Film Reviews by OL

The problem with the the Man with no name series is that Leone uses the same actor for multiple characters. Lee Van Cleef is a different character, Leone originally wanted Charles Bronson in Lee Van Cleefs's role. It does not adequately explain it in the film. As much as Lee Van Cleef is a good actor I feel a totally different actor would be better.

Probably Penelope Keith's most enduring role. When her old money family loses her home to the nouvea riche Peter Bowles who is in trade. Her worst nightmares come about. Watch past the first episode as it was still finding its feet. Pretty obvious plot but depends if you feel comedies need to be full of swearing to be funny. Think father ted instead of shameless.

Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister are probably the best comedies ever. Paul Eddington as the new minister and Nigel Hawthorne as the Machiavellian Private Secretary. Derek Fowlds as the PPS. Probably the best comedy made. Puts modern comedy to shame.

Anthony Jay and Johnathon Lyn said they did not want to do any extra Yes Prime ministers to keep the quality. However, the quality is so good compared to other comedies a slight decline would be forgiven.

A British Death Wish- Ex Marine goes vigilante after police failure to find his friend's murderers. Great film, still waiting for sequel?

Zulu - Film of Battle of Rorke's Drift - Unfortunately a film like this will not be made again. A Kipling like story of British Colonialism in 19th Century Africa. The first starring role for Michael Caine, Stanley Baker in main role.

A review on here said the fight scenes are unrealistic. This is the early 60s not the 2000s. Epic photography of Africa, gets into action quickly as well as good explanation of who each character is. Have watched multiple times, probably not for people if they only like Marvel films.

Late 1930's film with early minor role for James Mason. Shot in British West Africa as it was then. Would of been better if had been longer to allow proper plot development. Too short which meant not enough plot development.

But ok for a one off viewing. Probably a quota quickie.

Slow to get into the action. I have read Expedition Fawcett and feel that the lost Civilisation was not explained enough. Really should of skipped the horrors of WW1 (maybe used the time to explore the background of Z. Worth watching if you like exploration films, not an action film. Good but wasted opportunity. Worth reading up on background of Z prior to film. The film does not explain it to you.

Great heist film about the Real Baker Street Robbery in 1971 Takes liberties with the actual realities of the crime. No D Notice was ever issued in real life, But great heist film all the same.

Star studded film with John Wayne, Richard Todd, Richard Burton, Sean Connery . The cast list list long so long that Richard Burton only on screen for 10 minutes, similarly Henry Fonda is only in the film for a short period which means they cannot show their skills as actors.

Getting on to the film. Could on done more with showing the role of the air forces in Operation Overlord, the RAF is only shown with Richard Burton being shown once he is shot down, the USAAF is not shown at all, But far better than Saving Private Ryan. How realistic it is debatable. Show the US beaches but UK and Canadians though? Feel if had spent it budget more wisely with fewer stars a better film would of been made.

This is a must for history film fans. If you like marvel films go elsewhere.

Aerial scenes are good although realism is better in The Battle of Britain as authentic aircraft ME109s etc are used in the Battle of Britain. Slow to get into as it involves a lot of the planning and politics involved in Japans entry into WW2 as is not a straight action film. I do not mind this though others may.

The Great Escape whilst a reasonable war film is marred by its realism or rather lack of realism. Obviously made for a US audience as no US escapees were in Stalug Luft III at the time. No real mention of Canadians. About as realistic as The Bridge on The River Kwai.

Low budget indy film about newpaper team trapped below Sydney trying to uncover a government cover up of something killing Sydney's homeless. Unfortunately, it was about as scary as scary movie. Much of the film was wasted with talking about the water recycling plant at the beginning as scene setting. You did see the not see the that thing was stalking them at all. It was a good plot just not significantly different from the descent etc. Watch it and hope if they make a sequel it has a larger budget.

A bit slow to get into- The action does not start till right at the end, but Lee Marvin is great as always. Early film role for Donald Sutherland.