GVA-2 Reviews

Firefly (2002–2003)

Wonderful entertainment

[10/10 · 24 December 2006]

The failure of the series remains a mystery to me. The characters are engaging, the storyline imaginative and unconventional. Perhaps some of the reversals of convention, such as prostitution being a very respectable profession, the captain being highly ethical despite his stated rejection of god and the world superpower being no more than a despotic, immoral regime. Perhaps this left a few (?Americans) feeling a little ill at ease. (Can't have insurgents being moral, successful and likable whilst defying the numerically, financially and militarily superior superpower who, after all, was only trying to liberate and bring order to the disparate, unruly outer planets)

The Circle (2000)

Potent

[7/10 · 4 January 2003]

A potent movie, portraying much that is now common knowledge among informed westerners. What was very significant to me was the emotional response it was able to elicit in me despite my prior knowlege of the place women have in many muslim countries. Not only a combination of frustration, anger and despair at the gross injustice perpetrated against women, but the pervasive tension and paranoia generated by a police state.

I thank my lucky stars that I live in the West, with all its foibles.

Divided We Fall (2000)

Shades of grey

[10/10 · 28 December 2002]

A disturbing, touching and ultimately uplifting movie. It examines the complexities and paradoxes of human nature and behaviour in the most trying of circumstances. It is a much more realistic portrayal of what normal people do during abnormal times than is the ubiquitous American approach, i.e., any American in trying circumstances morphs into a super hero, albeit usually softly spoken, understated, and of course morally beyond reproach. A movie for a thinking person who has tired of the formulaic.

Where the Heart Is (2000)

Trite

[3/10 · 13 September 2000]

Improbable, one dimensional, cliche`d and formulaic, designed to elicit certain emotions by bypassing any higher cerebral function. The 'good' are angelic martyrs, the 'bad' are diabolical. There is no suggestion that humans are more complex than being either sweet innocent victims, bearing their load with dignity or evil predators. This movie,in a word, is irritating.

Hero (I) (1992)

Under-rated movie

[9/10 · 22 February 2000]

Dustin H is at his brilliant best. Listen carefully to his closing speech to his son(delivered with passion in the zoo). Words of wisdom about the state of the human zoo we live in. The movie has humour, pathos and some great lines. One of my favourites.

Men in Black (1997)

A spoof of masterly proportions!

[9/10 · 9 January 2000]

Brilliantly conceived and executed spoof on, well, so many different aspects of our lives.The casting was perfect and the special effects were very respectable.Humour and action were delivered in appropriate and equal measure. Can't wait for MIB2.