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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Water 1985

Starring: Michael Caine

Chaos comes to a Caribbean island when industrialists check it for mineral springs.

This film just doesn't work & it has no right not to work with the writers, actors & musicians who were signed up. The story is actually quite a good idea but all the characters were played so over the top that they descended into caricatures. If they'd played it utterly straight, the humour would have been pointe 7 the whole thing could have been brilliant.
Such a waste.     4/10

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Billy Liar 1963

Starring: Tom Courtenay

In a drab North country town, an undertaker's clerk lives in a World of fantasy

Every character in this movie comes across as so genuine. Nothing is over the top apart from Liar's daydreaming scenes, all of which is completely called for. It's amusing, there's so much you can relate to, it's moving & also sad. Julie Christie is delightful as the one person who genuinely understands Liar. So different from anything you see in this day & age.    7/10

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Jeremiah Johnson 1972

Starring: Robert Redford

In the 1850's an ex-soldier becomes a mountain trapper.

Beautifully made epic set in the wilderness. Stunning locations, fascinating characterisation & great performances. Touches of humour, particularly where Redford first tries to fish & when Grandpa Walton sends a Grizzly into his shack for Redford to skin. Touching as well as tragic, a great movie with Director & star both at the top of their game.     9/10

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Leave her to heaven 1945

Starring: Gene Tierney

A selfish, jealous woman causes unhappiness for those around her, even in her suicide.

From the first frame with the melodramatic music, you knew that this wouldn't be a bundle of laughs. A slow-moving drama that simmered beautifully under the surface. Tierney was excellent as the slightly deranged siren, I would have liked to have known more as to what triggered her desperate behaviour. A movie thatr had a nice beginning, middle & end.      8/10