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Reviews
Captain Corelli's Mandolin (2001)
Great acting saves it from becoming an exercise in photography
I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to, and that was largely due to the high standard of the acting. It's true that some of the accents were poor - especially John Hurt, who veered between upper-class English and some kind of anonymous Mediterranean dialect. That aside, all the main characters were convincing. I particularly liked Christian Bale and Penelope Cruz. David Morrissey as the young German officer also showed why he is hammering on the door of stardom. This film had nearly everything - humour, pathos, violence and sex, plus beautiful scenery. However, it began to drag towards the end, and I found the denouement totally unconvincing. But, as modern films go, it was pretty good. I think it will go down as a minor classic.
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Excellent - an out-and-out winner
Not only did I enjoy this film immensely, but it was obvious that the rest of the packed cinema (male AND female) shared my enthusiasm. I'm astounded by some of the reviewers who apparently can't understand why the heroine should prefer the stunning, gorgeous and morally upright Mark Darcy to the horrible, sleazy Daniel. They obviously haven't read Pride and Prejudice!
Maybe Baby (2000)
The best British comedy film for years
For some reason, reviewers have been lukewarm about this film, and in particular about Hugh Laurie's performance as the hero. I therefore wasn't expecting much, even though I am Ben Elton's number one fan.
I LOVED this film. Of course, it is very British; but it is also funny, moving and sexy. We knew Hugh Laurie could act, having seen him in "Peter's Friends" and "Sense and Sensibility", but he really excels himself as Sam, the slightly bewildered husband. Joely Richardson, was also terrific as the would-be mother. There are also lots of nice little cameos from top British comedy performers such as Rowan Atkinson and John Fortune.
I defy anyone to watch this film without laughing all the way through and crying at the end.
Regeneration (1997)
Reasonably faithful rendition of a classic book
When a film is made of a classic book like this one, it has to satisfy two sets of viewers - those who have read the book and want to see it faithfully rendered on screen, and those who want to see an entertaining film. It is seldom easy to do both, but this film makes a valiant attempt. It is true to the original in spirit, and makes use of Pat Barker's excellent dialogues and one-to-one scenes. Criticisms of it as "talky" are difficult to justify, because to include lengthy action sequences that play no part in the book would clearly alter the nature of the story.
My main criticism would be that the Rivers character comes across as lacking in professionalism rather than simply sensitive to his patients. The scene where he quarrels openly with Sassoon in the dining room is not only unlikely but untrue to the book. The Prior sub-plot is also grossly simplified and his affair with the munitionette is made to appear more innocent than it is. This is inevitable in a dramatisation, and the oblique references to the future development of the character are probably a mistake, as they will mean nothing to those who have not read the book.
I particularly like the musical score, which adds to the atmosphere without distracting the viewer.