hunny_bees Reviews

The Dam Busters (1955)

Dam Good and even better on the big screen.

[9/10 · 4 September 2007]

This contains spoilers but if you haven't already seen the film...where have you been?????

I have just got back from watching a digitally enhanced version of The Dambusters at the cinema. WOW. Watching it up on the big screen really showed what a great film it was. Seeing them flying so low and through such tight terrain whilst under attack from the ground brought home just how dangerous some of the flying those wonderful heroes had to do to pull off the job.

As a 40 something I sat amongst the older crowd. My parents included. It was like being in a matinée but instead of the kids it was the older members of the audience making little comments and chuckles. I felt honoured to share their memories of this time.

The film is a classic British war film. Showing the ingenuity and courage of the men of the time. Watching everyone smoking, normal for that era seemed strange. The fact that they had bacon and eggs as well as beer and coffee all items rationed at that time brought home just how special these people where.They were given the little luxuries that everyday folk did not get, as they risked all.

The music was wonderful and several people including me could not resist holding their arms out and playing air-planes as the music set the pulse racing.

Barnes Wallis came across as the genius eccentric. The best line of the film coming when he was trying to get his idea tested out. He was asked "why would the war office give you a Wellington" or something along those lines. Barnes' simple answer was "Well I did design it". I love it.

Great film of its time that still works today.

Sin City (2005)

Comic book meets slasher done with humour and the most stunning cinematography.

[9/10 · 1 October 2005]

From the trailers and what others had said about this film I was unsure if I would approve of it never mind like it... but and you could see the but coming. I loved it.

From the opening sequence to the final credits I was transfixed. Comic book meets slasher done with humour and the most stunning cinematography.

The direction, the use of colour is just wonderful. Superbly acted by a wonderful cast.

I am not a lover of violent films and this is violent though the subtle use of colour and the comic book feel to the film makes the violence almost comical. That is through the eyes of an adult, I would not allow anyone under 18 to watch this film under any circumstances.

Great film and I now need to get the DVD cos its one that needs watching more than once. 9/10

Garfield: The Movie (2004)

Garfield struggles to climb up on everything he is so fat cat like that you forget he is a cartoon cat

[7/10 · 8 July 2004]

I was not sure about watching this movie, but I'm so glad I did.

It's funny, cute and so so silly.

Garfield is just like the not so loveable cat in the cartoon strips, he is fat lazy and rules the roost, until his owner turns up with a dog.

The dog turns out to be cute and loveable, but Garfield is not a happy kitty when he starts to feel that he is being left out.

When the dog goes missing it is left to Garfield to become a reluctant hero, well after he has had enough snacks to go on the adventure.

The story it totally predictable, the characters are more cartoon like than Garfield the animals are over cute, but its wonderful. Some of the one liners are classic, and the way fat Garfield struggles to climb up on everything is so fat cat like that you forget he is a cartoon cat.

I loved it, worth watching and I think I may just find a kid to take so I can go watch it again.

Calendar Girls (2003)

A good story well told against a wonderful backdrop.

[8/10 · 25 February 2004]

The first time I watched this movie was on a flight to the States, watching on a very small screen. I still got the lovely story that was beautifully acted. It was not until I bought my own copy of this movie did I fully experience the wonderful scenery and the real feelgood factor of this movie.

I seem to want to use words like quaint, nice and warm to describe this film but feel that is doing it an injustice as the ladies of the Womans Institute do have a battle to achieve their goal and the love lives and complications of family all add up to a very good story well told against a wonderful backdrop. It must be remembered that the idea for the calender that sparked the imagination of the public and film makers alike was that of real women in a real Womens Institute group who bared their all to raise money for charity, and it was their idea and bravery that deserves the greatest applause. It shows that real women of all ages are beautiful. Gives me hope that I'm not passed it.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

Great Cast, Great Film, Great Entertainment.

[9/10 · 25 February 2004]

This was an unexpectedly good movie. The basic idea of putting together legendary characters such as Dorian Gray and Alan Quatermain along with Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde and the Invisible Man is ingenious in itself, but it could have all turned out so wrong. Thankfully the inspirational casting of Sean Connery as Quatermain and Tony Curran as The Invisible Man, head a wonderful line up. The story line works well, keeping you engrossed and not just relying on fancy special effects to keep the film going, though there are many excellent ones. From the opening scene to the last moments you are taken to a world of legends and a time of mysteries. There are some scenes, like when they get into a car in the middle of a busy Victorian street and nobody takes any notice that have to be forgiven, but this is not realism its pure entertainment.

Dogma (1999)

Grandmother discovers Silent Bob.

[9/10 · 25 February 2004]

I know this makes me sound so un-hip but I had never heard of Kevin Smith or Jay and Silent Bob until a few hours ago. Now I'm a fan, looking to see what else Kevin Smith has done. This is not a film I would have picked off the shelf, but I's so glad my daughter gave it to me to watch. The film was well written, well acted and well directed. It made me laugh from the start. I found its clever script pulled me into the most wildly non-real plot, but I was there plugging for those on the side of God. The young, fresh, street wise characters with strong language, and sexual undertones may put some people off watching this movie but as a grandmother I can honestly say it is not just for the young audience, it is imaginative entertainment and well worth a viewing.

The Mummy (1999)

Total escapism, one of my all time favourites.

[8/10 · 25 February 2004]

This was the first DVD I ever bought. After dusting it off and watching it again last night it still comes in my top all time favourite DVD's. The supernatural story with the enchanting backdrop of Egypt, wonderful special effects and some spine chilling, edge of the seat scenes make this movie a must for any collection. There have been many stories about mummys and egyptian tombs but none have come up to the standard of The Mummy. From the start the movie spins a tale of mystery with characters that are just that, characters. The movie never aims to be real world but is total escapism. Let your imagination take a ride into the desert with the over eager bumbling heroes, laugh at their exploits and allow yourself to be scared (just a little) when The Mummy comes back to life.

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Taken on a sensational fantasy journey.

[7/10 · 24 June 2002]

I watched this on DVD with my boyfriend, it was rather a case of not being able to agree on any other to rent. To be honest by the time we got home I was starting to think I would have a bath and wash my hair instead.

Gosh my hair can go dirty. This film was Fab, Terrific, Super Duper. At 40something years of age I was laughing and crying at a musical the worrying thing is so was my boyfriend.

I dont know where to start, it was visually sensational, the music was Fab. We were delighted each time another song came along that we knew (must buy the sound track), the casting fantastic, direction superb it even had a good story......well ok it was one big fantasy that I was happy to be taken into and given an emotional ride.

Formula 51 (2001)

all laughed, all enjoyed, it appealed to all from 20 to 70.

[10/10 · 21 June 2002]

As a Liverpool born, 40 something female, who has spent a great deal of time travelling in the states, I found this film hilarious. I found myself relating the characters to people I know. The chemistry between the two main characters in this film really worked. I have not laughed so much at a film in ages. It came over as a well written tounge-in-cheek black comedy. I think that many missed the point of the film by having preconceived ideas and expecting the usual serious Jackson stance. My home city of Liverpool was no more than an added bonus, the film would have worked in any city. It was good to see so many English actors playing along side stars with the status of Jackson and holding their own. I watched this film with my boyfriend, my daughter and her husband, and my dad (Liverpool through and through), all laughed, all enjoyed, it appealed to all from 20 to 70. Many have compared this film to Lock Stock, and Snatch. Yes it does have similarities, but stands out in many other ways as a good entertaining film.