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Elstree 1976 (2015)
A Star Wars Fan Who Couldn't Sit Through This Movie
This is not a nostalgic behind the scenes look at the making of Star Wars or even interesting anecdotes from actors and extras, BUT rather a boring, rambling, stream of consciousness, insomnia curing, 90 minutes of irrelevant and otherwise unrelated "stories" from cast members, most of which you've never heard of. It has poor production value and a poor sound which makes some of the conversation exceedingly difficult to hear. The production values could be forgiven however, if the content was interesting. My wife, who is not as much of a Star Wars fan, pointed out that you would be hard pressed to find any meaningful reference to Star Wars in the first 40 minutes of this film. By the time a random soap opera clip "starring" an unknown was shown, I'd had enough. This is unfortunately one many of us waited for, but is one to miss. And rest assured, you won't miss much of anything.
The Queen of Versailles (2012)
Better Title: "Here Come The Conceited Schmucks"
An excellent look at what's wrong with the world and the consumer society in America. A reprehensible bunch of of idiots with no empathy or self awareness. They made their bed... you know the rest. Every scene where these morons espouse their greatness and merit to society, or the kids talk about how they "don't want to end up spoiled" or they regale us with talk of how everyone who knows them is "better for it" makes you gag. A well filmed documentary that you can use as a teachable moment to say to individuals you influence: "Don't be like these people"! Must have been a slow year at Sundance if this was so well received. Just don't watch it after you've had a big meal.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Nice if You're Short on Time
I can't say anything horrible about this adaptation, in fact it's good. BUT if you've read the book or have had the wonderful luck to have seen the 1995 BBC version with Elizabeth Ehle and Colin Firth, then you will be underwhelmed. As you must be since this is only acceptable as a 2 hour version. The story is just too complex to be truncated down to this point. But I must say it's pretty well edited in its form.
Just two appearances by Mr. Wickham, Lady Catherine de Bourgh doesn't receive enough play up to the climactic confrontation, everybody's sisters are mostly irrelevant, and Mrs. Bennet does not hold up to the portrayal by Alison Steadman; furthermore, the chemistry between Knightley and MacFadyen DOESN'T BEGIN to approach that of Ehle and Firth, among other issues.
The production company should've known what they were getting into after all. So, if you can't stand the heat stay out of the kitchen. On the plus side, it is beautifully photographed with excellent cinematography and I owe someone a nickel because Keira Knightley can act.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Worst Adaptation of a Popular Book in a Long While
I will never understand why studios take popular (in this case WILDLY POPULAR) books, and create movies with scripts that at best dumb down and leave out important details and characters, and at worst, totally eviscerate the plot with an insulting screenplay. This movie falls into the latter category. As a Potter series fan, this screenplay basically says we will throw what is the most commercial money grab--time compressed--second grader appealing film possible and for those who are looking to enjoy what they found most appealing about the books-- Get Bent; we don't care about what made these books so popular in the first place. I've now watched the movie several times over the last year and a half and dislike it more and more. To the point that I would rather not ever see it again. A good example of successful book adaptation can be seen with Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings Trilogy. With the Potter films they had a perfect opportunity to have long running, detail dense, faithful adaptations. They even could've split a book such as should've been done here (which Tarantino and others have already proved to be commercially successful). Instead we find ourselves insulted with a half-assed attempt at resembling the source material. The best book in the series is reduced to the worst film. Shameful and one for fans of the books to avoid.
Pride and Prejudice (1995)
The Definitive Screen Version of this Masterpiece
If you are a fan of the book (who has read it and isn't?), you will not be disappointed in this version. This BBC miniseries stays true to the book where others have shockingly not bothered to follow the narrative of one of the best novels in western literature. The acting and screenplay are spot on and the cinematography is great. Colin Firth as Darcy sets the mark for others to follow and Jennifer Ehle is excellent. Furthermore, the supporting cast is excellent! Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Collins, Mr. Bennet, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, the list goes on; all do an extraordinary job. This is the definitive version-- Even those with the shortest of 21st century attention spans will be rapt. When Firth and Ehle are on screen together it's almost impossible to look away. A truer masterpiece of literature transcribed to the screen will not be found.
Jane Eyre (2006)
Disappointed and A Bit Mystified
I did watch this one based on Masterpiece Theatre's reputation and the fawning reviews written here. But "the best adaptation" and "history in the making" etc. etc.?? I'm sorry but this is not a true adaptation and plays a bit too fast and loose for me. If one seeks to adapt a classic and changes the details that made it a classic, one is doomed to mediocrity at best and failure at worse. This falls into the former category. This simply will be seen as an also ran, especially when compared to the Zeffirelli version of 1996. Performances were fine but screenplay is off. Read the book and compare and contrast-- I'll bet this miniseries won't be the victor. P.S. favorably comparing this version of Jane Eyre to the 1996 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice is BLASPHEMY! That was and is one the single Best versions of classic literature transcribed to screen.
Paper Lion (1968)
Enjoyable Fun for All Ages and Athletic Abilities!
Enjoyable feel-good film for everybody-- whether you're a quarterback or an armchair quarterback. Based on the true account of George Plimpton at Detroit Lions training camp. Looks at the dream of a weekend athlete and the camaraderie of team sport. The nostalgia of the sixties comes through well. Alan Alda does a fine job as do all the pros, giving the necessary realism. Plimpton does a good job standing in for fans and giving all of us a taste of the big time. At first he tries for a meaningful experience;later he strives to earn respect as he realizes the challenges these men face in professional sports. All backyard athletes dream of the sensation of competing at the highest level. Plimpton and Alda show how it feels behind the scenes in this engaging and entertaining film.
The Endless Summer (1966)
Beautiful Wonderful Nostalgic Escape
Beautifully filmed, wonderfully nostalgic trip to a simpler time. A labor of love by those who lived the life and embraced the philosophy of the lifestyle. Characterized by friendly exploration of different beaches (as they chased Summer around the globe) as well as different cultures; a true escape in every sense of the word. These ambassadors of the sport don't perform a high energy showcase of different surfing moves, rather they exhibit the beauty and grace of 60's style surfing, making friends along the way. A must for anyone who has ever been on a board or dreamed of it. A great film for the whole family, I put it on on a Sunday night to forget the stress of the upcoming week. Watch it over and over-- it gets better every time.
The Parent Trap (1998)
Stick with the original
We all remember the original parent trap; fun and innocent with a commendable performance by Hayley Mills. This Disney carbon-copy remake with Lindsey Lohan only serves to demonstrate how little original thought exists in the minds of mainstream film producers. Since we've seen the movie before and are now given the same in a less nostalgic, less humorous, less emotionally involving form, this version not only fails to add anything (besides a new cast), but unfortunately simply goes through the motions. Lastly, because of the emotional distance (we feel nothing for the parents and little for the twins) of this cast with the audience, this version simply highlights the superiority of Brian Keith, Maureen O'Hara and Hayley Mills and Hayley Mills.
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
Visually attractive but substance is quite forgettable
OK so there is an attempt at an academy award for art direction but characters/plot/feel are severely lacking. You'll forget you ever saw this film the instant the credits roll. Cast is fine, acting isn't the issue. Writing, despite the intentional Flash Gordon nostalgia, is completely lacking in feeling. Plot is a second thought which is OK for this picture. Unfortunately, sepia-comic book appearance doesn't go far enough to reach the "eye candy" payoff. Even action buffs will tire of this one quickly. I won't even look for this on TV.