Seven Again
56 Up
Review by Ross Anthony

In the past, I'd found this series fascinating. Indeed, this installment remains fascinating. The only problem is its duration. A nice length would have been 100 minutes, but 56 UP runs 138. Of course, after nearly half a century of filming, I'm sure the filmmakers found themselves with a plethora of footage. I absolutely appreciate that dedication and the gems of insight they've made available. But at the end of the day, they are packaging it into a product for the entertainment world. So, my suggestion would be to go 180 minutes, but split the final product into two volumes of 90 each.

As for the content … simply fascinating. From a sociological perspective, where else can you find such an interesting documentary on the average Westerner's human perspective stretched out over time? As one the participants puts it so succinctly, "It's not so much about me personally, as it is about some guy. It's about people, how we grow and change and experience a lifetime." (I paraphrase.)

It's really A work, but the unpleasant duration this time round will bring the presentation to a strong B+. And, again, I'm looking forward to the next "UP" installment. (See also 49 Up)

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  • 56 UP. Copyright © 2012.
  • Directed by Michael Apted. First Run Features.

Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Saturday, 05-Jan-2013 19:17:28 PST