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Ole dole doff (1968)
Teachers Pests
This is a film made and set in 1968. However, Malmo wasn't, evidently, like New York or London apparently were at the tail end of the loved up a. In fact it looks to be more like the late '60s were here in Hull.
You'd think that because of this ,and the the fact that I was at school around the same age as the kids in this film, would be a major reason I relate to it.
I do relate to the film on those terms but anyone can immerse themselves in this film. It is a slow burner that builds up the predicament of the main character and of his school charges. This means the impact is not a quick hit but lingers long after the film concludes.
Its narrative and observations are as relevant today as it was 55 years ago. The story tells of the the plight of a teacher in the wrong profession is as much a tragedy now as it was then. Maybe with mobile phones and other technology the ways that pupils can undermine a teacher and get under their skin has changed but this film with an excellent lead in Per Oscarsson highlights the predicament without it becoming sensational.
The IMDB blurb states 'A weak and tormented teacher is pushed to the limit by his obnoxious students.' That suggests more than actually happens. The teacher is by no means strong. Life and his career have worn down his fight. Meanwhile the kids are a usual group who take advantage when the smell their chance.
The fact that this makes the film true to life and the acting of Oscarsson make this both believable and watchable. With slight changes to his expressions and some well acted nervous twitches Oscarsson reveals his character subtly.
.Mention must also be made of the direction and the kids playing the pupils. I was thinking as I watched that the classroom scenes are so natural they were probably filmed in with a real class with selected thespians but I can find no confirmation of that so either the director caught the best of the ensemble or the group of kids were so naturally natural in front of the cameras.
It is a very affecting film that does not resort to cliche, need sensationalism and certainly wouldn't be enhanced by modern technology.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Ambitious... and just about works.
I was attracted to 'Velvet Buzzsaw' partly because of Jake Gyllenhaal. I've enjoyed all of his films so thought I'd give this ago especially as it was written and directed by 'Nightcrawler' creator Dan Gilroy. It took me a while to get used to Gyllenhaal in this role. At first I thought his slightly effete, totally pretentious, portrayal was a bit too much stereotypical of a art critic.
Gyllenhaal's role is much like the film. It takes time to get used to but once you get used to flow and let it carry you iut somehow makes sense.
The film is ambitious in that it tries, unbelievably to be a sort of Altman style satire on the art world whilst also being a 'Destination' type modern horror where on of.leading characters is killed off one by one. In itself the film tries to be arty in its' style, design and language but then also entertain in a jump shock horror kind of way. This is seemingly an impossible coming together but 'Velvet Buzzsaw' just about makes it.
It helps that the cast is excellent and the characters a re real in a sense that they are caricatures but just the right side of being comic because of it but real rather than totally ridiculous. Ridiculous.
The film will probably divide opinion. I'm sure that those who are looking for a Altman type ensemble look at life in LA will end up unsatisfied and view the horror story as an unneeded irrelevance and those wanting blood and gore horror will think its characterisation and story try to be too clever. However, I liked it's aims and then once I'd decided to enjoy it I did just that in that I enjoyed it.
Synchronic (2019)
Watchable Nonsense
A interesting and often witty film. It also has two very good performances by the leads who are both real and often humorous. However, neither the narrative nor the characters hang together in any meaningful way.
It is a nonsense story which I can usually live with and often enjoy. I don't mind that it doesn't try to explain it's idiosyncrasies or bother to answer the questions. What does spoil it for me is the interesting concept is just used to try to make a missing persons story a little different.
Still, for the reasons I initially mentioned Synchronic is worth a watch when you are in the mood for a film that would at first appear to be quite cerebral but never really goes too deep..
Long Weekend (1978)
Should Be A Lot More Wekk Known
I came across this by accident when it was on Talking Pictures TV late at night (early one morning) . It should be a lot more widely known. Perhaps, it isn't is because it is Australian and the Ausies aren't well known for the horror films.
It should be better known. It is a environment friendly film. Perhaps, one of the first. It.features a dysfunctional couple which forms the early part of the narrative and the pace is slow with a couple of jolts but builds and builds without the need for any special effects or crude blood lust. It reminds me of 'Jaws', 'Don't Look Now' and 'The Wicker Man' which are all from the same sort of era, are all better known but also are more about story and suspense than carnage.
Certainly a film to watch if you like horror but are tired of predictability and blood and gore. Made over 45 years ago it still stands up today. In fact possibly stands up better as they don't make many films like this anymore.
The Game (1997)
Totally Stupid but...
This is a film that is just like many of David Fincher films in that you have to suspend belief to enjoy 'The Game'. Yes, it is totally stupid but the direction and the characters keep you gripped. This is helped by Michael Douglas not going completely over the top as he is prone to do in many of his films and this is one where that might have been expected.
It is a film that keeps you guessing although you are often thinking it is getting more and more ludicrous.
A dumb but good film that can keep you entertained for the full two hours plus as long as you are not believe what's happening. .
All Coppers Are... (1972)
Should Have Been Better
This is a film that doesn't quite work. It's overall feel is that of being a film that, with a little bit more time and a bit more money it could have been a gritty, real to life, classic in a 'Get Carter' (made the next year) mould.
It seems to have genuine characters who are believable and a story that builds interestingly although you feel you know the outcome of each scene. Its' problem is that, in places, it comes across as done on the cheap - the demo scenes (although not lacking impact), and the couple watching Rangers v Celtic on English telly. Also, importantly, where 'Get Carter had Michael Caine this film has Martin Potter who doesn't quite work and was possibly chosen for his good looks over his acting skills.
There are many good parts of 'All Copper Are...' and the story is a good one. Perhaps, if the film had completed the sentence for its title and gone for a AA or X certificate rather than a 12 it might have worked better.
Julie Foster shines. He natural acting stands out and hers is a memorable performance despite been given a script a script that is stodgy in parts.
There are some hard hitting moments.some interesting messages trying to get out and the film is a good look at the life and times of the early 70s which I just about remember. Unfortunately, the bad parts of the film dilute the messages, negate the force of film and it ends up seeming more dated and less relevant than it should,
Dance with a Stranger (1985)
Well Told Story
To be honest I don't think any of us ever know how true to reality these two hour films, covering a persons life, are. So, I'll just say that I thought this was a well told story with very believable characters.
I'm not much of a fan of either Miranda Richardson or. Rupert Everett (except. Another Country) but think that they are both excellent in this film. Richardson especially seem to fit the role perfectly. Whether she is anything like Ruth Ellis I'm, again, not sure but she does seem to bring the character to life and manage to combine both the confidence and vulnerability of the first woman hanged.
True or not the script by Shelagh Delaney, the direction of Mike Newall, as well as the acting (Ian Holme is also very well cast) make this a very fine film to watch and perhaps learn a little bit of British history from.
Mods and Rockers (1965)
Pointless
This is a quaint, but fairly meaningless, short. It is certainly not for anyone who wants to watch for insights into '60s, British youth culture; its fashions or it's tribal violence. That is unless you are after stylised ballet versions.
It is a sort of sixties exploitation movie highlighted by the fact that 'Music By The Beatles' seems to be given predominance in the poster and credits when, although strictly true, the music is an adapted version of Lennon & McCartney, Harrison songs. People who want to know more about 60s.
The film only lasts for 25 minutes and I watched to the end because I can usually find something in most films from the era that can be said to have appeal but I struggle with this. I suppose seeing a young Mick Fleetwood playing drums and a teenage Pete Bardens (Camel) on keyboards is a little but interesting but apart from that only the fact that it gives some insight into how most people, not involved, saw the culture clashes of the mid-sixties. A therefore sad little film.
A Very British Scandal (2021)
Pointless
The case of the headless man is certainly an interesting scandal especially for the news media and very much so at the time it happened. However, to make it into a three part series it needed more than this offered.
All three episodes where very well made with fine performances, costumes and and locations. Unfortunately, neither of the main characters were likeable so you could not get behind or feel sorry for either. Both the Duchess and the Duke were spoilt and moneyed liars and could have easily been made into comic caricatures.
All this meant that over three hours the narrative had to get behind this. It had to be revealing. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I already knew a little of the case and therefore would have liked to have some modern and new intimations about the main questions arising from the trial such as who might the headless man have been, were there other such photos or was this the only man she got before the camera and if so why him? Also, what did 'V' actually stand for.
With regards The Duke we never found out whether he did have an affair with his mother-in-law or anyone else.
Unlike the previous 'A Very British Scandal' about the Jeremy Thorpe / Norman Scott trial which did answer the majority of the questions this didn't and wasn't enough of a story to keep the interest for 3 hours.
The Conjuring 2 (2016)
A mixture of the frightening, the saccharine and the laughable
The first Conjuring film had genuine jump shocks are was often scary. Conjuring 2 is no different but is also a lot more unbelievable ludicrous especially the ending when the main male protagonist, with a child in his arms and hanging out of a window is easily, at the last moment, just before they both fall to their death is dragged back through the second floor window by his wife who only needs one hand.
Conjuring 2 also features a schmaltzy version of 'Can't Help Falling In Love' complete with Christmas tree backdrop and children as backing vocals.
Luckily, as mentioned, the film has it's fair share of scares and these are approached and executed well.
This latter might just have been enough to counteract the first criticisms if it wasn't for the fact that whoever decided that the film would feature a haunting in England didn't do their research. The family of the mother and five children live in a terraced house which featured from the outside looks a little too expensive for a woman on her own who can't even afford biscuits. Worse, the interior of the house looks nothing like a English terrace house of the 70s. It is too big, has too many rooms and just because the wallpaper is falling off the walls doesn't mean it belongs to a poor English family.
Then there's the factual bits. No female teenagers would still have Bay City Roller posters on their bedroom walls in '77. The Rollers were teenage rages in 74/75. As well as this The Goodies would not have been shown on weekday daytime telly and similarly a Margaret Thatcher dinner speech would not have been shown on daytime telly in that year. She didn't become PM until '79 so that would not even have been a news feature.
There is a lot wrong with Conjuring 2 yet it still has its moments and is worth a watch if you are prepared to suspend belief.
Spooks: The Kidnap (2007)
Does this series remind you of anything?
Third episode in and this series of Spooks is really starting to become like 'X-Files'. Ok there's not much talk of aliens although a UFO group are involved but all these conspiracies, government cover ups and space age technology are now well to the fore.
I've said before that I did like the story lines in the original two series when Zoe, Danny and Tom were involved and the plots and action were more real, almost character driven and personal but these are entertaining. There again I always did like X-Files for it's far fetched fantasy value.
Thriller: Death to Sister Mary (1974)
Worst Of Series Three so far
A rather pedestrian episode that never really went anywhere and, unfortunately, whereas some of the weaker films in the series were improved by fine performances there wasn't any stand out characters to gave the story a lift.
Not that Robert Powell was ineffective in the role as the delusional obsessive or that Jennie Linden didn't bring the small scale, small screen, star she played to life but both were wasted in roles that had little more depth than the descriptions I've just given them.
So, not one of the best and certainly the worst of season three so far and also the worst ending which features a cheap rickety set and a death scene from Powell that was somehow both over dramatic and boring.
Thriller: Sign It Death (1974)
Mundane Story. Interesting direction
Another enjoyable episode although a strange one whe you watch these Thrillers as a series. I'm not sure what the beginning was all about with a victim unable to get in and out of doors and then a foreign sounding lady being real totally tearful about the murders. Was it needed. Did it explain what followed?
After that the story that follows is quite mundane with no surprises but some very interesting direction and cinemaphotography. Fortunately, the acting keeps the attention as the plot meanders so watching as mentioned at the beginning is enjoyable especially for us oldies spotting people we remember in other British series of the 70s.
Beatriz at Dinner (2017)
Too Gentle to Be Meaningful
I think this tried to be for the main part a gentle comedy with a meaningful message. It was too gentle. It had no punch. It didn't hit. That is why two over dramatic endings were required with attendant aftermaths.
On the other hand it was neither particularly funny or meaningful and the occasional over sentimental scenes negated both of these factors. But, I think really why it didn't work for me despite fine performances from all involved was that the bad guy of the piece was painted too black. One really unnecessary scene involved the female protagonist searching through old newspaper on-line and seeing all the guys exploits. I think you could have had the John Lithgow character just been the normal uncaring businessman and this would have give the film a harder edge.
A quite nice watch but maybe it should have made us either squirm or be more angry rather than watch it nodding in agreement.
Spooks: Diana (2005)
For Queen And Country
An intriguing episode which as allows with Spooks wraps fiction around real events but in this case rather than a general event this was about a singular and specific happening: the death of princess Diana. In that respect it would at first appear quite outrageous but in fact the episode speculates on the cause of the crash and includes many conspiracy theory but comes to accept that it is most likely a pure and unfortunate accident.
The fact that the whole thing is inspired by an ex super Spook wanting to clear the name of her boyfriend (a body guard for Diana) by breaking into MI5 headquarters to get them to investigate and then in turn trying to blow up the queen was totally crazy but still interesting and good viewing as the cast play it straight and believably so.
There is a great performance by Lindsay Duncan as the ex Spook. It is a great character and Duncan acts it so well that it is a pity she hadn't appeared in the series previously in the role before she went rogue.
I could have done without another last second diffusing of another explosive device and the rooftop shooting in the final two minutes but another watchable episode.
Spooks: The Sting (2005)
Frightening
A top episode you'd like to think would have no basis in reality but you can sort of believe that these things could and do happen. Therefore this is a scary episode.
It is also one that starts in dramatic fashion and then keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat without resorting to big fight scenes, an excess of bodies, chases or explosions. Ok. The end has disaster prevented at the very last second plus a chase, near explosion and a body but done in the best possible way.
Good performances from the cast in mostly subtle and undemonstrative roles.
Thriller: One Deadly Owner (1974)
When Christine Met Herbie
This is a Thriller episode that divides those who watch it. Personally, I enjoyed it. If you ignore the main premise which is a cross between 'Christine' and 'Herbie' and watch for the whole especially it's script, direction and acting then it is a lot better than others - take for example S2 E4 with it's poor stage sets and script.
In her second 'Thriller' appearance Donna Mills adds glamour but also plays her part perfectly and without over acting a difficult role to make believable.
The episodes runs at a pace that builds up a tension and is always intriguing even if the ending is made over complicated.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
A Different Kind Of Tension
What can you say about them there Coen Brothers? Always different, always brilliant. I should, probably, admit that this does not quite climb the heights of a lot of their best projects but that is judging them by their own high standards and this is not too far off.
Being honest there are some bits of this that try to be a little too different. Some scenes are a bit too outré to work properly. Yet, you have to admire their failures. Even the Coen's missteps are engrossing entertainment. The beginning of 'The Ballad Of Busters Scruggs' plays out like it's going to be like a Monty Python musical and becomes a bit too affected in its attempt to be unique. It is excessive but still makes for a great opening that compels the viewer to watch further. You just have to sit back and admire The Coen's ambition, imagination and style.
With this film the brothers manage to mix humour, provocation and genuine pathos in the flow of six narratives that work together and alone and never conflict with the the impact of contrasting emotions generated with each story. In turn the film funny and provocative but also has scenes of real sadness.
Perhaps, not up there with Brother were art thou but still a marvellous film to be enjoyed on many levels.
Spooks: The Russian (2005)
Russia: Old v New
This was a relatively gentle story concerning a Russian Oligarch trying to buy the NHS and featuring a dialectic about the greater threat of old or new Russia. It is underscored by the mental health of an Adam grieving over Fiona.
All this is interesting but there's not much of a real story involved and therefore is less engrossing than previous episodes.
There's a few minor points concerning plausibility but the story flows and the characters especially George Baker as the now aged former communist spy.
Spooks: Syria (2005)
Dramatic with not unexpected tragedy
This is essentially a simple story that is complicated by convoluted Fiona's convoluted past shown in a back story. However, once again, despite reservations about the reality it makes for gripping viewing and has the kind of dramatic ending that Spooks has always been able to provide although on this occasion the death of a lead actor could have been guessed at due this series introduction of another female lead and the numerous times that Adam and Fiona's happy home life with their young son was shown. Either the son was going to get kidnapped or one of the parents was going to meet with tragedy.
Black Mirror: USS Callister (2017)
And now for something... different
So, in my opinion not the best 'Black Mirror' episode. Yet, still an enjoyable watch.
My problem, in comparison with other episodes, is that it wasn't hard hitting, thought provoking or frightening enough. Usually, 'Black mirror, takes us to the edge. It makes us think and, perhaps, worry. This was more like mainstream entertainment.
I admire the makers doing something a little untypical with the series as we have always come to expect the unexpected and innovation and being different are the reason we watch. But, without that cutting edge element I thought it wasn't as gripping as most other episodes.
Spooks: The Innocent (2005)
Not the best Season 4 episode
Not the best of this series but still decent thrills and spills to keep the interest. Ponderous in places by comparison with other titles in the season and the ending is a all end happily convoluted mix of inanity and sentimentality more suited to a American cop drama.
However, we do get a little look into the character of Zaf and the episode does ask a questions about those wrongly imprisoned, what it can do to them and also who answers for the mistake and its consequences.
Spooks: Road Trip (2005)
Spooks v Religious Extremists
Another well plotted Spooks suspense thriller. Again some of the narrative details don't stand up to close inspection (Adam as a Syrian refugee? Putting suspects together for interrogation?) but the the build up and the drama worked well and kept me as the viewer wondering what next. It kept me entertained, anyway.
Spooks: Divided They Fall (2005)
I Might Need to Re-Appraise My Opinion Of Series 4
This is a very good episode of the newly bigger budget Spooks. It has real characters - Ruth Evershed is beginning to become more rounded personality in this series - an the story line is believable even if the more detailed aspects of the plot aren't.
Quite hard hitting and thankfully without all the big bangs, chases and blood letting that the first two episodes had (which worked in fact worked as a one off two parter would become gratuitous if carried on through the series). Instead it was Spooks trying to divide and conquer with all the complications that come with that.
Watched three episodes of Series 4 so far and it is better than series 3 but and although enjoyable not up to Series 2 standards for believability of plot and character as yet.
Spooks: The Special: Part 2 (2005)
The Special - Parts 1 + 2
Undoubtedly, 'Spooks' was at its best for the first two series. Not only was there a freshness to the narratives detailing the process of foiling subversion but, each week, brought into focus the character and personal lives of the people battling against the nations enemies.
In this way we came to know the strengths and weaknesses, and understand the foibles of Tom (Matthew MacFadyen), Zoe (Keeley Hawes), Tessa (Jenny Agutter) and Danny (David Oyelowo). All these were real believable people with there own problems. They were also all superbly played by actors who have gone on to be bigger names than they were at the time.
However, one by one they departed until by series 4 all the above had left and with them it seemed went most of the intimacy we felt for individual Spooks. There was an attempt to bring in a husband and wife team which worked ok but wasn't the essential viewing that the relationship between Danny and Zoe had provided.
By this series it seemed that the producers had decided to sacrifice the character detail for a more all action, thrills and spills, style show that appealed to the new international buyers of the episodes. Not a good move in that what had made 'Spooks' different from the rest was it's views into the everyday lives of the operatives.
However, this two part, two hour, opening to the fourth season I have to admit was was exciting, gripping and obviously big budget. It was, in fact, probably. Better than the majority of the episodes in Series 3. If you do like your drama to be nail biting and filled with edge of the seat action then this is for you.
'The Special' It is as good as many of the big movie American films of the same genre. Unfortunately, it also had the same propensity to be a bit slapdash in its plausibility and a big hackneyed in it's telling.
Wow! It wasn't one of The British Spooks who was the traitor it was the American none of us liked anyway. Blimey! There's a bomb set to go off and it get stopped with a password with just 2 seconds to go! Wham! The sozzled, opinionated, old, academic is left to wrangle that password from the bomber! He does so just in time but why are the specially trained agents in Britian and America leaving it to a man like that.
To be honest, in the first two series, I think the makers would have at least left Tash (Martine McCutcheon) to be blown up. A much sadder ending that may of alienated many of 'Spooks' new audience but in reality it was what most likely would have happened.
Most of the edge of the seats viewers will have thought all this fantastic and again I will have to admit that I was gripped by the action that thankfully had a great script and the basis of a meaningful story. It was just that compared to early 'Spooks' it seemed a little bit empty.