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martinj42
Reviews
Strangers on a Train (1951)
An early and justified Hitchcock gem
I only caught this movie very recently on a flight and one sometimes watches things you wouldn't otherwise be interested in. I was aware of this be considered one of Hitch's best early works in Hollywood and I would agree wholeheartedly. The trivia comments seem to point to Hitch and Raymond Chandler's not agreeing on how things should be done. One can't argue with the quality of the end product. It was helped by being an intriguing but plausible murder scenario for two strangers to consider. Also, a strong cast helped with Robert Walker being a stand-out case. Pity, his life was cut so short and so soon after this gem of his work. Nice to see some footage of old Penn station in NYC. I now understand the outcry when it was demolished.
Two Way Stretch (1960)
Really enjoyed this Sellers et al venture
Only just caught this very recently on UK TV. A pretty good story, with some obvious plot holes or preposterous plot ideas, but generally very enjoyable. Unlike a lot of his later stuff, Sellers doesn't dominate things. Which is good as the rest of the cast can carry things quite OK themselves. Like quite a few reviewers, I agree Lionel Jeffries is the stand-out character! Nearly kills the whole idea. Some fairly obvious inspiration for another draconian prison guard in a well-loved TV sitcom. Overall, well worth a viewing if you happen to stumble upon it. Don't know if it's available to stream from any site.
Fargo (1996)
Another excellent off-beat Coen brothers work
As I've come to expect from the Coen brothers, this is really entertaining. But, be prepared, it's rather gruesome in some parts. Absolutely loved Francis M, William H and Steve B. They really suited their roles, particularly Steve B. Don't know if it would draw me to the areas as a tourist, certainly not in winter. Just amazed how desolate some of those rural roads look in mid-winter. I love how US small town police are depicted in movies and TV. They all can't be that dumb! Spoiler alert. Sadly we'll never know for sure what William H was up to, but it must have been serious. Also, it's pretty obvious he's not a good judge of character, all round.
If It's Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium (1969)
Really enjoyed this!
I was born in Australia and did a Contiki tour in '84. Could see many similarities with the fictional tour in this movie. Particularly things like when Sam buys the dress for an inflated price, even though the mention of the courier's name enabled a 20% 'discount'. A surprisingly strong cast kept things going well. Ian McShane played the eternal lady's man courier with required aplomb! So many situations where native (only) English speakers encounter are depicted so accurately. I loved the guy who's wife disappeared on the wrong coach. Let me tell you, this sort of thing would have been a very easy trap to fall into. I thought I would find this hackneyed, but no really enjoyed it.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Great story about a morally challenged scientist!
A great story about one of 20th century's greatest scientists. Sadly, later in his career he ran up against the world of dickhead politicians and basically lost. The "hearing" where his security clearance is NOT renewed his a kangaroo court in the extreme. The only consolation you feel for him is when Robert Downey Jr's character gets knocked back too. You understand how someone realised later how wrong this act was (for Oppenheimer) and posthumously restored it, but only in 2022. Still, these are small points. Great cast and great story. Locations used very well, making you realise the existence at Los Alamos was pretty grim.
Ten Pound Poms (2023)
Just one or two stereotypes too many!
Alright, so I'm an Aussie born in the late '50s, now living in Pommie land. I can't accurately comment on many of the events, but the characters are rather exaggerated, to say the least, both from the UK and Australia. I'll have to await the next episode to form a firmer opinion! I suspect there might be too many concurrent stories to keep tracks of things. The nurse character seems to be too implausible for me. Her act of stealing the owner's Land Rover and driving to Sydney is rather unbelievable. She wouldn't be able to drive such a vehicle without some unusual life experiences. Also, when she kisses Robbie (from the Port Office), it's a double deck train crossing the Harbour Bridge. Just a bit early for 1950's, although NSW railways were the world first for this type of train!
A Shot in the Dark (1964)
Yes, the best Clouseau
Like most reviewers, I can wholeheartedly agree that this is the best of the Clouseau series. Many of the items which became Clouseau's signature were first used here. It helps enormously that the script is excellent and the whole cast live up to it. A special mention has to be made of Elke Sommer and Bert Kwouk. The set pieces like the fountain, the billiard table and jumping out the window scene are utterly priceless. A pity Sellers and perhaps also Edwards agreed to do so many third rate sequels. But, it seems to be inevitable that a really good franchise is trashed by those later films and people forgot what made the name.
Kath & Kim (2002)
Utterly brilliant!
If this doesn't completely sum up Australian culture, then I don't know what does. So many very quick malapropisms you have on be on your guard to catch them all. Sharon just adds another layer of brilliance, well done Magda. I particularly love how Sharon is only ever Kim's second best friend. We never know who's best. And the two blokes help things along with their portrayals. I think this and The Castle (and perhaps also The Dish) should be required viewing for new arrivees to enable them to "understand" Australia and its current populace. Pity the house has now been demolished. Should be in the Australian TV/film national archive!
Time After Time (1979)
An interesting blend of HG Wells and Jack The Ripper
Watched on a long trans-Pacific flight. A quite intriguing blend of HG Wells life and his views on society and that old cheshnut, Jack The Ripper, Both the male leads were very good, particularly McDowell. The location shots of Frisco are a lovely time-warp, also. Also Mary Steenburgen is strong as the Amy character, although their relationship is perhaps a bit implausible. Perhaps some aspects of Wells dealing with 1970's life could have been thought through better. Nice to see McDowell playing a nice-guy for once, his last 2 major films I can recall. His leads were not the heroes (Clockwork Orange and Caligula)
Ring of Bright Water (1969)
Still a superb piece of cinema, some 50 years later
I remember seeing this as a kid in Australia in the early 1970's and was taken by the story and quality of cinematography. Just watched it again (2022) and it hasn't lost its initial charms. I don't know how much footage they had to shoot to get the otter scenes looking correct, but worth the effort. I also now observe a recurring theme of person from big city resettling in a remote rural place and the "weirdness" of the locals. I suppose this theme is played up big time in "Local Hero", but interesting to see it evident all these years ago. A perhaps more evident in remote Scotland, than other parts of the UK.
Elvis (2022)
Pretty damn good
Liked the singing, the sets (very convincing that all were done in QLD Australia) and just about everything. I had hoped the scumbag "Colonel" Tom Parker was not going to come out looking even reasonable. Job done!
Departure: Vanished (2019)
Hokum! I suppose inspired by story of MH370.
At least Christopher Plummer can't see how his reputation was squandered on this piece of crap.
Haven't we had enough aircraft crashing shows to leave the genre to die it's deserved death. I didn't mind the cast particularly but far too many plot holes to be credible. But sadly, these seem to be necessary for the story to flow. I don't expect to continue watching.
Turbulence (1997)
Really quite entertaining, but sadly not supposed to be this funny
Now, that big Ray's gone to the great studio in the sky, I thought I'd better leave a review of one his 'best'. How they got him anyone else of any consequence to star in this turkey I don't know. He and Brendan Gleeson lent it a 'quality' it didn't deserve. I watched it when away on business and it was their names that drew me in. Still, it was entertaining but perhaps in an un-intended way. Comments attributed to the screenwriter are quite incredible. Money thrown down a drain.
A Private Function (1984)
Quite enjoyable slightly offbeat comedy with strong cast
Our family enjoyed this a lot, having an offbeat but plausible story line. Supported by a strong cast, including the porker. Not too far fetched an idea as I assume many people were angry with the time rationing was endured post war.
Operation Mincemeat (2021)
Good story spoilt by unnecessary romantic bits
Like quite a few reviewers, I agree this is still a good story. But, it could have easily been 20-30 minutes shorted without all the romantic crap. Just not needed to tell a good WWII story.
The Duke (2020)
A real gem,
Excellent underdog 'wins' story. Just a bit sad he didn't live to see his conquests realized. Loved all the casting and the period detail look very good.
La Môme (2007)
Tour de force
Excellent biopic that both celebrates her massive talent and achievements but doesn't avoid the tragedies of her life. Perhaps this is even one would say unavoidable, but at least they aren't glassed over.
Entrapment (1999)
Pure hokum
Apart from the implausibility of the characters age differences, there are many other plot holes or should I say chasms. Mostly about the computer. No one puts their computer on the 80th something floor of a skyscraper or they deserve to get ripped off. And the monetary transfers show a complete ignorance of how this works in reality. But, that entertainment for you!!
The Muppets (2011)
How to run down the Muppet franchise
Just watched this on a flight to Australia, so plenty of time to think over things, but basically what was the point of making this movie? I could understand the Gary character as a big Muppet fan and getting to finally see the old studios, but the brother Walter did NOT fit and girlfriend was really quite strange (fixing a 12v starter in the classroom?). Why don't they just admit Walter is a puppet rather than try to treat him like a human, or am I missing some sort fantasy angle on the whole thing? Or am I not PC enough? It seems to me that the use of all the old characters (I must admit very well done) was really rather wasted when the whole thing had very little plot. At least the celebrity they got was a good choice!