roger.armstrong Reviews

The Boys (1962)

Credibility Issues

[6/10 · 13 June 2022]

Enjoyable period piece from 1962 with good turns from Robert Morley and Richard Todd. There were however two credibility issues for me: The first was a casting issue in relation to the age of "The Boys". Two of them were 16 and 17 with the other two ever so slightly older. However the actors playing them were born between 1933 and 1936 i.e. In their mid to late 20's when the firm came out, and they looked it, so their so called high spirits were not believable nor was any sympathy elicited for them by virtue of their age.

The second was the key plot issue. Persecuting Counsel asked to re-examine two of "The Boys" and the judge said that he would only allow it if "The Boys" agreed and their counsel did. Incredibly, and stupidly, their counsel did, and advised them to agree. The tidy plot outcome of a death sentence was thus achieved but NEVER would that have occurred.

Dummy (1977 TV Movie)

Where can I see it?

[9/10 · 20 February 2021]

At the time of pre-filming I was working at The Leeds Centre for Deaf People and we were visored by Franc Roddam and Geraldine James as part of their research. Recall being v impressed by the film and would love to see again. Does anyone have ideas about how to go about it?

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)

Delightful

[9/10 · 6 February 2020]

As an avid Dickens reader, and watcher of both film, and TV adaptations going back almost 60 years, I have a strong familiarity with, and affinity for, his works. I am aware that opinions vary and taste is very much an individual thing. Leaving the cinema today, a couple I spoke to were of mixed opinions and felt it was too long. They liked "1917", I did not - opinion is very personal. I loved it, found it extremely funny at points and got the essence of the book in a most accessible way. I must also admit to loving "Dickensian", and " A Christmas Carol" more recently and this felt to be very much in the same vein. More like this please.

The Tin Star (1957)

Thoughtful

[9/10 · 29 January 2020]

I have seen many westerns over last 69 years but this one has totally passed me by. Delighted to catch up with it thanks to Film4. Character and plot are well developed with Anthony Perkins' character credibly growing. Nicely paced, different photography and a satisfying, if slightly schmaltzy outcome. Just as the first, and only time I saw Ox-Bow Incident, a real awakening and pleasure. Henry Fonda always a good watch and matches many roles with a liberal attitude. Not always easy in US and this film was made in Cold War period and also addressed issues of racism, albeit towards Native Americans. A lot in there to think about and enjoy but above all a really good watch.

The Limehouse Golem (2016)

If you liked Dickensian on TV...............................

[8/10 · 20 August 2017]

Saw this earlier today as a freebie for Picturehouse members in Bradford. Not an advert but you do get some real goodies with membership, especially late autumn when Oscar hopefuls are being promoted. First surprise was that this was not a BBC Films production or co-production. The second surprise was the outcome.The two other reviews I have read did contain spoilers and whilst there were net fulls of red herrings, I did not catch one. That may be me or the quality of the film, all I can say that it was not as obvious as others may say and that certainly was the impression from listening to people leaving the theatre. It is however much more than a Victorian whodunnit. Whilst not having the time to develop characters as fully as BBC TV's Dickensian did, you can relate to most as characters. Admittedly there is some knockabout stuff e.g. Karl Marx as suspect. Coincidence or not, but a lot of references to same sex relationships and in 50th Anniversary Year of Sexual Offences Act 1967, which adds another layer. Engaging performances by principal cast members and well created London from late 19th century. I must confess an interest in that a lot of the exteriors were at Dalton Mills in Keighley, my town of work. Peaky Blinders has filmed here extensively and last year Kit Harrington was causing hearts to swoon. Enter in to the world and be taken along.

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003)

Unconvincingly derivative

[5/10 · 18 July 2004]

I went to Bradford's excellent Pictureville having recently re seen "Croupier". Disappointment would be the best response. No tension and little pleasure in seeing some excellent GB actors given work in this film. The rape, whilst rightly shocking and harking back to well documented homosexuality of Kray, is motivationally unconvincing. I do not know whether others have seen parallels but the film had strong echos of "Get Carter", the Michael Caine version eg absent brother, death of other brother, return to one's patch, other villains moving in etc. A triumph of style over content and character.

NB Charlotte Rampling is worth watching

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Nice songs, iffy relationships

[7/10 · 7 October 2003]

Saw the film on the IMAX screen in Bradford. Songs were excellent and photography ravishing.

The family dynamics and interaction very odd, especially the role of father and being seen as the best ever for retracting on initial decision to move to New York.

The Halloween sequence was most odd with the seeming parental approval and complicity in throwing flour over people to kill them. Were people really that tolerant?

Plot very reminiscent of Victorian novels where sole object is for gals to marry men of property.

Enjoyable to watch and glad I went to see on the big screen.

Ivans xtc. (2000)

Charm and sleazy hedonism played with equal conviction

[8/10 · 9 September 2002]

Knowing nothing about the techy side of things, the impact of the DV was to create an uneven viewing spectacle that worked very well at the intimate and personal moments. In the group and open scenes it seemed somehow shallow and amateurish. It did not capture the documentary feel for me properly. Was "Dog Show" done this way? It did feel like a documentary.

I watched the film on a rainy Monday night in Bradford's wonderful Pictureville and the audience barely spoke on leaving the auditorium. This film had a powerful ending with the score working well. Certainly not a film to see if you are feeling fragile or in poor health.

The lead performance was just that, conveying the innocence,joy, optimism, charm and sleazy hedonism with great conviction. The remainder of the cast and characters were far less substantial giving it an uneven quality.

A film with flaws and not one of my favourites but one that I would not have wished to miss.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

A film of its time

[7/10 · 27 May 2001]

Viewing the film in Cinerama at Pictureville in Bradford West Yorkshire in the year 2001 was something to look forward to after only having seen the film on TV many years ago.

I should have stuck to my memories, as the excellent new print and brilliant cinema could not compensate for a self indulgent and very dated film. I had forgotten just how boring it was and the magic of watching models rotate slowly to nice music has gone.

The entry to Jupiter really dated the film in the 1960's and reminded me of the trip sequence in "Easy Rider". The opening ape sequence was reminiscent of "Planet of The Apes" though both films appeared in the same year so who borrowed what I know not.

Having seen "The Dish" a few days previously, the magic and mystique of outer space does exist for me, but sadly not from this film so rooted in the 1960's

Malena (2000)

Adolescent turbulations out of Paradiso

[7/10 · 16 April 2001]

On first reflection this was a great disappointment for a devotee of "Cinema Paradiso". The age of innocence is no more, both with regard to the villagers and the male lead. The crudeness of some imagery, language and emotions are ways of showing the impact that adolescence, war and envy have upon people and this is mirrored in the filming.

This is not the most comfortable film to watch and there are more subtle and successful ways to show this.

Do go and see it but do not expect another "Cinema Paradiso"

Best in Show (2000)

Understated ironic humour I thought only Brits did - a gem!

[9/10 · 1 April 2001]

This was a real treat both visually and verbally with very few false moves.

The characters inhabiting the caricatures became more real and sympathetic to the audience. You actually wanted to know who won and the dogs were lovely.

It was so pleasing to not have a frenetic,"in your face", spoon fed sitcom with autocue but something understated and subtle. Sitting in a good cinema (Pictureville Bradford) and being part of the infectious laughter and sheer enjoyment was a delight.

Without wishing to be stereotypical it was refreshing to see American humour encompassing irony and gentle mockery without blood on the set.

Go see it.

Heaven's Gate (1980)

Lyrical and musical with brilliant set pieces

[9/10 · 11 March 2001]

Having seen the film in 70mm at Pictureville in Bradford I hope that a new print will be made and reissued. Set in the west it is not a western but a morality tale with overtones of Busby Berkeley. The dancing at Yale(?) was spellbinding, as was the roller skating.

The parallel imagery of the circles dancing and wagons circling, both clockwise and anticlockwise, was thought provoking.

Notwithstanding some plot and character lacunae - why was Averill a Liberal and "not of his class?", a film everyone should see on the big screen.

Why was it so costly?