Reviews

I saw HAPPY NOW on BBC2 on Saturday March 13th. I just stumbled upon it. I had never heard of it before. The fact that it was set in Wales caught my attention initially. Within minutes, I found myself totally gripped by the film. It was such a great story and was very well written and acted, by a very impressive cast. The cinematography was absolutely breathtaking. It really was a feast for the eyes. I also really enjoyed the score. It's such a shame that the film appears not to have had a UK release and also doesn't appear to be available on DVD. How can this be, when so many really lousy UK films get released each year? I thoroughly recommend this film. It really is a little-known gem.

The first series of Press Gang was released on DVD in the UK on February 2nd 2004. I believe it's Region 0, so anyone anywhere can view the DVD.

Press Gang is my favourite TV show of all time. Top notch writing and brilliant acting; funny, moving, thought-provoking - it was a show that excelled in all areas. Highly recommended.

I just saw this wonderful film tonight at the German Film Festival in London.

I knew from the brilliant opening title sequence that this film was going to a treat.

This could film could and should be a worldwide hit. I hope it will be. It has everything going for it. It's very well written, full of wonderful performances, has fantastic music throughout and the cinematography is gorgeous.

I couldn't have enjoyed it more and I was sad when it ended. It's a definite 10/10 film, and I don't give such a high score lightly. Look out for it and go and see it!

I was very fortunate to be able to attend the world premiere of this excellent new film from Michael Radford, the director of Il Postino.

B MONKEY tells the story of the romance between a quiet, jazz-loving school teacher (played by the excellent Jared Harris) and the beautiful, mysterious and dangerous Beatrice (played by Asia Argento). Beatrice, or B. Monkey as she was known in her criminal life, tries to leave her old life behind her - but it proves very hard to shake off.

This is a great film and I enjoyed it immensely. It's a hugely stylish film and is beautifully shot. The acting all round is tremendous but special honours should go to Asia Argento who gives a powerful and captivating performance.

I really hope this film will do well around the world as it is greatly deserving of huge success.

I saw this film on Saturday November 7th 1998, at the London Film Festival

From the moment this film starts you know you are in for a treat. You can sense the director's total confidence in his work and this shines through from beginning to end.

The performances are all outstanding and Cate Blanchett is brilliant as Elizabeth and is surely certain to get an Oscar nomination . Geoffrey Rush is never less than totally captivating as the devious Sir Walsingham, and gives a quietly sinister performance which constantly keeps you guessing as to whose side he is really on. Kathy Burke is only on screen for a short time but creates a big impression as Queen Mary.

For me though, the most enjoyable performance in the film is given by Vincent Cassel (La Haine) as a French duke. He only appears in a handful of scenes but his performance bursts with life and humour and had me laughing out loud. Probably the best line in the film is delivered by him, when he says to Elizabeth, "What ! What ! Wha - t! " - you'll have to see the film to understand why this line is so funny.

FEAR isn't the best thriller film around but it sustained my interest and kept me watching till the end.

The best thing about the film is the performance of Pruitt Taylor Vince as The Shadow Man. Pruitt Taylor Vince is one the greatest actors around and although this part is not nearly meaty enough for an actor of his talents, it was nonetheless interesting to see one of his earlier roles.

I loved ZERO EFFECT and would heartily recommend the film to anyone who enjoys a great story told with great style and wit. Jake Kasdan is in his early 20's and has written and directed a wonderful film that belies his age and relative inexperience. I take my hat off to him. On this evidence he is a major talent and I can't wait to see what he does next.

When I heard about the plot of ZERO EFFECT, the story of an eccentric and reclusive, private detective and that this part would be played by Bill Pullman, I was sold on the film immediately. Bill Pullman is a wonderful actor who I admire greatly and is always a joy to watch on screen. The part of Daryl Zero is a very tricky one and very few actors could pull it off, but Bill was simply brilliant. The scene where we hear Daryl playing his guitar and singing a song but don't actually see him for about three minutes was perhaps the most wonderful introduction of a character I've seen in any film.

Ben Stiller provides sterling support as Daryl's right hand man and Ryan O'Neal (nice to see him again) and Kim Dickens are also terrific.

There are so many great lines in the film, particularly those where Daryl is explaining his methods of deduction and surveillance. His explanation of the best way to follow someone is priceless, as is his explanation on how to find things !

This film is a pure joy and very refreshing. Go see it !