R.I.P. Tobe Hooper

Thanks for the scares Tobe, and making 2 of the films that made me love horror and are just brilliant The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and Poltergeist (1982).

5 Great On Screen Dogs For International Dog Day

1. Doug in Up (2009) He talks! properly talks, like us in the best way a dog could.
2. Hooch in Turner And Hooch (1989) Yes he is slobbery but he solves a murder and is a great matchmaker.
3. Toto in The Wizard Of Oz (1939) He helped Dorothy in more ways than one.
4. Bolt in Bolt (2008) Enthusiastic and cuddly, yes please.
5. Daisy in John Wick (2014) Gone too soon.

Close Encounters???

       I took this from a cruise ship in the Caribbean, as i hoped for some kind of flying machine to appear, it didn't, the classic music from Close Encounters Of The Third Kind (1977) echoed through my mind.

Sneakers (1992)

A great little old school spying goes on in this 90's gem. An excellent eclectic cast, worthwhile script and solid story make for an entertaining if very technologically dated watch. I have a fondness for this as i remember watching this as a youngster, i believe me and my friend Krystal 'borrowed' it from the library. It is clever but not confusing, but for me it is the cast that make it,all work nicely in the team and as individuals and its a joy to behold. Sure there are better films but this is one of my films connected to memories and another time.



Like This Watch These: Enemy Of The State (1998) Fun, worrying and great, the technology is updated but not to where we are now, The Conversation (1974) The early days of surveillance portrayed with skill and style by Gene Hackman and Francis Ford Coppola, Stand By Me (1986) More proof that River worked well in a team.

These Final Hours (2013)

MUST WATCH This awesome Australian last day on Earth drama, it could be described as grim but it's packed with action and realisation. I adore apocalyptic films so i am bias but this is filmed really well, the story is not your run of the mill tale and the acting is moving and realistic. It truly puts you in the place of someone deciding where it will all end and who with and not only that but a surprise guest who you just have to help, it's tricky. The effects are used very well and at appropriate moments, there is violence, peril, honesty and life. It's on Netflix now do yourself a favour and watch it.


Like This Watch These: Children Of Men (2006) A slower and more grim looking end of the world, utterly powerful and excellent, Doomsday (2008) Poor acting perhaps but i enjoyed this British Mad Max-esque movie, Hounds Of Love (2016) Not the end of the world but it probably feels like it for the kidnapped teen in this great Aussie Film.

My 5 Favourite Duplass Brothers Productions Films

1. Tangerine (2015) Not your usual story but practically perfect in every way.
2. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) Delicate time travel tale with wonderful characters and excellent style.
3. The One I Love (2014) Original, clever, realistic and intriguing.
4. Creep (2015) Creepy brilliance, revives the found footage film brilliant and brave ending.
5. The Overnight (2015) Funny, sweet, genuine and like the rest of the films here a welcome break from sequels, prequels and bullshit.

Baby Driver (2017)

MUST WATCH For all music and film fans this marries the two perfectly and stylishly, occasionally over choreographed sequences still look very good and are fleeting. The cast is very strong, newcomer Ansel Elgort does well amongst the big hitters and seems charming during the romantic bits, their relationship is what dreams are made of, i always like Kevin Spacey on the wrong side of good and everyone else does their bit to make this feel like a collaborative effort. Not as funny as some of Edgar Wright's previous films, but the funny bits are laugh out loud you just wish there were more. A film fans dream as so many films are referenced, aped and it hums with the influence of cinema and music from a lifetime. The music is an eclectic mix of joy, this director knows his tunes and uses them for optimum impact, it has changed the way i will now listen to certain ones. It gives off a great feeling of inclusiveness, by this i mean nothing feels derided even the methods used for listening to music-it has tapes, phones, ipods and radio and nothing is looked down upon. Edgar Wright puts his passion out there for all to see and again it is wondrous.


Like This Watch These: Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010) Pure entertainment with class, funny with impressive action and a wistful feeling, The Blues Brothers (1980) The only other film i can think of where the music and movement match so well, Hot Fuzz (2007) This is the (w)right level of hilarious, endlessly quotable funnies.

To Live And Die In L.A. (1985)

I just don't get why this is so loved, i couldn't find anything in it for me. I find William Peterson's character very irritating and unsympathetic. The storyline is quite complex and unoriginal (maybe not in the 80's but now yes) and there is no one to route for. Perhaps if i had seen this during its initial release (i couldn't i was too young, woo hoo) i would appreciate it more, but it just seemed like a bad eighties film that i would've watched purely because there were only a few channels then.Some of the action is good but it never wowed me and certainly not enough to ignore the rest of the movie. I respect William Friedkin hugely and usually love his films, just not this one.



Better Than This: The French Connection (1971) Outstanding, Friedkin and Hackman at their best with a superb chase, Sorceror (1977) Read the synopsis and you will wonder how this is a film, watch it and be blown away at how engaging it is, The Driver (1978) Along with the others listed here, this holds up against modern action.

It's Mr. Ray

      What animated movie?

5 Outstanding Hugo Weaving Performances

1. V For Vendetta (2005) You don't see his face but his character is so powerful, i want him to lead the next revolution.
2. The Matrix (1999) He makes for a very unnerving, capable and creepy opponent.
3. The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy (2001-03) Is there anyone else more regal, respectful, honest and true that could have made Elrond the hero he is.
4. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) One of the best Marvel villains.
5. Strangerland (2015) As a local cop dealing with missing children in a very rural outback town, he is probably the best thing about the film.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

MUST WATCH One of my favourite modern comedies, i remember seeing it for the first time knowing nothing and being a bit put out thinking they were copying my fave Platoon (1986) and then just laughter. All the stars are on top form, Jack Black going cold turkey, Ben Stiller's homage to Apocalypse Now (1979), Jay Baruchel from geek to hero, Danny Mcbride "Big Ass Titties" and Robert Downey Jr's every single line all make this worth a revisit. The action is good but it doesn't really need to be that good as the script is so strong. Full of silliness and joy, wonderful.




Like This Watch These: Zoolander (2001) Also directed by Stiller also bloody funny, MASH (1970) Another very funny war set film, Anchorman: The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (2004) Need i explain how stupidly funny this is? maybe the phrase 'Jazz Flute' will do it.

The Circle (2017)

Truly disappointing, a criminally underused Tom Hanks is in very few scenes and you know nothing really about his character except he is the boss and is maybe hiding something under all the positivity. I believe if he had a more meatier role this film would have been better. The source material i cant comment on as i have not read the book, but have read some by that author and cant imagine that his book was as bad as this film. The relationships are not sustained, people you assume to just be casual acquaintances have known each other their whole lives, and i'm glad my friends aren't as useless as these ones. It may be that i'm a bit of a technophobe and don't agree with everything being connected, though it is increasingly more difficult now, and we cannot trust everything to computers, just watch I,Robot (2005.) The comparisons to Google are obvious and clumsy, but i would say that this site is attached to google!



Better Than This: Wall Street (1987) "Greed is good" and this film is superb, Jobs (2013) A look at the main dick behind Apple, Road To Perdition (2002) Tom Hanks doesn't really do baddies but here he is a hitman and manages to be a better person than his glimpsed character in the above drivel.

Planet Terror (2007)

MUST WATCH A joy to view if you don't mind all the gross bits, a glossy b-movie with big stars and lots of money. Funny, disgusting, sweet and sad in parts, the actors are good the story is inventive to say the least and it is totally entertaining. Part of the planned double feature Grindhouse along with Tarantino's Death Proof (2007) they were not released together in the U.K. so i only saw them separately, but this is definitely my favourite, possibly my fave Robert Rodriguez film also, but i would love to do a proper cinema double bill of them both. Obviously stay well clear if you don't have the stomach for it, but if you're a sicko like me sit back and enjoy the gore.


Like This Watch These: Death Proof (2007) It's natural partner is less zombiefied but still has it's fair share of blood, From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) Brilliant it turns everything on it's head, underrated and my other best Rodriguez movie, Hobo With A Shotgun (2011) Do you really need any more with this title?

R.I.P. Jerry Lewis

 We say goodbye to a comedy legend from The Nutty Professor (1963) to The King Of Comedy (1982) he was a joy to watch.

My 5 Favourite Disaster Films

1. The Towering Inferno (1974) A classic with Steve McQueen and Paul Newman paving the way.
2. The Day The Earth Caught Fire (1961) Just brilliant, looks amazing and has a romantic quality.
3.  Daylight (1996) Stuck in a tunnel, Sly'll get you out.
4. The Poseidon Adventure (1972) My love for this film inspired me to work on cruise ships, odd i know.
5. The Day After Tomorrow (2004) I have a soft spot for this silly but ever so entertaining movie.

R.I.P. Bruce Forsyth

Here is a young Brucie in Bedknobs And Broomsticks (1971), very very sad to say goodbye to this British Legend of TV, Film and Comedy.

Dome Cinema Worthing

The Dome Cinema in Worthing, West Sussex featured in the great film Wish You Were Here (1987)

Moonstruck (1987)

MUST WATCH I am not really a fan of romantic films, but this one i can handle, maybe because it is perhaps the sexiest Nicholas Cage has ever been on screen. Cher is an underated actress in my opinion and here she makes a slightly dowdy and very boring woman likeable, there is also a wonderfully realistic makeover featuring the most beautiful pair of shoes in the world. It is not a sickening everyone and everything being perfect type film there are numerous flaws amongst the characters which is endearing. A joyful cast work wonderfully as a family, they argue they make up they laugh. Romance done right, if only it could really be like this.


Like This Watch These: Mask (1985) Cher wows as the mother of a teen with a facial/skull deformity, you will need tissues, Sleepless In Seattle (1993) My other go to romcom, Come Back To The 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean (1982) The first film i saw Cher in, superb movie.

Dunkirk (2017)

MUST WATCH Yes it is as good as you assume it will be. Seeing this from the air, land and sea is a stroke of genius, it cuts between all three seamlessly and each narrative has a focus, i struggled with the timelines initially but they come together as they were meant to and gloriously so. All the actors are believable and excellent, Harry Styles is not excellent nor is he annoying or bad, Tom Hardy acts so well with just his eyes it's amazing, everyone really pulls together and does their job to their best. The air part was my personal favourite, not just because of Mr. Hardy but the shots just blew me away, it looks incredible and those sounds will never leave me. The score works perfectly with the action. I could talk about this film all day, i cried, chuckled, worried and thought and it also made me proud to be British, which doesn't happen that often these days. I cannot find a bad word to say about it, i just hope it doesn't get swamped when watching on the small screen.


Like This Watch These: Mrs. Miniver (1942) Less technically astounding but heartfelt and lovely, Saving Private Ryan (1998) Still powerful, Memento (2000) See how good Christopher Nolan has always been with his breakout wrong way round film.

Free Fire (2016)

 I feel genuinely terrible for not loving this and i know i would if it was another director but i love Ben Wheatley and his films so much that i expect too much from him which is massively unfair. This film is very good but for me it feels a little too choreographed and stylised, i would have liked a more loose and spontaneous feel. The cast are all very good but again the script feels very written, they all work well and bounce off each other. The story is excellent, i think it would make a very good book, its fun and exciting to see if anyone will get out of the warehouse alive. It must have been very hard to design and film and that i think is where it loses something,the in the moment feel many of his other films have.


Like This Watch These: High Rise (2015) Wheatley's other most recent film also loses that independent feel but but it feels more appropriate in this tower block, Reservoir Dogs (1992) Another great shoot out in one space, The Untouchables (1987) Some beautiful shoot outs in this genius film.

The Grand Budapest???

 This is not The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) just a beautiful display in a Japanese cosmetic shop.

The Eagle (2011)

MUST WATCH I really enjoyed this tale of brotherhood in an unexpected guise, Channing Tatum is a Roman (i know but stick with me) and Jaime Bell is his British slave neither want to be where they are and you are never sure if either are trustworthy. But the journey they go on is worth watching good battles, some of the fighting is very bloody and raw but it feels right, good acting and script not as heavy going as other historical films. The bond the two leads form is believable and not easily come by, which i think makes the film both are likeable and fair.



Like This Watch These: Gladiator (2000) The ultimate in Roman epics but not always a 'fun' watch, Life Of Brian (1979) If only for the 'what did the Romans ever do for us' scene, Spartacus (1960) Not fun or easy but classic and thought provoking, the Kubrickian touches also make it beautiful viewing.

Carnal Knowledge (1971)

Not as sexual as it sounds, Jack Nicholson and Art Garfunkel (yes from Simon &) are college boys desperate to lose their virginity and fall in love. Not quite the same as relationships these days (i hope) this is very much a masculine view of things, the women in each couple are very much the second fiddle, though the timeline does begin in the 40's, so it seems probable this was often the case. Jack is the sexy one, Art just comes off a bit desperate and creepy, and as their lives move on they still act the same way and long for the same things, so it can be a little depressing and unexciting. Not one i would revisit.


Better Than This: The Graduate (1967) Mr. Nichols better film of relationship woes, Blue Valentine (2010) Depressing but true and moving, Husbands (1970) A more authentic feel in this drama, of middle aged men.

Thank You All

Thank you to anyone and everyone who has looked at my nonsensical ramblings about films, whether you loved or hated my blog thanks for stopping by, i have just reached my 300th post, woo hoo. I leave you with a 'thank you' quote from the superb and sorely missed John Hurt, but can you guess what film it is from? It is also something i long to do but those fines just keep getting bigger.

Taxi Driver: The sign says "no smoking."

John Hurt's Character: No, the sign says "thank you for not smoking." As I am smoking, I don't expect to be thanked.

300 (2006)

MUST WATCH Looking back at this film you realise how many faces you now easily recognise, harder to remember is when being based on a graphic novel was original and new. This is still one of the best because of Zack Snyder's slow mo fights and Frank Millers gorgeous red and gold visuals. The story is a good one, who doesn't like an against the odds battle where probably everyone will die. The acting is fine Gerard Butler has never bettered it and the supporting cast do what they need to. It's just a fun, historical thrill ride, it has battle upon battle, each exciting and unique and it has some vile horrible characters whose comeuppance you occasionally get to see. It is very violent and gory but if you expected anything else then you really didn't read the synopsis correctly.


Like This Watch These: 300: Rise Of An Empire (2014) Not bad really just nothing new or very good, Watchmen (2009) Slated on release but i really like it, give yourself over to it, Sin City (2005) Brilliant and crazy, great actors, mad stories and a place not to move to.

My Top 5 Ben Wheatley Films (In Order)

1. Sightseers (2012) This is genuinely genius, hilarious and dark i love everything about it.
2. Kill List (2011) Very dark but excellent, confusing at times but no matter it messes with your mind like a classic.
3. A Field In England (2013) Trippy and beautiful, great actors and highly influenced by some wonderful gems.
4. High Rise (2015) I haven't read the book so i enjoyed this lurid, glamorous view of tower block life.
5. Free Fire (2016) It's very good, just feels a bit choreographed and less natural than his other work.

Bill Murray Graffiti

      Bill Murray Graffiti in Brighton.

Slither (2006)

MUST WATCH A perfect modern b-movie, the small town charm, sweet but not sickly, the usual characters with impressive performances and a disgusting infestation. Nathan Fillion is the local cop with a little sense and that general air of Captain Mal, and the supporting characters are well written and likeable. The alien plague is quick moving, learning and growing, a simple but deadly organism that threatens everything. This pays homage to, rather than steal from some classic films, and it holds up well against them. Fun, silly, gross and short this is a very enjoyable quick watch for the those with the stomach for it.



Like This Watch These: The Blob (1958) Steve McQueen battles a blob in this cheesy classic, Planet Terror (2007) Excellently directed in a b-movie style, Critters (1986) Small furry aliens try to take the town.

5 Great Matthew McConaughey Characters

1. Wooderson-Dazed And Confused (1993) "Alright, Alright, Alright,"
2. Mud-Mud (2012) I just want to hold him and tell him it will be alright.
3. Killer Joe Cooper-Killer Joe (2011) A dark and dangerous Matthew.
4. Jake Tyler Brigance- A Time To Kill (1996) A true stand up guy.
5. Beetle-Kubo And The Two Strings (2016) Only his voice but he is funny, cool and caring.

A Dark Song (2016)

Steve Oram shines again as an occultist trying to 'help' a woman contact a lost loved one, things do not go to plan. Shot beautifully and well written, though the end is a little muddled and throwaway, there is a haunting unsettling feeling in the build up that doesn't quite get the crescendo it deserves. Not violent or gory this relies on the unseen noises and odd behaviour to get you tingling, and it works, sometimes but the intrigue keeps you watching.



Like This Watch These: Sightseers (2012) Steve Oram perfectly mad with the loopy Alice Lowe, outstanding, The Witch (2015) Black magic simmers in this subtle chiller, Prevenge (2016) More bloody but also brilliantly different.

Okja (2017)

MUST WATCH Bong Joon-ho is one of my favourite filmmakers, he always gets stellar performances from his cast, here Jake Gyllenhaal is unrecognisable, Tilda is perfect and breakout star Seo-Hyun Ahn pulls at the heartstrings. The graphics used to present the scrumptious Okja are impeccable, just a touch better than the original Jurassic Park (1993), never at any point do you doubt his realness, you easily fall in love with this clever, beautiful creature. It looks beautiful, is a wonderful thought provoking story, it will stay with you, towards the end there are some hard to watch scenes that animal lovers may baulk at but the pay off is well worth it. These Netflix original films keep getting better and better. A distinctive film throughout which you will experience many emotions and the good ones will outweigh the bad. Wonderful.



Like This Watch These: The Host (2006) Brilliant heartfelt monster movie from this fantastic director, Snowpiercer (2013) A failed future gives us a dark Captain America and Swinton on scary form, E.T. (1982) The first time i felt love for an on screen creature.

Guess What Film

       What Luc Besson film am i thinking of?

5 Rockin Films About Music Lovers for National Vinyl Day

1. High Fidelity (2000) Great soundtrack, story, actors and many a top 5 list.
2. Hedwig And The Angry Inch (2001) Brilliant film everyone should see this.
3. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) Some beautiful songs here.
4. Empire Records (1995) This made me want to work in a record shop, when i did it wasn't quite what i'd hoped.
5. 24 Hour Party People (2002) A joy to behold a historic time in Britain's musical history.

Atomic Blonde (2017)

It all looks very cool, but not particularly 80's to me, and it's quite slick but if the only different thing about this spy thriller is that the main character is a woman, that just ain't enough. There is nothing new here, the fights are fine, but not spectacular although one fight scene on a staircase is tremendous. The characters are your usual spy types and Charlize is much better when she is battling baddies than talking to them, what the hell is that accent?, she occasionally sounds English but too rarely to be considered good. It's fine but i have seen far better spy films, hardcore heroines and better written scripts.



Better Than This: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) This is how to do an English spy film, La Femme Nikita (1990) And this lady is the best female spy/assassin on film, Haywire (2011) Some superb fights, but perhaps not the best acting from Gina Carano an ex MMA fighter, buffered by a host of male stars who she usually beats the shit out of.

Taxi Driver (1976)

MUST WATCH A cinematic masterpiece it's fair to say, i love every minute of this dark, brooding film. The soundtrack, script and visuals work together to create such an atmosphere that makes it unique, mystical and incredible. The acting is realistic and excellent, everyone in it is really really good from bit players to stars. I like dark things and this is one of my faves, it shows a lot of bad things in the world that we consider everyday but is not depressing just honest. It shows that loneliness can drive you mad, Travis Bickle is not the bad guy that he is often presumed to be, in his mind he wants connection but doesn't know how to and to save people who haven't asked for help. I understand it's not for everyone but i bloody love it.





Like This Watch These: Mean Streets (1973) An earlier pairing of the dream team, Nightcrawler (2014) The atmosphere here is reminiscent of this classic, Raging Bull (1980) Does film get better than this, not very often.

R.I.P. Tom Laughlin

 
Known for his roles in South Pacific (1958) and the Billy Jack films.

Takeshi Kitano I Love You

A billboard in Japan featuring my favourite Japanese film genius. His turn in Battle Royale (2000) is perfection.

Free State Of Jones (2016)

A worthwhile and rare story of bravery and justice, i really didn't like the use of flash forwards to remaining family members, it just halts the flow of the film. Watch this for the incredible people who fought against bigotry and hate with very little on their side, just try to ignore the poor filmaking choices. Some subtle and beautiful performances from all concerned, they honour the real freedom fighters.Some parts are just unbelievable concerning how people treated each other and pretty hard to watch. Not a great film but an amazing, if not completely accurate retelling of some shameful history.


Better Than This: Glory (1989) Fantastic depiction of the U.S. Civil war's first all black volunteer company, A Time To Kill (1996) Having seen this back in the day i always knew McConaughey was a good actor, Gone With The Wind (1939) It may be old but it is still bloody good.

Rubble Kings (2010)

This is a very authentic and interesting documentary, it starts by focusing on the gangs of New York City in the 70's and how they managed to find some peace amongst themselves and subsequently give birth to Hip Hop music. Some great characters are featured here, they seem honest and a little world weary (in a positive way) and the images from that time don't make you want to have been there, but are a brilliant look at history. I would think most people could find something of interest here, the gangs, the music, the things that have shaped culture and attitudes.



Like This Watch These: The Warriors (1979) A classic partly inspired by actual events talked about in the above documentary, Straight Outta Compton (2015) Wonderful biopic of one of the most influential Hip Hop groups, Kidulthood (2006) A group of teens in west London go about their lives, the cast is littered with many U.K. based Hip Hop acts.

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

MUST WATCH My favourite Robin Williams performance and film, today at least. This is a roller coaster of emotion, lead by laughter, surrounded by fear and anger at the war, joy, sadness but the one that will stay with you the most is the utter delight of listening to Adrian Cronauer. He is so quick and funny that every re-watch brings new amusement and it is very quotable. For me it's one of those perfect films that you can watch at any time because it encompasses so much, not usually described as a war film but that is the main back drop, a comedy certainly but more like stand up. It's an all time fave for me i remember watching it with my family, all of us in stitches, and running into my brothers room and screaming the infamous line and replacing Vietnam with his full name. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this, i doubt i would be friends with them if they didn't at least titter.



Like This Watch These: Aladdin (1992) To let Robin Williams improvise must have been scary but well worth it, the funniest Disney, Mash (1970) Another war film that leads with humour and high jinx, How I Won The War (1967) Funny and a little surreal, war as only the British can do, and John Lennon's in it.

Ross Marquand's (The Walking Dead) Amazing Impressions

 http://esqr.co/rgMl2yd

Trolls (2016)

Justin Timberlake plays the best character in this film, he is funny, sarcastic and obviously fed up with the joy the other Trolls find in everything, he provides the gloom in a saccharine world. The song choices are very good, a couple of unexpected gems, original and classic. This could have been much funnier i think, the story is fine but just a little transparent, i know its a kids film but there could be more for the adults. It's cute and bright, that is probably the biggest compliment i can give, this is definitely a hungover Sunday afternoon flick, don't worry about dozing off you won't miss much and the music will wake you.



Like This Watch These: Sing (2016) Good songs again and a slightly more adult story, Monsters Inc (2001) Hilarious bunch of monsters, Spirited Away (2001) Crazy creatures abound in this oscar winner.

Monty Python Questionnaire

If you love Monty Python why not do this questionnaire

http://python.ha-computing.com?lang=en

Seymour: An Introduction (2014)

The music in this documentary is the highlight and Seymour Bernstein is a good storyteller but i would not want him to teach me piano. A passionate documentary about music, humans and artists, being only one of these (guess which?) i didn't lose myself or get swept away with it, but those more artistic and musical than me will definitely get something from this. Ethan Hawke directs well and with the common touch, he makes quite a niche subject and musician accessible. I would listen to this again but probably not watch it again.



Like This Watch These: The Wrecking Crew (2008) Wonderful look into studio musicians of the 60's and 70's, Sound  City (2013) Dave Grohl's look back at the studio that made him, Buena Vista Social Club (1999) Various amazing Cuban musicians get together, what happens is magical.

Nicolas Cage's Tomb

This is Nicolas Cage's pre-bought tombstone in New Orleans,the inscription is Latin for 'All from one', it is huge there is space for him and his children.

The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)

MUST WATCH It's hard going at times but it's so fascinating it's worth it. It is obvious that power goes to everyone's heads, yes even you and me, but watching it unravel is horrendous, disturbing yet captivating. All the actors here are on top form, my fave Tye Sheridan is superb in everything so i wasn't surprised, it is littered with recognisable faces but not so much that you don't fully believe they are students making some easy money. There is no gory violence but the verbal abuse and treatment of the 'prisoners' really gets to you and you end up hating the 'guards.' You will find yourself asking how was this ever allowed to happen, because it did really happen, and it will stay with you. This is not a casual Sunday afternoon watch, do it when you have enough time to do something nice afterwards.


Like This Watch These: Mud (2012) Tye Sheridan in the film i fell in love with him, as an actor not a child, sicko, Various Stanford Prison Experiment Documentaries To recent for me to watch again but genuine footage can be seen on you tube, 13th (2016) (Doc)Horrific but interesting doc about prison systems in the states.

Hardcore Henry (2015)

I imagine this first person style is easier for hardcore gamers to get used, it's also something that i don't think will catch on. The story is a bit wishy washy and unbelievable but the action is strong and it's an interesting experiment to watch from a different perspective. Sharlto Copley is given free reign with his craziness which i really enjoyed because i love him but it may be irritating to others. It is a thrill ride and easy to get carried away with, until something ridiculous happens and you start to question things, best ignore that feeling and just enjoy. Beware it is pretty violent but otherwise silly fun.


Like This Watch These: District 9 (2009) Copley wows in this superb sci-fi gem, Cloverfield (2008) One of my fave found footage films,ignore the idiot characters when the action starts it's brilliant, Maniac (2012) Elijah Wood does weirdo/psycho well but this is pretty predictable.

R.I.P. Glen Campbell

Glen Campbell was a musical great Witchita Lineman is one of the most beautiful songs i will ever hear. He was also a wonderful actor watch the original True Grit (1969) in honour of him.

The Ones Below (2015)

This has elements of greatness, just not enough to make it wholly great. The acting is stylish and very good, David Morrissey shows again he can do anything and Clemence Poesy does possible neurotic mother very well. It is tense and creepy but not overtly so, the script also could have been better. Beware of your neighbours, as these two couples do the polite and friendly thing it goes a little wrong. The end is just my cup of tea and made the film for me, maybe not one to watch if you are pregnant or have kids and odd neighbours.



Like This Watch These: Rosemary's Baby (1968) An elegant classic with the epitome of scary neighbours, Gone Baby Gone (2007) Ben Affleck's best directorial effort, a terrific story and his little bro leads well, Raising Arizona (1987) A lighter look at wannabe baby snatchers.

The Bad Batch (2016)

I was so excited about this film, so deep down i knew it wouldn't be what i hoped. Set in a dystopian future with cannibals (that's my dream premise-i'm sick) our lead is thrown in with her audience to find her way through the wasteland. Director Ana Lily Amirpour astounded with her feature length debut and her hand is still visible here with many (possibly too many) long lingering shots of the desert with often a lone figure wandering. Two very famous stars playing very much against type are excellent and almost steal the show, purely because lead Suki Waterhouse is bland and not actually very good. The story drags a little and you find yourself feeling it could have been great but something just doesn't click, though it does have its moments.



Like This Watch These: A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night (2014) Amirpour's debut feature turns everything on it's head fantastically, Snowpiercer (2013) Wonderfully bleak, you wont look at Captain America the same after this, Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) It's basically a massive car chase, in the desert, in a shit future.

5 Films For National Book Lovers Day

1. Children Of Men (2006) The only book adaptation i have seen that is better than the book.
2. Fahrenheit 451 (1966) If you love books you will hate what they do to them in this transcendent film.
3. Adaptation (2002) A wonderful yet complex tale of adapting a book.
4. Midnight In Paris (2011) Great, funny story with classic 20's authors brought to life to help an aspiring writer.
5. Beauty And The Beast (1991) If only for the scene in my most coveted library, ever.

All Nighter (2017)

The chemistry just didn't work for me and i had hoped that it would be a revelation but sadly not. The story is predictable and not exciting at all, the script is basic and devoid of humour, which is not what i expect when watching a comedy. Even though i like both actors i struggled to in this, as neither are comedians they can be forgiven but the casting director, writers and director should have noticed there was no spark between the actors or in the writing. Disappointing and pointless.



Better Than This: Midnight Run (1988) Robert De Niro not best known (at this time)for his comic chops wows in this very funny crime caper, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) Voldemort is funny as is the whole film, Father Of The Bride (1991) An oldie but goodie.

In The Radiant City (2016)

MUST WATCH Nobody is happy in this quiet, subtle, impressive family drama, and all the actors are stellar throughout giving heartfelt and emotional performances. It builds slowly whilst holding your interest and though the payoff at the end is not explosive it feels right. A man returns to the home and family that was thrown into disarray when he testified against his brother and sent him to prison, surprisingly he is not welcomed back with open arms. The additional details are dispersed really well and you don't spend the film waiting to find out more, which i really liked as i wasn't left wondering. It's remarkable that so much drama and intrigue fits nicely into ninety minutes, it also doesn't treat it's audience as idiots which is nice. The director Rachel Lambert is definitely one to keep an eye on.



Like This Watch These: Blue Ruin (2013) This excellent film is also about returning home but this one is about vengeance, superb, Animal Kingdom (2010) Brilliantly acted, this criminal family try to keep the young ones on the bad path, Hell Or High Water (2016) Another troubled family in this great Oscar nominee.

Filming X-Men: First Class (2011)

Whilst walking home from work in Oxford i came across this joyful scene, i didn't see any recognisable faces though

Small Soldiers (1998)

MUST WATCH I really like this film and i not quite sure why, it is meant for kids but feels like you cant appreciate it until your an adult. It isn't particularly funny, amusing but not laugh out loud, the premise of military chips bringing toys to life is great and works very well by making the commando elite murderous psychos and the gorgonites vulnerable, cute but deep down brave. And it's got the genius Phil Hartman (voice of Troy McClure in The Simpsons) and i would watch anything with him in, sadly this was his last film before passing by the hand of his wife. The special effects are still clear and fluid and make the toys seem very realistic.



Like This Watch These: Holes (2003) Another one meant for kids, brilliant story, the book is good too, Transformers (2007) The best of the bunch and the same dad in it, The Lego Movie (2014) Pretty funny.

Brimstone (2016)

Guy Pearce is really really horrible in this, not his acting of course, his character is a vile, twisted, evil creature and it is going to take me some time to get over. The film itself has some first-class moments, the story is very good and it is filmed well, it's pretty harsh and there is one scene where i felt they took it too far and i'm usually pretty hardcore. The end is a bit disappointing but i often feel that especially when the beginning was so good at building tension and intrigue. Dakota proves herself again and all the cast feel realistic and invested. Good with some unsparing scenes.



Like This Watch These: The Keeping Room (2014) More hardcore women protecting themselves, Carrie (1976) Another religious psycho parent, Bone Tomahawk (2015) My favourite of the recent slew of modern westerns.

5 Magnificent Sam Rockwell Performances

1. Sam Bell, Moon (2009) Astounds as multi faceted Astronaut in this tremendous moving film.
2. Owen, The Way Way Back (2013) Funny, welcoming you want this man as your boss and life coach.
3. Trent, Lawn Dogs (1997) Wonderful, original and lovely film powered by Rockwell's gentle trodden upon loner.
4. Guy Fleegman, Galaxy Quest (1999) Steals the show as this scared to be forgotten extra.
5. Doc, Cowboys And Aliens (2011) Like a Vintage movie star makes the most of a supporting role in a strong,subtle manner.

I Just Met.....

I just met Paul Reynolds star of Press Gang (TV) (1989-93) and Eddie The Eagle (2016) and many other things. I thanked him as press gang was one of the joys of my childhood and he was lovely shook my hand and thanked me.