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cameron99
Reviews
A Shot at Glory (2000)
Better than expected
This might not be a great movie, but it's a long way from being a bad one. The plot is standard sports movie material - plucky underdogs, previous grudges, former star slipping down the sports food chain, last chance at glory - but it's carried off with some style.
Robert Duvall is good, and draws on several well known soccer managers from UK mining towns for his portrayal. British viewers can play 'spot the managerial reference'. Reviewers in Scotland were critical of Duvall's accent, but it's not that bad, although it veers in to an Irish accent once or twice. Writing from Scotland, I would have thought it would sound pretty convincing to non-Scottish viewers.
Ally McCoist does well, and the references to his own career are entertaining. The football scenes are well done, and far better than some other soccer movies. Compared to 'Escape to Victory', for example, it's a soccer masterclass.
Our soccer-mad son would enjoy it, but the language in the movie and a sex scene makes it unsuitable (although the swearing is toned down compared to most football matches I've attended). Overall, a decent film that will probably increase in appeal over the years as the local furore over accents and football loyalties is forgotten.
Robots (2005)
Good film with enough depth to keep older children happy
This is a well made and entertaining film. We took three children, all aged under ten, to see it, and all three enjoyed it. There was enough action to keep the younger children entertained, and enough of a plot to keep older children engaged.
For adults, the film is worth seeing. The animators have fun with a robot version of 1950's America in the opening sequences, and with the big city of a later era when the focus of the movie shifts. There's a view of the underside of a city as well as the boardroom, with interesting characters. As Rodney Copperbottom, Ewan McGregor voices the type of role that Michael J Fox would have done a few years ago, and Jim Broadbent and Mel Brooks also contribute good turns. Halle Berry isn't given a great deal to do. Predictably, Robin Williams steals the show in his scenes.
There are recurring themes about following dreams, which were well received by the children, and digs at makeovers, built in redundancy, and dissatisfaction promoted by advertising that will resonate with adults. A good family movie that's bound to do well on DVD, as well as at the cinema.