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Reviews
Alfonso Bonzo (1990)
Loved it!
This was a great show. I remember watching this on CBBC after school. The actor Mike Walling (now in Coronation St as Roy Cropper's nerdy friend) was in it and I think he played Billy Webb's father. He was in hospital with his leg in plaster and would be sat alongside a different person each episode. He would be telling the other person the adventures of Billy Webb and Alfonso Bonzo and we would see the action as told through his story. At the end of each episode, the 'other' would always ask a question "but what happened to the ...?", for example, and the reply would always be " I WAS JUST COMING TO THAT" and in that moment it would end, a cliff-hanger for the next episode. Mystical, magical, unusual and captivating, not to mention boasting a brilliant theme tune (available online). This should be repeated.
Gregory's Girl (1980)
So maybe the fashions are a little dated...or are they?
24 years on and this British 'coming of age' peach is just as fresh. Gregory's Girl's endearing facet is that we can all recall and relate at least in some part to the teenage angst experienced by the likable Gregory. We share and relive his lust for the opposite sex, his nerves, his excitement and his awakening into adulthood. These aspects can never age. OK so maybe the fashions are a little dated...or are they? With the likes of Donnie Darko and Napolian Dynamite (the latter of which some comparisons can definitely be drawn) 80's imagery is very 'now'. And I think there maybe a very good reason for this: let us not forget that the generation that was enduring the trials of adolescence in the early 80's are now entering yet another difficult stage of life - middle age. When is there a better time to look back and relive those years that were fuelled by such confusion, emotion and sexual awakening.
With likable characters and a humorous script this movie takes us on a warm, innocent trip down memory lane, however this 80's scenery is 100% authentic.
A Mighty Wind (2003)
Subtle comedy genius that will make you chuckle
"Whah happened?!"...&..."I don't think so" - Great lines from the This is Spinal Tap-Esq spoof comedy. The humour perhaps not as immediately apparent as the aforementioned classic but still ever-present in another understated beauty by Christopher Guest. Also in comparison to its predecessor, A Mighty Wind contains songs worthy of the genre of which it chooses to spoof and no doubt you will find yourself tapping your feet along to the fictional tunes before the movie is through. Good character and relationship building make this an endearing, warm, 'chuckle-along' kind of a movie rather than a side-splitting, laugh-a-minute comedy. Easy viewing that will put a smile on your face... give it a go.
School of Rock (2003)
"Noisy, laughable...loveable!"
So very pleasing to see a movie exhibiting a cheery feel-good plot void of sex and gore. Jack Black has always been a prime candidate for a love/hate response and for those of you who usually sway towards the latter, you should probably stand well back. For the rest of us though Black shines in a role that permits him to release some excess energy as the high-octane character with a passion for rock music. The comedy side to Mr. Black never seems forced or even planned in TSOR so be wary that you don't find yourself with a permanently fixated smile that might begin to ache somewhat. Don't be duped into thinking that this is a laugh-a-minute picture, because that isn't the case, but it will go some length to brightening your day. An American feel-good classic minus the typical overdose of sentimentality.
PJW
The Leaving of Liverpool (1993)
"Gripping, Moving, Sometimes Disturbing...Always Believable"
This gripping, moving and sometimes disturbing portrayal is so powerful that it will leave you deep in contemplation but at the same time hand you a sizeable chunk of cheery satisfaction, for this drama boasts a finely executed array of acting talents that make this lengthy time piece perfectly believable. A UK drama that Britons can be truly proud of.
PJW