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doug-87
Reviews
Strange: Pilot (2002)
Watchable, but rather cheesy
This series has just surfaced on BBC Canada. Wednesday nights are a bit of a wasteland, so we have been watching it. The stories appear to revolve around a defrocked priest who is on a demon watch in 21st. century England. The wonderful Ian Richardson is a rather mysterious churchman who pops in and out of the various episodes to confuse the viewer.
The special effects are rather cheesy and, quite often, one laughs rather than shivers in terror. However, it is always watchable.
Dalziel and Pascoe: Under World (1998)
Another great episode
This is one of the better Dalziel and Pascoe episodes. Some of the later ones get rather too complicated but this one is quite clear with well-drawn (and well-acted) characters. Dalziel is his usual obnoxious (and thoroughly enjoyable) self and the patient Peter Pascoe gets a chance to strike out on his own. His irritating wife interferes in the case, which ends in a rather exciting way in a flooded mine.
This series always offers good value for the viewer.
La vita è bella (1997)
A small doubt . . . .
I had put off seeing this movie as I had doubts about the subject matter. After sitting patiently through the protracted Oscar ceremonies, I decided to see the movie that won three Academy Awards. I'm glad I did. The high production values are obvious - the settings, the music, the acting - all speak of a director who is highly skilled and who has a "vision" which he wants to show his audience. Despite his antics during the Oscars, Roberto Benigni comes across as a sensitive and mature actor. His real-life wife, who also plays his "film" wife is poised and heart-warming. The young boy who plays his son is amazingly mature and talented. BUT . . . . . . does the film trivialize the Holocaust?
I wonder what families who had loved ones who suffered think of this film??
Such a Long Journey (1998)
An amazing adaptation of a very complex novel.
Rohinton Mistry's multi-layered novel seemed impossible to adapt for the screen but the resulting movie is filled with passion, emotion, humour and pathos. The story is somewhat slow-moving but there is always something on the screen to captivate the audience. The movie perfectly catches a particular time and place with pinpoint accuracy. All of the actors are Indian - few if any known to "western" audiences - but they are a joy to behold, especially the little girl who acts very convincingly. Don't be put off by the title and plot summary - this is a movie to be seen on the big screen. We have much to learn from it.