Worth watching

YES YES Prime Minister

2012-02-02T12:25:00.003+11:00

Ya GOTTA see YES PRIME MINISTER because you might never see it on the ABC. 25 years after Anthony Jay ( who witnessed the events) and Jonathon Lyn wrote the first series , these blokes have done it all again . Heartwrenchingly funny and brilliantly honest --all with a touch of Faulty Towers ( in the Prime Minister at some of his most harrowing moments) . A masterstoke because it tells the truth, tests belief and bares all about the extreme poverty and wastefulness of reactionary politics.
You may not like it, but it portrays patterned predictability that is unworthy of thinking people and our own public broadcasters and "public servants ". Only the PM and Bernard come out heroes in a play that should rock the nation - a morality play for our day . See what they are saying about it in the blue room

A royal performance for the queens of the kingdom

2011-05-14T20:06:00.000+10:00

Show this to a mother near you

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-01T09:02:00.001+10:00

Conviction kitchen

2011-03-15T13:41:00.000+11:00

'Conviction kitchen' is more than powerful drama - In sharing Ian's conviction and care , we are privileged to be reminded that we all need a second chance and real self control, every day . Excellent

The King's speech

2011-01-31T18:03:00.000+11:00

Good things often create differences of opinion. I normally warm to anything that speaks of historically real characters ( keeps the wannabes who workshop them a bit under control) A film is either worth seeing or NOT .
This must be
The most frustrating thing is when movies just come out to decide BETWEEN what's hype , what's normal cynicism ( some arts people can't hack celebration of the good) The Nyork reviewer talks about a load of sugar and I think i wish we had newspapers that were worth buying - The NY reviewer can't even split it out- makes him seem like the dill .
Cynics are everywhere - who needs em ,. Some people don't like all the swearing in this film but if its real what more powerful storytelling can one have than to be exposed to a real but unusaul family who had a lot of influence .
Finally found someone who makes me see its at least worth watching

" Though they( lead characters ) eventually form a friendship, the relationship is more interesting than that: it's also the relationship between a therapist and a patient, a royal and a commoner, a closed man and a flamboyant one. Handled by such superb actors, stuttering and a strange friendship provide more than enough fascinating material for a wonderful movie.

Living through the tough times

2010-09-24T08:19:00.000+10:00

Saw a great film ( true story) this week ." The Pianist" A man who lived in Warsaw through WW 2. Disturbing but wonderful . For those who missed it " The Concert " too is an outstanding celebration of life in the face of great stress and trauma.
I am in it apparently - guess who ; go on !

Really funny serious family stuff - Best nightcap for your kids

2010-07-08T12:26:00.003+10:00

Too tired for visitors but wouldn't mind if they were ......funny and came and left in 30mins . Got just the thing for you --The Cosby Show! ( Carsey warner). No its not dated - To be as funny as Cosby is , you have to be seriously on the ball ! Makes a great nightcap

TV Book Clubs?

2010-06-01T23:57:00.003+10:00

I like the idea , but seldom find it satisfying to watch. Colm Tiobin was good on ABCTV tonight, but the resistance to his passion ( apart from Jason and, I trust Geraldine D who overuses that word ) annoying for the girls predictability and distraction .
Jennifer Byrne's program on ABCTV constantly tries to drum up some excitement for all the latest, when, as Colm Toibin tried to say this week, many of the best "pictures" and formats are old and their stories can be "retold" to a waiting audience. Revivals of Shakespeare in our time prove it. More on agoodbook

The Good Life-- indeed it is

2010-04-22T14:51:00.000+10:00

Life is not so much about where you live, but how you live. This outstanding timeless comedy from Bob Larbey should enable generations of new western young people to enjoy exploring their opportunities in their own backyard ( however small) . Not that any of us really should slavishly follow either lifestyle choice outlined in the story - no rather the gift of sharing what little we have with our neighbours - whoever they are and whatever their jobs are in the new millenium .
The story is not so much about the wonders of self sufficiency, but the wonders of life ; discovering that more is less, and less is more - that what we have indeed been given is really enough. That greed is not only bad , but bad for you ! And how funny it all is trying - reminds me of Tevye in Fiddler on the roof - Tim and Barbara trying to play a little tune on the roof .
Love and adventure can and should be constrained by our backyards our callings and our footprints . Love and care for the world therein makes any backyard grow into a world big enough to house all our ambitions . Tom and Barbara prove that its not what you have, but how you use what you have, that matters. The world is not short of resources, but a willingness to share those resources. Full series on DVD is a must for your library.

As time goes by

2010-04-22T12:47:00.004+10:00

You meet some horrible people don't you. Take that Lionel (Geoffrey Palmer)bloke from this series . Why would you ever invite such people to your living room again ? Let alone live with him ?
Perhaps the grumpy old men like the series because Judy Dench is so patient and kind.
But why would women enjoy the torture of living with that cynical old self centred sort .Maybe it reminds them that theirs is not so bad after all?
Maybe its like the gos mags and funniest home vidoes - we enjoy seeing someone else suffering?
No, I think whatever it is "As time goes by" is enjoyable because its realistic and its charm is because there is love there - the really tough kind .

While we have only just watched the first series ( we got the whole lot for nicks at Lifeline book sale in Canberra last week )its even got a bit of romance - how did I miss that first time around ; I wonder how long the romance will last? The lasting kind

What does that great comedy writer (Bob Larbey - The Good Life) think of whats happening now ?

Bob Larbey, the co-writer of The Good Life – voted not so long ago one of the nation’s top 10 sitcoms of all time – is more qualified than most to judge the state of television today.
His verdict is damning: a lot of the comedies he sees strike him as “deeply offensive” and he believes broadcasters are using them to try to attract younger viewers.

“They use words like edgy, but that is ----------, because they don’t know what edgy means. Till Death Us Do Part was edgy. Steptoe [and Son] was edgy.”From Tim walker of the Guardian last month

GRAN TORINO

2010-01-31T22:22:00.006+11:00

***** Clint Eastwood acts real tough. BUT, if you haven't seen this big shooting film, "you ain't seen nothing YET" . How about YOU Make your day and see this great film;
It forces the audience to watch a few people just like us grabbing solid toughness in desperation; In doing so it shows up the shallow and ineffecetive Noise and Bluster of the cheap immitations We get to see just what a few really tough choices look like .
Some people think the best thing to do is "the natural thing to do" - This film shows how inadequate that is . How though do we go beyond our emotions and try the immpossible . The natural instinct for revenge provides nothing but self justification and stupor on both sides; no way out seems possible ; The escalating war and hostilities in our homes and neighbourhoods would be depressing if it wasn't for the not so obvious kind of toughness discovered in this great film .
The film is a must see, with some great young heroes to inspire YOU . For more on doing the impossible CLICK HERE

Treasures YOU can afford !

2010-01-07T23:36:00.006+11:00

The Holiday DVD place on the Coast at Phillip Island had changed hands and was throwing out its old VHS to make way for the DVD's. As usual, I couldn't remember any reviews of the many mystery bag tattered covers bags that were now losing their appeal to everyone but me : I expected little, although i felt that like old records , wear could mean treasure !. I was therefore surprised to go to the desk with 21 tapes.
Amongst the great surprises was BIG MOMMAS HOUSE (proof that great comedy often has to work with the trash before you catch a glimpse of what's worthwhile; Darryl Quarles well written stuff is carried well by all; QUICK CHANGE is another 4 star comedy with great suspense;
BOX SETS The advent of series tapes for sale has meant we can follow some great series properly and without interruption. BALLYKISSANGEL tops our list of family engagements with guts ; with TO THE MANOR BORN and MOTHER AND SON good ways to wind down the day )
So you are saying - "I can't afford them" - us too . Try visiting your friends or neighbour; hint to your children that you would like them ; and setting up a library at your church - why watch rubbish when there are works of art around .
One movie to make you appreciate the good news was
called THE GOOD SOLDIER .Its a must see. a really powerful exploration of 2 couples in particular and the way their best intentions are not enough to get them to really enjoy their marriages . Not that they couldn't , just that they didn't. Tell me what you think if you see it ? Quite scary for its honesty and challenge to think deeply about the path to forgiveness and health.

Others we could recommend for reasonably mature children are " RUN FAT BOY RUN "and "NOTHING TO LOSE "- both great comedies with twists and turns over quite serious matters. Not sure why script writers feel obliged to overdo the swearing- KISS is always better although i have to confess that the chorus of "shut the F up" in NTL was powerfully used and purposefully well done !

Lilies and more

2009-11-16T22:19:00.000+11:00

I wish I could do this more often, but the ABC have done very well to bring us LILIES and GEORGE GENTLY . Keep up the good work. More on bestbbc.blogspot.com

The highest forms of Art

2009-11-14T23:43:00.000+11:00

RE JUMP 2007

- often just seek to tell the truth .

There is no escape from the truth in the outstanding film JUMP (2007) *****. By telling the true story of Phillipe Halsman, we ride the rough road of anger , frustration, unfairness, deliberate personal destructiveness and prejudice together.
The scary thing is that many of the real participants in this real life drama were not at war, but were destined to let it happen by their weakness. Are we any different ? Jumping to conclusions about others ?
On the very positive side , I hope you will find the last few films listed here really helpful/enjoyable for your family viewing. Like all the best literature, there is no shurking of the evil lurking on both shoulders .

By putting the mirror up to show/remind us of " how people get in such a mess " we have some chance to further studying the process so we can avoid the very problem for oursleves ...Enjoy.

Jimmy Grimble

2009-07-13T15:26:00.002+10:00

A soundly constructed story with lots of guts and enough touches of fantasy and faith to make it very funny."Just kidding!"he says when the fixation on football returns. "just kidding "
We wait at the throwout trays of video shops to find these gems that are so good for all the family ( the hero is a teenage son of a single mum) and so good to restore our desire to fight to win! never never ever give up .

I'm picking up Good Vibrations

2009-06-19T07:08:00.008+10:00

***** Very highly recommended to all ages and teenagers in particular.
Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys - you've got to know it . It was one of the most expensive song productions of its time - but, like so much of BRIAN WILSON 's work, brilliant in content, creativity and execution. THe documentary BRIAN WILSON " I wasn't made for these times" is a thoroughly engaging music (notable intros to "love and grace" , "smile album" , "pets") and conversation feast.
The film is a moving walk with a man whose story needs to be told again and again . Not only is the trip down music lane exceptional( how about all the ways he shared much musical skill with so many) , the trauma and passion of a sensitive man is so well put together and shared by his often times quite alienated family and friends; touching for its honest dealing with the dangerous obstinacy that we all share in some way with him. A wonderful piece of work. No wonder The good guys are still doing back flips with his work.
The title came from reflecting on a dog barking at his mum ,( "bad vibrations" he thought and in his typical way, turned it around!)Round round get around ....to watchin it!

Nobody listens to me

2009-02-16T20:17:00.008+11:00

What did you say again? ..Sorry

Seriously . Having trouble getting your message across ? Especially with people who don't listen and/or don't know and/or don't care. Welcome to the club . You are not alone.

What you need after yet another day of trying to reason and press for change is to watch "Mr Britas " BBC comedy. I remember it being a great antidote to the arrogant excesses of local leadership in the 1980's. Bought Series 2 recently -it is great for reminding us that often the people who make our world work are NOT those who take charge. more coming HERE

Greetings . Perhaps you know some great dramas too! Obviously there is Yes Minister or our very own upto date yesminister.blogspot.com

If you are into reading , can i suggest James Finn Garners "Politically Correct Book of Bedtime Stories " Tell your story too on childrenincharge

Australiathemovie- a truly great fantasy

2008-12-16T09:15:00.002+11:00

Churchill's War

2008-09-16T07:50:00.008+10:00

Great drama and reality therapy .Churchill's War"There are only two ways to see life" Said Albert Einstein , The first, I suggest, is an example in this film - to see the victory we witnessed as a miracle .

This week saw panic about the world ending with questions over LHC's ability to throw protons predictably. Reminds me of the way so many , even in the info age , get confused between what we know and what we don't.
We still don't know much about protons and they are some of the simplest and smallest bits , be we scientists know enough not to worry .
What we should fear in this great big universe of ours? . Physicists aren't worried. Why should we be? After all, too, the big freeze or fry ( if it happens) is some time away yet and we really can't do anything about it ! Eat drink and be merry????

Maybe we humans fear impotence??????
Physicists know that they are building on the work of Einstein. While they don't know very much really , they know enough to act sensibly in experiment and also to think this :
" what an amazing, predictable ( in parts) and yet unpredicatable( quantum questions) quite mysterious creation we live in" We have very little power - why would we want to think otherwise?

Where does the fear come from then ? Jung said it well. The evil is not outside -its somewhere inside man himself . ( paraphrased)
Back to Einstein -- for a bit of choice stuff for everyone .
" There are only two ways to live. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is though everything is a miracle" Since he spoke those words, more and more physicists have come to this conclusion from the few facts we know .

So ....what' s worth watching to get beyond the evil. Think about how England survived WW2 . Watch
CHURCHILLS WAR or THE BATTLE OF BRITIAN available on PAYLESS and reflect on what was said and what miracles happened and could have happened - you may need to read some of what was written by people such as Bonhoeffer and Chesterton as well ?

Stations of the Cross -World Youth Day

2008-07-18T17:58:00.003+10:00

Its happened before _ every time we stop talking about others( incl the inadequate church of His followers) and focus on the Bloke , we cannot help be touched . He's incredible!

Who is this man who exercised such great power over the powerful - that they complied to kill Him ; Is everything as it seems - does He really have power and a way forward that every man needs ?

What some men consider rubbish.....

2008-07-11T17:54:00.013+10:00

Scrapheap challenge ABCTV2 at 6:30
May just prove, like the apple that the Australian Granny Smith threw away, to have the BEST bit of creative potential seen in years . Good on the Brits for reporting and editing with just enough care to keep us guessing . rates with TOP GEAR's Old Porshe challenge ( available on DVD) as something really worth watching !

What better show can you get on TV at that time of day ! Mind you in making this recomendation I can't be considered objective - I am a very biased lover of rusty metal - its nice to know we have some friends.
- cutting and pasting for big kids. Pity its about to finish and we waited years to see it . What are the ideologues doing at the ABC ?

Prince Caspian --A must see

2008-06-06T15:44:00.005+10:00

If there was one movie you gotta see this winter ---it is this one . Sure its aimed at children , but the whole family ( sounds trite ) will go away with heaps- if you listen.
Listen , and you will get heaps of ideas, images and gold coins to sell at the next swap meet that matters. Not that you need anything but small change at most swap meets - No these gold coins are ones you get when you listen to mice or when the trees start talking again ;
The story will not only give you treasure enough to share on boring trips on a train but courage for those bears when they come out of the forest to eat you again .
Beautiful, powerful imagery of how to fight real battles and win .

Reality Therapy in Bucketloads

2008-04-10T09:27:00.003+10:00

THE BUCKET LIST is cosmic contrast with guts --reality therapy for all those who dare to think about death and the meaning of life . That agenda means, of course that most of the critics and reviewers in the massmedia will be in denial about the subject and content of this good film and its portrait of real men at either ends of the spectrum. Don't listen to them --------GO SEE IT

Healthy to write the list , Healthy to read and reread the list as they did, and healthy to watch the film to awaken you too to the possibility that many of your wishes too, can come true. Even cups running over !

For those too who dare to ask the very legitimate question ( so rarely addressed) of why so many bad things happen around us and near to us even by those we might like to claim as friends and family there is the stark protrait of one man who would destroy the lifeblood of another by destroying the often denied lifeblood of families .Decision time, like vigilance time , is all the time GO SEE IT and be rewarded and challenged.

Drop the dream, if it stops you really living

2008-02-16T08:29:00.006+11:00

Spent $15 on ATONEMENT . It was OK. (A theme version for children would be worth a promotion.)
However after watching " FROM HERE TO ETERNITY " last night I'd rather have spent my money on being able to share some more of these old thoroughly human dramas.

We all like to think we know what we want.But really- we don't don't really often know what's good for us; whats best for us .
Each of the main characters in the story is pursuing a dream. Sure, it's a man thing, but its also a woman thing .
But each of the dreams is a shallow one . If only they could see it like we can as observers to their blind spots . If only they could see how the constraints they put on themselves are shallow and pathetic- denying them the relationships they need more than anything else .
I never liked Frank Sinatra, but I loved him in that role of true friend . Treasure your friends - you may not like what they tell you -but thats why they are your friends! Let me say it again - listen to what they are telling you and do something about it - (then they might stop nagging you about it !)

I come from a family who go hard at everything -

So it is very clear ---we must slow down, even TODAY ; jettison the MERE things that those who care about us clearly see as standing in the road of our relationships . No ambition, goal or tangible reality is more important than doing what those who love us tell us is standing in the road of right relationships . If your eye causes you to sin., pluck it out

Its that serious ! Who can take the medicine? Will it hurt ? Only with divine help!
Will life be better? - you bet !

Best new year Flicks

2007-12-14T08:53:00.000+11:00

Well , where are they - tell us ? Maybe you have noted some new films worth reporting here for the new year , but this reviewer went through the list and reviews for little .
However My princess called me on new year eve , the unbelieving grouch, to come to never happy ever after land. and despite protest and concern at the start , I have to say, at the end --I was hooked. While the cartoon antics at the start are enough to want you to send the silly romantic dame to a special lockup in the real world ( our dj'ssuggestion), the film brings at least 2 of the four loves to the fore - at what a great time you will have, you old romantics - if you just let yourself go - just this once ! BEWITCHED is great , and it nice to know my princess knows me well enough to know " I would like it " , even if i never believed the reviews!

Comedy/ family fun is not so difficult if thats all you are looking for The Darjeelin Ltd , or for the younger kids Daddy day Camp remind us that while nothing particularly new on offer in basic contrasts - these 2 would probably be some of the best. Keeping away from Bees and the many, many films that seem to oversell their right to the highlights-- claiming gold for themselves in the names they choose.

One of the most consistent, cut through the hype and comprehensive review sites I find is the CTM one . Never more so than on the golden Compass controversy within christendom . CTM will usually give you more than enough detail to make an informed decision on what room of the rambling house of broken mirrors , the producer is dragging you into .
As for any room I am dragging you into, tis only one cinema this new year .
I am grateful to the ABC for puuting on Henry V after the election, but as for cinemas - maybe not we will get the DVD (or and old VHS) like Amazing grace,some old BBC dramas , Sister Act or revisit the Lord of the Rings for the holidays - but we would welcome a few more ideas, just in case

CTM gives some encouragement to the Diving bell....and the Atonement .As for the Golden Compass - the ads alone are enough to make this reviwer throw up in contorted weasing at its technophobic recipes for testing courage, ability and plain stupidity. Those who don't believe in evil are never very good at portraying it.

I want what they've got !

2007-11-05T16:23:00.000+11:00

THE ABBEY .ABCTV It's often said, including by our cynical side, that taking God seriously will deprive us of "our selves" . Well- Not if the story of the 5 THE ABBEY girls is any indication!

Who wouldn't want --what they got !

Yes -Is it possible to learn something super special from ordinary people and by taking time just to think and pray and meditate! If you haven't seen this great challenege to do something radical and rebellious ( from the way many people think) this faith seeking stuff is something you need to see .

The five recruits will tell you simply and powerfully and without one sckeric of themeselves lost that they found something! How it happens and how it happens to be so different for each of them is truly amazing .

Monsters in Law

2007-10-23T07:54:00.000+10:00

Can something good come out of Hollywood? Shakespeare would, I think be pleased, as I was, to watch this entertaining melodrama. The wonderful paradox is of course that by highlighting someone else's faults, we risk exposing, and having to digest some of our own .

When you need a lift

2007-08-29T18:19:00.000+10:00

When we are about to scream, its tempting to think we need a comedy film to calm us. What we may really need then, though, is to hear someone else scream . What we want in the moment of pain ( ie to get out of the dark) may not be what we really need ( to go deeper into it )

There is some great scream therapy out there. The " lucky we are not as bad as them" Kath and Kym scream or the "oh no" scream when we see someone else suffering on Funniest Home Videos " are commonly good value .
While the above are Jolly good shows , the special surprise group I am thinking of is for those times when we really need to be in a dark room to see the light . Maybe we need to be in an even darker room that we are now , or think we are now . The good pictures business I am thinking of here , is telling true stories about tough people in dark places .
Surely a most amazing paradox is that, when we feel "I am the most hard done by person in the world" , we can actually get a restored and balanced view of the world ( its still a wonderful place) from hearing someone else tell us their terrible dark stories. GME
This watching is no good if the content is not real , because when good overcomes evil it sounds too much like a complete piece of fantasy to us when we are depressed - a fiction film is dangerous, but a true story like "The Onion Field"(1979 set in the dark mostly) can be helpful ; even truly wonderful .

Here's the scenario - 2 poorly paid public spirited public servants hard at work ; doing work they felt called to do because "it was important to do it " . Lack of outcomes, daily crap talk and cleanup after others wears hard on them , but the garbage isn't the thing that really gets to them .What makes them feel real bad about doing the right thing is when truth telling and sound values seem be worthless, even pointless - even to talk about ; When doing the right thing makes their lives and that of their families "very hard work" . When trying to do the right thing means they feel that they have to justify themselves and push themselves and their families when others are taking the easy road . When the selfcentred and forceful are EASILY able to push their way through, and get what they should never have .

THE ONION FIELD ( 1970's) is a true story--really worth watching if you as an adult ( not a film for kids) need to be reminded ,that , if you truly care , you do truly have friends out here . We too can feel your emotions and despair at how bad things can really get in this mixed up world ! While you are waiting , try reading the Psalms, "even if you don't think you NEED to-" you might be surpised at how many really good friends you really have ! copyright Scream therapist Emperors Academy

When is a film bad for children ?

2007-06-10T23:56:00.000+10:00

The answer - as per the last comment below?

The main thing is that what is bad should not seem right.
---when the script is used to make a walk thats ultimateley deadend and dangeraous look like something worth chasing? - not so much movies, but the post modern lyrics of despair and and self serving that are all over video clips ? What do you think? dressed up directions to nowhere but fun in particular .

Christianity today ran a survey recently to get some feedback over how much of the violence and sin of real life should be in a movie . I thought this response was helpful . esp lAST BIT which, I think , condemns many of carelessly put together pictures of the present.

I agree that you have to have the ugly with the good to be real. I hate plastic and preachy movies that are unbelievable. But even in secular movies I avoid nudity and brutal violence.

The main thing is that what is bad should not seem right. Joyce Weliky

Avoid being sucked in- review before you view

2007-05-03T14:09:00.000+10:00

On good authority, we suggest you need a good reason to watch THE QUEEN >. its enough twaddle and tearing down to set us all on edge out here .

On the must see > side don't let the smhmatze title put you off "LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL ( LA VITA E BELLA) is a beautifully crafted funny serious film in that enduring biblical tradition that shows the paradox of people in their weaknesses but seriously and effectively getting beyond them . What advice 1 to a young man trying to find his way --To the mr bean type waiter as he struggles to be useful "God has a servant heart, but he's not a servant" . some great characters . BENIGNI the must have some others - any comments ?

Mr. Beans Holiday

2007-04-23T19:16:00.000+10:00

It gets off to a pretty dodgy start, you'll probably think it will be boring, but by the end you'll be laughing your head off!( young member of the family)
We generally enjoy Mr bean , but this movie takes the cake for great content and laughs . Full of our worse temptations and actions, who would have thought one self centred narcisist could upstage another - the gags are great, and the singing mime is an encouragement to all to try being somebody else for the fun of others . Fantastic .

Life is Beautiful

2007-03-22T11:58:00.000+11:00

While I love the idea , I found the appearance of "Life is beautiful" ads (for ABCFM on ABCTV recently) a bit out of character with its normally cynical and cautious tone; I thought our particular ABC hills were alive with the sound of cynicism.
MISS POTTER doesn't try to recapture the ground lost since Hair put a sock in too much exuberance about "our favourite things". Helpfully, for us old cynics ,though, this great film just tells the story like it is/was.......and it is truly beautiful.

So, if you , like me, want a rest from the cynical and feel that something really important and inspirational is missing from your life - it probably is! - you need to go see it .

Share with us that great mystery that being denied something that you really, really want does not have to diminish you, your potential, or the beauty that will still exist in many things within the small part of the world in which you have been placed.

While you are at it - LORD OF THE RINGS makes great EASTER watching - Ihe dark side gets an airing and somehow there is more going on than the pink sunset every night!

Finding a happier place

2007-02-16T15:32:00.000+11:00

When we are unhappy, we often want to be somewhere else. As our friends, and those who love us can be deeply hurt by the suggestion that their attention and company is "not enough", the "i want outa ere" idea can get some momentum .
FORGET PARIS is wonderfully written reflection on the REAL dilemmas of modern relationships .Exploring the fact that you don't really need to "go places " to enjoy friendship. Its funny seriuos and truthful about selfcentredness and its ruining posibilities . By telling the story truthfully and with legimate dramatic edge( lots of fantasy, hope and good fortune) Crystal takes us on a journey with ourselves and others that is truly challenging .I just loved the way the authors broke the silence on woosiness ( the basketball coach) and its winning form !

Give me Tevye over Jakob anyday

2006-11-17T00:18:00.000+11:00

If you haven't seen FIDDLER ON THE ROOF this decade, get yourself a copy of the video and relive the tension that celebrates the discipline we all need to live well with our fragile and sometimes fractured families . Jakob the Liar while a satisfactory drama, only reminded of how my generation denies itself the despair that often drives people back to faith. By denying despair and then the wonder of faith beyond it , it makes the shallow hope of storytelling in that context rather silly and superficial. As a story I found it unconvincing . Nowhere was the denial and "new millenium cynicsm" so forced as when the writers denied the young couple the joy of a marriage celebration. . Go tevye

"THE FASTEST INDIAN"

2006-09-15T17:23:00.000+10:00

"THE FASTEST INDIAN" NOw out
Do you remember the old indian in Uncle Vics shed ? This is a movie to make you remember. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did From the Marcusmoo family

HIS GIRL FRIDAY

2006-07-29T07:36:00.000+10:00

BOXED SETS of OLD MOVIES Go for em
Here's a bargain you must invest in .Many of the best movies of all time are in there . Take a brilliant play put to screen called HIS GIRL FRIDAY in the GOLDEN COMEDY series. It is so funny and so classicly human . Reminds me of Chestertons biography of that great playright Bernard shaw where he describes the time in Shaws life when he realised his generation didn't " know it all'.
My hope is that so many old reactionaries to the great things of western culture might do the same . Regain humility and wonder at the seriusly funny realities of life and the impossible cooincidences . "What did i tell you" says Cary Grant enjoying every moment of this wonderful play , "an unseen power" ( on the arrival of wife toting Mr Pettibone.
I feel sure Ben Hecht and Charles Mc Carthur ( the cowriter of front page )like those who wrote the great ABC series frontline knew the wonder of the world when he put that line to Pettybone ( 'what's your story Mr pettibone " and he searches for a picture of his wife) .The best stories are often not heard. More than the eye can see and out the mouths of those who just tell the story /or listen more closely! What amazing things can happen on a mere stage and without the technology of today ! Not to be missed!in 100 top movies of all time

2006-07-03T21:51:00.000+10:00

KILLED BY CARE is great .On wed nights ABC2 at 7and 9;30 Will the program set the brief for effective change?
Luciene Leape is great as the Harvard health researcher with a heart .
Who will win? --the culture of blame combined with the hospital systems new found fame game .will the deabte in Australia even get off the ground do more here

2006-05-16T23:32:00.000+10:00

PROTOCOLS OF ZION (Not nice story about jewish conspiracy theories but it highlights the reality of distraction and projection in history - a powerful story told by lots of people .

Marc Levins 's compilation of open questions was topped off by sharing his father with us and the stories of the men from prison. What a magical moment to hear those blokes from prison make good sense; reminding us we are ultimately one and we owe it to one and everyone to teach forgiveness. Lets urge SBS to show it again . Do it again mate ---it was great! (Jew watch is Google's no 1 site)
If you haven't seen it chase it up .

2006-03-21T13:12:00.000+11:00

I just love FRANK . he's bulk professional passion in a world of blinkered passivity and blind passion. The hype of ALL SAINTS is normally too much for my ever lovin heart - I need all my emotional energy for folks at home - Don't I ? maybe ? Certainly --a bloke worth watching . More on

2006-03-09T09:20:00.000+11:00

Where has all the humor gone eh ?. Remakes of PINK PANTHER movies ---You hacve got to be joking! ho hum- are we dumb : short of ideas; living in the past and not admitting to it? . The absence of the authorPETER SELLERS is a timely reminder of how authorship and originality is usually the key spark in creative enterprise.
money and markets are sometimes mere pawns in the face of genuine creativity, so why do the majority worship them ?
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We hear too much of the brilliance of marketing and too little of the brilliance of authors . Maybe you know some movies with that theme we can add here. It doesn't matter how many millions you throw at an idea, if the creator is not the key the stuff can be crap .
Authorship - why do we seems to be losing respect for it. Without the author you may have nothing but hot air and mere seking after that illusive spark. New things often in their very nature are cheap and unvalued -its a reality of life that its spiritual and not entirley material -its where worship of markets and marketing really misses the point . The curse of the pink panther had all the big names in it, but it missed the vital ingredient - the creative element that comes from one man who was not in it. Is Steve Martin and the men driving the remake risking a deep insult to their industry and a basic principle of respect for authorship?

We know we are in trouble when the film industry thinks the future is in remakes . The future is in authors . But don't leave the future to the sycophants or waste your time with revisionists. get reality ( see GHANDI below)

The original PINK PANTHER MOVIES are now out on DVD. While the gags come slower than most of us moderns would prefer, I found myself wondering how these movies got a PG rating ? They are not suitable for children as the adults are behaving like children --rebelling against what is now more recognised by that generation as unacceptable attitudes. Boy we have become more conservative in the last 20years!. What do you think ?

Want to watch something really great "GHANDI -with BEN Kingsley . A one man lesson on the impact of ideas in history . An Indian talking to the west about what he considers their best ideas - Its a reality check, not only for keen christians but all theose in west who want to know more clearly what's best about their history of ideas ---Anyone who takes the words of Jesus seriously, as he tried to do . I found the story Absolutely fascinatingly but then its the first time i've seen it -I am a bit slow perhaps ?

2006-02-06T17:36:00.000+11:00

MUNICH - put it in the missable unless you want to be misled.
see the review on Link site churchofthemasses

2006-01-22T23:02:00.000+11:00

This site is not intended to cover everything .Only to point you to things. Most of the better things are discussed on the links to the left . tHe higher they are on the list the more the moderator ( thats me ) thinks they are really good references ( take Church of the masses dealing with MUNICH and ISLAM . Time is short. Speak up and speak clearly.)

2006-01-19T09:48:00.000+11:00

NANNY MCPHEE-- Nannies are back ; great therapy for everyone

What’s looks all bad at first , may well look a lot better when you accept the critical need for their experience, perspective and wisdom.

Churchill’s famous quote about The choice s we have (democratic choices) points clearly to the acceptance of the reality of inefficiency in leadership systems . Acceptance can lead to more realistic and less stressful worldviews.

The longer view of those well educated and experienced hands on housekeeping servants who can see through the noise ; not denying any members voice or , those with a legitimately short term view, but more able to see how we can keep the diverse economia we call home together .

2006-01-13T23:32:00.000+11:00

Narnia is great . Heard some "kids shoudn't watch that" critic get his knickers in a knot because the old man celebrated Christmas with "gifts of warfare" . The so Pc corect - no earthly use brigade of old children in charge at ABC church church like to think that handing out lollies is more effective that presenting choices in art. Their afraid of something . The wooseheads deny the reality of post christmas depression and the reality that it comes about partly because of too many lollies and excecive hype about being nice being applied to a situation of potentailly warring parties -

Give us the realism and symbolism of great literature and reject the woosiness of those who continue to shove temptation, disagreemnet , anger and frustration and cheap choices under the carpet. The new censors think our children should not be offerred the great choices in both Tolkein and Lewis's work .

2006-01-13T22:19:00.000+11:00

Save time in the Video store . The people's choice cabinet . Our local video store has the most popular movies of all time in one cabinet - it saves a lot of time . Ask your store to do the same.And get away from the speculative unrelaibility of reviewers

2005-12-13T21:36:00.000+11:00

What a great series the Grumpies are and topped by the Christmas stories. The truth is therapy indeed.
If Liberty Bell keep reporting it as it is, we will have to change our expectation that British TV was losing it.

2005-12-03T13:57:00.000+11:00

PRIDE and PREDJUDICE ***** Maybe its not all that the 300 minute version was, but that's a good thing- still true to a great story - and much easier to enjoy( in one sitting).
As a great piece of literature, it reminds us, like Solzenitzens first words to the West of one key kink in the human condition . "Mum and Dad have their limitations" . BUT weren't mum and dad oh so good in the picture !

By agnowledging our parents WEAKNESSes we learn to agnowledge our own
Was for example Dad's submission to mum a form of weakness,or a response that was rare and therefore noted on film. Was he stronger than he appeared at first glance? Will weaknesses in our/your family destroy it ? Of course not - facing weakness is the key to finding love . M&D loved each other- and that love made their children KNOW love.

Solzetnisens point is a very serious one - we can by thinking like children, miss the point and fall lower than even our parents in the parenting game. As normal children we can so easily fall for that appealing temptation that we know a better around their recipe for a happy home ( family society etc ) . We sneer - becoming the new snobs to a new generation of children.

ABCTV
I write this mainly because I wish the ABCTV producers would grow up and stop feeding us expensive overseas PERIOD PIECE trash by modern day snobs , who clearly don't know any better about the best of the past .

On PERIOD PIECES. what don't our ageing reactionary media people not understand that they produce such drivel ? Why did Cate Blanchett get herself into that dark piece of modern snobbery that is an Ideal Husband 1999. Too many young Australians do not know what snobbery is and when they are guilty of it . Does Cate too not recognise what makes for good literature? she is not alone in the modern world of post modern panderers to the superficial.

REACTIONARIES- How predictable and backward they are!
It was remarked of that prominent stirrer Bernard Shaw that "he fell off his perch" when he realised, after making a living as a reactionary .that Plato's society was infact more dynamic and interesting than his own ,in many many ways.( he got to the top of the tree and surveyed the countryside objectively?
Our modern ageing reactionaries need to stop revisiting the past with their eyes over their reading glasses. Then they might stop making such trash as An ideal husband and not have kept us so long waiting for good literature .Keep up the good work and we'll keep giving you some !

2005-10-27T19:19:00.000+10:00

at the end of a long day at the office ,can i suggest you watch BRITAS EMPIRE (now on DVD . Nothing like standing back from it and watching . Funny serious yeah!

2005-10-09T09:17:00.001+10:00

WE ARE! worth watching - bookmark us NOW . The media have for too long controlled the agenda - Don't just watch what they promote, but watch what's worth watching.

THE ABC are copying us ! Since we started some years ago, the ABC have highjacked Strattan and Pomeranz off SBS ( The movie show) , now its "MY FAVOURITE MOVIE" . Come on people JOIN IN and generate more than stylish sycophants to the latest craze--you are, after all, more discerning viewers than the masses of noisemakers generated by mere popularity, promotion or pomeranz etc.

2005-09-21T12:59:00.000+10:00

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
After reading reviews me thinks we fear fear more than the basis of the fear itself. Sound study of the human condition says we need to face fears. If there is a way out its definitely not by ignoring the dark side, as too many of us in the older generation continue to do.

2005-09-01T17:20:00.000+10:00

HOUSE OF ELLIOT Beautiful is the word Now out on DVD series 1. PLUS Two Tough sisters with attitude . For the ladies there is nothing but beautiful clothes , Drama - lots of the unexpected and for honest exposure to real historical ideas gone nowhere, the fabian society Now On DVD at the ABC
Don't Forget BRASSED OFF-- excellent story (BBC )drama about Coal workers working together . Blessed with superb band music as well

2005-08-01T21:56:00.000+10:00

Looking for real romance? THE NOTEBOOK is greataccording to a reliable and toghminded single wymen "Great romance, highly recommended" "
Talking of toughminded, While WHEN HARRY MET SALLY is not for mere boys, its good fun for mature non woosy women and a punchy challenge to the shallow worldview of relationships that too many big boys get sucked into.

2005-08-01T21:48:00.000+10:00

Looking for something for 10-14 Y Olds that's not "too bland " . We're finding DISNEYS ENID BLYTON ADVENTURE SERIES good and reliable source of a pleasurable adventure for all .

2005-06-14T23:47:00.000+10:00

AUSTRALIAN STORY -Another great innovation of the ABC . Peter Andrews has got everyone talking about what we should do to look after this great country of ours - what do you think ?
Surely the biggest point is that Rural people KNOW lots that 's being ignored and the government are burning lots of rubber but not providing UNDERSTANDING .The problem is the bureacracy will go into a huddle over this and nomore will be DONE to address the SORES- except perhaps throw more tax at a whole lot more rubber and reactionary recognition. If you want to make a difference on the ground dial up here

2005-05-30T16:00:00.000+10:00

"Mythbusters" on SBS monday nights.

2005-05-24T23:02:00.000+10:00

Foreign Correspondent Aussie ABCTV Tuesdays "Possibly the best regular TV program in Australia" - Agreed -from Ron Plaschke

2005-05-18T21:42:00.000+10:00

Star Wars- enjoyment
while the ageing left struggles fanatically to shore up the dead body of secularism and own your own morality ,ART reminds us that the new generation want the boundaries between right and wrong , good and bad to be clearer- its more fun that way too !

2005-05-13T21:25:00.000+10:00

My old favourite --Its a wonderful life
-----gets a sideswipe in Homealone4 -a modern drama style difficult to resist for our imaginative child( its very violent)- not neccesarily recommended.
For any of you feeling a bit depressed, and not offended by a mere angel allusion and doses of 40' style sentimentality- --Its a wonderful life
a great down to earth movie to remind anyone about how they can contribute in a world of messed up dreams.

Enjoyed ----' Memphis Belle
---too - great engaging drama based on real 2ndWW issues.

2005-03-10T13:07:00.000+11:00

Luther is the tough new story in the current pack- a film not to be missed. Would you prefer another empty indulgence in the shallow games of the market(Howard Hughes and The Aviator ). href="http://www.lutherthemovie.com.au",
If money is power, Howard would be your man, and the powerful his biggest fans.
No, One of the best films of all time said so, years gao
! For those who don't want to follow the bright lights into a cul de sac or yet another lonely room , the question is
"If money is power, why did this poor man make every politician in his world feel very weak.
If ideas and ideals are not important , why are his words enough to toughen up the turntables and turn the world uspide down - including Elizabeth in her time ? Lets hear from Peter Ustinov, Cate Blanchett and Nelson Mandella on this one !

2005-03-05T18:04:00.000+11:00

"Spirit of the people "
- Abraham lincoln's story
Just saw a great old (1940 RKO) production of abe lincoln's story

2005-03-04T11:52:00.000+11:00

TRUE STORIES THE BEST ? Gotta be quick RAY and MARTIN are now showing near you
You probably realise this bloke loves stories from real life . After SBS's review of the life of Howard Hughes i might take a raincheck on the self indulgent ( AVIATOR) and go and see Ray ( Ray Charles)
and Martin ( LUTHER ) INSTEAD ---now showing on a screen near you.

have you seen em ---what do you think?

2005-02-05T15:49:00.000+11:00

A excel spreadsheet will be available on users.gsat.net.au/tuf/gosfilm to download to your pocket Pc next week. Send me an email for a copy - It will save you hours at the video store, and in regrets afterwards

At least worth thinking about ( haven't seen em )
The Aviator, Hotel Rwanda, Eternal Sunshine Spotless Mind, The Return, Dogville, Vera Drake. Weeping Camel

2005-01-06T17:46:00.000+11:00

"The Incredibles "It doesn't matter which scale you use to measure The Incredibles' success. As a comedy, a family film, a social commentary, a superhero movie, and as an animated feature, this movie excels. from Christainity today reviews

2005-01-04T15:40:00.000+11:00

"Howards End" 1991 While this site may just be for summer stuff we watched the original "Howards End" 1991 recently - realistic impressive and lavish family movie with the idealistic - cynical conflict well held .

2004-07-16T12:25:00.000+10:00

"Grisham J" The books are great . Watch out for the films !I John Grishams - great drama , great punchy pieces
The Firm, The Client, the Gingerbread man , the Rainmaker

Come on you lot put some others in . Mind you we only want the best! very select readership here!

2004-06-12T14:56:00.000+10:00

Anything coming up in the movies at holiday time?

2004-02-18T09:05:00.000+11:00

the wickerman see http://www.thevagrantcafe.com/christian films