kryan-1 Reviews

The Squeeze (1977)

Hard hitting British gangster film

[14 May 2001]

This is a minor lost classic of a British gangster film done in the same vein as The Sweeney, Get Carter and The Long Good Friday. It proves that it doesn't have to be American to be authentic and realistic. In fact it's the film's gritty locations which add weight to the storyline. Former Detective Inspector Naboth, now a struggling private eye who live s in the bottle is called upon when his ex-wife is kidnapped. Stacey Keach is Jim Naboth who is called upon by ex-wifes new lover Edward Fox who is blackmailed into taking part in a bank heist. Look out for the scene when Stacey Keach is wearing nothing but a shoe to cover up his manhood after being forced to hand over all his clothes to villain boss "Irish Jack" who is a sadistic thug, except when it comes to his own daughter whom he dotes upon. Another controversial scene is when Jill(Carol White) who is the ex wife of Stacey Keach is forced to do a strip in front of the gangsters who are holding her captive. She is even made to choose what music she wants to strip to for their entertainment.

Freddie Starr is excellent as "Teddy" who is a wet nurse to Stacey Keach and does his best to keep him away from the bottle and seedy pubs. The 1970's feel to this film reaches a dramatic climax towards the end when the robbery actually takes place and theres a few twists and turns in store.

The Amazing Mr. Blunden (1972)

We Three Kings of Orient Are

[9 May 2001]

This is a film for children and adults alike, a warming family film which sends a message of compassion and hope. Mr Blunden(Laurence Naismith) is the benevolent, kindly guardian of the children Jamie and Lucy who sets out to right a wrong from 100 years ago. Because of Mr. Blunden's insensitivity and unwilingness to listen, two children and a gardener who tried to save them die in a fire started by the wicked Mrs Wickens (Diana Dors). The children (the ghosts) get Jamie and Lucy to drink a magic potion which sends them back in time to try to change what has already happened. Mr Blunden has been a tortured soul for 100 years as he ignored the pleas of the children who told him that Mrs Wickens was out to poison them, so she could get their inheritance for her beloved Bella who married the financially impoverished Bertie, who doesn't have a pot to pee in. Bella (Madeline Smith) is the childlike daughter of Mrs Wickens who can see ghosts as she only has the mind of a child but the body of a buxom wench. Mr Blunden saves the day by guiding Jamie and Lucy through the flames to save the children from the fire and changing history in the process. We get the happy ending we hope for, with everyone living happily ever after and Mr Blunden's gravestone reads "The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep". This will bring a lump to your throat. This film has been criticised for being muddled but all you need is a rich imagination to appreciate this film. Some wonderful performances from the cream of English acting talent: Diana Dors, Laurence Naismith and the beau of the ball, ex playmate of the year Madeline Smith. Enjoy!

The Crowd (1928)

ALIENATION

[8 May 2001]

This wonderful silent movie depicts the individual who gets swallowed up by the uniformity of society yet also represents the yearnings and aspirations for the want of a better life. Our main character is forever waiting for his ship to come in and sadly it never does. King Vidors sweeping shot of the rows and rows of desks and the image of John being a faceless number in the crowd. Despite him thinking that he is better than others and it's only a matter of time before his situation improves. It sadly never does and he loses the respect of his wife. Perhaps if there is a moral to this movie, then it should be that life can be a bitter pill to swallow but we should take pleasure in the small things in life and recognise that we have to accept lifes disappointments which will inevitably occur. Don't let the year that the film was made put you off or it being in black and white. This movie will grab you by the throat and won't let go. A classic!

Absolute Beginners (1986)

Exhilarating Adrenalin Rush

[2 May 2001]

What a Corker of a movie which moves at a lightning pace of youth in the 1950's based on the youth culture book by Colin McInnes. We see the birth of the teenager in Britain wiping away the grey cobwebs of post war Britain and revitalising it with a kaleidoscope of colour. Eddie O'Donnell is the spunky immaculately dressed hedonist who wants to dance and carouse the night away in Swinging London and Patsy Kensit's film debut is superb as Colin'ns(O'Donnel's) sex kitten who's a real temptress. The music score is excellent which interwines with the plot very well and some of London's well known honey pots are featured, like The Wag Club which is sadly no more. Ray Davies actually appears in the film, as does David Bowie and Sade.Not forgetting the great songs by The Style Council and Smiley Culture with an underlying jazz groove by Gil Evans. The Introduction to this movie is one of the best ever and features a cast of thousands. Congratulations Julian Temple on this aesthetic musical delight.

Faraway, So Close! (1993)

Majestic Frailty of Humanity

[24 April 2001]

I recommend this film to all the jaded and cynical people of the world. It will touch the core of your heart and give you a spiritual yearning for that which we cannot see. When Cassiel falls to earth he can finally touch, feel, hear and experience the feelings of loneliness and joy. He finds his existence on earth in Berlin difficult and finds it hard to comprehend the swift passing of time and the limited outlook of the individual who can only see their own reality in how it affects them. Natassja Kinski who plays Angel Raphaela is on hand to offer comfort and solace to Cassiel when he begins to despair. The sweeping contrasts between black & white and colour add profound depth to this movie, as do the real people who play themselves : Gorbachev, Lou Reed and Peter Falk. Wim Wenders who directed this movie is a foresighted genius of compassion and ethereal visions.

Return to Waterloo (1984 TV Movie)

Will I reach my destination?

[3 April 2001]

A splendid musical drama which reflects on the fantasies and frustrations of suburban commuter Ken Colley. It's certainly a film which has to be watched several times but you don't have to be a Kinks fan to appreciate it, because the music narrates the story. We are left to wonder whether Ken Colley as the commuter is undergoing a nervous breakdown or whether he is immersed in fantasy. We get a picture of a man who's daughter has run away from home. He is cheating on his wife and someone who has lost his job but is pretending to still have one by sitting in Hyde Park all day and coming home at the regular time. Childhood dreams and aspirations of success when younger have not materialised and our commuter realises he is a faceless non entity who has reached the pinnacle of his career and escapes into fantasy to alleviate the mundaneness of existence.

Bobby Deerfield (1977)

This movie is somewhat different to a regular Pacino movie

[30 March 2001]

This movie is hard to locate and seems to be a true lost gem. Both Al Pacino and Marthe Keller are true hedonists who fall in love. But there's more. Keller is dying of cancer and Pacino is a racing driver who lives for the adrenalin buzz of speed and excitement. Both get to realise the reason behind their own "Live for today" motivations. Keller is the society girl who falls in love with Pacino and their manic lifestyles compensate one another. A very poignant and truly touching movie which will bring a lump to your throat.

The Optimists (1973)

Wow, I'd forgotten all about this one

[30 March 2001]

"Sometimes it wasn't half as bad as all that, sometimes" Excellent Lionel Bart score adds to new style Peter Sellers, that of serious actor as in Being There. Superb London locations add to moral tale. Ex Vaudevillian Peter Sellers befriends two kids and begins to believe in life again and encourages the two kids from broken home to be more optimistic about life. A truly compassionate film that says despite your circumstances that there will always be someone who cares.