I wasn't sure how this play would turn out for me, being a passionate admirer of Wingate, and one who has spent years researching the man's life. I was somewhat surprised at how much I enjoyed this movie, considering the nitpicky tendency I had going in. Barry Foster in particular captured the essential blend of charisma, passion and conviction that characterized Wingate himself. All in all, there was only one notable digression from history, in that Wingate's aide in his Ethiopian campaign was the non-appearing Avraham Akavia. Also, the First Chindit Expedition was largely ignored, though time constraints likely played a role in that decision. Considering the play in its entirety (and play it is, despite some Burma scenes that differ somewhat from the bulk of it) it is a worthy depiction of Wingate, and a more than adequate memorial to the man of genius who did not appear to fulfil his destiny, per Winston Churchill. My fiancée enjoyed the film based on its writing, direction, scenery and inspired acting, so it is not only worth watching to those such as myself who revere Wingate and study him. I recommend it highly.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Rent
(2005)
Better to see the show, but worth seeing.
26 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The best attribute of this movie was in that most of the original cast was back reprising roles that they have become identified with. Unfortunately, the producers saw fit to (mis-) cast Rosario Dawson as Mimi. That proved to be a discordant note throughout the film, much like her singing. Most amusing was her singing Mimi's classic line about her rear end - which, even with the most generous camera angle, simply was not believable. The acting was otherwise excellent. Adam Pascal assumed the role of Roger as if he'd never left it, and the sheer enthusiasm shown by Collins early on in the film was wonderful. The other main characters transposed their Broadway personae readily to the film version. There were a few changes in the overall script, some minor in order to show time progression, and some that simply detracted from aspects of the show. It was especially visible in the relationship between Roger and Mimi, where several key elements from the show were eliminated or simply dulled, one might suppose, to gain more screen time for the only movie actress in the film. Sadly, these were not beneficial to the film. Most egregious was the pointless scene at the Cat Scratch Club, where Mimi's explanatory song for Roger (per the show) became a track for an unnecessary and pointless striptease dance.
All in all though, it's worth seeing for the majority of the cast, several great harmonies, and the occasionally inspired moment. It should be recommended more as a rental than a $10.00 plus night out. Watching the show is infinitely better than this. In essence, it's worth watching because it is Rent, but is simply less than the show itself, the essence of which it only captures sporadically.
All in all though, it's worth seeing for the majority of the cast, several great harmonies, and the occasionally inspired moment. It should be recommended more as a rental than a $10.00 plus night out. Watching the show is infinitely better than this. In essence, it's worth watching because it is Rent, but is simply less than the show itself, the essence of which it only captures sporadically.
Greg the Bunny
(2002–2004)
Hysterically funny
27 May 2005
This is/was one of the funniest shows I've seen. There are intellectual bits thrown in every once in a while, but the show was stolen time and again by two of the supporting puppets: Warren Demontague/Professor Ape and Tardy the Turtle. Between Warren's incessant solipsism and Shakespearean flair and Tardy's .... can't quite describe it - but it's funny, the show has enough packed into it that it is possible to ignore the more forced parts of the father/son dynamic.
The human cast is perfect, and interact with the puppets in such a manner as to make you almost believe that the puppets are real. It's particularly funny to see Bob Gunton, a.k.a. the Warden from the Shawshank Redemption as Junction Jack. It would have been wonderful to see the interplay develop between the humans and 'fabricated Americans' but alas Fox decided against it. Still, with a return to it's IFC roots coming in June, at least there'll be some Greg for people to watch.
The puppeteers themselves really made the show come alive, despite Greg's eye implants midway through. Personally, I felt that Victor Yerrid's Tardy's bodily expressions were worth th price of the DVD by themselves. Unbelievably funny time and again.
I especially recommend the extras 'Puppet Auditions' and 'Tardy's Letter,' which made me laugh painfully hard. The characters' commentary while you check out the menu screens is funny to hysterically so, and worth waiting until the audio loops.
Can't recommend it higher. If you like the Family Guy, Robot Chicken, Aqua Teen Hunger Force or the like, you'll love Greg the Bunny. Also great for fans of Seth Green, Eugene Levy, Sarah Silverman, Bob Gunton, and Dina Waters. It's worth the rental price, at least.
The human cast is perfect, and interact with the puppets in such a manner as to make you almost believe that the puppets are real. It's particularly funny to see Bob Gunton, a.k.a. the Warden from the Shawshank Redemption as Junction Jack. It would have been wonderful to see the interplay develop between the humans and 'fabricated Americans' but alas Fox decided against it. Still, with a return to it's IFC roots coming in June, at least there'll be some Greg for people to watch.
The puppeteers themselves really made the show come alive, despite Greg's eye implants midway through. Personally, I felt that Victor Yerrid's Tardy's bodily expressions were worth th price of the DVD by themselves. Unbelievably funny time and again.
I especially recommend the extras 'Puppet Auditions' and 'Tardy's Letter,' which made me laugh painfully hard. The characters' commentary while you check out the menu screens is funny to hysterically so, and worth waiting until the audio loops.
Can't recommend it higher. If you like the Family Guy, Robot Chicken, Aqua Teen Hunger Force or the like, you'll love Greg the Bunny. Also great for fans of Seth Green, Eugene Levy, Sarah Silverman, Bob Gunton, and Dina Waters. It's worth the rental price, at least.
The Breed
(2001)
Dark and intriguing
1 April 2004
An excellent blend of several genres. It is set in a bizarrely altered '50s-ish New York (NOT Eastern Europe, though it was filmed there) and is dark and bleak throughout. As an Adrian Paul fan, it was great to see him in (yet) another role as an immortal, who appears to have learned much in his several lifetimes about human and vampire nature. The dynamic of the human - vampire detente is never fully explained coherently, as, after the vampires are revealed to the viewer via Grant's shocking revelation, they seem to be almost taken for granted for the rest of the movie. Nobody seems surprised by their existence, although it must be stated that not too many 'civilian' characters appear at all, excepting vampires and blood-drained women. Still, it captivated me from start to finish, which is something that cannot be said for all vampire movies.
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