cafedave.net

Video: Hamlet
It’s been almost ten years since I saw this last, and much has changed since then. My ability to understand Shakespeare has improved and worsened. Improved, in that I can better follow what’s being said, and the lessons of life that are presented therein, worsened in that I struggle more to follow the iambic [...]

DVD: Plan 9 from Outer Space
Called the worst film ever made, and perhaps this is fair, this is the science fiction tale of a group of aliens and their sinister plot. Watchable mainly for how poorly made it is, it has stood the test of time quite well.

TV: Gosford Park
A very clever film, telling a story of the aristocracy gathered at a country estate and their servants. Well put together, great storytelling and camera work, and a complex puzzle to keep whodunnit fans guessing.

DVD: Alexander - Director’s Cut
We had this recommended for New Testament as a way to get an idea of the looks of the different places: it certainly conjured up some extra thoughts about the big differences in culture that were involved in bringing Greek language and culture to the known world, but as a movie, [...]

DVD: Yes, Prime Minister (seasons 1 and 2).
Watching Jim, Humphrey, and Bernard again is one of life’s simple pleasures.
Sir Humphrey: “Yes, but even though they probably certainly know that you probably wouldn’t, they don’t certainly know that, although you probably wouldn’t, there is no probability that you certainly would.”

DVD: The Usual Suspects
An old staple, this kept me company while I ploughed through some housework - I still notice the odd subtlety that I haven’t spotted in previous viewings.

DVD: Into the Woods
At first, Sondheim’s melodies are off-putting, but it soon settles into the background. One of my favourite musicals; somehow I’d forgotten much of the plot, and so it was like watching it for the first time all over again. "Agony" is still an awesome song, although not everyone watching it appreciated the [...]

DVD: A Very Long Engagement
Amazing visually, great character interplay, a story that draws the viewer in; being a French film, there’s more adult content than some viewers would be comfortable with; shows the great cost of going to war.

DVD: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Worth a repeat viewing. There’s a lot of truth about relationships to be gleaned from this film.

DVD: Anger Management
Another Adam Sandler movie, in the traditional sense. Usual cast, usual type of humour, but it somehow manages to be entertaining in spite of itself. The West Side Story songs seemed to fit particularly well.