Been a bit slack with blogging recently but I’ve not had the time to watch many films so it hardly matters.
Reel History of Britain (TV)
I watched several episodes of this over three weeks. While the content was ace the programmes themselves were ridiculously full of padding and repetition making at least a third of each show a waste of everyone’s time.
Calendar Girls, 2003
The Story of British Pathe (TV)
Horizon: The Secret World of Pain (TV)
Fascinating documentary.
The Brain: A secret History (TV)
She’s the Man, 2006
Quite charming version of Twelfth Night.
The Lovely Bones, 2009
Utter bobbins! I read the book and although I wasn’t a huge fan of its sentimentality I found some aspects quite interesting. This film only dwelled upon the less interesting aspects. By focusing on Susie’s dad (the dullest character) it moved away from what I found important in the book; Lindsey’s reactions and investigation, and Ruth’s activities bringing women victims of violence together. The acting was good I guess but who cares when the film was unwatchably rubbish.
Dan in Real Life, 2007
This got bad reviews but although it was idealised and predictable I found the performances and wit engaging enough to make it enjoyable.
A Town Called Panic, 2009
Not as funny as it should have been although it did have its moments.
The Page Turner, 2006
This was exactly what I expected. You always know where you are with these bourgois French dramas and that’s ace sometimes (as with this film).
The Pawnbroker, 1965
This was mentioned in Scenes from a Revolution which I’m reading at the moment and coincidentally was recorded off TV the other week. It’s one of those films that is just quality and you can tell pretty soon after beginning it. Powerful.
Would have been interesting to have seen this as part of my older film project as it was very ‘of its time’.
Empire Records, 1995
Another film whose time is easily identifiable. Found myself saddened/ amused and distracted by where the actors have ended up. It’s a film full of artistic slackers and yet several of the actors have gone on to law enforcement parts (in The Mentalist, Without a Trace and various CSIs). They’re all working for The Man now…
