#15: This is Spinal Tap (1984) February 28, 2007
Posted by badblokebob in : Documentary, Music, Comedy, 4 stars, 1980s, 2007 , add a comment1984 | Rob Reiner | 86 mins | DVD | 15 / R
I think my viewing of Spinal Tap may have suffered from years of hype. In some ways it was exactly what I’d expected; in others, not. There are plenty of funny moments, and the odd hilarious one (Stonehenge), but there were times when I felt a little underwhelmed by it. Maybe you had to be there; maybe it is indeed a victim of hype.
#14: The Prestige (2006)
Posted by badblokebob in : Thriller, Sci-fi, Christopher Nolan, 2000s, adaptations, 4 stars, British films, Mystery, 2007 , add a comment2006 | Christopher Nolan | 130 mins | cinema | 12A / PG-13
The latest effort from the director of Memento and Batman Begins is an intriguing one. A well-handled complex narrative (it again jumps about in time, but never to the audience’s confusion), even if the twists are relatively easy to guess. A credit, then, that the film doesn’t totally rely on them. I’m a big fan of Nolan’s work and definitely continue to be; this may gain that missing point on re-viewing. See it.
#13: Romance & Cigarettes (2005)
Posted by badblokebob in : Comedy, Musical, Romance, 2000s, 3 stars, 2007 , add a comment2005 | John Turturro | 101 mins | DVD | 15 / R
I was attracted to this because it was billed as a modern musical, with an impressive cast. Tsk. Some people are put off by the musical tag — well, don’t be. The characters occasionally sing along to some popular songs (and sometimes to ones you’ve never heard in your life), and sometimes do fun dance routines. This sits at odds with the gritty-ish melodrama of the plot, but that’s the fun. It’s worth a punt, but expect to dislike it.
#12: South Pacific (1958)
Posted by badblokebob in : Musical, War, Romance, adaptations, 3 stars, 1950s, 2007 , add a comment1958 | Joshua Logan | 151 mins | DVD | U
I like a good musical. I wouldn’t say I was a fan of the genre on the whole, but I do enjoy good ones. South Pacific, to my mind, is not one of the very best, but it has its moments (and its songs!) and there are some fair points underlining the plot. If you don’t like musicals this one probably won’t convert you; if you’re a musical fan… well, you’ve probably already seen it!
#11: The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)
Posted by badblokebob in : Drama, 2000s, 4 stars, true stories, 2007 , add a comment2006 | Gabriele Muccino | 117 mins | cinema | 12A / PG-13
Will Smith gives up the comedy act and blockbuster action for the sort of true story that you thought only happened in movies. His relationship with his screen-son is impressive acting, til you realise it’s his real-life son too, but even that does little to undermine things. It manages to avoid the sugary sentimentality that you might expect and in the process makes for a fair tale of the underdog succeeding. Cute kid too.
#10: It (1927)
Posted by badblokebob in : Comedy, Romance, adaptations, 3 stars, 1920s, 2007, silent films , add a comment1927 | Clarence G. Badger | 72 mins | VHS
Proof if it were needed that the format of the rom-com has gone largely unchanged for at least 80 years! In that respect It makes for a fairly entertaining film, with some story elements that modern audiences might find surprisingly, well, modern. Entertaining but not essential.
#9: The Last Days of Pompeii (1913)
Posted by badblokebob in : Drama, Romance, adaptations, 2 stars, 1910s, world cinema, 2007, silent films, Historical , add a comment1913 | Mario Caserini & Eleuterio Rodolfi | 88 mins | VHS
The fact that it’s an old silent film will be enough to put most people off. Some of those are worth seeking out, of course, but I would hesitate to recommend this one. The score may be a little unfair as the plot and execution of it aren’t too bad, but somehow I can’t bring myself to give it any more.
