As rites-of-passage films featuring a young man's sexual initiation in the arms of a beautiful woman go, Class (1983) has plenty going for it, not least its attractive cast: Andrew McCarthy as Jonathan, Rob Lowe as Gatsby-ish best friend Skip and Jacqueline Bisset as the beautiful woman who is old enough to know better and just happens to be Skip's mother. Lewis John Carlino's film has moments of insight, taking a few well-aimed shots at the vaguely sinister network of American public school life. In the first reel it neatly subverts the bullying scenario that threatens when the geekish Jonathan arrives at the school, while offering the briefly intriguing sight of Lowe in scarlet bra and pants. And there's a subplot of deceit and complicity that both strengthens and threatens the friendship that rapidly forms between Skip and Jonathan. In many ways, though, the most interesting element of the picture--Skip's relationship with his dysfunctional family--is left unexplored. Jonathan's deflowering and subsequent interludes are merely titillating. And Bisset's Ellen, a desperately sad character, becomes superfluous once the revelation that she is the "teacher" sets the boys' friendship on the path to fraternal solidarity. On the DVD: Class is presented in widescreen anamorphic format and looks as good as its leading players, although the Dolby Digital mono soundtrack has odd moments of flatness that detract from the cinematic experience. Extras are limited to the cinema trailer that now looks like a red rag to the puritanical objectors who were appalled by the graphic scenes in which Jonathan loses his virginity to the predatory Ellen. --Piers Ford
In this much-loved 1980s BBC sitcom, the late comedian plays an aspiring writer stuck in a soul destroying day job.Depressed Colin Watkins (Mel Smith) works for the British Rail Passenger Relations Office, better known as the complaints department. He doesn't like his job much and has dreams of becoming a full-time writer, toiling late into the night trying to realize his dreams. Distracting him are his girlfriend Jenny, best friend Des, and the obnoxiously happy couple Richard and Sarah. He takes a step towards achieving his ambition when one of his short stories is accepted for publication in "The Langley Book of Horror". In Series 2, a famous film producer offers Colin the chance of adapting his short story for a film. Colin jumps at the chance but disruptions continue to derail him, and keep him tied to the desk job.
Volume 1 includes: 'The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny' 'The Tale of Flopsy Bunnies & Mrs. Tittlemouse' and 'The Tale of Tom Kitten and Jemima Puddleduck'.
Andrew Birkin's chilling adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel is a disturbing tale of childhood survival in a moral wasteland. Fearing foster homes and adoption four recently orphaned siblings decide to keep their mother's death a secret burying her in a cement locker in the basement. The Lolita-like Julie (Charlotte Gainsbourg of Jane Eyre and The Little Thief) quickly adapts to the role of surrogate mother caring for the younger children and picking up a thirtysomething boyfriend. Fifteen-year old Jack however is only concerned with his developing sexuality and his increasing infatuation with his sister. When the intrusive curiosity of Julie's boyfriend threatens to expose their secret Jack finally assumes the mature role of family protector. As he slowly wins Julie's respect their gentle flirtation results in a devastating and forbidden consummation. Fraught with sexual tension and suspense The Cement Garden is a chilling look at unrestrained adolescent desire.
John Schlesinger's solid adaptation of Thomas Hardy's novel sees three rival suitors vying for the affections of the beautiful Bathsheba Everdene (Julie Christie decked out in a variety of bonnets and frilly dresses), who has just inherited a farm. The men in her life are stout, whiskered yeoman Gabriel Oak (Alan Bates), an impoverished local farmer; neurotic, repressed squire William Boldwood (Peter Finch); and handsome rascal Sgt Troy (Terrence Stamp), who dresses as if he's Flashman and breaks women's hearts for a hobby.Thanks to cameraman Nic Roeg and production designer Richard MacDonald (who also worked for Joseph Losey), 19th-century Dorset looks as pretty and as picturesque as a John Constable reproduction on top of a biscuit tin. Not that Schlesinger or screenwriter Frederic Raphael underplay the duress of rural life. We see the hardship of the farm workers' lives as the seasons turn. The film opens with a spectacular sequence in which Gabriel Oak's dog drives his flock of sheep over a cliff, thereby forcing him into penury. Whether hunger or heartbreak, every character here suffers. Bathsheba (like the model Christie plays in Darling) is a free-spirit in a society in which women's rights are severely restricted. --Geoffrey Macnab
Hypnotic and Haunting! A hothouse of sexual tension and secret longing that is hard to shake. -Peter Travers ROLLING STONE Andrew Birkin's chilling adaptation of Ian McEwan's (The Comfort Of Strangers) novel is a disturbing tale of childhood survival in a moral wasteland. Fearing foster homes and adoption four recently orphaned siblings decide to keep their mother's death a secret burying her in a cement locker in the basement. The Lolita-like Julie (Charlotte Gainsbourg of Jane Eyre and The Little Thief) quickly adapts to the role of surrogate mother caring for the younger children and picking up a thirtysomething boyfriend. Fifteen-year old Jack however is only concerned with his developing sexuality and his increasing infatuation with his sister. When the intrusive curiosity of Julie's boyfriend threatens to expose their secret Jack finally assumes the mature role of family protector. As he slowly wins Julie's respect their gentle flirtation results in a devastating and forbidden consummation. Fraught with sexual tension and suspense The Cement Garden is a chilling look at unrestrained adolescent desire.
It's a non-stop party for a group of beautiful teens living it up in a posh area of Los Angeles. And one very sexy lady M.J. has found a congenial way to capitalize on her friendships and advance her position. But when the music stops and the mad whirl starts to slow down M.J. must suddenly face up to a void in her life.
A fearless company of Marines is stranded in hostile territory when a covert US/Russian mission goes public. In defiance of their governments, they launch a dangerous mission to recover their captured men and find the traitor in their midst.
Please wait. Loading...
This site uses cookies.
More details in our privacy policy