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Movie Review: 42 Up Alternate Title: Don't Look Back
Story: Director Michael
Apted (Coal Miner's Daughter, Gorillas in the Mist)
in the seventh installment of his 'UP' series, which began in 1962 as
a television documentary, with 14 seven year old kids from England's
various social classes, delivers another homerun. He questioned them
as to their hopes and aspirations. He still does. He has revisited these people every seven years
and we have watched them grow 'UP'. Now at 49 years old, we see them,
once again, through flashback clips and we can revisit them and see
what has become of them. The film is riveting and fascinating with a voyeuristic
appeal. Everyone's life is interesting in one way or another. Twelve
of the fourteen original kids appear in this installment. They are nearing
the half century mark and have a contentment not seen in the previous
installments. Why do we find this ground breaking documentary
so fascinating every seven years? There are some universal truths seen
in all of the stories and we can easily identify with many of the people. You can see this wonderful film whether you have
seen any of the other installments. Director Apted brings us up to date
with each character. I, for one, will be waiting for 56 Up. Acting: Not applicable - it is a documentary.
Predilection: I have enjoyed all of the other installments.
Critters: Horses, sheep, goats and dogs.
Opening Titles: An opening sequence that revisits
the first installment in 1964.
Theater Audience: Crowded for a mid-afternoon show.
I went with my movie buddy and we discussed the last in the 'Up' series
that we had seen together seven years ago. We discussed on the way home
how we have changed to in the last seven years,
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I did not drift for a second. I really
cared for everyone.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: I doubt it.
Big Screen or Rental: Support he Indies and see it
on the big screen. The entire 'Up' series can now be seen on DVD. I
highly recommend it.
Length: Two hours and ten minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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