party Reviews

Ghostbusters (1984)

Better than it ever was

[9/10 · 24 February 1999]

I just wanted to say that this movie still stands out as something of a comedy classic. The fact it was a huge success story over here in England speaks volumes (hardly anyone had heard of Murray, Aykroyd or Ramis). I watched the other day thinking maybe it had lost some of its shine - nah the lines are still great, the laconic look of Murray still unbeatable and the music still 'rocks the joint!'

Out of Sight (1998)

Oozes sexual chemistry

[8/10 · 21 February 1999]

I like this film a lot - I thought its dialogue was pretty smart and the story a nifty spin on bank heists. What stood out for me though was the chemistry between Clooney and Lopez (the latter the sexiest role I have ever witnessed) - it made me adjust my polarneck on more than one occasion! Also the soundtrack is excellent (David Holmes and a couple of Isley Brothers tracks)

My Father's Glory (1990)

Glory indeed

[9/10 · 21 February 1999]

I studied - and thoroughly enjoyed - 'La Gloire de mon Pere' during my A' level French course and was not disappointed when I saw the film adaptation. The characters are beautifully played, and the scenery quite breathtaking. The depth and richness of Pagnol's text translates well onto the big screen, and the soundtrack by Vladimir Cozma is both charming and whimsical.

If you enjoyed Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources you will surely appreciate this film, and indeeed the equally memorable sequel 'La Chateau de ma Mere'.

Withnail & I (1987)

Pretentious British Pap

[4/10 · 21 February 1999]

What a major let down this film proved to be. If your idea of a good time is to witness pompous British players (notably Grant) prancing around London, spouting mindless drivel then good luck to you! I found this so incredibly dull and unfunny that I ached, and can only think that those hailing it a 'classic' are as easily pleased as the leading characters.

The Wild Geese (1978)

Neat British War Movie

[9/10 · 21 February 1999]

This is a truly great piece of cinema. Each character has a valued part to play in this compelling action flick, and consequently the viewer really cares about the outcome.

Throughout, you can sense that the main players really had a good time doing this movie (in his biography Harris recalls that he and Burton were both on the wagon during the filming!) There are some fine set pieces on location in Africa and the finale is really quite a rousing affair.

Wild Geese II unsuprisingly fails to meet the same standards.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Bitter disappointment

[5/10 · 19 February 1999]

Having scoured the movie press for their enlightened opinions I thought I would see what all the fuss was about... not very much quite frankly, certainly nothing to warrant an Oscar nomination. The script, though romantic in notion, failed to raise the faintest of smiles (and I'm from England so I 'get' the English humour). The performances of the lead players was in my mind rather ordinary, (Tom Wilkinson had by far the best lines) and I left fearing critics alike had - rather predictably - gotten caught up with the bardwagon.

Having shared my views with others I'm tired of hearing 'oh but you must have missed the clever references to some of Shakespeare's finest works..' Come now, if I wanted to breathe Shakespeare I would read the books - not be subjected to the second rate production that was 'Shakespeare in Love'.

Things We Did Last Summer (1978 TV Movie)

Bill Murray and baseball - what more could you want

[7/10 · 17 February 1999]

As a huge Bill Murray fan you can imagine my excitement when I saw this film/documentary for sale at £3 ($5). The video is 60 minutes of 70's Saturday Night Live types talking about how they spent the summer.

The Murray piece was a funny 15 minute skit on him planning on giving up comedy to train with a smalltown baseball team near Seattle. There's some great scenes especially when he pictures himself as the game winning hero! WOW - the two loves of my life wrapped up in one package I didn't even KNOW existed..all for the price of Big Mac meal (well in England anyway!)

The rest of it is quite entertaining too. Nice footage of Belushi and Aykroyd as the Blues Brothers, and a funny take by Gilda Radner selling tickets to members of the public to look around her apartment! Neat

Kingpin (1996)

Bill Murray having a ball!

[9/10 · 16 February 1999]

Contrary to many critiques of the film, I think Kingpin hits the spot. This outrageous comedy from the Farrelly brothers (their best effort in my view) is a road movie with a difference! Brilliantly cast Woody Harrelson guides the delightful Vanessa Angel and dutiful Randy Quaid across the U.S, dodging sex starved fogies and robbing sheep-loving yokels to reach the mecca that is Reno. Having sampled Ms Angel's pins, we get caught up in the 10 pin duel between Harrelson and the undoubtable star of the movie..Bill Murray. The genius of Murray is on show for all to see, and he simply cannot be beaten for sheer comic timing. The final bowling scenes are terrific, with Murray - clearly enjoying himself - playing the crowd for all its worth.

The Razor's Edge (1984)

How did this fail..

[9/10 · 16 February 1999]

The supposed 'straight' role that Bill Murray performed in this adaptation of the novel by the same name is why it failed. On the back of Stripes and then Ghostbusters, people found it hard to accept the deadpan face of Murray fronting a movie examining belief systems and the meaning of life.

The screenplay charts the spiritual and philosophical growth of Larry Darrell (Murray) as he begins to question the materialist world building up around him. Darrell's search within takes him across the globe through many different scenarios, and Murray adds a welcome dose of humanity and - to be quite frank humour, as he treads the path to salvation.

The novel by Somerset Maugham is an excellent read, and its not that the performance of Murray detracts from, or belittles the plight of Darrell, rather it enhances it.