Alan D Reviews

Cradle Will Rock (1999)

A brave & worthy effort, shame about the script

[7/10 · 22 November 2002]

I think this was a very interesting pice of work. I am amazed that it was made at all. I really enjoyed the tone of the film, it struck me as if it was more of a theatrical piece than a move. I felt that the actors had a lot of fun making this. My only quibble with this movie would be with the scripting and plotting, it was a bit disjointed and needed some tightening up. Still it was an "interesting movie" in a positive sort of way. I didn't think this sort of picture could be made in the USA any more. Still, it makes a change from the usual commercial dross that eminates from Hollywood nowadays.

K-PAX (2001)

Great script, great performances, a great movie.

[9/10 · 14 August 2002]

Everyone should watch this movie if they get the chance to do so. Spacey and Bridges spark as they cross verbal swords. A really good move. 10/10

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Great special effects movie in search of a plot - contains some spoilers

[4/10 · 14 August 2002]

I think Spielberg got a little lost in the making of this picture. He peppers the movie with lots of references to Kubrick's work, e.g. "Dave", Dave's first tentative footstep in the white slipper is straight out of 2001, long tracking shots, etc. I feel that he was too in awe of Stanley Kubrick to make this a work of his own and tried to make this the movie that Stanley would have made.

I am not knocking this movie completly, it has wonderful moments and fantastic special effects. Some of the acting is outstanding, Jude Law in particular. I think that his performance as Gigolo Joe was wonderful and really convincing (surely the acid test of any acting performance), I think he should have received a best supporting actor nomination for his potrayal. His "Singing in the Rain" parody was particularly good. I watched this film back to back with K-PAX and it's strengths show up the weaknesses of AI. K-PAX had a very good script and plot so it didn't need all the expensive (though stunning) visual effects and sets. I think that Spielberg needs to remember the first rule of story telling, make sure you have a good story to tell first.

Movie 4/10, Jude Law 10/10

Slaughterhouse-Five (1972)

Nearly as good as the book!

[7/10 · 29 January 2002]

This is a very clever, thoughtful, well made movie. It succeeded in doing what I thought was nearly impossible, i.e. to put this amazing book on film. There are one or two small points that keep me from giving this picture anything higher than a 7, the main one being Ron Liebman playing the Paul Lazzaro role - highly irritating. Other than that, a brave and imaginative, clever, witty film that I would heartily recommend to anyone.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Kubrick at his best!

[10/10 · 29 January 2002]

I love this movie. IMHO it the the best work that Kubrick ever did. While the others all have great "moments". By this I mean that I can watch and enjoy every moment of it from begining to end - which is more than I can say about the rest of his works. The opening ape sequence of 2001 is too long and the ending is too "enigmatic" for me. Full Metal Jacket is a film of two halves, the first being far more interesting than the second. Clockwork Orange is overated, Eyes Wide Shut has Tom Cruise - hence I can't ever get beyond the the first few minutes, etc. etc.

I know that some of the model work is a bit shakey and that the special effects are somwhat suspect. Nevertheless, from the point of cast, performances, script, storyline, humour, intelligence, painfully funny imagery, Dr, Strangelove surpasses the rest.

Even though it is nearly 40 years old, the film is still relevant - the B52's are still flying and I could easily see Good Ole boy George W. sitting astride that bomb at the end. Ye Haw!

All That Jazz (1979)

A beautifully haunting movie, once seen, never forgotten.

[8/10 · 21 January 2002]

I thought this was one of the best movies I have ever seen. IMHO it is a brutally honest and courageous portrayal of Fosse's life and loves. It has made a very deep and lasting impact on my memory. Many mornings I find myself starting the day with "It's showtime!"

I know that a lot of people here have critised the "Bye Bye Life" sequence at the end. For me it is the highlight, hypnotic and spellbinding. I happened to hear a clip of the soundtrack a few years ago and I caught up in the magic of this movie once again. I loved it - maybe it is because I can so readily identify with "Joe's" character :-)

My one regret is that this movie seems to get very little airing on network TV.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Outstanding!

[10/10 · 6 November 2001]

I watched this on DVD three nights ago and it is still playing in my head! I loved it. The music, the script, the direction, the acting (Charles Durning in particular) - everything first class. It is great to see an intelligent, witty beautifully-crafted movie coming out of the US.

The American Way (1986)

One of the bestCmmentaries on US Politics Ever!

[10/10 · 4 May 2000]

When this was made, the script was a comment on Regan's America and how the Military/Industrial Alliance combined with Fundamentalist Right Wing Churches tried to influence US politics.

Sadly it seems that the points made in this picture are just as valid now as they were then.

Hopper is outstanding as the Captain. He is joined by a top class cast who obviously take great delight in their roles.

I particularly loved the soundtrack and will forever look at the music of Jimi Hendrix in a new light.

Afficionados of the work of "Filthy George" of New York Cable TV fame, will enjoy the sequence which pays tribute to his rather unique "news gathering" techniques.

What else can I say, great story, great script, great cast, great soundtrack - a classic, don't miss any opportunity to see this picture which restored my faith in the ability of the US industry to produce an intelligent, witty and thought provoking movie.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Am Outstanding Piece of Entertainment!

[10/10 · 28 December 1999]

I just received a copy of this on DVD as a Christmas present and have had hours of fun re-acquainting myself with this wonderful film. I saw it in the cinema when it was first released and I am delighted to say that it hasn't dated a bit (except for some of the blue screen effects but what the hell).

I think it is one of the best children's movies ever made, because like in all successful areas of entertainment for young people, it treats the subject matter with respect and seriousness. Couple this with the 007 production team and you are on to a winner.

If you haven't seen this on DVD yet, I strongly recommend that you do.

Enjoy.