Do You Love Me

Film: Dirty Dancing
Certificate: 12A
Duration: 100 mins
Year of Release: 1987
Genre: Romance
Director(s): Emile Ardolino
Writer(s): Eleanor Bergstein
Cast: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack Weston, Jane Brucker, Kelly Bishop, Lonny Price, Neal Jones, Wayne Knight


It's the summer of 1963 and Baby (Jennifer Grey) along with her family have headed to Kellerman's, a holiday camp owned by one of her father's patients. There, she meets and falls in love with the camps handsome dancing instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze). But things don't run smoothly especially when Baby's father finds out about their secret romance.

Cheesy, cliché, predictable and a film which will strike terror in most men at the mere mention of its name. But whilst all those may hold some amount of truth, there is no denying that "Dirty Dancing" is unbelievably popular, not just with those who enjoyed it on its release in 1987 but with countless generations since and not just female audiences either. With a decent mix of romance, reasonable performances and brilliant music it manages to rise above some of the cheesiest dialogue in cinematic history to provide an enjoyable and entertaining experience.

On the surface the plot appears to be nothing more than your typical romantic faire where a blossoming relationship between two lovers on different sides of the track fails for one reason or another only for the young lovers to realise that maybe what they've got is worth fighting for. Turn this into a holiday romance and you then have a plot which will make every teenage girl and a few older ones fantasize, and of course a few men to. But most significantly, set it in the 60s a time when everything seemed so simple and no one was worried about what the future held and you have not the most complex of stories but one which many viewers will not only be able to relate too but also enjoy. The essence of the film is predictable and you know exactly how things will turn out for the young lover's way before you get to the cringe worthy climax of the film, but instead of spoiling the movie it works in its favour making it unbelievably easy to watch. What is also good about this simple plot is that other than a couple of minor add-ons, such as Baby's sisters romance with a waiter and the old couple who happen to be small time thieves, nothing gets in the way of telling the main romantic story. Of course, the film is littered with some stereotypical scenes many of which revolve around the intimate dancing between Baby and Johnny, but also along the way we get scenes where Baby's father realises that his little girl has been hiding things from him and the now classic where Johnny decides that his love for Baby is more important than anything. Whilst they may be stereotypical and at times pretty cheesy they are worked well within the film giving it a dose of realism. Even the unbelievably cheesy dialogue actually works brilliantly in the film. Who has never heard the utterly terrible "No one puts Baby in the corner" without laughing but in this simple romantic story it works and like with some of the scenes, "Dirty Dancing" manages to use it to its full advantage, making it one of the most memorable films from the 80s.

Of course the film would not be so memorable without the appeal of its stars, most notably Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze. Despite having been in a few films prior to Dirty Dancing, both stars were not exactly house hold names and whilst Swayze's career seems to have gone on to bigger and better things, Grey seems to reach her pinnacle with "Dirty Dancing". But despite not being huge stars, they carried the film brilliantly, with Grey beautifully portraying Baby who experiences first love whilst also dealing with no longer being the apple of her father's eyes after disappointing him. Whilst Swayze, a man who at times lacks the finesses of a proper actor, manages to use his raw acting ability to make the character of Johnny feel very real, as he has to deal with being involved with someone on the more affluent side of the tracks. Of course you can't mention Swayze without at least commenting on his snake hips, and although I cannot see what the great appeal is he can certainly dance and shows this skill off brilliantly through out the whole movie. Even the chemistry between Swayze and Grey does come across as being pretty real and whilst it is hard to forget that you are watching two stars act, you get a sense that they were actually falling in love. Looking at the supporting cast, they all do a good job allowing Grey and Swayze to take centre stage, even the annoying Wayne Knight, who plays an entertainer, manages to be pretty unobtrusive. But one supporting actor does deserve a mention and that is Jerry Orbach as Baby's father, Dr. Houseman. For most of the film he is just there, but when it becomes apparent that his little girl has betrayed him by falling in love, his performance is brilliant as you see the angst of realising that his little girl is now a woman.

Whilst there is not much to say about the direction other than director Emile Ardolino has done a great job of keeping the film focused on the storyline, and brilliantly capturing the feel of the 60s. There is a lot to say about the soundtrack, one which is a huge factor in not only the success of the film but also a hugely enjoyable part for me. Littered with wonderful songs from the 60s, such as "Big Girls Don't Cry", "Do You Love Me" and "Love Man" to name just a few, it really does assist the film in not only setting the tempo of each and every scene but also taking you effectively back to an era of rock n roll and sweet soul music. But it is not just the old songs which make the film and probably the most famous song to come from the film is the slightly cheesy, but enjoyable "(I've Had) The Time of My Life" and who can forget "She's like the Wind", penned and sung by Patrick Swayze. All in all, a really fitting and enjoyable soundtrack.


So, as a red blooded male, does "Dirty Dancing" strike terror in my heart, maybe once upon a time, but no longer. In fact despite all that is wrong with the film, from being predictable, soppy and incredibly cheesy I have to admit to liking it. Compared too many romantic films it manages to stay focussed on the main plot and does not attempt to be anything more than a feel good, romance which will actually get you championing the course of the young lovers. It also helps that the performances and chemistry between the stars actually feels real, making the film that little bit better than the majority of romances. But undeniably the soundtrack is a huge reason as to why the film is so good, well for me anyway. Even after 20 years, "Dirty Dancing" still seems as popular as ever and I cannot see it ever falling from the lists of people's favourite films. Definitely a film to curl up to, with a loved one and a decent glass of wine any evening of the week.

Read More......

Anyone Call For a Taxi

Film: Man on The Moon
Certificate: 15
Duration: 118 mins
Year of Release: 1999
Genre: Biopic, Comedy, Drama
Director(s): Milos Forman
Writer(s): Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
Cast: Jim Carrey, Paul Giamatti , Courtney Love, Danny DeVito, Gerry Becker, Pamela Abdy, Wendy Polland, Gerry Robert Byrne , Cash Oshman, Melanie Vesey, Michael Kelly, Vincent Schiavelli, Molly Schaffer, Howard West, Greg Travis, George Shapiro


Based upon the life of avant-garde comedian Andy Kaufman (Jim Carrey), “Man on the Moon” follows Kaufman’s life from his early days as a struggling comedian testing his act on the small audiences in the local clubs and bars. After meeting celebrity agent George Shapiro (Danny DeVito), stardom beckoned as he became phenomenally popular as Latka in the American sit-com “Taxi”. But despite his success, he despised the commercialism of the comedy and through a series of strange stunts, which included wrestling with women and his alter ego, vile lounge singer Tony Clifton, his popularity amongst the audiences and the Television producers waned.

As a child I have fond memories of watching the American sit-com “Taxi” and crying with laughter at the hilarious antics of Latka a humble mechanic. So when a biopic of Andy Kaufman, the man behind Latka, came out I was quite keen to watch it and not only hopefully reminisce at some of the humour which I loved but also to find out more about this relatively unknown comedian. Well it was definitely not what I was expecting, maybe because I only really knew of Kaufman from his Taxi days, where as “Man on the Moon” focuses more on the before and after the “Taxi” period, giving a deeper look at the man rather than just his comedy. Whilst it was not what I was expecting, it was still and absolutely brilliant film which although suffering from a bit of poetic licence not only entertains but also educates.

After a rather wacky opening and a quick prologue, as we are introduced to Kaufman as a young child who pretended that his bedroom was his own TV studio much to his parent’s dismay, the film nicely moves into the main thrux. In fact the film could easily be split into three distinctive sections, with the first of these looking at Kaufman as the struggling entertainer working the clubs and bars. Whilst the film seems to move over this part quite quickly, it does set up the background as to how Kaufman succeeded in becoming the popular entertainer he was, with his rather unusual brand of humour and also introduces his relationship with his agent George Shapiro and writing partner Bob Zmuda. The second part of the film is where things really starts to lift off as we get a glimpse of “Taxi” which has been recreated amazingly well but more significantly we get a deeper look at Kaufman and what makes him tick, and most surprisingly his hatred of performing in the sit-com as well as his alter ego, the vile lounge room singer Tony Clifton. The final part of the film takes us through what can only be described as his self-destruction, as he performed more and more outrageous stunts which caused his legions of fans to turn against him, culminating with him being dropped from the American show “Saturday Night Live”. What is quite amazing is in retrospect some of the stunts he pulled were quite tame compared to today’s comedians, they really did have an adverse affect on his career. Whilst the film makers have used a bit of poetic licence in the time line of events, most notably what appears to be his final appearance at Carnegie hall having actually happened a while before it is shown to, the film has a remarkable real feel to it. Even the rather weird intro as well as a rather strange ending, feel like they fit perfectly into a biopic about this unconventional entertainer. What is also quite surprising is that for anyone who is unfamiliar with Kaufman will undoubtedly finish this film feeling educated they will also be left with loads of questions floating around in their heads, which adds to the mystery surrounding this misunderstood comic genius.

Whilst the storyline is top notch and keeps you interested through out, it is the performance of Jim Carrey which is the real highlight of this film. Whilst in the past Carrey has become renowned for over the top characters which allow him to goof off in front on the cameras to his hearts content, his performance as Kaufman is greatly toned down and in doing so is probably his finest to date. Right from the outset, with the novel intro scene Carrey becomes Kaufman, not just to the extent that you feel you are watching Carrey imitating the comedian but you have a rather strange feeling that you are watching Kaufman act in his own biopic, that is how good Carrey’s performance is. Also making this film so good is Danny DeVito as his agent George Shapiro, like Carrey, you stop thinking that you are watching the diminutive DeVito but you are watching this man called Shapiro who somehow managed to understand what Kaufman was trying to do with his comedy. I also had to smile as DeVito was one of the actors who originally appeared in “Taxi” so to cast him in such an important role in this film was a nice touch. Whilst Carrey is rightly the star and DeVito is brilliant as a supporting actor, the film also has great performances from Paul Giamatti as Kaufman’s writing partner, Bob Zmuda, and also Courtney Love as Lynn Margulies as Kaufman’s wife. This quartet of actors, through what comes across as a real team effort, not only manage to bring each of their characters to life, but also make this film one brilliant biopic.

Praise should also go to director Milos Forman who has managed to combine entertainment with information in away which offers something for everyone, no matter if you have never heard of Kaufman before or are a long time fan. Helped by the outstanding performances from all the cast, he effectively transports you back to the late 70s/ early 80s where they action takes place making the film feel like you are actually there whilst Kaufman’s life unfolds. Also what is quite noticeable is the use of the R.E.M. song “Man on the Moon” which not only features in the title of the film but predominantly through out, so much so that it is the only song from the entire film which I can remember.


As biopics go ”Man on the Moon” has to be one of the best I have seen in a few years, with not only a brilliant story but also exceptional performances to go with it. I doubt that anyone other than Jim Carrey could have played Andy Kaufman so convincingly, and a lot of praise should go to him for his self control in not over egging his performance. The same can be said of all his co-stars as not only do they individually put in sterling performances but they seem to effortless gel together in front of the camera. Whilst the film makers have undoubtedly used poetic licence in the order of events, it was a pleasant change to see that they didn’t try to sanitize a character whose darker, unseen side was a huge part of his overall make-up. Whilst I would love to recommend this film to everyone, I feel that anyone who has never heard of Andy Kaufman will struggle to gain a complete satisfaction from watching this and may miss out on some of the subtleties which are brilliantly displayed within this biopic.

Read More......

It don't mean a thing if you ain't got that swing

Film: Spider-Man
Certificate: 12
Duration: 116 mins
Year of Release: 2002
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller
Director(s): Sam Raimi
Writer(s): Stan Lee, Steve Ditko
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Joe Manganiello, Gerry Becker, Bill Nunn


When Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) is bitten by a genetically enhanced spider, whilst on a school field trip, he suddenly develops some surprising abilities which include climbing buildings and spinning webs. But it is not until a family disaster strikes that he decides to use his new found abilities for the good of all and sets about fighting crime under the alias of Spider-Man. When the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) starts wreaking havoc through out New York and puts Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst), Peter's neighbour and the girl he secretly loves, in danger. Spider-Man steps up to the mark and takes on this evil nemesis.

Whilst I won't claim to be an aficionado on Spider-Man, or any other comic book super hero for that matter, out of all these champions of justice which I grew up with, Spider-Man was always my favourite. Although Superman could fly and Batman had the coolest gadgets, Spider-Man could climb, swing, and jump, some might even say he was the inspiration behind Parkour, free running to you and me. So when back in 2002 a big budget film was made all about my childhood super hero, I eagerly waited to be entertained and I certainly wasn't disappointed.

What is quite surprising about "Spider-Man" is that it has a hugely detailed storyline, and although heavily laden with wonderfully shot action sequences and special effects, it never strays from focussing on the plot. Being the first live action Spider-Man film that I can remember it is no surprise that they decided to start at the beginning covering the way in which Peter Parker miraculously gets his amazing powers. This intro is brilliant for anyone who is unfamiliar with the comics as whilst moving at quite a pace it delivers enough information that you understand how and why Peter parker is suddenly able to climb buildings and swing from roof top to roof top. The actual scenes where he discovers these abilities are both funny as well as clever and whilst I cannot say how true these are to the comic books I am lead to believe that they have managed to cram several issues of the comic into to just the first half hour of the film. As well as teaching us all about his special abilities, the film also sets up other elements which are hugely important to the rest of the film. We are introduced to his Uncle and Aunt who he lives with as well as Mary Jane his next door neighbour who he secretly loves. Both these elements are extremely important to later storylines as is his relationship with Harry Osborn a rich kid who is his best friend at school.

Following on from this brilliant introduction to Peter Parker the film continues with the recap by showing us why and how he became the crime fighting vigilante Spider-Man. Again as in the first half hour, the director has managed to mix factual information from the comics with humour to make this feel like part of the drama rather than just a history lesson. For me the best part of this second section has to be when he dons the Spider-Man outfit for the first time, not wanting to sound sad, it did send shivers through out my body as it is just how I imagined it should be. It is actually in this second part where a lot of effort has gone into building up the relationships between all the key people and this really helps you understand not only what motivates Peter but also other key characters, such as Harry Osborne and his father. Whilst those who are familiar with the Spider-man back story may feel a little disappointed that over half the film was given to providing this background, I personally found it really good as it helped me remember things I had forgotten and of course would help anyone who was unaware of the Spider-Man story. It is no surprise after having given us so much back history that a sequel was made and now a third is about to hit our screens, as you get a real sense that they were planning ahead with several elements which were included in this first film.

Having spent over half the film giving us the back history, the film then seems to switch into over drive as we get to the battle between Spider-man and the Green Goblin. What is particularly great about this second half is they keep up with what they had started in the first half and that is putting most of the emphasis on the plot rather than just throwing action and special effects at us at every opportunity. It is no surprise that this second half seems to follow the now tried and tested route where are two main focuses, good and evil, have several minor scrapes before battling it out in a huge climax. Not that I am complaining, as this route although predictable is hugely enjoyable and the final battle is an absolute joy to watch. It is also in this second half where the romantic storyline which had been smouldering in the background gets more screen time. Whilst not your traditional romantic plot, it adds more meaning as well as depth to the story and also paves the way for a scene between Spider-Man and Mary Jane which whilst not explicit or erotic is amazingly sensual in the way it is shot.

Again, it is no surprise that being an action movie that the film is steeped in special effects and whilst some of them look amazing others are spectacularly bad. The scenes later on in the film which see Spider-Man pitied against the Green Goblin are not only brilliantly choreographed action sequences but the use of CGI is seamlessly incorporated without you really noticing when real life becomes pixels. But then if you look at the earlier scenes which see Peter Parker exploring his new found abilities by leaping from building to building they look terribly fake and rather disappointing to be honest. Not that these scenes really spoil the overall entertaining effect of the film but do seem strangely out of place in what otherwise is an exceptionally well crafted movie.

One of the most critical aspects of making "Spider-Man" the great film that it is has to be in the casting and even down to the tiniest parts the director and casting team have done a superb job. Most notably the casting of Tobey Maguire in the role of Peter Parker/ Spider-Man is for me spot on. His early transformation from weedy school geek to toned super hero is surprisingly effective but it is also in Maguire's mannerisms which really make his performance perfect for me. From the pining look in his face when ever he is around Mary Jane, too the joy and bewilderment when he discovers his super powers, everything is spot on. Whilst I was not overly familiar with the character of Mary Jane from the comics, the casting of Kirsten Dunst for me was a great choice and the chemistry between Dunst and Maguire on the screen was a surprising bonus. To be honest I cannot fault a single performance or choice of actor from Willem Dafoe as the Green Goblin, James Franco as Harry Osborn and even Rosemary Harris as Aunt May, every single one fitted my ideas of the character perfectly and helped bring the film to life. But one actor does deserve a special mention and that is J.K. Simmons as Newspaper editor J. Jonah Jameson, whose performance is not only exceptional but also the fact the way he brought the character to life on the big screen was exactly how I imagined it to be and he pretty much steals the show in every scene he appears..

It would be wrong to not mention the sterling work that director Sam Raimi has done in bringing Spider-Man to the big screen. Despite a couple of issues with the special effects everything else he has done with this film is spot on and is truly a pleasure to watch. The thing which stands out the most for me was the brilliant way he managed to include so much back history into the film with out making seem dull and boring. It would have been quite easy to make "Spider-Man" to comical as in the likes of "Batman and Robin" or too serious as in "Batman Begins", but he has found the perfect middle ground providing humour as well as drama in a true comic sense.


Well as you can probably surmise from the above I am a huge fan of this film and whilst it does have a few faults which prevent it from being 100% perfect, for me it is one of the better transfers of a comic book hero to the big screen. The plot behind the film not only introduces the character of Spider-Man to a new generation but also provides a decent action storyline for those who already know it. The smouldering romantic plot between Peter and Mary Jane works brilliantly throughout the entire movie and also gives us one very sensual and memorable scenes. Most importantly, and as you would expect, this film has some brilliant action sequences which whilst being realistic do not really dwell on the violence aspect of the fights making this a more family orientated film, well it has a 12 certificate.

Read More......