Honkon Reviews

Too Beautiful for You (1989)

Bravo Blier

[10/10 · 7 April 2004]

Very few directors are prepared to take the sort of liberties Blier does, both in terms of subject matter and the manner of telling the story. "Trop Belle Pour Toi" is perhaps his most accessible film, telling the story of a successful man with a beautiful wife who unaccountably falls in love with his dumpy secretary. Depardieu is wonderful in this, utterly bewildered by his predicament, and the noted comedienne Balasko is radiant as a woman in love.

The style is almost cubist, the celebrated "beginning middle and end but not necessarily in that order", and alternative storylines are proposed and discarded at whim, to the evident confusion of some viewers. Blier has often gone all out to shock but that's less evident here, however his audacious humour remains intact. Not one for the viewer who likes to sit back and be told a straight story but for the rest of us, a joy from start to finish.

The Real Blonde (1997)

What a Cast!

[7/10 · 27 March 2004]

The best thing about this film is the acting - an astonishingly stellar cast most of whom are content to play very minor roles in the most understated way with no hint of showing off. A testament to the pulling power of a respected director instead of the usual Hollywood hacks perhaps. Catherine Keener is magnificent as always - see "Malkovich" and then this for an example of what acting is all about. Elizabeth Berkeley even gets a chance to show that once out of the clutches of Verhoeven she can actually act.

After de Cillo's Bunuel-esque flourishes in "Living in Oblivion" this quiet little comedy about artifice, authenticity and relationships was perhaps a slight disappointment, however this is no doubt due to approaching it with preconceptions. It's a quality piece of work throughout, an affectionate satire of the entertainment business, and a cautionary tale about not giving up what you need to get what you want. I liked it.

Lost Highway (1997)

Eeeeleeectttriiiciiityyyy!

[24 August 2003]

I must admit, first time I wasn't overly keen on this as it seemed so static, but watched it again recently with my brother & we reckon we managed to put enough of the pieces together. Same structure as "Mulholland Drive" really, and have there ever been films that took place so much inside the protagonist's head? Fred's head, baby, Fred's head....

What I want to know is, if "Eraserhead" was Lynch's response to becoming a father, what's happened in his relationships to produce these last two movies? Something untoward with the pool cleaner?

Reading the other comments, it's notable that nearly all the people who didn't like the movie had no clue what it was about and how the two parts fit together. Which would make it kind of a bore I guess, particularly if you're into that instant gratification thing. Read the other comments, guys, pick up the clues, watch it again and see if it isn't one of the slyest cinematic jigsaws ever.

Going for Gold (1987–1996)

This show brings back sooo many memories...

[2 February 2002]

I remember being about 3 Years old at the time when this came out. It was always in the lunchtime slot after "Neighbours". The theme song for G4G sounded like something performed by It Bites. From what I remember, Henry Kelly was quite a joker. I just hope Challenge TV pick this show up one day...

Saved by the Bell (1989–1992)

Bayside before it went bad...

[1 June 2001]

I remember watching this show when I was about 5 or 6 on TCC. The characters were the best! Zack was the slickest there was, Slater was the muscular jock on the wrestling team. Screech always kept me in stitches with his nerd-like personality. Best bit would have to be foxy cheerleaders Lisa and Kelly played by the beautiful Lark Voorhies and the lovely Tiffany-Amber Theissen. I didn't care too much for Jessie though (A Little Self-Righteous) Also I'd burst into fits when Zack would take a pop at Belding. This show had decent plots (Standard 80s theme). This review would not be worth writing without mentioning the comical presence of Ed Alonzo (It was a shame to write him out, but maybe the characters thought Max was too '80s). This show was goood and I enjoyed the feature length Hawaii Episode. I didn't care for "Saved by the Bell: The College Years". And I agree with whoever said Saved by the bell: The New Class was rubbish! That show sucked big time

Those show was just too boring. Now Nickelodeon UK airs these in reruns, I still watch it. It makes a change from the other shows.

All in All, One of the best shows to come out of the 1980s.

Praise Marx and Pass the Ammunition (1970)

Give us a clue, Maurice...

[7/10 · 7 April 2001]

This is the only film I've seen where at the end I was seriously tempted to turn to the rest of the audience and ask if anyone could tell me what it was about. While Godard is clearly the major influence, it's never clear whether the film is intended as a p**stake or an homage. Perhaps both.

The oddness of this movie is reinforced by the unintentional irony that John Thaw, who plays the revolutionary marxist protaganist, later became immensely famous playing policemen in two British TV series. The film has curiosity value for that reason alone, in any event it's worth seeing once by anyone interested in political cinema.

Some of the scenes here are frankly ludicrous and appear to have been conceived as such - John Thaw and Carl Davis together in a room writing the title song for example, or lines such as "you bourgeois women feel my rough hands upon you and you know that the day of the revolution is approaching" (misquoted from memory). The quixotic nature of Dom's struggle is regularly sent up. On the other hand, later in the film the narrator reels out shocking statistics about poverty in Britain at the time which anyone with a conscience would have to take seriously, and the points about May 68 and its impact on the left appear genuine.

Furthermore, Dom's sexual politics are antediluvean. Just part of the 1970 zeitgeist or a conscious critique by the director?

In a way the film captures the spirit of intelligent left-wing politics well, the combination of irony and serious passion that you need to cultivate just in order to keep going. So maybe that's what it's about. I'm not sure. Maurice Hatton, if you're reading, give us a clue please mate!

Smart Guy (1997–1999)

They should have never cancelled this show!

[4 January 2001]

I'm right aren't I? The WB Network axed Smart Guy after only 2 years! Why? This show was funny, It reached out to teenagers. It had decent storylines and dialogue. It's very hard not to like (unless you've seen one episode about a thousand times!). TJ is quite funny and Marcus and Mo bring Teenage Guy Humour to the table. Yvette seems too smart for her on good (about the only person TJ can't outsmart in the show!) and Floyd is definently funny! This show just worked too well. The Third season saw the cast really come into their characters giving the show a more mature feel. To sum up this review I say if you want a quick comedy fix, Go with this!

South Park (1997– )

Worthwhile Viewing

[23 November 2000]

How can anyone possibly hate this show? Sure the perverted Ideas from the minds of Matt & Trey seem a little Over the Top. Where else are you going to find a show with four foul-mouthed kids, a Soul-Singing Chef, A Retarded Copper who ones everyone to respect his Authoritay and A Handicap kid who can only say his name; TIMMY!. This show has jokes that anyone can get if listening properly. This show may not be The Simpsons but It's just as good. And It's amazing that a small number of people can cover a large amount of Character voices. Celebrity stabs are visible but when the creators demean him or her they do it good!

South Park will not be moved from our TV Screens. The Show will be around for at least another 3-5 Years. The Impact might not be the same but It's still more watchable than some other crud on TV.

The Simpsons (1989– )

There's not much to say...

[23 November 2000]

...Except this is possibly the greatest animated comedy of All Time! And There are thousands, No, Make that Millions who would agree with me. The Simpsons Rocks! What would TV be like without them? I ask you! The show's been going what, 11 Years and It's on it's 12th Season! That's good! Half the shows in the US don't even live that long. The Show is obviously still popular. It's definently not running out of steam. There's at least another 3 or 4 Seasons left in it (Realistically). The Newer Episodes, I would say are a little funnier (They Get away a lot more these days)But, Where would be without the original.

This show is far from being on it's last legs. Anyone who disagrees should be beaten with a large stick!

The Simpsons has stood the Test of time. The final curtain won't come just yet. It's not worsening, It gets better and better every week. The current Season's gags are enough to make anyone roll over laughing until they cry and will continue to do so. On The Scale of 10, It gets a 110!

When all over second-rate shows finish the Simpsons will be the only thing standing.

WWE Sunday Night Heat (1998–2008)

The Third Greatest WWF Show after Raw & Smackdown!

[28 September 2000]

Heat may not be as fast-paced as Raw or Highflying as Smackdown!. But It's something. There's not as many Jobbers on Heat as there is on Metal. The show's got exclusive matches you won't see on any other Federation programme (W/The Exception of Metal/Jakked). And Other stuff. For instance, You'll hardly see behind the scenes of whatever movie Supertar X is making or any Record deal or Guest appearances on Raw! or Smackdown!, Will you now? No Sir! Heat is the perfect accompaniment to a Sunday Dinner.

ome of the Wrestlers that appear during the programme don't appear on the two other flagship shows every week, Big Deal! The Mid-Carders aren't so bad. Take Lo Down for instance, They're just begging for a Tag Team Title Shot. Joe and Kaientai bring the laughter! Kevin Kelly and Michael Hayes with the commentary. Once in a while, a Main-Eventer (Austin, Rocky, HHH, Kane, Big Show, etc.) will show up depending on the script.

All in All, Heat isn't a bad show. Watch it if you've got nothing better to do on a Sunday.

Rocky III (1982)

This is where business picked up!

[10 September 2000]

What is wrong with all you people out there? Don't you know a good movie when you see it?! It had certain dramatic qualities (Mickey's death, Rocky losing to Clubber Lang, etc.) I can't find anything wrong with this movie and I've seen it twice already. The scene that most stuck in my mind was when Rocky battles Thunderlips (Hogan). That was funny! I would rate this above the earlier version but I feel it wasn't as great as Rocky IV! I would give this movie a 8 3/4 out of 10 because It was just so good. Some of the Rubbish that's out today couldn't beat this with a stick!

If you're a Stallone fan, Watch it!

Rocky II (1979)

A MAJOR improvement over the Original...

[10 September 2000]

I personally enjoyed this more than I did the original. Rocky II wasn't as good as the sequels that followed (III, IV & V). But, Stallone gave a good performance that gave the fans a clear picture that the Rocky movies didn't stop there (Hell no!) I had found this more interesting than the original because the plot moved a little faster and it didn't drag on like the original.

Overall, I would give this movie 7 1/2 out of 10!

Power Rangers Lightspeed Rescue (2000–2001)

FOX... Call it a day already!

[28 August 2000]

I don't even know why I'm writing this! It's just a waste of time, but most of the people out there will agree with me. The Whole Power Rangers fad is dead! I started watching when the show hit the UK in '94. I thought It was the best thing on TV! (Anyone would at 10 Years of age). The Original show was going great guns until they started writing out the main cast in Droves and changing the whole format of the show. The Power Zords were tolerable then the Ninja ones, but once they started introducing the Shoguns Zords, It hit me: Why bother any more?

This show was once fresh, But two many changes were made. Plus Saban turned it into a cash cow and milked it dry!

Anyone who is still hooked on the show needs to give it a rest!

WCW Monday Nitro (1995–2001)

Turner, You needn't bother....

[14 July 2000]

.....because quite frankly this show sucks! What happened to quality of storylines and wrestlers? I started watching this back in August 1998 (Thanks to the Influence of WCW VS NWO: World Tour), I couldn't have picked a better time to watch (The Hart/Sting/Hogan/Warrior affair). Also another good storyline was that set up over the hummer between Hogan, Luger and Sting last year. I loved that. This Year's action has hardly been worthwhile. After January, I started to lose interest for the following reasons

1. Nitro had started losing its top talent (Chris Benoit, Eddy Guerrero, Dean Malenko and Perry Saturn) to WWF

2. The overuse of certain wrestlers was becoming quite tiring

3. The Atmosphere of the show had changed, It looks so dated.

4. WCW has been flooded with ECW Rejects in recent months.

5. The producers and all the creative crew have just taken the fun out of it!

Basically, WCW's Storylines now are below substandard and boring compared to the WWF's!

In Closing, You're better off with any WWF Show (Raw, Smackdown, Heat, Metal, even Superstars is better than this)

WCW: Wasted Consumer Watching...

WCW pull yourself together and get some halfway decent fresh wrestlers!