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Reviews
1984 - BBC Live TV Productions (1954)
Starkness of Dystopia
This live BBC TV version of 1984 has the true feel of the flip side of a utopia. The black and white would normally be a deterrent for modern viewers, but it really offers more atmosphere of a bleak reality. Its sets are otherworldly---meaning an eerily strange similarity to life as we know it, but not exactly from the reality of 1954 when it was broadcast.
Live events have an immediacy to them that canned events cannot ever have. Those 1984 actors' emotional appeals are that much more intense. Their pleas for secrecy---or later, for leniency---are really so believable. It is the well directed actors who drive this classic. You simply can't watch this without believing that Peter Cushing was one of the greatest actors of his generation. Yes, he became famous for Star Wars, but he was so much more.
Even if you've watched 1984 with John Hurt, this is well worth your time. It turns out that some big budget Hollywood movies were actually better as BBC TV broadcasts in black and white.
Ocean's Eight (2018)
Fun Female-Driven Getaway Vehicle
The Ocean's Eight reviews from 2018 were from audience members who paid a LOT of money and made a big effort to sit in a movie theater to see it. Me? I was on summer break, sitting on my couch. I really enjoyed the huge star power interacting on my TV with some clever lines and plot devices. I wasn't asking it to be a blockbuster in a franchise. I only asked it to be a fun diversion. Lower expectations often result in more happiness.
We don't often get to see so many women in the lead roles and the cast chosen was exceptional. If you were a fan of one actress, by the end you were a fan of all of them. They were all very likable (thanks to good acting) and relatable (thanks to a good script).
The visuals in the movie---especially at the Met Gala---made me stay watching, rather than getting distracted with housework and only half watching. I couldn't take my eyes off of the movie. It was a total escape.
Many heist movies are too hard to understand or tiring to flow. Ocean's Eight was my speed. I'm older. I don't like high octane movies. I think some detractors wanted men with muscles and guns who had chicks as eye candy. This was never going to be THAT movie and thank God.
Women deserve more movies like Ocean's Eight with characters we can enjoy.