1940's Flashbacks DVD

Advantages: Outstanding script, plot, cast and direction
Disadvantages: None

...Barry Norman for 25 years on BBC1 had the great job of saying "yet again a sequel that does not live up to anything like the original - the only one that has is Godfather II" I must have heard him say it 100 times. Made two years after the original in 1973, The film actually in my opinion beats the original in many ways. The original Godfather film tells the story of the Corleone Mafia family in the 1940s. It depicts how young Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) rises to the top to become head of the family after Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) dies and severe fighting with the other Mafia families has left the family in tatters, leaving a reluctant Michael no choice but to become the Don. The second film tells so many stories, the first main plot is the continued ascention of the Corleone family, in particular the change in character... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Interseting split between the war and 1993
Disadvantages: Could have been more episodes

...The story begins with Garry Sparrow, an ordinary guy living in Modern day London and his wife Yvonne having to look for a street. Garry is led to "Duckettes Passage" which inturn will lead him to the 1940's. Although he is unaware at first and thinks its a Themed pub. Now if you thought gary was silly and slow, wait till you meet Reg in the 1940's. The story focuses on 5 main actors. Gary and his wife Yvonne. Ron, Garys mate, Phoebe (woman friend of 1940s) and Reg (a 1940s police officer) Upon coming accross his ability to jump time, Gary allows himself to fall for Phoebe. Yet he is married to Yvonne...In order to have both loves of his life he simply crosses over through Ducketts Passage. His excuses are remarkable, i mean would You belive he was in the Intelligents Unit?? There are only 6 episodes in the first series, but each one... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Much better than they said it was!
Disadvantages: A little slow at times

...from amnesia and seems to have lost the ability to speak. In an attempt to solve the mystery surrounding her Mike contacts Franklyn Madson, an antiques dealer with an interesting sideline in hypnosis, hoping that his skills can give some clue as to who she is. The hypnosis sessions soon reveal some surprises as Grace regresses past her own life and becomes involved in the murder of a well-known pianist in the late 1940's. Sounds slow, but the plot *is* sound, and the use of flashbacks (in genuine 1940's black and white!) certainly adds to the atmosphere and heightens the tension. As you'd expect with a Branagh film, the supporting cast is very good. Derek Jacobi, Robin Williams and Andy Garcia make appearances, which is testament to Ken's "clout" if nothing else. If you like stylish, intelligent romantic-thrillers with no guts or gore... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful