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Reviews
Doctor Who: The Dead Planet (1963)
Dr Who: The Daleks
Watching this with modern eyes, I cannot help but wonder what made these creatures so iconic that even today they remain one of the most regular aliens that the Doctor comes face to face with. In the first adventure, they are defeated and in the next one they suffer the same. In my opinion, it is because of their use time and again we are still watching these adventures today in 2023. I even remember hiding behind the sofa when I heard them speak as they terrified me. I also had a Darlek suit which I tried to scare my siblings. Note I wrote "tried". On the whole, I think that the Daleks owe their place in our minds due to terrifying and exciting the minds of many young children.
Stonehouse (2023)
Stonehouse
Watching the titles of this drama and hearing the music, I was reminded of Spielberg's Catch Me If You Can, but once I got past that, I found a strange but compelling tale that is so well played.
The pairing of MacFadyan and Hawes as John Stonehouse and his long suffering wife was superb. She had the tough job playing the dutiful wife of a prominent politician who had to cope with her husband's infidelity while trying to keep the children happy.
However, in my mind, Kevin McNally as Harold Wilson steals the show in every scene he is in.
It is not the truth, but one version of the truth and for that, it deserves a watch.
Cleopatra (1963)
A study in faliure
I recently rewatched this film and I found a few things out about the difference between Hollywood then and Hollywood today.
Firstly, this film was badly managed. From the outset, it was an epic story and trying to fit all the details into one movie was just too complicated for the time. Some of the sets were magnificent, and remember ther was no CGI, Today, the task would be taken over by making it for television.
Secondly, Elizabeth Taylor was approached to play the lead and, as she wasn't really sure the part was right for her, jokingly asked for a million dollar fee. She was given it. Therefore she made a rod for her own back. She had to do a good job just to prove her worth. Unfortunately she could not really do justice to the role.
Today, whoever plaed Cleopatra should be well payed but not break the bank.
Finally this film cost a fortune and lost another. Also it is too long and a seat number of all proportions.
Scrooge (1951)
Beautiful storytelling
One of the best films for Christmas. I am 63 years old and this year, I saw this for the first time. How have I missed this? Still I can always appreciate quality when I watch it.
Alistair Sim is utterly brilliant as Scrooge. His manner changes with such grace and a charm that teared my eye. But there is one thing that outshone everything for me. Here is a film that is over 70 years old and yet, despite being in black and white, it looks clean and fresh as though it was made last year. Or is that just me?.
If you love Christmas and if you love film storytelling then may I point you in the direction of this beautiful classic.
The Birds (1963)
My problem with this film.
I first saw The Birds over thirty years ago, and I remember being underwhelmed by the experience. As I am not a lover of horror films per sae, I just thought it was a good film but not for me. However, I recently had a chance to watch it again and found my real niggle was much more apperant,
In Hitchcock's previous classic film, Psycho, we have the character of Marion Crane and we can sympathize with her. But here we have Melodie Daniels, and she just comes across as a cold and spoilt socialite. I just did not like her. In fact, I felt more in tune with Annie, the school teacher who dies. In my humble opinion, it could have been a better film if that character was the lead.
The Librarians (2014)
Overview
I recently came across this series and immediately fell on love with it. The premise is fun, but it is executed with humour and a sense conviction that keeps you in. It is well cast right down to the smallest part. On the whole, a good way to spend your time on.
1917 (2019)
Epic story.
Every few years there is a film that jumps out and makes you think about how cinema can be used to inform us of historical importance. This is one gòd example
Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
A supercalifragalistic return.
It took over fifty years to make a sequel to one of the classic films of my youth, and when they did, it was so good. There are a lot of good things to admire in Rob Marshall's wonderful direction from the use of hand drawn animation, to the almost perfect delivery of Emily Blunt's performance. Even Lin-Manuel Miranda's accent was not too good in homage to Dick Van Dyke's Cockney in the original. And of Dick Van Dyke, his appearance was magical and seeing him dance was such a treat. Also I loved the appearance of Angela Lansbury as the balloon lady.
I hope they will not make a sequel to this one as this should be a stand alone film.
The Favourite (2018)
Not a history lesson
The Favourite is a good film and quite fun to watch It is nice to see a film with three strong leading ladies, and the upcoming award season should bring some rewards for the hard work the team behind the camera as well. In fact, the whole cast was good,
There might be some among those who see this film and say it was real, but in truth, large liberties have been taken with this film. It is after all designed as a comedy.
The Naked City (1948)
Classic and dated
There are some films that you watch and they teach you about how times have changed yet they remain the same
The Naked City is not without its faults, but it is full of things that make up for them. The acting is a bit haphazard,and some of the action is stagey, but the whole makes a pleasant way to spend time watching.