Mini-Reviews

A week with too few films to fill a post, so I'm throwing in one other art-form: panto!

The Gold Rush - A really enjoyable Chaplin film, much like The Kid. The narration was a bit much at times, and it would have worked better without it. You'd need some title-cards, but they're quite charming in these films. I liked the story, but I still struggle to think that the ending was in any way satisfactory. He likes her, she doesn't like him, she plays tricks on him, he becomes rich, she likes him, they end up together. Lovely message. Almost as bad as Grease.

Sherlock Jr. - Whilst it lacked the character of a Chaplin film (referring literally to Chaplin's Tramp character) it was very enjoyable. A different type of humour. Sometimes you want a long, clever and brilliant gag, and sometimes you want a pie-in-the-face. Technically it was really good, too, with some really cleverly-shot moments. And whilst not a part of the original film, I liked the music. Okay, wrong style for the period, but I thought it suited the visuals.

Lakeview Terrace - A very thought-provoking film about a black cop in LA who has a problem with the interracial couple who move in next door. Surprisingly dramatic and suspenseful, and quite exciting because of this. I really thought, based on discussions we have had in Richard's classes, that there would be a twist of some sort. But it played out as you would think, with both style and tension. As I said to Paul whilst descending on the escalators, sometimes the biggest twist is no twist at all! Probably because audiences have come to expect twists these days.

Mother Goose - The RSAMD's panto this year, and all I can say was it was ruddy brilliant. The cast were fantastic, as you'd have to expect, with Mother Goose, Fairy Fortune, and Diavalo all really standing out. On the TPA-side of things the show was on-par with most major productions, and better in some cases. It was well written too - because panto has a tendency to cater to the kids and adults separately, but here the adults were laughing at the kids' jokes too, shouting along with no inhibitions! I think I can say with some certainty that this is the best panto I've ever seen! Tip top.

The Day the Earth Stood Still - I had such low expectations for this film that it was almost impossible for it not to impress me. It was by no means a great film, but I enjoyed it whilst I was watching it. It was a very simple, very commercial attempt at a remake of a classic. Whilst I've not seen the original, I do imagine there was more to it than there was in this version. There must be, as it's clearly stood the test of time!