What DVD have you just watched?

Captain America and the Captain America, Winter Soldier.

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Of the Jack Ryan films this is by far the weakest. Jack Ryan films are the victory of brain over brawn, but not here. If this had been produced as a standard action film I would feel more warmly towards it, but by latching onto the JR heritage it becomes a travesty.

Looking at this film on its own terms how well does it work? Not terribly. The setup is workmanlike and the initial fight scene is visceral and I could keep my disbelief in check; then it starts to move downhill. The whole film seems like a jigsaw of implausible detail that adds up to a cartoon where being able to hit something and manfully move forward is 'the' answer.

I assume this film is based on a Clancy book, I cannot believe the plot bore much resemblance to what is shown on screen.

M

More accurate to say based on the character created by Tom Clancy, I'm guessing he didn't have much to do with it.

I enjoyed the other JR films though , TC does write some good stuff, like Clive Cussler but they don't always transfer well to film.

Hi BigH,

I'm sure they didn't bother to try and transfer the source material. I get the feeling that Branagh was given a brief along the lines of:

'Use the Jack Ryan name and make a film that works more like Mission Impossible, without the budget'.

That shame for me is that there is some good talent involved ....and this was the best they achieved.

M

Yes, I thought the film started promisingly.  The scene with the drones was good.  But that was the high-point for me and, as you say, it petered out thereafter.  

Mike 

Time Gentlemen Please - lindisfarnes final concert. not the best recorded music dvid I've heard but huge memories of Christmas concerts at Newcastle city hall. 

A Horrible Confession

I have noticed that over the last year that if I am looking for some light entertainment to relax with then I am FAR more likely to put on a romantic comedy than, for instance, and action film; in part this is because I know most of the higher quality flicks very well, with this in mind what sort of RomComs have a been watching?

I thought I would compare and contrast a few RomComs to one that has just been doing the cinema rounds, Trainwreck.

Trainwreck

This concentrates on a twentysomething blonde who uses herself like a human trampoline. It opens with her latest conquest where she makes a number of jokes about his well sized tackle before pretending to fall asleep - yes, this is a hard drinking ladette.

The film follows our protagonist as she learns some vulnerability, meets a bloke and resolves into a monogamous relationship as the film ends.

As a movie the only originality is the more graphic use of language. I am not a prude but I do find humour that relies overly much on reducing metaphor, subtlety and good taste ultimately tiresome; and boy, this film goes on the hunt to remove any sophistication with a vengeance.

Overall the leads are engaging and I didn't tire of the movie before it ended, it just didn't come close to matching other RomComs that have proceeded it .......such as?

The Philadelphia Story

This is the Katherine Hepburn movie upon which High Society was based. A movie based around sexual mores and marriage and bursts with good humour, clever plotting ...and sophistication.

This is a movie I can watch repeatedly.

French Kiss

Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline in a movie that whilst predictable, aren't all RomComs, is lifted by the performances and locales.

Jerry Maguire

Midnight in Paris

The Sure Thing

OK, not so high on the sophistication quotient, but this is examining US College students.

So, a series of films from the recent and further past.

I do not think that we have become less intelligent, but I am starting to wonder whether we have started to demand far less of the paying public and with it seen an erosion in the subtlety, word play and overall sophistication that would be good to maintain and extend in a civilised culture.

Maybe middle age is catching up with me. I'll put my soap box away!

M

P.S.

It is a shame that my system doesn't maintain a record of what I watch. It would be interesting to do an analysis of the film genres and the year of production.

Push

Fantasy film riffing on the X-Men themes, but in a way I prefer. I especially enjoy their handling of time, where the future is not set but mutable - a la Dune.

I am not convinced this works, but they kept things on the move such that I just went with it; I'll undoubtedly cogitate overnight!

Enjoyable.

M

Of Human Bondage

Hi Tony,

Always good to watch Leslie Howard, and Bette Davis.

I hadn't realised but Leslie Howard was shot down by the Germans returning from Portugal on a commercial flight, having done some work promoting our cause. Always interesting to compare and contrast the hypocrisy of John Wayne with the sacrifices of Niven; Howard; Stewart, and Gable, amonget others.

M

While the principal actors in this are not among my favourites, McConaughey in particular, the underlying story is good.  For me the film has an underlying plausibility. Carl Sagan’s input is probably to thank for that. The plausibility also extends to the second order stuff eg the naked manoeuvring to take ‘credit’  for the discovery and the political efforts to control it; the corporate interests; the religious factions & fanatics defending their ground; the “talent” contest to determine who takes the trip.

Clinton’s appearances are a nice touch and John Hurt plays his role well.

I thought the special effects were good and, of course, the ending appropriately enigmatic. Recommended. 

Hi Mike,

Have you seen The Dallas Buyers Club? Great film and made me re-evaluate McConaughey.

Got Mud on the system which I will try and watch in the not too distant future.

M

Thanks for the tip, M.

Not seen Dallas Buyers Club so I've just ordered a copy.  Will post my thoughts when I've sen it.

Mike 

It's a great film. 

Thanks, HH. Don't normally see you frequenting these parts.  Thought you'd be luxuriating in front of those newly installed SL2s. Nice pics by the way.

Mike

M,

I did not know that either. Very interesting  life story and the conspiracy theories are even more fascinating. Tragic way to go. Thanks for sharing.

Tony

Mud is an excellent film.  One of my favourites of last year.

We watched this last night. Plenty of jumpy moments but there weren't any real surprises in the story line. Felt a bit scary movie making by numbers eg, don't the characters know where the room light switches are when chasing down strange noises in the spooky house?

The sound effects are well done though, gives your AV system a good workout! 

Not on DVD, but there was a first-rate production of this on BBC 1 this evening. Top-notch cast including Miranda Richardson and Ken Stott, with David Thewlis absolutely outstanding as the enigmatic "Inspector" Goole - relentless, forensic, and full of controlled, focussed rage.

Well worth catching on the iPlayer.

Delightful piece of distraction.

In 1980 East Germany, Barbara, a doctor, is reassigned to a small rural hospital as punishment for trying to find work in the West. 

I thought that the film was rather good.