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Reviews
Foxtrot (1988)
Fast moving action thriller
Foxtrot is a fast moving action thriller that depicts the deterioration of a relationship between two half-brothers who become involved in an attempted rape and murder of a young hitch-hiker in a remote part of Iceland.
The film stars three of Iceland's leading young actors - Steinarr Olafsson, Valdimar Flyngenring and Maria Ellingsen. It was shot in English and the combination of an up-tempo soundtrack and some stunning visuals taken from many of Iceland's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, gives us a unique action packed thriller for audiences of all ages.
Foxtrot opens with the two brothers, Tommy (Steinarr Olafsson), and Kiddy (Valdimar Flygenring), being reuinted after the elder's return from a star-studded career as a professional footballer in mainland Europe. All is not as it seems and their warm reunion soon turns into a twenty-four hour liaison with death. In just one day all concerned are forced to confront circumstances that most people never encounter in a lifetime.
Foxtrot can best be described as a "right of passage" film set to the highest traditions of the American "road movie". As a fast-paced youth picture it is sure to take its place amongst the best.
If only it was still available!
Follow That Rainbow (1979)
Remarkably moving and yet uplifting film
I saw this film on its UK release in the early 80's and would say that had it had the budget of Annie, it would have surpassed the latter at the Box Office.
The opening location scenes in Switzerland, then transfer to South African locations make the visual imagery incredible.
The music by Terry Dempsey is catchy and memorable, although now seems to be firmly fixed in the 70's. The film had its final negative grading in 1982 at Rank (DeLuxe) in England and was released that year, not in 1966.
The story is about Melody (played by Memory Jane), who believes her father is world class singer Johnny Madison (Joe Stewardson). When he doesn't send for her at Christmas, she sets out to South Africa to catch up with him on her own ... then the adventure begins.
When she arrives in Johannesburg, Madison claims to not know her, but his wife Carrie (Joan Brickhill) thinks she could be a "love child", knowing about his past affairs. During this turmoil, Madison sacks to of his stagehands and the threaten revenge!
Melody is temporarily put into an orphanage, from which she and some of the other girls are determined to escape. Whilst this is happening Madison and Carrie attempt to find out who the father is after a meeting between Carrie and Melody. However, before this happens, the girls get away and in the planned chaos of this, Melody is kidnapped by the stagehands. A fast and hair-raising car chase follows ...
Eventually Melody's father is found ...... but all does not go well.
Madison and Carrie work in traditional "Astaire/Rodgers" musical theatre and there are lots of set song and dance routines.
This film is a must for musical lovers, young children and those in search of first class family entertainment.
Kita-kitsune monogatari (1978)
One of the best animal docu-dramas ever
Glacier Fox is one of the most heartrending and wonderfully photographed wildlife films ever made.
The film makes you care about each member of this fox family, from the blind cub to the strongest - their adventures are at times hilarious and also tragic. Set against an inhospitable countryside, the audience's hearts warm to the family members.
The music score and lyrics tell the story intercut with narration about what is happening in general terms.
Man remains one of the biggest predators, but we are left in no doubt that the foxes are capable of living, not just surviving beyond human endeavours.
A Matter of Time (1976)
Be swept away to a world of fantasy
The biggest tragedy of this film is that American Independent Pictures pulled the rug on the ageing Minnelli during his directorial work. Rumours abound about how much over budget he was - but then AIP always funded cheap productions - and this could never be.
The original French novel is languorous, passionate, compelling and exciting, telling the story of how a country girl goes to work in a hotel and meets the Countess Santziani, a legendary star in her day, but who has fallen on hard times.
Bergman plays the role of the Countess with all her usual dignity, but having to let go to be the near-mad Countess. She is fabulously over the top and Liza plays the awe-struck Nina with her usual flair, finally rising to the stardom that comes her way. The cameo role of Charles Boyer adds a touch of period nostalgia.
When seeing the film, it is easy to see Minnelli's rich direction, what a pity that it is intercut with stock footage, which clashes horribly with the passion that Minnelli could still bring to directing his daughter and Bergman.
The story is fantastic - but so is the novel. With a couple of songs by Kander and Ebb, it's a pity that it could not have been completed by the late master.
Still, it is a rare treat - and beats a number of other musicals from that same period.