FrangipaniMozzie
Lifetime Total
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IMDb Member
14 years
Reviews
Cry-Baby (1990)
Good cult classic which falls short of its goal
'Cry-Baby' is good film, up there with 'Grease', 'American Graffiti' and other films which depict teenage high-school life, cliques and the pop culture, fashions and music of the 1950s. 'Cry-Baby' is a good attempt to parody the romance of good girls and greasers as seen in 'Grease' and films with a similar focus.
However, I do use the word 'attempt' strongly here. The film suffers from a lack of well developed satirical jokes and parody of 50s high school movies and if more time and thought had been put into it, it could have so much better. The other main failing of the film in my opinion is that the plot is too awkward and rushed: I don't think Alison's grandmother could have let her hang out with greasers so easily and the sequence of the prison sentences and the conclusion goes way to quickly to make the film satisfying. The characters are also somewhat one dimensional and more scenes to let us get acquainted with them and show the tensions i.e. Alison and her grandmother and Alison and her square singer boyfriend would have made the film so much more enjoyable and believable. If more scenes had been filmed to cover these elements and the final release was about 2 hours, the whole movie would have been so much better.
However, aside from that, I do re-watch this frequently and it is still very entertaining.
However, I do use the word 'attempt' strongly here. The film suffers from a lack of well developed satirical jokes and parody of 50s high school movies and if more time and thought had been put into it, it could have so much better. The other main failing of the film in my opinion is that the plot is too awkward and rushed: I don't think Alison's grandmother could have let her hang out with greasers so easily and the sequence of the prison sentences and the conclusion goes way to quickly to make the film satisfying. The characters are also somewhat one dimensional and more scenes to let us get acquainted with them and show the tensions i.e. Alison and her grandmother and Alison and her square singer boyfriend would have made the film so much more enjoyable and believable. If more scenes had been filmed to cover these elements and the final release was about 2 hours, the whole movie would have been so much better.
However, aside from that, I do re-watch this frequently and it is still very entertaining.
The War Bride (2001)
Acceptable fluffy historical drama
I watched this just to pass a spare evening when I was ill. It's not tremendously well-made, for I agree with other reviews in that it uses formulaic plots and is often a poor representation of World War 2 and 1940's life.
I also found the characters and plot lines were poorly conceived and hard to relate to, not to mention the hideous amount of soapy melodrama of nasty characters bashing another; hardly profound story-telling.
However, I'm not completely bashing this as nonsense that isn't worth anyone's time, for it is an entertaining and interesting drama story to watch, just don't expect a masterpiece. It's a typical BBC costume drama for Sunday evenings.
I also found the characters and plot lines were poorly conceived and hard to relate to, not to mention the hideous amount of soapy melodrama of nasty characters bashing another; hardly profound story-telling.
However, I'm not completely bashing this as nonsense that isn't worth anyone's time, for it is an entertaining and interesting drama story to watch, just don't expect a masterpiece. It's a typical BBC costume drama for Sunday evenings.
Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)
My most beloved Ealing film, it's dated but in a good way
As I've said on all my Ealing movie reviews, I watched these cause the plots looked interesting but I'm still unsure on how to judge the movies. I'm not one to dismiss them as 'old' and therefore 'boring'; at the same time I don't just jump on the bandwagon saying they're classics just because they've got that reputation and a lot of people without even judging for themselves assume they're great.
To quote to further my point - "A Classic is something that everybody wants to have read but nobody wants to read. A classic is also something that everyone praises but no one has read." -Mark Twain So, watching this with an open mind, I really enjoyed it. Yes you have to realise it's not a modern movie so the kind of themes and scenes presented are different from the packaged elements of modern Hollywood, but that makes postwar British cinema very refreshing viewing. I think the use of the term 'comedy' is misleading because it most likely refers to it in the classic literary sense from Shakespeare and Greek theatre (probably in the early 20th century people were a bit better read than today so these terms would still have meaning to them) which refers to a story with happy ending and farcial plot and wit rather than obvious jokes like in the modern sense but even these movies have some funny scenes. Also the humour and premise is black comedy and subtle so look for something modern if you need laugh-out-loud movies.
'Kind Hearts and Coronets' When I first came across this the plot looked so unique I knew I just had to see it at least once, although I've rewatched it many times since. I do find Guinness's 8 roles are over-hyped because most of them have few lines and the distinctions between a few of them are non-existent though it's still a novelty and a brave act to pull off in a movie. For me, Mazzini's 'bad guy' characterisation is the most appealing element of the movie, with a characterisation that makes even a criminal charming and someone to empathise with a little (and for me some visual appeal). The unique premises of who we see him murder next and the wit and black humour makes it a treasure of a film that I'm glad was made and is still available and enjoyed.
One of my most beloved films for definite. Definitely worth one watch just to see something different.
To quote to further my point - "A Classic is something that everybody wants to have read but nobody wants to read. A classic is also something that everyone praises but no one has read." -Mark Twain So, watching this with an open mind, I really enjoyed it. Yes you have to realise it's not a modern movie so the kind of themes and scenes presented are different from the packaged elements of modern Hollywood, but that makes postwar British cinema very refreshing viewing. I think the use of the term 'comedy' is misleading because it most likely refers to it in the classic literary sense from Shakespeare and Greek theatre (probably in the early 20th century people were a bit better read than today so these terms would still have meaning to them) which refers to a story with happy ending and farcial plot and wit rather than obvious jokes like in the modern sense but even these movies have some funny scenes. Also the humour and premise is black comedy and subtle so look for something modern if you need laugh-out-loud movies.
'Kind Hearts and Coronets' When I first came across this the plot looked so unique I knew I just had to see it at least once, although I've rewatched it many times since. I do find Guinness's 8 roles are over-hyped because most of them have few lines and the distinctions between a few of them are non-existent though it's still a novelty and a brave act to pull off in a movie. For me, Mazzini's 'bad guy' characterisation is the most appealing element of the movie, with a characterisation that makes even a criminal charming and someone to empathise with a little (and for me some visual appeal). The unique premises of who we see him murder next and the wit and black humour makes it a treasure of a film that I'm glad was made and is still available and enjoyed.
One of my most beloved films for definite. Definitely worth one watch just to see something different.
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Fun with some imperfections, though forgivable
As I've said on all my Ealing movie reviews, I watched these cause the plots looked interesting but I'm still unsure on how to judge the movies. I'm not one to dismiss them as 'old' and therefore 'boring'; at the same time I don't just jump on the bandwagon saying they're classics just because they've got that reputation and a lot of people without even judging for themselves assume they're great.
To quote to further my point - "A Classic is something that everybody wants to have read but nobody wants to read. A classic is also something that everyone praises but no one has read." -Mark Twain
So, watching this with an open mind, I really enjoyed it. Yes you have to realise it's not a modern movie so the kind of themes and scenes presented are different from the packaged elements of modern Hollywood, but that makes postwar British cinema very refreshing viewing. I think the use of the term 'comedy' is misleading because it most likely refers to it in the classic literary sense from Shakespeare and Greek theatre (probably in the early 20th century people were a bit better read than today so these terms would still have meaning to them) which refers to a story with happy ending and farcial plot and wit rather than obvious jokes like in the modern sense but even these movies have some funny scenes. Also the humour and premise is black comedy and subtle so look for something modern if you need laugh-out-loud movies.
'The Lavender Hill Mob' The plot and character development aside from Holland and Pendelbury is somewhat shaky in this although it does not stop us from enjoying the movie. The premise of some struggling working people madly deciding to form a 'mob' and the crazy problem of the Eiffle Tower models and the vertigo scene definitely make it a fun comedy and it's a movie I watch a lot when I need some light humorous distraction.
A fun and charming early 50s piece.
To quote to further my point - "A Classic is something that everybody wants to have read but nobody wants to read. A classic is also something that everyone praises but no one has read." -Mark Twain
So, watching this with an open mind, I really enjoyed it. Yes you have to realise it's not a modern movie so the kind of themes and scenes presented are different from the packaged elements of modern Hollywood, but that makes postwar British cinema very refreshing viewing. I think the use of the term 'comedy' is misleading because it most likely refers to it in the classic literary sense from Shakespeare and Greek theatre (probably in the early 20th century people were a bit better read than today so these terms would still have meaning to them) which refers to a story with happy ending and farcial plot and wit rather than obvious jokes like in the modern sense but even these movies have some funny scenes. Also the humour and premise is black comedy and subtle so look for something modern if you need laugh-out-loud movies.
'The Lavender Hill Mob' The plot and character development aside from Holland and Pendelbury is somewhat shaky in this although it does not stop us from enjoying the movie. The premise of some struggling working people madly deciding to form a 'mob' and the crazy problem of the Eiffle Tower models and the vertigo scene definitely make it a fun comedy and it's a movie I watch a lot when I need some light humorous distraction.
A fun and charming early 50s piece.
The Man in the White Suit (1951)
Adorable, forgotten gem
As I've said on all my Ealing movie reviews, I watched these cause the plots looked interesting but I'm still unsure on how to judge the movies. I'm not one to dismiss them as 'old' and therefore 'boring'; at the same time I don't just jump on the bandwagon saying they're classics just because they've got that reputation and a lot of people without even judging for themselves assume they're great.
To quote to further my point - "A Classic is something that everybody wants to have read but nobody wants to read. A classic is also something that everyone praises but no one has read." -Mark Twain So, watching this with an open mind, I really enjoyed it. Yes you have to realise it's not a modern movie so the kind of themes and scenes presented are different from the packaged elements of modern Hollywood, but that makes postwar British cinema very refreshing viewing. I think the use of the term 'comedy' is misleading because it most likely refers to it in the classic literary sense from Shakespeare and Greek theatre (probably in the early 20th century people were a bit better read than today so these terms would still have meaning to them) which refers to a story with happy ending and farcial plot and wit rather than obvious jokes like in the modern sense but even these movies have some funny scenes. Also the humour and premise is black comedy and subtle so look for something modern if you need laugh-out-loud movies.
The Man in the White Suit: This is probably my favourite along with 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'; it's another geeky scientist (read autistic) character films for a real life geeky scientist to get that feel good response from seeing someone like myself portrayed in a sympathetic light and the little foibles of the condition are good to relate to and laugh at in a good natured way. The leading character is just so adorable. The theme has more substance than your average modern day box office comedy which works in favour to get people to see older movies like this. The film making quality is average but the film has more depth than a lot of other entertainment films to redeem that.
A random watching that has become one of my all time favourites.
To quote to further my point - "A Classic is something that everybody wants to have read but nobody wants to read. A classic is also something that everyone praises but no one has read." -Mark Twain So, watching this with an open mind, I really enjoyed it. Yes you have to realise it's not a modern movie so the kind of themes and scenes presented are different from the packaged elements of modern Hollywood, but that makes postwar British cinema very refreshing viewing. I think the use of the term 'comedy' is misleading because it most likely refers to it in the classic literary sense from Shakespeare and Greek theatre (probably in the early 20th century people were a bit better read than today so these terms would still have meaning to them) which refers to a story with happy ending and farcial plot and wit rather than obvious jokes like in the modern sense but even these movies have some funny scenes. Also the humour and premise is black comedy and subtle so look for something modern if you need laugh-out-loud movies.
The Man in the White Suit: This is probably my favourite along with 'Kind Hearts and Coronets'; it's another geeky scientist (read autistic) character films for a real life geeky scientist to get that feel good response from seeing someone like myself portrayed in a sympathetic light and the little foibles of the condition are good to relate to and laugh at in a good natured way. The leading character is just so adorable. The theme has more substance than your average modern day box office comedy which works in favour to get people to see older movies like this. The film making quality is average but the film has more depth than a lot of other entertainment films to redeem that.
A random watching that has become one of my all time favourites.
Kinsey (2004)
One of my favourite science themed movies/biopics
As someone on the autistic spectrum interested in how it motivates study and interest in topics, after reading speculations that Kinsey might have been on the spectrum, I wanted to check this movie out.
I was not disappointed: it's a fine portrayal of a great scientist's life work; Neeson and Linney act the role of the couple and the ups and downs of their lifes' relationship and sharing in the research in an extremely empathy-raising way. Like 'A Beautiful Mind', 'The Social Network' and 'The Man in the White Suit' it's one of those movies that unconsciously celebrates the nature of the AS personality and for me, these are great feel-good movies. I find it's the human story of Kinsey and Mac that's the movie's strong point because the film making as other reviewers before said, is fairly pedestrian.
A well watched DVD in my collection and a good film for anyone interested in science and the nature of research. However this is not a topic for everyone.
I was not disappointed: it's a fine portrayal of a great scientist's life work; Neeson and Linney act the role of the couple and the ups and downs of their lifes' relationship and sharing in the research in an extremely empathy-raising way. Like 'A Beautiful Mind', 'The Social Network' and 'The Man in the White Suit' it's one of those movies that unconsciously celebrates the nature of the AS personality and for me, these are great feel-good movies. I find it's the human story of Kinsey and Mac that's the movie's strong point because the film making as other reviewers before said, is fairly pedestrian.
A well watched DVD in my collection and a good film for anyone interested in science and the nature of research. However this is not a topic for everyone.
Ai no korîda (1976)
Fine exploration of sexual jealousy with good erotica and crime elements
Doing modules on Japanese culture at university I watched this tonight assuming it was an art-house film; it isn't. The film making is most likely standard by Japanese terms i.e. more explicit violence and erotica than most Western films, but no particularly 'arty' film techniques.
Nevertheless, it's a good thought provoking look at the issue of sexual jealousy with good characters and plot. Obviously it's not for the faint hearted due to the use of an unusual style of murder and endless sex (which includes the fetish for urine and erotic strangulation which can be a shock to see if you're not turned on by those kinds of things) although despite the shock these may cause to some people, they are necessary devices to convey the plot and theme.
As other reviews have noted, the 70s pushed the boundaries of sex and violence in film globally and there is an ambiguity for film reviewers and scholars on whether films like these are just part of the grindhouse phenomenon or actually artistic. In all honesty the amount of crime and sex in this would make it a suitable film for the purpose of crime film viewing or pornography. However it is subtily directed and made to make it look less cheap than some grindhouse movies.
I'd recommended it as a starting film (as it was for me) for anyone interested in Japanese cinema.
Nevertheless, it's a good thought provoking look at the issue of sexual jealousy with good characters and plot. Obviously it's not for the faint hearted due to the use of an unusual style of murder and endless sex (which includes the fetish for urine and erotic strangulation which can be a shock to see if you're not turned on by those kinds of things) although despite the shock these may cause to some people, they are necessary devices to convey the plot and theme.
As other reviews have noted, the 70s pushed the boundaries of sex and violence in film globally and there is an ambiguity for film reviewers and scholars on whether films like these are just part of the grindhouse phenomenon or actually artistic. In all honesty the amount of crime and sex in this would make it a suitable film for the purpose of crime film viewing or pornography. However it is subtily directed and made to make it look less cheap than some grindhouse movies.
I'd recommended it as a starting film (as it was for me) for anyone interested in Japanese cinema.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Pretty places, anti-climax story and too close to home for me
As someone who's had phases of depression from anxiety issues about myself being on the autistic spectrum and also from phases of bipolar, I heard about Gilbert's travel book when it first came out and thought the idea of trying to cure anxiety and depression through seeing new places and re-appreciating life and such was worth it, although I've found a lot of healing has to come from within not from fancy travels to new places that make you 'spiritual' and such.
When I saw the movie, I found the fictionalised Liz someone very difficult to empathise with and I did feel a lot of her problems and bemoaning were selfish. Also the attempt to travel requires a lot of money and most of us suffering in the world, hardly have the cash just to take a trip to supposedly heal the problem.
If you want to hear of experiences about getting rid of self-loathing and finding oneself read 'Getting a Grip' by Monica Seles, a far more inspiring and helpful text based on real life and serious struggles; if you want to watch a travel movie then this is fine enough to watch. I'm doing Southeast Asia studies at university at the moment so Bali was the main thing I wanted to see in this film. An otherwise brilliant actress, Julia Roberts, fails to act out the ideas of rediscovering oneself convincingly.
It was good evening at the cinema seeing it but I think as regards getting it on DVD now, it's one to rent not to buy, unless you get it really cheaply. I guess it's just a chick flick and meant to be a light movie so maybe my review is tearing it apart because I expected something more serious.
When I saw the movie, I found the fictionalised Liz someone very difficult to empathise with and I did feel a lot of her problems and bemoaning were selfish. Also the attempt to travel requires a lot of money and most of us suffering in the world, hardly have the cash just to take a trip to supposedly heal the problem.
If you want to hear of experiences about getting rid of self-loathing and finding oneself read 'Getting a Grip' by Monica Seles, a far more inspiring and helpful text based on real life and serious struggles; if you want to watch a travel movie then this is fine enough to watch. I'm doing Southeast Asia studies at university at the moment so Bali was the main thing I wanted to see in this film. An otherwise brilliant actress, Julia Roberts, fails to act out the ideas of rediscovering oneself convincingly.
It was good evening at the cinema seeing it but I think as regards getting it on DVD now, it's one to rent not to buy, unless you get it really cheaply. I guess it's just a chick flick and meant to be a light movie so maybe my review is tearing it apart because I expected something more serious.
Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Good feminist tale, not necessarily my favourite movie though
I don't get all the negative reviews this has attracted. Yes, I would agree the characters are not tremendously developed and could be seen as two-dimensional vehicles for the feminist messages about traditional versus liberating women. I do think the goal of equal opportunities for women is important therefore the movie does have a noble message.
I only watched this to fill time when I was bored one evening but I was more entertained than I thought I'd be. It was enjoyable watching though it's not tremendous film making but it doesn't have that many damning elements either. I just feel it's not going to go down as one of my all time favourites. Probably the movie I'd buy on DVD if I was desperate for a shelf filler that at least had some substance and very occasional re-watch value as opposed to collecting B movies for a laugh.
I only watched this to fill time when I was bored one evening but I was more entertained than I thought I'd be. It was enjoyable watching though it's not tremendous film making but it doesn't have that many damning elements either. I just feel it's not going to go down as one of my all time favourites. Probably the movie I'd buy on DVD if I was desperate for a shelf filler that at least had some substance and very occasional re-watch value as opposed to collecting B movies for a laugh.
The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
Cinematic, not historical magnificence
As someone studying Japanese atrocities in military history as part of my university course, I watched this movie recently; partially to feed my current fixation on Alec Guinness and also to have something to tie in with topics studied. Also I am planning to see the Burma-Thailand Railway for my next holiday.
Cinematically features such as Guinness's role and themes and technique are high quality but I feel the lack of realistic portrayal of the suffering of the British and Allied soldiers is a neglect of an important part of history that needs to be remembered and I've also heard that some veterans of these horrors did feel the movie is quality film making and as entertainment but the lack of exposure of suffering is somewhat insulting to those who went through some pretty unimaginable things.
At least for me the film did spark me to learn more about the atrocities so it's not a total let down. Just don't expect historical recounts and expose of suffering in this film, cause it doesn't provide enough.
Cinematically features such as Guinness's role and themes and technique are high quality but I feel the lack of realistic portrayal of the suffering of the British and Allied soldiers is a neglect of an important part of history that needs to be remembered and I've also heard that some veterans of these horrors did feel the movie is quality film making and as entertainment but the lack of exposure of suffering is somewhat insulting to those who went through some pretty unimaginable things.
At least for me the film did spark me to learn more about the atrocities so it's not a total let down. Just don't expect historical recounts and expose of suffering in this film, cause it doesn't provide enough.
Top Gun (1986)
Anti-climax (for me at least)
I think I wasted mental effort imagining what 'Top Gun' would be like in terms of its supposed brilliance. However watching it when I finally got the DVD off here today was an unfortunate anti-climax.
The flight scenes were the best bit and the romance and soundtrack were OK, but the plot and characterisation didn't cut it as well as I hoped it would. It seems so weak and badly written in that respect, as I watch it, unable to really grasp the lead of the film as I do with a good one.
Perhaps it just has to be seen as a light movie that satisfies different interests and tastes rather than anything too deep and in that respect it has aged well as a classic action/love/war thriller. But like the grindhouse movies of the 70s which just sold what they knew the viewers wanted to see, there are limits to the artistry of the film.
The flight scenes were the best bit and the romance and soundtrack were OK, but the plot and characterisation didn't cut it as well as I hoped it would. It seems so weak and badly written in that respect, as I watch it, unable to really grasp the lead of the film as I do with a good one.
Perhaps it just has to be seen as a light movie that satisfies different interests and tastes rather than anything too deep and in that respect it has aged well as a classic action/love/war thriller. But like the grindhouse movies of the 70s which just sold what they knew the viewers wanted to see, there are limits to the artistry of the film.
The Social Network (2010)
Inspirational story but imperfectly packaged.
On seeing the trailer initially I thought 'who the hell thought about making a movie about Facebook'. Yet after discussing it with friends, I thought it was worth a try and seeing another trailer made me warm to the idea of going.
As someone with Asperger's as Zuckerberg is portrayed (without a name for the personality traits) in the movie, it is an inspiration tale of an Aspie doing something with their talents and also it's great to see him being so AS and yet not caring too much (college has brought me a lot of anxiety on that one, so it was therapeutic to see someone with more confidence in a movie). Aside for the therapeutic, happy tone of the movie for me, I find the film making does leave a bit to be desired. The long legal scenes are extremely tedious however I guess there wasn't any way to make the movie without emphasising that aspect of setting up Facebook. Thankfully the vignette technique made it more bearable and the dialogue in the college scenes made the characters really endearing and it was good to watch.
Overall, if you're interested in tales of creativity and can put up with some tedious elements of the film then it's worthy cinema night choice, for someone who is interested in these kinds of stories. I don't know if it'll go down as a classic or not; for me it's brilliant, but only in some elements of it.
As someone with Asperger's as Zuckerberg is portrayed (without a name for the personality traits) in the movie, it is an inspiration tale of an Aspie doing something with their talents and also it's great to see him being so AS and yet not caring too much (college has brought me a lot of anxiety on that one, so it was therapeutic to see someone with more confidence in a movie). Aside for the therapeutic, happy tone of the movie for me, I find the film making does leave a bit to be desired. The long legal scenes are extremely tedious however I guess there wasn't any way to make the movie without emphasising that aspect of setting up Facebook. Thankfully the vignette technique made it more bearable and the dialogue in the college scenes made the characters really endearing and it was good to watch.
Overall, if you're interested in tales of creativity and can put up with some tedious elements of the film then it's worthy cinema night choice, for someone who is interested in these kinds of stories. I don't know if it'll go down as a classic or not; for me it's brilliant, but only in some elements of it.