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Reviews
The Long Run (2001)
Not great, non running fans may not like
This movie was okay. As a former athlete of a good standard, and a great fan of the Comrades marathon, I was just able to stay interested for most of the film. Non running fanatics may struggle to find much in this film. As a South African, I recognised the usual suspects, it seems the same group of actors appear in all South African films, maybe we have only 10 actors in the whole country. On the whole the acting was fairly thin, the main role of coach was played fairly well though. Apart from that not much to write home about. The female lead and athlete could not run that well, although she shows a good body in a swimming scene. True athletes will find some of the facts hard to believe, but non runners probably won't notice. Also, as a South African film the usual black/white dynamic are explored, as well as some of the intolerance of the white people and the hardships of the black people. While these cannot be denied it would be nice to see a South African film one day that can focus on something else? Anyway, these aspects are not explored at too much length, so the running fans who come to expect a running film from the film cover, plot and description have something to watch. Those interested in the featured Comrades Marathon itself, will appreciate some of the shots of race day. This is an actual 90km marathon that takes place in Durban and Pitermaritzburg every year (alternating), and is without doubt the greatest ultra marathon in the world, attracting yearly fields of 15000. It is also well supported with crowds lining most of the 90km, it is basically a National Event. If you find the movie does not do the race justice, and you are interested in doing an ultra marathon, rest assured that this is the best there is, with support from runners world wide. I feel the movie let's the race down slightly, the acting is simply one dimensional and very few scenes get your emotions involved. 4 stars for non runners, 5 stars for running fans.
Stealing Harvard (2002)
Poor, felt embarrassed
I got this movie to watch with my brother but found myself apologizing afterwards. Tom Green was juvenile in that movie 'Freddie Got Fingered', but I'd rather watch that then this. Jason Lee was unfunny. There were some good bits, but when you consider how much time was spent making the movie, and money as well, you have to wonder wouldn't that time and money be best spent on something else? Maybe I'm spoilt getting to watch comedy on English TV for free that when I have to pay to watch rubbish like this I get angry. And I'm not even English. There were moments when you felt obliged to laugh to help Jason out, as he's alright most of the time. But it was just an awkward film most of the time which was never as funny as it set out to be. I think Tom Green struggles a bit without props or slapstick gags, and when he tells his one liners without the kind of manic energy he used in 'Freddy Got Fingered', they fall flat. 'Freddy' was a bit over the top sometimes and flirted with bad taste but it was funny in parts, and when Tom Green pulled off some ridiculous scenes in that movie with his energetic over the top delivery, you see what was missing in Stealing Harvard. Tom may be a one trick comedy pony, but he should stick to that pony and win some fans back.