Those reviewers who believe this film was miserably historically inaccurate should take note that the details were taken from a book on the subject by Dr. John Guy, a very well respected historian who was also a consultant to the movie. It was well worth watching. I'm off to read Dr. Guy's book!
Reviews
7 Reviews
Coupling
(2000–2004)
The best comedy in existence that's NOT for children.
28 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is a marvelous British comedy, written beautifully with a plot whose twists and turns can't possibly be predicted. The interplay between the characters -- none of whom is much like any other -- is priceless. Even the music is nice. The first series is better than the others, and the Oliver (a late addition) isn't quite as funny as Jeff, whom he in effect replaces. But it's ALL worth watching.
I'll wager any male who watches 'Coupling' prays he's never been perceived as similar to either Jeff or Oliver, neither of whom has any common sense or confidence with women. Susan is the most intelligent and steady of the seven regulars -- 'apparently'. Jane is the most self-centred of the women; Patrick is an unashamed sex addict; while Steve is also nervous but has very definite and funny opinions. But Sally seems the funniest of all, constantly worrying about her looks, particularly her bottom, which she's sure 'flirts with men behind her back'.
And nothing seems off-limits -- the discussion features talk of the sizes of male AND female genitalia. The length of Patrick's manhood seems to be a topic in every episode. Women's bottoms are also a recurring theme, particularly among the women, who discuss not only Sally's but Susan's and those of other women as well.
Due to the constant stream of sex talk, 'Coupling' is not for children. But it's certainly for anyone who wants a steady stream of laughs!
I'll wager any male who watches 'Coupling' prays he's never been perceived as similar to either Jeff or Oliver, neither of whom has any common sense or confidence with women. Susan is the most intelligent and steady of the seven regulars -- 'apparently'. Jane is the most self-centred of the women; Patrick is an unashamed sex addict; while Steve is also nervous but has very definite and funny opinions. But Sally seems the funniest of all, constantly worrying about her looks, particularly her bottom, which she's sure 'flirts with men behind her back'.
And nothing seems off-limits -- the discussion features talk of the sizes of male AND female genitalia. The length of Patrick's manhood seems to be a topic in every episode. Women's bottoms are also a recurring theme, particularly among the women, who discuss not only Sally's but Susan's and those of other women as well.
Due to the constant stream of sex talk, 'Coupling' is not for children. But it's certainly for anyone who wants a steady stream of laughs!
Never Let Me Go
(2010)
A disgraceful movie that fails the Roth test
14 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Years ago the USA had the Roth test: a movie could be censored if deemed "utterly without redeeming social value." This one fails. It's extremely depressing without a discernible point. It challenges "The Lottery" for the title of "Movie Most Likely to Provoke Suicide." I kept watching it because I hoped -- stupidly -- that something good or hopeful might happen. If you're looking for anything besides a reason to take an extra dose of Prozac, I advise avoiding this movie like the Plague. "The Green Mile" provides more humour, and "Girls Gone Wild" gives the viewer more intellectual content, than can be found in this appalling 105 minutes of cinematic trauma.
Another role-reversal flick.
5 October 2003
The hidden theme in this film is insipid. The daughter Marlene is the adult, while her parents, Jimmy and Shirley, are still children. Jimmy's primary school labeled him the toughest little booger in his class, and he still absurdly relishes the role. Shirley is a silly oversized thirteen-year-old who has two boys interested in her, and she flits back and forth between them as her adolescent whims take her. However, Marlene (the chronological child) is the adult who knows exactly what's best for all. Dek is also a grown-up: responsible, hard-working and kind, although naive.
Near the end Marlene wants to run away with Dek. This wasn't a bad idea. Allowing for another ten years or so for Marlene to come of age, the two of them might have been a very happy, stable couple.
Near the end Marlene wants to run away with Dek. This wasn't a bad idea. Allowing for another ten years or so for Marlene to come of age, the two of them might have been a very happy, stable couple.
Married... with Children
(1987–1997)
A Great Resource for the Resourceless
22 September 2002
Tom Sharpe once wrote the following regarding one of his characters: "Like so many great men, Lord Petrefact loathed his nearest and dearest..."
Many of us identify with Lord Petrefact, but are at a loss to express ourselves in this "don't worry--be happy," never-say-anything-negative world. We have very few role models to lead us against appalling, manipulative family members, and have often resigned ourselves to our fate. We've gone about our lives lacking the words to easily repel the smiley-face squads.
The Bundys are a superb resource for people like us. We can't and shouldn't adopt a Bundy-like demeanour to truly nice, kind people. But the Bundys suggest to us what we can say to obnoxious relatives and neighbours -- our nearest and (supposedly) dearest, who want US to do THEIR bidding so THEY can receive undue obedience, money, goods or status from OUR successes or aspirations.
For example, in one episode, Al thinks of buying a new car. Peg, Kelly and Bud all sneer at the type of car he chooses, telling him high-handedly what kind each of them particularly thinks he should buy -- i.e., what they want HIM to buy to satisfy THEM. Al does what most of us should do in such circumstances: He spreads his arms in a great paternal gesture, smiles broadly, and says, "Your wishes [slight pause for effect] mean nothing to me." It's extremely refreshing to hear. And it's very, very funny. The fact that virtually every character appearing throughout the show's long run was extremely sleazy allows this sort of repartee to continue uninterrupted.
God bless Al Bundy. The show has changed my life.
Many of us identify with Lord Petrefact, but are at a loss to express ourselves in this "don't worry--be happy," never-say-anything-negative world. We have very few role models to lead us against appalling, manipulative family members, and have often resigned ourselves to our fate. We've gone about our lives lacking the words to easily repel the smiley-face squads.
The Bundys are a superb resource for people like us. We can't and shouldn't adopt a Bundy-like demeanour to truly nice, kind people. But the Bundys suggest to us what we can say to obnoxious relatives and neighbours -- our nearest and (supposedly) dearest, who want US to do THEIR bidding so THEY can receive undue obedience, money, goods or status from OUR successes or aspirations.
For example, in one episode, Al thinks of buying a new car. Peg, Kelly and Bud all sneer at the type of car he chooses, telling him high-handedly what kind each of them particularly thinks he should buy -- i.e., what they want HIM to buy to satisfy THEM. Al does what most of us should do in such circumstances: He spreads his arms in a great paternal gesture, smiles broadly, and says, "Your wishes [slight pause for effect] mean nothing to me." It's extremely refreshing to hear. And it's very, very funny. The fact that virtually every character appearing throughout the show's long run was extremely sleazy allows this sort of repartee to continue uninterrupted.
God bless Al Bundy. The show has changed my life.
Private School
(1983)
Great for what it professes to be: Juvenile.
22 September 2002
This movie is exactly what it explicitly claims to be. It is nudity, lust, and humour characteristic of junior-high students; the film neither aspires to be nor achieves anything more. The best way to describe "Private School" is simply this: It's a flick Al Bundy would love. Need we say more? Male fans of Phoebe Cates will appreciate it, as will male fans of Betsy Russell and any fans of female nudity in general, but those looking for any more edifying characteristics will be sadly disappointed.
I advise renting this movie IF and ONLY IF you're looking for what it patently advertises. There's nothing particularly unwholesome or filthy about "Private School" -- i.e., little or no violence, and none toward females -- but there's equally little in it that's particularly wholesome or clean, as well.
I advise renting this movie IF and ONLY IF you're looking for what it patently advertises. There's nothing particularly unwholesome or filthy about "Private School" -- i.e., little or no violence, and none toward females -- but there's equally little in it that's particularly wholesome or clean, as well.
'Allo 'Allo!
(1982–1992)
Wonderful comedy!
30 December 2001
"Allo! Allo!" is by the comedy writers who earlier wrote "Are You Being Served?", but "Allo! Allo!" is a vast and welcome improvement. I realise many people like "Are You Being Served?", especially in the USA, but the punch lines in that series seem much too canned and repetitive. "Allo! Allo!" is different. The plots and individual lines are usually hysterically funny, and the humour -- while naughty -- is never simply raw smut in disguise, as so often occurred on "Are You Being Served?".
The only bald spot in "Allo! Allo!" seems to be the British policeman, whose lines get to be a bit predictable. That said, Gordon Kaye is perfect as Rene Artois; his facial expressions and deadpan looks are incomparable. The series even features Phoebe Schofield (sometimes spelled "Scholfield"), but unfortunately only in two successive minor roles. Miss Schofield is one of the most beautiful women ever to be filmed. I highly recommend "Allo! Allo!" to everyone!
The only bald spot in "Allo! Allo!" seems to be the British policeman, whose lines get to be a bit predictable. That said, Gordon Kaye is perfect as Rene Artois; his facial expressions and deadpan looks are incomparable. The series even features Phoebe Schofield (sometimes spelled "Scholfield"), but unfortunately only in two successive minor roles. Miss Schofield is one of the most beautiful women ever to be filmed. I highly recommend "Allo! Allo!" to everyone!
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