Joe H
Lifetime Total
1+
IMDb Member
23 years
Reviews
The Filth and the Fury (2000)
Forget everything you may have heard about the Sex Pistols..
Forget everything you may have heard or read about the Sex Pistols. Forget "Sid and Nancy". This is THE documentary. A warts and all look inside the lives of a band that changed the face of music forever. Never mind Julien Temple's earlier effort "The Great Rock and Roll Swindle", the sensationalist Malcom McLaren (Manager of the Pistols) centred documentary. "Filth" tells the story using the the band (and a lot of Temple's own 1970's 'never before seen' home video tapes).
In existence for only 26 months and releasing only one album, the Sex Pistols evolved within a time of massive economic, social and cultural oppression in England. This was an era unlike any other. Staggering youth unemployment; squalid streets where the piles of rubbish became small hills and the stench over-powering, and with the IRA bombing campaign reaching its peak. One of the most amazing things about this documentary is that it actually takes us back in time to the mid-70's landscape of London. Through the use of newsreel footage, television adverts of the day, weather reports and game-show clips, "Filth" immerses the viewer in everything absurdly "English" from the time.
The documentary not only lets you "feel" like you're actually there with the band, it tells you so much that you actually believe you were there. Without going into essay length about the story of the Sex Pistols, there are just so many interesting/bizarre facts revealed about the band that you really begin to realise why they are such a huge influence on music today. I may be ignorant, but I now know that Johnny Rotten started spitting on stage only because of his sinus problems, Sid Vicious inadvertently started the "pogo" dance, and the band were the first ever to say the "F" word on British television. David Bowie, Siouxie Sioux and Elvis Costello could often be spotted at a Pistols show, and opening bands on the bill ranged from The Clash, The Damned and The Buzzcocks.
One-to-one interviews with each surviving band member, as well as extensive interview footage with Sid Vicious (Hyde Park-1978), are revealing and extremely honest. The many sides and angles of the Pistols story have been told by those that lived it. Almost all of the interviews have been shot in silhouette, so the only faces you see are those of the members being "The Sex Pistols". The idea being not to spoil the feel or continuity of the film, and from saving us all having to look at a bunch of old blokes talking about "those crazy days".
Julien Temple proves himself to be the only man for the job of Director. There is a lot to be said about someone who abandons there student film career and goes about documenting a band, but Julien Temple did just that. His ability to display the true personalities of each band member is remarkable, and this has translated over to the audience. In a recent interview he states "People have watched the film and been almost in tears at the end, which is the last thing you would expect from a Sex Pistols movie. But it is because there was never anything about the Pistols that you expected, that was part of their power".
No, I didnt cry, but the story of the Pistols is a tragic one ending with the split of the group, Sid Vicious being the prime suspect over the death of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, and then his drug induced death months later.
Whether you're a fan of the Sex Pistols or not is really irrelevant. Whether you play in a punk band is also irrelevant (although it'll make you think twice about the term "punk"). The point is, if your interested in music, popular culture or human behaviour, this is a movie that will reward you. Both entertaining and informative, "The Filth and The Fury" actually delivers as being "the definitive story of The Sex Pistols".
In existence for only 26 months and releasing only one album, the Sex Pistols evolved within a time of massive economic, social and cultural oppression in England. This was an era unlike any other. Staggering youth unemployment; squalid streets where the piles of rubbish became small hills and the stench over-powering, and with the IRA bombing campaign reaching its peak. One of the most amazing things about this documentary is that it actually takes us back in time to the mid-70's landscape of London. Through the use of newsreel footage, television adverts of the day, weather reports and game-show clips, "Filth" immerses the viewer in everything absurdly "English" from the time.
The documentary not only lets you "feel" like you're actually there with the band, it tells you so much that you actually believe you were there. Without going into essay length about the story of the Sex Pistols, there are just so many interesting/bizarre facts revealed about the band that you really begin to realise why they are such a huge influence on music today. I may be ignorant, but I now know that Johnny Rotten started spitting on stage only because of his sinus problems, Sid Vicious inadvertently started the "pogo" dance, and the band were the first ever to say the "F" word on British television. David Bowie, Siouxie Sioux and Elvis Costello could often be spotted at a Pistols show, and opening bands on the bill ranged from The Clash, The Damned and The Buzzcocks.
One-to-one interviews with each surviving band member, as well as extensive interview footage with Sid Vicious (Hyde Park-1978), are revealing and extremely honest. The many sides and angles of the Pistols story have been told by those that lived it. Almost all of the interviews have been shot in silhouette, so the only faces you see are those of the members being "The Sex Pistols". The idea being not to spoil the feel or continuity of the film, and from saving us all having to look at a bunch of old blokes talking about "those crazy days".
Julien Temple proves himself to be the only man for the job of Director. There is a lot to be said about someone who abandons there student film career and goes about documenting a band, but Julien Temple did just that. His ability to display the true personalities of each band member is remarkable, and this has translated over to the audience. In a recent interview he states "People have watched the film and been almost in tears at the end, which is the last thing you would expect from a Sex Pistols movie. But it is because there was never anything about the Pistols that you expected, that was part of their power".
No, I didnt cry, but the story of the Pistols is a tragic one ending with the split of the group, Sid Vicious being the prime suspect over the death of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, and then his drug induced death months later.
Whether you're a fan of the Sex Pistols or not is really irrelevant. Whether you play in a punk band is also irrelevant (although it'll make you think twice about the term "punk"). The point is, if your interested in music, popular culture or human behaviour, this is a movie that will reward you. Both entertaining and informative, "The Filth and The Fury" actually delivers as being "the definitive story of The Sex Pistols".
Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
Roll Up, Roll Up.... for the one man "Jim Carrey Show!!"
Hmmmmm. Dubbed as a "Hilarious comedy" and starring Jim Carrey, how could this go wrong? Well, it kind of works, and then again it kind of bites ass.
What we have with "Me, Myself & Irene" is a perfect vehicle for the one-man Jim Carrey Show. If theres ever a case of a movie being made to showcase the talent of one person, this is it. Carrey gets to contort his face a billion different ways, combined with his talent for physical and vocal impersonation. Theres no doubting the fact, and it really is obvious, that Carrey IS a funny guy. And thats why this movie can just manage to stay afloat......just.
The film centres around Charlie (Carrey), a mild mannered Rhode Island cop with a split-personality disorder. The disorder has stemmed from a disastrous first marriage where his wife cheated and ran away with the towns negro-midget! As a result, Carrey has been left to single-handedly raise his three black sons, while maintaining his waning police career.
Charlie finds himself on an assignment to escort a lady (Zellweger) back to her hometown. During the trip and the subsequent run-around (the usual bad-boy ex boyfriend/ conspiracy/ corrupt local cops etc) he finds himself falling in love. However, and this is where the film starts to stand on its own, Charlies alter-ego Hank has also taken to this lovely lass. The battle to win the affections of this confused lady then takes place: Charlie, an over polite, super considerate law abiding gentleman......Hank, a "Dirty Harry" style, foul mouthed, hyper aggressive ladys man.
What follows and really flows throughout the film are a string of absolutely wateringly-funny moments. The "Hank" character really is the sort of person a lot of people wish they could be; he tells it like it is, he's cool, he's mean, and he's not afraid to say whatever he damn well pleases! Most of us at one stage or another can identify with him. You really end up waiting for the "Hank" character to appear. Just like Eddie Murphy's alter ego in "The Nutty Professor", the best moments occur in the after transition period between nice guy and jackass.
"Me, Myself & Irene" will make you laugh, but to sustain laughs at the expense of a decent story or any other remotely interesting characters is another thing altogether. What starts out as an interesting story about a man who's afraid of confrontation is completely lost when the "Cheap Laughs Meter" starts ticking.
If your kind of movie is one where you can aimlessly sit through, laugh at the right places and not worry about anything else... this is for you. If on the other hand you'd like a light smattering of storyline, plot and creativity in a film... well, you've been warned. Leave the brain at home and set your sense of humour to "Toilet"!
What we have with "Me, Myself & Irene" is a perfect vehicle for the one-man Jim Carrey Show. If theres ever a case of a movie being made to showcase the talent of one person, this is it. Carrey gets to contort his face a billion different ways, combined with his talent for physical and vocal impersonation. Theres no doubting the fact, and it really is obvious, that Carrey IS a funny guy. And thats why this movie can just manage to stay afloat......just.
The film centres around Charlie (Carrey), a mild mannered Rhode Island cop with a split-personality disorder. The disorder has stemmed from a disastrous first marriage where his wife cheated and ran away with the towns negro-midget! As a result, Carrey has been left to single-handedly raise his three black sons, while maintaining his waning police career.
Charlie finds himself on an assignment to escort a lady (Zellweger) back to her hometown. During the trip and the subsequent run-around (the usual bad-boy ex boyfriend/ conspiracy/ corrupt local cops etc) he finds himself falling in love. However, and this is where the film starts to stand on its own, Charlies alter-ego Hank has also taken to this lovely lass. The battle to win the affections of this confused lady then takes place: Charlie, an over polite, super considerate law abiding gentleman......Hank, a "Dirty Harry" style, foul mouthed, hyper aggressive ladys man.
What follows and really flows throughout the film are a string of absolutely wateringly-funny moments. The "Hank" character really is the sort of person a lot of people wish they could be; he tells it like it is, he's cool, he's mean, and he's not afraid to say whatever he damn well pleases! Most of us at one stage or another can identify with him. You really end up waiting for the "Hank" character to appear. Just like Eddie Murphy's alter ego in "The Nutty Professor", the best moments occur in the after transition period between nice guy and jackass.
"Me, Myself & Irene" will make you laugh, but to sustain laughs at the expense of a decent story or any other remotely interesting characters is another thing altogether. What starts out as an interesting story about a man who's afraid of confrontation is completely lost when the "Cheap Laughs Meter" starts ticking.
If your kind of movie is one where you can aimlessly sit through, laugh at the right places and not worry about anything else... this is for you. If on the other hand you'd like a light smattering of storyline, plot and creativity in a film... well, you've been warned. Leave the brain at home and set your sense of humour to "Toilet"!
The Mating Habits of the Earthbound Human (1999)
Carmen Electra as an actress?!? Get outta here!!
The video serves as a tutorial/ documentary style video aimed at the alien market. Beginning with alien signals and transmissions, the first words of English we see and hear are "Please adjust your universal translator to the language of your understanding. We will begin in 10 seconds". Freaky stuff indeed! It is then that the journey begins in exploring the dating and mating rituals observed by us humans.
A Richard Attenborough style narration provided by David Hyde Pierce ("Niles Crane" from TV's Frasier) gets you in the mood as we follow the hit and miss shenanigans of "boob-tastic" Carmen Electra and Mackenzie Astin. We get the fly-on-the-wall treatment, sharing the couples most intimate, as well as the moments of cringe-worthy embarrassment; the first encounter at a local nightclub, the follow-up phone call, the first date, first kiss, first bit of sack-action (with and without condom), meeting the parents... EVERYTHING!
Not a bad idea for a movie really, and whoever did the job of casting Carmen Electra's "assets" for the part certainly had their head screwed on. However, Carmen can't act. She's hopeless! You cant really expect too much though as it's obvious why she was cast in the first place. The part calls for a "Hot Babe", and Carmen certainly is that. Plenty of gratuitous tight-top and short-skirt scenes improve her overall performance, and as soon as Carmen gets naked (Yes... it's true) I'm sure you'll agree with me that she really deserves more recognition as a true performer.
The narration soon becomes annoying with its constant focus on trying to make a joke out of every-single-possible-situation. Some of the jokes are funny (ever hear someone call a penis a "Seed Shooter"?), but most are just poor imitations of jokes and sketches already performed on the one-and-only "Seinfeld". A bit like watching a cheesy wildlife documentary, only instead of being put in a coma with the antics of the Peruvian Jungle Mouse, we're bored beyond belief with the fumblings and try-hard goings-on of the Yuppie American Couple. Worth watching only if you fancy seeing a selection from Carmen's 'Spice Rack'.
A Richard Attenborough style narration provided by David Hyde Pierce ("Niles Crane" from TV's Frasier) gets you in the mood as we follow the hit and miss shenanigans of "boob-tastic" Carmen Electra and Mackenzie Astin. We get the fly-on-the-wall treatment, sharing the couples most intimate, as well as the moments of cringe-worthy embarrassment; the first encounter at a local nightclub, the follow-up phone call, the first date, first kiss, first bit of sack-action (with and without condom), meeting the parents... EVERYTHING!
Not a bad idea for a movie really, and whoever did the job of casting Carmen Electra's "assets" for the part certainly had their head screwed on. However, Carmen can't act. She's hopeless! You cant really expect too much though as it's obvious why she was cast in the first place. The part calls for a "Hot Babe", and Carmen certainly is that. Plenty of gratuitous tight-top and short-skirt scenes improve her overall performance, and as soon as Carmen gets naked (Yes... it's true) I'm sure you'll agree with me that she really deserves more recognition as a true performer.
The narration soon becomes annoying with its constant focus on trying to make a joke out of every-single-possible-situation. Some of the jokes are funny (ever hear someone call a penis a "Seed Shooter"?), but most are just poor imitations of jokes and sketches already performed on the one-and-only "Seinfeld". A bit like watching a cheesy wildlife documentary, only instead of being put in a coma with the antics of the Peruvian Jungle Mouse, we're bored beyond belief with the fumblings and try-hard goings-on of the Yuppie American Couple. Worth watching only if you fancy seeing a selection from Carmen's 'Spice Rack'.
La lengua asesina (1996)
Uurrrrggghh!! Where can I possibly start.
Uurrrrggghh!! Where can I possibly start.
The Killer Tongue looked good on the shelf. The cover screams out quotable quotes, like the now obviously sarcastic one from Quentin Tarantino; `Wow!!!'. I should have read between the lines but instead I thought `Wow!!!' It's even got the hilarious one-liner under the title that reads `Go for your gums.' Tack City here we come.
A black, bizarre comedy with a heavy Sci-Fi/Horror element running throughout, The Killer Tongue is an absurd film that you really cannot prepare yourself for. It doesn't really matter what I tell you about it, the good bits, bad bits. it's one of those films that you really have to see for yourself.
The film can lay claim to winning a host of alternative film awards including `Best Actress', `Best Special Effects' and `Best Director', but somehow this is totally meaningless when you're watching a film revolving around a 10-foot, flesh-eating, talking tongue that lives inside the oh-so-cute figure of Candy (Melinda Clarke).
Candy is waiting for her boyfriend to be released from jail. Trying to lay low, she adopts the guise of a Nun whilst living at a petrol station turned nunnery in the middle of the desert. With a very `From Dusk Till Dawn' backdrop, Candy decides that its time to sod-off and wait for her boyfriend elsewhere. which is when an alien being descends from the heavens via spaceship/moon-rock/pod (hard to tell) and lands in her soup! Yep, alien invasion through soup.
So stupid in fact that my brain switched off, Candy then turns into a complete Marilyn Mansonesque figurine that simply has to feed her tongue with human flesh. We're even treated with Candy satisfying her own curiosities with a bit of tongue waggling in the downstairs department. Best bit so far.
Not alone, Candy's' pet poodles also had a good deal of soup that night. As a result we've now got four very camp, "Priscilla" styled drag queens wandering around the house. What follows are scenes involving a lot of tongue wrestling, strangulation and wriggling.
Robert Englund (of Freddy Krueger fame) plays an eccentric, evil jail warden who is partial to a bit of man-on-man. Surprisingly he's great in the role, which makes me wonder what he got into after the Nightmare on Elm Street series of pictures.
A completely off-the-wall, highly unpredictable film, The Killer Tongue is worth watching because you'll probably never see anything quite like it ever again. Bizarre, trashy, sick and twisted it may be, but can it be described as being any good? Hmmmm. Can you polish a turd?
The Killer Tongue looked good on the shelf. The cover screams out quotable quotes, like the now obviously sarcastic one from Quentin Tarantino; `Wow!!!'. I should have read between the lines but instead I thought `Wow!!!' It's even got the hilarious one-liner under the title that reads `Go for your gums.' Tack City here we come.
A black, bizarre comedy with a heavy Sci-Fi/Horror element running throughout, The Killer Tongue is an absurd film that you really cannot prepare yourself for. It doesn't really matter what I tell you about it, the good bits, bad bits. it's one of those films that you really have to see for yourself.
The film can lay claim to winning a host of alternative film awards including `Best Actress', `Best Special Effects' and `Best Director', but somehow this is totally meaningless when you're watching a film revolving around a 10-foot, flesh-eating, talking tongue that lives inside the oh-so-cute figure of Candy (Melinda Clarke).
Candy is waiting for her boyfriend to be released from jail. Trying to lay low, she adopts the guise of a Nun whilst living at a petrol station turned nunnery in the middle of the desert. With a very `From Dusk Till Dawn' backdrop, Candy decides that its time to sod-off and wait for her boyfriend elsewhere. which is when an alien being descends from the heavens via spaceship/moon-rock/pod (hard to tell) and lands in her soup! Yep, alien invasion through soup.
So stupid in fact that my brain switched off, Candy then turns into a complete Marilyn Mansonesque figurine that simply has to feed her tongue with human flesh. We're even treated with Candy satisfying her own curiosities with a bit of tongue waggling in the downstairs department. Best bit so far.
Not alone, Candy's' pet poodles also had a good deal of soup that night. As a result we've now got four very camp, "Priscilla" styled drag queens wandering around the house. What follows are scenes involving a lot of tongue wrestling, strangulation and wriggling.
Robert Englund (of Freddy Krueger fame) plays an eccentric, evil jail warden who is partial to a bit of man-on-man. Surprisingly he's great in the role, which makes me wonder what he got into after the Nightmare on Elm Street series of pictures.
A completely off-the-wall, highly unpredictable film, The Killer Tongue is worth watching because you'll probably never see anything quite like it ever again. Bizarre, trashy, sick and twisted it may be, but can it be described as being any good? Hmmmm. Can you polish a turd?