Owen L. Reviews

The King and I (1999)

What an appalling cartoon

[24 March 2000]

Unfortunately this movie only serves to reinforce the negative stereotypes and simplistic views that exist in relation to the reign of King Mongkut and this cartoon must rank as one of the worst films I have ever seen.

The musical "The King And I" is historically misleading and can be perceived by some as culturally negative but at least it gave King Mongkut some admirable qualities and was of an extremely high quality. The Yul Brunner version of this story was at least entertaining and well-performed. Which is more than I can say for this cartoon.

This cartoon seems to depict King Mongkut as an uneducated savage who needs to be trained to behave "normally". Its somewhat amazing that the Thais seemingly don't know how to behave in the cartoon until the English come along. All the good things that King Mongkut achieved for his country and the fact that he actually was a human being seems to be missing from this movie.

And of course Anne Leonowens is perfect in every way and brings just what these "savages" need to be educated in this film.

Plus we now have a bad guy who has magical powers with his rather stereotypical and rather offensive portrayal and a whole lot of assorted animals that can talk and so on. I presume the animals were added to distract from what seems otherwise to be a rather poorly done story.

Ugh...! Stay away from this one

A Child's Cry for Help (1994 TV Movie)

A Chilling And Disturbing Portrayal of A Very Serious Issue

[23 March 2000]

"A Child's Cry For Help" is an extremely chilling and disturbing portrayal of an extremely serious but little known problem that exists within society and can have tragic consequences. Viewers will and should be frightened by what they see in this movie but yet it is important that we recognize that this medical problem exists.

Veronica Hamel has never disappointed as an actress and she does not do so in her role as the caring and concerned Dr. Paula Spencer. Pam Dawber also is outstanding in her portrayal of an apparently doting single mother who has a secret to hide. Together they make this movie of an excellent quality and ensure that is highly recommended viewing

I would urge you to watch this movie-it is one of the best movies I have seen on the subject discussed

Ally McBeal (1997–2002)

Interesting concept and the first series was excellent (Spoilers)

[13 March 2000]

When "Ally McBeal" first aired in Australia, I was originally a dedicated viewer. I thought (and continue to hold the opinion) that the first series of "Ally McBeal" was excellent and I enjoyed most of the episodes immensely. I liked the new concepts and ideas that "Ally McBeal" represented and found most of the court cases that the firm took on fascinating (if greatly exaggerated). There were also many aspects of the show that I liked-the relationship between Georgia and Ally, the interesting characters of John Cage and Richard Fish, the weird but somewhat attractive Elaine, the relationship between Renee and Ally and the character of "Whipper"-and I was extremely glad to see the show tackle controversial social and political issues. In retrospect, I think I liked "Ally" because it was a breath of fresh air and represented something new.

I watched the beginning of the second series, however, and became increasingly disillusioned with the series. The show seemed to be trying too hard to be eccentric and it had results that weren't only boring but bordered on the ridiculous (and not in a good way). And I thought that they shouldn't have ruined the working environment that had existed in the first series-the series worked a lot better when Billy and Ally were close friends rather than potential lovers-and I couldn't help feeling that the explosive rivalry between Georgia and Ally was a mistake.

I only watched the first episode of the third series but I was disappointed. The series is becoming so predictable and the eccentric nature of the show is becoming absurd

I cannot fault the acting of the actors and actresses, throughout, however. Portia De Rossi and Calista Flockhart are especially outstanding as are Dyan Cannon, Gil Bellows, Peter MacNicol, Lisa Nicole Carson and the rest of them.

And David E. Kelley has once again shown what a brilliant producer/director he is. It takes someone truly remarkable to keep thinking up interesting concepts such as this one...

A Mother's Prayer (1995 TV Movie)

A Touching, Sincere, Heartfelt, In-Depth and Emotional Film

[13 March 2000]

"A Mother's Prayer" is the touching story of single mother Rosemary Holmstrom who has just been diagnosed with AIDS and is seeking to find suitable parents for her son TJ before she dies. The movie is extremely in-depth and examines her courageous determination to find a loving and caring home for her son and also examines the mother-son relationship as she struggles with AIDS and he has to adjust to the fact that he will have to live with new foster parents and lose his mother forever.

The movie is an extremely sad and moving story and it had me almost reduced to tears by the time it had ended. But it accurately and poignantly conveyed the feelings and emotions expressed by both mother and son as they undergo this traumatic ideal. And it does have a great amount of humour in it as well. It also examines a lot of issues-single parenthood, AIDs, foster parents-in an accurate but extremely sensitive way.

I liked everything about this movie. Linda Hamilton does an excellent job of portraying Rosemary Holmstrom and therefore continues her high standard of acting. Noah Fleiss ranks alongside Hayley Osment in his maturity and ability to act at such a young age and convey so much emotion. All the other actors and actresses-RuPaul and Kate Nelligan to name a few-also do an outstanding job and help to give the movie a strong sense of credibility.

A wonderfully done, touching, inspiring and ultimately excellent film. I would recommend this film to anyone and it must rank as one of my favourite films.

Rank: 10/10

The Sixth Sense (1999)

"Magnificent and touching film" (Possible Spoilers)

[9 March 2000]

The advertisements and movie reviews warned that this movie is extremely frightening-but in reality I think this element may have been overexaggerated. There are tense and possibly frightening scenes in the film but within the greater context of the film they were much less frightening than I anticipated.

I know that there is a lot of cynicism about Bruce Willis for some reason but he gives an outstanding and touching performance in this film. His portrayal of Dr. Malcolm Crowe is wonderful and convincing. He manages to give his character a great deal of depth and sincerity and his performance as a psychiatrist was beyond reproach.

Hayley Osment was, of course, the real star of the film and his performance is nothing short of remarkable. Cole Sear is such a convincing character and the way that Osment conveys Cole's fear, intelligence and sincerity is magnificant. Osment is a fine actor and one of the best child actors that I have ever seen.

Toni Collette was outstanding as Lynne Sear. Collette brings a lot of depth to a character who needs so much of a personality. The charisma, determination, and firm love that Lynn Sear displays could not have been accurately conveyed without the magnificent acting by Collete.

All the acting seemed convincing...right down to the teacher and the mother of that young girl who died. And the writer of the script and who was also responsible for most of the management of the movie deserves an Oscar

Stepmom (1998)

A Wonderful Movie...Much Better Than I Expected

[9 March 2000]

I was extremely cynical when I heard about "Stepmom" and extremely reluctant to go and see it. Upon seeing this excellent movie I was forced to reconsider my previous opinions and express my gratitude to everyone in the production for making this one of the best movies I have seen.

I particularly liked the character of Jackie Harrison (played excellently by Susan Sarandon). Susan Sarandon has displayed her outstanding talent in many previous movies but this would have to rank as one of her best portrayals of a character. Sarandon effectively portrays Harrison as a single mother who is devoted to her two children while seething with resentment towards her husband's new lover. Sarandon makes the character of Jackie Harrison an extremely attractive one and I couldn't help wishing she was real.

Julia Roberts is also outstanding as Isabel (Luke Harrison's new lover) and Ed Harris does a wonderful job depicting Luke. The combination of the three actors/actresses provides for an excellent movie. Also Luke and Jackie's son Ben helps liven up the movie brillianrly-I spot an up and coming actor.

The movie and the twist in the movie is brilliant but I warn those who are attracted to the description of this movie as a comedy to be prepared for much much more...

The Cosby Show (1984–1992)

One of the most wonderful sitcoms....

[9 March 2000]

"The Cosby Show" certainly does produce many wonderful memories for many of us and I include myself in this category. I have wonderful memories of watching "The Cosby Show" throughout my childhood and thoroughly enjoying each episode that came along.

"The Cosby Show" was one of the most successful family-oriented shows I know of. You almost felt like one of their family as you watched them go through all their experiences and watched the children mature into adults. I'm sure that a lot of families could relate to the experiences that Bill and Claire went through with both their children and with themselves.

I must confess to missing "The Cosby Show" immensely. It was a big part of my childhood and growing up

A Royal Scandal (1997 TV Movie)

Intriguing and enthralling TV movie based on actual events

[20 January 2000]

"A Royal Scandal" is an interesting TV movie that recreates the 19th century marriage and subsequent marital problems of King George and his wife Princess Caroline of Brunswick. The whole saga has many interesting similarities to that of the Charles/Diana affair but is significant in the fact that it occurred in the 19th century when traditional values and the notion of the "sanctity of marriage" prevailed.

Ian Richardson is an excellent narrator with the right tone of voice to narrate such a tale. Richard E. Grant gives an outstanding performance in his role as King George and Susan Lynch also gives us an outstanding and convincing performance as Princess Caroline of Brunswick. In fact all the actors and actresses in this TV movie are outstanding and their convincing performances are to be commended.

I found "A Royal Scandal" intriguing and enthralling and historically accurate. It draws upon personal correspondence and diaries that were kept at the time to help make the story complete. I would certainly label this as recommended viewing for anyone interested in watching a production that draws upon both real history and good cast members

Mother and Son (1984–1994)

Excellent, Excellent Show

[26 November 1999]

This show has got to be one of the best Australian comedies that has ever been made. Ruth Cracknell gives an outstanding performance as Maggie Beare, an elderly woman who is slowly declining but is still extremely feisty, strong-minded and manipulative. Gary McDonald also contributes some excellent acting as Arthur Beare, the son who does so much for his mother but never gets appreciated for his efforts. Henri Szeps puts in a convincing and excellent performance as Robert Beare, an occassionally well-meaning but extremely self-centered dentist who is "mummy's little boy". Judy Morris also shines as Liz Beare and her sarcasm and cynical outlook on both her husband and her mother-in-law enhances the show greatly. This is a series not to be missed

House of Cards (1990)

A Series of Political Intrigue With Great Acting

[5 October 1999]

"The House of Cards", based on a novel by Michael Dobbs, is a television series that is based upon one character's use, abuse and manipulation of the political system to achieve his own political goals.

Ian Richardson's performance as the malevolent Francis Urquaht is outstanding and the standards of acting in this series are upheld by Susannah Harker and Diane Fletcher.

This series of political intrigue and deception is an excellent one and I wouldn't recommend missing an episode.

Yes, Prime Minister (1986–1987)

A Great Political Series

[5 October 1999]

"Yes Prime Minister" probably has to be one of the greatest political comedies available. The sequel to the acclaimed television series "Yes Minister", it again examines the nature of the British political establishment in an extremely hilarious way.

The late and great Paul Eddington does a wonderful job in portraying Prime Minister Jim Hacker, a politician who is still left with some desire for change and reform in him. Nigel Hawthorne also does a remarkable job in playing Sir Humphrey Appleby the rather reactionary stereotype of the traditional British establishment. Bernard Wolley (Derek Fowlds) is caught somewhat between the wishes and desires of these two men and often faces a dilemma as a result. Deborah Norton (who plays Dorothy Wainwright) and Diane Hoddinott who plays Annie Hacker add some more great acting to the show.

The series deals with a whole range of political issues such as foreign affairs, defence, health, education and the political system itself.

A great series and a comedy that is both thought-provoking and intelligent.