Film Reviews by CD

This film has some great actors and acting but the plot is so hazy that it is difficult to get any real satisfaction from watching it. The balance between real and imagined is in doubt for much of the second half of the film and this becomes tiresome after a while. If you like films which slip between reality and unreality then "Angel Heart" (Mickey Rourke) or "Shutter Island" (Leonardo DiCaprio) are much better options. This film has an added Conspiracy theory angle but it adds little and unfortunately does not explain much of the plot.

Leonardo DiCaprio is excellent in this quite violent but implausible cop thriller. The body count and gratuitous violence at times devalue the film and the credibility of the plot. It is fun to see Jack Nicholson and Ray Winstone enjoying themselves so much as mobsters, but Matt Damon seems mis-cast and too clean cut for his Machiavellian role. Vera Farmiga puts in a glamorous performance as the police psychiatrist who seems to break all the rules with her clients but at least does not kill anyone, unlike almost every other leading character in this strangely unsatisfying film.

I found the plot pretty wacky but the space bits are fun especially a great scene where a giant wave hits the spacecraft. The acting and casting is good and the robot astronaut that travels with the crew is entertaining and has a few tricks up its sleeve. As several other reviewers have mentioned this is a deeply US-centric view of the world and space, and the science about black holes and relativity seems to be tossed around liberally, but applied with ease by the astronauts. Michael Caine is given an odd boffin scientist role and delivers some Dylan Thomas poetry with gravitas, but there is really no very likeable character in the film. It's a long film so be prepared to take a couple of breaks during it.

Having watched disc 1, this is a well acted, lively, action packed set of western scenes loosely based around a simplistic plot with some interesting characters, especially amongst the baddies. The scenery is great although the picture quality is not always great, and the soundtrack is classic from the late 1960s. It is a relaxing and fun way of spending a couple of hours, but do not expect anything very deep or unexpected. The whole series runs to 6 discs but I think the first 2 will be enough for me.

Disc 2 was unfortunately not as good. For example, In the first episode there are great actors such as Telly Savalas but the plot is so limited and the script so incoherent that one is left without any real story. At that point I stopped watching, so cannot comment on the other 2 episodes on the disc.

I was not expecting a classic having read a few reviews that were less than fully positive.  Judged by the core element of the story and the way loss of a parent is handled, in my view it is very well done.  There are some funny and quirky moments but it drifts into a rather general “magic and wizardry” theme that is tiresome after a while.  It could do with some stronger characters in addition to the two brothers and less cliches around what motivates young people.

I quite enjoyed this film, although it is slow moving. For me, there was a missed opportunity to explore much more the character and background of the most interesting character, played by Burl Ives. The action comes to life a bit when the character played by Robert Ryan leads the motley crew out into the wintry landscape with the promise of an escape trail. The actor playing the young renegade "who sees the light" and ultimately sides with the townsfolk delivers a fine performance. Otherwise this is more of a mood film in a cold and desolate landscape - well worth a watch.

In spite of an unlikely murder, unlikely hero and unlikely outcome this is a very well made action movie which avoids a lot of the usual cliches. Russell Crowe is so well cast as the lead that he does not even have to fake an American accent. The momentum is really well sustained and about half way through I started to enjoy the movie soundtrack which had some 1980s style songs. The police chief is excellent and I liked the chase sequences. All in all a better film that I expected and a good way to spend a movie evening.

I remember reading an article about Julian Sands where it was said he regretted starring in "Warlock". My hopes were therefore not that high but actually it is a very entertaining and well directed film, with two terrific British lead actors in Richard E Grant and Julian Sands. The plot is a bit whacky but there are some great twists and surprises and the film never drags. There is some good dark humour as well and some funny late 1980s hairstyles and fashion. Julian Sands was a terrific actor and much missed following his death in 2023. I am looking forward to following up on his other films.

I was a bit disappointed with this film overall, but very impressed with Jane Fonda's performance, which makes it worthwhile. The movie seems uneven and a bit dated now and does not really have the momentum, action or plot interest to hold the attention throughout. There are too many minor characters who flit in and out and do not really add to the drama. The relationship between Klute and Bree seems really unlikely as well. Donald Sutherland is certainly one of the less convincing policemen/ private investigators, albeit an excellent and interesting actor. The film still receives high ratings nowadays - I personally prefer movies such as Chinatown (Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway, 1974) for this kind of relationship intense but dark group of films, usually involving greed or corporate sleaze.

Really enjoyed this very British drama with excellent performances from all the leads. I was reminded a bit of the 1948 film "The Bicycle Thieves" in the way that a man's job and status is so tied up with his mode of transport, and his determination to retrieve it when stolen. Fortunately it goes in a different and ultimately more satisfying direction with the baddies very much visible, and the main character remorseless in his determination. Richard Todd (the main character) reminded me at times of Christopher Plummer, and he and his wife must be one of the poshest couples ever to have lived in a London council flat. However, the characters and emotions are genuine and the directing is excellent. As other reviewers have commented, it is great to see the London scenes of that era and the rather grimy pubs and cafes, before the era of gentrification.

Very impressed with this fantastically powerful Mediaeval drama set in Sweden in the 14th century at the time of the Black Death. The photography, casting, acting and narrative are all brilliant and this 1957 film fully deserves all of its accolades. The scenes of the Mummers Play, the Flagellants and the cruelty and humour in the alehouse, and the feeling of darkness at the stake are all memorable. The modern relevance is strong to a society that is losing faith but feels the loss, and the lack of anything with which to fill it in the face of death.

Having greatly enjoyed “Lonesome Dove” (also based on Larry McMurtry’s novels), Disc 1 was a little bit of a disappointment in comparison . The casting is not quite right for Augustus McRae, who in the novels is much wilier, more charming and taller than the character in this version. The film does have some entertaining moments however,  particularly from Val Kilmer’s character, Captain Scull.  The Comanche Braves and other outlaws add to the excitement, and the supporting cast, music score and scenery are all strong.  

In Disc 2 the child actor

playing Newt is excellent and there are some beautiful landscape scenes.  Steve Zahn gets a much better grip on Gus Mc Crea’s character and Karl Urban is a strong Woodrow Call. 

This is probably the third time I’ve watched this film over the years.

The acting is  magnificent and the film puts a welcome slightly spooky spin on the genre. Based on a fantastic Thomas Eidson novel, which I strongly recommend, it tells of a brutal kidnapping but also a past fractured relationship between father and daughter, which is progressively resolved during the film. This relationship is not explored as thoroughly as in the novel, but the film still works as an explanation.

The range of characters in this film is very strong, with great performances from the main child actor. The film has good action and some beautiful photography as well. Highly recommended. 

I enjoyed this greatly having also enjoyed “Ripley” based on a Patricia Highsmith novel.  The greek and cretan context adds colour and is well filmed, and the characters are believable with terrific acting performances from the 3 leads.  The film perhaps lacks tight direction and meanders a bit towards the end but is always fun and interesting . Recommended . 

I realised what a talented and charming actor Patrick Swayze was, and he is the main interest in this film.  The soundtrack and band (Jeff Healey) is excellent and it is nostalgic to look back at a 1990s style bar.  Beyond that it is all fisticuffs and a lot of caricatured baddies - it’s funny and entertaining for half the film but then takes a darker turn and gets a bit monotonous.  Overall worth a watch just for the main actors, not for the plot.