The Libertine - 2004 *

Mournfully depressing movie about the notorious womaniser the 2nd Earl of Rochester. We know it's going to be depressing because one of the first things he says to the audience is how much we are going to dislike him. I suspect this is supposed to be 'quirky', but it's really not. Johnny Depp is a fantastic actor, but even he couldn't do much with this. Most of the movie consists of swearing, depressing conversations about how unpopular he is, screaming matches with various women he has been bedding, and a lot of emphasis on a huge plaster cast of a penis that keeps appearing in a play that has been put on for Rochester's pal Charles II. I must say that Malkovich does a pretty good English accent, well to be honest they both do, but why either of them chose to be in this film is a mystery to me. It wastes two talented actors and doesn't show their acting abilities in a good light at all. 

Burke and Hare - 2010 ** 1/2

Why Isla Fisher is in a film about Scottish body snatching I have no idea, she has one of the worst accents I have ever heard. This film isn't meant to be too much of a 'homage' to the two men, more a general romp around with a few laughs chucked in. Despite being labeled 'outrageously funny' by the Daily Star (hardy a reputable newspaper at that) it really isn't, and although I raised a smile a few times, most of the film was just too silly to be taken seriously.

Another Life - 2001 *** 1/2

'Another Life' is a film that I have wanted to see for a long time. As I have a great interest in the Edith Thompson/Freddie Bywaters murder case in the 1920s it was imperative that I watch this film based on it.

Edith Thompson is a bored housewife living with her uninspiring and stuffy husband Percy. She dreams of travelling around the world but is quashed by ever demanding Percy who believes her place is in the home only. Enter Freddie Bywaters, an attractive, mysterious and daring young man who immediately steals Edith's heart. Before long they are both plotting to get rid of Percy, at any cost possible. 

Well acted, painful to watch and very moving.