The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) directed by Jim Sharman – A Film Review

A cult classic for the ages, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a fun extraverted tour de force work of musical mayhem and madness. A science fiction rock opera and musical like no other, it has certainly left an impact on the pop culture psyche. But the question still remains: how does this forty-year-old film play to the modern audience? Well, let’s find out.

On a dark and stormy night, a young, newly engaged couple’s car brakes down. In search of a telephone to call for help, they head to an old gothic manor. What they find there is a bizarre party of people led by Dr Frank N. Furter (Tim Curry). As they attempt to get access to a phone, Brad and Janet are dragged through a series of odd scenarios and soon discover that all is not as it seems in the old house.

The film itself plays as a loving homage to science fiction B movies and 50’s rock and roll. It plays with clichés in its own tongue in cheek style, whilst still paying a genuine tribute to them. What Rocky Horror does different to the films that inspired it however, is play with these underlying elements. It plays up to the camp and silliness of the B movies that came before it. Frank N. Furter isn’t just a mad scientist who try’s to create life in defiance of nature; instead he tries to create the perfect being to satisfy his own sexual desires. Brad and Janet aren’t just the typical all American teenagers, they’re stupidly naive to the point of absurdity. Furthermore, Frank N. Furter’s scientist assistants like Riff Raff aren’t just mysterious or scary, they’re intentionally antagonistic, almost miffed in just having to be in the presence of others.

In terms of the actor’s performances, everyone does a fantastic job: although Tim Curry as Dr Frank N. Furter is the main standout. He oozes sexual charisma in his role as the “sweet transvestite”, commanding attention on screen like no other. Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff also does a tremendous job here: whilst the rest of the cast all have there time to shine too.

Visually the film is fun and vibrant. There’s an energetic tone to the whole movie that keeps you hooked from start to finish; like a rollercoaster ride keeping it’s passengers at the edge of their seats. At times the story wonders into moments of irreverence but what stays constant is the euphoric sense of enjoyment each musical number produces in the audience.

On the whole The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cool, excitingly unique film. Unlike other musicals, it isn’t afraid to let loose and poke fun at it’s own clichés. It’s loud, brash, out and proud. It has a knowing and confident sense of self that is very appealing (attractive even) to its audience. At 41 years old, the movie feels as fresh and vibrant as it ever did. And because of its brazen uniqueness it has (and forever will have) earned its place in the pop culture canon.  

Captain America: Civil War (2016) directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo – A Film Review

In terms of their film projects, Marvel has created a vast universe filled with smaller stand-alone super hero ventures that connect with one another in their larger Avengers spectacles. Whereas the previous films had their own definitive identities, this one seems to sit somewhere in-between the two arc types: with some fans jokingly referring to it as the Avengers 2.5.

Based primarily on the Marvel Comics “Civil War” storyline, we see the Avengers split in two (one team led by Captain America and the other by Iron Man) following an accident on assignment. Iron Man believes the Avenger should be subject to governmental restraints after an accident causes a number of civilian deaths. Captain America however believes they shouldn’t be subject to these regulations, as he sees the Avengers as the last line of defence against chaos and destruction.

Overall the story’s an intriguing one. Each of the heroes has a good reason for siding the way they do, which really adds to the tension and drama. Throughout the film there are a number of moments of potential reconciliation, yet in each instance, we see how small actions can break down the lines of communication.  

That’s not to say the film is by any means perfect. At over two hours long and with so much material compressed into the story, the movie can’t avoid feeling bloated at times. Whilst the film overall is very enjoyable, you do get the impression that you are watching two or three movies that have been merged into one. In fact, there is a point at about the three quarter mark where it felt as though the film was coming to a natural conclusion; to be followed on later in another film, continuing on with this main story: yet this wasn’t the case.

At the same time though I wouldn’t like to give the impression that this is a bad film, far from it. The acting is top notch throughout; the overall story is fun and intriguing, whilst the action set pieces are also well handled.

All together, Captain America: Civil War is a well-crafted action movie, and for those interested in this genre it certainly won’t disappoint. However I do feel that the material that they had here was often rushed through. So much of what was happening was passed over quickly and could easily have been expanded upon over a much longer period of time.