dash-wortley

The UK is good at this...creating great cinema. Some of the drivel Hollywood is churning out at the moment (constant re-boots because they have frankly run out of ideas), makes you realise how good the UK film industry is at this game. I enjoyed this film immensely. One reason- I remember the time and music-I was 25 when this film was set, and I remember the big furore around The Stone Roses. I didn't fall for it myself at the time. I was (and still am) a big fan of New Order, and they for me were the greatest Manchester band, but fair play to the fans of the Roses, everyone likes different things. The film is a bright, very watchable, and at times funny experience, each character played very well. The film doesn't always follow the rules of predictability-I won't spoil it, but certain aspects could have turned out differently, but the writers didn't go down that route, and I found it better for it. All in all, if you like The Stone Roses it's a no brainer-see this film. Music fan? See this film. Great soundtrack too. 8/10.

A drama we have been waiting for, for so many years. A drama about the "real" Laurel and Hardy. As a fan of the comic duo for many years, I have waited with baited breath for a Hollywood movie of their lives-without any satisfaction. Not one. But then along comes a television drama to set the ball rolling, and hopefully, soon, Hollywood may just listen. This excellent drama, shown on the BBC in the UK, tells the story of Stan Laurel, visiting his friend Oliver Hardy in 1957, sadly on his death bed, having suffered a stroke some months previous. The story follows Stan and Ollie through flashbacks of their career highlights, and shows us the real duo-the ambitious Stan, an opposite of his screen persona, and Ollie, very close to the screen version we all love, eager at the end of the working day for his round of golf. All in all an absolute must for Laurel and Hardy fans worldwide-and Hollywood-we are waiting for the the big screen biopic.

Finally got to re-watch this British classic on the newly released DVD, and it's as good as I remember it in 1988. Football hooligans strive for power, trying to prove themselves before a venture with their teams into Europe. Gary Oldman showed what a talent he was as the lead character Bex Bissell, estate agent by day, Inter City Crew leader by night (and Saturday afternoons of course!).The film is relentless in it's progress, keeping you gripped, and you see the commitment the characters have with their commitment to the cause. All the actors play their part, and the only critisism of the film is at 67 minutes it's too short-you want it to go on longer, but all in all, it is a classic, and well worth watching. 8/10.