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Reviews
Velvet Goldmine (1998)
Disappointing
I've actually been looking forward to seeing this film for a really long time, and finally got round to it this weekend. It should have been great! It had all the right ingredients; great cast, fabulous outfits, it's about GLAM ROCK for goodness sake! But alas, what this film was seriously lacking in was plot. Velvet Goldmine tells the tale of Brian Slade, a pop icon in the 1970s bearing an uncanny resemblance to David Bowie, whose career takes a severe nose-dive after he fakes his own death on stage.
The picture revolves around a newspaper reporter ten years later (Who was once a fan of Brian Slade, and was at the gig of the 'shooting hoax'), assigned to find out 'exactly what happened'. What follows are an hour and a half of confusing and seemingly irrelevant flashbacks, poorly scripted and dull interviews, leading to a dull and fairly predictable finish. I should stress again that I am a big fan of both the Glam Rock era, and all of the actors in this film, so I didn't begin watching this film with any preconceptions of bad-ness. Worth a watch if you, like me, are usually into this kind of thing, but only so you can say that you've seen it, and perhaps for the cameo from Placebo (Probably the high-light). A generous five stars.
The Mighty Boosh (2003)
Crazy wit and fabulous hair
BBC comedy show, comprising of characters Vince Noir, Howard Moon, Naboo the tiny shaman and Bollo his gorilla familiar.
Unlike shows like Little Britain or Catherine Tate, this is not a sketch show, and is much better in that it doesn't repeat the same jokes over.
So far there have been 2 series of the show, (aswell as a live tour and a radio show), the first taking place in Bob Fossil's Zooniverse, series 2 being based around a London flat shared by Vince, Howard, Naboo and Bollo.
In every show Vince and Howard go off on an adventure, Howard gets in to Trouble and Vince has to rescue him, but what makes this show different is , well, just about everything! Every episode is packed with wit, magic, zany fun and catchy songs. No show is the same, and there are some priceless quotes.
The characters are pure genius, and if there's one show you're ever going to watch, make it this!
The Human Footprint (2007)
A beautiful program
I think some things are so special, that you are literally left speechless. You don't want to spoil it by saying anything, but just think about it for a while. This is exactly how I felt after having watched this film.
I didn't sit down expecting a lecture on how to save the environment, or how we could all be doing so much more, and that is not what this programme was about. I think a lot of people were upset about the moral message being overshadowed by the impressive visuals and lighthearted voice-over, however I stand by that people do what they can, and if they're too lazy to change, then no matter what amount of lecturing and shock tactics will really make them any better.
The show basically just rolls out a bunch of digits- averages of things that will occur in a person's lifetime, like the people they will meet, the tears they will cry and so on. While watching it however, and perhaps I should be ashamed of this(?), I was not thinking about what a ghastly person I am making such a dent in the world, I was just intrigued.
This was an absolutely beautiful piece of work, and was both interesting and quirky. No one could have been better suited to narrate it that David Tennant, who makes it all a little less heavy, and it was entertaining to watch.
I personally would love to see this again, and would certainly buy it if it comes out on DVD. If it is repeated then it is definitely worth a try at least, even if you don't feel you can sit through all of it. I think it is more a piece of art than anything, and should be appreciated as that.
Drop Dead Fred (1991)
Not to be taken in earnest
This is a film I grew up with really, and it's one of the earliest movies I can remember, I must have watched it a hundred times when I was little! I hadn't seen it for years until I picked it up just recently because it was on sale, but I'm so glad I did! Drop Dead Fred manages to portray the magic of childhood so beautifully, and I think it'll be a hit for anyone who isn't afraid to laugh at its silly jokes, and not take themselves too seriously!
Elizabeth is a twenty-something young woman, who after having just about the worst day of her life, manages to summon up her childhood imaginary friend. He follows her around, causing havoc, trying to pretend like she's 5 years old again, and some scenes in this are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny!
In the end, in what I think is a very touching scene, Fred has to say goodbye and let her get on with her life. Very moving, and more adult than the rest of the film. Additionally, in this scene Rik Mayall is pretty sexy, red wig and all..
I've been shocked reading reviews where people were actually offended by this film, because although it is a certificate 12, as I've said I can remember watching it from a very young age- 4 or 5- and it's done me no harm! This film does have some mildy crude parts, and yes a lot of it is vulgar, but what else can be expected from Rik Mayall? It is just simple, childish fun!
For anyone that remembers being young, this film is for you, but don't sit down expecting any less than a playful flick!