fran-rhowbotham Reviews

Callan (1967–1972)

God this is good

[10/10 · 25 April 2021]

Staggering how the plots are reflected in current international situations now in 21st century. Plus sa change. Edward Woodward superb as is Anthony Valentine as Meres gorgeously and menacing. Taught writing and gutsy dialogue love this. No better spy intelligence drama does not date at all. Get the DVD you won't be disappointed.

Taken (I) (2008)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 11 March 2021]

Liam Neeson being all macho what's not to love. It's a short film so worth watching for that alone. Lots of violent stuff but pretty cartoonish. There are two problems. Firstly as others have said the premise is wrong. People trafficking is not about kidnapping wealthy western girls and selling them for cash. Secondly the daughter character is far too old for the role. She is meant to be 17 but looks and acts more like a 25 year old. Her efforts to be girlish just look awkward and she just doesn't look like Daddy's little girl. This passed time but Liam Neeson wasted in this because of poor narrative and casting of other actors.

Callan (1974)

Painful to watch

[4/10 · 18 February 2021]

As a Callan fan from when it was first broadcast in the late 60s this was painful for me to watch. The story and dialogue was just too contrived as was the relationship between the original characters. Edward Woodward's almost Shakespearean angst was missing and Lonely's subservience was too contrived. Plus as a major fan of Anthony Valentine so missed his charming malevolence what a tragic loss. Wish in a way I'd not seen it will review my Callan boxset to eradicate it from my mind. If you loved Callan don't watch this. If you've never seen the originals still don't but seek out the TV series.

Conan the Barbarian (2011)

Very disappointing

[2/10 · 9 July 2019]

Shockingly bad film. Almost as if made by a first year film student. No finesse or tension, just wham bam. Not a patch on the not brilliant but more charismatic Arnie version. Sorry...

Ballet Shoes (2007 TV Movie)

Tragic

[3/10 · 26 June 2019]

If you have read the book don't watch this. So many discrepancies with the real story purely for romantic effect completely unnecessary. Really spoils a real emotionally vibrant story. If you've not read the book ok for superficial meaningless anti feminist baloney. But you may enjoy ...

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Watch again and and again

[20 January 2019]

Not in my top ten fave films but definitely if it comes on TV must watch. If it's on TV and you have never seen watch it completely beguiling. George Clooney utterly compelling and Quentin Tarantino beautifully bonkers. Watch it, superb cult film.

They Were Sisters (1945)

Predictable but gripping

[9/10 · 14 January 2019]

Loved this film. James Mason gorgeously dastardly and children roles not as superficial as many other films. Very confused about IMDB and Wickipedia entries though. Saw this today and Lucy character had lost a child. Hence discussing removing a picture of their dead daughter before notice Judith came to stay for fear of upsetting her that children sometimes die. Yet IMDB and Wickipedia both say she was childless, have they watched the film!