If you're new to the Lonesome Dove series I'd recommend giving this one a miss for a while. It's not canon and doesn't follow the same narrative line as the genuine McMurtry titles. I don't want to drop in any spoilers, but suffice to say some of the characters are given very different futures here, information that is completely contradicted in Streets Of Laredo. The villains in this title also can't match characters such as Mox Mox, Blue Duck or Joey Garza. Return To Lonesome Dove has, in my opinion at least, a weak first act as it struggles (and fails) to capture some of Lonesome Dove's magic, however the writing improves and maintains a higher standard from act 2. Ultimately it's a worthy mini series in its own right, not on the same level as Lonesome Dove or Streets Of Laredo, but enjoyable none the less. Worth a look once you have some distance from the 'real thing' and can judge it own its own merits. ...
Reviews
10 Reviews
Astro Boy
(2009)
disappointing reimagining
10 October 2009
I loved the 1982 TV series, and I should point out that I was a teenager (15) when that came to Australia. It was one of the seminal influences that helped my own development as an animator. I've never seen the original 60s B&W show, but I understand it is more or less the same story line.
My problem with the new movie is that it not only takes great liberties with the story. No longer taking place in Tokyo, but in a bizarre floating island/city called 'Metro-city' (Inspector Gadget?) that cruises above the trash strewn surface-world. The story has been 'kiddified' it to an extent that I don't think Tezuka would have liked.
While Astroboy has always appealed to young kids it has also maintained a maturity that ensures longevity and resonance, this version is more difficult for an adult or older teen audience to connect with, which is disappointing to say the least. If I had encountered this at the age of 15 I would not have had too much regard for it other than a throwaway bit of animation to tide me over till the next Pixar release.
Which is how I feel about it now I guess.
Sure there are some cool moments, but not enough of them. And designwise, there's one robot in particular who seems to be far more influenced by the work of Miyazaki than Tezuka. As a background throwaway reference that's fine, but this character is integral to the movie.
The modelling and animation is competent, not in the same class as Pixar, but not bad. It's a pity the work seems to have been outsourced to China, I didn't see one Japanese name in the animation credits, which seems like a pity.
My problem with the new movie is that it not only takes great liberties with the story. No longer taking place in Tokyo, but in a bizarre floating island/city called 'Metro-city' (Inspector Gadget?) that cruises above the trash strewn surface-world. The story has been 'kiddified' it to an extent that I don't think Tezuka would have liked.
While Astroboy has always appealed to young kids it has also maintained a maturity that ensures longevity and resonance, this version is more difficult for an adult or older teen audience to connect with, which is disappointing to say the least. If I had encountered this at the age of 15 I would not have had too much regard for it other than a throwaway bit of animation to tide me over till the next Pixar release.
Which is how I feel about it now I guess.
Sure there are some cool moments, but not enough of them. And designwise, there's one robot in particular who seems to be far more influenced by the work of Miyazaki than Tezuka. As a background throwaway reference that's fine, but this character is integral to the movie.
The modelling and animation is competent, not in the same class as Pixar, but not bad. It's a pity the work seems to have been outsourced to China, I didn't see one Japanese name in the animation credits, which seems like a pity.
Lotus Lantern
(1999)
fairly average Chinese blockbuster
17 November 2007
A fairly ordinary animated film. Nonetheless when it was released in 1999 it was the most popular film in China for that year. I can only assume that its popularity was due to the local audience having the opportunity to see a familiar story from their own culture rather than another just another Disney/Pixar offering rehashing the same tired old story again. A great example that all marginalised local film industries should take note of.
the story follows a young boy, the son of a Goddess, who embarks on a journey to free his mother from captivity.
Along the way he encounters a veritable cavalcade of characters from Chinese mythology as he searches for the Monkey King.
Might be of fleeting interest to fans of the 80s TV series 'Monkey', but otherwise only for those who are particularly interested in Chinese mythology or are very bored.
the story follows a young boy, the son of a Goddess, who embarks on a journey to free his mother from captivity.
Along the way he encounters a veritable cavalcade of characters from Chinese mythology as he searches for the Monkey King.
Might be of fleeting interest to fans of the 80s TV series 'Monkey', but otherwise only for those who are particularly interested in Chinese mythology or are very bored.
Rogue
(2007)
Well crafted B movie
8 September 2007
I saw Rogue this morning at a preview screening in Melbourne, I've been looking forward to this film for some time. I don't want to say that it was a disappointment as it is a solid effort. There is nothing that stands out as something I think should have been done differently.
Some wandering British and American accents from the mostly Australian cast can be forgiven.
The obvious difference between the locations in the Northern Territory and those in Victoria caused a brief chuckle (mainly because director Greg McLean introduced the film and commented that he hoped the transition would be seamless), though this may go unnoticed by foreign (non-Australian) audiences.
Visual effects were highly competent, I doubt that the average cinema-goer will pick the matte paintings or have an issues with the CG croc.
The main issue I have is that the film lacks the suspense and excitement of a truly great monster/horror film. Due to the nature of the material this will have to be compared to Jaws and Rogue will inevitably suffer. A fairer comparison has to be Lake Placid, and in that scenario Rogue also comes off second best. Rogue lacks the suspense and the humour of the American monster Croc effort.
This follow up to Wolf Creek was written long before the surprise Aussie hit, Rogue has the hallmarks of a first feature script, hitting all of the genre conventions without ever attaining any moments of originality.
If you enjoy this kind of monster movie (and I do) you'll find it a decent way to spend a couple of hours, you won't be missing much if you see it on DVD. Apart from Radha Mitchell looking great in khaki shorts, and believably playing a 28 yr old, though she has to be at least 35.
Nice job over all, good job, not great but good.
Some wandering British and American accents from the mostly Australian cast can be forgiven.
The obvious difference between the locations in the Northern Territory and those in Victoria caused a brief chuckle (mainly because director Greg McLean introduced the film and commented that he hoped the transition would be seamless), though this may go unnoticed by foreign (non-Australian) audiences.
Visual effects were highly competent, I doubt that the average cinema-goer will pick the matte paintings or have an issues with the CG croc.
The main issue I have is that the film lacks the suspense and excitement of a truly great monster/horror film. Due to the nature of the material this will have to be compared to Jaws and Rogue will inevitably suffer. A fairer comparison has to be Lake Placid, and in that scenario Rogue also comes off second best. Rogue lacks the suspense and the humour of the American monster Croc effort.
This follow up to Wolf Creek was written long before the surprise Aussie hit, Rogue has the hallmarks of a first feature script, hitting all of the genre conventions without ever attaining any moments of originality.
If you enjoy this kind of monster movie (and I do) you'll find it a decent way to spend a couple of hours, you won't be missing much if you see it on DVD. Apart from Radha Mitchell looking great in khaki shorts, and believably playing a 28 yr old, though she has to be at least 35.
Nice job over all, good job, not great but good.
Ator, the Fighting Eagle
(1982)
They don't make em like this anymore
24 March 2006
I have fond memories of 'Ator the fighting eagle' from the VHS version i saw as a teen in the eighties. Whatever happened to the great tradition of low budget barbarian films? Today you see try hard films with reasonable cgi effects but shockingly bad performances, and scripts that are usually anachronistic and too self aware (blame TV's Hercules and Xena for this?). The problem I think is the filmmakers of today take themselves too seriously. Make a low budget film and be proud of it, 'Ator' is not impressive on any technical front but it is sure as hell entertaining. This film isn't trying to be 'Conan' any more than a daytime TV soap is trying to be serious drama. it is what it is, if you can't deal with that then don't watch coz you just won't get it. If you can then you'll have a fun hour and a half.
Sword of the Valiant
(1984)
Bad film yes, but plenty to appreciate
29 September 2003
This is certainly a dodgy film on many levels, but it has some redeeming moments. Sean Connery is terrific as The Green Knight, he obviously has a heap of fun in the role and steals the show.
If you come across this film you could do a lot worse.
If you come across this film you could do a lot worse.
totally lacking in grace, charm and wit
26 July 2003
I have never walked out of a film, but this was a close call, this film represents the worst experience I have ever had in a cinema. A ludicrous plot, which in itself would not be a problem if carried off well, which it isn't, a terrible script and 3 successful actresses acting like cheap tarts. How do we justify the porn star clothes, striptease dancing and explicit talk when one character throws a guy into a juke box for slapping her behind. What message are we trying to send, I don't know and I doubt the director does, (and pleeeeaaase...'McG'...really!) The whole sequence with John Cleese mistakenly thinking his daughter is a hooker and never discovering she isn't is tasteless and disturbing, but then that sums up the film I guess.
If you want to see cute girls kicking the crap out of nasty bad guys watch the Powerpuff Girls, they do it with style and class.
If you want to see cute girls kicking the crap out of nasty bad guys watch the Powerpuff Girls, they do it with style and class.
Overrated PC rubbish
20 July 2003
I saw this in the cinema during its initial release and can only ask "has the world gone mad?" The seemingly overwhelming positive response is mind boggling for this poorly written, embarrasingly predictable clap trap.
Stephan Elliot is no genius film maker as evidenced by the consistent bombs he has produced since (check out 'Welcome to Woop Woop', 'Eye of the Beholder')
I can only assume making a film dealing with the gay/transexual culture has people assuming that to dislike the film is an offense to this sector of the populace. Aren't we smarter than that? What about an interesting script and good performances? Ok so the 3 leads do alright considering what they have to work with, but this film includes the worst performance by a child actor I have ever seen, not helped by appalling dialogue and a really lame resolution that you can see a mile off.
This is a disappointing film and one that doesn't deserve the overblown reputation it has garnered.
Stephan Elliot is no genius film maker as evidenced by the consistent bombs he has produced since (check out 'Welcome to Woop Woop', 'Eye of the Beholder')
I can only assume making a film dealing with the gay/transexual culture has people assuming that to dislike the film is an offense to this sector of the populace. Aren't we smarter than that? What about an interesting script and good performances? Ok so the 3 leads do alright considering what they have to work with, but this film includes the worst performance by a child actor I have ever seen, not helped by appalling dialogue and a really lame resolution that you can see a mile off.
This is a disappointing film and one that doesn't deserve the overblown reputation it has garnered.
I Spit on Your Grave
(1978)
Neither good nor enjoyable but important
17 May 2003
Don't make the mistake of viewing this film in the context of a piece of entertainment. This film exists for one purpose only, to show the act of rape in its most horrifying and disgusting form. All other elements of story only exist to allow the filmmaker to package this film into a form that allows it to be released to audiences.
Of course you should be disgusted after viewing this, perhaps you should even switch it off, that's the whole point. For people to complain at the presentation of seemingly ordinary people as the perpertrators of horrendous crime displays the kind of naive worldview that this film exists to challenge. Not every criminal is an instantly recognisable socially maladjusted psycopath as most Hollywood films would lead us to believe. Our neighbours and our relatives perform hideous acts of violence and then carry on with their lives, when and if they are discovered the usual reaction is shock because we assume that 'normal' people wouldn't do such things.
This is a brave film, there are no cutaways to let us off the hook, no leaving it to our imagination, we see everything in all its filthy detail and hopefully it turns our stomachs.
As for the hype about the revenge scenes, as I've mentioned they are not an important part of this film, they are poorly staged and less than believable, unlike the all too real rape scenes that make up the first half of the film.
This film isn't a horror or drama, it isn't an art film, it exists outside of these concepts of genre, however much it pretends not to.
Of course you should be disgusted after viewing this, perhaps you should even switch it off, that's the whole point. For people to complain at the presentation of seemingly ordinary people as the perpertrators of horrendous crime displays the kind of naive worldview that this film exists to challenge. Not every criminal is an instantly recognisable socially maladjusted psycopath as most Hollywood films would lead us to believe. Our neighbours and our relatives perform hideous acts of violence and then carry on with their lives, when and if they are discovered the usual reaction is shock because we assume that 'normal' people wouldn't do such things.
This is a brave film, there are no cutaways to let us off the hook, no leaving it to our imagination, we see everything in all its filthy detail and hopefully it turns our stomachs.
As for the hype about the revenge scenes, as I've mentioned they are not an important part of this film, they are poorly staged and less than believable, unlike the all too real rape scenes that make up the first half of the film.
This film isn't a horror or drama, it isn't an art film, it exists outside of these concepts of genre, however much it pretends not to.
Far Out Space Nuts
(1975–1976)
I remember this...
11 March 2003
As a 10 year old I watched avidly, but then any show that regularly took you to other planets and encountered weird aliens seemed pretty cool, and this was funny too.
I haven't seen it for years but I have warm fuzzy memories about it.
And wasn't there another show produced at the same time that used the same sets and props? Only instead of adults it featured a couple of kids?
I haven't seen it for years but I have warm fuzzy memories about it.
And wasn't there another show produced at the same time that used the same sets and props? Only instead of adults it featured a couple of kids?
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