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Reviews
All Town Aren't We (2024)
Small Town heroes
In the mould of what you know of modern 'documentary football', with the twist that this isn't big league, isn't Hollywood, isn't sleeping giant. It's Grimsby Town. Football stalwarts, sleeping minnows in a big pond? Pretentions of grandeur don't really work for us Town fans, we look silly trying to be the big boys of non league, because, we are non league, the table doesn't lie.
This film kind of acknowledges that, by the fact that we have had this miracle season worth shouting about. Strong start, mid season terror, squeaking the play-offs. It leads to the play-offs of play-offs. Sit back and glory in the most entertaining 3 games of a Town fans life, of a neutrals casual interest and i guess, of 3 other National Leagues disbelief. Football at its finest, told through the voices of all involved.
Would a non fan enjoy this? I know football is tribal, i know its hard to support 'other teams' if tou are a fan. But, i think this story is worth a look for any fan kf football, not just GTFC fans.
Battle Over Britain (2023)
Budget film, but old Skool sentiment and classic style
I'm sat watching now.
As a film, as a concept of bringing back the Classic British War Film, it's a great attempt. Not a blockbuster, not a study in of human endeavour in any real depth, just a story and a scenario of RAF Pilots 'doing their jobs'.
There is some plotline of sorts revolving around a competition of kills for a prize pot, the main driver of the competition being a bluff Yorkshireman (accent like Sean Bean) who has a cold exterior of a personality, not particularly likeable.
In short, it's ok, 1hr 20 min, and actually worth the time. Makes a change to see a film in slow burn mode and not to be bashed around the head with multi plot line set-ups to be able to play the last 20 mins punchline.
Give it a go.
The Rock 'n' Roll Years (1985)
The Original And Best 'Clips Show'
As the previous reviewer states, this was a 30 min compilation show taking each year from 1956-1989. The footage was a blend of archive news, TV Entertainment and music shows with a fantastic soundtrack of that years music. The visual footage stands out on its own as the 'story' of the year, from wars to politics and world events...............the music is sublime well chosen, made all the more effective for being just that, a musical soundtrack linking the visuals.
I have recently completed the transfer of all episodes from VHS to DVD and they are fantastic viewing. I ought to send each and every MP of the UK a copy and let them realise that what has gone before.........nothing seems new or surprising in the world after watching these shows.
Vietnam (1987)
Available on DVD
I recently got this sent from Australia on Region 4 DVD Box Set. Released Aug '05? I remembered it from the mid 80's mini series and was intrigued to watch it again. I would disagree that the opening episodes are slow and boring, it has to be like that to give sufficient time in the story to show the politics of Australia and Australian society. You couldn't just rush into the war footage without the background context (espcially the decision to have conscription). Maybe a fault of TV drama is to gloss over the context in search of a good story, but I don't think that has been done here. There is a young Nicole Kidman playing the lead female role and a capable cast of Aussie actors in support. Most would be familiar to viewers of Aussie soaps and mini-series of the period. Overall a watchable min-series.
Anzacs (1985)
Entertaining
A good effort at an Australian history of the First World War. As with all dramatisations there has to be a certain 'spin' on events. Recounting the bare factual detail would lead to a documentary.....With this in mind I would say the series is excellent introduction to the ANZAC corps and their participation but further research would be required to polish the edges of the facts.
Broadly correct in its historical content, there is a tendency to portray the British as Lord Henry's and does not exactly show them in a good light. To be expected for a 'Colonial' production I suppose....it doesn't detract from the purpose of the drama, as it also deals with the human aspects of the friendships that develop. It could be a group German, British or Canadians and the human aspect would remain.
Available on Region 4 DVD, this is an excellent buy for a well remembered 1980's mini series.