seanahalpin Reviews

Jamaica Inn (1939)

Um... I disagree with most of the comments here...

[8/10 · 30 January 2005]

My wife and I had not heard of Jamaica Inn at all prior to buying a DVD collection of Hitchcock's works. We decided to watch the film as the Jamaica Inn is near where my Cornish ancestors lived.

We actually found the film gripping. Yes, the acting is stagy at times, but we always enjoy the "old style" acting. Apart from the dodgy special effects, we found the film quite gripping. Others have said that the Squire was clearly the villain from the start. That is true. The tension comes from us being aware that this is so - and watching as the hero and heroine become ensnared by him. Similarly, the almost constant night time scenes and the howling gales are oppressive and eerie...

Critics may say that the film is not as good as Psycho or The Birds. However, this film was made 20 years prior to those films. I think that it was a good effort, considering that it was made on the eve of WWII.

Clue (1985)

An absolute corker!

[10/10 · 24 January 2005]

This is an absolutely funny movie, but you might miss all the humour the first time around. There are so many excellent character actors here - Tim Curry playing Wadsworth and Eileen Brennan playing Mrs Peacock are just brilliant. We watch this movie over and over again, with different criteria (for example, "let's watch everybody's eyes and see what they are looking at" etc). The polt is not particularly gripping, but this frees you up to listen for all the one-liners. I would also recommend that you watch this movie at least twice. Once you know what happens, you can watch it again and see so many more clues. An absolute masterpiece.

Amityville II: The Possession (1982)

An excellent build up of suspense and tension ends in hoo har!

[8/10 · 27 April 2004]

Well, I just bought this movie on DVD - it had been my absolute favourite horror movie when I was a kid... and now... well, put it this way. From my now adult perspective it was kind of icky. The incest thing was unpleasant (but note the suggestion of incest in the actual DeFeo case, as discussed in the book "Murder in Amityville".

The scene where the little boy is chased around the house and finally shot is also quite distressing.

But, to be fair, this is a horror movie. Nobody can expect the Sound of Music. And it is horrific and builds suspense well. The atmosphere is tense, and the house is the perfect "haunted house" gothic tableau for the supernatural ghastliness.

Everything is excellent until that awful last half hour - suspense is sacrificed and in its place are some fake-looking unspecial effects, over the top exorcism scenes and other hoo-har.

And yet, I cannot look away!

The Others (2001)

Chilling little ghost story

[9/10 · 26 May 2002]

I guess the people watching this film fall into two categories - the ones who have a real shock from the twist in the end; and the ones (like me) who cottoned on almost from the beginning.

Yes there is a twist, but I think it is the eerie cinematography, the strong acting (yes, even of Nicole Kidman...) and the gothic style setting that makes this beautiful, sad, frightening tale so mind-capturing.

This movie is a ghost story in the old style - where there is no "blood and guts" but rather a sick, tight feeling at a strange noise in the middle of the night...

Bowfinger (1999)

Eddie Murphy is a winner

[7/10 · 26 May 2002]

Eddie Murphy just continues to prove himself as one of the greatest comic actors of all time in Bowfinger. His versatility and energy are put to brilliant effect in this whacky movie. The sheer terror and paranoia are themselves worth watching as he is approached on the street by people ranting and raving about aliens and plots etc.

The weak point is Steve Martin, who continues to prove himself as one of the most mediocre comic actors of our times. Whether he is the Father of the Bride, enduring Parenthood, or filming as Bowfinger, he gives the same restricted range of emotion, the same strange mix of over- and under- acting, and the same sinking feeling whenever he is on stage.

But there again, he's richer than me... so go figure!

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)

Binks in the Background makes SW2 a winner

[9/10 · 26 May 2002]

Firstly, may I say (perhaps somewhat cynically) that obviously George Lucas has done some market research after the floppery that was Star Wars I - and in his next instalment has given audiences what they were really after. Yes, gone (for the most part) are Jar Jar Binks and the muffin-head kid playing Anakin Skywalker. Instead, we have a cast worthy for a prelude to the original Star Wars movies.

The mistake of the first Star Wars was to pander to the Disney market, resulting in an immature film insulting to the intelligence of the majority of its audience. Yeah yeah, I know - science fiction is for kids. But its also for grown up kids. We don't need Jar Jar Binks to be entertained... and yes, Star Wars 2 is a winner.

Here we see the real foreshadowings of things to come. There are action scenes, brilliant effects, a minimum of puppetry although a tad too much soppy romance with the unlikeable Anakin and the hot to trot Padme.

Key scenes to look out for: the Padwan (trainee Jedi) class; Obi Wan Kenobi's visit to see the clone army (our first real sighting of Bobba Fett; plus more!

Yes, there are still some corny elements - but hey, it wouldn't be Star Wars without them. Well done George and Lucasfilm. Now if we can just finish off Jar Jar once and for all in SW3...

Noises Off... (1992)

A good laugh, despite Michael Caine

[9/10 · 26 May 2002]

Luckily, Michael Caine is only a small part of this film. Therefore, we share some real laughs at the antics of the other characters.

If you are lucky enough to have seen a live version of this stage play, you may be a tad disappointed by the film version, but only a tad. For the most part, the extremes of emotion roar forth from the frantic stage actors desperately trying to keep their "sex farce" together. The audience is swept along in peals of laughter as things go from bad to worse - from hilarious to hilarious-er.

Well worth a watch!

The Gift (2000)

Who'd live in the deep South?

[9/10 · 18 May 2002]

Let's leave the supernatural to one side for a second - as an Australian watching this film, I want to know: "Who would want to live in the deep South?" I have never seen such a bunch of toothless hicks and cousin marrying hillbillies as in this spooky film. The scariest things were the local yokels rather than the "gift" itself.

I felt that this movie was excellent. A few surprises and, of course, brilliant acting from Cate Blanchett. Keanu Reeves also impressed as the wife basher. The physical settings were atmospheric, and the whole thing worked very well.

One question I would ask is, would it have been so good if Cate hadn't played Annie? I doubt it. I could see that this film, without strong actors, may have been typical 'made for video' fodder. But Cate and the other actors brought that "something extra" to the film - that is their gift.

Me, Myself & Irene (2000)

I had a love - hate relationship with this film

[5/10 · 19 February 2002]

I found myself both loving and hating this film.

First, the hate part. As a mental health worker, I object to the way in which this film spreads misinformation and stereotypes about mental illness. Young people with a mental illness may see this movie and feel demoralised, isolated and stigmatised. The marketing for this movie was so bad that the SANE stigma watch program managed to get the makers to withdraw some of the promotional materials, which were heartless and inaccurate. I don't think the extremes and stigmatisation were necessary to make the film work.

Second, the love part. This movie, despite being politically incorrect, despite being crass, crude, rude and tasteless, despite being excessive in every way - made me laugh so hard that at times I was nearly bursting my sides and my eyes were running with tears.

Unlike other reviewers, I found such scenes as the breast, the lawn crap, the cow, and (especially) the dildo hilarious. Tacky - yes. Awful - yes. Something not to show grandma - yes. But so funny and sick that I had to laugh or I would die.

The movie (if watched while in the right mood) provides a real juvenile laugh that hasn't been felt for years. I found myself weeping with laughter and yet mentally chastising myself for doing so. Perhaps that's just me.

I gave it 5 out of 10. The stigmatising attitudes cost it 5 marks.

Fight Club (1999)

Brilliant, brooding and engulfing

[10/10 · 19 February 2002]

When this movie was marketed in Australia, it looked like your typical punch up Brad Pitt prettyboy movie... Once again the movie marketing machine shot itself in the foot, by underestimating the intelligence and taste of the public.

Fight Club is a spiral into darkness. Exactly what darkness this is, is never quite explained. Madness? Reality? Violence? Fantasy? The acting is dynamic, the tension builds exquisitely, and the whole movie is both thought provoking and shocking.

Congratulations to Brad Pitt for his work in this film, which was under-appreciated by the mainstream, mainly due to sloppy marketing.

********************SPOILER ALERT**************************

After seeing the movie, I am still trying to work out if Marla was real or not. I come up on the side of not real, but would like to know what others thought.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

Perfect Adaptation of the Novel

[10/10 · 19 February 2002]

Jane Austen would be pleased with the attention to detail lavished on this version of her novel. The series stayed true to the original characterisations, and yet is more lively and modern in feel than previous film versions. The cast are particularly strong, with my favourite supporting actors being Lady Catherine, Lydia and Caroline Bingley.

The costuming and sets are remarkable for their authenticity and appeal, and the whole lacks the old fashioned "quills and frills" feel of older historical romances placed on film.

Fright Night (1985)

Creepy, freaky and VERY 80s

[8/10 · 19 February 2002]

I loved this rehash of the old vampire stories. The movie gives a good mix of chills and thrills as well as a chuckle now and then. Evil Ed is a good comic break, and keep an eye out for Amanda Bearse (Marcie Darcy on Married With Children).

While yes, the film is dated, is that such a bad thing? I like to put it up there with other 80s vamp classics like The Lost Boys and Vamp.

"Velcome to Frrrright Night.... nya nya nya".

The Mummy Returns (2001)

The Mummy Returns... as a Dummy!

[1/10 · 18 February 2002]

I loved the Mummy. What a rollicking good yarn. Back to the 1980s Indiana Jones tongue in cheek rah rah britain archaeological adventures. Lots of freaky bugs to eat you from the inside out. etc etc etc.

BUT

The Mummy Returns does not rollick. The yarn has unravelled. This movie makes you want to be sick from the inside out.

Don't get me wrong. The movie starts VERY PROMISINGLY!!! I read somewhere that the Rock was anxious people would think he was a crap actor. It might come as good news to him that he was the best actor in the whole darn thing! The little muffin head kid was woeful and very un-cute. Brendan Fraser was looking a little tired, as though he didn't really care.

All this I could have handled. That is, until the flying balloon ship.

HELLO???? CRAP ALERT!!!! This crappy balloon flies into some jungle thing with pygmies running around. Uh-Duh? What??? True. Pygmies.

This was one of those movies that started well, became mediocre, and then became very corny. I know, I know, what can I expect from a sequel. But I feel that the movie could have been very good... I want to know where I can get one of those balloon ships...

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Ho Hum

[4/10 · 18 February 2002]

First, let me say that I am Australian, love Australian movies, and admire the daring, new and exciting.

Moulin Rouge delivers on some levels: The costuming is sumptuous There are witty gags through the music (especially loved the Like a Virgin scene) The acting is generally quite good Nicole Kidman is perfect for the role (I usually am not a fan of Nicole...)

BUT

I thought that the avant garde film making was hampered by a thin plot and weak dialogue. Come on, people, any film with the line, "You MUST sleep with the Duke" lacks sophistication. The underlying love story, though sweet, was very run-of-the-mill and seemed to be incidental to the theatrics.

Moulin Rouge has made a stir, but I suspect that it will become one of those films that people forget as newer and better films come along. To give it credit, it has broken new ground - but I thought Madonna and 'Evita' was more sophisticated.

Dungeons & Dragons (2000)

Boredom & Buffoonery

[1/10 · 18 February 2002]

I tried. I really did. I have a long history of playing Dungeons and Dragons. I had the best of intentions. But then... oh lord.... I cringed and cringed and cringed.

Ho-hum tale that should never have been made. Corny and awkward, with ridiculous costumes, pompous acting, and a plot so transparent you wondered whether it was really there. It was aimed at the pimpled masses of D & D nerds, and while their standards may be low.... I doubt that it would have filled their expectations.

When one considers more recent fantasy movies (such as Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter) or even older ones (such as the Neverending Story), one cannot help but shake one's head in wonder. Why oh why did they bother?

Face/Off (1997)

A steaming pile of crapola

[1/10 · 18 February 2002]

Yet again, Hollywood has too much money to even consider making a worthwhile film. Instead, they trot out this pile of manure for the willing consumption of the tasteless masses.

Don't get me wrong, I like a good action movie. But this isn't one.

I couldn't get past the woeful acting, the thin plot, the ridiculous, hammy 'climax'.

***SPOILER***

Oh please, so what if they had their faces swapped. What about their bodies? Nicolas Cage was in shape; John Travolta looked like he'd chugged a few too many cheeseburgers a la Pulp Fiction. Couldn't Travolta's wife tell the difference? I hope to god my wife would be able to tell *my* Mr Happy from that of some crim who's had my face sewn on.

And all that rushing around on jet boats with bangs and whistles and hoo har. Oh please. One punch in the chops would be enough to knock a guy out... let alone knock his newly sewn on face off. And we are meant to believe that this was all really happening???

I sat there laughing at the wrong places. I was thinking, F*ck Off / Face Off. But surprisingly some of my friends actually liked it.

1 out of 10.

The Year My Voice Broke (1987)

Australian classic - Growing up in the real Australia

[10/10 · 18 February 2002]

This film is a genuine and moving portrayal of growing up in Australia. On some level, the film makes the mundane haunting and beautiful. For people wanting to see the 'real' Australia, rather than the Crocodile Dundee myths, this movie is a classic.

Definitely a film for the sentimental thinker. Like most Australian movies, it lacks the big-budget shoot em up special effect American style. It is more laid back, and lets the characters tell their stories. It made quite an impression in Australia when released, but was less successful overseas.

The sequel of this movie, "Flirting", starred Nicole Kidman and Thandie Newton, who played a cameo in "Interview with the Vampire" opposite Tom Cruise.

Adventures in Babysitting (1987)

Good for a laugh

[8/10 · 18 February 2002]

I saw this movie under its Australian release title, "A Night On The Town". While the target audience members are the youngsters, adults will get some belly laughs too. My personal favourite is the "scrape scrap scrape!" horror story while driving, cashing the cheque, as well as the whole porn star bit. The kid actors are all likeable, and all up, this movie is one to see on a quiet night.

Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)

Rude comment below

[9/10 · 18 February 2002]

Loved this movie, saw it as a kid. But did anyone else notice that the crustacean looking alien rebel goodie in the final space fight scenes(was it Admiral Ackbar??) had a mouth that looked very similar to the female genitalia????

Hhmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

A ghastly unwatchable flop

[1/10 · 17 February 2002]

Like many others who thrilled to the original star wars films, I sat in the theatre at the beginning of Phantom Menace, my heart beating in excited anticipation as the familiar music filled my ears.... and then... and then... Jar Jar bloody Binks...

What a bunch of crud! Darth Maul looks like a clown gone wrong. Jar Jar Binks is a moron. The pod race is exciting but out of place. Queen Amidala takes herself far too seriously. The spaceships don't look enough like the original star wars ships to hold my interest...

To be fair, kids will probably like this one. But kids like anything that goes pop whistle bang. This was over hyped and I felt cheated watching this disneyfied version of star wars meets the teletubbies.

Do yourself a favour. If you loved the original star wars films - you will HATE this one. Don't bother! It puts a bad taste in your mouth, and now I can't even watch the originals without thinking of that stupid Jar Jar Binks and his floppy ears and clumsy gait. Bah Humbug.

Jackie Brown (1997)

A great Tarantino

[10/10 · 17 February 2002]

Jackie Brown is my favourite Tarantino film. Grier is absolutely brilliant in the lead role, showing that a middle aged black woman is able to pack one hell of a punch. She is sexy, manipulative and gives as good as she gets while maintaining her charisma throughout.

The movie is not as violent or "arty" as Pulp Fiction, but I feel that in some ways this allows a wider audience to appreciate what Tarantino has to offer. (Luckily, Tarantino does not make one of his frequent awkward cameos in this film). Lisa Gay Hamilton (aka Rebecca on TVs "The Practice") makes a cameo as a young misled country girl.

The plot is simple on the surface - but there are depths and unexpected twists all the way. Samuel L Jackson is always great value as a gun runner, truly cold hearted and yet likeable.

This film was perhaps not marketed as well as it should have been, and is worth a look for those wanting a suspenseful thriller where characterisation is more important than explosions and special effects.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Gritty and absorbing

[10/10 · 17 February 2002]

I first saw this film on video knowing nothing about it other than it had been a blockbuster at the movies a year or two earlier. From the moment it came on, I was absolutely glued to the television.

Stunning rather than enjoyable, it is a collection of images, characters and situations that (thank god) are far removed from the everyday life of the suburbanite. Humorous and horrific, it is hypnotic, and as the art critic viewing Kramer's portrait in Seinfeld exclaims, it is "hideous! And yet I cannot look away!"

Jackie Brown, another Tarantino film followed similar characters in a less violent way, and may be the better choice for those wanting less gore. Both films are excellent depictions of how the 'other side' live.

(The only thing that I didn't like about the film was the Tarantino cameo. Why does he think that just because he is a brilliant film maker, he is also a brilliant actor? His scenes always seem too stilted for my liking).

This film is a must-see for anyone who counts themselves as a genuine movie buff.

Forrest Gump (1994)

A study in Ho-Hum ness

[1/10 · 17 February 2002]

Typical Tom Hanks vehicle that should never have rolled out of the garage. A mixture of yokel and idiot savant, Hanks is as bland as ever in this role. Gurk gurk gurk. The best parts of this film are the supporting actors. Hanks should go back to his bachelor party.

Life is like a box of chocolates, and these ones have gone off...

The Piano (1993)

Brilliant for thinking people

[10/10 · 17 February 2002]

This movie was so emotionally involving that I literally fainted in cinema during the climax and had to go again to see what happened.

The psychology, rather than the action, is what is gripping. I felt that the most gripping theme of the movie was that of misunderstanding others, not 'love', or 'passion'.

Every actor is brilliant, particularly Holly Hunter and Anna Paquin.

Not everyone would like the film. Many people (and particularly men) would think, "What was the point of all that?" Perhaps it is a "chick flick". Yet, if you are fascinated by the psychology of human relationships, this movie casts an eerie spell that remains with you long after seeing it.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

I think this one is the best

[9/10 · 17 February 2002]

People bag out the ongoing chapters of the nightmare series. Why? What else did they expect but a series of slasher movies? And this one is the best by far. The characters are likeable, if one dimensional. Freddy gives us some laughs with one liners. The special effects are great. If you want suspense without gore, watch the original Psycho. But if you want a typical 80s style horror movies, nightmare four is for you!