good_girl Reviews

The GC (2012–2015)

Words cannot describe...

[1/10 · 17 May 2012]

I am all for supporting locally made TV shows and will always watch new shows that come out of New Zealand, just to give them a chance. I recorded the first episode of The GC, but didn't watch it when it was on. The following day, every conversation was about how awful the show was, but I decided to watch it anyway, just to form my own opinion.

Awful is an understatement.

These guys are arrogant, uneducated narcissists with very few redeeming features. They make the Jersey Shore cast look classy and lovable. It is humiliating to think that people are watching this, thinking that all Maori are like them. It is a mortifying representation of Maori, New Zealanders in general and the Gold Coast. It will only add to the stereotypes that Maori have been fighting to leave behind for decades.

Aside from the general unlikeability of the cast, the thing that drove me crazy the most was how scripted it was. They were bad actors reading off a bad script. There was not a single scene that seemed like they were actually having a real conversation or showing any authentic part of their lives. I have seen primary school plays with more convincing actors.

It is unfortunate that NZ On Air thought that it would be a good idea to fund such a travesty, especially when there are some great NZ shows out there that could use the money much more efficiently.

I only watched the first episode (and only just got through it!) and will not be tuning in again. Based on all of the comments I have heard or read, it doesn't sound like they will have the ratings to continue - which is a small mercy!

The Sound of Music (1965)

A true classic, in every sense of the word.

[10/10 · 31 January 2009]

I have watched this movie more than any other movie. It has been a personal favourite since I was 3 and I have never become sick of it. The movie is so charming, enjoyable and utterly watchable.

Julie Andrews is divine in the role of the outspoken wannabe-nun, Maria, who becomes a governess for 7 children in a slightly dysfunctional household. She has one of the most beautiful singing voices you will ever hear and her singing appears utterly effortless. She is a lovely actress and has so much screen presence.

Christopher Plummer is wonderful as the seemingly cruel (but actually just desperately sad and overwhelmed following the death of his wife) Captain who relearns how to love, laugh, appreciate his children and sing with the help of Maria. According to some reports, he hated making the film, but you would certainly not be able to tell - his performance is sincere and heartwarming.

Each of the seven children is lovely and sweet. They are all capable singers, dancers and actors. It is great how they are so featured in the film, and don't just disappear when they are not 'important to the story' as happens in so many films! This is such a heartwarming, tender and compassionate story, based on the life of the Von Trapp family. I was thrilled to be able to go to the Sing-along-Sound-of-Music and see how many people - old, young and in between - are still enjoying the magic that Robert Weiss created so many years ago.

Even if you do not like the idea of this film, or do not enjoy it, I believe that it is a film that should be seen by all. It is a piece of motion picture history. A true classic!

Evita (1996)

A great, true rendition of one of Lloyd Webber's best musicals

[9/10 · 26 December 2008]

It is not often that a movie is completely true to the medium it is adapted from, whether that is stage or book, but this is a very true rendition. It encapsulates the stage show, while making the necessary changes to make it a workable movie.

Based on the life of Argentina's glamour couple Eva and Juan Perron, this film follows Eva's life from her childhood through to her death. It depicts her almost obsessive climb from lower class poverty to the darling of Argentina as she does anything in her power to climb through the social classes.

Madonna gives what is possibly the best performance of her acting career. She appears to really get into the character and seems to relate to Eva in a way she doesn't in most of her other films. There are a number of similarities between Eva and Madonna that are quite fun to pick out. She is basically in her element in this film, as it is basically a 2 hour long video clip - and her talents certainly lie in singing, dancing and music videos as opposed to straight drama.

Antonio Banderas is great in the apathetic role of Che, a character who narrates the film. He is dripping with the necessary distaste, sarcasm and distrust the part requires. He has a great singing voice that, surprisingly, goes very well with Madonna's.

The visuals in this movie are a treat, with amazing attention to detail, vivid colours and an array of amazing costumes.

My only criticism is that it starts to drag a bit toward the end, but it ends on an impressive note.

This is a film I could watch repeatedly and enjoy on different levels each time. However, I can totally understand why some people don't like it. If you don't like musicals DO NOT watch this!!! There are only about 10 lines of dialogue in the whole film, the rest is sung!

Peter Pan (2003)

Right....

[3/10 · 6 January 2004]

This film was not what I expected at all. I went to see it with a five year old. He was one of the oldest kids in the cinema. He was TERRIFIED as were the other children. There were kids whimpering, crying, hiding and even screaming for the last half of the movie. It's a dark and sinister version of the beloved children's story. The thing I found most depressing was that the beautiful, playful mermaids were turned into swimming vampires. I agree with other comments that Peter was miscast (an American!!???) and that Wendy, while beautiful and talented was not Wendy in any sense. Nothing was how it is portrayed in the book and the overall theme is depressing. The only bit of the whole film that I enjoyed was nothing to do with the actual film. At the end when the narrator says "there is one boy who will never grow up" the man behind me said "yeah, Michael Jackson!" The only time I felt happy throughout the 2 hour film. Don't take little kids to this one if you don't want nightmares.

Spice World (1997)

Better than I expected

[8/10 · 26 July 2003]

I went to see this film to mock the Spice Girls because I hated them. Soon in to the film I realised that they were mocking themselves so I just settled back and enjoyed it :) It is funny and light with wonderful cameo appearances. I now don't hate the Spice Girls and have bought the video. It's strange how things turn around....

The Princess Academy (1987)

Pure Crap!

[1/10 · 26 July 2003]

I think that this is the worst film I have ever seen. It has no redeeming features. The "actors" certainly can't act, there is no storyline and you don't care about anything. There is no humor or emotion. I can't imagine why anyone would bother to make a film like this. Avoid!

The Pianist (2002)

Hard to take but brilliant

[7 May 2003]

I found this film very powerful and thought it was brilliantly made, but I found it extremely difficult to sit through and would NEVER watch it again. I could hardly breathe!!! I know it's not supposed to be a light film, but wow - some of the scenes were traumatic to watch. I'm glad I saw it however. I think that part of the horror of the film is that it is done in such a matter of fact way - people just get shot with no ceremony etc. exactly as it would have been in Hitler's reign. This film really opened my eyes to some horrors that have conveniently been left out of school history lessons.

**POSSIBLE SPOILER** Adrien Brody was brilliant beyond words. I agree that the scene with the officer was a particularly moving one - I have tears in my eyes even now, just thinking about it. It was so clear that he thought it was his last chance to play. It was his farewell to the world really and his face was astonishing! *************

I just can't understand how the man who Adrien Brody portrays every survived the experiences showed in the film. BTW - it is based on an autobiography so the comments about things not being realistic or logical are a bit misplaced - maybe you should argue with the man who wrote his life story :)

Anyway, see it if you can. Don't go if you have something that needs to be done afterwards, because if you're anything like me you won't be functioning too well!

Whale Rider (2002)

The Film of the decade!!!!!!!!!!!!

[10/10 · 6 February 2003]

If I was only to see one film in my life time this would be the one I would want to see. It was a beautiful and moving experience from beginning to end. Whale Rider tells the story of Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and her battle to win her Grandfather's respect. The story is told so simply, yet invokes emotions seldom experienced in film. There is not a false moment as Pai struggles to prove to her Grandfather (Rawiri Paratene) what is so obvious to the rest of village.

Keisha Castle-Hughes is a gem and gives a polished and heart wrenching performance. Casting director Diana Rowan obviously has an eye for brilliant kids (she cast Anna Paquin in her debut role in the Piano). You cry when Pai cries, laughs when she is happy and feel her pain when she is constantly brushed aside by her Grandfather. Keisha has something special that you don't see in "Hollywood Kids." This is her first film and she has none of the false mannerisms of the stage school children. She is natural, as though she isn't acting and you should see her cry! This kid can act, her passion and sincerity while crying is superior to any adult star I've seen. Rawiri Paratene is also excellent in his role of Koro, a kind man who unfortunately is ruled by the old traditions.

The ways of the Maori are shown clearly and without over-dramatisation or misinformation. The ancient Maori myth of Paikea arriving in New Zealand on the back of whale is included in a fascinating manner and is referred to often in the film.

People of any country, culture, age, gender and religion could relate to this story about a society trying to hold on to the old ways and traditions while entering a new age. I would strongly recommend this film to anyone with a heart - it's a heart warming, uplifting experience. Though I must say there are a lot of tears along the way - when I went the cinema was filled with sniffles and sobs!!