Meeting People Is Easy (1998) (Doc)

If you love Radiohead this is enjoyable if not give it a miss, a study in the tedious rock star life on the road, the same stupid questions and publicity that must be endured. Littered with their excellent music and amusing 'on tour' moments, this is not the most linear music documentary i have seen but watchable none the less. I adore the band they are from my hometown and i have had the honour to meet two of them so this for me just felt like getting to know them a little better, but it would not be on my list of best rockumentaries.


Like This Watch These: Searching For Sugar Man (2012) Interesting and enlightening, good music too, Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015) An in depth look at the man and his legend, The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2008) Examining the sad life of a could be genius.

The Witch (2015)

Ye old England was a scary place to be, especially if you live in a desolate area with no other people and near a creepy wood. There are no big reveals no jumpy moments just a constant eerie and uncomfortable feeling, in a good way. Superb acting from Kate Dickie (reliably excellent) and Ralph Ineson, but the children are absolutely astounding at no point did it feel like acting. Witchcraft affects a family slowly and in an unsettling manner as tragedy strikes and blame is passed. This is the kind of horror i love,it stays with you but you are unsure why, there is no moment to pinpoint just a slow build of threat, terrific.


Like This Watch These: Witchfinder General (1968) Old school creepy, A Field In England (2013) More 17th century curiosity from the genius Ben Wheatley, The Devil's Hand (2014) Nowhere near as good but there is a cult and devilry at work.

Sleepless (2017)

This is probably fine for anyone who only occasionally watches films but when you watch as many as i do this is predictable and poor. I love a good fight scene but here there are too many and none are particularly memorable or well done. Jamie Foxx plays a cop with zero personality whose son is kidnapped by unconvincing drug lords (Scoot McNairy usually great, here, no) he spends the night trying to get him back, all with a stab wound that seems not to hinder him at all even though real people would die from such an injury left unattended. Plot holes like this annoy and lose me, not good.


Better Than This: Collateral (2004) A much more interesting night with Jamie Foxx, Taken (2008) This is how you find the kidnapped child you are looking for, The Frozen Ground (2013) Nicholas Cage hunts for a Serial Killer.

Next Goal Wins (2014) (Doc)

MUST WATCH You do not need to be a football fan to watch this fabulous documentary, it is more about life and how we choose to live it. Uplifting in an unexpected way this follows the American Samoa football team trying to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup after suffering the worst defeat to Australia (31-0) in 2001. The team are not the usual overpaid stars we are used to seeing on an international stage, they work, most of them more than one job or they are studying so cant use all their time practicing.They are also fiercely religious but not in an overbearing way. They get a new coach, a Dutchman who visibly alters his mindset whilst getting to know the team, they also have the first the first transgender player who is accepted without question. I cried, laughed  gasped and felt great for days after watching this, just beautiful.

Like This Watch These: One Night In Turin (2010) Italia '90 has a special place in my heart, you should enjoy the sport or remember the time to enjoy this, The Thin Red Line (1998) The Pacific Islanders in this bring the heart and soul, Tanna (2015) Life is not always easy on the Islands.

Dear Eleanor (2016)

A pleasant and sweet coming-of-age movie of two best friends travelling across America in 1962 to meet Eleanor Roosevelt. Simple, sweet but not sickly the two leads are likeable and the supporting cast offer humour and care, there is no peril here even when the girls meet an escaped convict. Easy to watch, pleasing with lots of charm and 60's pop culture references. The costumes are lovely and the historic time period feels realistic. A gentle and fun film.


Like This Watch These: Now and Then (1995) The then part is better as four friends grow up in the 70's, Stand By Me (1986) " I never had any friends later on like the ones i had when i was twelve", The Edge of Seventeen (2016) Modern, funny and only a little sweet.

God Told Me To (1976)

I only watched this because Andy Kauffman is in it, little did i know only for about a minute. What starts out as a crime drama when a series of murders are committed in the name of God turns into the story of a Catholic cop discovering a Jesus like figure attached to the perpetrators and connections to his own life. It is a little confusing but ultimately interesting and the end scene is great and now commonly used. Very 70's with pretty shit effects this still has merit, weird cults and beliefs are unmasked but with no fanfare.


Like This Watch These: The Omen (1976) Excellent Antichrist story, still holds up today, Life of Brian (1979) A comedic look at the origins of Christianity, Genius, The Wicker Man (1973) Very strange rites in Scotland, a classic.

Prevenge (2016)

I Love Alice Lowe, i am yet to dislike anything she has done and this is no exception, but if you are expecting a baby maybe wait until after the birth. A very black comedy following a pregnant widows murderous revenge on those responsible for the death of her husband, as told to by her unborn baby. Littered with a host of outstanding British actors and the superb Lowe herself as the lead (she was really pregnant during filming), this is a masterclass in everything film related. Refreshingly different and dark, expertly shot and unpredictable. I cant praise this enough i really enjoyed it i laughed out loud at parts and felt deeply for the main character.


Like This Watch These: Rosemary's Baby (1968) Not a comedy, a pregnant woman suspects odd goings on in her building, Sightseers (2012) Lowe again in murder mode, Serial Mom (1994) Kathleen Turner killing for the most mundane reasons, hilarious.

Life During Wartime (2009)

Less depressing than the usual Todd Solondz but still veering on the darker side of love, life and everything. A range of weird and wonderful issues ranging from disturbing to funny affect the family and friends depicted in this film. A collection of excellent actors help create sympathy and genuine care for these characters suffering but continuing on. Allison Janney is outstanding, obviously, this woman can play anyone convincingly. An interesting study of the world, people in it, fears and realizations and how humans carry on.


Like This Watch These: Short Cuts (1993) A weekend in L.A. full of character, Weiner-Dog (2016) The different people that look after this pup, Storytelling (2001) Dysfunction at school and college.

Nina Forever (2015)

A great and original idea about a man starting a new relationship after the death of his girlfriend who just happens to turn up bloodied and battered when the new couple are in bed together. Slightly dark but not depressing, it has many amusing moments as the corpse is pretty funny and all the actors are very good. They try many things to get rid of Nina but there must be a reason she is there and it's not too predictable. Refreshing to see new ideas put across well and with no judgement.


Like This Watch These: An Ameican Werewolf In London (1981) Griffin Dunne is the greatest talking corpse, Truly  Madly Deeply (1990) Another lover back from the dead but in a heartbreaking way, The Frighteners (1996) Underrated Peter Jackson movie about a man who sees the dead, The Sixth Sense it ain't.

Empire Records (1995)

As a teen this film made me feel normal and want to work in an independent record shop (i did), i still love it today if only for the memories it stirs. Fun, silly and enjoyable don't take it too seriously and you will get involved. Filmed like a long music video there are no astounding acts, shots or acting but it's not about that, it's a bunch of teens discovering themselves and each other. It may sound cheesy but it avoids that and is just itself. Not for everyone but those who have a fondness for it are definitely on my friend list. These kids are fighting the good fight trying to stop a large chain taking over their beloved store along with Anthony LaPaglia's best boss ever.


Like This Watch These: Pump Up The Volume (1990) Christian Slater's pirate radio station is what ever teen should listen to, Heathers (1988) Horrible school girls get taught a lesson, High Fidelity (2000) For music lovers everywhere.

Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Not being a fan of remakes i was pleasantly surprised by this, it sensible steers away from the usual Kong storyline concentrating more on the island and other creatures that dwell there the giant ape almost takes a back seat. He looks marvellous as do some of the other beasties and the island is captivating and luscious. Although i found Tom Hiddleston unconvincing as an action hero and Samuel L. Jackson's character an unnecessary and irritating addition, John C. Reilly is fantastic as usual. There is some old school fun on show, great fights and lovely visuals and it felt like a throwback in a good way, although set in the seventies that didn't somehow ring true, but i thoroughly enjoyed it.

Like This Watch These: King Kong (2005) Not the greatest story but great special effects, Jurassic Park (1993) One of the best monster movies of all time, King Kong (1933) Watch if only to see how it can be done without modern effects.

Pretty Poison (1968)

Poor Anthony Perkins is one of those actors cursed with always being known for their most famous role, in his case Norman Bates the titular character from Psycho whom he portrays perfectly. He certainly doesn't get away from him with this troubled yet sympathetic chap who may or may not be a little insane. Everything feels very kitsch from the language 'crud' to the slightly schlocky acting so it is occasionally laughable but the story is pretty good, our unhinged lead meets a pretty girl and tells her he is a secret agent she believes him or does she?


Like This Watch These: Psycho (1960) Pure creepy excellence, Repulsion (1965) A more obvious descent into madness, The China Syndrome (1979) A cover up is discovered at a nuclear plant.

Bleed For This (2016)

I don't enjoy sports myself but I do love a good sportsman overcoming the odds film and this really hits the spot. An incredible true story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza making a miraculous recovery after a car crash and fighting again. He really is one of those people who if you tell them they cannot do it they will find a way, and watching it is a wonderful mix of pain and joy. High Class and transformative acting from Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart and Ciaran Hinds makes this all the more believable and impressive. Enjoyable and amazing well worth some of you time.


Like This Watch These: Raging Bull (1980) One of the best boxing movies ever, 42 (2013) Jackie Robinson's tough journey to being a very famous baseball player, The Fighter (2010) A great story about boxing brothers.

Dark Blood (1992/2012)

River Phoenix's last unfinished film gets a release with the director narrating unfilmed scenes which throws it off a little. Sadly this is not a fitting tribute to the superb actor taken too early in '93 whilst this was still being made. It looks like a TV movie and the characters are all pretty annoying, River looks like Jude Law in A.I. (2001) and because of his strange behaviour acts a bit like him too. It all feels disjointed but not purely due to being incomplete.

Better Than This: Running On Empty (1988) Brilliant story of a family on the run, one of Phoenix's best, Stand by Me (1986) The best coming of age movie, ever, My Own Private Idaho (1991) River's most adult role, he makes the film.

Things To Come (2016)

A simple but positive and philosophical story of a middle aged woman dealing with death, betrayal and life. Lots of things happen in this film but in a very understated way and handled in a way which seems very therapeutic, calm and very French. It feels like a real lesson in how to hold yourself in times of trouble or stress and Isabelle Huppert's lead is admirable. Full of differing ideals among friends this shows the power of ideas and differences uniting us, Beautifully shot the stunning scenery comes second to the emotion and overall feeling and it ends with the most gorgeous version of Unchained Melody i have ever heard, performed by The Fleetwoods.



Like This Watch These: Paterson (2016) A gentle story of a poet, In The House (2012) (Subs) A teachers relationship with a strange pupil, Potiche (2010) Another strong female lead.

All We Had (2016)

Katie Holmes' directorial debut is a nice surprise for a story that could be very downbeat or preachy, it is neither. A struggling mother and daughter team try to make a better life for themselves and realize they may need some help. A mix of interesting characters and stories make this a film about people and how we all need help sometimes. Holmes plays against type and pulls it off with the aid of the more than competent character actors surrounding her. An oft seen formula but this is done gently and carefully and i found them people worth rooting for.


Like This Watch These: Postcards From The Edge (1990) One of my fave Mum/Daughter combos, based on Carrie Fisher's book and life, Glassland (2014) A much more downbeat view of an alcoholic parent, Drop Dead Gorgeous (1999) Ellen Barkin plays the boozy mum in this hilarious piss-take of beauty pageants.

Coffy (1973)

The ultimate 70's vigilante justice film where Pam Grier's nurse takes no prisoners and kills every bad bastard that is ruining the community with drugs. Some of this is laughable, the pimp outfits and the constant boob flashing mainly but the story is pretty good. Coffy is an excellent heroine using all her feminine whiles and stopping at nothing to get the guys who got her young sister hooked on drugs. You can see why Tarantino wanted Pam as Jackie Brown, she stands out as the only real actor in this and she is a badass and oozes cool this could almost be a prequel.



Like This Watch These: Jackie Brown (1997) Still cool and still getting the bad guys just with her brains not a gun, Across 110th Street (1972) Another classic 70's crime film with a great soundtrack, Superfly (1972) Classic one last job then i'm out for this drug dealer.

Logan (2017)

Just what i had hoped for, a grown up serious X-Men movie, although they may have gone overboard on the swearing like a teen when away from parents. Set in a future where mutants have been eradicated Wolverine is hurting, alone and aging, in pain and troubled but in the most beautiful way. Probably Jackman's best performance the writing is excellent and the bleak future all too real. It's emotional, amusing, thought-provoking and one of my favourite superhero films, a bit deeper than the usual glossy blockbuster. The acting is very good all round but the young girl is astounding without speaking for the majority of the film. I really really enjoyed this and the end scene is stunning.



Like This Watch These: X-Men (2000) Original and one of the best looks a little dated but it works, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009) Not great but worth it for the opening credits sequence, The Wolverine (2013) Some beautiful fighting.

The Love Witch (2016)

This is a tribute to 60's and 70's pulp novels, colours and black magic movies and if viewed with that in mind is fine but otherwise feels a bit pointless. When you watch the films that were filmed 4 or 5 decades ago they seem twee and can be forgiven for poor acting or schlocky plot points because films were different then, but to make one now and not improve on those things seems odd to me. The lead is quite captivating and probably doesn't need to be a witch to make men fall in love with her and all the actors genuinely look like they are from another era. I wanted to like this and can see why some people will but sadly i found myself asking why too much to really enjoy.


Like This Watch These: The Wicker Man (1973) A Quality 70's weird horror, Witchfinder General (1968) Truly scary with classic 60's gore, The Devils (1971) Nuns and witches what could go wrong, Mental.

Rock Dog (2016)

Predictable but pleasing animation boosted by great voices and surprisingly good songs. A Tibetan Dog leaves his home to become a musician and meets a superstar Cat, hilariously voiced by Eddie Izzard. Sweet and amusing this is an all round easy and nice watch, i'm not sure how much kids will like it as there is not too much slapstick but i really enjoyed it. Lots of Izzards comedy comes through and the soothing and delicious tones of Luke Wilson and Sam Elliot are always lovely.


Like This Watch These: Sing (2016) More singing cartoons, Happy Feet (2006) Loads of singing but a bit irritating, kids like it though, Frozen (2013) Funny with some great songs.

Beware The Slenderman (2016) (Doc)

A fascinating yet disturbing documentary about the dangers of the internet on young minds. This case is ongoing so it's surprising to see this so soon, parents of teens should probably watch it but it will worry the shit out of you. Two 12 year old girls stabbed their best friend 19 times to please the Slenderman, a mythical internet meme. There are lots of experts interviewed but the most interesting parts are the parents, they talk extensively about the girls in a very loving and fond way and seem to entirely blame the internet for the terrible crime that is barely mentioned. It would have also been interesting to hear from the victims family, all in all it is a worrying world we live in.


Like This Watch These: West of Memphis (2012) A look at the terrible American Justice system when three men end up falsely imprisoned, 13TH (2016) A truly upsetting and troubling look at the prison system in the U.S.A., Into the Abyss (2011) Conversations with a  Death Row inmate and the people affected by his crimes.

A Bigger Splash (2015)

A very enjoyable and well shot film that is all about the acting, Ralph Fiennes is excellent as an irritating music producer. Beautiful scenery surrounds this tale of love and relationships as two uninvited guests infringe on a couples break and disturb their relaxation. Everyone is good and mostly playing against type, but when Tilda Swinton and Fiennes are on screen together it sizzles. Fun, interesting and a nice break from the usual Hollywood love stories probably as it's a remake of a French film.

Like This Watch These: La Piscine (1969) The French original this is based on, IL Postino: The Postman (1994) Another beautiful love story set in Italy, Rust and Bone (2012) A tragic but beautiful story starring the tremendous Matthias Schoenaerts.