Reviews

Christopher Nolan has once again revealed why he is The One to handle movies of this nature. I was thoroughly enthralled with Dunkirk (I learnt a few extra things that I did not know about it, despite being from there England!) and when "Oppenheimer" was slated to be made, I was ecstatic. Waiting, and waiting, and then the trailer was released... I was in awe. However, the trailer set the a high bar for the forthcoming movie. Those are things I dread... trailers hype up the movie and it ends up being a bore.

Not "Oppenheimer".

From the very beginning to the very end I was hooked. After the end, I wanted more, more!! I hope there is an extended version released as three hours is a short time to cram a lot of information on. If I had to find a fault, it would be there were a lot of characters thrown at you, and sometimes became overwhelming who was who and what their role was in the Manhattan Project. A second viewing (on DVD) will be made.

I absolutely loved the musical score. Ludwig Goransson was a big question mark in my mind as I was vying for Hans Zimmer to be on board (he got stuck with Dune Pt.2) but Ludwig made a wonderful score, very Zimmer-esque.

As others have noted, the ending is a truly cinematic masterpiece. The concluding scene with Oppenheimer talking with Einstein about potentially ending the world coupled with Ludwig's rousing piece (Destroyer of Worlds) brings out such emotion and the fear of what has been created, that a tear or two rolled down my cheek.

Funniest scene: Oppenheimer and Groves near-zero chance of destroying the Earth exchange, prior to first detonation.

By the way, if you have not watched it already, I highly recommend 1989's "Fat Man and Little Boy" (also called "The Shadowmakers" in some countries). That movie with Paul Newman as Groves focuses more on the Project than this one, and is a great companion to "Oppenheimer".

All in all, I loved it. My friend and I each purchased the 600 page book that we shall get through in time... but I truly hope Mr. Nolan released an uncut or extended edition of this movie!

Watching this almost thirty years after being aired, it still makes me laugh. The premise has been described by others, which involves Del buying a pile of bricks witch happens to have boxes of lead under them. Cut into the episode to find our lovable trio nested in their nuclear fallout shelter and Del going on about how the glory of going to war will be obsolete. Cue Granddad's monologue speech about the truth of the First World War. You have to remember, when this was aired, there were still WW1 survivors alive, which makes this all the more poignant. A slap of harsh reality in a comedic scenario is the genius of John Sullivan. It is speeches like this that ought to be highlighted and pondered on. Well done, Granddad.

There have been a lot (well, nearly all) negative reviews about this movie, because I get a feeling the reviewers have missed a critical point... charm. And this comes from Amy Adams' portrayal of Amelia Earheart. I could not find a flaw with her performance. Her out-dated language, mannerisms, and yes, charm. Hank Azaria is the evil Egyptian king is just pure humor, if just a little childish, which adds to the humor. I liked the Tuskegee Airmen/Amelia scene when they first meet - a nice nod to both sides struggle in aviation. I just wonder if Amelia really was like this in person, because I would love to meet her! This is a fun movie, though some of the aerial sequences are far fetched (Wright brothers airplane scene did not fly like a fighter plane!), the Einstein bobble heads and Pi discussion are funny (look out for one of the heads bang his head on the table in frustration). All in all, ignore the negative reviews, sit back with the family or friends, and enjoy the cute story.

I am writing this in 2015 after re-watching the entire collection for the second time. I was first introduced to this show by my mom who watched it in her younger years. When she visited me, we spent about a week watching all the episodes. When I was younger, this was screened during the day on Channel 4 (in England). Then I 'acquired' the collection in 2013 and thoroughly enjoyed the show. But why? Not only was NASA every child's dream, but the comedy is wonderful. This show would have never worked without Larry Hagman in such a perfect role as the excellent comic timed, forever-nervous and jumpy Capt (later Maj) Anthony Nelson. This is attributed to Jeannie the genie who tries to assist Nelson in a a good way, but always ends up being for the worse. Bill Dailey as Maj Healey is a perfect friend who gets looped into everything. All the strange and weird events are witnesses by Col Bellows (the CMO and psychiatrist) whose goal is to 'understand Maj Nelson'. Great show, and very hilarious and above all, timeless. Thanks to mom for introducing me to this.

Finally, bloody finally, I was able to 'get' this awesome comic wartime two-parter from the talented John Sullivan ('Only Fools And Horses' fame) about the Yanks being over here (in England) and the interactions between the RAF & USAAF crews. I remember seeing in the Radio Times in England in 1996 about this upcoming series, and was excited to see something about the RAF & USAAF. Somewhere back home I have the cut-outs from this article. As a kid, I didn't appreciate the humor (I was only 15 at the time). Who can forget Group Captain Barker's (Martin Clunes) exaggerated twitch at the mention of Luftwaffe or the closing scene when you see which of the cast dies in the course of the War - I've paused the moment Old Archie pauses at the Lytchmere Memeorial to look at the names, and you can see some of the characters on there - which makes it all the more hard-hitting - a very beautiful scene. When Archie tells Lenko outside the hospital about watching his friends blown up really hits the right spot, a big punch amongst the comical situations. Our grandparents served in this time, and from what I have read about the 'loose' antics of the RAF pilots, they get it spot on here. The words and phrases are perfect, really making you feel you are there with the characters. I love Archie's impeccable accent and fantastic English-ness. There's a young cast of 'unknowns' including Sam West (Archie), Corey Johnson (B-17 Commander), and a young Tony Curran (Dougie). Every character and supporting cast are spot-on perfect. In the US I believe it was released as 'Over There'. I could go on and on about this, but there's not enough space on here... all I can say is... True classic that has been aired a few times with limited DVD release. If you get a chance to watch it or find the torrent, DO so!! You WILL not disappointed.