Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984 118min.) [BBC1 1.45pm]
Harrison Ford returns as intrepid archaeologist Indiana Jones in the second entry in Steven Spielberg's action adventure series. On the trail of fortune and glory in Shanghai, Indy is launched on a dangerous new quest that takes him to India via the Himalayas. With his faithful companion Short Round and nightclub singer Willie Scott, Indy goes in search of the magical Sankara stone and uncovers an ancient evil that threatens all who come into contact with it.
Shrek The Third (2007 88min.) [BBC1 3.50pm]
Animated fantasy comedy featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. When his father-in-law becomes ill, Shrek is expected to become ruler of Far Far Away. But the grumpy green ogre would rather live the quiet life with Princess Fiona in his beloved swamp. Travelling overseas in search of a true heir, Shrek is unaware that the pregnant Fiona is in danger from a rebellion led by jilted Prince Charming.
Kung Fu Panda (2008 88min.) [BBC2 7.35pm]
Animated adventure featuring the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman and Angelina Jolie. Ancient China: Po the Panda lives in the Valley of Peace and dreams of becoming a kung fu master despite the fact he is clumsy, overweight and a complete beginner at martial arts. So when he's accidentally chosen to be the legendary Dragon Warrior, he is overjoyed. However, his joy is short-lived as the evil snow leopard Tai Lung has escaped from captivity and is on his way to the Valley to take his revenge on Po's mentor.
Alan Partridge : Alpha Papa (2013 86min) [BBC2 10.30pm]
Comedy starring Steve Coogan. Norwich DJ Alan Partridge is unconcerned when his local radio station, North Norfolk Digital, is bought out by a multinational. But when he finds out that it's either himself or fellow DJ Pat Farrell who must go, Alan makes sure that it's his colleague who gets the boot. However, when a shotgun-wielding Pat decides to hold the staff hostage, it's up to Norwich's most famous son to save the day.
The Third Man (1949, 101min.) [BBC4 11.00pm]
Classic thriller written by Graham Greene, starring Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles and featuring Alida Valli. Holly Martins, a writer of western stories, arrives in Vienna after the end of the Second World War where he has been promised work by his old friend, Harry Lime.
One of the finest British films ever made, Graham Greene’s thriller is brought to life by director Carol Reed with stunning cinematography by Robert Krasker.
Led by Joseph Cotton’s central performance as Holly Martins, we discover through him the story of the disappearance of his friend Harry Lime, who appears to have died after becoming involved in racketeering. It is surely not too much of a spoiler to say that everything is not as it seems, and sure enough Harry Lime (played by a charismatic Orson Welles) shows up later on in dramatic fashion.
With many memorable moments, from the instantly recognisable zither music, to the stylishly shot chase through the sewers of Vienna, and the ferris wheel scene featuring the classic 'cuckoo clock' speech The Third Man bears repeated viewings and is a must see if it has somehow evaded you.
Shakespeare In Love (1998 118min.) [Ch4 1.30am wednesday &+1]
Oscar-winning romantic comedy starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. Will Shakespeare's career is in crisis: his money is running out and he's suffering from writer's block. Then he meets beautiful aristocrat Viola De Lesseps and his life - and the world of English literature - will never be the same again.
Fun.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Monday, 21 December 2015
Freeview films of the day : monday 21st of December
Build My Gallows High (1947 96min.) [Movies4Men - Sky 325, Freeview 48, Freesat 304 - 11.30am &+1]
Classic film noir starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer and Kirk Douglas. Former private detective Jeff Bailey finds his violent past catching up with him when he's recognised by a customer at his gas station. The meeting reminds Bailey of the time he was hired to find the girlfriend of a gambler who disappeared with $40,000.
Cracking film noir with Mitchum giving a terrific performance and Douglas relishing the 'bad guy' role.
Superbly directed by black and white horror master Jacques Tourneur - under rated and overlooked for many years it's now considered on of the best Hollywood detective films of its time
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981 110min.) [BBC1 1.45pm]
Action adventure starring Harrison Ford and Karen Allen. Indiana Jones's outrageous exploits take him around the world in search of the legendary Ark of the Covenant, a religious artefact of unspeakable power wanted by the Nazis. With the help of an old flame, Indy takes on his enemies in a terrifying and death-defying battle to the finish.
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's definitve statement on their continuing obsession with the comforting nostalgia of American cinema.
A boys-own adventure serial remade on a big budget : packed full of cliffhangers, humour and special effects set pieces.
Harrison Ford creates an iconic role and there's good work by Karen Allen, Denholm Elliott and Paul Freeman among a strong cast.
It's a complete throwback, out of step with all of its contemporaries, but it's atmosphere and sheer joie de vive (and a perfect theme/score) allowed it to succeed and become one of the defining films of eighties Hollywood.
White Christmas (1954 115min.) [Ch4 11.50am &+1]
Musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Old army buddies Phil Davis and Bob Wallace travel with the glamorous Haynes sisters to the Columbia Inn in Vermont. There, Phil and Bob are reunited with their old commanding officer, General Waverly, who is now struggling to keep the hotel going. The visitors decide there's only one answer - to put on a show.
There’s two really good things on show here : Danny Kaye’s show stealing performance and the direction by Hollywood veteran Michael Curtiz (who also directed Casablanca). Bing gets to sing That Song and Vera-Ellen’s dancing is seriously impressive.
Shrek 2 (2004 88min.) [BBC1 3.50pm]
Sequel to the hit animated fantasy comedy, featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. On arriving back from their honeymoon, Shrek and princess Fiona are invited to stay with her parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away. But King Harold is less than enchanted by his new son-in-law, and the Fairy Godmother has good reason to want the ogre out of Fiona's life. Cue assassin-for hire Puss-in-Boots...
Rather disappointing sequel to the rip-roaring original. Some very good sight gags and brilliant animation but the story and some of the voice work let too much daylight in on the magic.
The Others (2001 99min.) [Film4 1.30am &+1]
Atmospheric period horror thriller starring Nicole Kidman. In a remote mansion on the Channel Island of Jersey at the end of the Second World War, Grace is praying for news of her husband, who has been declared missing in action. Her children have an allergy to sunlight and cannot leave the house, so Grace advertises for some home help. Three people respond to her request, but their arrival coincides with a series of sinister occurrences.
Nicole Kidman gives a spirited (!) performance and director Alejandro Amenábar uses a style which will be familiar to those who have seen classic chillers such as The Haunting (1963) and The Innocents (1961) - shocks are delivered by suggestion and atmosphere, rather than CGI gore and guts.
The end result is a deeply satisfying, subtle and enjoyable film that, even when you know or work out the twist, still has plenty to offer.
Classic film noir starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer and Kirk Douglas. Former private detective Jeff Bailey finds his violent past catching up with him when he's recognised by a customer at his gas station. The meeting reminds Bailey of the time he was hired to find the girlfriend of a gambler who disappeared with $40,000.
Cracking film noir with Mitchum giving a terrific performance and Douglas relishing the 'bad guy' role.
Superbly directed by black and white horror master Jacques Tourneur - under rated and overlooked for many years it's now considered on of the best Hollywood detective films of its time
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981 110min.) [BBC1 1.45pm]
Action adventure starring Harrison Ford and Karen Allen. Indiana Jones's outrageous exploits take him around the world in search of the legendary Ark of the Covenant, a religious artefact of unspeakable power wanted by the Nazis. With the help of an old flame, Indy takes on his enemies in a terrifying and death-defying battle to the finish.
George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's definitve statement on their continuing obsession with the comforting nostalgia of American cinema.
A boys-own adventure serial remade on a big budget : packed full of cliffhangers, humour and special effects set pieces.
Harrison Ford creates an iconic role and there's good work by Karen Allen, Denholm Elliott and Paul Freeman among a strong cast.
It's a complete throwback, out of step with all of its contemporaries, but it's atmosphere and sheer joie de vive (and a perfect theme/score) allowed it to succeed and become one of the defining films of eighties Hollywood.
White Christmas (1954 115min.) [Ch4 11.50am &+1]
Musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Old army buddies Phil Davis and Bob Wallace travel with the glamorous Haynes sisters to the Columbia Inn in Vermont. There, Phil and Bob are reunited with their old commanding officer, General Waverly, who is now struggling to keep the hotel going. The visitors decide there's only one answer - to put on a show.
There’s two really good things on show here : Danny Kaye’s show stealing performance and the direction by Hollywood veteran Michael Curtiz (who also directed Casablanca). Bing gets to sing That Song and Vera-Ellen’s dancing is seriously impressive.
Shrek 2 (2004 88min.) [BBC1 3.50pm]
Sequel to the hit animated fantasy comedy, featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. On arriving back from their honeymoon, Shrek and princess Fiona are invited to stay with her parents in the kingdom of Far Far Away. But King Harold is less than enchanted by his new son-in-law, and the Fairy Godmother has good reason to want the ogre out of Fiona's life. Cue assassin-for hire Puss-in-Boots...
Rather disappointing sequel to the rip-roaring original. Some very good sight gags and brilliant animation but the story and some of the voice work let too much daylight in on the magic.
The Others (2001 99min.) [Film4 1.30am &+1]
Atmospheric period horror thriller starring Nicole Kidman. In a remote mansion on the Channel Island of Jersey at the end of the Second World War, Grace is praying for news of her husband, who has been declared missing in action. Her children have an allergy to sunlight and cannot leave the house, so Grace advertises for some home help. Three people respond to her request, but their arrival coincides with a series of sinister occurrences.
Nicole Kidman gives a spirited (!) performance and director Alejandro Amenábar uses a style which will be familiar to those who have seen classic chillers such as The Haunting (1963) and The Innocents (1961) - shocks are delivered by suggestion and atmosphere, rather than CGI gore and guts.
The end result is a deeply satisfying, subtle and enjoyable film that, even when you know or work out the twist, still has plenty to offer.
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Films on Freeview TV : saturday 19th of December
The Bishops Wife (1947 104min.) [BBC2 12.45pm]
Fantasy comedy starring Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young. An angel descends to Earth to help a troubled bishop, whose marriage and faith have been weakened by his efforts to raise money for a new church.
Charming, if slightly underwritten comedy, with Grant and his co-stars all in superb form.
The Muppets
(2011 98min.) [BBC1 1.15pm]
Musical comedy starring Amy Adams, Jason Segel and the creations of Jim Henson. Muppet fans Gary, Mary and Walter visit the Muppet Theater in Hollywood, but are horrified by its dilapidated condition. When it turns out a greedy oil magnate is determined to buy the building, the trio set out to find the members of the old gang and persuade them to put on a money-spinning show.
Triumphant return to the big screen for Kermit and his friends : there’s the well tested formula as before – knowingly bad gags, a race against time story, celebrity cameos and a frenetic pace. There’s also some really strong specially written songs.
Very well done and an absolute delight to watch.
A Knight's Tale (2001 126min.) [Film4 1.00pm &+1]
Romantic period adventure starring Heath Ledger. In 14th-century Europe, William, a young commoner, poses as Sir Ulric of Liechtenstein, a knight. But can he change his lowly destiny by winning jousting tournaments, or will the evil Count Adhemar discover the deception before William can win the fair Lady Jocelyn's hand?
A jolly film that at times captures the infectious silliness of The Princess Bride.
Ledger is good value in the lead role but Paul Bettany (as Chaucer) steals every scene he is in. Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy and Alan Tuyk offer excellent support.
There's a good deal of charm in the script (which is filled with knowing anachronisms) and it looks as though everyone involved was having a great deal of fun while making the film.
It is a shade too long and the jousting sequences are slightly too numerous but overall it's a funny, witty, well delivered couple of hours of undemanding entertainment.
Splash (1984 105min.) [BBC2 2.30pm]
A man is reunited with a mermaid who saves him from drowning as a boy and falls in love not knowing who/what she is.
Terrific Ron Howard film fantasy that made stars of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. Touching, warm and engaging.
Dad's Army (1971 90min.) [BBC2 5.00pm]
Comedy adapted from the popular TV sitcom, starring Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier and Clive Dunn. In 1940, with a German invasion threatened, the defence of Walmington-on-Sea is in the hands of Captain Mainwaring, the bank manager, and a motley collection of townspeople who make up the Local Defence Volunteers.
The received wisom is that feature film versions of TV sitcoms are uniformly awful. While this is often the case the Dad's Army film is something of an exception : possibly because the characters are so familiar that there's little need for introducions and we get straight on with the jokes and action.
It suffers a little from the extension of length but the warmth and wit of the TV series survives intact.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993 73min.) [ITV2 7.25pm &+1]
Animated musical drama featuring the voices of Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, longs to escape the routine of Halloweentown. Through a door in a tree, he stumbles upon Christmastown where he engineers the kidnapping of Santa Claus and wreaks havoc among the inhabitants.
Top quality stop-motion animation with some great songs, sets, characters and voice work. Not just for kids and goths!
Superb set of songs by Danny Elfman too.
Star Trek (2009 121min.) [Ch4 8.00pm &+1]
JJ Abrams reboots the Star Trek universe in this prequel to the sci-fi franchise. Rebellious youth James Kirk is persuaded to join the Starfleet Academy, where he befriends Dr Leonard "Bones" McCoy and clashes with officer Spock. When an evil Romulan arrives from the future, the young crew of the USS Enterprise find themselves in the thick of the action.
If you're tired/bored/never bothered with the original TV series, it's multi-headed offspring and the increasingly daft film franchise in which the original TV cast grow older, fatter and slower then you might dismiss this as another entry in a pointless franchise.
But Abrams' film cleverly turns the clock back so that we meet younger versions of the familiar crew members as they meet for the first time, undergo training and take part in their first mission on the then new Enterprise.
Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto lead the cast and are both excellent - not impersonating Shatner and Nimoy but dropping in enough physical and verbal references to remind us that we are watching the characters who will become the Kirk and Spock that we know.
It's a clever, witty, smart and fast paced adventure story that requries no knowledge of the original output in order to enjoy the very well handled action sequences and entertaining story.
The only off-note is Simon Pegg's cameo as a comedy Scotty but the rest of the supporting cast are perfect in their roles (Karl Urban's McCoy especially so).
Wolfcop (2014 75min.) [Film4 11.25pm &+1]
Freeview premiere
Alcoholic police officer Lou Garou follows up on a disturbance call in a remote area, but blacks out shortly after arriving on the scene and the following night he transforms from a man into rage-fuelled werewolf. During the day, Lou struggles to remain in control while working to uncover the mystery of cursed him and why. Comedy horror, starring Leo Fafard.
It's a very long way from being brilliant and the 'story' extends very little further than the set-up ; but its short running length, some well done effects and a few moments of inventive humour mean that it's not an utter waste of time.
Thirst (2009 128min.) [Film4 1.00am sunday &+1]
Horror from the director of Oldboy. After selflessly offering himself as a guinea pig to help find a cure for a deadly virus, small-town priest Sang-hyun is transformed into a vampire.
But his attempts to balance his faith with his new carnal desires come undone when he begins a destructive affair with an oppressed married woman whose bloodlust quickly outstrips his own.
Superior Asian horror film that genre fans will love.
Fantasy comedy starring Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young. An angel descends to Earth to help a troubled bishop, whose marriage and faith have been weakened by his efforts to raise money for a new church.
Charming, if slightly underwritten comedy, with Grant and his co-stars all in superb form.
The Muppets
(2011 98min.) [BBC1 1.15pm]
Musical comedy starring Amy Adams, Jason Segel and the creations of Jim Henson. Muppet fans Gary, Mary and Walter visit the Muppet Theater in Hollywood, but are horrified by its dilapidated condition. When it turns out a greedy oil magnate is determined to buy the building, the trio set out to find the members of the old gang and persuade them to put on a money-spinning show.
Triumphant return to the big screen for Kermit and his friends : there’s the well tested formula as before – knowingly bad gags, a race against time story, celebrity cameos and a frenetic pace. There’s also some really strong specially written songs.
Very well done and an absolute delight to watch.
A Knight's Tale (2001 126min.) [Film4 1.00pm &+1]
Romantic period adventure starring Heath Ledger. In 14th-century Europe, William, a young commoner, poses as Sir Ulric of Liechtenstein, a knight. But can he change his lowly destiny by winning jousting tournaments, or will the evil Count Adhemar discover the deception before William can win the fair Lady Jocelyn's hand?
A jolly film that at times captures the infectious silliness of The Princess Bride.
Ledger is good value in the lead role but Paul Bettany (as Chaucer) steals every scene he is in. Rufus Sewell, Mark Addy and Alan Tuyk offer excellent support.
There's a good deal of charm in the script (which is filled with knowing anachronisms) and it looks as though everyone involved was having a great deal of fun while making the film.
It is a shade too long and the jousting sequences are slightly too numerous but overall it's a funny, witty, well delivered couple of hours of undemanding entertainment.
Splash (1984 105min.) [BBC2 2.30pm]
A man is reunited with a mermaid who saves him from drowning as a boy and falls in love not knowing who/what she is.
Terrific Ron Howard film fantasy that made stars of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. Touching, warm and engaging.
Dad's Army (1971 90min.) [BBC2 5.00pm]
Comedy adapted from the popular TV sitcom, starring Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier and Clive Dunn. In 1940, with a German invasion threatened, the defence of Walmington-on-Sea is in the hands of Captain Mainwaring, the bank manager, and a motley collection of townspeople who make up the Local Defence Volunteers.
The received wisom is that feature film versions of TV sitcoms are uniformly awful. While this is often the case the Dad's Army film is something of an exception : possibly because the characters are so familiar that there's little need for introducions and we get straight on with the jokes and action.
It suffers a little from the extension of length but the warmth and wit of the TV series survives intact.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993 73min.) [ITV2 7.25pm &+1]
Animated musical drama featuring the voices of Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, longs to escape the routine of Halloweentown. Through a door in a tree, he stumbles upon Christmastown where he engineers the kidnapping of Santa Claus and wreaks havoc among the inhabitants.
Top quality stop-motion animation with some great songs, sets, characters and voice work. Not just for kids and goths!
Superb set of songs by Danny Elfman too.
Star Trek (2009 121min.) [Ch4 8.00pm &+1]
JJ Abrams reboots the Star Trek universe in this prequel to the sci-fi franchise. Rebellious youth James Kirk is persuaded to join the Starfleet Academy, where he befriends Dr Leonard "Bones" McCoy and clashes with officer Spock. When an evil Romulan arrives from the future, the young crew of the USS Enterprise find themselves in the thick of the action.
If you're tired/bored/never bothered with the original TV series, it's multi-headed offspring and the increasingly daft film franchise in which the original TV cast grow older, fatter and slower then you might dismiss this as another entry in a pointless franchise.
But Abrams' film cleverly turns the clock back so that we meet younger versions of the familiar crew members as they meet for the first time, undergo training and take part in their first mission on the then new Enterprise.
Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto lead the cast and are both excellent - not impersonating Shatner and Nimoy but dropping in enough physical and verbal references to remind us that we are watching the characters who will become the Kirk and Spock that we know.
It's a clever, witty, smart and fast paced adventure story that requries no knowledge of the original output in order to enjoy the very well handled action sequences and entertaining story.
The only off-note is Simon Pegg's cameo as a comedy Scotty but the rest of the supporting cast are perfect in their roles (Karl Urban's McCoy especially so).
Wolfcop (2014 75min.) [Film4 11.25pm &+1]
Freeview premiere
Alcoholic police officer Lou Garou follows up on a disturbance call in a remote area, but blacks out shortly after arriving on the scene and the following night he transforms from a man into rage-fuelled werewolf. During the day, Lou struggles to remain in control while working to uncover the mystery of cursed him and why. Comedy horror, starring Leo Fafard.
It's a very long way from being brilliant and the 'story' extends very little further than the set-up ; but its short running length, some well done effects and a few moments of inventive humour mean that it's not an utter waste of time.
Thirst (2009 128min.) [Film4 1.00am sunday &+1]
Horror from the director of Oldboy. After selflessly offering himself as a guinea pig to help find a cure for a deadly virus, small-town priest Sang-hyun is transformed into a vampire.
But his attempts to balance his faith with his new carnal desires come undone when he begins a destructive affair with an oppressed married woman whose bloodlust quickly outstrips his own.
Superior Asian horror film that genre fans will love.
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Freeview film of the day : wednesday 16th of December
American Graffiti (1973 107min.) [Film4 1.00am thursday &+1]
Coming-of-age comedy drama directed by George Lucas, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard (billed here as Ronny). California 1962: four high-school graduates face up to their futures during a summer's night spent driving around the streets and chasing girls.
"Where were you in '62?"
With High School behind them and their futures due to start in the morning a group of friends spend the night cruising the strip in their small California hometown, listening to Wolfman Jack on the radio and getting involved in small but significant adventures.
Lucas graduated from the same film school as Francis Ford Coppola and Spielberg and while the former had The Godfather (1972) on his CV already and the latter was just a couple of years from changing the face of mainstream US cinema for ever with Jaws, Lucas only had the failure of his debut feature THX 1138 (1971), a dreary and dull sci-fi film to show for his talent and ambition.
Taking a back-to-basics approach he decided that if audiences didn't want to join him in a journey into the future he would take them back into his past. American Graffiti is an amalgam of events and people he recalled from his teenage years growing up in Modesto, California.
The central characters are composite stereotypes - Richard Dreyfus is the smart, sensitive loner; Ron(ny) Howard the conflicted All American teen; Paul Le Mat is John, the grease monkey car enthusiast whose interests extend no further than the Strip and his place on it and Charlie Martin Smith is the partial outsider - the nerd/dweeb whose loyalty and friendship is valued sufficently by the "cool kids" to allow them to tolerate his presence on the fringes of their activity.
From these building blocks Lucas and his co-writers then fashioned a believable world for them to live in - a world where small events are inflated to life-changing proportions and where it's safe to stay out all night and indulge in your favourite pastimes while the police and parents take a "boys will be boys" atttitude and the worst that can happen is your car gets wrecked or your heart gets (temporarily) broken.
The script, the cast, the recognisable near-past world and the direction are all spot on the money : it's a beautifully paced movie with moments of high energy counterpointed by smaller, quieter ones of reflection and repose. And it's funny; the script crackles and fizzes with great lines, clever physical gags and an overall sense of fun and innocence.
And then there's the soundtrack : a perfectly chosen selection of pre-Beatles teen pop that both acts as a background for events and as a commentary upon them. The inclusion of the voice of legendary cult rock'n'roll DJ Wolfman Jack and his anarchic links between records is inspired and adds another layer to the beautifully constructed sense of time and place.
Yet nagging away in the background all the time is the spectre of Vietnam : the kids of American Graffiti's world were the last for a generation who were able to indulge in such simple pleasures and dream of brighter futures without the fear of the draft and death in a foreign country hanging over them at every step. The war is never mentioned but it's there in the background all the time; as is the looming moment when American youth lost it's sense of innocence for ever.
JFK gets a passing mention, just enough to jerk you back from the lost fantasy world to the cold hard reality that's about to impinge on the lives of these (mostly) carefree young people in the most brutal way.
Lucas adds a postscript screen card that updates the story of the four main players ; two are dead, both well before their time, in senseless killings while two others have lived out their lives in almost excatly the way that we would have imagined. The physical location given for the grown-up Curt suggests that the Vietnam War was also a life changing event for him even though he never fought in it.
American Graffiti is an outstanding film that shows a film maker finding his populist touch and creating a fully functioning world for his characters to live in; an ability that he would develop further with his next projects which would reward him with enormous financial wealth but declining artistic recognition and respect.
For the time it's on screen the film is perfect, loveable and wholly believable - the kids are alright and so is everything else in the world. It's only as the end credits role that we realise that these certanties were to be gone for ever within a few short months and that there's no going back in the real world to a time of soda pop and fries at the drive-in with the thumping beat of rock'n'roll radio as your constant companion.
A genuine classic of mainstream American cinema.
Coming-of-age comedy drama directed by George Lucas, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Ron Howard (billed here as Ronny). California 1962: four high-school graduates face up to their futures during a summer's night spent driving around the streets and chasing girls.
"Where were you in '62?"
With High School behind them and their futures due to start in the morning a group of friends spend the night cruising the strip in their small California hometown, listening to Wolfman Jack on the radio and getting involved in small but significant adventures.
Lucas graduated from the same film school as Francis Ford Coppola and Spielberg and while the former had The Godfather (1972) on his CV already and the latter was just a couple of years from changing the face of mainstream US cinema for ever with Jaws, Lucas only had the failure of his debut feature THX 1138 (1971), a dreary and dull sci-fi film to show for his talent and ambition.
Taking a back-to-basics approach he decided that if audiences didn't want to join him in a journey into the future he would take them back into his past. American Graffiti is an amalgam of events and people he recalled from his teenage years growing up in Modesto, California.
The central characters are composite stereotypes - Richard Dreyfus is the smart, sensitive loner; Ron(ny) Howard the conflicted All American teen; Paul Le Mat is John, the grease monkey car enthusiast whose interests extend no further than the Strip and his place on it and Charlie Martin Smith is the partial outsider - the nerd/dweeb whose loyalty and friendship is valued sufficently by the "cool kids" to allow them to tolerate his presence on the fringes of their activity.
From these building blocks Lucas and his co-writers then fashioned a believable world for them to live in - a world where small events are inflated to life-changing proportions and where it's safe to stay out all night and indulge in your favourite pastimes while the police and parents take a "boys will be boys" atttitude and the worst that can happen is your car gets wrecked or your heart gets (temporarily) broken.
The script, the cast, the recognisable near-past world and the direction are all spot on the money : it's a beautifully paced movie with moments of high energy counterpointed by smaller, quieter ones of reflection and repose. And it's funny; the script crackles and fizzes with great lines, clever physical gags and an overall sense of fun and innocence.
And then there's the soundtrack : a perfectly chosen selection of pre-Beatles teen pop that both acts as a background for events and as a commentary upon them. The inclusion of the voice of legendary cult rock'n'roll DJ Wolfman Jack and his anarchic links between records is inspired and adds another layer to the beautifully constructed sense of time and place.
Yet nagging away in the background all the time is the spectre of Vietnam : the kids of American Graffiti's world were the last for a generation who were able to indulge in such simple pleasures and dream of brighter futures without the fear of the draft and death in a foreign country hanging over them at every step. The war is never mentioned but it's there in the background all the time; as is the looming moment when American youth lost it's sense of innocence for ever.
JFK gets a passing mention, just enough to jerk you back from the lost fantasy world to the cold hard reality that's about to impinge on the lives of these (mostly) carefree young people in the most brutal way.
Lucas adds a postscript screen card that updates the story of the four main players ; two are dead, both well before their time, in senseless killings while two others have lived out their lives in almost excatly the way that we would have imagined. The physical location given for the grown-up Curt suggests that the Vietnam War was also a life changing event for him even though he never fought in it.
American Graffiti is an outstanding film that shows a film maker finding his populist touch and creating a fully functioning world for his characters to live in; an ability that he would develop further with his next projects which would reward him with enormous financial wealth but declining artistic recognition and respect.
For the time it's on screen the film is perfect, loveable and wholly believable - the kids are alright and so is everything else in the world. It's only as the end credits role that we realise that these certanties were to be gone for ever within a few short months and that there's no going back in the real world to a time of soda pop and fries at the drive-in with the thumping beat of rock'n'roll radio as your constant companion.
A genuine classic of mainstream American cinema.
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Freeview film of the day : tuesday 15th of December
The Possibilities Are Endless (2014 83min.) [Film4 11.25pm &+1]
Freeview premiere
Documentary following singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins' rehabilitation after he suffered two cerebral haemorrhages that affected his memory, weakened his right side and left him able to say four things - including the phrase `the possibilities are endless'. Edward Lovelace and James Hall's film tracks the former Orange Juice frontman as he and his wife Grace Maxwell slowly put his life back together and come to terms with the dramatic consequences of the haemorrhages.
An artfully constructed film that's part documentary and part impressionistic wander through the bruised and battered mind of it's subject.
The frail but still chipper Collins may be the subject of the film but Grace Maxwell emerges as the real star : tough talking, caring and endlessly patient.
The pair are utterly devoid of bitterness and rancour and seem simply to be delighted to be able to continue the journey through life that began when they met as teenagers.
It's a wonderfully uplifting and profoundly moving eighty minutes spent in the company of a genuinely delightful small group of people.
Highly recommended.
Freeview premiere
Documentary following singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins' rehabilitation after he suffered two cerebral haemorrhages that affected his memory, weakened his right side and left him able to say four things - including the phrase `the possibilities are endless'. Edward Lovelace and James Hall's film tracks the former Orange Juice frontman as he and his wife Grace Maxwell slowly put his life back together and come to terms with the dramatic consequences of the haemorrhages.
An artfully constructed film that's part documentary and part impressionistic wander through the bruised and battered mind of it's subject.
The frail but still chipper Collins may be the subject of the film but Grace Maxwell emerges as the real star : tough talking, caring and endlessly patient.
The pair are utterly devoid of bitterness and rancour and seem simply to be delighted to be able to continue the journey through life that began when they met as teenagers.
It's a wonderfully uplifting and profoundly moving eighty minutes spent in the company of a genuinely delightful small group of people.
Highly recommended.
Monday, 7 December 2015
Freeview film of the day : monday 7th of December
Mud (2012 124 min.) [Film4 10.50pm &+1]
Two boys exploring an island on the Mississippi discover a fugitive has made his home there. He tells them he is on the run from bounty hunters after killing a man, and needs their help to be reunited with his lost love. As they ferry messages to the woman in question, the youngsters are forced to come to terms with the complexity of adult relationships. Drama, starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon.
The possible beginning of the re-evaluation of Matthew McConaughey after several years lost in the wasteland of landfill rom-coms.
He plays the title character and puts in a very strong performance while his two young co-stars (Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland) are both exceptional.
In fact there's some serious acting talent throughout the cast : Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon, Sarah Paulson, Joe Don Baker and Paul Sparks all turn up at various points.
Neatly handled by writer/director Jeff Nichols and making the absolute most of the scenery of its Mississippi River setting it's a small but tense drama with some very fine performances by all involved.
Interesting and involving.
Two boys exploring an island on the Mississippi discover a fugitive has made his home there. He tells them he is on the run from bounty hunters after killing a man, and needs their help to be reunited with his lost love. As they ferry messages to the woman in question, the youngsters are forced to come to terms with the complexity of adult relationships. Drama, starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon.
The possible beginning of the re-evaluation of Matthew McConaughey after several years lost in the wasteland of landfill rom-coms.
He plays the title character and puts in a very strong performance while his two young co-stars (Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland) are both exceptional.
In fact there's some serious acting talent throughout the cast : Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon, Sarah Paulson, Joe Don Baker and Paul Sparks all turn up at various points.
Neatly handled by writer/director Jeff Nichols and making the absolute most of the scenery of its Mississippi River setting it's a small but tense drama with some very fine performances by all involved.
Interesting and involving.
Friday, 4 December 2015
Freeview film of the day : friday 4th of December
Black Swan (2010 103min.) [Ch4 1.05am saturday &+1]
Psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel. When aspiring ballerina Nina Sayers finally wins the coveted role of the Swan Queen in Swan Lake, it's a dream come true. But while her demanding choreographer thinks Nina is perfect for the role, he has reservations about her ability to portray the Queen's alter ego, the Black Swan - a part that comes naturally to her sensuous rival Lily. As jealousy consumes Nina, her hold on reality becomes increasingly blurred.
Darren Aronofsky's neo-giallo is a dark, hypnotic study of obsession set in the world of ballet.
The camera moves are superb : creeping hand-held shots, swooping crane , intense close-ups and a whirling camera right in amiong the dancers.
The story is a little overblown in places but Portman is excellent in the lead and there's a terrific came by Winona Ryder.
Very intertesting piece of work.
The Skeleton Key (2005 99min.) [MovieMix/moremovies (Freeview 32, Freesat 143, Sky 185) 9.00pm &+1]
Supernatural thriller, starring Kate Hudson. Live-in nurse Caroline takes a position in a decrepit mansion to care for the ailing husband of the mysterious Violet Devereaux. Intrigued by the secretive couple, she begins to explore the house but her snooping takes a sinister turn when she stumbles upon a hidden attic room that holds a deadly secret.
Well constructed piece of Southern Gothic directed with considerable style by Britain's Ian Softley who creates a world of suffocating heat, claustrophobia and alienation during the slow paced first two thirds of the film before conjouring up an (unexpected) denoument that probably isn't the one the viewer was expecting.
Some very good performances, especially from Gena Rowlands as Violet, and Softley's astute direction help paper over the deficiences of the script.
Enjoyable voodoo based nonsense.
Psychological thriller starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel. When aspiring ballerina Nina Sayers finally wins the coveted role of the Swan Queen in Swan Lake, it's a dream come true. But while her demanding choreographer thinks Nina is perfect for the role, he has reservations about her ability to portray the Queen's alter ego, the Black Swan - a part that comes naturally to her sensuous rival Lily. As jealousy consumes Nina, her hold on reality becomes increasingly blurred.
Darren Aronofsky's neo-giallo is a dark, hypnotic study of obsession set in the world of ballet.
The camera moves are superb : creeping hand-held shots, swooping crane , intense close-ups and a whirling camera right in amiong the dancers.
The story is a little overblown in places but Portman is excellent in the lead and there's a terrific came by Winona Ryder.
Very intertesting piece of work.
The Skeleton Key (2005 99min.) [MovieMix/moremovies (Freeview 32, Freesat 143, Sky 185) 9.00pm &+1]
Supernatural thriller, starring Kate Hudson. Live-in nurse Caroline takes a position in a decrepit mansion to care for the ailing husband of the mysterious Violet Devereaux. Intrigued by the secretive couple, she begins to explore the house but her snooping takes a sinister turn when she stumbles upon a hidden attic room that holds a deadly secret.
Well constructed piece of Southern Gothic directed with considerable style by Britain's Ian Softley who creates a world of suffocating heat, claustrophobia and alienation during the slow paced first two thirds of the film before conjouring up an (unexpected) denoument that probably isn't the one the viewer was expecting.
Some very good performances, especially from Gena Rowlands as Violet, and Softley's astute direction help paper over the deficiences of the script.
Enjoyable voodoo based nonsense.
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