avanti Reviews

Snowy River: The McGregor Saga (1994–1996)

Feel Good Aussie Drama

[16 April 2001]

Yes, we have seen this formula before (esp if your an Aussie), but who can resist the charms of this show? I loved to watch the trials and tribulations of the McGregors, knowing that generally everything turns out OK. Despite this, it is still believable, and I still enjoy watching the re-runs on the weekend. Give this show a go.

Sense and Sensibility (1981)

Compare it to the newer version and you'll see it's charms

[7 April 2001]

Emma Thompson(Elinor) in the 1995 version scripts herself more time on screen compared to Kate Winslet(Marianne).This version focuses on BOTH of the sisters equally. This version is far more faithful to the novel than the movie made in 1995. The only flaw in this version is the mysterious disappearance (non-inclusion) of the youngest sister, Margaret.

Dial M for Murder (1954)

Make sure you see this version

[3 April 2001]

Many people have written excellent reviews in very elegant prose emphasising the brilliancy of this film. I won't disagree. However, in the past few years a remake of this film called "A Perfect Murder" was released. That movie was a shocker!!!! I ask you to forget that the film was ever made.

Dial M for Murder is a film that binds me in suspense every time I view it. Well worth the video rental and ten times better than any modern horror flick around.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Switching Goals (1999) Season 3, Episode 6

Predictable

[4/10 · 21 January 2001]

Yes, you guessed it. Another movie where identical twins switch places. I think now that the Olsen twins are getting older they should try and make the plot less predictable and less like re-runs of 'Full House'. If you plan on seeing this film, don't. Watch 'The Parent Trap' instead. It's more entertaining.

Chris Cross (1993)

Good for a laugh.

[21 November 2000]

This series is really interesting, despite that it has a formula used in many other shows and movies. I started to watch it because I was going to boarding school, and I guess it gave me comfort! The tricks they get up to are not always original, but always entertaining. This show is good for a laugh.

The Visitors (1993)

Brilliant!

[9/10 · 21 November 2000]

Les Visiteurs is a brilliant film. It makes me want to learn French so that I could enjoy the movie even more! Although the jokes are coarse, they are used correctly, WITHOUT fake laugh tracks in the background. The actors portray the characters so well I could almost believe it! Well, almost believe it. In any case, this film will bring on the giggles and laughter. It is not easily forgotten.

Unfaithfully Yours (1984)

Very funny with fantastic music.

[10/10 · 21 November 2000]

This film is hilarious and what I consider to be the best film starring Dudley Moore. A man is convinced by scarce circumstantial evidence that his wife is unfaithful. Although still very much in love with his wife, he is "told" by an Italian employee that he must kill her. So begins a spiral where Claude (Moore) plans the murder of his wife. However, when he tries to put the plan into action, things go wrong.

The music in this movie is fantastic. The movie also contains the funniest scene I have witnessed in any movie which I can only describe as the "violin war". It is brilliant.

The actors and actresses chosen in the film fit their characters perfectly. The events in the film are easy to believe and thus make the plot more enjoyable. It also quietly sends a message to the audience... Don't be quick to condemn, your probably wrong.

This film is a mix between comedy and drama that is enjoyable. Watch this film, I think you'll love it.

That Thing You Do! (1996)

A fantastic 'feel good' movie.

[8/10 · 20 December 1999]

That Thing You Do! is one of the most enjoyable films I have seen. The plot is based on the successes and failures of an American band in the 1960's. It includes great music, good acting efforts and a realistic script. The film is a 'feel good' movie, sure to make you smile. I recommend that everyone should see this film.

Press Gang (1989–1993)

Brilliant acting and realistic plots make this series fantastic!

[20 December 1999]

"Press Gang" is probably the best TV series I have seen. It has all the elements of good entertainment. This includes brilliant acting and realistic plots. This series is set at the office of the Junior Gazette, a newspaper run entirely by teenagers. The paper is funded by the Gazette with two purposes: a) to encourage people to read the Gazette and b) to keep some trouble makers off the street. The series runs through stories about what happens to the newspaper team while trying to put the Junior Gazette out for the week. I loved this series and found it very addictive. By using young actors it relates to teenagers better than most TV series. I hope that everyone gets a chance to see this series soon.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Good Plot but induces travel sickness.

[4/10 · 18 December 1999]

The Blair Witch Project includes one of the most interesting plots for any horror movie. Three students are investigating the legend of the Blair Witch. This movie is meant to be the film that they recorded while investigating.

The movie was recorded on a home video recorder and the screen shakes a lot. This helps to give the feeling that you are seeing the actual film the students took with them on their project. Unfortunately, it made friends get headaches and even slight bouts of travel sickness.

However, their are many positive points about the movie. The acting is superb and the terror and horror of the situation can be felt throughout by the viewer, mostly without violence.

Although I did not enjoy watching this movie very much, it is worthwhile watching; even to only hear about the legend of the Blair Witch. Watch the film with low expectations while ignoring the hype and you will enjoy it.