George-Miller Movie Reviews

This series shows what excellent TV is all about. NOT snazzy special effects. The first episode gets one to look past the obvious toy landscapes really fast. As a matter of fact, they play a good part in stimulating the imagination to make everything that much more real, if that makes sense. This is ALL ABOUT THE STORY and great and intense acting. Star Wars may be higher budget, but looks cheesy in comparison. This is an epic of a gang of outcasts, criminals, and rebels, that form a haphazard revolutionary force brought together by fateful circumstances catching everybody in their stream. One gets to understand and like these characters, colorful and even somewhat repulsive some of them may be - human nature in all its detail and contradictions. The series lead author, Terry Nation, may ring a bell from what must be a horrendous pile of books, and some of the finest Dr. Who episodes. The final moments of Blake's friends are truly memorable and will touch you - but watch the series' other episodes, preferrably the whole thing, first.
After "UFO", "The Avengers", "Reilly", "Cosmos", and the "Thunderbirds" I'm afraid this series belongs into my must have category - I wish there were a bargain on a complete collector's box set. ...How about DVD? Amazon[.com], oh Amazon[.col], please talk them into a DVD set!

The last vol of the series Blake's 7 entitled WARLORD and BLAKE

In the epsidoe entitled WARLORD
The Federation pacification program has caught on like wildfire. Soon no one will be able to stop the Federation ever growing grip on the universe. In a last ditch effort Avon has called on the non allied planets to a conference. These worlds working as one could make the anti-toxin needed to stop the Federation cold in its tracks. But everything hinges on the mighty warlord known as Zukan. It is Zukan who holds the most powerful fleet in the universe that could help these other planets fight off the Federation and give them the time needed to give the anti-toxin to those and begins a full scale war aginst the Federation. Avon thinks he may have finally done it finally but an end to the Federation takeover of the known universe. But something doesn't seem right Zukan seems to be thinking of other things. Has Avon gambled and lost?
In the final episode entitled BLAKE

This is it. Everything that has happen that will happen is in this episode. And with that in mind nothing else of this episode shall be mentioned. The ending will make your jaw drop. If you read the other reviews of this episode they will all agree this is one thing that no one can write about. It is an episode that must be watched to be belived. On a personal note this final episode truly shows the scope of the series from the final words spoken in the first epsidoe THE WAY BACK "No I shall be coming back" muttred by Blake to the final few moments of this episode called BLAKE. A series that made sci-fi what it is today and shall be rembered by this reviwer in the years to come.

A great 2 episode build up to a natural, albeit shocking, conclusion to the TV Blake's 7 series. The final moments of the doomy last episode are suitably catastrophic. I remember seeing the episodes in 1981 and that haunting last image stayed with me forever. Excellent!

I love to watch this movie every Christmas! The story concerns a family living in Australia in the 1800's. Australia is very hot at Christmas, because their summer is then, so the holiday gets celebrated very differently. During the story, a drought is on and everything is dying. The family is very poor and can't afford to buy gifts but their little boy is sure that "Father Christmas" whom he thinks he's met in person, will get him a gift if he's good. When a scoundrel pretending to be Father Christmas, and the local rich man get involved, it becomes a Christmas none of them ever forget. The movie has one scene that would make it worth watching anyway, even if it weren't a good movie: the scene where they try to have a traditional English Christmas (complete with Yule log in 100 + weather) and the roasted pig takes a header across the room. You'll love it!

What a wonderful, overlooked holiday film. An amazing cast of characters that reveals the hard life in turn of the century Australia. One of our families annual traditions is to watch this movie together.

A different look at Christmas in a different culture with fine acting, crisp dialogue, good humor and the underlying true meaning of Christmas coming through without overbearing moral overtones. A wonderful, entertaining alternative to typical Hollywood gushy Christmas shows produced with half-wits in mind.

I love to watch this movie every Christmas! The story concerns a family living in Australia in the 1800's. Australia is very hot at Christmas, because their summer is then, so the holiday gets celebrated very differently. During the story, a drought is on and everything is dying. The family is very poor and can't afford to buy gifts but their little boy is sure that "Father Christmas" whom he thinks he's met in person, will get him a gift if he's good. When a scoundrel pretending to be Father Christmas, and the local rich man get involved, it becomes a Christmas none of them ever forget. The movie has one scene that would make it worth watching anyway, even if it weren't a good movie: the scene where they try to have a traditional English Christmas (complete with Yule log in 100 + weather) and the roasted pig takes a header across the room. You'll love it!

What a wonderful, overlooked holiday film. An amazing cast of characters that reveals the hard life in turn of the century Australia. One of our families annual traditions is to watch this movie together.

A different look at Christmas in a different culture with fine acting, crisp dialogue, good humor and the underlying true meaning of Christmas coming through without overbearing moral overtones. A wonderful, entertaining alternative to typical Hollywood gushy Christmas shows produced with half-wits in mind.

The next two episodes titled Project Avalon and Breakdown
In Project Avalon we find Blake and the others heading to a planet held by the federation. Blake intends to find the rebel leader in hopes to get more crew and possably a way to get the federation off his back. Travis and Servalan are already on the planet having captured the leader decide to make her the tool of Blake destruction. Blake telports down to the site where he was to meet her. All he finds is death. He figures out the federation has her. He makes a daring raid into the compund and gets her out alive. Blake wondering why all the guards missed while shooting at him or even why Travis didn't try and take his head off? Something is very wrong and if Blake can't figure out why soon then he and all the others on board the Liberator may just very well die.
In Breakdown Gan implanted chip which controls his aggression is breaking down. Gan losses all reason and attacks the crew. Blake knowing that none of them are docotrs can do nothing for him. Zen informs Blake that many planets and space stations with the right medical care for Gan are to far away. Excpet that Avon knows of a space station very close but they have to cross a part of space unkonwn even to Zen. They set course for the space station XK72. Gan holding onto dear life and Zen stops working and the crew have to fly by the seat of thier pants to get through. Once agin Blake does all he can to save the life of his fellow crewmen all the while the federation have found Blake and pursuit ships are hot on there heels.

Volume 5 of the "Blake's 7" video series contains two more episodes of this classic British sci-fi TV series. These two episodes continue the interplanetary saga of Blake, the rebel leader who, together with a crew of convicts and outcasts, wages an unrelenting war against the tyrannical Federation.

In "Project Avalon," Federation officer Travis plots to use another rebel leader as a lure in order to capture Blake. This episode contains a good sci-fi plot device. In the next episode, "Breakdown," Blake's crewman Gan suffers a devastating medical emergency when his brain implant malfunctions. Blake seeks medical aid from a neutral research station. This episode offers a fascinating window into the politics and personal conflicts caused by the Federation's dominance of so many worlds. Together, these episodes exemplify the suspense, memorable dialogue, and intriguing characterizations that have made this series such a cult favorite. If you are a fan of great British science fiction, don't miss this volume in the "Blake's 7" saga.

Finally, two enjoyable Blake's 7 episodes running consecutively - meaning they are both on the same tape! "Project Avalon" and "Breakdown" are among the highlights of the series' first season - both are taut, suspenseful stories which plots that progress and develop. "Project Avalon" continues Blake's Robin Hood style quest against the Federation; this time he is coming to the aid of another high profile freedom fighter, Avalon. But she has been captured by Travis, and the rescue attempt begins. The fact that viewers have the foreknowledge that Travis is setting a trap for Blake, but are unaware of its exact nature, adds to the tension. While Stephen Greif's performance of Blake's nemesis is good, and his character firmly established, it is at this point evident he is the central enemy - he will be behind all plots, schemes and machinations and, because of the hero/villain rule, will never be successful. This is perhaps the only problem with Travis - the character's single-mindedness can only lead to "single-plottedness" as well. But this is not to fault "Project Avalon". The atmosphere builds up as the story progresses, with the plot shifting between two halves: the "action" half, in which the task is to get into the complex and rescue Avalon. This includes walking through caves and corridors, a not very well realised shootout and the obligatory retreat and escape. In my opinion, this is the poorer half. Much better is the "suspense" half, after the crew escape in the Liberator. This is indeed suspenseful - the pace of the story has slowed down, but in its place is the creeping anxiety that something is not quite right - the true nature of Travis's plan will be revealed. "Project Avalon" is the kind of story with fast and slow moments, but the story is served better by the slower paced scenes, rather than the outright action packed ones. The following episode, "Breakdown", is also played out in two halves, although neither are clearly divided between action and suspense. Blake is forced to face an interesting dilemma. A malfunctioning limiter implant puts Gan's life at risk - he will die if he does not get specialist medical treatment. But as the Liberator crew are wanted criminals, where do they turn? The two halves serving the plot make for a well balanced story - the first is the race against time, and journeying into the unknown, to find help for Gan. The second part of the story deals with what unfolds when they arrive at their destination. Unlike "Project Avalon", this episode explores more character traits - Jenna's loyalty, as she will not give up on Gan; Cally's naivete and alien (almost child-like) innocence where she deplores restraining Gan, and Gan's ability to trick her into releasing him; Avon's motives and his preparedness to leave Blake. The episode also tackles the issue of neutrality - its feasibility and, indeed, whether it succeeds or fails. This is the cue for the always brilliant actor, and perhaps the biggest guest star in the series so far, Julian Glover. He plays the neurosurgeon Kayn, a member of a neutral space station, XK-72; Kayn is in fact a Federation sympathiser who informs them of Blake's presence. Glover plays Kayn with an icy coolness; a blend of arrogance and determination. One of the best moments of the story is when Blake threatens to destroy his hands; the other is after Kayn murders the station administrator - a long shot when the neurosurgeon stares at his own hands, reflecting on what he has just done. There is one irritating quibble with this story. Surely the crew of XK-72 shouldn't have to wait for the administrator's order when a plasma bolt is about to hit them? Surely it's not as bureaucratic as that? Arrrgh! However, it doesn't ruin "Breakdown". Nothing can ruin either of these excellent episodes of Blake's 7.

The next vol. of Blake's 7 entitled Horizon and Pressure Point

Epsiode entitled Horizon
Blake and the others have come to what they know as the edge of Federation space thier they find a lone planet called Horizon. They spot a deep space Federation transport ship heading for Horizon. Blake wonders what the Federation wants out here in the middle of know where. Nither Zen nor ORAC can figure out why so Blake decides to find out. There he finds Federation soldiers working with a primative people. Some seem to be mining something while others seem to be reaping the rewards of being freinds with the Federation. Blake has to find out the truth behind Horizon or die trying.
The next episode entitled PRESSURE POINT
Blake has just made course corrections to Earth. There he intends to rip out the very heart of the Federation the computer known as Control. Gan points out to blake and the others that control is the one place in the Federation where no one has broken into. blake doesn't care he want's to end this war with the Federation and to do that he must destroy control. A group of rebels operating on earth are meeting with Blake and the others. Servalan and Travis have been watching this group for sometime to spring on Blake and the others. Can Blake win? Can the Federation be stopped in one dangerous gamble? After watching this epsiode the of Blake 7 will never be the same again.

Volume 9 of "Blake's 7" on video contains two more episodes of this classic British sci-fi series. These episodes continue the saga of Blake, a rebel who is waging an interplanetary war against the oppressive Federation.

In "Horizon" (the first episode on the tape), Blake and his crew travel to the distant planet Horizon, where the natives are being ruthlessly exploited as slave labor by the Federation. A struggle emerges involving Blake's crew, the visiting Federation official, and the native leader who has been turned into a Federation puppet. I can't help but view this episode as an ironic commentary on England's own colonial past in Africa and India.

In "Pressure Point," the next episode, Blake plans a daring strike on Earth, the heart of the Federation. This is a grim and suspenseful episode. This installment also offers a tantalizing glimpse into the background of Blake's nemesis Servalan.

These episodes contain many of the elements that make B7 such a compelling saga: intriguing characters, intelligent dialogue, and low-budget inventiveness. Essential viewing for fans of great sci-fi sagas.

More classics of a classic series!

"Horizon" features an original and frightening aspect of what happens when the entire crew (but one) are captured and sent into slave labor. The one remaining is Avon, who has from the start wanted to keep out of harm's (and Blake's vigilante-like) way. Avon saves them in the end.

Another refreshing part is Ro, who rules planet Horizon - who is actually a puppet by some Federation people who are there only to mine the planet's resources. Ro and his mate come across as real people, not just stick figures, and that adds GREATLY to an already superb story.

"Pressure Point" is sadly predictable in terms of the old "Let's advertise an empty room as being our control center" even though such tactics do work in real life, even to this day. What is unpredictable is the death of one character. It's not the strongest death scene every made for the series or ever made, period, but it suffices for what it needs to do. This story features a wealth of strong characters and typical Federation brutality which surely must have tempted British censors!

BUY IT NOW!

Robin is at his best when the script is either loose or nonexistent. Here you will see some of Robin's best works. A masterpiece in its own right. Get this movie for fantastic ad-libbed brilliance. Also, with guest singer Paul Simon and brief appearance by Art Garfunkel... how can you go wrong?

There is only one thing better than Saturday Night Live and thats Robin Wiliams live! He is really out there and can make me laugh like no one else! He does some great skits on this video including acting out Shakespear and my favourite in the future with Dana Carvey as his son! This is another rare snl video so if you can get a hold of it don't hesitate to snap it up!

I bought this movie because I am taking an acting class on character study, and I am working on a scene from Stephen Metcalfe's "Strange Snow", the play upon which "Jacknife" is based. Since the play's script is no longer available, I had to go with the movie to get the "big picture" of the characters and their motivations. But damn! What a great movie! The acting is just stupendous and the climactic scene with Ed Harris & De Niro is so powerful. Wish it was on DVD!

I agree with all the other reviews...this is a beautifully acted piece by Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. I remember seeing this for the first time in a theater and was completely blown away by the performances and the way the subject matter was handled.

For my money, the scene near the end, when "Jacknife" finally gets Davey to break through his pain about their pal Bobby dying in Vietnam, is one of the most heartbreaking I've ever seen in any film.

Ed Harris is simply remarkable and damn near steals the film. This was the first time I'd seen Kathy Baker, and I don't think she's ever been better. And De Niro...wow. This was a peformance from him that I'd never seen before, and he just knocked me off my seat.

Now if someone can get the rights to this film and get it on DVD...that would be great.

As a Viet Nam veteran, this movie had a tremendous impact on me when I first saw it. Each time I watch it, I am totally engrossed by not only the subject matter, but in the finest performances I have seen, by not only Robert DiNiro, but also Kathy Baker and Ed Harris. This is a tender, yet gut wrenching story of a Viet Nam vet, DiNiro, who returns home to help another vet, Ed Harris, finally come to terms with their tragically entwined past. In the process he meets and falls in love with his friends sister, played by Kathy Baker, in a masterful and understated performance which lends credibility to the adage that sometimes less is more. I truly feel that this movie, and all it's stars, should have at least been nominated for Academy Awards. A truly gripping and realistic drama.

I bought this movie because I am taking an acting class on character study, and I am working on a scene from Stephen Metcalfe's "Strange Snow", the play upon which "Jacknife" is based. Since the play's script is no longer available, I had to go with the movie to get the "big picture" of the characters and their motivations. But damn! What a great movie! The acting is just stupendous and the climactic scene with Ed Harris & De Niro is so powerful. Wish it was on DVD!

I agree with all the other reviews...this is a beautifully acted piece by Robert De Niro, Ed Harris and Kathy Baker. I remember seeing this for the first time in a theater and was completely blown away by the performances and the way the subject matter was handled.

For my money, the scene near the end, when "Jacknife" finally gets Davey to break through his pain about their pal Bobby dying in Vietnam, is one of the most heartbreaking I've ever seen in any film.

Ed Harris is simply remarkable and damn near steals the film. This was the first time I'd seen Kathy Baker, and I don't think she's ever been better. And De Niro...wow. This was a peformance from him that I'd never seen before, and he just knocked me off my seat.

Now if someone can get the rights to this film and get it on DVD...that would be great.

As a Viet Nam veteran, this movie had a tremendous impact on me when I first saw it. Each time I watch it, I am totally engrossed by not only the subject matter, but in the finest performances I have seen, by not only Robert DiNiro, but also Kathy Baker and Ed Harris. This is a tender, yet gut wrenching story of a Viet Nam vet, DiNiro, who returns home to help another vet, Ed Harris, finally come to terms with their tragically entwined past. In the process he meets and falls in love with his friends sister, played by Kathy Baker, in a masterful and understated performance which lends credibility to the adage that sometimes less is more. I truly feel that this movie, and all it's stars, should have at least been nominated for Academy Awards. A truly gripping and realistic drama.

Funny, funny stuff, but i wanted more Toonces and less of eveything else.

Toonces & friends was so funny! It's a must own!!! Needs to be re-released and in DVD format. I would certainly buy it for myself and for friends. It would make a great stocking stuffer.

Remember when Saturday Night Live was funny? Well, if you don't remember Toonces, then you missed out on some pretty hilarious skits. This particular video is entitled "Toonces and Friends," which kind of urks me because I wanted more of Toonces and less of his friends. However, most of the skits are funny, such as Coach Dobbs, Scruffy the Rat and Abe Lincoln and His Time Machine. The only one I didn't find funny at all was that bizarre Fugitive Couple skit. It was dumb.

As Steve Martin says, Toonces can drive... just not very well. In every Toonces skit, he winds up driving himself and his passengers over a cliff. Aside from these moments, a comedic gem is when we see Toonces stuck on the hubcap of a moving car.

This is a pretty hard to find tape, so if you can find it, get it. Just know it's of low quality as it was recorded in EP mode (see how much better DVD is?)

It was alright, but I wanted to see more of the skits with
Tripp in them. They cut a lot of them out of this, but it
was fun to watch anyway.

Darrell Hammond's "Bill Clinton" and John Goodman's "Linda Tripp" have to stand as two of the funniest comic performances even done on the long-running television show.

They bring tears to my eyes and probably do the same for the pair parodied.

This is one great "best of." Every skit is so funny. I think if you love political humor, you'll love this one. It's worth viewing.