julianjessop Reviews

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Marvellous familiarity, but with a 2019 feminist twist

[8/10 · 28 October 2019]

I was amused to see a comment on the (closed) doctors.net.uk Film forum that read: "Story the same as the previous five".

How true!

But - if it ain't bust, don't fix it.

Terminator fans will just revel in the self referential glory of the script and the actors.

The knowing humour, easy to deride, is an essential element in this 5th outing of the franchise which would have been entirely inappropriate in T1 or, to a lesser extent T2.

And what could be more 2019 than 3 strong female characters?

And not just mentally tough either.

Linda Hamilton exhibited great biceps in T2 - and even now at the age of 62 remains pretty buff. Her rasping elder statesman act is reminiscent of Joan Crawford.

Mackenzie Davis exhibits delectably toned bare shoulders and arms throughout.

The plot device to reintroduce Arnie is ingenious if improbable, and there is enough new stuff to retain the interest through the 135 minutes of the show.

Highly enjoyable/

Notes on a Scandal (2006)

Even better than the book

[9/10 · 5 January 2007]

I saw this at a preview last night. It is a brilliant, absorbing little piece from Zoe Heller's novel about a teacher (Cate Blanchett, looking stunning) who has an affair with a 15 year old pupil and the effect this has on her relationship with a bitter, older teacher seeking selfishly for love (Judy Dench, looking 100). Great performances all round, with special mention to Bill Nighy in the Bill Nighy role. The script (Patrick Marber) is faithful to the book but enjoyable though the book was the film is actually - for a change - even better. Beautifully filmed in North London and Eastbourne (presumably the school scenes) this movie is definitely a must see.