Pink Floyd: The Wall (1982)

 

A confined but troubled rock star descends into madness in the midst of his physical and social isolation from everyone.

From memory: Visually imaginative and stunning, partially animated rock musical drama is full of creative ideas and the popular music by Pink Floyd, but its narrative, despite (or maybe due to) all its stylistic ambitions, never quite compels and is often irritating.

Halliwell*: "Dislikeable self-pitying dirge, accompanied by animation which will not be to everybody's taste but is sometimes brilliantly arranged."

Maltin**1/2: "...perhaps the longest rock video to date, and certainly the most depressing. Many of the images are hypnotic, but self-indulgence, and a relentlessly downbeat theme, erode one's interest after a while. Striking animated sequences by Gerald Scarfe, who also designed the film."

 

 

Made in Dagenham (2010)

 

A dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.

Likeable and lightweight period piece with a spirited cast depicting an important episode of British history, the political stance, however, quite toned down.

On re-watching: Highly enjoyable and entertaining, worth a second view.

Maltin**: "Routine dramatization of a meaty, true-life story...The film gives its audience no credit for understanding anything that isn't spelled out and underlined. Good performances, especially Hawkins as the unlikely labor leader, make it watchable."

 

A Christmas Carol (2009)

An animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

Unnecessary adaptation of the Charles Dickens' classic is very showy with lots of flashy action and visuals, but hardly conveys the heart of the tale.

Maltin**1/2: "...this hybrid of animation and live action serves no apparent purpose except go flying over and around the streets of Victorian London. The story is still effective but it's been told much better before."

Mermaids (1990)

An unconventional single mother relocates with her two daughters to a small Massachusetts town in 1963, where a number of events and relationships both challenge and strengthen their familial bonds.

Erratic comedy-drama doesn't really go anywhere, but entertains with a great lively ensemble and some good scenes.  

Halliwell (no star): "A romantic comedy uncertain whether it is trying for laughs or tears; it attempts, unsuccessfully, to settle for both."

Maltin***: "Lively mix of comedy and drama...Funny and affecting, with a standout performance by Ryder..."

Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)

In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.

A fairy tale is turned into a  dark and violent fantasy film in a style more like The Lord of the Rings than a children's movie; one also wonders what was wrong with the classic tale to be expanded into such a heavy Hollywood production.

Maltin*1/2: "Poisonous retelling of the famous fairy tale...Grim in every sense of the word. Theron's performance has no nuance or shading (just shouting) and Stewart has little presence. Novelty of familiar, full-sized British actors as the seven dwarfs offers too little too late in this long, violent, ponderous production."

Hollywoodland (2006)

A detective examines the mysterious death of George Reeves, the star of the television series Adventures of Superman.

A highly interesting story is nicely made with good period details, but leaves the mystery unsatisfactorily unresolved; the excellent star cast makes this movie worth the watch.

Maltin***1/2: "Nuanced, well-written and -realized period piece, with Brody, Lane, Hoskins, and especially Affleck turning in flawless performances."

Maid in Manhattan (2002)

A senatorial candidate falls for a hotel maid, thinking she is a socialite when he sees her trying on a wealthy woman's dress.

Despite a star cast and a well-versed director this attempt to recreate a classic sreball comedy is lacklustre and hardly ever manages to produce any excitement - or laughs.

Halliwell (no star): "Trite, sickly, Cinderella romance with a miscast Fiennes, who, like his co-star, shows little talent for comedy."

Maltin***: "...a frothy, old-fashioned Cinderella story...Formulaic to be sure, but Fiennes' charm and Lopez's believability as a hardworking make it an enjoyable romantic fantasy."

Doomsday (2008)

A team of people work to prevent a disaster threatening the future of the human race.

Silly mixture of Escape From New York and Mad Max with a touch of sword and sorcery tossed in for good measure actually manages to thrill and to entertain.

Maltin**: "Shamelessly derivative, ultraviolent postapocalyptic thriller..."

Made in Dagenham (2010)

A dramatization of the 1968 strike at the Ford Dagenham car plant, where female workers walked out in protest against sexual discrimination.

Likeable and lightweight period piece with a spirited cast depicting an important episode of British history, the political stance, however, quite toned down.

Maltin**: "Routine dramatization of a meaty, true-life story...The film gives its audience no credit for understanding anything that isn't spelled out and underlined. Good performances, especially Hawkins as the unlikely labor leader, make it watchable."