Thomas Arklie Movies
- 1994
This collection of skits from the fourth series of French & Saunders lives up to its title. Although the comedic duo takes aim at British culture, BBC TV, pop stars, and the Middle Ages, most of the material focuses on Hollywood parody. Dawn French takes on a pair of box-office villains as she pokes fun at Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs and Kathy Bates in Misery; partner Jennifer Saunders, meanwhile, essays the Jodie Foster and James Caan roles, respectively. French experiences the familiar progression from face-hugger to stomach-exploder in a send-up of Aliens that also features Kathy Burke standing in for Jenette Goldstein as Pvt. Vasquez. Thelma and Louise also gets the patented F&S treatment. Other sketches include faux music videos for the Mamas and the Papas, Guns N' Roses, and Shakespear's Sister; "Lucky Bitches," a parody of celebrity sisters Joan and Jackie Collins; and an elaborate re-creation of the historical soap House of Eliott, in which the show's original stars, Stella Gonet and Louise Lombard, appear. The DVD edition of French & Saunders: At the Movies also includes the duo's 1999 Christmas special French & Saunders: The Phantom Millennium, an elaborate parody of Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, (more)
A gay couple become a metaphor for others living in the shadow of AIDS in this fascinating British drama which conveys its message with humor, warmth and insightful dialog. Simon, a handsome, macho guy, and Mark, a female impersonator, are lovers involved in an open relationship. Simon is HIV negative, and Mark is HIV positive. The film looks back at Mark's reaction to discovering his condition. Mark likes to be at home when not working. After he found out he began working on an AIDS quilt like the one in the video he watches over and over. Meanwhile macho Simon, a TV technician continues to cruise London's gay bars at night looking for action. Mark soon dies and Simon becomes the film's focus as he carries on with his irresponsible sex life. Simon seems totally unaffected by his lover's death. But then, Mark comes back to haunt him. Mark strongly chastises Simon for his risky behavior which gives Simon serious pause for thought. Simon is the only one who can see Mark and this creates problems. Eventually Simon must acknowledge his true feelings of love for Mark and begin reassessing his life and behavior. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Thomas Arklie, Ian Williams, (more)
