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Beyond the Sea, a review by Antares

Beyond the Sea





Year: 2004
Film Studio: Lions Gate Films, Archer Street, QI Quality International
Genre: Drama
Length: 118 Min.

Director
Kevin Spacey

Writing
Kevin Spacey...Writer
Lewis Colick...Writer

Producer
Arthur E. Friedman
Andy Paterson (1960)
Jan Fantl
Kevin Spacey
Michael Burns
Peter Block
Jason Constantine
Jim Reeve
Steve Robbins
Thierry Potok
Henning Molfenter
Joanne Horowitz
Douglas E. Hansen
Mark Damon

Cinematographer
Eduardo Serra (1943)


Stars
Kevin Spacey (1959) as Bobby Darin
Kate Bosworth as Sandra Dee
John Goodman (1952) as Steve Blauner
Bob Hoskins as Charlie Cassotto Maffia
Brenda Blethyn (1946) as Polly Cassotto
Greta Scacchi (1960) as Mary Duvan
Caroline Aaron (1952) as Nina Cassotto Maffia
Peter Cincotti as Dick Behrke

ReviewBeyond the SeaAmerican Graffiti had become a blockbuster hit that helped young Rock & RollBeyond the SeaBeyond the SeaRatings Criterion
- The pinnacle of film perfection and excellence.
- Not quite an immortal film, yet a masterpiece in its own right.
- Historically important film, considered a classic.
- Borderline viewable.
- A gangrenous and festering pustule in the chronicles of celluloid.



(From Beyond the Sea (2004) on March 3rd, 2010)

Stalingrad, a review by Rich

durch kaltes Deutschland



This film is a gritty, devastating retelling of the battle for Stalingrad during World War II, in which more than a million and a half soldiers lost their lives. Told from the point of view of the German soldiers, who were under orders to neither retreat nor surrender, this film realistically portrays the brutality of combat.

Having read so many good reviews for this film, I felt slightly disappointed afterwards. It certainly would have more impact in it's original language, the dubbing sounded Monty Pythonesque and detracted from the films moving content. Graphic war scenes, harsh and bitter tale from the soldiers perspective, the film just didn't quite have enough to make it a classic IMO  5/10



(From Around the World in 80 DVD's on January 5th, 2008)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

Title: Life Begins: The Complete Series 1


Certificate:15
Year:2004


Plot:From the creator of Cold Feet comes Life Begins the award-winning drama starring Caroline Quentin.

Maggie thought her 2.4 family life was fairly perfect until her husband runs off with a younger model and all of a sudden she's got to start all over again.  But she soon discovers that what in sales may not be able the worst thing that's ever happened to her.

Episode 1 - Maggie and Phil
Maggie is soon discovering that your life takes a rather sudden tumble when your husband drops the bombshell that it's time to split up.

My Review:

Not a lot of comedy in this pilot episode, which deals with the painful break-up of the couples marriage, it's effect on their children, and the hopelessness felt by the spurned wife as she is left to deal with everything after her husband leaves.
Caroline Quentin is a convincing lead, one who I can imagine will provoke great sympathy in future episodes. The support cast works well, with Alexander Armstrong especially noteworthy as the husband. The writing is superb, as the scenarios, subject matters raised and problems faced are wholly realistic.
This is definately a keeper, and one which I am sure will develop into an interesting drama/comedy.
 

(From My PILOT Marathon on September 29th, 2009)