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David McK (3557 KP) rated Sharpe's Company (1994) in Movies
Oct 10, 2021 (Updated Oct 10, 2021)
Back when this was first shown on TV (it's a TV movie) in the mod 90s, this was based on what-was-then on of the mid entries in Cornwell's long-running series.
I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.
This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!
I say what was then, as there have since been more novels set before, during or even after The Napoleonic Wars, which provided the background for these movies.
This - both novel and movie - is the one that starts with the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo and ends with that of Badajoz, with (Sean Beans) Captain Richard Sharpe 'pushed aside' in the intervening period by those who can afford to buy his commission. This is also the one with the mad, twitching Obadiah Hakeswill (portrayed here by Pete Postlethwaite), who isn't so much a danger to Sharpe himself as he is too his men - Patrick Harper included - and who has a history with Sharpe.
I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again: I so wish they had a proper budget for these movies!
David McK (3557 KP) rated Wonder Woman (2017) in Movies
Jul 27, 2019 (Updated Jun 22, 2021)
Like, I'm sure, many others, if you'd mentioned the words 'Wonder Woman' to me prior to 2016 Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice I probably would have thought of the 1970s(?) Linda Carter starring TV series.
That was a role that Gal Gadot took in in the 2016 movie, portraying a different take on the character: one who has largely remained in the background throughout history, only revealing herself (and her powers) towards the end of that movie.
This film takes place at an earlier period in her life (albeit 'bookended' by a modern day setting, with Diana receiving a vintage photo of her in costume): during the First World War, to be precise, when Diana first leaves the Amazonian island paradise of Thermiscyra and enters the world, discovering her powers and heritage in the process.
While there may be an element of truth in the criticism that the plot of this movie is - largely - a role-reversed Captain America (World War setting? Sacrificial ending?) and that it probably could have done without the CGI battle at the end (which, IMO, lessened the impact the movie would have had without it) this is still a very enjoyable movie indeed!
As an aside: the stand-out scene where Diana crosses No-Mans land on her own? That was nearly cut from the movie.
That was a role that Gal Gadot took in in the 2016 movie, portraying a different take on the character: one who has largely remained in the background throughout history, only revealing herself (and her powers) towards the end of that movie.
This film takes place at an earlier period in her life (albeit 'bookended' by a modern day setting, with Diana receiving a vintage photo of her in costume): during the First World War, to be precise, when Diana first leaves the Amazonian island paradise of Thermiscyra and enters the world, discovering her powers and heritage in the process.
While there may be an element of truth in the criticism that the plot of this movie is - largely - a role-reversed Captain America (World War setting? Sacrificial ending?) and that it probably could have done without the CGI battle at the end (which, IMO, lessened the impact the movie would have had without it) this is still a very enjoyable movie indeed!
As an aside: the stand-out scene where Diana crosses No-Mans land on her own? That was nearly cut from the movie.
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Quatermass Xperiment (1955) in Movies
Mar 4, 2018 (Updated Mar 4, 2018)
The original Hammer horror movie; the studio did actually know how to spell 'experiment', but the title refers to the 'X' certificate that all self-respecting horror films had at the time this was made. Astronaut comes back from space a changed man; the rest of his crew mysteriously vanished - just what went on out there? Professor Q must figure it out before the mutation afflicting the astronaut reaches its final form.
Actually really, really tame as a horror movie by modern standards, obviously, but also of great historical interest as the birth of a legend in British cinema. One can't help suspecting the TV show was a lot more thoughtful, but this still works pretty well as an SF movie, and an influential one at that, and the juxtaposition of B-movie SF ideas and images with post-war Britain is interesting. Imported American star Brian Donlevy is not very good as Professor Q (original writer Nigel Kneale claimed he was on the sauce all the time); Richard Wordsworth is mesmerising as the doomed astronaut.
Actually really, really tame as a horror movie by modern standards, obviously, but also of great historical interest as the birth of a legend in British cinema. One can't help suspecting the TV show was a lot more thoughtful, but this still works pretty well as an SF movie, and an influential one at that, and the juxtaposition of B-movie SF ideas and images with post-war Britain is interesting. Imported American star Brian Donlevy is not very good as Professor Q (original writer Nigel Kneale claimed he was on the sauce all the time); Richard Wordsworth is mesmerising as the doomed astronaut.
Stephen (210 KP) rated The Young Offenders (2016) in Movies
Mar 16, 2019
I’d looked at this movie on Netflix and thought, “Hmmm, this might be okay to watch one day.” Well that one day finally arrived and I sat down to watch this, not expecting too much from it.
However, it turned out to be a real gem; the characters were all so loveable, the story was fantastic, and the film itself was packed with genius comedy moments. I haven’t laughed so much at a comedy film for ages, but this movie just keeps the comedy coming.
I’m really pleased that a TV series was made based on the movie to keep the antics of the two boys going, and introducing some new characters into the mix works really well.
As will all comedy movies, some of the humour may not appeal to some, but personally I loved every bit of the film from start to finish.
However, it turned out to be a real gem; the characters were all so loveable, the story was fantastic, and the film itself was packed with genius comedy moments. I haven’t laughed so much at a comedy film for ages, but this movie just keeps the comedy coming.
I’m really pleased that a TV series was made based on the movie to keep the antics of the two boys going, and introducing some new characters into the mix works really well.
As will all comedy movies, some of the humour may not appeal to some, but personally I loved every bit of the film from start to finish.
David McK (3557 KP) rated Get Smart (2008) in Movies
Sep 20, 2020
Big screen remake of an old 60s TV series, that was actually better than I was expecting!
Starring Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Terence Stamsp (with support from the likes of Terry Crews, and a cameo from Bill Murray), this was more deadpan than I (vaguely) remember (I wasn't around in the 60s, and only caught a few episodes on repeat), although I did pick up on a few of the call backs in the movie to said series.
Starring Steve Carrell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Terence Stamsp (with support from the likes of Terry Crews, and a cameo from Bill Murray), this was more deadpan than I (vaguely) remember (I wasn't around in the 60s, and only caught a few episodes on repeat), although I did pick up on a few of the call backs in the movie to said series.
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David McK (3557 KP) rated Stargate (1994) in Movies
Aug 3, 2019 (Updated Feb 12, 2023)
Stargate.
The Movie.
Bet you never knew the pyramids were built as landing pads for alien spacecraft!
Now nearly 30 years old (as of the time of writing), and the seed for the later 9and more successful) TV spin-offs Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis and Stargate: Universe.
Looking back now, it's actually surprising just how 'bare-bones' this is compared to those: there's no Goa'uld, for instance, or even any mention (like, at all!) of the same.
Still enjoyable!
The Movie.
Bet you never knew the pyramids were built as landing pads for alien spacecraft!
Now nearly 30 years old (as of the time of writing), and the seed for the later 9and more successful) TV spin-offs Stargate: SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis and Stargate: Universe.
Looking back now, it's actually surprising just how 'bare-bones' this is compared to those: there's no Goa'uld, for instance, or even any mention (like, at all!) of the same.
Still enjoyable!
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D (1998) in Movies
Jun 18, 2019
MARVELs Action Man
Contains spoilers, click to show
Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D is a TV superhero Movie based on the Marvel Comics character. originally broadcast on May 26, 1998 on Fox & Directed by Rod Hardy, the film stars David Hasselhoff as Fury, who ws forced to retire in solace. approached to return to duty to take down the terrorist organization HYDRA, led by the children of Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. threatening to attack Manhattan with a reconstituted pathogen known as the Death's Head virus.
Lisa Rinna plays Contessa Valentina "Val" Allegra de Fontaine, and Sandra Hess plays Andrea von Strucker / Viper. It was released on DVD on September 30, 2008. The film was met with a mixed to poor reception.
Lisa Rinna plays Contessa Valentina "Val" Allegra de Fontaine, and Sandra Hess plays Andrea von Strucker / Viper. It was released on DVD on September 30, 2008. The film was met with a mixed to poor reception.
