Reviews

Who on earth would enjoy a dark and cynical comedy full of unappealing characters and unpleasant plot twists? .I suppose I would, however unwillingly. Peter O'Toole plays the aging actor/entertainer JJ Curtis, whose fame now revolves around `The Big Prize', the tacky game show he produces and hosts. While trying to make a lucrative deal to air his program in the U.S., the competition rears its ugly head in the form of young Dave Turner, host of a different tacky and truly `shocking' game show (pun intended). Both are willing to play dirty to get the U.S. deal--in fact no tactic is too twisted or drastic for either men--and I promise you a few surprisingly nasty tricks.

Also thrown into the mix is Adrian Lester as the emerging writer (and narrator of this tale) Jonathan Snitch, an interesting surname since he is hired to write JJ Curtis' memoirs. JJ is particularly anxious to get his life story recorded for posterity since he has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer; and lest you think this condition makes his character more sympathetic--think again. Snitch stands out as the only decent character in the cast, and Adrian Lester does a superb job. Adrian Gillen deftly handles the unlikable Dave Turner, and Julia Sawalha (Saffy in the Brit TV series

Absolutely Fabulous) appears as Dave's hapless assistant.

Peter O'Toole, not surprisingly, is Absolutely Fabulous as JJ. The characters may be drawn with a wide brush, but O'Toole somehow finds the subtleties and nuances that make JJ a three-dimensional creature. I honestly think this is an award-deserving performance.

But, this film won't (and didn't) win any awards in America; in fact I wonder if anyone but the 10 of us rating it on this site saw the film. Black humor and a story that defies categorizing ensure a small audience for this quirky movie. But hey, I enjoy watching a movie and being surprised and deliciously horrified. I enjoy wonderful performances in a small but slickly executed production. I like a film that is not so bland that I've forgotten it 10 minutes later. It's not for everyone--but I hope it will find the audience it deserves.

Here is a time and place that invites and entices-- who wouldn't give anything to be invited to the Big Night dinner? Well, we're there with bells on, and in the unique position of knowing the secrets and shames and loves of the attendees, particularly Secondo and Primo, the restaurant manager and his older brother, the brilliant and temperamental chef. In a last gasp to save the Paradise from foreclosure, Secondo agrees to allow friend and rival restaurant owner Pascal to arrange dinner for the famous Louis Prima and his band at the Paradise.

Before we all get up and Mambo Italiano, we meet the characters that inhabit their world-- Secondo's girlfriend, the artist, the cadillac salesman, the florist... all finely drawn characters who are real to us despite their often fleeting appearances in the film. I'd like to meet any one of them for a coffee sometime! I'll have to settle for their attendance at the big dinner. And what a cast-- you'll see lots of familiar faces in some of their best (if concentrated) work.

I found the tenderness and passion of the relationships in this film mesmerizing-- maybe because they illustrate the tales of our own lives, both the profoundly delicious and the deeply bitter. The central and most moving relationship is between the brothers-- the final scene just fills you up and leaves you wanting more (omelette and bread).

Enjoy this movie on any one or all of many levels. Dress up. Bring your appetite. Enjoy the art. Contemplate the ingredients. Be reminded of what is important. And don't let the banquet pass you by.

This was a charming movie with delightful simple characters, but somehow it left me a little cold. It has some interesting devices, like the narrator's slice of life pictures, and Amelie's projects are fun to watch. I also enjoyed the quirky characters that fill the story. But to me there was little emotional depth to the film and I'm afraid I kept waiting for something more involving.

On the whole a good way to spend an evening, but alas, unless I missed the point, very light entertainment and not especially memorable.

...just as I imagine India during these "interesting times". The plot (greatly simplified here!) revolves about a number of English expatriots living in India at the time of the Raj and during the difficult struggle for independence. The acting is superb, particularly Peggy Ashcroft; and as in so many British productions, great care is taken to cast brilliant actors in even the smallest of roles.

The many characters' lives intersect in the most surprising ways, there are regular dollops of action and violence--this is riveting television! I remember receiving only a sound broadcast for one episode--no picture--and I sat by the screen for the full hour in rapt attention.

There is much to learn about human nature, both the dark and the joyful, and about the politics of imperialism, and about an awe-inspiring country and culture, from this beautifully crafted series. Highly recommended.