This is a comedy in the tradition of Airport (Flying High) and Police Squad (or The Naked Gun), where a group of scientists are gathered to investigate the goings on at a haunted house in the country woods of Britain. Kenny Everett is the star of this film, pulling from characters developed from his various video shows to create his main character, with a good backup of other actors making up the rest of the group. The slapstick comedy (played seriously) comes frequently right from the start of the film but then tends to fall a little flat in the second half, but is still very enjoyable if you're a fan of Everett. Vincent Price's name might be a surprise for such a film, but he plays his role with the usual strength he carries. Pamela Stephenson has a memorable scene which re-energises the film, while subtle humour in other scenes carry it to the end. Check it out if you enjoy British humour.
Reviews
19 Reviews
Q&A
(2008– )
A serious but often entertaining discussion panel about current affairs
25 March 2013
Q&A is one of Australia's live television institutions for people who care about what's happening in the country. Every Monday night on ABC a panel of carefully-picked members from various organisations and communities are put together on a panel to discuss and debate current affairs relating to Australia and the world. Quite often, two politicians from opposing parties are put on the panel, leading to fireworks in the studio as one puts down the efforts or policies of the other party. The panel members are given questions from the public and politicians squirm as they try their best to choose their words carefully and answer the question without committing to introducing any policies to fix any problems in society or give any estimates on when something might be fixed. With Twitter feeds constantly popping up on the screen, we get to see what other members of the audience are feeling about what is happening, and quite often we end up wishing that a particular politician, who is willing to come on the live debate show and connect with us, should be our new leader. Tony Jones does a commendable job at controlling the members of the panel when they get out of hand, especially when opposing politicians start verbally fighting. This is always entertaining for the viewer but unfortunately its one-hour duration sometimes leaves some topics without a proper conclusion.
Äkta människor
(2012–2014)
Underrated sci-fi soapie
19 January 2013
The Swedes have achieved something unique with this show. Real Humans is about a reality where human-like robots are commonplace in today's world and perform such roles as home assistants, companions to lonely souls, workers of all types and, of course, sex toys. The show follows a selection of different people as they live in this world, from the family with the curious teenage boy, to an old man needing home assistance, and a lonely man who's job is threatened by them, and a woman in love with one. It also follows a group of obsolete and disowned "hubots" who are a quest to avoid being scrapped and recycled. The day-to-day coexistence between humans and hubots provides often amusing situations but there's also a darker side in each episode which makes you feel for them. I'm not ashamed to admit it's a soap, but a very intelligent one, and a very open one. Strictly for older kids and adults.
The January Man
(1989)
A bit of an odd crime-comedy-thriller
4 September 2011
First things first, this film has a few problems with trying to work out what it wants to be. Some of the scenes are a bit ridiculous and unrealistic, and sometimes it gets a bit slow. But that could be said about some hugely successful blockbuster films as well.
Underneath this is a good little crime thriller with some likable characters who are trying to work out the clues to catch a killer with a taste for strangling women in their city apartments.
Kevin Kline is enjoyable, Susan Sarandon and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio are classy, Harvey Keitel doesn't really do much and Alan Rickman kind of floats around to help loosen up the mood of the film. Some of the dialog sounds like it was lifted from an adapted play or is better for an older, more mature generation.
But, the stand out star of this film is Danny Aiello, who plays Captain Vincent Alcoa. He has a filthy mouth, loves yelling and putting people down all the time and has to deal with a Kline as a difficult police detective who returns to the job.
The film alone is worth seeing for his performance.
Underneath this is a good little crime thriller with some likable characters who are trying to work out the clues to catch a killer with a taste for strangling women in their city apartments.
Kevin Kline is enjoyable, Susan Sarandon and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio are classy, Harvey Keitel doesn't really do much and Alan Rickman kind of floats around to help loosen up the mood of the film. Some of the dialog sounds like it was lifted from an adapted play or is better for an older, more mature generation.
But, the stand out star of this film is Danny Aiello, who plays Captain Vincent Alcoa. He has a filthy mouth, loves yelling and putting people down all the time and has to deal with a Kline as a difficult police detective who returns to the job.
The film alone is worth seeing for his performance.
8 Million Ways to Die
(1986)
8 Millions Ways to Kill 2 Hours
14 August 2011
A cop, played by Jeff Bridges, shoots an unarmed assailant and is taken off the force. From there, his subsequent alcoholism contributes to the failure of his marriage, and he tries to fix things by going to AA. He meets a woman who leads him into a dark world of a drug dealer.
This is one of those films I had always wondered about since I first remember seeing video tapes as a child. My father had a VHS copy that sat in the lounge under the VCR. On the cover was a hero with a gun, two women and a cool sports car, and the palm tree suggesting a Miami Vice-style environment.
I remember seeing the video case so many times and making a note to watch it. Fast forward 25 years later and I've finally seen it. It was a really cool opening with a helicopter flight over city skyscrapers which, in a single shot, catches up to a police car moving along a freeway. The music is cool and pure 1980s action.
The rest of the film, however, is a bit odd. There was just something not right about it. It turns out that the whole script dialog was improvised, which may explain a big, over-the-top swearing and shouting match that has to be seen to be believed.
There's a cool but brief car chase and Jeff Bridges moves through the film with a casualness and ease that seems at odds with what's going on around him.
Andy Garcia's character is strange, hard to understand. Sometimes he does weird things. But he's the villain and out to get Jeff Bridges.
This is one of those films I had always wondered about since I first remember seeing video tapes as a child. My father had a VHS copy that sat in the lounge under the VCR. On the cover was a hero with a gun, two women and a cool sports car, and the palm tree suggesting a Miami Vice-style environment.
I remember seeing the video case so many times and making a note to watch it. Fast forward 25 years later and I've finally seen it. It was a really cool opening with a helicopter flight over city skyscrapers which, in a single shot, catches up to a police car moving along a freeway. The music is cool and pure 1980s action.
The rest of the film, however, is a bit odd. There was just something not right about it. It turns out that the whole script dialog was improvised, which may explain a big, over-the-top swearing and shouting match that has to be seen to be believed.
There's a cool but brief car chase and Jeff Bridges moves through the film with a casualness and ease that seems at odds with what's going on around him.
Andy Garcia's character is strange, hard to understand. Sometimes he does weird things. But he's the villain and out to get Jeff Bridges.
The Foot Fist Way
(2006)
If you love tae kwon do and awkward comedy, watch this film.
26 January 2011
The Foot Fist Way, a literal English translation of tae kwon do, is a film about a passionate martial arts school instructor who takes his job very seriously.
When he encounters some personal problems, he starts to lose the self control and discipline that he is such an important aspect of his training. He puts himself in some awkward situations and tries to deal with the outcomes.
The humour is a bit strange at times but it is generally an amusing film with some bad language and adult themes at times. So not a film to watch with the family.
Often compared to Napolean Dynamite, it is perhaps a little lacking in the same impact but still along the same themes of entertainment.
When he encounters some personal problems, he starts to lose the self control and discipline that he is such an important aspect of his training. He puts himself in some awkward situations and tries to deal with the outcomes.
The humour is a bit strange at times but it is generally an amusing film with some bad language and adult themes at times. So not a film to watch with the family.
Often compared to Napolean Dynamite, it is perhaps a little lacking in the same impact but still along the same themes of entertainment.
Coffin Rock
(2009)
A drama about simple people with a big problem
7 November 2010
After a visit to a city clinic to find out why they cannot conceive a child, a middle-aged couple from the country become caught up in a young man's obsession when he takes advantage of the woman through manipulation and confidential knowledge. A drunken, vulnerable moment with the young man leads to a terrible secret and tragic events in the town as the young man takes his obsession further.
It seems that a lot of people didn't like this film but maybe they were expecting too much from it. I enjoyed the personal drama and the chance to observe a group of simple towns folk go about dealing with the events in this film.
It has a common theme of an obsessed individual who wants to be intimate with someone who is already married. What makes it different is the setting in an outback coastal country town where everyone knows each other and the limited resources available to them. Not too much effort goes into character development, just that there is a general bleak outlook and a false happiness when the truth is hidden.
A good example of light Aussie drama.
It seems that a lot of people didn't like this film but maybe they were expecting too much from it. I enjoyed the personal drama and the chance to observe a group of simple towns folk go about dealing with the events in this film.
It has a common theme of an obsessed individual who wants to be intimate with someone who is already married. What makes it different is the setting in an outback coastal country town where everyone knows each other and the limited resources available to them. Not too much effort goes into character development, just that there is a general bleak outlook and a false happiness when the truth is hidden.
A good example of light Aussie drama.
Parking Wars
(2008– )
Parking officers have feelings, too.
13 September 2010
The first thing that's clear about Parking Wars is that the often-hated parking officers are individuals with wonderful sense of humours and personalities who are just doing their job. They deal with so many angry citizens who didn't follow the rules that they agreed to by obtaining a driver's licence and owning a motor vehicle.
It's a fair system designed to maintain order, but many citizens don't see it that way, they make up their own rules. This is where the television show gets interesting and we see many "victims" who try to talk their way out of a fine and usually end up personally insulting the parking officer or wasting hours of their important lives arguing about small details at the vehicle impound center.
People yell obscenities from the sidewalk as the clamping van slowly drives by, checking each car's plate for outstanding tickets, as if it's a game. The officers inside the van seem to love it and are never surprised when someone will come running out of a house with some ridiculous story about why the tickets haven't been paid. They've heard it all.
A very entertaining show and highly recommended.
It's a fair system designed to maintain order, but many citizens don't see it that way, they make up their own rules. This is where the television show gets interesting and we see many "victims" who try to talk their way out of a fine and usually end up personally insulting the parking officer or wasting hours of their important lives arguing about small details at the vehicle impound center.
People yell obscenities from the sidewalk as the clamping van slowly drives by, checking each car's plate for outstanding tickets, as if it's a game. The officers inside the van seem to love it and are never surprised when someone will come running out of a house with some ridiculous story about why the tickets haven't been paid. They've heard it all.
A very entertaining show and highly recommended.
Cops
(1989–2023)
Never disappointing, always entertaining, for 22 seasons!
13 September 2010
Cops is an enduring piece of modern television, sticking with the exact same formula right from the start of its debut season. We ride shotgun with the men and women of the law enforcement community as they respond to calls for help, chase down suspects and detect dodgy dealings.
The highlight of any episode is the high-speed car chase that inevitably ends with the offender crashing or abandoning their vehicle as they realise running is pointless. Before we know it, the police car with the camera is just one of ten cars on the same job and the suspects are always found.
Then comes the moment when four guys will capture and slam the mindless offender violently to the ground and keep the situation safe, while other officers gather evidence from the scene.
The cops of the show's title go into each job not knowing what to expect and the show illustrates the courage and difficulty the officers face each day of their job.
No matter what episode it is, or if it's a repeat episode, you'll never be disappointed by the excitement and dedication of the individuals doing their job.
The highlight of any episode is the high-speed car chase that inevitably ends with the offender crashing or abandoning their vehicle as they realise running is pointless. Before we know it, the police car with the camera is just one of ten cars on the same job and the suspects are always found.
Then comes the moment when four guys will capture and slam the mindless offender violently to the ground and keep the situation safe, while other officers gather evidence from the scene.
The cops of the show's title go into each job not knowing what to expect and the show illustrates the courage and difficulty the officers face each day of their job.
No matter what episode it is, or if it's a repeat episode, you'll never be disappointed by the excitement and dedication of the individuals doing their job.
Meteor Apocalypse
(2010 Video)
Only for those who must see all films in the disaster sci-fi genre
13 September 2010
From looking at the DVD box, I decided not to watch Meteor Apocalypse as a film, but as a simple story about a man trying to find his family in difficult times. I put the cheap special effects, bad acting and script aside, and just waited to see what would happen next.
It reminded me a lot of the recent BBC series Survivors, except every 20 minutes there are meteors raining down on everyone.
The main character of David is played to good effect by Joe Lando, giving us a surprisingly good portrayal as the courageous man does his best to find his family and help people along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to see Claudia Christian appear as David's wife and mother to their child. I had not seen her in anything since the end of the Babylon 5 series.
Some things don't quite make sense, but when we are regularly shown conflict within the disaster management center, it may explain why some things occurred.
Not to be taken too seriously, but as a light contribution to the disaster science fiction genre.
It reminded me a lot of the recent BBC series Survivors, except every 20 minutes there are meteors raining down on everyone.
The main character of David is played to good effect by Joe Lando, giving us a surprisingly good portrayal as the courageous man does his best to find his family and help people along the way. I was pleasantly surprised to see Claudia Christian appear as David's wife and mother to their child. I had not seen her in anything since the end of the Babylon 5 series.
Some things don't quite make sense, but when we are regularly shown conflict within the disaster management center, it may explain why some things occurred.
Not to be taken too seriously, but as a light contribution to the disaster science fiction genre.
V
(1984–1985)
The humans continue their battle against the lizards
30 August 2010
The original mini-series was intelligent, engaging and a television event of the 1980s that cleverly melded refreshing science fiction with a dark chapter of human history. The second mini-series was almost just as good and demanded much patience from the viewer. Then came this ongoing series. While most of the characters returned, the budget and intelligence in the writing didn't.
The one and only season of "V" followed the story of the human resistance trying to survive while the lizards continually struggled with their own in-fighting. Most of the characters from the first two productions returned, the ladies with their big eighties hairstyles and the men pulling weak but amusing fight scenes.
Occasionally we were treated to a new alien weapon or a new character who promises to bring change to the ongoing story but some episodes drag on with long and slow moments that seem out of place. Unfortunately, the series ended on a cliffhanger when it was axed, so many things were left open and the viewer may feel short-changed by the closing credits of the last episode.
Still, if you want to see more adventures of Donovan and co. then you can watch this, but don't expect too much. "V" was something too good to be left alone, but sadly it was a poor effort.
Note: Very different to the new 2000s series.
The one and only season of "V" followed the story of the human resistance trying to survive while the lizards continually struggled with their own in-fighting. Most of the characters from the first two productions returned, the ladies with their big eighties hairstyles and the men pulling weak but amusing fight scenes.
Occasionally we were treated to a new alien weapon or a new character who promises to bring change to the ongoing story but some episodes drag on with long and slow moments that seem out of place. Unfortunately, the series ended on a cliffhanger when it was axed, so many things were left open and the viewer may feel short-changed by the closing credits of the last episode.
Still, if you want to see more adventures of Donovan and co. then you can watch this, but don't expect too much. "V" was something too good to be left alone, but sadly it was a poor effort.
Note: Very different to the new 2000s series.
Screamers: The Hunting
(2009 Video)
It's Aliens meets Screamers, but not a good result
25 August 2010
Screamers (the first one) was great and Peter Weller did a fine job in an overall depressing and dark science fiction film. This straight-to-video sequel tells the story of a rescue team coming to the same planet after a distress signal is received.
In an attempt to tell the story of a struggle for survival, the rescue team are attacked in a sequence of events that is much like that seen in Aliens. In fact, a grey-haired Lance Henriksen makes an appearance as a mysterious ally.
The special effects are not greatly impressive and look like they were done by a kid on a computer who, to his credit, knows what he's doing, but should satisfy most people.
The trivia says that a lot of the costumes and sets were made from things such as egg cartons and vacuum cleaner parts, which I can believe.
Watch only if you want to see a little more of the Screamers universe. Most of what is going to happen can be anticipated and it has one or two little light scares.
In an attempt to tell the story of a struggle for survival, the rescue team are attacked in a sequence of events that is much like that seen in Aliens. In fact, a grey-haired Lance Henriksen makes an appearance as a mysterious ally.
The special effects are not greatly impressive and look like they were done by a kid on a computer who, to his credit, knows what he's doing, but should satisfy most people.
The trivia says that a lot of the costumes and sets were made from things such as egg cartons and vacuum cleaner parts, which I can believe.
Watch only if you want to see a little more of the Screamers universe. Most of what is going to happen can be anticipated and it has one or two little light scares.
Stone
(1974)
Someone's knocking off bikers in this old Aussie film
12 August 2010
After a biker witnesses the shooting of a political figure during a protest, the offender starts to take out members of his gang one by one. Enter Stone, an undercover cop who tries to find out who's doing it while trying to to protect them, but they prove rather difficult to control as he falls into their culture and becomes one of them.
The film says a lot about the Aussie culture in the seventies, and bikers specifically, as we see what they get up behind closed doors. The film starts with some violent but impressive scenes and later shows drugs and lots of nudity. The scenes involving bikers on the roads will appeal to anyone who has donned a helmet and rode amongst other such enthusiasts, with a very memorable large procession of bikes during a highway funeral sequence.
If you're a motorbike enthusiast then you may like this film a lot, especially the motorbike start sequence opening credits and the suburban race scene.
There's a few classic Australian actors to be found in this cult classic and even Norman Gunstan shows his face as a motorbike mechanic. Most of all though, the actors who played Toecutter and the Nightrider play biker buddies in this film. A lot of the acting is awkward and a bit dramatic and seems like a long episode of a drama TV show, but is worth checking out for the old Aussie era.
The film says a lot about the Aussie culture in the seventies, and bikers specifically, as we see what they get up behind closed doors. The film starts with some violent but impressive scenes and later shows drugs and lots of nudity. The scenes involving bikers on the roads will appeal to anyone who has donned a helmet and rode amongst other such enthusiasts, with a very memorable large procession of bikes during a highway funeral sequence.
If you're a motorbike enthusiast then you may like this film a lot, especially the motorbike start sequence opening credits and the suburban race scene.
There's a few classic Australian actors to be found in this cult classic and even Norman Gunstan shows his face as a motorbike mechanic. Most of all though, the actors who played Toecutter and the Nightrider play biker buddies in this film. A lot of the acting is awkward and a bit dramatic and seems like a long episode of a drama TV show, but is worth checking out for the old Aussie era.
Rush
(2008–2011)
Follows the drama of a Melbourne-based police tactical squad.
8 August 2010
Rush is a high-energy, dramatic police drama filmed in Melbourne, Australia, that follows the jobs of a tactical response group made up of various individuals. Each episode has self-contained stories while ongoing character development and personal drama for each individual unfolds throughout the series.
It isn't afraid to show that the members of the group are only human and can make bad decisions, with repercussions. By 2010, the writers have appeared to have dropped the various "office relationships" that seemed to plague the show in its early stages, although the two young guys seem to have some awkward moments still.
The overly shaky camera work can be a bit annoying to some, but you can get used to it, however the music is modern, diverse and works well with most scenes. It often draws comparisons to City Homicide, but they are two very different animals.
It often feels like each character is going to have their downfall and you never know when or how it's going to happen, and I think that's what draws me to watch the series.
Try not to think too much about the silliness of the actions or dialogue by some of the "professional police officers" in Rush and you'll be rewarded with some good, if sometimes a little anticipated, action sequences by a good group of television stars.
It isn't afraid to show that the members of the group are only human and can make bad decisions, with repercussions. By 2010, the writers have appeared to have dropped the various "office relationships" that seemed to plague the show in its early stages, although the two young guys seem to have some awkward moments still.
The overly shaky camera work can be a bit annoying to some, but you can get used to it, however the music is modern, diverse and works well with most scenes. It often draws comparisons to City Homicide, but they are two very different animals.
It often feels like each character is going to have their downfall and you never know when or how it's going to happen, and I think that's what draws me to watch the series.
Try not to think too much about the silliness of the actions or dialogue by some of the "professional police officers" in Rush and you'll be rewarded with some good, if sometimes a little anticipated, action sequences by a good group of television stars.
Airwolf
(1984–1986)
Action, drama, adventure, helicopters!
1 August 2010
Airwolf is a good example of dramatic action television that came out of the 1980s. What makes this different is that most, if not all, of its episodes involves aircraft at some stage in the story.
The four seasons of Airwolf feature the main characters getting mixed up in all kinds of drama that eventually needs the Airwolf helicopter to help. Airwolf is an advanced prototype combat helicopter capable of supersonic speed that is deployed on missions of personal and national interest, flown by two of the main characters described below.
Jan Michael Vincent plays Stringfellow Hawke, an ex-Vietnam helicopter pilot and Ernest Borgnine who plays Domenic Santini, an old pilot from way back. Together as buddles, they secretly fly Airwolf with funding provided by an FBI-like firm that agrees to support them until they can locate String's brother, believed to be missing and still in Vietnam.
After an ambitious pilot two-part episode (later re-trimmed into a telemovie) which sets up the ongoing series, Airwolf settles into a typical action TV show formula, however the overuse of repeated aerial footage of the Airwolf helicopter (often sped up to make it more exciting) will spoil it for late comers to the series.
For helicopter enthusiasts it will reward them with countless sequences involving Airwolf (a modified Bell 222) and many other types, often seeing Hughes 500s deployed as the enemy gunships.
For trainspotters, it's always "fun" to see the footage from the pilot or early episodes being used in later episodes, or being surprised to see they have shot new footage. It's easy to assume that the running costs of the helicopters had a major impact on the production. The "dramatic" original landing sequences were often a highlight.
Some episodes were grounded in personal drama, some were just ridiculous by today's science and some were standout stories and made you wish for more. Many episodes end with a montage of Airwolf flying around with the wonderful Slyvestor Levay electronic theme music as the credits roll.
Season 4 was a low-budget cable-funded continuation of the series featuring new characters mixed with old helicopter footage. It is almost dis-owned by fans of the earlier 3 seasons in much the same way Galactica 1980 was by Battlestar Galactica fans.
The four seasons of Airwolf feature the main characters getting mixed up in all kinds of drama that eventually needs the Airwolf helicopter to help. Airwolf is an advanced prototype combat helicopter capable of supersonic speed that is deployed on missions of personal and national interest, flown by two of the main characters described below.
Jan Michael Vincent plays Stringfellow Hawke, an ex-Vietnam helicopter pilot and Ernest Borgnine who plays Domenic Santini, an old pilot from way back. Together as buddles, they secretly fly Airwolf with funding provided by an FBI-like firm that agrees to support them until they can locate String's brother, believed to be missing and still in Vietnam.
After an ambitious pilot two-part episode (later re-trimmed into a telemovie) which sets up the ongoing series, Airwolf settles into a typical action TV show formula, however the overuse of repeated aerial footage of the Airwolf helicopter (often sped up to make it more exciting) will spoil it for late comers to the series.
For helicopter enthusiasts it will reward them with countless sequences involving Airwolf (a modified Bell 222) and many other types, often seeing Hughes 500s deployed as the enemy gunships.
For trainspotters, it's always "fun" to see the footage from the pilot or early episodes being used in later episodes, or being surprised to see they have shot new footage. It's easy to assume that the running costs of the helicopters had a major impact on the production. The "dramatic" original landing sequences were often a highlight.
Some episodes were grounded in personal drama, some were just ridiculous by today's science and some were standout stories and made you wish for more. Many episodes end with a montage of Airwolf flying around with the wonderful Slyvestor Levay electronic theme music as the credits roll.
Season 4 was a low-budget cable-funded continuation of the series featuring new characters mixed with old helicopter footage. It is almost dis-owned by fans of the earlier 3 seasons in much the same way Galactica 1980 was by Battlestar Galactica fans.
Paradise, Hawaiian Style
(1966)
Elvis flies helicopters
11 July 2010
Paradise, Hawaiin Style is a film about a pilot who is thrown out of his old job for being a sleaze-bag. He comes back to his island buddies in Hawaii to start a new helicopter charter business with his pilot friend. It seems to be working out well for them until his old ways start catching him
Apart from throwing into a song every 10 minutes, the film features a nice cast who play the various friends of Elvis Presley's character, Rick. Of particular note is Donna Butterworth, a young girl with a great voice who looks like she had a lot of fun making this 1966 film.
The film also features a pair of ever-present Bell 47J Ranger helicopters, quite often seen making max. performance takeoffs and hasty landings. The film is a real treat for aircraft and helicopter enthusiasts who get to see these old machines in great detail, up close. A lot of back-projection is used for the flying scenes featuring close-ups of Elvis and the other cast members, and the scenery is beautiful.
One particular scene has the chopper flying through a mountainous valley with dives and climbs not usually seen performed by such helicopters. Another scene has a bunch of canine passengers causing havoc for Elvis as he tries to fly the chopper, getting low and fast, scaring locals and crashing a car.
The legendary Elvis is particularly wooden in this film, just going through the motions to make a film with no real depth to his role, otherwise it is an enjoyable film for the entire family.
The film also features a pair of ever-present Bell 47J Ranger helicopters, quite often seen making max. performance takeoffs and hasty landings. The film is a real treat for aircraft and helicopter enthusiasts who get to see these old machines in great detail, up close. A lot of back-projection is used for the flying scenes featuring close-ups of Elvis and the other cast members, and the scenery is beautiful.
One particular scene has the chopper flying through a mountainous valley with dives and climbs not usually seen performed by such helicopters. Another scene has a bunch of canine passengers causing havoc for Elvis as he tries to fly the chopper, getting low and fast, scaring locals and crashing a car.
The legendary Elvis is particularly wooden in this film, just going through the motions to make a film with no real depth to his role, otherwise it is an enjoyable film for the entire family.
Runaway Train
(I) (1985)
Two prison escapees get mixed up with a runaway train
14 June 2010
Forget what you see in this film's trailer, it's very misleading and gives the wrong impression. Runaway Train is a story following two hardened escaped criminals who sneak their way onto a 3-engine train only to realize there's no driver on board. The train can't be stopped due to wrecked brakes and fail-safes that don't kick in.
The train company attempts to derail a supposedly empty train before realizing that there are people on board and the prison security are eager to catch them.
There's a lot of swearing and strong performances from the two lead males, supported by Rebecca De Mornay. Eric Roberts plays a dumb but strong criminal who looks up to hard-ass Jon Voight, who has a personal vengeance against the prison security boss. As the train charges on to its destination, the tension rises as the people on board fall into arguments trying to stop the train before it's too late.
The footage of the powerful 3-train locomotives is tastefully done and the sounds will make most heavy machine and train nuts salivate.
It has some long periods of talking and a brilliant subtle electronic soundtrack. Not for everyone, but quite an interesting film with an amazing final scene and a must for train fans everywhere.
The train company attempts to derail a supposedly empty train before realizing that there are people on board and the prison security are eager to catch them.
There's a lot of swearing and strong performances from the two lead males, supported by Rebecca De Mornay. Eric Roberts plays a dumb but strong criminal who looks up to hard-ass Jon Voight, who has a personal vengeance against the prison security boss. As the train charges on to its destination, the tension rises as the people on board fall into arguments trying to stop the train before it's too late.
The footage of the powerful 3-train locomotives is tastefully done and the sounds will make most heavy machine and train nuts salivate.
It has some long periods of talking and a brilliant subtle electronic soundtrack. Not for everyone, but quite an interesting film with an amazing final scene and a must for train fans everywhere.
Red Line
(1995 Video)
Countless car chases and bad acting combine in this C-grade action flick.
1 June 2010
Classic action man Steve McQueen was well known for his love of cars and racing and this inspiration shines through as his son, Chad McQueen, follows in his footsteps, putting together an ambitious film full of car chases, sleazy dialog and some naughty content.
The other notable names involved are a curious list: Jan Michael Vincent from Airwolf, Dom DeLuise from Cannonball Run, Eighties child star Corey Feldman and Reservoir Dogs heavy Michael Madsen. The other stars are of course the numerous makes and models of cars used in the car chases: Porsche 911 and 928, Jaguar XK, Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, two Ford Mustangs and more.
The story follows a reckless thief who robs shops and steals cars for a living but works by day as a mechanic. When he becomes mixed up with a heavy who blackmails him to steal cars for him, he discovers a way to turn it around and make a fortune in the process. Of all the scenes, the most memorable is when Chad's character spots a green Mustang and goes on to pay homage to his father's chase scene in his classic film Bullit.
In some of the scenes it is easy to think they didn't have any planning or arrangement with traffic management or the public during the filming of their chase scenes. The dialog is written and delivered with poor timing by all actors and excessive use of the same engine sound effects during car chase scenes can be distracting, otherwise it's a must-see for car enthusiasts and fans of bad films.
I give it 1 extra point for ambition.
The other notable names involved are a curious list: Jan Michael Vincent from Airwolf, Dom DeLuise from Cannonball Run, Eighties child star Corey Feldman and Reservoir Dogs heavy Michael Madsen. The other stars are of course the numerous makes and models of cars used in the car chases: Porsche 911 and 928, Jaguar XK, Chevrolet Camaro and Corvette, two Ford Mustangs and more.
The story follows a reckless thief who robs shops and steals cars for a living but works by day as a mechanic. When he becomes mixed up with a heavy who blackmails him to steal cars for him, he discovers a way to turn it around and make a fortune in the process. Of all the scenes, the most memorable is when Chad's character spots a green Mustang and goes on to pay homage to his father's chase scene in his classic film Bullit.
In some of the scenes it is easy to think they didn't have any planning or arrangement with traffic management or the public during the filming of their chase scenes. The dialog is written and delivered with poor timing by all actors and excessive use of the same engine sound effects during car chase scenes can be distracting, otherwise it's a must-see for car enthusiasts and fans of bad films.
I give it 1 extra point for ambition.
The crew of the starship Enterprise try to stop an unknown threat on its way to Earth.
26 May 2010
What started as a late-seventies television show revival being developed by the original Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry turned into a full motion picture under the control of a seasoned director and studio.
This meant that effects models, props and sets had to be re-prepared for the detail of a cinema screen and the production entered new territory as Roddenberry was eased out.
The premise was to reunite the original crew of (an updated) starship Enterprise and bring them to face an ultimate threat to planet Earth. The plan was to also give us brilliant effects on par with the recent Star Wars explosion and give Paramount a return on its previously mishandled Star Trek property.
What resulted was an over-long, over-dramatic but interesting film that entertains the fans nonetheless and presents a high concept in its story. Many have commented on its ridiculously long effects shots and the lack of personalities in our beloved bridge characters. But underneath these is the core of a good science fiction film, just maybe not a brilliant Star Trek film.
After a trio of Klingon battlecruisers are destroyed by a mysterious cloud of energy, Kirk takes command of a new, untested Enterprise starship to intercept and investigate the object which is heading directly to Earth.
As they find a way to communicate with it, the object stops trying to destroy them and instead welcomes them deep inside itself where further information is revealed after a number of events.
For the first time in Star Trek history, we return to 23rd century Earth as the object threatens to destroy all life on it unless Kirk and crew comply with its demands, which leads to a startling discovery.
The original budget blew out to almost four times its original allocation, partly due to the project carrying the burden of an aborted television series and hefty sums paid to numerous writers and Leonard Nimoy to get him to reprise his role as Spock.
Whatever you say about the effects, you can't say they are not impressive. They are beautifully created by 2001: A Space Odyssey effects specialist Douglas Trumball and legendary composer Jerry Goldsmith delivers a brilliantly-matching musical score to give the film a grand feeling.
The screenplay for this film went through many, many rewrites from an original story by Alan Dean Foster, but unfortunately they didn't capture the soul of the original series that came before it. Perhaps the story was too serious or a victim of its difficult development but it is considered by many to be a poor start to an on again / off again run of 11 variable films that followed it.
The film has been released in its original theatrical version, special video versions and a DVD-era re-edited Director's Edition that addressed some pacing issues and shortcomings of the original special effects that were rushed due to budget and time constraints. Some of these improvements work well, some don't.
Overall, a great science fiction adventure and a giant leap for the ongoing Star Trek franchise.
This meant that effects models, props and sets had to be re-prepared for the detail of a cinema screen and the production entered new territory as Roddenberry was eased out.
The premise was to reunite the original crew of (an updated) starship Enterprise and bring them to face an ultimate threat to planet Earth. The plan was to also give us brilliant effects on par with the recent Star Wars explosion and give Paramount a return on its previously mishandled Star Trek property.
What resulted was an over-long, over-dramatic but interesting film that entertains the fans nonetheless and presents a high concept in its story. Many have commented on its ridiculously long effects shots and the lack of personalities in our beloved bridge characters. But underneath these is the core of a good science fiction film, just maybe not a brilliant Star Trek film.
After a trio of Klingon battlecruisers are destroyed by a mysterious cloud of energy, Kirk takes command of a new, untested Enterprise starship to intercept and investigate the object which is heading directly to Earth.
As they find a way to communicate with it, the object stops trying to destroy them and instead welcomes them deep inside itself where further information is revealed after a number of events.
For the first time in Star Trek history, we return to 23rd century Earth as the object threatens to destroy all life on it unless Kirk and crew comply with its demands, which leads to a startling discovery.
The original budget blew out to almost four times its original allocation, partly due to the project carrying the burden of an aborted television series and hefty sums paid to numerous writers and Leonard Nimoy to get him to reprise his role as Spock.
Whatever you say about the effects, you can't say they are not impressive. They are beautifully created by 2001: A Space Odyssey effects specialist Douglas Trumball and legendary composer Jerry Goldsmith delivers a brilliantly-matching musical score to give the film a grand feeling.
The screenplay for this film went through many, many rewrites from an original story by Alan Dean Foster, but unfortunately they didn't capture the soul of the original series that came before it. Perhaps the story was too serious or a victim of its difficult development but it is considered by many to be a poor start to an on again / off again run of 11 variable films that followed it.
The film has been released in its original theatrical version, special video versions and a DVD-era re-edited Director's Edition that addressed some pacing issues and shortcomings of the original special effects that were rushed due to budget and time constraints. Some of these improvements work well, some don't.
Overall, a great science fiction adventure and a giant leap for the ongoing Star Trek franchise.
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