liberal, colourful and unique family for laughs and a warm fuzzy feeling. It has plenty of drama and a few cliffhangers to say the least! As well as sex, drugs and jazz!

Gummo (1997)

Squirm inducing

[2/10 · 4 May 2013]

I won't beat around the bush. I HATED this film. Friends were raving about how great it was and I eagerly sat down to watch it with them as they watched it for a second/third time. It was the equivalent to spending the afternoon stuck in a Ketamine induced state whilst trapped in supported living asylum in a hopeless, post apocalyptic, nihilistic society where everyone has completely given up. It's repulsive throughout and aims to be provocative but in a really pretentious, attention seeking without offering resolution sort of a way. It felt exploitative by nature, in imagining that these people or communities exist and the way that we would view or judge them as a different, lesser species. I felt nothing for the characters, so poorly developed that I couldn't even feel pity for them. I both squirmed and yawned my way through it. Films are meant to make you think or feel or open your mind or heart or at the very least entertain purely on the superficial basis of humour or beauty. It wasn't arty, it wasn't meaningful, it didn't offer anything new or leave me with any important questions or feelings other than wtf have I just watched and why is anyone digging this?! The hype surrounding it reminds me very much of the story of The emperor's new clothes. To heck with anyone who has been duped by this utter garbage, trying to tell you that you don't 'get' it. There is nothing to get. It is vacuous and degrading and reeks of an over stretched student film. Perhaps the pointlessness and boredom of watching the film was meant to leave you with some empathy for the boredom and pointlessness of the characters lives? Another reviewer nailed it with the title 'Hipster poverty voyeurism'. I think that sums it up perfectly. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because it obviously left an impression on me although I am not sure why other than how dirty it made me feel for watching it.

Neds (2010)

Bleak and desperately sad

[5/10 · 2 May 2013]

I have very mixed feelings about this film. Admittedly I was expecting a lot as it's a Peter Mullen film and he deals very well with the dirtier side of British social history. A majority of his work is heavy going and usually leaves me with lots to think about, having first had a good cry! This certainly is not for the faint hearted.

The violence I found incredibly difficult to watch. I am sure that is a nod to its realism but it wasn't easy viewing by any means. It wasn't gratuitous but as advertised, it was brutal. I didn't feel resolve or any sense of justice or come away feeling like things have much improved or changed over time.

It has been compared a lot to 'The is England' but in truth it doesn't have a patch on it. The characters just aren't as well developed and I didn't particularly like or feel compassion to many of them, apart from the fact that this is the sad reality for many children, even now. I also can't recall many moments of light relief in this, which This is England managed frequently with its emphasis on comradery and friendship. I feel ultimately it is an unfair comparison though so don't watch it on that basis.

You can make all sorts of excuses or explanations as to why disillusioned young men become gang members or vandals/ criminals but in this case I didn't feel as though the main character made this transition in a subtle or realistic fashion. It was closer to a personality transplant than the slowly trodden down morale of gentile lad with a potentially bright future. Okay so it makes the valid point that we as a society have to nurture our young, protect them, educate them, communicate with them, lead by example, give them the opportunities that they need to grow. But I felt like this was more about poor management of a possible mental health issue rather than just the story of an average boy with a troubled background. (I know the two often go hand in hand) I just didn't feel like the character development justified the direction that the plot went in.

So plot was so-so, performance wise it was pretty solid, particularly for young, amateur, Scottish kids. The camera work was pretty good and the retro 70's feel was definitely apparent. I can't pin point the moment at which it started to lag but it did, it lost my attention and I lost hope of it ever reaching a conclusion that would satisfy and I was right. Ultimately I found myself wanting to enjoy the film more than I actually did.

Sidenote: I grew up in Scotland, not too far from Glasgow and for a long time 'Neds' didn't necessarily know they were 'Neds'. Ned was always an insult, it is a a discriminatory, class issue and although they may now have embraced the word, reclaimed it, like the use of the 'N' word amongst the Black community, it certainly was not something that people used to refer to themselves as, or be proud of. I was interested to see the character in this refer to himself as a Ned. I know that the word itself goes way back and I am sure it is accurate in the film makers experience, but interesting how that differs from people who live just a few miles away (admittedly that was 80s/90s/early 2000s) I also appreciate that Glasgow gang culture has a long and complex history where as I lived in a more rural area where groups were mainly interchangeable (apart from the great Neds Vs Goths War of '97!)

Four Lions (2010)

Four Li-YAWNS

[3/10 · 2 May 2013]

I love Brit flicks, dark humour, satire and films that explore human psychology. One that contains all 3 is surely a dream?!

But this is not the film for me. Far from being funny I found this depressing, bleak and sad. Yes it was close to home and a risqué and that is admirable and brave in the current climate but it was lacking in laughs and sense. Maybe that's the point? That whatever the characters were chasing, belonging, identity, respect, purpose it was eluding them and can never be found in terrorism, extremism, religion, activism even. It was atmospheric, bleak, dark and moody. It didn't convey any of the vibrancy or colour of the Asian communities I have experienced. The characters were reasonably well thought out and played realistically with feeling and intensity (or density in some cases).

But it just didn't move me or grab my attention. Perhaps I couldn't relate well enough to the characters, to what was driving them. But surely a comedy doesn't require you to feel attached to or enamoured with the characters or their plight? There just wasn't enough humour in it to redeem that sense of 'lacking.' I don't remember any of the funny bits. I didn't find it insensitive or think it was in poor taste it just didn't reach my funny bone.

I left disappointed and feeling rather empty, whilst wondering what I wasn't 'getting' about it. Was it that it was challenging people's perceptions and it didn't offer me anything new? I don't know but this was bland and uninspiring for me. Was it just because it was a brave move and risqué given the topic or timing that people were raving about it? Here's a radical idea, start using Asian characters who have nothing to do with religion or terrorism! Try showing them in a positive light once in a while instead of perpetuating the usual stereotypes which feed Islamaphobia. Perhaps it's worth a re-watch but I found myself bored by this very early on so I don't think that will happen!

The Dictator (2012)

Not SBC's best work!

[2/10 · 2 May 2013]

Firstly I love Sacha Baron Cohen. I think he is an incredibly brave and important comic actor and a much needed anecdote to the crazy world that we live in. He plays his characters to perfection and his dedication to staying in character, especially to promote this movie and his general chameleon like abilities are impressive to say the least. However this was not his finest work!

The plot was lazy and ridiculous. Satire works best when it is vaguely realistic or identifiable as real life but this was like a bad parody of something already terrible. Yes his characters are always cringe worthy, he always pushes boundaries but this was entirely too much. It was unbearable.

We switched it off after an hour or so as we just couldn't stand to waste any more of our lives on it. Some satire makes you think, points out the obvious and makes you actually question society or life in general. This just did nothing to stimulate me nor did it make me laugh, which is its main purpose! I think it was over done, excessive and although that might have been the point given the extravagant nature of The Dictator, that just made its credibility get lost in what came across as vacant padding. Perhaps the hype just led to overblown expectations?

I have given this an extra star as I didn't make it through to the end and maybe there was a hidden gem that would have been 1 star worthy! But I am guessing that is unlikely. The other star is for SBC because he went to all that trouble in becoming that awful character and he sure likes to throw himself into his role! (perhaps a bit too far this time!)

Sightseers (2012)

A Quirky But Brutal Love Story

[10/10 · 2 May 2013]

I loved this film. I'm a huge fan of independent films, particularly Brit flicks so I knew as soon as I saw the trailer it was my cup of tea! It did not disappoint. It isn't in the least bit pretentious. It doesn't try to be especially big or clever or teach any hard line lessons. It is essentially a love story, a dark one and an example of toxic love with just a hint at obsession and abusive relationships but most of all it's a simple tale of delinquency and freedom. This requires a love of dark humour, romance and a vague appreciation for human psychology.

The plot revolves around the main female character, Tina, escaping caring for her manipulative, domineering mother for a caravan tour of the North of England with her new found lover, Chris. He has planned the entire trip and soon shows signs of being a little controlling, in terms of how she dresses and his temper flairs up at the people around him who he deems to be disrespectful or offensive. But love is blind and she pushes this aside as she is deeply in love with him. She holds her own too, talks back at him, nags at him, stands up for herself and ultimately gets the better of him so she is by no means defenceless.

It isn't long before Chris' anger boils over and he 'accidently on purpose' runs over a fellow tourist who has offended him. This is the catalyst to him realising that the creative release that he has been looking for can be found in killing people. This sets the pair of them off a journey of sightseeing, self discovery and a murderous spree.

The characters were great, well thought out, well played, equally endearing and flawed but played to perfection. The comic timing was perfect and simple. The soundtrack was excellent: both funny and fitting. It was well filmed, very atmospheric, dark and showed both grim and beautiful scenes of the UK countryside and tourist spots and the supporting roles displayed some very typically British behaviour (none of which was particularly desirable!)

The killings themselves are brutal and graphic and relentless. But their love and justifications make it all seem okay again. I think they've done a really clever job with that, shifting the ambiance with ease. Somehow you are rooting for them!

I think this film works because of its simplicity. You can look deep into it for its message of just appreciate it on a very basic, voyeuristic level. It is a fine example of what can be done on a low budget when you understand people and limit the number of characters to hone them to perfection. It comes across as a very calm, straight forward affair, very much like a fly on the wall experience and yet I get the impression that each scene, each shot, each word, each look was painstakingly chosen and perfected, with its fair share of authentic natural moments too. The actors playing Chris, Tina and her Mum were all brilliant and all the supporting roles did great as well, some very natural performances. I loved Alice Lowe in this, who not only starred in it but wrote it! (I admit I have a mega girl crush on her!) Although she has been in lots of UK comedy TV shows in relatively low key roles I would love to see more of her talents, both on the big screen and writing. Top marks!

The Campaign (2012)

One Trick Pony Ferrel- no rosette!

[1/10 · 2 May 2013]

I confess I am not a huge Will Ferrel fan although I find him watch-able in films which don't completely revolve around him. This was not one of them. I thought I'd give it a go as I love political satire but this was just a really poor display of watered down, repetitive slapstick full of stereotypical characters and scenarios.

To its credit the plot accurately conveyed the joke that is American politics, particularly how it is big business and back handers that are really pulling the strings and making all the big decisions and the typical overplaying of 'family values' and every politicians close personal friend Jesus H Christ, in their campaigns. The sheep voters of course were all too happy to lap it all up and sway their opinion based on the lame speeches and false promises of the candidates.

It was all supposed to be tongue in cheek and satirical but in reality it was just depressing and patronising. I don't need my comedy to be intelligent by any means but the whole thing was just appalling. Honestly I laughed a total of 3 times. Once was at a baby being punched in the face.

It really is just Will Ferrel playing his usual 'I'm an egotistical, air head, a-hole' character, with a slightly different hairstyle. I preferred the guy who played his opponent (Zach Galifianakis), both character wise and performance wise.

One thing that really bugged me about this film was the way that the women were represented. Yes politics is a male dominated environment but apart from a few mute women extras there was only one female who really had more than a few lines and being Asian they were all pretty much jokes about racial stereotyping and she was a maid. The rest of the females were there as sex objects basically. The usual blonde bimbo 'Lewinsky' character, another who was walking around with her nipple accidentally showing, the hot little, supportive wife who actually turns out to be a power hungry, gold digging, cold hearted cow. At one point Will's character seduces the oppositions wife just to smear his character and campaign and of course she is warm hearted and naive so had to be chubby and therefore grateful for his sleaze. Oh and they had one black male speaking part and it was only a couple of lines and he was technically mixed race, in a film set in North Carolina? Yeah okay so a dumb comedy doesn't have a duty or responsibility to represent society accurately but it makes it very clear who this movie is aimed at.

This is jock humour, strictly for Ferrel devotees and I had hoped for more. He really is a one trick pony! Watch the trailer and then move on with your life. Because those are the only good scenes in the whole movie, condensed into a few seconds.

A Spanking in Paradise (2010)

Hilarious, Dark wee Gem of a Movie!

[9/10 · 3 December 2011]

With equally charismatic performances from Leo Horsfield and Simon Weir, the strength of this film lies in the rich dialogue and storytelling, something many brit flicks avoid, which is what makes this movie so appealing and unique.

Like the main character Justin, this story take you out of your comfort zone as it drops us into the seedy, underbelly of Edinburgh's barely legitimate 'sauna' trade.

Despite the films' title, there's surprisingly little gratuitous sex or violent content but it's the fleeting glimpses and hints of them which actually make it seem more realistic, grim and it's certainly a refreshing change. That's not to say there is a lack of juicy content, there's plenty eye Candy (Big Agnes!) and just out of shot action to make you squirm with delight and the low budget feel definitely adds to the grittiness of it all rather than detract.

Highlights are the endearing, and unpredictable Uncle Rab's gripping, animated anecdotes and the genuine laugh out loud moments from this motley crew, as the drama unfolds, particularly from the character 'Curry Tom.' There's familiar warmth from the character Uncle Rab (played brilliantly by Simon Weir), his overly friendly peers and our cringing sympathy for naive and conscientious Justin. It's this, combined with the underlying sinister factors (including the vulnerability of some of the prostitutes and Rab's even less legal ventures) which creates a heady mix of anticipation served with relieved, relaxed laugher. The ruthless brothel manager Leo (played with sinister intensity by Leo Horsfield) reminds us of the darker side of the industry and the characters ongoing lives. Manipulative, sly and violent, he rules by intimidation and his brooding presence is felt throughout until the film reaches its unsettling but somewhat satisfying climax.

With an upbeat, simple, one track musical score repeated throughout there's also some beautifully shot scenes of Edinburgh, always a comfort to anyone who is familiar with this amazing city. A nice extra is the entertaining end credits, Thallon keenly keeping you gripped right up until the end!

By far the strongest performances come from the talented and charismatic Horsfield and Weir, two faces which we should expect to be seeing more of in the future.

To sum up, it's dark, it's comical and it's definitely the type of film that you can watch over and get something new from it every time, particularly if you don't quite pick up all the Scottish dialect the first time. If you want an original, funny, honest and atmospheric Scottish movie then this is the one for you. If you want the stereotypical, twee Brit-flick fluff then probably not so much, but as it's such a unique venture it's worth a watch either way.

As a limited release Indie film (I tracked the DVD down through facebook) it's no surprise that it's a shamefully under praised wee gem of a movie!