Dinosaur Sotted In Aruba

Look who i found when i went to Aruba, anything that reminds me of Jurassic Park (1993) is a good thing.

Little Boxes (2016)

MUST WATCH I really enjoyed this thoughtful little indie about the struggles of moving, being a kidd in a new place, being an adult in a new place and a thousand other little things that most of us face in our lives. Not that much happens, as in day to day life but it examines these with fond detail. Melanie Lynskey rarely puts a foot wrong, the sadly recently lost to us Nelsan Ellis gives us a moving and convincing family man, together they make a lovely pair, easy to watch and fall for. This intteracial family leave the urban cool of New York to go to the suburbs of Washington state, why you may ask but this film is so delicate and interesting, you want to find out with them. It is a very welcoming film and has something for everyone.


Like This Watch These: White Men Can't Jump (1992) I loved this film when i was younger not sure how well it holds up, but these two have great chemistry, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) The greatest film about a family in my opinion, The Way, Way Back (2013) A miserable teens tries to get away from his family by working at the local waterpark, where he meets Sam Rockwell and hilarity ensues and life lessons are learnt.

R.I.P. Sam Shepard

As a child i wanted Sam Shepard to be my Dad, i found him comforting, still do. His career was frankly astounding, Thank you for leaving a little of you behind.

First Do No Harm (1997)

First of all this is a TV movie so the quality is low and the scmaltz is high, but Meryl Streep as the mum makes it a little more palletable. The story is pretty shocking, as an English person i have never had to pay for medical treatment and hopefully never will as i find it an atrocious practice. So Meryl's son (in the movie) develops epilepsy and the torture he and his family have to go through is awful, at one point i found it unbelievable but this does get explained. The family lose their home because the are paying extortionate medical bills, it all gets a litte depressing but there is hope. An important story shabbily portrayed.


Better Than This: Sicko (2007) Eye opening and shocking look at the U.S. and its health care industry, Lorenzo's Oil (1992) Another true story, i loved this as a child and its still moving and surprisingly directed by George 'Mad Max' Miller, Dallas Buyers Club (2013) Great film, heroic true tale of getting AIDS patients the medication they need to survive, without making them bankrupt.

R.I.P. Jeanne Moreau

Beautiful, arresting and absorbing on screen, Jeanne Moreau made films better but also the world.

Life (2017)

Slick, interesting and well done this film is too manicured and perfect to be the best film ever and also difficult to fault. The actors are good, realistic enough and the life form throughout its many changes is compelling and beautifully created but it's a little too on the nose. The ship is very sparse and clean, too clean it makes you long to be on the Nostromo, where the real monsters are. The life form is definitely threatening it's just not scary. But it is very enjoyable in all ways i just felt there was something missing, maybe we have come to the point where there is nothing left to discover so we try to improve on what came before, and that leaves me a little empty.



Like This Watch These: Alien (1979) Never to be outdone, still great, still terrifying even though the prequels ain't great, Pitch Black (2000) I thought this was a nice freash idea about space monsters in the dark, Aliens (1986) The best sequel ever.

Film Collage

A largely film based collage i used to have on my wall, what can you spot?

5 Films for World Friendship Day

1. Stand By Me (1986) "I never had any friends later on like the ones i had when i was twelve."
2. A Room For Romeo Brass (1999) Paddy Considine is mesmerising as Morell a disturbing force that comes between two young friends in this genius film.
3. Easy Rider (1969) It's important to surround yourself with people like you.
4. Nine To Five (1980) It's easy to bond with work friends whilst torturing your arsehole boss.
5. Wayne's World (1992) Silly, sweet and funny, great things to find in a friend.

Wonder Woman (2017)

A proper adventure and smooth introduction to Princess Diana of Themyscira/Wonder  Woman. As there are so many comic book movies now the only new thing here is that the hero is a woman. The action is slick and looks good although there are a few too many slow-mo's for my liking. The story is predictable but strong, the cast is well chosen and funny, Lucy Davis stands out as sweet yet sharp Etta. Gal Gadot is perfect for the role, stunningly gorgeous but carries it in a way that makes her approachable, strong, you never doubt that she can do all those things and relish when she shows the men that do. A fun slice of super and makes Justice League (2017) promising.


Like This Watch These: Batman vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2017) Our first glimpse of Gal, The X-Men Series (2000-present) Gender isn't relevant here they all fight together, Electra Woman And Dyna Girl (2016) Lighthearted and fun a low key hero tale.

Ellie Parker (2005)

This film screams poor me, looking at a struggling actress in L.A., it is hard to feel pity when portrayed by Hollywood star Naomi Watts, it may have had more power with a breakout performance by an unknown. It has no real structure it's just an excerpt of a life, filled with auditions, classes and even a night out to see Keanu Reeves band Dogstar play. Filmed on a hand held camera the content is not good enough for that not to matter. People in the industry probably see it a different way which is maybe more enjoyable.


Better Than This: The Impossible (2012) Miss Watts shines as a mother facing real problems, Festen (The Celebration) (1998) The content is so strong the camera style adds to this excellent Dogme film, All About Eve (1950) A far better look into the life of an actress.

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibition

The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibition where i got to meet Nick Maley who worked on the make up for the Star Wars Trilogy and many other films. A very exciting day. With fantastic props and memorabilia abound it's a wonderful and fond look at a cherished and extensive career. If you are ever in St Maarten pop in it's definitely worth your time.

99 Homes (2014)

MUST WATCH Two powerhouse performances from the never disappointing Michael Shannon and Andrew Garfield, infuse some real emotion and drama into this tale of a man trying to get back his house by working for the slick prick who took his house. The pace is good, learning about lives of the rich and corrupt and how easy it is to get seduced by. It's the acting that ultimately drives this film, to take nothing from the story, they work well with each other and it shows. The dismantling of the American Dream as depicted here is currant and escalating and worrying.



Like This Watch These: Never Let Me Go (2010) Andrew Garfield broke my heart as this troubled man, The Big Short (2015) Good but not for me, Margin Call (2011) Some  investment bankers  react to the 2008 financial crisis. Also anything with Micheal Shannon in, ever, even Man of Steel (2013).

Alien: Covenant (2017)

The relationships and characters in the iconic Alien (1979) were key to the story and success of the film and therefore can never be recreated or bettered. Danny Mcbride is the stand out for me, he is comedic, just in more subtle manner than usual,the other characters are given lots of background without any real bite. I enjoyed it but it feels unnecessary really, i don't need to know the origin of a Xenomorph who stars in a film that cannot be improved upon, it neither worsens or adds to your experience of the original. It looks good and there are some stunning scenes and set-ups and i was pleasantly surprised by the ending. Enjoyable but not needed.


Like This Watch These: Alien (1979) Incredible Aliens (1986) One of the all time greatest sequels, Life (2017) Massively influenced by the series with a clean classic atmosphere.

The Void (2016)

There are some good ideas here in this sci-fi horror/mystery but possibly too many, it builds a nice quiet small town feeling and gets a little confused. Solid performances, if a little cliched character wise, husband and wife cop and doctor and a pregnant woman. It could have been funny but the film makers didn't go that route and the film comes off as taking itself too seriously.The most sinister part are the encroaching hooded figures but they get neglected for a none to convincing beastie. Its fine for a late afternoon watch to maybe doze off to and not miss much.


Like This Watch These: The Thing (1982) A creature terrorizes its way through an Antarctic  research facility, Slither (2006) A funny lighthearted but gross invasion of a small town, Tremors (1990) A small town under siege from underground worms and a young Kevin Bacon and his mates are gonna save it.

National Lipstick Day

 

Happy National Lipstick Day celebrate by watching Diane Ladd go a little overboard with the stuff in David Lynch's Wild At Heart (1990) an abstract thrill ride.

Mystery Team (2009)

The young Lando Calrissian is a very funny man so it is no surprise that he worked on the screenplay for this amusing, lighthearted, little gem. Forming a detective agency as a young child is sweet and endearing, as are the three leads who are becoming adults but are still very very naive and inexperienced, they grow up (a little) during their last and biggest case together. Easy to watch and not an irksome caper this is a really fun treat.


Like This Watch These: Community (2009-2015) (TV) Wonderful sitcom about a community college, so many stand out characters, Stand By Me (1986) Glorious coming of age flick, The Kings Of Summer (2013) Just brilliant.

The Bride Wore Black (1968) (Subs)

A visually stunning and beautiful revenge flick from the supreme Francois Truffaut, that is clever and slick with a hardcore leading lady. I think it's best not to know too much when watching a film, here all you need is there in the title and the defiant look on the face of Jeanne Moreau, who is so powerful throughout, pictured above. Expertly acted and made films like this don't date.


Like This Watch These: Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974) A smooth and atmospheric Peckinpah pic, Oldboy (2003) An epic South Korean revenge shocker, Dead Man's Shoes (2004) Harrowing but superb.

Monkeybone (2001)

This, as the photo may suggest is a truly terrible film, there are no redeeming features the best i can do is say Rose McGowan is a pretty convincing cat. It is not funny, clever, enjoyable or easy-to-watch, it is extremely annoying, disheartening and boring. Even if you love any of the actors, please just don't do it to yourself. Avoid at all costs.


Much Better Than This: Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988) A classic, funny and well animated, this is how to do it, Coraline (2009) A much more respectful animation by director Henry Selick, James And The Giant Peach (1996) Sweet and funny, Selick getting it right before it went so terribly wrong.

Stanley Kubrick was born on this day in 1928

One of my all time favourite directors and officially one of the best, you only need look at his creations and it is clear, the man had a great eye. I think the first i saw was The Shining (1980) it terrified and exhilarated me, i was an immediate fan and needed more so took every opportunity to watch any of his films. I have two great cinematic experiences attached to his films, the first was in the 90's when A Clockwork Orange(1971) was re-released, i was a teenager and already loved his work so went with friends to a local cinema to watch it. I liked, not loved it, but it felt like an event and also a little naughty as it had been banned! forgive me i was young. Then a few years later another local cinema did a Kubrick week, i went to see nearly all of them, on my own, i didn't want anyone there who might not feel as i did, and the two best had to be Paths Of Glory (1957) as it made me feel like a real adult (i was the youngest in the full audience.)  2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) was the other, i got there early after having a pretty big smoking sesh and got the middle seat in the front row and i don't think i moved for the entire run time except when my mouth hung open in awe. So i just wanted to say Thank you Stanley for being a shining star in my filmic life and i miss you, i can only imagine what else you may have given us.
My 5 faves
1. Lolita (1962)
2. The Shining (1980)
3. Paths Of Glory (1957)
4. Full Metal Jacket (1987)
5. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Gaslight (1944)

A classic story retold many times with various stars, personally i have a huge fondness for Ingrid Bergman and Joseph Cotten so this one wins for me. Based on a play this has been made many times and the story is gripping enough to explain why. A young girl leaves her home after the murder of her aunt, she goes to Italy and meets the love of her life so she marries him and returns home with him which is when the trouble begins. He starts a campaign to convince her she is insane, this is not revealing too much as the audience can see what he is doing but it's Bergman's acting skills as she descends into madness that carry the film she is tremendous. Joseph Cotten is, for me, the ultimate good guy helping out a torn woman as in The Third Man (1949) he will not stop, he will find out the truth and try to save the dames.


Like This Watch These: Double Indemnity (1944) A perfect film-noir about insurance fraud and murder, The Third Man (1949) Everybody should see this film, Dial M For Murder (1954) A murdered wife and a killer with a plan b.

Bone Tomahawk (2015)

MUST WATCH A brilliantly made western horror film, you should not miss this. There have been a few westerns made recently but this has to be the best of the bunch excellent acting, story and direction. Though it does get a little gruesome in parts, actually it's probably quite hard to watch for some, no rape just gloriously filmed ultra violence. I know i'm a sicko. The basics of the story are a woman is taken by some cannibals and the sheriff and some men go to get her. The cannibals are original, savage and weirdly realistic. It has a nice slow build where you get to grips with the characters then it turns around to full on horror, just like Jaws (1975) it feels like two films melded together, in a good way. It's classic movie making and i love it, just look away if you struggle with the gut-wrenching gore.


Like This Watch These: The Keeping Room (2014) Sisters doing it for themselves, another modern western done good, 3:10 To Yuma (2007) A very worthwhile remake, The Hateful Eight (2015) Not strictly a western but it feels like it and it is Excellent.

Guess the film?

Guess who i found today? He was just casually waiting for me.

Side By Side (2012) (Doc)

For anyone who truly loves cinema this is a fascinating look at how the biggest and the best (Scorcese's in it!) directors feel about both digital and photochemical film making. The pro's and con's get discussed for both and a nostalgic fondness for the good old days of hard work over quick and easy are too, i do not know enough about the subject to comment but it's fun to watch those who do. It never gets too technical thankfully and Keanu is a great choice for narrator and interviewer as he puts both the audience and the directors at ease. You get Keanu Reeves interviewing some legends about movie making, and they usually have the odd great story, what more as a film fan do you want? Nothing that'll do me.


Like This Watch These: The Story Of Film: An Odyssey (2011) (Doc) The wonderful Mark Cousins mini series is enlightening and great, Scorcese On Scorcese (2004) (Doc) Hearing Marty talk about anything makes my day, Life Itself (2014) You don't see much of the movies that Roger Ebert spent his life talking about but it is interesting.

5 best on screen portrayals of the Devil

1. Tim Curry in Legend (1985)
2. Robert De Niro in Angel Heart (1987)
3. Peter Cook in Bedazzled (1967)
4. Jack Nicholson in The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
5. Max Von Sydow in Needful Things (1993)

Despicable Me 3 (2017)

As with many sequels there is too much going on to keep everything at top quality. I loved the 1st film, 2nd was still good, and there are moments in this one but nothing stands out. The new baddie is very good and i would have liked to have seen more but there is the long lost twin brother to deal with. Which just feels like an unnecessary addition and gives nothing to the story, i hope that's the last one but i'm sure as this will make money they will make more. But this is for kids they will love it the baddie has some great amusing weaponry and the minions still raise a smile.


Like This Watch These: Despicable Me (2010) The first and funniest, Minions (2015) Not brilliant but some very amusing moments, The Boss Baby (2017) With Alec Baldwin voicing there are some zingers to listen out for that will go right over the little ones heads.

Hounds of Love (2016)

MUST WATCH Australians make the best dark films, and this is no exception, superb use of music throughout, expertly shot and scripted, horrible subject matter with the nastiest bits hidden from sight. I cannot recommend this strongly enough, despite not being a joyful easy watch it is compelling and so well done its hard to look away. All the actors are so so good, utterly believable and usual, considering that Stephen Curry is known for comedy he is extraordinary as the vile man of the house. This is not your regular kidnap girl and keep her in the basement movie or gore porn, instead you get a tactful, subtle and unexpected study of everyday people living in regular neighbourhoods doing irregular things.


Like This Watch These: Snowtown (2011) You will only need to watch this once, slow subtle and horrifying yet excellent, The Loved Ones (2009) Never say no to this girl, Picnic At Hanging Rock (1975) Really mysterious and creepy also quite beautiful.

R.I.P. John Heard

 Thanks for the laughter

Excalibur (1981)

Maybe if i had seen this as a teen or at least nearer the decade it was made but i just couldn't take it seriously. The actors do very well, as good as they can be without laughing, kudos to the actress who doesn't laugh whilst making love to a knight in full armour whilst she is totally naked. The story jumps around a bit much for me and Arthur is lacking as we don't see him grow up, just born then a teen picking up a sword. It does cover a huge amount of the legends and there are some good moments and a good script, but i feel unless you watched it in the 80's you will never truly love it.


Better Than This: The Sword In The Stone (1963) Brilliant Arthur tale told as only Disney can, Legend (1985) Tim Curry is the best devil, ever!, Monty Python And The Holy Grail (1975) Loose retelling but very very funny.

Handsome: A Netflix Mystery Movie (2017)

Natasha Lyonne is the one and only reason to watch this movie, but she is not in it enough to make it any good. I watch/read mysteries partly for the thrill of feeling like a detective so when this opens with the killer introducing themselves as the killer i lose my excitement for the story. I usually like Jeff Garlin but here he is a bit irritating and sadly not very funny. This may have worked better as a series but as a stand alone film it ain't great.


Better Than This: A Shot In The Dark (1964) Funny, silly and gave us one of the best known bumbling detectives Inspector Clouseau, The Nice Guys (2016) Funny with a mystery that you are allowed to solve, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) Lots of people hate it but i think its absolutely hilarious.

"That's no Moon"

                         


                                Happy National Moon Day

The Gift (2000)

MUST WATCH Sometimes when a film has a host of amazing actors they can be underused or forgotten, that is not the case here. Each actor makes even small roles standout and memorable without messing up the story. This film is atmospheric, beautiful, a little scary and a smidgen magical. I love it. It encompasses many genres without going off track from the main plot, which is a fortune teller or seer? helps to find the body of a missing woman in a backward small town, simple and smart. I'm a Sam Raimi fan but i know many who are not but loved this film, you may not even be able to guess he is the director apart from 'The Classic' car that is used in the majority of his films.Also written by Billy Bob Thornton who i wish would write more. Well worth your time.


Like This Watch These: Drag Me To Hell (2009) Much more pure horror Raimi goes back to his roots (ha ha) with this creepy gem, Sling Blade (1996) A sad yet beautiful story written, starring and directed by Billy Bob Thornton, Traffic (2000) Another all star cast where everyone and the story shine.

The Shallows (2016)

A very promising beginning sadly descends into a rather ridiculous ending, but the opening sequences truly had me on the edge of my seat. I am terrified of sharks but find them fascinating so enjoy films with them in, and the waiting at the start is very well done. Unfortunately by the end the shark has been given too much character and is portrayed as a serial killer intent on getting this girl when he is just hungry. Blake Lively performs well and is mostly believable as a bereaved surfing med student, and its nice to see a female lead in this kind of film. Some lovely and exciting camera work throughout, it just pushes too hard towards a wow ending and comes up short.


Like This Watch These: Jaws (1975) Best shark film ever, also one of the best films of all time, genius filmmaking, Deep Blue Sea (1999) Ridiculous and shlocky, yes, but also some great kills, Tremors (1990) A small town defends itself from underground creatures picking them off one by one.

Parenthood (1989)

MUST WATCH I bloody love this film (no idea about the new tv show, it looks awful). Watching as a child and now as a supposed adult i feel the same way it's silly, funny, sad, sweet with a bit of wholehearted American schmaltz thrown in, i wanted to be a part of this crazy family. The main difference in watching it now is i have more respect for and understand the adults, i used to think Dianne Wiest's character was mean but she is a superb Mum. It could be my favourite Steve Martin role. Most people my age have probably seen it and i don't know how well new generations would take to it but f*** em i love love love it.

Like This Watch These: The Princess Bride (1987) Another unforgotten 80's gem, show it to your kids before they get a phone, The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) Another family i want to be a part of, Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Each member of this family has eccentricities and they are embraced.

Hands of Stone (2016)

I love true stories about professional sportspeople, i blame Raging Bull. I have never watched an actual boxing match but i very much enjoy films about them, there are some excellent fights in this. But the relationships here are key especially between fighter and trainer, the trainer being the undeniably great Robert De Niro, they feel totally real, almost like a documentary at some points. Each actor gives themselves fully to their role, all are believable and valuable.  It has a fast pace, the story moves quickly but never too fast that you lose your place. I had never heard of Roberto Duran but his career and life are compelling and fascinating. The script could be better but the events sweep you away with them enough to forget that.


Like This Watch These: Raging Bull (1980) Can this ever be beaten i doubt it, makes boxing beautiful, Bleed For This (2016) A mind blowing struggle to overcome, Boxers and Ballerinas (Doc) (2004) Looking at the US-Cuba conflict through the eyes of youngsters.

Ask Me Anything (2014)

This could be really annoying but it just scrapes past it mainly because of the ending. It is worth watching to the end, it changed my view completely. An over confident, immature and confused teen is mixed up in all sorts of relationships that are not good for her and during her year out from College (is 18 but acts like 15) tries to form her life, if you are over 25 you will feel old. Mildly amusing but could have used more. I wouldn't have liked this as much if it didn't have the ending it had, i had to re-run the movie (in my head) with the new information, it made it deeper and much more interesting. Not just some troubled teen struggling with adulthood but an interesting look at teenage life in the modern world, worth a retrospective watch but then i am old.


Like This Watch These: American Beauty (1999) An honest portrayal of how shit it can be to be an adult, Adult World (2013) A recent graduate follows her dreams of being a poet, i bet her parents were thrilled, Into The Wild (2007) True life tale of a young guy taking himself off to the wilderness to discover himself and the world.

The Petrified Forest (1936)

A great little piece with some wonderful acting. Bette Davis plays a young girl, who comes across as bright and determined, stuck with her family working in their Diner in the middle of nowhere. She gets a more exciting day than she bargained for, meeting strangers and criminals, being held hostage and falling in love, what more could a girl want. Humphrey Bogart is a little underused but he wasn't the superstar he eventually became yet, it feels like he could have done a bit more with his character but was just an actor for hire. Nice to see Leslie Howard with a bit of backbone compared to the useless Ashley Wilkes n Gone With The Wind, and all three compliment each other. A good little story acted beautifully.


Like This Watch These: Key Largo (1948) Bogart again taking full control, 12 Angry Men (1957) I love this film it gives me hope that Justice exists, Of Human Bondage (1934) Bette and Leslie taking on very different roles.

R.I.P. Martin Landau

Holding his own against Cary Grant.

R.I.P. George A. Romero

Thanks for the scares x

Bullit (1968)

Not my favourite of Steve Macqueen's movies's but he is lush and so is his car. I have seen this a few times before and basically only remembered that car chase and the beautiful face of the driver. On re-watch i'm not that keen, the story is very slow in parts and a little confusing. There are some baddies, even some wearing uniforms and of course Steve is the goodie in his own bad way. A man under witness protection gets killed but was it really him? You have to pay more attention than i did.


Better Than This: The Great Escape (1963) Superb characters abound in this heroic wartime gem, The Getaway (1972) Not the best film ever but MacQueens returning crim is worth it, The French Connection (1971) Wonderful, occasionally confusing, fantastic car chase, one of my fave cop films.

Shut In (2016)

This may be a good one to watch if you want to enjoy horrors or thrillers but are a bit too scared, no need to worry there are no jumps or scares here. This could've been made so much better if just a little more effort had been put into it, being set in an isolated snowy Maine town it is ripe for some slow build up to terror with panning shots of the beautiful but terrifying landscape but no. The acting is fair with what little they had to work with, a dull and obvious script and a big reveal that comes too late as by that point you don't really care.


Better Than This: Lights Out (2016) Genuine scares and characters who don't annoy,The Shining (1980) You want isolated and scary, it doesn't get better than this, Devil (2010) Some strangers in a lift but who hides amongst them?