I had the TV on while transferring video (that I'd shot for a music video I'm making) to my hard drive. The TV was on and the channel happened to be Film 4, the 2016 movie Brakes had just started. I've been waiting over a month to shoot some stuff with a model for my video and this we actually did yesterday. Finally then ... I get to put everything on the hard drive and begin my work. The odd thing is that instead of turning the TV off I got instantly hooked on this movie. I watched it for a while thinking "I'll turn it off in a minute" and ended up switching my PC and camera off instead. I felt really sorry for the Australian woman when she cried, especially after you saw how the guy kind of insisted that she get in touch in the future. And shouldn't Roland Gift be doing more film work? The idea to play "part 2" first was sound. Having seen the inevitable split you then got to see the innocence or manipulation that usually goes on when people are affecting their behaviour to get a date. The person who wanted to end it was, in some cases the more enthusiastic of the two to initiate it. Normally World War 3 wouldn't interfere with my (wannabe) music career so I felt compelled to say how much I enjoyed this gem. Julian Barrett played one of my fave characters ever, the jaded Dan Ashcroft from 2004's Nathan Barley and his segment in this film was pretty disturbing because I've seen someone behave like that for real. I didn't find this to be a comedy (no matter how dark) and my only criticism might be that some of the "hand-held" was too fluid, I thought I'd give the director some of my advice ... LOL. The director here was the talented writer and actress - playing the ice rink attendant (I think). Top film, ill defo watch again and probably buy it for keeps if available on DVD. It's one of those films that I suspect you see a new angle that you missed last time. Also great use of the word "brakes" as opposed to the more apt "breaks". 10 out of 10.
Reviews
7 Reviews
Teachers
(2001–2004)
I even watch the repeats
21 May 2002
Yes....... I suppose when you watch a show after watching the previous weeks repeat you have to say that you LOVE IT. Brilliant writing and acting. This team of actors look like they've known each other all their working lives, great satirical fun with no cliches. Can't wait for series 3,4,5,6............etc.
Pi
(1998)
Awesome 216 out of 10
7 April 2002
I laughed at someones review mentioning humourously about "Indie film positive discimination", I expected loads of that on here but too my surprise there isn't that much. Aronofsky may be a "one off", his contribution to film with "Pi" is pretty unique. "Pi" may be a bit too arty at times with brains being stabbed with pens on subways etc. I think I got the metaphors but it was sheer brilliance without them. I think the point about the maths (and the story) that some people may have missed was that this underlying number as an answer to everything in the universe to explain "chaos" was not a possible clean and logical mathematical conclusion but more a divine and holy number that mortals should never be allowed to know. Max Cohen found himself for example predicting the wall St. Stock prices for no apparent mathematical reason. He had found something special in the 216 digit number that went beyond calculus and into the spiritual realms of "Lenny Meyer's" true name for God and another power this number held. A brilliant piece of writing where everything was referenced to the point of being believable. It's also the first time I've liked Drum+bass music, pretty cool sound track. Top film and Sean Gullette brilliant. (Should confound a few theologans as well as number theorists).
Muriel's Wedding
(1994)
Why is this not in the top 250?
1 April 2002
Believe it or not there are actually reviews of this film that criticise the lead character (and subsequently the film) for being too socialy unaware etc. and in doing so become the spiteful shallow types that the writer was brilliantly sending up......talk about missing the point. Muriel's wedding is a masterpiece of writing and acting. How many of us identified with Muriel's quest to be someone else and how many of us identified with the pack mentality of the "friends" Muriel aspired to be? You're either one or the other. It's a thought provoking and honest look at the frail human need to be accepted and even adored. Toni Collettes performance is outstanding, as someone pointed out she wasn't acting Muriel, she WAS Muriel. One of the best portrayals ever on celluloid. The crunch in Muriel's life comes as she attends the funeral for her mother and the eulogy refers to the high point of her mum's life as being Muriel's wedding......(she hadn't even spoken to her mother that day). She then discovers a scrap book kept by her mother with press clippings about the wedding. Brilliant story by P.J.Hogan. See this film if you haven't already done so. A definate 10
The Limey
(1999)
Entertaining and realistic.
6 November 2001
I love everything about this film the story, script and cast. Peter Fonda was perfect as the 60's music mogul and Terrance Stamp as ever has that amazing presence. I especially liked the way the film stylishly ended with the battle weary, hardened Wilson reminiscing about a momment playing guitar in his youth. It's the story of a man who sets out to avenge the death of his daughter only to realise at the point of tasting revenge that he himself is ultimately responsible for her death. Wilson, played by Stamp is a cunning, streetwise criminal who appears to be reckless with his own life but anticipates through experience the reactions of his adversaries. A very entertaining and realistic film.
Dirty Mary Crazy Larry
(1974)
My favourite film as a kid
22 October 2001
DMCL left a lasting impression on me after first watching it about 1975-ish. I notice some critics showboating and wallowing in the usual intellectual self indulgence with this one, character development etc. I still think it's the best (surprise) ending to any film in movie history. Rocking my world as teenager didn't diminish its value for the older me when I saw it again recently. This film unlike some I rated back in the day still holds up. The dialogue references 70's racing and street terminology that can seem dated obviously 40+ years later but the script is sharp. This is a well written and realistic exchange between all the characters in those situations. I remember really fancying both Susan George and Susan Dey about the same time - like most lads my age I reck.
Murphy's War
(1971)
No cliches, gripping stuff.
20 October 2001
I don't know why I've never seen this film before as it must have been on TV many times. A modern day remake would probably have the Peter O Toole and Sian Phillips characters falling in love or whatever but the ending to Murphy was a surprise to me as I expected the "happy ending". I thought the film was unique in some regards to the genre, beautiful location and well acted by all the cast. Just watch Murphy's eye twitching in the opening sequences. Peter O Toole is without a doubt one of the best actors ever. I also think this is one of the best films ever made, well written and executed.
Tell Your Friends