theaz_man Reviews

The Handmaid's Tale (1990)

A good adaptation of a controversial book...

[7/10 · 3 February 2005]

Although some would say it isn't anything on the book, it is still a fairly good film in its own right, apart from the dodgy 80's effects and music. Terminator anyone?!

In the film, a woman called Kate is stripped of her identity and forced to become a handmaid to an in-fertile woman in a right-wing, totalitarianism country, in order to re-populate the state. Some might find the scenes shocking, and I certainly did when I first saw them, but they are purposely included to show the nature of this brutally right-wing state, and hopefully stop it from ever happening...

A feminist version of '1984'? Possibly, but it's a lot deeper than that. It's a film about love, loss and redemption.

The Producers (1967)

Unique and funny film

[8/10 · 30 January 2005]

Although I saw this film after seeing some of Brook's bigger works, such as Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs, I still found this very funny and entertaining. It's hard to fault the antagonistic partnership of the two main characters, and are played so well. The actor who played Hitler in the show was so bizarre that it worked much like the play 'springtime for Hitler' was to the audience I presume! The only character I thought was unnecessary, was the babbling 'old-school' Nazi, but you could argue that he was necessary for the plot to move forward.

Overall, great light-hearted fun.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

my favourite Star Wars film

[9/10 · 18 January 2005]

Out of all the Star Wars films, both new and old, the original 'Star Wars', AKA 'A New Hope', is still my favourite and will be most remembered, although Empire Strikes Back is probably the better made film. It's just everything works so right together. Great story, great actors and great special FX for the time.

This film is based around farm boy Luke Skywalker, and the realisation of his destiny from wise Jedi Knight Ben 'Obi-wan' Kenobi played by Alec Guiness. They set out to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Empire, and we meet many a memorable foe along the way, such as Vader, Tarkin, the storm-trooper that hits his head on a door! Has a brilliant ending with a space duel and a fight between two old friends.

If you only see one Star Wars film, make sure it's this one!

Superman (1978)

Timeless comic-book classic

[9/10 · 17 January 2005]

After all these years, Superman the Movie is still better than most superhero films, nay films altogether.

The story revolves around Clark Kent, and his transition into the American hero 'Superman', and of course his budding romance with reporter Lois Lane. Gene Hackman is superb as the cocky villain Lex Luthor, and Marlon Brando makes an appearance as Superman's father.

What I like about this film is the 'epic' quality it has to it, mainly due to the design of Krpton and Brando's performance. This is then extended by the late Christopher Reeve, who played his alter-ego's separately, and along with the genius of Donner et all, really made us believe a man could fly! A timeless classic.