Quackle Reviews

Spaced (1999–2001)

quirky and funny!

[7/10 · 15 December 2012]

This show kick started Simon Pegg and Nick Frosts career on our TV and cinema screens. A very quirky plot with unbelievable characters but a great storyline and dialogue - especially if you are a fan of sci-fi as you will be treated to numerous Star Wars references amongst others! Worth a watch - can be viewed on 4oD and is one of the better comedies I've seen, albeit for a niche audience of those who love pop and sci-fi references on their screens. There is a good chemistry between Simon and Nick's characters as well as the female which points towards romantic interest on all parts. This can be watched on many levels as one can simply ignore all references contained and enjoy the comedy for what it is - witty and sharp!

The Water Babies (1978)

How odd...

[5/10 · 18 June 2005]

I watched this film from childhood - perhaps one of the first I ever saw (released when I was born)...

I'm surprised it's marketed as a children's film, there are many aspects of this film to which children should be ignorant. The best actor by far is David Tomlinson, never failing to bring a smile to my face. As for the rest of the cast - Very odd indeed.

I would not recommend this film personally. It looks dated, and the songs are pretty repetitive. I suggest Mary Poppins or Bedknobs and Broomsticks for children. Also, it would be difficult to locate this film nowadays, it never was released on DVD to my knowledge. The above films present a far more relaxed environment: With this film, it's hard to tell. I can tell that I am not the only one that feels this way about the film, but I still respect it, as I watched it at childhood and it was the first "scary" film I ever saw!

Five out of Ten.

Top Gun (1986)

Not for airplane enthusiasts, mind...

[7/10 · 18 June 2005]

If you are into airplanes, or airplane films in general - I don't think this film is for you. Why? It's drama. OK, it's drama with comedy and glory, but it's still drama. You will find no references/jargon to technicalities of aircraft that are real.

As for the film itself, it's art. I can appreciate the film, I'm sure you could too - Acting's pulled off pretty well, perhaps glorifying the United States a bit too much, however.

The problem with this film is the fact that in reality, the pilots going up there would be young men risking their life; the fact that in this film, enthusiasm is so high, really cuts away the realism. However, the battle scenes are full of adrenalin, even for the viewer, and the drama is unpredictable.

7/10.

Memphis Belle (1990)

Truly wonderful

[10/10 · 18 June 2005]

I am shocked at the fact that this film only has 6.7/10. I have seen this film about 20 times, and I doubt that I'll go another few months without seeing it again. Okay, so it's not the most realistic film in the world; it tends to stray away from the original documentary; but isn't that the purpose of a movie? A movie is there to entertain, not to teach...

... And in my case, it's done just that.

The plot is fairly simple, so all viewers can understand the film. Do remember that in reality, there would be an amount of jargon used to describe events - Not the case in this film, quite rightly.

I fully recommend this film - The plot is great, the music is great, and it is full of emotion, which as unrealistic as it is, still is a valid tribute to the young men who sacrificed their life for us in 1943.

An Inspector Calls (1954)

Probably the best version...

[6/10 · 25 February 2005]

I probably enjoyed this version of An Inspector Calls the most. There have been so many different sketches, but this one has the atmosphere than none of the others possess. The factors that provide the viewer with the best atmosphere are the fact that the film is in black and white - This makes it old fashioned, which it is meant to be. Also, the use of mirrors around the entire room are very eery, and the brief yet effective music play a part, too.

I strongly recommend watching this, and I'm aware that it is being studied in English lessons, so watch the entire sketch for more knowledge!

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)

The beginning of it all...

[9/10 · 25 February 2005]

I loved this film. Simple. I'm sure you will too. I watched this first in 1984 or so, the original version, and was amazed. It got me into Star Wars - and I'm still a fan of it today. It is obvious that this film had a lower budget than the sequels + prequels, but I found that this film has an atmosphere than none of the others have - Possibly as its a new world(s) you're part of.

It has everything - From villains, to love scenes, to intense space battles which fill you with adrenalin. I recently purchased the 2004 DVD, and found it worthwhile. I strongly recommend giving this film a go - whatever version you go for, you're in for a treat.

May the force be with you.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

Very light hearted humour, suitable for the family.

[7/10 · 25 February 2005]

This film is ideal for the family on the Saturday night. It has lovely light humour, and none of it is vulgar, so don't worry about letting the kids watch this one! I laughed at much of it, and the sheer "teen" attitude, which is still very true over here in the UK where I live - I'd know. Rooney was a great character, which added a comical feel to the story, and you have your romance and stupidity as well. The pranks in this film are exactly what you would expect - "Teenful", and provided me with a good laugh. There were parts I did not understand, but it's up to you to understand it - I may not be very alert!

Recommended.

Blackadder the Third (1987)

Even better!

[18 April 2003]

--POSSIBLE SPOILER-- Blackadder the Third moved forward into the late 1700s. This appears to be a remake of "Jeeves and Wooster". Blackadder is the clever butler working for the less clever Prince George. I admire MANY of the jokes in this series. My all time favourite must be: "George (from upstairs): Come on, Blackadder! We'll miss the first act!" "Blackadder (downstairs): Coming sir, as fast as I can!" (puts his feet up) "Blackadder: Stick the kettle on, Baldrick."

I believe this is classic comedy which MUST be watched! My favourite of the Blackadder series.

9/10

Blackadder (1982–1983)

Superb comedy with Rowan Atkinson

[18 April 2003]

The Black Adder was the beginning of the series. I find that the Blackadder in this episode is rather less mature than the Blackadder in the other episodes, but that does NOT by any means make the series less amusing. He has his partners Baldrick (seems to be the cleverest?) and Percy (vice versa). Throughout the episodes he aims to take the throne. Will he succeed? Just watch!

6/10

National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)

Great college comedy

[9 March 2003]

"Animal House" is full of places where you can't help but laugh, it is a classical comedy of two houses at a college, both being very opposite. John Belushi is what makes this film certainly come alive, with his attitude towards his superiors in the film. 9/10

Jackass (2000–2007)

The entertainment varies

[1 March 2003]

"Jackass" is a pretty pointless series full of idiotic stunts, but I am not denying that they are very amusing, even though they are possibly exaggerated... awfully.

Younger audiences should watch this series, as it can provide some pretty cheap entertainment, but it depends on your sense of humor. Other people may think it is just a complete waste of time. 5/10

Sam and Max Hit the Road (1993 Video Game)

Hilarious!

[1 March 2003]

Great adventure game for its time! Full of witty jokes by Max the rabbit, and full of baffling puzzles. This game took me long enough to complete, but I recommend it STRONGLY! 9.5/10!

Crazy People (1990)

Satisfied with the story and acting

[1 March 2003]

[Possible spoilers] The general plot is that an advertiser, Emory (Dudley Moore), is sent to a lunatic asylum. His work is exposed and everyone loves the advertisements, so he does his work with the other patients inside the asylum and is a hit. You have to watch the rest to find out what happens! I like the story, and I find it even sad at some stages. 7/10

Blackbeard's Ghost (1968)

Very entertaining

[1 March 2003]

I enjoyed this movie very much; there is rarely a moment where I wasn't finding it interesting. There is some great acting, especially by Peter Ustinov, playing the ghost of Blackbeard. 9/10

Delta Force: Land Warrior (2000 Video Game)

Full of bugs

[24 February 2003]

The single player game is good, multi player is fairly weak.

However the game contains bugs that are in DF1 and DF2, which really should have been fixed. However, if you are a collector of all the Delta Force series, don't let this get you down, go and buy it! 6/10

Ghost Recon (2001 Video Game)

Not one of my favorites

[23 February 2003]

For me, Ghost Recon is a poor game. You could say that I am biased, since I prefer action style games rather than stealth and strategy, but I must say I was truly disappointed when I played this game. It is also too short, with 15 levels. I recommend the Delta Force series for army or military games.

4/10

Spear of Destiny (1992 Video Game)

No different than the original

[23 February 2003]

I loved Wolfenstein 3D, and when Spear of Destiny came out a few months later, I rushed to the shop (unlike Wolfenstein 3D, this was commercial), and I bought it thinking "what miracles will I see in this game?". Unfortunately, the answer was "none". The game used exactly the same engine as Wolfenstein 3D. You could call it an add on, as it merely had different levels. However, it was just as addictive as the original, and I recommend the demo AT LEAST if you want to show your addiction towards the classic Wolfenstein 3D.

6/10

Wolfenstein 3D (1992 Video Game)

The first RPG

[23 February 2003]

In my opinion, this was the first role playing game that deserved attention. I remember playing this at work, and boy, I remember how my boss nearly fired me! In Wolfenstein 3D you are BJ Blazkowicz, and in the most known episode, you have to escape Castle Wolfenstein after being taken P.O.W. For nostalgic players like me, this still has soft spot in my heart for when I first played it 11 years ago. I'm still more used to playing Doom (which I still do all the time), but Wolfenstein 3D was the game that triggered amazing feats like Doom. I remember being terrified by zombies in this game, but then I look at the year after (1993) and when I was scared out of my socks by man eating Demons in Doom.

Wonderful game, and it will get 10/10 from me.

Duke Nukem (1991 Video Game)

The starting point... fun fun fun

[23 February 2003]

I'm a fan of all members of the "Duke Nukem" family. I started playing Duke Nukem in 1991 when it was first around, and I was amazed by the "realism"! Nowadays, this sounds absurd. Who would think someone with completely red skin and yellow hair is realistic? Back then, it was a triumph for computer gaming. I enjoyed the side scrolling games, and I still recommend it if you feel nostalgic.

7/10

Street Fighter (1987 Video Game)

Not recommended

[23 February 2003]

In an arcade, you give about 4 hits and the bad guy gets up and knocks you out in 1 hit. The true wonder of Street Fighter lies in the second game, which really brought arcades to life in the early 90's.

I don't recommend this game, but S F 2 is worth playing!

The Royle Family (1998–2012)

Very amusing

[23 February 2003]

Jim Royle is a "hard working" father who tries to look after his wild family.

I'll rephrase all of that: Jim Royle is a lazy old man who sits in a chair all day long watching television, and the other members of the family are just as bad. The son (Anthony) does all their work for them. I love this TV series, I find it very amusing and always tune in on Monday nights! You HAVE to watch this!

8/10

Hot Shots! Part Deux (1993)

Prefered the original

[23 February 2003]

"Hot Shots! Part Deux" had many humorous moments, as in the original, but something about "Hot Shots 1" made it funnier. However, this follow-up to "Hot Shots" was action packed, possibly a bit too short for my liking... A few down points, but I still LOVE the take-off of Saddam Hussein! That is classic in my mind!

5/10

Blackadder's Christmas Carol (1988 TV Movie)

Great special episode

[23 February 2003]

I enjoyed Blackadder's Christmas Carol when it showed at Christmas 1988 on television. I was always a fan of the Blackadder series, from "Blackadder the First" to "Blackadder Goes Forth". It starts off very different. So, if you want a change, watch this. I certainly enjoyed it, and it's full of the good old Blackadder humor.

8/10

When the Wind Blows (1986)

Funny at the start, sad at the end

[23 February 2003]

[Contains Spoilers]

"When the Wind Blows" is an almost humorous way of approaching the horror of nuclear war. Jim is a retired lavatory worker(!) He finds out that there is a nuclear warning, and he reads the governments books on protection and how to make a nuclear shelter. [DO NOT READ ON IF YOU DON'T WANT TO VIEW SPOILERS] -- -- -- After the attack takes place, the fallout begins. Unfortunately, Jim and his wife are unaware of this and go outside. They contract a lot of radiation, and from there they become less and less healthy, and they die in a very sad way. However, I love this animation, and I watched it when I was very young, and learned all the morals from my English teacher. -- Recommended. 9/10

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

Not comparable to the originals

[22 February 2003]

I found this movie awful, I thought it dragged on and on, and, unless it's just me, I found it terribly hard to understand. Sorry, but I cannot compare this to the classical Star Wars episodes. 1/10