Film Reviews by PE

Although now very dated, though it was intentionally dated when it was first released, this is a delicious romp in black and white satirising the original ‘Frankenstein’ and ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ horror movies of the 1930’s. 

Wilder excels throughout as the manic “brilliant surgeon” (his words) grandson of Baron Von Frankenstein and initially eschews the work of his grandfather although changes his view (though no explanation is given why) and decides to resurrect a dead man and the monster is born; you know the rest. 

The story is full of errors, probably due to the editing process; for example it begins with the removal of Frankenstein’s will from his skeletal hands and the arrival of the executor at a lecture ‘Fronk On Steen’ is giving and then isn’t seen again. The reading of the will scene has been cut from the movie (and the outtakes but the production stills are seen in the extras) and therefore the change of motives of Wilder’s character are unclear. 

And the script keeps changing and refers to the elder Frankenstein as the grandfather and also great grandfather; which is it?

Marty Feldman, as assistant Igor is entertaining enough although his asides to the camera, whilst being classic Brooks, are tedious and unnecessary.  

The two leading ladies excel as the assistant and fiancé with Madeline Kahn excelling as the tease Elizabeth, complete with Bride of Frankenstein hairdo. 

Despite the confusing narrative this is a must see movie and the additional “Making Frankensense Of Frankenstein” detailing the making of the movie is a fascinating behind the scenes view of the battles the producers had with the movie moguls to allow them to fulfil their vision. 

You don't need me to tell you the story here; the trailer and previous reviews adequately outline what's going on.

We returned from a trip to Berlin and found this in our letter box which was fortuitous especially after learning more about the holocaust whilst visiting the different museums and memorials on our trip to Germany's capital.

it's absurd that the likes of the odious Irving and his ilk deny the holocaust ever happened as the evidence is there for all to see but it makes for an interesting and "worthy" premise.

Most trial movies quickly become tedious but "Denial" manages to balance the inevitable legalities and drama well without losing our interest. I'm not sure what the references to Boudica were meant to symbolise considering she was seemingly responsible for the killing of an estimated 80,000 Romans and British and then became known as a British folk hero; though her statue near parliament got a good polish for the movie so that's something.

Despite some obvious signposting and downright silly moments, "Denial" is an interesting movie and the principal actors all play their parts well with both Spall and Wilkinson putting in excellent performances and Weisz plays against type and acquits herself.

All in all a good watch and you'll also probably learn something too.

An excellent gentle movie.

Ove is a grumpy and pedantic old man and until the end of the movie the viewer doesn't get to understand why. However I felt for him and some of his sarcastic retorts are truly funny.

A moving story about loneliness.