davidjparris Reviews

The Northman (2022)

To Be or Not to Be.

[4/10 · 9 October 2022]

When Monty Python meets Shakespeare, aided and abetted by some inscrutable Nordic myth and violence. Sadly there was no comedy to alleviate the boredom of over two hours of this nonsense. Could someone tell Nicole Kidman to stop with the face lifts and Botox injections and accept her fate, like all of us and grow old gracefully. Gratefully, although getting second billing her part amounted to about five minutes of screen time.

All this running around in the cold, yelling and screaming in an unwashed state has been done to perfection by the TV series, ''Vikings'' where the story lines were more entertaining and the characters had at least a whiff of charisma.

I gave this effort an extra star for the chutzpah of not including a Sub Saharan African posing as a Viking and all sexual activity was of the heterosexual variety.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

A Film Based On Lies.

[1/10 · 31 March 2022]

This movie is an utter disgrace, falsely based on the antics of a supposedly ''hero'' of the Rwanda Genocide. As a film it does have a feel good thing going but as history it is a self serving, tissue of lies. In fact this Hutu ''hero'' was responsible for the death and blackmail of many Tutsis. He is now living in the US, a very rich man, making a fortune as a speaker by retelling these lies. If I could I would give this film no stars .

Lillie (1978)

When Trollops and Royalty Met....Not Much Has Changed.

[6/10 · 3 March 2022]

A languid tale of late 19th century and early 20th century Britain and America. It tells the story of a gold digging, high class trollop, set against a background of high society, the theatre and horse racing. Francesca Annis playing the title character does a worthwhile job although at the beginning as a young and naive 15 year old the 33 year old actress was a little unbelievable. The vibe of the production was clearly 1970's TV drama with most of the action confined to interior sets due , I would say, cost restraints, although the costuming was at a high level. On the whole this mini series is worth a look but keep your expectations to a controllable level; it is no masterpiece.

Vera (2011–2025)

A Character Actor's Paradise.

[5/10 · 1 March 2022]

The perfect crime series to watch on a cold and rainy Sunday with your mind turned to extra relax mode. Each episode is almost indescernible from each other, played against depressing backgrounds of city, country and sea scapes. The culprit is ALWAYS the least likely after all the most likely suspects are eliminated one by one. I can't understand how this formulaic series has lasted this long. It is like the same episode is being played over and over with only the names changed to protect any charges of plagiarism. The upside is that it gives all those British character and bit part actors a chance to parade their stuff and earn a few quid.

The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Cinema At It's Best.

[8/10 · 7 January 2022]

This film is an astute and precise slice through the heart of Victorian England, exposing the criminal justice system, the nascent mental health system, academia, politics and their interweaving to make a most interesting tale of the creation of the first compilation of The Oxford English Dictionary. All aspects of the craft of film making are at the very high end of achievement here with a special call out to the acting and direction. For me a most enjoyable cinematic treat.

The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Clint At The Top Of His Game.

[8/10 · 29 September 2021]

As an admirer of both Westerns and Clint Eastwood I have to say it doesn't get any better than this wonderful movie. It is a well realised tale of what it is to be a man in an unforgiving era of war and it's aftermaths. The balance between the dialogue and the action is perfect and the story moves at a quick pace with the relationship between the outlaw and the indian a highlight. Highly recommended.

Yesterday (III) (2019)

Well that's 111 minutes I'm never getting back.

[4/10 · 20 June 2021]

A mainly mundane and at times boring movie centered around the conceit that the world except for our 'hero' has forgotten the pop band the beatles and their musical ditties. A very flimsy premise which in the right hands had the opportunity to at least entertain but alas with this movie, unlike the 'hero', they missed the bus. Do yourself a favour and give this one a miss.

Dogma (1999)

Let Us Prey.

[3/10 · 4 June 2021]

Let's party like it's 1999 . Well that 's how it all seems but give me that 4 card trick and I will pick up where I left off and dream of Woke before Woke was only a demented idea put about by Idiots.

Meanwhile back at the movie : 1. Anti christian/catholic stuff....tick 2.lots of unfunny stuff....tick 3. Quite a few dead bodies....tick 4. Woman as god or is it god as woman...its that chicken and egg thingo....tick Not much happening here....advise giving it a miss.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

Classic Disney At It's Best.

[7/10 · 21 May 2021]

Disney Productions at their 1950's/60's best. An unbelievable fantasy island dreamscape of a movie for all the family as they used to say, where even the violence has a soft edge.

After the family finds themselves shipwrecked on a reef,conveniently close to a large island, they use scavenged materials to construct, in a twinkling of an eye, a tree house that even Tarzan and Jane would have been envious of.

Although the adventures enountered with what seems an impossible menage of exotic animals, including pirates, the whole movie has a fair script,good direction and acting from a good cast.

An entertaining and fun movie,but for those of Post Modernist sensibilities; a general trigger warning.

A Family at War (1970–1972)

Disappointing Pot Boiler With Too Little 'Tea' To Make A Good Cuppa.

[5/10 · 4 May 2021]

I approached this British series made in the early 1970's with high expectations,hoping for similar excellence as the comparable series 'When The Boat Comes In' but alas these hopes were dashed almost from the start and never rose above pot boiler sensibilities. The almost complete confinement to the studio coupled with average writing,production values,and on the main fairly mundane acting made for a tedious and unexciting viewing experience. A few charismatic actors and dynamic direction would have helped and I kept imagining I was viewing episodes of The Thunderbirds but more wooden.

The Phantom (1943)

Nostalgia is sometimes more than just memory.

[7/10 · 25 April 2021]

For me as a young boy in the early 1950's going to the flicks on a Saturday arvo with my siblings was my introduction to the wonderful world of show biz and entertainment. Although watching much G rated fun I didn't see this serial but watching it now has helped me relive those times. The Phantom comic was and has been my favorite comic from that same era and this serial closely follows the iconography of those stories and now feel a glow of gratitude for the effort put in by all involved, especially Tom Tyler who made a great Phantom. Sure this is no masterpiece but boy is it entertaining.

The Yearling (1946)

Disney.....Eat Your Heart Out.

[8/10 · 10 March 2021]

I'm sure this is the template that Walt Disney Productions used for all their family orientated fare they made in the 1950's and 60's. It is a touch 'aw shucks' and 'y'all' for my insensitive sensibilities but those looking for a positive message in a film this is right and away one of the best.Apart from the good script and acting the direction and cinematography were outstanding with the bear hunt being a good example.It was also a chance to see Gregory Peck at his most youthful and endearing best.

Disraeli: Portrait of a Romantic (1978)

Twaddle.

[4/10 · 9 March 2021]

I have seen a few British mini series from the 1970's and most of them have been disappointing. In that regard Disraeli lives up to that expectation.This is a complete load of twaddle with no entertainment value whatsoever.Ian Mcshane portrays the main character as some sort of nancy boy with heterosexual leanings.A most unattractive thing to behold. I gave up watching after about the 50 minute mark and can only advise do yourself a favour and give this show a miss.

Casablanca (1942)

10 Stars Are Not Enough.

[10/10 · 4 March 2021]

This film is the only one I have ever given the maximum score allowed and therefore must be a perfect picture.There is no element in this film that is less than perfect. Even the flash back sequences which I remember on first viewing I thought of as naff and on the twee side I now realise fit perfectly into the notion of carefree love between the main protagonists and subsequently explain their feelings in later encounters.Elements such as the costumes for both men and women are outstanding and all photograph beautifully in B&W ,especially that little number Ilsa is wearing during her chat with Nick in the market place.All the actors , even the most minor of minor characters have been superb and after countless viewings I still get the afterglow of Nick's natural goodness when he saves the young Bulgarian lass from the clutches of the police chief by letting her win at roulette and so enabling her to pay for her exit visa. Although this film is set in a specific time and place it has not really dated.There will always be times when the whole world goes mad and danger is at hand.People need help.People need love. There are also good and bad people. These things are universal themes and this film will never be less than relevant AND extremely entertaining.

Idiocracy (2006)

Many A Slip Twixt Spoon And Lip.

[5/10 · 2 March 2021]

Stupid is what stupid does.500 years , more like 15.Did you notice who they just elected POTUS in 2020. The premise of this film can now be declared as truth not fiction. For me this film is beyond criticism in the normal sense but only a nightmare that once seen can never be unseen.We have now reached our Groundhog Day but without the happy ending.Laughing at the stupid soon wears thin and I'm just hoping that we are getting ready to send back to the past our latest Terminator model to eliminate the cause of the present rampart stupidity. The premise of this movie is brilliant but alas the actual delivery is disappointing.Instead of witty dialogue and biting satire we have a loose reinterpretation of a Charlie Chaplan short where he demolishes the tall fat guy with the beard (again ).

Tommy's Honour (2016)

Fore stars.

[4/10 · 22 February 2021]

As an avid but extremely bad golf player I had an interest in a movie that indicated it was an insight into the players and social mores of the early days of professional golf.In a way it delivered but as a film it was a bit of a mish mash and early on it became extremely boring and I only stayed to the end to not waste the money I had paid for the DVD. For me for a movie to be entertaining it first must have a good script and secondly appropiate actors to bring that script to life and I'm afraid in this case it did not happen.The direction was also mundane which didn't help the overall result.

The Riddle of the Stinson (1988 TV Movie)

The Beauty and the Terror.

[8/10 · 8 February 2021]

This is is an amazing tale of disaster and rescue told in a straight forward but entertaining style.It was a treat to see a youngish Jack Thompson cast as the bushman/rescuer of this tale. I had almost forgotten what a great screen presence he was.The beauty and the terror of the Great Dividing Range is also a character.I can highly recommend this movie.

Whisky Galore! (1949)

A small movie but perfect.

[10/10 · 9 November 2020]

I was extremely fortunate to obtain a remastered dvd of this most delightful comedy.The picture quality of the crisp B&W film was perfect which added to my enjoyment.All the artistry and techniques of the film making process are on full display with the wonderful cast ALL delivering perfect performances.It is a film which can be viewed many times and it is for this reason I have given it an extra star.

The Winds of War (1983)

A First Class Soap

[7/10 · 4 November 2020]

Missed this the first time round in 1983 but managed to obtain a high quality DVD copy which added to my enjoyment of this WW2 soap.The production values and the acting,except for one notable exception was first class That notable exception was Ali McGraw whose every appearance , which alas were many , lowered the tone.She was badly miscast as the sexy /smart love interest of Jan-Michael Vincent.I had the added bonus of seeing two favorites : John Houseman and the great Robert Mitchum,now both sadlt gone to the Great Gig in the Sky.

The Wonderful Country (1959)

You would only watch this once.

[5/10 · 4 November 2020]

A competent and fairly entertaining western.Non of the characters were either interesting or compelling.All the actors seemed to be just going through the motions.The story line has been done hundreds of times before with no surprises and all unfolding to it's predictable end.

Anzacs (1985)

Age shall not weary them or the years condemn.....

[8/10 · 30 April 2020]

A beautifully crafted mini series with all the elements of production done to a high standard. Watching it became addictive and I viewed it over 2 nights,finding it both entertaining and informative. Although that Australia has now faded into legend the true essence of Australia, if you scratch below the surface of the appalling imposition of political correction,you can still detect the beating heart of mateship and sacrifice. Lest We Forget.

The Movies (2019)

A Simple,Superficial and Shallow Treatment of a Truly Magical Subject.

[1/10 · 25 March 2020]

I am an enthusiastic movie devotee and this series of documentaries is both disheartening and disapointing.For a subject that encompasses the industrial as well as the artistic , this treatment of 'The Movies' reflects post modernism at it's highest point ie it is simplistic and superficial .There is no mention,in depth, of any other country's movie tradition or achievements and therefore leaves the ignorant thinking movie making was and is a solely USA construct and endeavour. The film clips were the only highlight but marred by the shallowness of the commentary.

Downton Abbey (2019)

Maggie Smith Forever.

[4/10 · 29 January 2020]

This movie, along with the prequel series, taken and enjoyed as an out and out fantasy/fairy tale is so so entertainment.I could not shake from my mind the true reality of the life of the so called lower orders,who as reward for working 16 hours a day,six days a week and paid a mere pittance were fed well and had a roof over their head.On the other hand the higher orders could indulge in a life of luxury,power and indulgence and continually pat themselves on the back for being such wonderful,upstanding,perfect...ect.ect,.people.This is more or less the story line although they could not resist throwing in a little 21st century wokeness with 'The Homosexual Incident' which I suppose is going to be an ongoing trope for the next movie.For me the two standouts were the GREAT Maggie Smith and the costumes.

Widows (2018)

Hyped hysteria masquerading as acting.

[3/10 · 2 January 2020]

This over-hyped bunch of garbage was not worth the 'effort'.Generally speaking , movies with a majority female cast , leave me disappointed .It always seems to be done so all involved can be cascaded with applause from the woke brigade.GO WOKE-GO BROKE !

Executive Action (1973)

Docudrama Supreme

[8/10 · 27 December 2019]

I totally enjoyed this movie.All the boxes are ticked here to a very high level ie script,acting,direction and editing.I especially liked the way the documentary footage was expertly and artistically interwoven within the scripted movie.The whole story of JFK's assassination has always been surrounded by the idea that the full story has never been revealed and this movie plays into that mystery to the full.It presents its thesis of a rich and powerful clique conspiring to kill the US president for political and monetary gain in a believable way and subsequently for the viewer an entertaining movie experience.Finally I like the way the movie always moves at a brisk pace with no padding and over verbose explanatory dialogue.This to me is the template for making any movie let alone a docudrama.