Reviews
We're Here to Help (2007)
We must all stand up to these bloody bureaucrats
Probably every adult here in New Zealand would have known of the case around which this film was made, but that was ten years ago. It was refreshing to re-visit this story and the way it was portrayed on the screen was flawless....fine direction and performances all around.
But for me, the importance of this story is the reforms of the bureaucracy which have taken place since the early 90s. Complaint procedures are readily accessible and well resourced. The wings of these maniacal managers have been clipped and New Zealand is a better place because of Dave Henderson and Rodney Hide.
Go see it....doesn't matter where you live. I suspect these issues are rather universal. We've heard that 'the price of liberty is eternal vigilance', this film is about some vigilant people who stood up to the tyranny of the managers...the world would be a better place of more people followed th lead of those portrayed in 'We're Here to Help'
Pump Up the Volume (1990)
the sixties meets the 90s
I've seen Pump a few times but recently got the DVD and showed it to an 18 year old last night...the film has great resonances for me of the 60s generation and it still has power for the youth of today...amazingly, since they mainly seem motivated by IT, gadgets and money.
All the performances were first rate and this film also introduces Leonard Cohen to a new generation. I'm sure schools today are worse then Hubert Humphrey high portrayed in the film...this was before Columbine...but you can see the fertile ground for the violence to follow.
This is one of my all time favorite 'teen flicks' and I recommend it to all who want to see social and political relevance in movies.
Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
A ray of light upon the dark tapestry of a civilisation in decline
This well made documentary gave an insight into the larger realm of societal collapse and pervasive corruption. By tracing the death of the electric car it showed how the public, government, car and oil companies and 'the system' conspired to deprive people of pollution free private transport.
However, nowhere in the film is there a questioning of the idea that people ought to have easy access to cheap private transport...there was one reference that if USA were more energy efficient Americans would have to (god forbid) live like Europeans. but no questioning of the fundamental assumption of the USA vast suburbia way of unsustainable life which is embodied in the idea that everyone ought to have a car so they can go and do whatever whenever they like.
so, this film glossed over serious issues about how humans might live sustainably on Earth, but did very well in showing how corrupt the system is and you wouldn't need help from them to realise how stuffed the future for humans will be.
Oh, What a Night (1992)
Coming of Age in the 1950s brilliantly executed
I bought the DVD because the cast looked promising and Corey Haim is such a cutie...but was very pleasantly surprised at how well done this innocent coming of age film was done. The actors were all fine and great to see some of the old timers still at it...only flaw was the too USA-American accents....would have appreciated some attempt at a Canadian sound...There are elements of Pleasantville here and even a little bit of the old Lassie TV series. I gave it a ten. Hope you enjoy it too and I'd highly recommend 'Oh What a Night' the 1950s music is a treat and it's great for light entertainment and one of the best of this genre.
Pete 'n' Tillie (1972)
One of my favourite film lines
I'll treasure this movie for having given me of the my favourite lines, which I have used continually since first seeing this film... when on their first date... given a choice of beverages from Burnett, Matthau says 'whatever's the most trouble'.... that's pure Groucho... and of course the fight between Page and Burnett. A good woman on woman fight is rare in this type of film and the scene on the lawn with the hose is a gem,
I like to revisit this film every few years and still enjoy it immensely. Yeah, it degenerates to soap...too bad...if it hadn't this one might have been WAY up there in the ratings.
Accident (1967)
gripping but slow
In the last week I've seen two great films from 1967, having seen 'Bonnie and Clyde' first, which has a terrific pace even by today's standards, and then seeing 'Accident', gave a good contrast on many levels...one being the opposite sides of the Atlantic.
Besides the obvious merits of 'Accident', I really loved the period, the emerging Britsh sense of style and that early start to the loosening up in which the Beattle played such a large role.
I particularly like Bograrde's portrayal of the professor and it kept reminding me of his celebrated role in 'Death in Venice'...one of my top ten films of all times.
Something for Everyone (1970)
just as fine as I remembered it...
I remember this film from the 70s...it was one of my favourites. Finally got hold of a copy from the USA. Unfortunately the scene between Conrad and the son was cut out, but otherwise it was still brilliant. Angela Lansbury was superb. Seemed a role made for her. Anuntie Mame gone upmarket and euro. If you can find a copy to rent, do it. A ten from me.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
I must admit I cry pretty easily
I cry easily.
When I see film of baby seals being clubbed to death or whales being slaughtered or maimed kiddies begging for food.
But I love this movie because each time I see it I cry and cry and cry.
The love story is very schlocky and the Nicki character played by Carey Grant is pretty wooden. Deborah Kerr is endearing and through being injured and becoming crippled...and all the issues that raises...her courage and their love makes this an affair to remember and bawl over.
I also love the 50's colour and sets and wardrobe. The character of Kerr's grandma is superb.
Grab a good bottle of red, lie back on the sofa and watch this gem AND by the way...make sure the kleenex box is full.
Wag the Dog (1997)
Who Wagged 9-11?
I first saw "Wag The Dog" years ago when it first came out, but having just seen it again I can't help seeing parallels with the events of 9-11
If Bush didn't engineer those events, the facts are emerging that he let it happen. And look what it's done for his ratings? Look how patriotism and finding a convenient culprit (Albanians, Afghans, Talibans or Osamas) can play into schemes and plots of an illegitimate regime.
For me this film has gone from merely poignant to quite chilling.
The Man Who Sued God (2001)
Aussie humour makes me howl
The promotional material on this film neglected to say it was Australian. It reminded me of what might have happened to Woody Allen if he was stuck in "Seachange".
Billy Connelly was right over the top and very entertaining. I always enjoy Judy Davis' performances and it was great seeing Wendy Hughes again.
I'd highly recommend this film for fun, irreverence and spirit.
SubUrbia (1996)
Thanks to this site I bothered
I wouldn't have bothered to watch this film if it weren't for the reviews on this site. I found it real and gritty and overall very well done. Suburbia is tight and close and personal and well worth a look.
It had a quality I usually associate with Australian films, less on the expensive bulls*** and more on the quality of the script and acting. I like that. Like a lovely woman without makeup.
Head On (1998)
Bless Sundance Channel
With the SKY Sundance Channel we in New Zealand provincial towns would probably never get the opportunity to see great Aussie Films like "HEAD ON". I remember the Ari character from his TV series which took place in a High School. His talent has blossomed and leads the way with this excellent film.
With a largely Greek-Australian cast and Director the authenticity of the sub-culture is very real. Like many OZ films there's an understated quality and impact of real lives and real meanings. As in "Welcome to Nhill", "High Tide" or "Cunnamulla" and many many more.
A tribute to Australian cinema and I would highly recommend this film to serious folks who appreciate and alternative to escapist crap.
Sunshine (1999)
POLITICS ONLY GETS WORSE
"Sunshine" came to our town's art house cinema on a rainy weekend.
I love this film. It for me tackled the horrendousness of politics for Europeans in the late 19th and 20th Century.
But the politics is even worse now. The Fascism is back. The War to solve the issues of the day is ongoing. But who cares? Who votes even?
"Sunshine" for me was more than a brilliant portrayal of this family through several generations. It spoke to me of the worthlessness of our civilisation and how hard it is to live a life which appreciates the beauty amidst the horror and inhumanity.
I read some reviews here from people who found it long and boring.
Why do these people leave their MTV and seek out a three hour film on a theme such as "Sunshine's"
Miracle Mile (1988)
I love end of the world movies
I find end of the world movies comfortably resonate with my experience as an environmentalist for the last 30 years. I see disaster looming from lots of directions...nuclear, bio-weapons, famine, global warming and a new ice age, mutated insects, extraterrestrials, famine, plague and just the complete breakdown of our civilisation because the power goes off for a week or two.
So some of my favourite films are: Dr Strangelove, both Invasion of the Body Snatchers ('56 & '78), the old On the Beach and the latest one ('99) all those virus movies Death In Venice, Day of the Locust... yada yada yada
AND I have loved Miracle Mile for many years. I taped it from TV in Australia many years ago and look at it at least yearly. I was pleased to see so many reviews of this film and fascinated that the reviews were so polarised. Polarised views suggest something pretty special lurking there.
Forget the adequately handled romance. For me it was the great tempo of the impending... will it... won't it disaster. And no hero changes it. It comes. The worse happens. All my fears and concerns for humanity and the planet get vindicated.
The riot scene at the end of the film isn't nearly as good as the one in 'Day of the Locust' but heh..that was the ultimate filmed riot for me.
If you supported George W Bush for American Presidnet I wouldn't bother with this film.
Le placard (2001)
In the tradition of Mr Hulot
This little gem got here as part of the current film festival, and the audience certainly enjoyed it. We don't get many opportunities to view French comedy and 'The Closet' made me realise what we're missing.
It's a timely poke at PC and a good measure of subtle slapstick. It will be memorable for me. I gave it a 9, I reserve my 10s for the likes of 'Blazing Saddles', 'The Producers (1968)' and 'Welcome to Woop Woop'.
Happiness (1998)
Woody Allen gone Gentile
Happiness has been showing on 'Sundance Channel' here in New Zealand. I loved it. It's black, dysfunctional and probes some of the less explored areas of essentially the meaninglessness of 'real' life.
Seemed to me like a Woody Allen film made by a gentile...or a less slick American Beauty. It's to be repeated in a few days...and I'm keen to see it again.
Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma (1975)
Legalised Child Molesting
I have an old friend who is a professional philosopher. I once asked him what the most obscene slogan would be. He replied: "Legalise child molesting".
So at one level that's Salo.
The film is banned in New Zealand, but was allowed in a few years ago for an Italian film festival. After seeing it I was numb. So when the opportunity to buy it came up on half.com I got a copy.
Having just seen it again I find it a massive work. It is a pointed critique of fascism, but also of society generally. Obscenity today can be 'enjoyed' by the rich and powerful just as it was by these 'Fascists'. Thousands of children disappear and are never heard of again. Could they have been taken over as were the children in this film? Once in a while some truth slips out like the conspiracy between Police. Judges and rich paedophiles in Sydney.
So Salo may not be the twisted nightmare of a twisted soul. It may be a very coarse but poignant critique on societal hypocrisy and depravity.
I'd recommend it to thinking people and people who wonder why certain ideas get banned.
On the Beach (2000)
Not with a bang...but a whimper
Remakes CAN be better than the original, even in this genre. I'm reminded of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" done in 1956 and again in 1978. Both versions are great and I feel that way about "On the Beach". The original 1959 film has been an alltime favourite of mine, but the remake exceeds the original.
I had my doubts it could be done better but it did.
The remake's characters were more believable. The trip to Alaska was a great addition and the solar powered laptop with its corrupted video clip message brought the whole plot to the present in a very convincing manner.
Brian Brown and Rachel Ward were excellent. I only disliked the actor playing the submarine commander. He was so wooden and unbelievable.
The scenery of the Victorian coast was spectacular.
I thoroughly enjoyed this remake.
I noted that many comments say that politicians should view this film. I feel this attitude has lead to the plausibilty of the film. ALL PEOPLE should see this film, so they will insist on BETTER POLITICIANS.
Don't be afraid to support Ralph Nader next time.
Miracle Mile (1988)
I love end of the world movies
I find end of the world movies comfortably resonate with my experience as an environmentalist for the last 30 years. I see disaster looming from lots of directions...nuclear, bio-weapons, famine, global warming and a new ice age, mutated insects, extraterrestrials, famine, plague and just the complete breakdown of our civilisation because the power goes off for a week or two.
So some of my favourite films are: Dr Strangelove, both Invasion of the Body Snatchers ('56 & '78), the old On the Beach and the latest one ('99) all those virus movies Death In Venice, Day of the Locust... yada yada yada
AND I have loved Miracle Mile for many years. I taped it from TV in Australia many years ago and look at it at least yearly. I was pleased to see so many reviews of this film and fascinated that the reviews were so polarised. Polarised views suggest something pretty special lurking there.
Forget the adequately handled romance. For me it was the great tempo of the impending... will it... won't it disaster. And no hero changes it. It comes. The worse happens. All my fears and concerns for humanity and the planet get vindicated.
The riot scene at the end of the film isn't nearly as good as the one in 'Day of the Locust' but heh..that was the ultimate filmed riot for me.
If you supported George W Bush for American Presidnet I wouldn't bother with this film.
An Affair to Remember (1957)
I must admit I cry pretty easily
I cry easily.
When I see film of baby seals being clubbed to death or whales being slaughtered or maimed kiddies begging for food.
But I love this movie because each time I see it I cry and cry and cry.
The love story is very schlocky and the Nicki character played by Carey Grant is pretty wooden. Deborah Kerr is endearing and through being injured and becoming crippled...and all the issues that raises...her courage and their love makes this an affair to remember and bawl over.
I also love the 50's colour and sets and wardrobe. The character of Kerr's grandma is superb.
Grab a good bottle of red, lie back on the sofa and watch this gem AND by the way...make sure the kleenex box is full.
Late for Dinner (1991)
it's more than two guys getting frozen for nearly 30 years...
I just saw 'Late for Dinner' again on TV.
I forgot how much I liked it.
It's both simple and silly but it's also sweet and endearing.
I guess, for me it seems like an Australian film that was made in America. No big bang special effects. Great characters and a laconic but genuine feel about the story, the characters, and the overall impression.
Both guys are cute and believable in this really unbelievable yarn.
I cried when Willy met up with his 'old' wife Joy. They both did it so well.
No great intellectual challenges here...just a most enjoyable movie.
Road to Nhill (1997)
This could only be an Australian film
This films quietly shouts the word 'laconic'.
A small country town where nothing much happens, and this film takes us right along with the 'action'...except the action is in slow motion and the characterisations, are slowly and beautifully formed.
If you're not in a hurry for a good time, and really DO enjoy seeing paint dry...this is for you.
I like watching paint dry. The colour darkens and the true character emerges.
The Ref (1994)
This has got to be one of the best bickering films ever.
I love to see bickering on the screen. It reminds me of growing up in my family as a child, and visits to my family in the present. Aside from the main plot, there's the ongoing undercurrent of gnarling verbal abuse between Spacey and Davis. We see more of this talent from Spacey in "American Beauty" so this may have been his dry run for that role with Bening.
Other favourite bickering movies of mine are "War of the Roses", "Prisoner of Second Avenue" and "Torch Song Trilogy" (in the latter it was between a mother an son).
If you don't like bickering films I'm prepared to argue with you!
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Eerie to the max
I loved the 1956 original, but have come to love this one equally. It's real scary and gives insight into how all those people can lead those corporate lives...the pods got them. If clever alien invasions are your thing, and you liked Day of the Triffids, you'll go for this one.