Gangster No.1 (2000)

Even with my personal immunity to movie violence i can say there are some shocking, ferocious and bloody scenes that zing with madness, performed thrillingly by a young Paul Bettany in this rise and fall story of London gangsters.  A sharp script aids the slick direction during the detailed building of character and theme, enveloping you in the down and dirty 60's underworld and rocketing you through resulting decades. The use of Malcolm McDowell is unsurprising (you would use him if you could get him) but unnecessary as all others actors play themselves older, this is my only problem with this film and it's a small one. Not for the faint hearted more the strong stomached.


Like This Watch These: The Krays (1990) London real life thug life , The Long Good Friday (1980) English gangster probs Brighton Rock (1947) Richard Attenborough subtly chilling (not relaxing - scary).

Serial Mom (1994)

MUST WATCH Dark humour at it's best here guided by the brilliant John Waters and brought to life by the hysterical Kathleen Turner. This very relatable tale tells of a women taking violent revenge on everyone who slights her or her family in the most miniscule ways. Endlessly quotable and watchable this is ultra funny shit and should be applauded.


Like This Watch These: Cry-Baby (1990), Bad boy Johnny Depp smoulders  Heathers (1988) Who wanted to be in this bitchy gang?, God Bless America (2011) Revenge served cold.

The Day The Earth Caught Fire (1961)

MUST WATCH This Dystopian vision of a world brought to collapse by our own human scientists going overboard with nuclear tests tells a convincing and unnerving tale without depressing the viewer. I do have a particular penchant for apocalyptic visions but this handles the bleak subject matter well, phenomenal visuals switching from black & white to gorgeous impending hues of red and yellow are really affecting. The 60's movie archetypal characters are needed and seem relatively modern, there is a love story, family issues and many obstacles thrown in none of which are handled with clumsy hollywood hands. Directed with flair and intelligence, performed with heart and realism what is not to love in this sphere of doom.


Like This Watch These: The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951) Another early warning to ignore, Mad Max (1979) Lets not let it get to this Children Of Men (2006) No children, no future.

Ex Machina (2015)

A Beautiful masterpiece full of colour and complex ideas, believable and thought provoking, exactly what i expected from the directorial debut of author Alex Garland. He has obviously been taking notes whist on scriptwriting duties for numerous directors, finding his own style with his own story revolving around the real life complications of A.I. The actors are commanding and masterly in their portrayals of their vastly different characters showing why they seem to be continually employed. Discovering new themes on every subsequent watch, this film will outlast us all even the inevitable future Robots who will rule us all.


Like This Watch These: I, Robot (2004) Never trust them, Blade Runner (1982) Can anyone tell who is what anymore, Robot & Frank (2012) Yay a good robot.

The Girl With All The Gifts (2016)

Having adored the book i approached this warily, i needn't have. An excellent cast, introducing Sennia Nanua as the eponymous girl of the title and the always wonderful Paddy Considine as Sgt. Parks whose character i loathed whilst reading but i can't hate Paddy. A Fantastic and faithful adaptation each segment works well although more time could have been spent at the base to get more acquainted with the core group personas before they have to escape to the empty streets of London which look eerie and realistic. Really worth watching for the stunning landscapes, inspired and original 'hungries' make-up and a genuinely new take on the ever expanding infected/zombie genre.

Like This Watch These: 28 Days Later (2002) Fast Zombies, empty streets Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) They're here, The Day of the Triffids (1962) Dodgy plants.

OSCAR NIGHT- MY VIEWS

I have tried to watch all the Oscar Nominated Films, alas there are at least 8 from all categories that evade me, From the ones seen i will put my choice as if a real member of the academy not a prediction because my choices are rarely winners.

1.BEST PICTURE - All Seen - Hell Or High Water - Excellently crafted, great subtle storytelling.
2.BEST ACTOR(LEAD) - All Seen - Denzel Washington(Fences) - Or Casey Affleck or.... difficult choice.
3.BEST ACTRESS(LEAD) - 4, No Streep - Natalie Portman(Jackie) - She becomes her, Superb.
4.BEST ACTOR(SUPPORTING) - All Seen - Lucas Hedges(Manchester By The Sea) - Fantastic.
5.BEST ACTRESS(SUPPORTING) - All Seen - Michelle Williams(Manchester By The Sea) Fleeting but heart wrenching.
6.BEST ANIMATED FEATURE - 4, No Courgette - Kubo And The Two Strings - Beautiful, different, fun.
7.CINEMATOGRAPHY - All Seen - Arrival - Stunning visuals.
8.COSTUME DESIGN - 4 - Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them - Magically Authentic.
9.BEST DIRECTOR - All Seen - Moonlight - Style and substance.
10.BEST DOCUMENTARY - 3 - 13TH - Shocking, Worrying but important.
11.BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FEATURE - The Salesman - Underplayed brilliance.
12.VISUAL EFFECTS - All Seen - The Jungle Book - Reignites the love for the jungle.
13.BEST WRITING(ADAPTED) - All Seen - August Wilson(Fences) - Delicately put.
14. BEST WRITING(ORIGINAL) - 4, No women - Kenneth Lonergan(Manchester By The Sea)


Good luck to all i will be watching

Train to Busan (2016) (Subs)

I may be slightly bias because i love anything with Zombies but i bloody love this film. I have never been to South Korea but have travelled by train in Japan and this made me reminiscent for the excellent rail service minus the cannibalistic dead humans obviously and i am sure if this film had been set in the U.K. it would have turned out very different. If you like Korean or zombie films this is a must see but if you like a human story in a perilous situation give Train to Busan a watch.



Like This Watch These: Battle Royale (2000) (Subs)Bloody teens, [Rec] (2007) (Subs)Spanish Zombies, The Returned (2013) (Subs) The aftermath of a Zombie infestation.

Bill (2015)

Horrible Histories is really funny it has great comic actors being silly with historical facts the group transfer well to the big screen and the story is familiar and fun History-wise with Shakespeare and Queen Elizabeth II in tow. Not Monty Python but amusing and joyful to behold if you have kids use it as an excuse they and you might even learn something.


Like This Watch These: Yonderland (2013) Magical silliness, Horrible Histories (2009-16) Amusing learning, You, Me and the Apocalypse (2015) End of the world in Slough (All TV Shows). 

Tanna (2015) (Subs)

Change is difficult for everyone, Tanna explores this theme and more with a Pacific Island Tribe (real life Yakel Tribe) learning that not all the old ways can still work. Not as picturesque as i had expected but used the volcano well, the tribespeople are beautiful and natural. A lesson learned harshly but softly the sadness balanced well with the light a peaceful film, it's good to sometimes look at life lived a different way and this does just that.


Like This Watch These: The Thin Red Line (1998) Star filled beauty of war, Tracks (2013) Lone Traveller, The Night of the Iguana (1964) Black and white tropical beauty.

Allied (2016)

Glossy and stylish Allied still comes off as slightly lacklustre, the excitement and intrigue never really fulfilling their promise. It's all a little stiff, neither lead actor at their best. it looks good, nice clean action sequences it just somehow misses the mark. Easily watched easily forgotten.


Like This Watch These: Spy Game (2001) Young Brad learns to spy, The English Patient (1996) Wartime romantic suffering, Yanks (1979) Wartime love.

The Big Chill (1983)

MUST WATCH Having seen this film quite a bit during my youth on first watch in adulthood i was amazed to find many different layers and meanings that my childish eyes did not see in this wonderful friendship drama. College pals come together after the suicide of one of their group, a perfect collection of people, everthing them seem to be at the outset is stripped away to reveal their truths the way real mates do. In my opinion one of the greatest soundtracks of all time it aids the story along in a way joyous way, along with authentic writing and classy acting. Quotable, funny and soul searching i love everything about The Big Chill it has woven itself into my life in intricate ways, i always clear the table a la the 'Ain't to proud to beg' scene. Help yourself and have this in your life too.


Like This Watch These: Fatal Attraction (1987) Psycho Glenn, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997) Cool because they don't care, Stand By Me (1986) The best Friends.

Lion ( 2016)

Ultimately uplifting this lost boy drama pulls you gently through the sorrow whilst making you fall in love with Sunny Pawar, the gorgeous young Saroo dazzles and shows real heart.A true story that needs to be shared, showing the frailty and strength, horror and hope of life. Strong performances all round make this feel heartfelt and warm, Nicole Kidman and the lovely David Wenham comfort as the adoptive parents of adrift Saroo uprooting his life to Tasmania and yet saving and supporting him in his search for home.


Like This Watch These: Slumdog Millionaire (2008) Mr. Patel's debut blockbuster, Philomena (2013) More lost children, Secrets & Lies (1996) An awkward reunion.

Hell or High Water (2016)

Jeff Bridges can do no wrong in my eyes, and shines here as the old-school grouchy Texas Ranger trying to capture two bog standard armed robbers, a smarter story ensues as you come to learn the reasons for the crimes. Texas becomes almost another character with stunning vistas and its soul seeping out of each role, accomplished actors elevate this crime with heart adventure to a real treasure. This shows well written storytelling is not dead and hollywood should take heed, intelligent sophisticated and gratifying i could watch this often more please.


Like This Watch These: Bone Tomahawk (2015) Wild west cannibals, The Keeping Room (2014) Ladies who fight, True Romance (1993) Excellently written.

Moonlight (2016)

The three actors used in the telling of this coming of age tale are stupendous, from child to teen to adult they blend seamlessly and believably into one another. What could be a predictable life story of an African-American Miami born kid shows an altered account of oft told actions, subtle and affecting this covers new ground. Every character and actor has an important task, to bring something new and each fulfills this with aplomb. Very well acted, written and directed this is one of the years most understated Oscar nominated films, won't leave you distraught but will stir your emotions and satisfy any longing for unpredictability.


Like This Watch These: Boyz n the Hood (1991) Growing up in the Ghetto , Pariah (2011) Confused sexual identity, Dope (2015) Lighter look at Ghetto life.

Toni Erdmann (2016) (Subs)

Sweet with constant tinges of sadness this oddball German comedy shows a father trying to reconnect with his distant, business minded daughter by using his alter ego to bring some humour into her life. Surprising, funny and sad this film is long but does not drag, it's not a laugh riot but has expert comic timing and the downbeats are sombrely played but not too depressing. Jack Nicholson would be great as this character in the supposed all american remake but the general tone cannot be transferred it will be more likely butchered,so please don't bother USA.


Like This Watch These: My afternoons with Margueritte (2010) (Subs) Lovely relationship building, Paper Moon (1973) A different father/ daughter pairing, Blood Father (2016) Don't mess with my kin!

La La Land (2016)

If you genuinely like proper classic musicals you might not love this as much as everyone in the world seems to, i really didn't from the cringe worthy opening sequence to the unhopeful ending i did not fall under the La La spell. There are some lovely and well performed scenes, Gosling is dreamy and Stone charming/annoying it is very unrealistic and not in that 'days of old' movie musical manner. Loving musicals as i do i tried to like this but i can't it doesn't work for me if you're doing vintage musical go all out do not half arse around with ultra modern settings, poor characters seemingly living in luxury and an ungrateful female lead.


Better Than This: The Blues Brothers (1980) How modern musicals should be, Crazy, Stupid Love (2011) A more loving Gosling/Stone pair up, Singin' in the rain (1952) An actual joy filled musical.

Silence (2016)

Sadly disappointing, very long and not as majestic as i had hoped, the story is like a very dumbed down Apocalypse Now (without the war or fantastic characters), as two Jesuit Priests go in search of their fallen mentor. At the beginning i was a bit worried about the accents,  they sounded a bit 'Horrible Histories' to me, but that settled down throughout the film, the acting is good but not great it needed more power to transport you into this very alien atmosphere of 17th century Japan. An interesting and mostly untold part of history it needed something more to really hold my attention never before have i been let down by Martin Scorsese but i suppose it had to happen at some point.


Like This Watch These : Kundun (1997) The life of a Dalai Lama, The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Scorsese's religious epic, Seven Years in Tibet (1997) More Dalai Lama.

The Red Turtle (2016)

Well worth watching for the simple but stunning classic animation, you will need to be a big fan of this art form as there is no dialogue, at all. An uncomplicated tale of life's different stages told poetically through beautiful visuals and subtle background music, surprisingly engaging for a near silent film. Produced by the genius Studio Ghibli although not in Japanese (obviously) it still injects heart as only they can, considering they asked Michael Dudok de Wit to make this film for them he is certainly one to watch.


Like This Watch These : Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) More Ghibli magic, Watership Down (1978) Tear-jerking classic, The Wind Rises (2013) Aviation animated.

Hidden Figures (2016)

There is so much to celebrate about this film, excellent performances, great costumes and script and a truly moving, exceptional story. A Legend we should all be aware of, these heroic African-American women who were instrumental in helping the U.S.A. reach the Moon, finally get appreciated. I laughed, cried and felt honestly invested in every moment of this overwhelming tale.


Like This Watch These: The Help (2011) Ladies standing strong, Apollo 13 (1995) What these women worked for, Jackie Brown (1997) Hardcore Pamela Grier.

Moana (2016)

Who doesn't love a Disney film? I certainly do, this new addition to their vast catalogue earns it's place and sits comfortably there. Great rousing songs, luscious visuals, lively characters are all the standard but with its Hawaiian backdrop also brings new flavours. Dwayne Johnson and Jermaine Clement are the hilarious highlights it all takes off when these characters turn up. A very enjoyable lazy afternoon movie.


Like This Watch These : Whale Rider (2002) Heroic teen going against the adults, Aloha (2015) Idyllic Hawaii, South Pacific (1958) Love and music in the pacific. 

Life, Animated (2016)

A Touching but never schmaltzy tale of an Autistic Boy becoming a man using Disney films to help him navigate the world. Autism is a very complex condition and no case is the same, this is an interesting view of one person's struggle to interact in so-called 'normal' society. The addition of the animation in this documentary is welcome and well drawn it helps guide the narrative and gives the audience a chance to glimpse human feelings differently. Light and enjoyable definitely not a downer doc.


Like This Watch These: The Wolfpack (2015) (Doc) Unconventional upbringing, The Jungle Book (1967) Just joy Stories We Tell (2012) (Doc) Intriguing family issues.

Spy (2015)

If you don't find Melissa McCarthy funny then you my friend are missing a funny bone, rare is the role when she dosen't make me laugh aloud and this is no exception. To satirise spy films is nothing new and it has been done better, full of silliness, swearing and inventive insults this is a welcome addition. Aptly cast each actor creates their own laughs, the action is ok and plot predictable just sit back and enjoy the absurdity, it's only a comedy people.


Like This Watch These: The Heat (2013) Funny crimestoppers, Casino Royale (1967) Clever old-school spies, Bridesmaids (2011) Funny friends.

Jackie (2016)

I have always been fascinated with The Kennedys and the conspiracy theories surrounding the infamous assassination, so i soak up anything depicting that time. I enjoy Biographies but am a little fussy about the actor looking like the subject (Will Smith as Muhammad Ali- No No No) so when i saw Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy i was unsure to say the least but she truly becomes the icon throughout the film. The story is very well presented using flashbacks of prominent moments in history as Jackie tells her story to a reporter ( Billy Crudup-subtle), some stunning sequences give you a whole new insight into one of the most harrowing very public celebrity deaths of the modern world, well worth you time.


Like This Watch These: J.F.K. (1991) Cool conspiracies, Parkland (2013) In the hospital after the tragedy,  Grey Gardens (1975) Jackie's eccentric relations.

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Kenneth Lonergan is the absolute king of family drama, he writes words and sentences that people actually use whilst in the company of those with a shared history. Now that i have stopped sobbing i can put down my thoughts on this subtle heartbreaking film. An outstanding cast show sheer excellence from their specific accents to the stunning emotive behaviour, it's a masterclass in performance. Not something to watch often but once seen will stay with you, one of the most touching and tragic movies i have experienced very very good.



Like This Watch These: You Can Count On Me (2000) Brother/Sister drama, Kes (1969) A boy and his bird, Dancer In The Dark (2000) Harsh lessons. (WARNING: You Will Cry)

My Favourite Films Directed by Shane Meadows

1. A Room for Romeo Brass (1999) - Soul Food
2. 24 7 Twenty Four Seven (1997) - Community Building
3. Dead Man's Shoes (2004) - Revenge Baby!
4. This Is England (2006) - Groundbreaking
5. Le Donk & Scor-zay-zee (2009) - Silly but fun

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

This is a very good film, more because of the incredible nature of this true story than cinematic excellence. Battle sequences are shot well mostly concentrating on the devastating injuries, understandable when the lead character is a medic. Andrew Garfield earns his Oscar nomination as the heroic Desmond Doss but the Directing and Picture nods feel too much like overkill, don't get me wrong this film should be seen, by everyone, but to celebrate the valiant efforts of one man who saved many not to honour those framing his bravery so it looks good. Desmond Doss is a name i will never forget sadly i may this film.


Like This Watch These: Rescue Dawn (2006) Survival, The Great Raid (2005) Working together, Saving Private Ryan (1998) Wow.

Rear Window (1954)

MUST WATCH My dream place to live is still the apartment square that James Stewart's L.B.Jefferies inhabits in this Hitchcock masterpiece, yes i am a nosey bugger. The joy i glean from every rewatch is evident as i avidly peek into each window to glimpse something i never had before and there is always a treat. My huge fondness of the honorable James Stewart and the effortlessly elegant Grace Kelly might sway my view but the tremendous Thelma Ritter as the staunch nurse Stella is reason enough to enjoy this classic mystery. Far superior to Vertigo, the skill displayed in containing the activity to a room and it's view is masterful as the director truly was.


Like This Watch These: The Birds (1963) Eerie nature attacking, Rope (1948) Getting away with murder, Peeping Tom (1960) A different kind of nosey.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

I love a good scare, it's good for the blood (Dr Who quote) i had trouble sleeping as a child and would often stay up late watching old films, i remember the first time i watched this i turned all the lights off closed the curtains and sat right in front of the TV ready to be scared. And i was, in a good way, along with being totally drawn in to this new (for a 13 yr old) macabre style, it looked pretty  shaky to my overindulged youthful eyes but that took nothing from the underlying sense of terror i felt. The last scene is stunning and still strangely soothes me, the template for many modern horrors it still rates high for me. A first-rate classic still chilling and watchable, we do not talk about the remake.


Like This Watch These: The Hills Have Eyes (1977) Creepy shit, Repulsion (1965) Scary depression Or House of 1000 Corpses (2003) Psycho family.

Constantine (2005)

I am a sucker for both Keanu Reeves and comic book adaptations so in knew i would like this and i do, the propositions of the afterlife, Hell and The Devil always interest me. The action is valuable and the special effects sterling. Some wonderful supporting roles Gabriel, Beeman, Balthazar and Satan to name a few depicted by exceptional actors (Tilda Swinton, Peter Stormare) and lead singers (Gavin Rossdale). Enjoyable and entertaining if you enjoy dark fantasy films and i do.


Like This Watch These: Hellboy 1&2 (2004/08) Glorious hell hero, Legion (2010) Angel saviour,  Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006) Love in the afterlife.

Battle Royale (2000) (Subs)

MUST WATCH Before The Hunger Games breezed in there was this amazing film of supposed  tearaway teens sent to an Island to kill their classmates until only one survives. Beautifully shot and acted this once shocking premise still holds it's own as a brutal but emotional cautionary tale. The Japanese youths are just like usual classmates i had, not the fake american perfect creations we so often see, flashbacks are used skillfully to further the viewer's relationship with all the intriguing characters of which there are many. One of my favourites is the sympathetic but scary teacher Kitano-Sensei portrayed by the legendary genius (in my view) Takeshi Kitano/Beat Takeshi i love him and will watch anything he has something to do with, as this character i want to hug him. I am apparently immune to film violence but have been told this is pretty rough going but it's not needless, it is in my opinion essential. Enjoy.

Like This Watch These: I Saw The Devil (2010) (Subs) Clever serial killer revenge, Audition (1999) (Subs) Terrifying, Oldboy (2003) (Subs) Fantastic Thriller.

Fences (2016)

This is a very good film but i imagine that the play with this cast would be astounding and possibly more powerful, although this hefty drama certainly takes you through the emotional mill i was angry, sad and happy sometimes at the same time. The whole cast work superbly together which is not surprising as many performed the play on Broadway with each other, whilst Denzel Washington and Viola Davis absolutely spark off each other, every bit player also truly sizzles. The story is still  relevant no matter where you come from or who you are you have probably met some of these characters. I hated Denzel's character Troy so much more than i ever did his devilish detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day, but by the conclusion of the film i had opened up to him a little and understood his motivations more. The sets and costumes seem era perfect yet subtle, all i can say is Denzel please Direct more films.


Like This Watch These: A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) Magnificent performances, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf (1966) Powerhouse couple falling apart, The Butler (2013) A lifetime of work and life.

My used to be local cinema in Malaga, Spain.

My Top 5 Amy Adams characters

1. Leslie miller - Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) - Hilarious
2. Ashley - Junebug (2005) - Heart-Wrenching
3. Charlene Fleming - The Fighter (2010) - Powerhouse
4. Giselle - Enchanted (2007) - Magical
5. Amelia Earhart - Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (2009) - Joyous

Tell No One (2006) (Subs)

Having read the book written by Harlan Coben i wasn't expecting much as rarely are book adaptations anywhere near as good as their literary inspirations. Moving the film to a French landscape rather than sticking with the american original works really well in this thrilling mystery. The story of a wife returning from the dead (not as a zombie though) is captivating and compelling, Francois Cluzet shines as the traumatised and accused husband and the supporting cast do just that support the feature. If you appreciate a well told appealing mystery sit back and get involved in this subtle chiller.



Like This Watch These: Frantic (1988) Where's my wife, Julia's Eyes (2010) (Subs) Creepy and mysterious, In The House (2012)  (Subs) Unusual and intriguing.

Wrong Cops (2013)

This film is not for everyone you have to have a specific sense of humour i personally found it very funny. Full of unkind characters doing silly or vile things it brings alternative buffoonery and lightness in a sea of dark acts. There are some great cameos, Steve Little from the very funny Eastbound & Down is his usual slightly gross unlucky type, Jon Lajoie sparkles albeit briefly,look out for amusing Eric Roberts and a quasi-normal looking Marilyn Manson. Director Quentin Dupieux handles the skewed reality well and with wit as in his breakout hit Rubber which is also well worth a watch.



Like This Watch These: Rubber (2010) Tyre gone awry, Entertainment (2015) Funny sad, Eastbound & Down (2009/13) Really funny bad sportsman.

The Third Man (1949)

MUST WATCH This is one of my all time favourite films it is a classic of a very high standard. The story is intriguing, exciting and expertly shot, it has beautiful reveals as the tale moves on expecting the audience to have a brain. The cast all round is superb Orson Welles's screen time is scarce but extremely powerful his cuckoo clock speech leaves me dumbfounded, Joseph Cotton is the ideal struggling everyman and Alida Valli is the ultimate torn woman. The soundtrack is so well known and placed deftly throughout the film everytime i hear it i know i need a rewatch. The mystery of the plot is reflected in the scenery highlighted by its only Oscar win for Cinematography and it makes me long for old school film-making and style. I love love love it.


Like This Watch These: The Stranger (1946) Lovely secretive noir, Double Indemnity (1944) Classic womanly wiles, Sunset Boulevard (1950) Jaded hollywood starlet.

The Accountant (2016)

Sadly this is what i expected, a below average wannabe thriller and i like Ben Affleck i really do but he is so wrong for this part i was thrown, for the most part he looks like he is stifling his laughter. Anna Kendrick is criminally under used and every major plot point is mis-timed and a little clumsy, there are good ideas but too many squeezed together. It is an easy watch and it has watchable moments and an o.k. story with a little concentration and trimming it could have been good, all the minor surprises are very predictable.


Like This Watch These: Fracture (2007) Gorgeous Gosling gets strung along, The Guest (2014) Is he who he says he is?, The Parallax View (1974) Proper conspiracy.

Transformers (2007)

Say what you will about Michael Bay - he is a shit filmmaker, but he hit all the right marks on this first foray into the Transformer world, the sequels can piss off. This film is like Robot porn for me the spectacular sounds during transformations give me chills, in a good way and the visuals are astoundingly beautiful. Shia LaBeouf shines in the lead role he is amusing and quite realistic his parents bring lightness and humour also, Megan Fox is fine but improves massively when compared to the atrocious casting of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in the third film. The story is a great opener for the franchise unfortunately it all goes downhill from here, in each follow- on film the noises and additional characters begin to bore and grate but rewatching the first they still seem fresh and exciting.


Like This Watch These: The Many Sequels if you must (2009 - till the end of time) Bigger, louder but not better, Robot Overlords (2014) They live among us, Chappie (2015) The wonderful Sharlto Copley in robot form.

This sky reminds me of Ghostbusters.

Gremlins (1984)

I love this film it can be watched at any time but is on my list of Christmas musts, it reminds me fondly of my childhood. It's a fun story of creatures attacking a town expertly told and obviously by a lover of film history. You have the wicked witch-esque baddie Mrs Deagle, the boy and girl next door Billy and Kate and the mysterious foreigner Mr Wing  and a plethora of other memorable characters. The special effects still hold up today and although i am not scared by the monsters anymore i remember well when i was and i still want my very own Gizmo. It is funny with touches of sadness and terror i defy anyone to not enjoy this classic.



Like This Watch These: Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990) More outrageous Gremlins, Ghostbusters (all 3) (1984/89/2016) Ghoulish fun, Critters (1986) Vicious little things.

Arrival (2016)

I was pleasantly surprised by this film i didn't have high hopes, not sure why because i think Amy Adams is a tremendous actress and i also enjoy the films of Denis Villeneuve. The visuals are not stunning but subtly underplayed which is rare for an alien invasion story, the overall look of the aliens and spacecrafts is modern and clean without showing too much detail. The use of a linguistics professor to try to communicate with the invaders adds layers of context about the world we currently occupy and how incredible and vast various forms of communication can be. For those of you who are unwilling to give yourself over to certain sci-fi themes you may struggle with certain aspects but i feel they were depicted well enough not to stir too many questions. Amy Adams is faultless as usual, Jeremy Renner is suitably restrained with no echoes of Hawkeye and Forest Whitaker makes a forgettable role memorable.


Like This Watch These: The Invasion (2007) Secret invasion, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) Original and best Signs (2002) Crop circles.

I went to The Dominican Republic in 2014 and they told me this was the river they filmed some of Apocalypse Now on, i was more than happy to believe them.

Intro

Hi my life is full of films so i thought i would share my opinions of films as and when i watch them. I watch everything from blockbusters to french new wave and everything in between and outside. I am a huge sci-fi geek but love all cinematic ventures from gross and gory and occasionally even sickly and sweet. I grew up in 80's England and quickly began to absorb the graphic impact certain films had on me such as Stand by me, The NeverEnding Story and Star Wars and a stupid amount of others. My love for film has continued and strengthened throughout my life wherever i may have been i feel now is the time to share my passion with you unfortunate few who stumble across this blog.