Rod_Z Reviews

Having It Off (2002– )

Not the turkey it appears to be.....

[4 September 2005]

I really must disagree with the earlier comment - whilst this might not be at the forefront of cutting edge comedy, i can think of many so called "comedies" that in no way raise as many laughs as this one does..and after all, isn't that the idea of a comedy - its aim is to make you laugh, this might be at the lower end of the sophistication ladder but it sure raised some belly laughs from me..not everyones cup of tea as they say, and the "crude" accusation cannot be denied - but i give it B+ for effort..Anthony Cotton and Sarah Moffett the co-writers also star in the show, and although it looks like it has died a death on the little seen BBC3 I hope its given a chance at a life beyond the backwater of digital limbo...

Eruption (1997)

A Disaster...and I'm not talking about the plot...

[5 June 2005]

I so concur with the previous review - this is a TERRIBLE movie, badly acted, produced and appears to have been made with the most minuscule budget imaginable....Avoid unless you suffer from severe insomnia, this could do the trick....F.Murray Abraham must have been really short of work to have got involved, at least he got a trip to Peru. I see Gwyneth Gibby directed - also responsible for the dreadful "Nightfall" and "Black Scorpion" so it wasn't a mistake... The plot - such as it is - Involves an American photojournalist (Cyril O'Reilly) on assignment in South America to cover a visit from the pope, enter revolutionary guerilla's, despotic leader and an active volcano! This could have been at least entertaining in the right hands, but sadly misses on all fronts..

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

Mitchum at his best...

[4 June 2005]

I first saw this film many years ago when a teenager and remember being riveted by Robert Mitchums character (and a little scared!)surely one of his best performances - The whole film has a magical quality to it and reverberates between drama, pathos and even humour..Charles Laughton surely would have gone on to direct more excellent films, this being his only directorial effort, but what an effort. Everything from the stunning black and white photography to the acting from an excellent cast make this a joy...Why Oh Why did they attempt to remake this with Richard Chamberlain.....There is NO comparison see this and realise what perfect filming is all about... (And Lilian Gish as well!)

The Ritz (1976)

Hilarious from start to finish !

[24 August 2004]

This has got to be one of the funniest films I've seen, Rita Moreno is excellent as Googie Gomez failed Broadway star and now singing in "the pits" at the Gay bathhouse "The Ritz"...Treat Williams had me in stitches with his voice and Jack Weston is superb as the man on the run and hiding "in the last place anyone would look for me"...Although this harks back to a time now gone the comedy is still as fresh as ever. Look out for the "Chubby Chaser" who constantly refuses to have anything to do with Lean muscled Treat because he's too skinny and chases Jack Weston around from start to finish! And the Andrews Sisters skit is a hoot.... If you haven't seen this film what are you waiting for..!