prylands Reviews

Ted (2012)

Crass, Immature Crud

[2/10 · 24 April 2013]

Whoa - was a stinker this is. I was so disappointed. It is crude without being witty and has a plot that is so dull and crass that I suspect there will be people not seeing this through to the end. There are a handful of vaguely amusing snippets but otherwise this is dull, predictable twaddle and I cannot understand why anyone enjoyed this nonsense.

Imagine immature, sexist idiots speaking crap and then replace one of them with an animated teddy bear. That's about it. Plus some ridiculous romance that is utterly out of place.

Avoid this film - it is awful.

Passenger 57 (1992)

Utter Crud

[3/10 · 5 July 2012]

I will not try to fully convey what an awful load of tosh this film is. Poorly scripted, amateurishly shot and with some quite stunningly dreadful acting. The plot is so full of holes and unlikely events that I gave up caring about it very quickly. The clichés pile up and the predictability of the plot kicks in after 5 minutes or so. It has nothing original to offer, it looks bad, it is laughably stupid but has the one positive quality that it is shorter than the standard flick.

To be quite candid, this is total crap... Liz Hurley is ridiculously cast and there is never a moment when you care about the characters or feel the remotest sense of tension about what might happen. As predictable as an episode of Columbo but unfortunately nothing like as entertaining...

Don't waste your time on it.

I Don't Know How She Does It (2011)

Dire

[25 September 2011]

This drivel masquerades as a comedy but offers little more than a misplaced feminist rant. I am sure they expected women to say 'oh it's so true - we DO make lists and we Do multitask!' but please - who exactly was this aimed at - zombie life forms? Maybe they think that women are so tired that they wouldn't notice how cliché-ridden and pathetically hackneyed this offering is? It was not amusing. It was not interesting. It was not original. It did not have a single redeeming quality and I suggest you do not waste your time nor your money on this rubbish.

Indeed I shall waste no more time reviewing it.

Tamara Drewe (2010)

SUCH a disappointment!

[4/10 · 17 September 2010]

I am in my mid-forties and this is the first film which has induced me to walk out of a cinema. Not because it is the worst film I have seen so much as that it is such a huge disappointment. It peddles a ridiculous notion of a rural British community and lacks laughs - and a decent plot.

I did not laugh at anything that I saw and found the entire picture tedious in the extreme. Such a shame that so many talented people could have contributed to this drivel.

I will not waste my time picking it to pieces - it simply does not deserve it.

If you like comedy then look elsewhere - this is a truly dreadful film and the trailer contains the best bits... the rest is not worth watching!

My Sister's Keeper (2009)

Oh Dear

[4/10 · 10 July 2009]

I have seldom seen such mawkish drivel. This is a designer weepie. Many attractive people - all with highly obvious vulnerabilities. Lingering shots on tear-stained faces and so on. The beach scene made me laugh aloud - it merely lacked a dolphin swimming up and nuzzling the lead characters...

If you want to enter into a weepie and have a bit of a cry then this is for you. It's not badly acted but it has an annoying tendency to add one more sentimental scene to another - to the point of overkill. And of course, the ending lacks realism. Episodic, overcooked, truly dire pap. Someone had to be honest and say this. Alas, it is true...

The cinema was admittedly filled with crying girls. And me. Bored senseless... you have been warned.

Happy-Go-Lucky (2008)

A Lovely Look At How To Be Happy

[8/10 · 24 April 2008]

All of the Mike Leigh traits are present in this lovely little film: the dysfunctional family, the contrasting approaches to life and a bittersweet questioning of what it is to be happy, what it is to be human.

The film is at times both lovely and disturbing. It is life affirming but carries a caveat that unhappiness does exist in sullen faces, in madness, in neuroses. However, the central characters triumph in an engaging if quirky film that may well see you leaving the cinema with a lighter step and a lighter heart.

It is not a film that will win top awards but it is one that will remain in the memory a good while as it is thought provoking and ultimately wonderful.

Lady Chatterley (2006)

Good - but not great

[6/10 · 9 September 2007]

This film has a great deal going for it - it looks lovely and contains some wonderfully tender scenes. However, I must confess that I was somewhat disappointed in the portrayal of Lady C. I found her to be weak rather than vulnerable, sometimes silly rather than girlish and sorry to say - less interesting than the male characters. All of this is surprising considering a woman directed the film. It was clear what was intended but ultimately the sensuous awakening in Lawrence's writing did not quite make it off the page.

I so wanted to embrace this film fully. It does have some marvellous moments and the commitment to the essence of the novel was evident - something clearly lacking in many other film versions. It is certainly worth seeing this film but don't expect the same intensity as you find in the novel - it is more of a tribute than a true representation of the original.

Dad (2005 TV Movie)

Loss of dignity or loss of patience?

[6/10 · 24 March 2005]

This was better than average fare for current drama and offered some thought-provoking content. The programme provided a look at the discomfort of growing old, the burden of having parents staying in one's house, and the diminishing dignity from one generation to the next.

I liked the lack of obvious progression in this programme - similar offerings tend to be mostly predictable. This contained surprises and in its selective viewpoint it challenged the viewer to take a side.

The father, played by Briers, gives humorous yet stoical reasons for his frailty ('It must be all that waiting about at Dunirk') but the younger generation effect patience yet clearly have a limited supply of it.

I eagerly awaited the inevitable confrontation and was surprised as most viewers would have been by the actions of Kevin Whatley's character. There was no easy resolution and the ending of the programme was rather abrupt. But it gave food for thought and was an enjoyable production.

Being Julia (2004)

A Wonderful Oddity

[9/10 · 7 March 2005]

This film is a wonderful oddity. It begins with a rant from Gambon and a heartfelt but mawkish delivery from the stage - and the unpredictability never lets up thereafter. All of the performances are quite splendid but Benning, like Julia, steals the show. I love to consider the working of a script or a plot but I was so fully immersed in this film that its workings were seamless. The film looks beautiful, eschews the obvious, and offers a new perspective on how people cope with the disappointments of life, the responsibilities of maintaining performances on and off the stage, and the need to be loved.

The film provides a superb finale which is funny, sad, encouraging and yet miserable. One of the most pleasing films I have seen for some considerable time.

Meet the Fockers (2004)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 11 February 2005]

I didn't demand too much from this film - I had hoped that it would be one of those films where I could turn off the brain and laugh along with the zany humour.

Alas, that the humour seldom moved beyond laughing at the word 'focker' or seeing a child say 'ass hole'. There were a few good moments but it all seemed rather laboured. A pity really as it wouldn't have taken much to improve it significantly. The fault lay in the screenplay as the actors did as much as you could expect of them. It was lovely to see Barbara Streisand with her earthy presence and De Niro, Stiller and co were fine. However, there was a lack of range in the humour and an overly constrained plot which was not helped by the vast majority of the film taking place in a handful of similar sets.

Worth seeing but nothing like as entertaining as the first film.

The Ladykillers (2004)

Woeful Fare

[3/10 · 11 February 2005]

Quite simply an awful film. It is one-dimensional and relies on swearing and scatological humour to drag it through its hammy screenplay. Whereas the original film had several dimensions to it - the quaint English humour, the sinister finale, and the lauding of decency over cunning, this film offers little more than some tired visual jokes and numerous crude references.

Although I appreciate that a remake need not stick too closely to its forerunner, surely it must offer something new? This film, despite the presence of some excellent actors and the hand of the Coen brothers upon it, would surely only appeal to someone who has never seen a film before.

It has no redeeming qualities and I found it a tiresome struggle to get through to the end of it. I have always maintained that there will be some aspect of a film that will be of interest - I haven't figured out what this film gives. I suggest that you watch the original film if you enjoy quaint humour. I cannot believe the Coen brothers are not embarrassed to be associated with this tripe.

The Others (2001)

A visual delight but mentally undemanding

[6/10 · 13 January 2005]

This film has a lot to recommend it and yet I found it ultimately rather predictable and little more (in terms of plot) than a protracted tease.

Having said that, it is beautifully shot - lots of shadow, fog and flickering lamps. The camera angles are intelligent and the screenplay is thoughtful and convincing.

I rather feel that this film will appeal to those viewers who like ghost stories and do not expect any more than dramatic music and a sinister build-up to the denouement. It does not have the Gothic magic of Sleepy Hollow but the acting is impressive - especially from the two children Alakina Mann and James Bentley who were both fantastic. It was also wonderful to see Eric Sykes in his cameo role.

Nicole Kidman does a good job with what she has to do but I feel she is too good an actress to spend ninety minutes looking wide-eyed and frightened.

Worth seeing but not a truly great film. I'm sorry to say...

Women Talking Dirty (1999)

Snapshot of Loyalty and Betrayal

[7/10 · 16 December 2004]

I enjoyed this film for its unwillingness to make things overly obvious or excessively sentimental. It is hard to say whether the film depicts a study of betrayal, friendship or emotional dependence - but it offers a realistic snapshot of a tenuous friendship between two very different women.

Whether there is a message or not, the film is an effective portrayal of the difference between perceived happiness and real happiness. With Dolly Parton lauded as the archetypal tough gal, the two leads aspire to being in total control of their lives. The film begins with an aborted kiss between the two women (Gina McKee and HBC) and this neatly raises the issue of whether platonic love can compare to romantic love. However, there is more to friendship than hand-holding and the women each have Daniel (James Purefoy) to deal with before they can achieve some measure of self worth.

Not a film for those seeking a simple and obvious tale with a neat resolution but one one for those who enjoy films that raise questions and do not fall into the trap of providing glib answers.

Finding Neverland (2004)

Great fun for those who do not prejudge

[8/10 · 9 December 2004]

I'm half inclined to quote Dr Johnson's comment on the Giant's Causeway - 'it is worth seeing but not worth going to see' but that would be a little bit unfair.

Yes, it's a weepy, but this film does give something more. Depp is very good as JM Barrie and Winslet, for a change, neither strips nor wears a corset.

The gem of this film is the child actors - they are quite magnificent and the ending had the cinema shaking with sobbing...

Do not sit down to watch this with any preconceptions and you will probably enjoy it all the more. Yes, there will be those people who will complain about the accuracy of the film, but for most of us this is a pleasant romantic story with a few tears and laughs...

All or Nothing (2002)

Closer to Nothing

[7/10 · 9 December 2004]

This film lacks the whimsy of 'Life Is Sweet' or the nastiness of 'Naked' and lies somewhere in between the extremes.

Although I love Mike Leigh's films and did enjoy this one, it did not seem to offer anything that his other films have offered already. There is the usual array of dysfunctional relationships and the conclusion which gives some hope - but other than that there are only the nice cameo performances.

The language in the film is more extreme than usual in Leigh's films and this does not make the characters likable. If you have not seen the work of Mike Leigh before then I suggest that you watch 'Life Is Sweet, 'Calendar Girls', 'High Hopes' or 'Secrets and Lies' - this film lacks the substance that these films offer. If you want a look at how stark reality can be then see 'Naked'.

The Pledge (I) (2001)

Evil is not always always obvious

[8/10 · 9 December 2004]

A ponderous film which studies obligation and love via Nicholson's desire to find a child killer. The film depicts the internal struggles of a retired cop and his ultimately risks everything he treasures to prove a point. The film's end is painfully desperate but there is not even teardrop to be seen.

I think that the beauty of this film is to be found in the subtle contrasts throughout. It is not only the scenery that is out of keeping with the plot but the representation of love with other motives - this can be seen in the shallowness of the retirement party at the beginning and in almost all of the protagonist's actions thereafter. A thoughtful and well paced film which will delight those who do not alwyas need pyrotechnics or aliens...

Nobody's Fool (1994)

A gentle gem

[9/10 · 9 December 2004]

This film is based on a wonderful novel by Richard Russo and is a moving representation of how foolish, pathetic, selfish and ultimately admirable people can be.

Newman and Tandy are charming and the film is lazily amusing and exasperating in turn. It is true that the film does not quite capture the spirit of the book but it is a fine attempt. The gentle pace and Newman's sardonic grin make for a truly pathetic (in its best sense) film.

I did have doubts about Bruce Willis being in the film but he does a good job of it. Newman and Tandy are as faultless as ever.

If you enjoyed Driving Miss Daisy then this will delight - it a subtle picture of how extraordinary the ordinary can be.

Wimbledon (2004)

Stick to Watching Tim

[2/10 · 9 December 2004]

Wimbledon, in short, is poorly written. There is very little character development and consequently it is difficult to muster any great interest in or sympathy for the protagonists of the piece. The film combines a weak tale of an underdog winning through the tournament and an overly sentimental romance.

The film may appeal to hopeless romantics but this is not a work of any depth or substance. The actors do what they can with the screenplay but in truth it smacks of children's TV with a soundtrack. It does contain a brilliant gem in the injured ballboy. I challenge anyone not laugh at this hapless episode in which a tiny kid is poleaxed by the fastest serve ever and yet is still in attendance as lucky mascot in the next match - black eye and all.

This is not so much a straight to DVD film as straight in the bin. If you care for such fluff then you're better off watching Henman's annual failure - at least that is free.

Alfie (2004)

What's It All About, Alfie?

[4/10 · 8 November 2004]

This film is very nicely shot and well acted. But I could not help wonder what inspired the remake at all. The 1966 film had social relevance. In 2004, it seemed like an exercise in 'prettifying' the original. It is pretty, pointless, and ultimately pretty pointless.

Having said that much, the film carries a pleasant soundtrack and the performance of Sarandon is quite marvelous. If you have not seen the original film then you may gain some enjoyment from this film. If you expect an entertaining story you will be disappointed. It is well crafted but little more than an empty exercise. The remake adds nothing to the original and lacks the original film's atmosphere.