Reviews

"Perhaps she was", is one of the final lines in this sublime and beautifully crafted episode of Inspector Morse. I was crying by the time it was said, as were my mum and dad (he had been a policeman in from the 1950's to the 1970's) and it sums up the poignancy of the episode which deals as much with justice as it does familial love. Not only does this wonderful piece of drama focus on a mystery needing to be solved, it looks deeply into the depths of a parent's love for a child and the desire there is to be there, to protect and to care. All of the performances are excellent and you want all the characters, even the killer, to be heard and understood. If you never see any other Inspector Morse episode, see this one.

As with most reviewers of the film I really like it - well actually I love it and think it is one of the best war movies ever made. Why? Because it looks at why people are fighting this war...they are willing to fight, die or even kill to protect a way of life that is little changed from previous centuries. Yet change is coming - the characters each embodying the changing roles, hopes and expectations that they are also fighting for. A Canterbury Tale is beautifully shot, engaging and captures what life in Britain was like a Britain many would like to return to but is now firmly in the past for good or ill. I really do recommend this film, especially the ending and that glorious organ music sending encouragement to a tired war-time audience who were desperate for better times to return.

This has to be one of my favourite versions of the Nativity story. It is a careful, poignant, and believable filming of the tale. The characters are written as people who are responding to an incredible vision, told by those who would normally be dismissed. Each of the roles is acted with sincerity and a depth of care, the wise men, a shepherd, the families of Mary and Joseph are all there as are Herod and his officers. Their voices build up the story, working it into a picture of God intervening in the world, remaking it. Mary and Joseph are portrayed convincingly and with a pathos I found incredibly moving. These are young people, in love and looking forward to their future before Mary is chosen to bring God to birth. Her acceptance of this, and Joseph's gradual coming to terms with her child is beautifully shown. Joseph is hurt and bewildered. Mary confused but willing to trust. Their slow coming back together makes this retelling a lovely exploration of what it is to be human. I was really glad that I have seen the series and recommend it to anyone who is curious about what it might have been like to witness and be part of this story.

I watched this film when it was first released and pretty much any time it has been on TV since. My husband and I can quote the dialogue and thoroughly enjoy this movie. It is funny, sweet and life affirming. Short Circuit is a welcome change from the many dystopian sci-fi movies around, then and now, with much humour and a sound message of treasuring life, no matter the form. There are some truly hilarious scenes e.g. the 3 Stooges tribute and excellent effects which have easily stood the test of time. It reminds me somewhat of D.A.R.Y.L which focused on similar themes about the limits and beginning of sentience. As Ally Sheedy says in the film 'We're just machines, and we're alive, who knows how it happens??' What a pleasure to watch it again, and enjoy the film that gave me much joy through the years.

This is a lovely, well thought out film with an interesting scientific basis and great acting. The interplay between the characters, who show care for their actions and a strong sense of responsibility for the affects of these, carries the film through. All the plot twists and alterations flow together making for an intriguing story which requires some thought and ideally a second viewing. I particularly liked the scenes at the two wakes where we see an adult and child John Sullivan react to the events as the alternate time streams are created. The acting is excellent throughout and it was truly touching to see the two male leads connecting as they recognised their importance to and need of each other. The ending may seem a little overblown but it is a gentle, sweet reminder of the specialness of a loving family.

I've seen a far few SyFy films and watched this one with quite a bit on fast forward. It was though quite good fun and had some interesting ideas with some good performances,e.g.Cazmar and The Doctor, and attempts at a decent storyline. The main let down were the effects and some of the performances that were poor and unconvincing. This is a shame as the story had real potential and the initial premise was very strong. It was good to have a movie set outside of America and that played with conventions so much more than normal. There was a good, scary, effective movie hiding away in this and it is a shame that it got buried! Worth watching, but only just.

I was very excited by the trailers and ideas contained within 'Flashforward'. Fortunately the programme itself did not disappoint. It will be an interesting journey to see how/if/why the futures foreseen pan out, though the suspense needs to be carefully maintained and explored as the series develops. Will there be any more from a European POV? What on earth happened in Australia/New Zealand/Japan, after all the populations there may well have already been asleep. Can there be a few more comic 'Flashforwards'? It was refreshing to see a variety of futures shown, with aspects of one in particular coming true, through that character's choice. (Apparrantly). I am looking forward to seeing how things go, hopefully without to much descent into hystrionics. My question to other readers: Would you ever really want to know?

This movie is a neglected gem, and it is a real shame that it never quite received the popular audience it deserved. A well made, genuinely tense film that plays with ideas about race and explores consequences of decisions made years before. The graphic opening is not one I can watch easily and adds an tight rope feeling to the following events. The male criminals' venality is frighteningly mundane to themselves. Cynda Williams as the broken Lila, doing what she can to help her son, brings a vulnerability to Bily Bob Thornton's character which is not enough to lessen his coldness. He appears to love her yet we all believe he would kill her without thought if his survival necessitated it. Bill Paxton's portrayal of a good ole boy, with a secret of his own is sensitive. Sympathetic enough to make us care and believe he is a fundamentally decent man, it does not shy from the reality of a man who has failed to live up to his own expectations. Using another ordinary house as the backdrop to the final bloodbath again emphasises the sadness of the story which reflects far too many broken lives. Having Dale meet his son for the first (and last?) time plays on our emotions and leaves just as many questions unanswered as have been tackled by the events and characters of the film. I wanted to know what happened afterward to the characters left behind by the physical and emotional carnage they had lived through.

I watched this on a summer's evening enjoying a drink and completely unsure of what to expect. What I saw was a chilling, creepy and extremely thought provoking drama which explored our relationship with the planet. The incredible use of light added to the eerie nature of the film with the whiteness cascading out of the screen, almost melting the figures in shot. The clever use of music heightened tensions and gave an added depth to the plot and characterisations. Each actor gave a good performance which added interest, the people portrayed were intriguing, representing many of us and allowing us to ask the question, what if? I loved the surreal nature of the film, it harked back to one of my favourite 'X-Files' episodes-when a group of loggers unearth some extremely unpleasant insects- yet it surpasses that with the sense of menace and loss that the ending delivers. The growing hints about the threat works well: is it real or imagined or a combination of both? My only query, how does the survivor reach hospital? An excellent movie, I've not seen 'The Happening' but I sense that this is the film that should have been.

The final episode matched up to my expectations and was very tense, the discovery of Earth and the subsequent disappointment was mirrored on the fans and characters' faces. Both Cylon and human are left subdued with very little to look forward too. (Or do they?) I was very interested in the potential pairings being suggested at the end of the show with Kara at the apex of a triangle between Leoben and Lee, Six approaching Saul, and Adama supporting Laura. Where will this all lead? Who is the final Cylon? Will it be a left field surprise or one of the key players (my money is still on Adama being the most likely candidate although Gaius is always an attractive choice.) How will we find out about Earth? Is it our Earth or a stepping stone as many planets were in the original series. Only time will tell. I am excited and annoyed by the wait, no more strikes folks please!

I saw this film recently and was reminded of just how good it is. The children are adorable and their language and movement incredibly well used by the director/writer. There are so many scenes worth noting, particularly when the Grandfather beats the older boy. Carried out off screen the faces of the three on screen characters, the granny, Aunt Kirsty and the younger child show their feelings and the strictures of a society that demands the respect of discipline without question. The subtle romance carried on between Kirsty and Wilhelm is shown beautifully through the use of expression facially and in tone, a controlled, almost heartbreaking exploration of suppressed feelings. Wow!That is acting, making us feel all they are feeling with the sparest of movements. The ending makes me cry every time showing the change in the grandfather who is finally able to show the love he has for his family. He may not say it but by God he loves those boys and only wants what is best for them. A wonderful film that has easily stood the test of time and reminds everyone who watches how precious a gift love is. I hope that this is available on DVD as I would truly value the chance to share this story with my year 5 class.

I have just seen this film on the Sci-fi channel. I was pleasantly surprised both by the quality of the acting and the strength of the story.

The decision to focus on the characters relationships and the every day decisions that can effect us was a brave one. I thought the image of Anna's dead son throughout the film both moving and thought provoking. It was also very interesting to have a film where the ending was really in doubt and that these characters were left on their own by the authorities, a reflection perhaps on events after Hurricane Katrina? All in all a well made, carefully thought out film without the usual stereotypes. Would it have been better with a different ending?

I love Black and White movies having gained an interest from older parents and far too many afternoons watching BBC2 and Channel 4 rather than studying. 15 years ago I switched on expecting to see sport when the joyful news of rain meant a movie was on instead. That movie was 'Only Yesterday' and I remember it fondly to this day. I was utterly entranced by the film with its' sensitive handling of relationships, the difference between male and female attitudes to sex, and of course the heartrending story of a woman who seems doomed to lose out on love. SPOILERS: The ending is a masterpiece in understated emotion which still haunts me. Mum and I were left crying over so many lost chances. I wish more people could see it. Laura