Connery is a welcome addition to the film, in spite of the sense the filmmakers may have been jumping the shark, and his scenes with his ‘Junior’ are witty and fun. Connery is an old master, knowing just how to play opposite his physically more active co-star.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Character information is sparse and disconnected, while the frequent and intrusive attempts at a light-hearted comic tone are brutally ineffective. The knowing wit evident throughout Raiders is replaced by ham-fisted sight gags, and this forms perhaps the weakest component of the film.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: 
Continue reading Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
In the 27 years that have passed since the original release of Raiders of the Lost Ark there have been countless homages and rip-offs, and even a shot-for-shot copy made by a bunch of kids that brought them to fame. With the impending release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull it seems right to reflect on the original’s greatness.
Rating: 
Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Raiders of the Lost Ark
Watching a ‘well-known’ movie for the first time is fraught – misapprehension may often lead to confusion in the viewers mind. If one can avoid the distraction of a thousand participants in ‘movieoke’, however, and focus solely on the incredible leading performance and striking depiction of one man’s developing insanity, Taxi Driver is well worth the effort.
Rating: Hoopla Factor: Continue reading Taxi Driver
So the institution known as the hoopla.nu classic movie review is quickly becoming a place for me to have a whinge about those older films that everyone knows and loves. I did it with Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Continue reading The Sound of Music
Featuring an insider’s attitude to filmmaking, a wry wit and an all-star cast, Paris – When It Sizzles nevertheless fails to be as appealing as other films in the Audrey Hepburn oeuvre. Perhaps it is the lack of plot? Or Continue reading Paris – When It Sizzles
In 1963, Paul Newman was smack bang in the middle of a decade of classic filmmaking that included Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The Hustler, Hud, Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Widely regarded as Continue reading Hud
One could be forgiven for assuming a film about political corruption made in the 1930’s could have nothing to say in these more sophisticated times, but that would be to downplay the significance of Frank Capra’s classic. From a time Continue reading Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
12 Angry Men is a stunning piece of cinema – just as full of meaning today as when it was originally made, it demonstrates some basic priniciples of law and of life. That all men should be equal. That innocence Continue reading 12 Angry Men
The Last House on the Left was recently released on DVD here in Australia, and apparently it’s the first time it’s been available in the country since its release way back in 1972. Knowing that a film’s been banned (especially Continue reading The Last House on the Left