Change Your Image
emersondover-55327
Reviews
The Island (1980)
GREAT ISLAND
This is a thoroughly enjoyable thriller, with fine actors and fine acting. One cares about Caine's character and wonders how he is ever going to get out of the fine mess he's gotten himself into. The botched plane landing and subsequent explosion is very well staged - in fact it's all well staged. David Warner gives great support as the head of a seriously mentally challenged community of pirates, who have no wish to depart from their bloodthirsty piratical 17th century lifestyle. As the Bermuda Triangle continues to be mysterious to this day, I did not find the plot especially unbelievable or implausible. I also like the music by Ennio Morricone; it does the film proud. The pirates' final comeuppance, courtesy of Caine, wraps up the story very satisfactorily. If you enjoy violence and hokum on screen, this film does not disappoint.
The Big Circus (1959)
THE BEST CIRCUS
I first saw this film in a cinema when I was a child, and I've loved it ever since. I like everything about it, and I think the acting is first rate. I love the title song. I couldn't find its lyrics online, but I've just obtained them, thanks to flagging up the subtitles. Victor Mature was never better than in this film. He has such a wonderful actor's face: the most expressive face I've seen of any actor. Charlton Heston dominated 'The Greatest Show on Earth' and Victor Mature has a similar role as the head of the circus. Nothing wrong with Heston, but I believe that Mature is head and shoulders above him in this film. Nice to see Kathryn Grant whom I'd seen earlier in 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad'. She was a good actress: it's a a pity she gave it up. This is also far and away the best I've ever seen Gilbert Roland. He is excellent as the high wire artist, broken by the death of his wife, put put back together when Mature taunts him into walking across Niagara Falls. OK, so the special effects are of their time. The acting of Roland more than makes up for that: he really convinces that death is a moment's lapse of concentration away. This remains a favourite film of mine: one of those films with which I will never finish. I will always enjoy watching it from time to time.
Treasure Island (1990)
TREASURE ISLAND
This is far and away the best film of Treasure Island, by a long sea mile. From the haunting music by The Chieftains as Billy Bones' boat nears the Cornish coast, this film has everything. The music is superb and adds authenticity to the proceedings: economically and brilliantly done. Charlton Heston was one of the finest ever Hollywood actors, and totally immerses himself in Long John Silver. Christian Bale is, to my mind, a much more convincing Jim Hawkins then sweet little Bobby Driscoll. Oliver Reed, Julian Glover, Richard Johnson, Christopher Lee - the cast doesn't get better than this. The look of the film was influenced by the wonderful illustrations of N. C. Wyeth, to its great benefit. This is one of the rare films I never tire of watching: each fresh viewing adds fresh delights. Full marks to all concerned. This film should have been much more successful than it actually was. But to those able to appreciate it, it's a rare treasure.
Goldfinger (1964)
GOOFS
When we see the private jet of Goldfinger in the air, it is obviously a model. You can clearly see two threads attached to each of the wings, holding up the model.
When the car of Mr Solo is put into the hydraulic crusher, apparently with the just shot Mr Solo inside, the car is clearly empty. There is no one in the back seat.
That aside, this is certainly one of the best of the Bond films. 'Goldfinger' is a great song, splendidly sung by Shirley Bassey, the only artist to sing three songs for Bond films, the other two being 'Moonraker' and 'Diamonds Are Forever'. Sean Connery appears to be just the right age for Bond in this film: not too old, not too young. Apart from the above goofs, a great film.