Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 27 July 2022 05:29
(A review of
Joyce Byers)
Actress: Winona Ryder
Not only can we not resist the fact that Winona Ryder, one of the most iconic actresses of the 80’s, is on our screen for eight hours each season, the actress also brings a special charisma to Joyce, a character as tender as she is badass.
Willing to go to the end of the world for her son and those she loves, Joyce never stops to amaze us with her resourcefulness and determination to do what’s right, regardless of the evil facing her.
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 27 July 2022 05:28
(A review of
Jane "Elle/Eleven" Ives)
Actress: Millie Bobby Brown
With her discrete, but headstrong personality; badass powers, kind heart, and amazing style (especially her punk makeover in Season 2), Eleven is by far one of our favorite Stranger Things characters here at Tell Tales.
One of the most unique protagonists on television, we couldn’t be more proud of the long, arduous journey she’s been through. Eleven’s perseverence in saving her friends, city and practically, the world, is extremely admirable, and what’s more, she’s played by the ever-popular and extremely talented [Link removed - login to see]!
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 27 July 2022 11:33
(A review of
Heat)
This is a brilliant film. While clocking in at a nearly three-hour running time, there isn't a single wasted scene, it is always entertaining and I think it is very rewatchable too. The cinematography, locations and scenery are superb, and the film's atmosphere and pace are also terrific. The story is plausible and beautifully structured with a breathtaking sequence towards the middle of the film, and there are a lot of memorable quotes. Heat is also brilliantly directed by Michael Mann and the acting of Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino is exemplary. So all in all, brilliant and absolutely worth it. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 26 July 2022 10:29
(A review of
The Danish Girl)
Finally got round to seeing 'The Danish Girl' last night, having been intrigued by it (thanks to its subject, the way it was advertised and the talent involved) for a long time but not having the time due to heavy music and music college work commitments and being behind with my "must-see" list.
My thoughts were that it is a beautiful and courageous film that won't be, and clearly isn't judging from the polarising user review opinions here, everybody's cup of tea, but is a sensitive and emotionally powerful portrayal of a subject matter that's important, very much relevant (even more so now) and controversial. It takes a lot of guts to portray this subject in any form and 'The Danish Girl' acquits itself beautifully if not perfectly.
'The Danish Girl' to me is not without its imperfections. It does drag a little at times and trimming 10-15 minutes off the running time would have helped it perhaps. The script, while mostly thought-provoking and sensitive, has instances where it's too lightweight and needed a tightening up and could have been bolder and take more risks.
So much works though. 'The Danish Girl' looks gorgeous, like an art painting come to life, especially the landscapes and sumptuous period detail. The costumes are evocative and pleasing on the eyes and the whole film is beautifully photographed. Alexandre Desplat's score is one of his most hypnotic and enchanting and Tom Hooper's direction is perhaps him at his most subtle and understated.
It, in terms of writing and story, is mostly thought-provoking and treats the subject matter with an honesty, sensitivity and a big emotional wallop. There are instances such as the ending where the film did bring tears to my eyes.
Can't say anything bad about the performances. Eddie Redmayne is the top-billed star and he does give a very deeply felt and courageous turn. Oddly enough though Gerda is actually the focus, where her complex feelings are ones that anybody in her position would relate to. Alicia Vikander's performance is truly sensational and her chemistry with Redmayne is also one where it is clear they're in love with each other. All the supporting cast are strong, my favourite being the sympathetic one of Matthias Schoenaerts.
All in all, beautiful and brave film but not for all. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 26 July 2022 10:15
(A review of
Legally Blonde)
As several reviewers have said already, I wasn't expecting too much when I saw Legally Blonde, but it was for me surprisingly good. The plot may be a little predictable and heavy-handed, but everything else was nicely handled.
The film does move quite quickly, the script is nice and fluffy like a soufflé, the soundtrack is authentic, the pacing is efficient as is the direction, and the scenery and costumes are lovely. And I enjoyed the acting, Reese Witherspoon is really beautiful and charming, not to mention funny, in the title role, while the supporting cast especially Victor Garber and Selma Blair is very nice.
Overall, this was a surprising film in a good way too. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 26 July 2022 09:00
(A review of
Apollo 13)
'Apollo 13' had so much going for it, being based on an actual event that continues to move and inspire, Ron Howard showing evidence of some fine films and on paper a great cast. The great news is that with the promise that it had 'Apollo 13' delivers.
For starters, it's a technical tour-De-force. It's beautifully photographed, the space setting is enough to leave one in awe and the special effects still hold up incredibly well today. The music score is provided by the now regrettably late (as of two years ago) James Horner. To me it contains some of his best work.
It is a hauntingly beautiful score that gives a real sense of adventure, tension and mystery, "All Systems Go-The Launch" in particular, the opening trumpet theme and "Lunar Dreams" very close behind.
There is a great script too, regardless of accuracy or lack of it 'Apollo 13' is up there with having one of the most quotable scripts for any film that decade. Ed Harris has the best lines, but the most unforgettable and oft-quoted line is "Houston we have a problem". The story is the kind that leaves one in awe, biting the nails with its high levels of suspense, wrenches the heart in a poignant way and also very inspired. 'Apollo 13' is lengthy and deliberately paced but neither are issues, like they could have been potentially, everything else is just too good.
Howard's direction is some of the best he's ever done. A huge asset is the acting, which is nothing short of excellent and often more than that. Tom Hanks excels with an ordinary character that he plays with understated command. Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon are welcome contrasts, Gary Sinise is a reliably strong presence and Ed Harris' superb performance to me was the best performance of the cast.
In conclusion, brilliant film, no problems here. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 26 July 2022 08:14
(A review of
Big)
Big does have its minor faults, such as the parents missing a child idea barely registering, but overall while goofy it is also very charming thanks to the performances and chemistry between the two leads. The story is nice and simple, and it is beautifully handled, while the script is witty, funny and quite charming, like the story. Then there is Penny Marshal's polished direction, some nice cinematography and a sweet soundtrack. The best thing though for me was the performances and chemistry of Tom Hanks and Elizabeth Perkins. Hanks is typically fine in his role, and Perkins makes the most of her character, and the two have a very effective chemistry on screen. So overall, very enjoyable and charming, and actually one of the better body-swap movies out there. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 25 July 2022 07:45
(A review of
The Third Man)
The Third Man is really quite a brilliant film, and one of the best British films ever made in my opinion. There are several reasons why I think this. The cinematography is just outstanding, and helps fashion a city full of menace and the score is jaunty and flawlessly echoes the film's wit and drama. Then there is a dark yet playful script(two other words to describe the film itself too), impeccable direction from master of place, angle and shade Carol Reed and a gem of a story that grips you right up till the ending. The Third Man is also blessed with performances more perfect than you can ask for from Joseph Cotten and especially Orson Welles. Overall, it is a brilliant film, very well made and has a great story. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 25 July 2022 06:13
(A review of
Son of Dracula)
True, Son of Dracula is not as good as the 1931 Bela Lugosi film, which is one of the best film versions and has one of the best and most iconic Draculas in Lugosi. But it is(in my opinion) much better than its reputation, and leagues ahead of House of Dracula, it's better made, more atmospherically involving, better acted generally, has a much stronger ending and actually knew what to do with the characters.
Son of Dracula does have its flaws. Some of the story does get a bit draggy and confused, Dracula/Alucard's origins could have been better explored. Am also mixed on Lon Chaney Jnr's title role performance, I did appreciate the idea to show Dracula having an inner turmoil(different, as the character is more associated as evil-incarnate, but interesting) and Chaney does portray that subtly and movingly, if though perhaps too subtly in places. Against all this, Chaney has been more involved before and since and it is a role that doesn't suit him, things have been said about him being too healthy-looking but the bigger problem is that he, like John Carradine in House of Dracula(though Carradine looked the part better)isn't sinister enough and lacked the aristocratic charm.
On the other hand, despite the flaws Son of Dracula has much going for it. It looks great, it's stylishly photographed and has sumptuous costumes and quite impressive special effects(for the time)in the transformation sequences but it's the swamp/misty sets and that make the biggest impression. The music is suitably eerie, there's a clever script that doesn't get bogged down by too much talk and doesn't try to do too much and the story mostly is atmospherically compelling with some memorable scenes. The scene in the swamp with Dracula emerging from it on a coffin is beautiful and very haunting, though the scene with Queen Zimba and the lead up to it is one of the creepiest of any Universal horror film and the ending was unexpected and quite emotional. The direction takes a film-noir-ish approach which was incredibly effective, most of the pacing is a long way from dull and the support acting is very good. Particularly good are Robert Paige who plays a tortured character sympathetically and poignantly and Louise Allbritton on entrancing and icy form, but Evelyn Ankers while having little to do is good and Frank Craven and J. Edward Bromberg have fun as the Doctor and Professor.
All in all, a long way from flawless but better than it's given credit for. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 25 July 2022 12:53
(A review of
The Midwich Cuckoos)
Sci fi, horror, dystopian...? A bit of all of them.
This is a straightforward and somewhat leisurely story that touches on very deep and difficult themes, mostly indirectly, but explicitly in the last quarter.
Typical English Idyll
Midwich is a sleepy English village in the late 1950s. One day, everyone in the village blacks out. They awake, apparently unharmed, only to discover that all the fertile women are pregnant - but the children they give birth to are not like other human children, and turn out to have extraordinary and disturbing powers.
It starts off by establishing the uneventful normality of the village. With dawning awareness of what has happened, most people indulge in denial and eventually a degree of acceptance. The abnormal becomes normal, and things get stranger still.
Women
The big flaw of this book is its neglect of female characters, especially given that it is the women who are violated in such a profound way. More understandable is the overprotective attitudes of some of the men, exercising "benign censorship", especially for the less educated women. That may not be acceptable now, but surely typical of the period. It also oddly omits almost all mention of older and younger siblings of the Children (the capital C is used) and barely mentions the pain of the putative fathers.
However, in in the collection Consider Her Ways and Others (see my review [Link removed - login to see]), a couple of the stories have a strong female/feminist slant.
Philosophical Scope
The strength of the book is the way it raises so many philosophical issues in a relatively light way and barely 200 pages:
* Fear of tabloid exploitation
* The nature of self and individuality (and how it is affected by mind control and shared consciousness)
* Whether scientific dogma overrides religious dogma
* Societal and biological pressures on mothers to bond with their babies
* Original sin
* Triumph over adversity and the desire to see good in situations
* Whether ends justify means
* What it means to be human
* Evolution versus creationism
* The nature of evil and what can be done in the name of self-preservation
* The politics of colonisation and revolution
The ultimate question is whether humanitarianism trumps biological duty, and hence whether civilisation could ultimately be our downfall in a hostile environment.
Village of the Damned
There are two film versions:
* 1960 black and white classic, starring George Sanders. See details on imdb [Link removed - login to see].
* 1995 starring Christopher Reeve, Kirstie Alley, and also featuring Mark Hamill. See details on imdb [Link removed - login to see].
2022 TV adaptation
This seven-part series reverts to Wyndham's title. It focuses on the women (Zellaby is now a female character, played by Keeley Hawes), features some siblings, and sets it in an ethnically diverse contemporary commuter town.
This version adds a major subplot. I thought it got a bit silly towards the end, but it does leave scope for a sequel. Most importantly, it freshens the story for a new audience. See details on imdb [Link removed - login to see].
I saw it being filmed a year ago:
Image: Synnove Karlsen as Cassie Stone being filmed coming to, after the blackout.
Progenitor
A sci-fi writer should be ahead of their time. But there's a downside. One of the problems Wyndham suffers nowadays is that to modern readers, his work can seem derivative, which is a dreadful injustice when in many cases it's because more modern writers have derived ideas from him.
Wyndham's Next Take on These Ideas
Eleven years after publishing this, Wyndham published Chocky, which takes very similar themes, but puts them in a more realistic setting, and a single cuckoo child, who is firmly human. See my review [Link removed - login to see]. [Link removed - login to see]
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