Author Archives: garylongden

A Worthy Twist on Familiar Themes, 9 December 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom *** This review may contain spoilers *** Hollywood is justly criticised for its concentration on formulaic fare. So this commendable attempt to twist some familiar characterization … Continue reading →

Terrific Middle East Thriller, 27 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom Despite an ambivalent response from the Critics this is the best Hollywood effort yet about the intrigues of the modern Middle East. Sir Ridley Scott produces a densely … Continue reading →

Pointless, 25 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom *** This review may contain spoilers *** The book may be an insightful deep exploration of the physical impact,and metaphorical opportunities, posed by blindness.The film is a wasted effort.Despite a compelling … Continue reading →

A Tremendous Tour De Force, 25 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom Youth films are notoriously difficult to pull off.When created by the middle aged, they invariably miss the point. When created by peers, they invariably lack perspective. This … Continue reading →

Unremittingly Bleak Biopic, 16 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom As an offering for the converted ,this is a fine piece of work, beautifully filmed by Director, and devotee Anton Corbijn. As a stand alone offering it is fatally … Continue reading →

Searing Republican Drama, 11 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom The Irish Troubles post 1970 has produced a number of fine films, Veronica Guerin, the Crying Game, The General ,and The Wind That Sweeps the Barley amongst them. Ireland … Continue reading →

An Excellent Contemporary History, 7 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom *** This review may contain spoilers *** Director Oliver Stone is a very fine writer, producer and director with a formidable body of work behind him.Like many, I … Continue reading →

Running on Empty, 1 November 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom *** This review may contain spoilers *** As a huge fan of the genre, the series, and Daniel Craig,I approached this instalment hoping for the best – and was … Continue reading →

Strangely Unsatisfying, 29 October 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom *** This review may contain spoilers *** The raw ingredients are here, a very good story, Spielberg,a big budget and a decent cast. Somewhere along the line though the total … Continue reading →

Intelligent,Whimsical Comedy, 19 October 2008 Author: gary-444 from United Kingdom Firstly, I should make it clear that this review is 21 years after release. Consequently, it is possible to look at this in the context of a considerable body of … Continue reading →