Change Your Image
pipin-1
Reviews
Gridlock (1996)
Feeble Action Trash
After the success of T.V. shows "Knight Rider and "Baywatch", it was pretty likely and pretty unfortunate that David Hasselhoff would attempt to make a mark in the movies. In this pathetic and powerless attempt to give Hasselhoff the part of an action hero, this picture tries to replicate action classic "Die Hard" (1988), and doesn't just trip up, but gets its head stuck in the railings at the same time. The only entertaining aspect to this film is the villain, who intends to ransack a big bag of dosh, and even has the standard goatee beard and evil smile. Of course there's the beautiful woman for Hasselhoff to schmaltz with, though she was probably only in it for the cash. She must have been desperate. You'll find more character in an empty fish tank, and Hasselhoff may as well head back to the beach, or even better, go get Kit back from servicing. There's even a part when Hasselhoff tries to do the hanging from a Fireman's hose scene, but he shimmies down the side!
If you're looking for the kind of film that would make Channel 5 question its taste, or make the bargain bin snigger, this is wonderful. Lets all pray David Hasselhoff doesn't get beyond T.V. movies.
1/10
Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994)
Perfect example of a waste of time.
This film is a perfect example of a waste of time. A highly unfunny comedy that will get you questioning the minds of the desperate souls that made it. This is a film that makes the film projector sigh and maybe cry with pain. Danger! stand clear from this so called film.
no rating what so ever.
Drop Dead Fred (1991)
Good energetic comedy
This largely ignored comedy isn't as bad as many say it is. Rik Mayall plays the invisible friend from Elizabeth Cronin's (Phoebe Cates) childhood, who has come back into her life in an attempt to make her happy. The story unfolds quite well, but it isn't really the main drive of the film. Rik Mayall could be mistaken for an English Jim Carrey, and this extremely high-energy performance was something he was born to do.
Although there are times when the invisible friend becomes irritating, the story comes to a strangely sentimental ending, where your opinion of him is altered. If you look at this film in a completely comic light, and see it as nothing more than a live action cartoon, then there is little to disappoint. The final dream-state sequence includes some great set pieces, and the viewer finds themself surprisingly sorry to see the back of Rik Mayall.
If you like seeing Rik Mayall doing idiotic things on screen, this is essential, and although "Drop Dead Fred" isn't a great comedy, its got some entertaining scenes. Worth a watch.
8/10
Alive (1993)
Harrowing, but heartfelt.
Considering the fact that this movie never really made a mark at the box office and certainly didn't gather much critical attention, it's surprisingly well known. There are many true life stories of survival that have been put on the big screen, but this has to be one of the most harrowing & disturbing. The film tells the story of an American rugby team becoming stranded in the Andes. At first it seems to be a straight forward matter of waiting to be rescued, but when supplies run out the survivors resort to eating their dead. This is indeed the major shock value of the movie, but the viewer soon finds themself accepting the situation.
There are two major flaws to this movie. Firstly, for first half of the film the people simply await a rescue, thus there is an extremely sombre atmosphere to the story, with nothing to lighten it. Secondly, there is little character development, and no identifiable bonds between any of the characters, something essential to making a story like this become more than just true. Later on, the mood is lifted somewhat, and by the end of the film there is an enormous sense of hope and expectance that is truly exhilarating.
If you can sit through the first half of "Alive", then you will be rewarded somewhat. The majority of the film is far too down beat to be entertaining, but if you want to see what is probably the most harrowing survival story put on the big screen.
****
Alien (1979)
Great Sci-fi Horror.
The film that made Sigorney Weaver a star, this wonderful mix of sci-fi and horror sees John Hurt harbour an unknown creature that bursts out from his chest in one of the most violent few minutes of footage ever, in a commercial movie. We soon discover the threat of the monster as it relentlessly picks off its victims one by one. Although many regard action maestro James Cameron's 1986 sequel the finest in the series, Ridley Scott's original has all the classic elements of a traditional horror film, and, unlike the sequels that followed, we see very little of the alien until the ending, which adds a wonderful sense of suspense that the other films never quite captured.
If you haven't already seen this film, and you're a fan of either sci-fi or horror, this is for you, and even if you're not, "Alien" certainly won't disappoint. It also features one of the most famous taglines in cinema history.
Great sci-fi horror.
In Country (1989)
Average Vietnam drama.
After "Platoon" (1986) won best picture at the Oscars, the late eighties saw a fare few Hollywood stars jumping to roles in Vietnam dramas. In this film we see Bruce Willis playing a moody Vietnam veteran with one hell of a moustache. It is his first real stab at a serious role, and he pulls it off quite well. Emily Lloyd plays the inquisitive niece who is interested in the war, mainly due to her Father's death whilst in service.
The film meanders along the path of a man coming to terms with his experiences in Vietnam, but due to the poor script, doesn't really stand out as anything special when put alongside other films of a similar subject. That said, there is a heart-wrenching scene that highlights Willis's acting ability as the character pours out his troubled thoughts.
Overall, "In Country" is only really worth your time if you are either a fan of the Vietnam genre, or want to see Willis as an emotional wreck.
Stand by Me (1986)
Short n' sharp
From the unforgettable opening line, the viewer immediately knows that this film is going to be more than just a sentimental look back at someone's childhood. The film tells the story of four twelve-year-old boys going on a trip one summer to find the body of a missing boy, unaware that some older boys have a similar plan. Corey Feldman gives the performance of his career, and you'll also spot the late River Phoenix in there as the "leader of our gang". There are some wonderful scenes in "Stand by me", including the heart-racing scene where-in the friends run for their lives over a bridged section of the train track. "Now and Then" (1995) tried to achieve the same kind of atmosphere and strong friendships for girls, but didn't even come close.
There is little else to say about this great picture, other than that it stars the finest child actors of the day and will get you thinking about the friends you might of had when you were twelve.
Unmissable!