Angels in America (2003)

As a film treatment for a landmark TV mini-series, this is film marmite – you’ll love it or hate it. If you want a light and frothy sex in the city omnibus this is not it. Many will find it hard watching and overly long, but if you others will revel in the space to develop characters and themes. If you only watch the first half an hour you will have seen one of the best pieces of acting I can remember – so good it took me by surprise – no spoilers, but after you’ve watched it see who plays the Rabbi.
For me, it was a beautifully acted and intellectually deep production. Honest and well-balanced characterisations. Telling a story of epic proportions, this tackles the rise of the AIDS crisis in the early to mid-1980s. Given the subject matter, it achieves a masterful mix of tragic insight and bitter-sweet comedy. Impossible to pick out a single actor as this is a true ensemble piece. Heartbreaking in its honesty and at times hopelessness of a character, but balanced with a vivacious joy for life and unwillingness to be defeated.

It does take effort to watch this for many reasons but the quality of the writing, acting and production values are none of them. I for one have been given an insight into humanity that at its best is a spark of pure genius. Highly recommended but allow time to watch and consider, it’s something that will stay with you.

Media Available: DVDto buy/stream Angels in America (Play)

23/04/2019 0

American Pie Presents: Beta House (2007)

Secret Cinephile Score: 1
1 line takeaway: There’s a reason why you won’t have heard of this .. So bad I walked out.

The official line from the likes of IMBD is Erik, Ryan, and Cooze start college and pledge the Beta House fraternity, presided over by none other than legendary Dwight Stifler. But chaos ensues when a fraternity of geeks threatens to stop the debauchery and the Betas have to make a stand for their right to party.

My opinion was shorter – so bad it’s one of the only films I walked out on .. It’s not my thing, I want to see films to be enriched in some way. This was purile and just not funny.

Media Available: DVD to buy/stream

23/04/2019 2

The Producers (2005)

Secret Cinephile Score: 89
1 line takeaway: A bright, funny and honest remake – better than most.

In general terms, I’m not a fan of remakes. There is an inherent laziness that disappoints me in terms of imagination and innovation. As a broad brush statement, studios only want to remake iconic and hugely popular films that could be a refreshed cash cow. I would have thought obviously, those are exactly the films that should not be remade. So my starting position is declared.

That said, if you have a sense of humour, have ever laughed or think you may have unknowingly smiled then get this DVD. The purists may not like the ‘staged’ quality but for pure laughs and entertainment its a winner.

Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick work well together although you do sense, its familiar territory for Lane. It should be and if you were fortunate enough to see him in the stage production, this will feel like revisiting a familiar friend (in the main).

Whilst Matthew Broderick is good and would be a safe name for any studio, for me he wasn’t as manic, self-absorbed and ultimately funny as either Gene Wilder or Lee Evans from the stage production.

This set a trend from me. Nathan Lane is fabulous but I miss the pure lucheness of Zero Mostel. For me there are one or two questionable casting decisions in the supporting cast. If you have nothing to compare it with, then the probability is you’d enjoy it thoroughly. Ultimately not quite as good as the original but overall not bad for a remake and one of the few I can watch and enjoy.

Media Available: DVD to buy/stream The original version Broadway Cast Recording

12/03/2018 0

October Sky (1999)

Secret Cinephile Score: 80
1 line takeaway: Overlooked and under-rated. Heartwarming true story

Unlikely subject matter, no big stars (at the time), few special effects and no deeply complex messaging – so what makes this such a great movie? Maybe it’s just that difference. This story based closely on a true story simply celebrates the chance of being all you can be.

If the first you knew of Jake Gyllenhaal was in Jarhead then you’re about to learn he could act before he entered the eye candy stakes.

Set in a small mining town in the US at the time of sputnik this largely true story is packed with human spirit.

Complex hopes and expectations are examined through a love of rocketry much to the disappointment of Homer’s father (Chris Cooper) who is a powerful force throughout the film.
A tale of father following son (or not), the love between and within families and the potential of youth, this has everything to make you reflect on how fragile life is and why we should always try to be true to ourselves. Themes that could easily be saccharin but in this treatment are certainly not.
Touching funny in parts, packed full of unexpected humour and a fair dose of potential lost, this is both uplifting and just downright entertaining. One that slipped through the net unseen by most – mores the pity.

Available Media: DVD to buy/stream The making of the film

26/02/2018 0

Finding Neverland (2004)

Finding Neverland

Secret Cinephile Score: 89
1 line takeaway: A calm, charming and moving film about what it is to be a child.

An understated but powerful film. Focusing on the evolution of Peter Pan through the evolving and sometimes troubled relationship of the author J.M Barrie.

A mix of contained acting style, excellent location and set design and a sympathetic script mean the has a genuinely Edwardian feel. A mix of refined splendor, private uncertainties against the backdrop of a changing society.

The final scene between Barrie and Peter is one of the most beautiful performances I have seen Depp give. Certainly worth spending 90 minutes of your time and proves (as if it were necessary) that Johnny Depp is much more than Captain Jack Sparrow. A courageous and still undervalued actor. Well worth watching.

Available Media: DVD buy/stream Cast Recording

22/02/2018 0