habbfan Reviews

Always Outnumbered (1998 TV Movie)

Black on the outside...

[20 May 2005]

But human on the inside. A warm, thoughtful, touching examination of both men and women. The little indignities we visit on each other everyday whether we are aware of them or not. The strength to do the right thing. This film is possibly Larry Fishburne's finest performance, subtle, nuanced, deeply felt. He seems so natural that this could be a documentary. Black on the surface because Walter Mosley can only write what he knows,as I can only write about what I have experienced, but human inside because here is a thoughtful man reflecting on a world that is not black and white but multicultural and multi-ethnic with the focus on what he knows.

This film should be shown in every school. It may not cure the troubles we see there but those it does reach will be changed.

Tripping the Wire: A Stephen Tree Mystery (2005 TV Movie)

Good film

[4 April 2005]

A good film, ostensibly set in Canada. It is more about mood, ambiance and loyalty than murder. Clark Johnson is a very charming man in a role that could be unsympathetic but he pulls it off. Steven Tree as a character is flawed, drinking, pills. He fools around with the wrong woman. He has a nasty secret. The hints we get about his nemesis are intriguing, we want to know more. the cast is well chosen for their roles although the acting is a bit spotty. I think it is well worth seeing again as I am sure I missed something the first time through. The film is shot almost entirely in close-up creating a claustrophobic feeling rather than one of intimacy. I have the feeling this is the first in a series but I couldn't find anything. I look forward to another.