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NHG-Freeman
Reviews
The Godfather (1972)
Will continue to withstand the test of time
This has to be, without a doubt, the greatest film ever made. It is pure entertainment and master film-making. Despite its length it maintains interest throughout and, by the end, you're wanting more. POSSIBLE SPOILER! Marlon Brando (Don Corleone) deservedly won the Oscar, with his fine performance. However, because he is absent from a majority of the film, it is the superb support from Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall (who all got Oscar nominations) that really keeps the film at an A-class standard. END OF POSSIBLE SPOILER! The direction of Francis Ford Coppola is practically without fault and so is his writing, also contributed by the author of the novel, Mario Puzo. This is the gangster film that has inspired so many others (including Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" and, on TV, "The Sopranos"). The music and cinematography are outstanding and even the costumes are great. All in all, you can't find a fault with this film. All the elements work and it is just so satisfying. People who think it's over-rated are just fools who couldn't recognize great filmmaking if it hit them in the face.
It is hard, however, to judge whether part II is better or not, but one thing for sure is that it's as good as part I and better than part III. If you haven't seen this film then I suggest you rent it or buy it immediately because you really don't know what you are missing. Francis Ford Coppola once said that at the end of the day nobody knows anything about what is a good movie or a bad movie, unless it stands the test of time and that's how you know what's great. So true and certainly in this case for The Godfather, because it has and will continue to stand the test of time.
In Defence (2000)
A wonderful series, extremely underrated
A wonderful series that featured lawyer Sam Lucas as he takes on a Perry Mason role of being detective. It's a shame it didn't last longer than it did. It had so many moments that were in the style of a classic crime series. The acting of Ross Kemp, who effectively transforms from his Eastenders' Grant Mitchell type, really is a highlight and he gives a charming, strong portrayal of Sam Lucas, standing up for truth and justice. I would say it is the most underrated British TV series in a long time and I hope the producers could bring it back for at least another series so more people could enjoy this superior drama.
Rear Window (1954)
The best film ever made!
A wonderful film. The minute I first saw this film, I wanted to live in 50s New York. And Grace Kelly, well you can't find women like that nowadays. As for the rest of it, well its pure genius and remarkable use of such restricted mise-en-scene. What's really wonderful is the genuine suspense that is created and no matter how many times you watch it you're always going to feel the suspense building. This is without a doubt Hitch's best and also one of Jimmy Stewart's best. Another example of that collaboration that comes close to this genius is "Vertigo", but I prefer the one-view perspective of "Rear Window". If you call yourself a Hitchcock fan and haven't seen this then you should put yourself to shame as this is the ultimate thriller. The master of suspense really goes in for the thrill, setting camera lenses twitching with REAR WINDOW! 10 out of 10!
Murder, She Wrote: South by Southwest (1997)
A must see for fans of the series.
This was the first TV-movie that continued the mysteries of crime novelist and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher, a role that Angela Lansbury made loved around the world in the popular TV series, Murder She Wrote.
On the outside it may seem like just a feature length episode of that show, but if you look at it closely you'll see that it has some wonderful moments that make it a superior TV-movie. I suppose having said that you really do need to have an interest in this sort of TV mystery formula and if you have a love for the show then you will adore this.
There are some wonderful moments of mystery and intrigue built up and towards the end you are gagging to find out the truth as you always are in these mysteries. Also,as usual with a good mystery, there are some wonderful twists and turns which I'm obviously not going to talk about. I would recommend this to die hard fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.