Vils1 Reviews

Orpheus (1950)

Surreal, Magical (and Flawed) Once Seen. Never Forgotten

[10/10 · 15 April 2022]

A surreal and magical film from 1950. Very inventive - the scene going into the underworld is extraordinary.

It is flawed but that adds to the charm. Considering the year that it was made it was truly ahead of it's time.

Once seen, It will never be forgotten.

Hello-Goodbye (1970)

I Still Remember This Film Fondly Over 40 Years Later

[10/10 · 16 March 2022]

A film about a serendipitous meeting and how it develops. Yes it is whimsical and clunky in places. However the first half particularly captures a more carefree time and place.

I still remember it fondly over 40 years later. A timely reissue would be appreciated as it is very hard to find.

Come and See (1985)

War From a Human Perspective - We Still Have Not Learnt

[10/10 · 3 March 2022]

Great film. Yes it is a hard watch, but it starts on a sort of upbeat note. It is a story with a very human perspective that is impacted by war.

I still remember stumbling out of the cinema after seeing it in 1986 - grateful for the normality of life.

Sadly it came to mind from the war in Ukraine. We still have not learnt.. Go and see - and hopefully learn.

Pride (I) (2014)

Entertaining, Good Story and Good Fun for Everyone

[10/10 · 17 July 2021]

Entertaining, Good Story and Good Fun for Everyone. Strangely it had past me by back in 2014 (was it suppressed?) and I only saw it when it appeared on late night TV.

OK some say it was saccharine/ had no Welsh actors/ no ethnic minorities but it is still well worth seeing.

Creation Stories (2021)

Fun Version of a Revisionist Bullsh!tters Story

[9/10 · 23 May 2021]

Watched this with someone who knows very little of the back-story and we both enjoyed it.

Whilst the negative reviews have some valid.points (mumbled dialogue, no subtitles, revisionist take on events etc.) it was a fun ride with a great soundtrack.

Take it for what it is - a fun version of a revisionist bullsh!tters story.

Looking forward to seeing it again!

The Supergrass (1985)

Has it's Moments But is a Missed Opportunity

[6/10 · 6 July 2019]

I recall seeing this in 1985 with friends and we were all disappointed - because our expectations were too high. It's not a laugh a minute, but more of a study in black humour. Having re-seen it 34 years (eek) later it was more enjoyable. FYI - It is available on DVD hidden away in 'the Comic Strip Presents' box set.

Modern Life Is Rubbish (2017)

Good Film of it's Type - Low IMDB Score is Not Reflective Again

[8/10 · 9 February 2019]

I stumbled across this whilst in a 'record shop' mode. It is a good film of it's type if you like music, record shops and relationship dynamics. A few niggly bits (including the ending) but the low IMDB score is not reflective again - so I have given it an extra star.

The Vanishing (1988)

Compelling Suspense - Avoid the Remake

[10/10 · 2 June 2016]

Compelling film that still resonates with me decades later. Even re-watching it whilst knowing the story does not spoil the experience.

It is more compelling than enjoyable - so you need to be in the mood to be challenged. It leaves you with a reinforced impetus to enjoy the minutes that you are given, whilst looking out for loved ones. Every one fits their roles and the sum makes a greater film than the original parts.

Total Film reviewed it in their 'Classics' section in the issue July 2016.

The Hollywood remake is laughable - it just shows the difference between challenging original and the comforting remake.

Danny Collins (2015)

Heart Warrming and Not Too Cheesy - Good for Couples and All Ages

[8/10 · 26 May 2015]

I saw this at a preview with my partner and we both enjoyed it. Judging by the laughter so did the audience. It is about a mature singer songwriter who,after reading an old letter from John Lennon is forced to reflect on bad behavior, poor career choices, regrets and relationships. There is something for everyone in this film. Don't be put off by the cheesy photo-enhanced film poster which tries to knock 20 years off the 74 year old Pacino. It almost put me off, but I'm glad to have seen it. Good supporting cast rounds off a good film. Don't want to say too much without spoilers. P.S. Not as good as Pacino's Salome - but that's a different experience.

Salomé (2013)

Deeply Moving and Brave Interpretation of a Classic Tale

[10/10 · 24 May 2015]

I could not believe that there was only one review of this great film. It was released on DVD together with the documentary 'Wilde Salomé'. A great double package explaining the background, the journey and the making of to good effect. I watched Wilde Salomé first, which I think helped before seeing the 'main course'.

The overall effect was deeply moving - covering the whole range of emotions. I can't say too much more without it being a spoiler.

Some will struggle with the theatrical presentation and modern clothes. However don't let that put you off as the acting and the message are top notch.

It still moves me months later - the sign of a good film.

Highly recommended - when you are in the mood.