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ISSUE OCTOBER 2008

 
movies review
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A Complete History of My Sexual Failures,
out to own on DVD Oct 20

IT’S hard to know where to start reviewing this record of Chris Waitt’s efforts to interview his ex-girlfriends as he tries to find out why he keeps getting dumped. There are moments of bizarre comedy but the overall tone is rather uncomfortable. The film is about love, insecurity, loss and hope of redemption. If you live life at all then you’re going to experience at least one of these sooner or later. It isn’t an easy watch but do yourself a favour and give this remarkable film a try.

Daniel King, MoD

Incendiary,
in cinemas October 24

BASED on a prophetic novel released on the same day as the 2005 London bombings, Incendiary probes the issues surrounding a terrorist attack. Focusing on a mum who loses her son and husband in a suicide strike, the film opens powerfully but quickly loses direction. The unnamed widow is caught in a love triangle, gets to know the son of one of the bombers and is embroiled in a police conspiracy. Incendiary fails to cover the many perspectives successfully but is redeemed by strong performances from both Ewan McGregor and Matthew Macfadyen.

incendiary ewan maccregor

 

The Best Man,
out to own on DVD from October 20

COINCIDING with US presidential elections is the reissue of this popular political drama. This intellectual film seeks to answer whether the best man goes to the White House. The 1964 original has lost none of its relevance to today’s audience. The two party front runners have very different character traits, strengths and flaws. Viewers are kept guessing which of the excellently-played individuals will be the leader. Expect sharp exchanges of dialogue and many thought-provoking questions to be raised.

LCpl Paul Thomas, 233 MI Section, Int Corps

the best man

 
Blacula and Scream Blacula Scream,
out to own on DVD now

MADE in the early 70s, the Blaxploitation classics strongly promote the black culture of the time. William Marshall stars as Blacula, an 18th century African prince turned into a vampire by Count Dracula. He’s imprisoned until awoken in 1970s Los Angeles. The sequel tells of Blacula’s return from the dead. Again. Crudely made and shockingly cheesy, both movies have moments of dark humour and are a must for Blaxploitation fans. Everyone else, don’t bother.

LCpl Chris MacCallum, 242 MI Section, Int Corps

blacula

 

The Graduate,
out to own on DVD now

NOW a grand 25-years-old, has The Graduate aged well? From the opening title, catchy Simon and Garfunkel songs play in nostalgic succession, as Ben (Dustin Hoffman) struggles to find purpose in his privileged life. Mrs Robinson (Katherine Ross), Ben’s temptress, plays her role with aristocratic class though she has aged the worst of the film’s characters. Ben’s character displays little emotion, but many of the cult scenes that have been imitated by other films are just as magical today.

LCpl Paul Thomas, 233 MI Section, Int Corps

the graduate

www.mgm.com

Killer Klowns from Outer Space,
out on DVD now

KLOWNS killing? Whatever next? Sorry people, but this movie just doesn’t cut the mustard for any genre. Apparently $2 million was spent making this film and much of that went on production. Yet the Klowns, bless their little cotton socks, looked pretty low cost. Acid custard pies are just not funny, even in this movie. Personally speaking I hate clowns and this does nothing to endear them to me, nor will it you. Puerile B Movie comedy at its worst. Thankfully the Chiodo brothers never made anything else.

WO2 Andy Draper, AGC

killer klowns

www.chiodobros.com
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SOLDIER is on the lookout for movie reviewers.

If you fancy yourself as the next Barry Norman, Jonathan Ross or Mark Kermode (or just want to get your hands on some free DVDs) we want to hear from you.

Just send an 80-word review of your favourite flick so we can judge if you have what it takes. Write or email: Movie Reviews, Soldier, Ordnance Road, Aldershot, Hants GU11 2DU; kthomas@soldiermagazine.co.uk

 
 
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