Great Expectations (DVD)

Advantages: Shockingly good portrayal of a Dickins classic
Disadvantages: Why moan about perfection

...My crash course with 1998's Great Expectations however (A movie I had purchased upon the strength of bearing the name Robert De Niro) left me a little more open minded. If you cannot get your head around the literary classics and their transition to celluloid form then Great Expectations is the ultimate place to start. This movie has been adapted from the best selling novel in the cleverest of ways, focusing on not only the romance but the sexually ...
...search of inspiration for his great passion, Art. It's these quests that put him in the unenviable position of meeting convict Stanley Lustig (Robert De Niro). Lustig puts the fear of god in Finn explaining that if he does not help Lustig on his quest for freedom the side effects will be devastating. Like many children Lustig has prayed on those worrying emotions and reluctantly Finn tries to help escaped prisoner Lustig on his search for freedom. ... Read review

Advantages: It's very close to the book and features charming performances
Disadvantages: Feels a bit rushed, some parts are a bit twee

...but David Lean's adaptation of Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens. Guess what book I'd just finished reading the day before. So, if you don't mind, this review is going to be a bit of a compare and contrast with the novel. This is the only real movie version of Great Expectations (there's a 1997 film by Alfonso Cuaron, but that's only based loosely on the novel), so it's fair to say that this is the definitive adaptation. It's directed by David ...
...It stars the late great Sir John Mills, and it won two Oscars in 1945 for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography. Great Expectations is the story of Phillip Pirrip (or Pip, as he's known), growing up with his nasty older sister and her kind, simple husband Joe. One day on a walk through the cemetery, he bumps into an escaped convict, Abel Magwitch, who threatens Pip with the uncomfortable removal of his heart and liver if he doesn't bring ... Read review

Advantages: Superbly acted, classic storyline
Disadvantages: Updating the Dickens story will not appeal to everyone

...story. The remake of Great Expectations attempts to do both of these things by setting the Charles Dickens original in modern day America. In my mind the attempt has been worthwhile as the finished product was beautiful to watch. I guess if you are a big Charles Dickens fan then this film may not appeal as I can almost hear the cries of ‘How dare they meddle with a classic’. I take the view that any true classic, be it of the written ...
...as it is the message within the story that holds the key to greatness. This version starts off in the Gulf cost of Florida, where Fin (originally Pip) is a young lad of 8. He lives a simple life in one of the poorer neighbourhoods around. His big love is drawing and he goes off on his own along the many beautiful beaches, sketching things as he finds them. One day his world is changed forever when an escaped convict (Wonderfully played by Robert ... Read review

Advantages: Great cast and a fairly good film
Disadvantages: Not a good modern-day adaptation of a classic

...and Ms. Dinsmoor (though a great character),isn't quite crazy enough. De Niro is fantastic though as always as is Hank Azaria who plays Estella fiance in it. The performances of the actors are very good though. Mitch Glazer who wrote this screenplay has also tried to mix in some direct quotes from the book and it really hasn't worked. There is, though, a brilliant soundtrack which is slightly alternative/indie featuring Tori Amos, Pulp, and Ozzy ...
...to see this is; if you've read the book and have a memory of it, dont make any comparisons between them as you will be diassapointed. If you haven't seen it; then watch it with no worries as dont get me wrong it is a good film but it just cant be compared to the novel. ... Read review

Advantages: Great film
Disadvantages: Few DVD Extras

David Lean's version of Dickens' 'Great Expectations' is well worth an evening in - the story of a young boy befriending a criminal, falling in love with a girl brought up by an eccentric old lady, and being given a start in life by an unknown benefactor is quite vividly rendered in this film. It's b&w, and won 3 Oscars at the time, and in my opinion is far superior to other versions of the book. It stars John Mills and Valerie Hobson. It varies ...
...you look, but the Bensonsworld website os one of the cheaper ones I've found. The action is lively, the sense of doom palpable, and the acting superb - look out for an extremely young Alec Guinness; this is the film which made his name. If you liked the book you'll like this film, apart from the ending - which has none of the ambiguity Dickens intended for his characters. If you haven't read the book, you'll want to after seeing this! The disappointing ... Read review

Advantages: A haunting black and white classic
Disadvantages: None

... INTRODUCTION In 1964 I was taken with school to one of our local cinemas (now ALL the cinemas in the town have gone) to watch David Lean's classic film 'Great Expectation'. It was old, it was black and white - it was WONDERFUL!! I have seen many adaptions of the book since that day 45 years ago, but I have never seen one that compares to Lean's film or that was so true to Dickens' book. What a pairing - Dickens and Lean!! Dickens's rich characters and gothic Victorian atmosphere combined with the unique and masterful direction of David Lean led to a true cinema masterpiece that has weathered the years well. Last year I found a new DVD of the 1946 film and it is that DVD that I am about to review. BACKGROUND CHARLES DICKENS (1812-70) Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth in 1812 and grew up... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Always cheers you up when your bored!
Disadvantages: There should be more episodes!!

...If others arnt familiar with Garth Marenghi's darkplace, if they are fans of comedies "The IT crowd" and "The mighty boosh" they will definitly like this, not only because it stars some of the actors of those comedy series but because it is a mix up of each, only with Garth Marenghi's special touch and lets be honest, amazing accent! If you are a fan of 70's/80's horrors such as evil dead, you will like this, only its much better and comes in 6 different episodes such as "Hell hath fury" and "Skipper the eye child". The series is set in a hospital in which strange things happen day to day, expect funny careless acting and great one liners. It is my best DVD buy of the year and is definitly worth watching! 10 out of 10!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great set list
Disadvantages: None really

...really do put on a great live show and this just goes to prove it. Extras I didn't get a chance to watch the extras (I watched this at the same friend's who i watched the other DVD) but i've listed them below. Sifting Through Filth--a schlockumentary Scorched Earth Erotica--nasty version Scorched Earth Erotica--very nasty version Born in a Burial Gown--sub version The Blair Twit Project--absinthe flend footage Cradle of Fear--horror movie trailer Circus of Horrors--creature feature Gallery of the Grotesque--downloads and web links Conclusion This DVD shows a great performance which is no less than you come to expect from Cradle of filth. The set list is great and the songs are performed well. This is a DVD that i would definitely reccomend to any fan. It's a good addition to anyone's collection. Thanks... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful