Wicker Park-2002 * * * *

Passion never dies.

Wicker Park is a strange film. I tried to watch it a while back and was totally bored and unimpressed with the whole idea. I tried to watch it again recently and was totally bowled over and gripped by the acting, the plot and the conclusion. Josh Hartnett to my mind has never been a good actor, he's been a hearthrob and maybe a bit of a sex-obsessed joke in some of his films but never strong enough for the audience to go 'wow'. However in this film I took his portrayal of a man who's lost the only woman he ever loved to be a pretty good example of quality acting. This film is all about coincidences, memories, passion and mistaken identity but it still manages to serve up some eerie scenes where Hartnett believes he is looking right at his lost love, only for her to disappear suddenly. The movie takes a much needed darker turn about half way through and we find out exactly what we are so anxious to know in relation to what happened to his girlfriend. Rose Byrne is really quite nauseating as Hartnett's best friend's girlfriend who appears to know a lot more about the situation than she is letting on. (His best friend incidentally is that dorky bloke who is in 'She's all that' and 'Without a Paddle' but whose name I can never remember.)

I'm not sure how to class this film- suspense, thriller, dark comedy... Whatever it is it still deserves a watch, and maybe another one soon after to tie up any loose ends that you may have missed the first time around.

Picnic at Hanging Rock - 1975 * * * * *

Everything begins, and ends, at exactly the right time and place...

Picnic at Hanging Rock is a movie I will never be able to figure out or forget. It haunts, scares and totally encapsulates the dusty and humid atmosphere of Australia at the beginning of the 20th century. Time and time again I go back to this movie, and although I know for a fact that it had no truth in it whatsover I still believe that by watching it again and again I will be able to find the key to the mystery.

The story is fairly simple (this is no spoiler because it mentions this at the beginning of the film)- a group of school girls and their teachers go for a picnic to Hanging Rock to celebrate Valentine's Day in 1900. By the evening, three girls and a teacher have disappeared. You may think to yourself that while it is a dreadful thing to happen, it isn't particularly odd, people slip off rocks all the time and fall to their deaths. The thing is, the bodies are never found, and the one girl who didn't disappear but was the last to see them has no clue or knowledge of what happened. If this film had been set in the present day it may have shocked, but I doubt very much that it would have haunted it's viewers as it does here. There is something so eerie about the situation that you can never quite put your finger on that could only fit in with the 1900s. Joan Lindsay's novel caused a great stir soon after, for many people believed it to be a real film and were convinced that Lindsay knew the answer to the disappearance of the girls and teacher. However Lindsay has always maintained her answer that the story is just a story and all characters have come from her head instead of a police case.

Dance Flick - 2008 * * * *

Look man, there ain't I in team! There ain't?

Uh oh, I probably shouldn't be saying that I liked this movie. Parody films have got a bad name now after so many have been released and to be truthful most of them aren't actually funny! So it was such a relief to watch this film and actually laugh. Laugh out loud and laugh long. One thing I do like about parody films is the fact that you have to know all the films that are being referenced otherwise you're unlikely to find it funny at all. I did. I'm glad I watched Save the Last Dance now (not because I liked the film though, because I didn't!) as there were parts of the movie devoted to the relationship in that movie. Step up is also referenced, with an incrediably ugly in need of dental care Channing Tatum 'look-a-like.' As usual the film didn't really have a strong story, and normally that would make me switch off straight away, but this type of film doesn't really need to rely on intricate plots to be classed as a funny film. Worth a chuckle, and even a full-bodied laugh, maybe these types of films are getting better after such a long time.

The Breed - 2006 * *

Let the manhunt begin.

Wes Craven must have had a temporary delusional moment when he decided to direct this movie. A group of teenagers finding themselves trapped on an island by some rabid dogs is hardly the most original storyline of the century. And nothing apart from the predictable happens. There is screaming, moaning, half naked shots, idiotically slow running away and men who spend their time talking about all the women they have slept with. In short, a very deep and meaningful film, for people who like 'that sort of thing.' I for one, don't.

Jack the Ripper - 1976 * *

Close your eyes and whisper his name...

Where do I start with this dreadfully hilarious farce? For one the shooting of the movie has obviously not taken place anywhere near London as most of the prostitutues spend their time hanging round a very German looking Cathedral which is supposed to symbolize the areas of Whitechapel, 'The Thames' consists of nothing more than a short muggy river about 20 inches long where the bodies of the women are disposed, the victims have a dreadful habit of standing on the spot too long and groaning in terror instead of running away when they see they are about to die, and Klaus Kinski's charade of scary serial killer/ puss bursting, tea cup dropping doctor is laughable. The police go round and round in circles with no leads only listening to a blind and slightly alcohol - dependent tramp with huge sunglasses and there are plenty of long-winded and over-acted moments where Klaus cuts open the bodies of his victims to reveal brilliant pink blood and plasterscene hands. Oh and apparently the director is better known for making soft-porn movies, so he's obviously an expert in the field of 19th century horror. Not!

The Women - 2008 * * * *

It's all about...

I was in for a pleasant surprise with this movie. It was only afterwards that I realised it was in fact a remake of a 1930's film starring Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell which I will definately be checking out.

The story centres around a group of women whose world goes into turmoil when they find out that one of the women's husbands' is having an affair with a stunning perfume seller. Instead of getting mad,the group learn exactly how to be there for each other and how friendship really means everything. In particular I found Annette Bening's performance to be hilarious and so realistic. Meg Ryan was also brilliant in this as the scorned wife and there are some lovely scenes where she realises how confident she can be alone. All in all this was a great film filled with just the right amount of humour and drama to make it moreish and I really wish the end hadn't happened so soon.

Ice Age 3: The Dawn of the Dinosaurs - 2009 * * * *

It will break the ice.

Hands down this is the best of the three Ice Age movies. It's brilliant and ever so funny. The characters are so refreshing and humourous that it makes you thankful that there are still funny movies out there. Sid is my favourite character, but the arrival of new character Buck played by Simon Pegg was hilarious too. Just a great film for all, as there are funny but cleverly woven in adult jokes as well as childish innocent scenes.

Last House on the Left - 2009 * * * *

Death was only the beginning,

I was strangely fascinated by the first version of this movie and therefore decided I was keen to watch the newer version and see how Hollywood-ised it had become. I actually really enjoyed it and found the acting more raw and realistic than the 70's version. I also love revenge movies, and I loved the fact that here although something terrible and tragic happened that was not the end. It is certainly an exploitation film and there are graphic scenes including a rape scene which you will not forget easily (this scene was not why I liked the movie as I despise sexual torture on the screen and don't find it acceptable) but this movie still has something about it that makes you want to start watching and not get up until the credits roll. Added to which the acting was brilliantly done.

Deep Blue Sea - 1999 *

Bigger, Smarter. Faster. Meaner

This movie is total bull!! I cannot believe that I was actually going to buy this movie at full price and waste valuable money. Instead I decided to download it which is great because I can delete it and never have to think of it again!! This movie is not even excusable for a movie. It is full of terrible acting, terrible storyline and a shark that looks so fake it is a pathetic excuse for computer graphics today!! I've seen better effects in the film 'Jaws' and that was made over 20 years before that. Just dreadful.

Unfaithfully Yours - 1948 * * * * *

Was he in love or out of his mind?

For a film that had me on the floor crying with laughter three times one after the other I really would have expected more of a worldwide gathering. Preston Sturges is obviously a genius. Rex Harrison could not have been better for the part of paranoid conductor Arthur who believes his wife is having an affair and because of this suspicion drives himself round the bend playing out all sorts of outrageous scenarios in his head. Linda Darnell is flawless for her part and plays his devoted wife with charm and pizazz. The scene with the gramapohne record actually hurt my stomach because I was laughing so much and I really recommend this film for anyone who has ever been insecure or worried about their relationship.

The Man with Two Brains - 1983 * * * *

Steve Martin is a world famous surgeon. Trust Him.

I was really in need of a funny film today and had heard that this was hilarious, so I popped it in the player and settled down. Whoever had said it was funny was right! I had always had a problem with Steve Martin for some reason that I can't even remember now but watching this had changed my mind rapidly about his acting abilities. Kathleen Turner was great as well, although I can't get the image of her playing Chandler's father out of my head! Steve Martin's scenes with the brain are eye-wateringly funny and I re-wound certain scenes at least three times because I couldn't stop laughing!

A real treat for a cosy afternoon!

Jab we Met - 2007 * * *

Flung together then torn apart.

Jab is a great film. It has brilliant songs, a cast of funny actors and a story that seems to preceed much of Bollywood-ness now. I am constantly surprised by this movies, always expecting less than I see. I am obsessed with the beautiful costumes the women wear and the scenery and although they are mostly over three hours long I am now keen to see every Bollywood movie out there!!

Titanic - 1953 * * *

The Terror, the Sea, the Romance!

I had only seen two Titanic related movies before this one, namely 'Titanic' and 'A Night to Remember' and found this probably the weakest of the two. 'A Night to Remember' focused more on the actual events of the sinking as opposed to this one which was more character based and only focused on the sinking for about ten or fifteen minutes. Although I never normally think this way I actually prefer the James Cameron version of this storyline because it has a good balance of relationships and the sinking. This Barbara Stanwyck version was filmed closest to the actual event and therefore was probably the most realistic in capturing the atmosphere yet it didn't do much for me. Clifton Webb is a great actor, (I've now seen him in this, 'Laura' and 'Whirlpool') and towards the end he really makes me cry because of his chivalry. Still worth a watch but I would recommend 'A Night to Remember' if you want to watch a black and white version.

Susan Lennox - 1931 * * * 1/2

She fell to rise again.

I love Greta Garbo. There is something otherwordly and etherial about her that draws you to her like a moth to a flame. Added to which she is stunningly beautiful and charmingly innocent. Clark Gable is brilliant as ever, handsome and tortured by her love which creates a totally realistic chemistry on screen between them both.

Very short and very sweet.

See No Evil - 2006 * * * *

Evil gets raw.

All in all this was actually a decent horror film. Plenty of gore, parts that actually shocked me (eyes and mobile phones spring to mind) and something (dare I say it) likeable about the killer (played by Kane, the boxer) who, although seeming intent on destroying everyone in sight also appears to not want a fly.
I liked the look, I liked the layout and I liked the murders, so a good job was done!

The Woman Next Door - 1989 * * * *

Their love tore them apart.

What a wonderful movie. I chanced upon this movie at my local DVD store and wasn't expecting much from it. However by the end I was wishing it wasn't over and feeling amazed that I had never heard of it before. The story reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet because of the two lovers being in such close quarters yet not being able to be fully together. A shock ending really upset me. All in all a great movie.

That Hamilton Woman - 1941 * * * *

Romance brought them together and class pulled them apart.

I really liked this movie, Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier acting together was pure magic, their on-screen chemistry soulders almost as much as their off-screen romance did. Based around Emily Hamilton's relationship with Nelson, this movie charters their first meeting to their scandalous romance that shocked the community, made worse by the fact that both of them were married at the time. Strong and powerful acting on both parts.

Gia - 1998 * * *

Too beautiful to die, too wild to live.

Watching this movie has proved to me that actually Angelina Jolie really can act. This film is based around the life and death of America's first real supermodel Gia. It follows her rise to stardom and her tragic life riddled with loneliness and drug addiction. Jolie was perfect for this movie and it was very captivating although it did drag on at times. An interesting look at Gia's life with docu-drama style interviews.

Shortbus - 2006 * *

You've got to get on to get off.

This was a totally absurd movie. I had an idea that it would be an arty film that I would really appreciate but to be honest it was just an excuse for lots of sex and a lot of touching. To be truthful it would have been better to just purchase a porn movie, you probably would have learned more. The film seems to boast the message that you will be better off sexually after watching this, almost like a 'making love dvd manual' but the results leave the viewer hanging on the edge wondering what they have gained. Nothing is the answer. All in all, overrated tosh.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking - 2004 * * * * *

'When all other contingencies fail, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.'

I remember seeing this for the first time at Christmas 2005 and have since watched it a few times a year. Unlike other crime detectives there are many different actors who have portrayed Sherlock Holmes in the last century. Rupert Everett has only been Holmes in this one-off TV drama but I thought he did the job perfectly. He is just the right blend of intelligence mixed with a dab of humour and a slightly handsome exterior to make his character believable. I am a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes because Victorian London is one of my favourite times and places. I find it totally fascinating and am in total awe of men and women who went out dining in horse and carriage attired in black tie and tails. Add a grisly murder or two and Holmes' violin playing and you have this perfect excuse to relax in front of the TV and journey back in time.

Superb.

A Matter of Life of Death - 1946 * * * * *

This is the universe, big isn't it!

What a totally spell-binding film. I was aware of how brilliant it supposedly was but wanted to wait for a while before finding out for myself. Now I've seen it I am desperate to watch it again and again. The cinematography was sumptuous, the acting by David Niven was fantastic and the storyline was so absurd yet strangely haunting. A pilot cheats death after jumping out of his flame-engulfed plane and manages to survive after being washed up on a beach. Soon after he falls in love with June, and has to argue his case of why he feels he should be allowed to stay on earth at the heavenly celestial court. 'A peculiar idea for a story' I hear you cry and maybe also a little dated, but in my opinion Powell and Pressburger have really outdone themselves with this timeless classic of love and how it overcomes both life and death.

Ballet Shoes - 2007 * * *

'You must be a dancer, all you were left with were the ballet shoes'

This is a neat little movie, or rather a TV adaptation which centres around three sisters who are orphaned and sent to live with an eccentric explorer. Each has a dream - acting, dancing and aviation, but with money tight, not all dreams come true...

Not bad but worth a viewing,

Chariots of Fire - 1981 * * * 1/2

They would give anything to win, except their honour.

Although long this movie held a very painful lump in my throat for almost the entire movie. I found the story to be very touching and a real testament to gentlemen long ago who won for victory and longing rather than to make money or celebrity. The story itself was based around the true story of two British men who compete for the Summer Olympics of '24 and their struggle for completing it. My only complaint was that it went on a bit too long, but the second the closing credits appeared and the music began the tears were streaming down my face as I thought over and over about the truth behind the film, and the bravery of the two men.

Nanny Mcphee - 2005 * * * * *

You'll learn to love her, warts and all.

I absolutely adored this movie. Emma Thompson and Colin Firth are perfect together and I'm so happy that this was a successful British movie, and that it really effected me. It draws on 'Mary Poppins' quite a lot and thats ok, because every so often it's nice to see a movie that you know for a fact will have a happy ending plus that it is acted by two really stellar performers. I loved it and I emplore you not to agree.

Belle de Jour - 1967 * * 1/2

The only way to become a good wife was to stray away.

Daring for it's time, Belle De Jour was considered one of the greats from Luis Brunel, exploring sexuality, fantasy and lust. The story is uncomplicated enough -a bored and frigid housewife who dreams of of being dominated and abused by her husband seeks pleasure outside her marriage by becoming a prostitute during the day. I am aware this movie was a big deal on it's release but except for the mysterious dream sequences that appeared throughout I wasn't really impressed. Catherine Deneuve however is a typical Parisian chic who embodies all that was 1960's in France and her performance was certainly new to me.

Brief Encounter - 1945 * * * * *

'You've been a long way away, thank you for coming back to me'

I've seen this hundreds of times and no every second of it, but have never really felt worthy of reviewing it. Whatever I say I will not be able to express how much I love this movie, only that it rates somewhere up with my very favourite movies of all time. You can never get sick of this film, it contains timeless feelings, emotions and beliefs that are still relevant today. Although made almost seventy years ago (how amazing is that!) the idea of getting stuck in a routine when you are married was present even then and the need for excitement and change was something only a few dared to dream of. Celia Johnson's performance is heartbreaking and raw and the empathy you have for her is painful. For once we feel compassion for someone who strays from their marriage and want her desperately to be happy whatever happens even after considering her relationship with gentle Fred who would never harm or hurt anyone. Trevor Johnson is also perfectly cast in his role as the outwardly confident yet quietly complacent Alec who, underneath his calm exterior is crumbling because of his feelings for Laura. Not only beautifully acted but perfectly shot as well with a stunning and hauntingly memorable soundtrack including Rachmaninov, this movie is in my opinion one of the core films that will continue to surprise and delight generations to come. Regardless of the lack of colour, this film is still as heart-wrenching and real as it ever was - one I can watch over and over again.

Once - 2008 *

How often do you find the one?

Critics have compared this movie to 'Brief Encounter' which in my opinion is a total insult, as 'Brief Encounter' is a brilliant and perfectly constructed piece of film, and this is quite frankly, a boring blur of bad singing and unbelievable characters. I felt no compassion for either of the to leads and found the story to be dire and slow-moving. I was surprised at this because I generally lap up alternative film by the bucketload and enjoy watching movies that have won awards other than Blockbuster/Hollywood sourced but this will be going right in the bin.

Slaughter - 2009 * *

Find a good hiding place.

I constantly surprise myself by knowingly putting myself through movies that really are nothing more than piles of garbage. 'Slaughter' comes fresh from the boxset of 'After Dark Horrorfest' where a young girl meets another girl and then there's murder and lesbianism and swearing and blood etc. So not exactly the treat I was thinking it would be, moreover the predictable junk many horror movies seem to be nowadays. NOT recommended!

On Moonlight Bay - 1959 * * *

Everything's gay on Moonlight Bay!

I watched this on recommendation of a good friend who claimed it was her favourite movie. I was surprised at how young Doris Day looked, she really was just beginning her life in the world of movies and this film proved she could be funny, charming and sweet. You can all see glimpses of the Doris Day that we grow to know and love in her later movies from the 1960s and I found it very enjoyable. Next on my list is 'Silvery Moon' which I am told is the sequel to this!

Dead Snow - 2009 * *

Second time around they will succeed.

To me, this movie is so like a film I recently watched called 'Cold Prey' that I started to wonder if it was the same movie. Both movies are based around a group of friends who travel up to a cabin in the mountains to spend time together, but they are not alone, something is out to get them yadda yadda. Predictable really, except that Cold Prey was atmospheric and pretty darn scary, and this was pretty boring and almost Americanized dispite being a horror from Norway.
In fact, pretty funny.

Adulthood - 2008 * * * *

After Kidulthood comes Adulthood.

I was blown away by the first movie, it was raw and real and represented everything that is wrong with today's society. The acting in this sequel was brilliant, amateur yet well scripted. Noel Clarke is an amazing human being to write, direct and star in both movies which are both equally good and at such a young age.

Worth a watch

Repo! The Genetic Opera - 2008 * * * 1/2

Blood and guts and vocal range.

I have never in my life seen such a peculiar movie. Peculiar and brilliant. The story I think centred around plastic surgery, guts, torture and repossesion of body organs. Not exactly a brilliant idea for a movie you may cry but actually it fitted together very well and the tunes thrown in every ten minutes or so really gave it the gory punch that it needed.
I recommend this movie if not for the bizarre concept but for one of the lead roles - non other than Anthony Head, or Giles from Buffy as he is more commonly known!

The Vanishing - 1993 * * *

Obsession is the ultimate weapon

I remember seeing this ages ago and thinking it was pretty atmospheric and gripping. It is the story of a man whose girlfriend disappears at a gas station and after years of searching he is still no closer to the truth. The incident itself is pretty unnverving and imagining yourself in the same position is terrifying. Kiefer Sutherland is powerful in his role and Jeff Bridges is really frightening.

Dracula AD.1972 - 1972 * * * * 1/2

The count is back with an eye for hotpants and a taste for everything.

Boy did I love this Hammer Horror production. Currently on a lifelong quest to watch all of the Hammer movies I eagerly jumped at the chance to see this one. Added to which a film combining Dracula and 1970s London is guaranteed to be great - and it was. Christopher Lee doesn't need any praise for this role because he has already become 'The Dracula of the Hammer Studios' in my eyes anyway and performs each role effortlessly, much like Peter Cushing. Stephanie Beacham was every part the 70s chick and wore the fashions with pizazz. I just loved the idea of Dracula being around in present-day London and having to adapt - genius idea!

My Dear Secretary - 1948

She's everything a man dreams about, except she's my wife!

I remember buying this movie about five years ago and for some reason I hated it so much I threw the DVD away! Recently I bought it again hoping that I'd fel differently and I loved it!!!
Kirk Douglas is very funny and I've never seen Larraine Day in a movie before so that was a treat. The whole story was very fast paced and full of wisecracks, reminding me of the brilliant 'His Girl Friday' and I really couldn't have expected more from this film. I just don't understand how I couldn't have liked it the first time round!

Rating 4/5

Winter Light - 1962

Sometimes you need more than your faith.

I was surprised by this film, because although I admire Ingmar Bergman's work and think he is a brilliant director I had never been particularly bothered about a film revolving around religion. However I was so taken in and gripped by the brilliant acting that towards the end I started to care very deeply about what was going on as well as what happened to the characters. Bergman always seems to choose superb actors and this film was no different! The film was cleverly shot too because you could tell it was winter simply from the lighting and the bleak and empty location.

Rating 3/5

Rating

PS, I Love You - 2008

Sometimes there's only one thing left to say.

Many people I know have raved about this film yet it has taken me a long time to get around to watching it. It really was an emotional rollercoaster. Gerard Butler is actually in the movie very little and we are left with Hilary Swank who occupies most of the movie. I must say the performance that came from her was one of the best I have seen and I totally felt her pain. I haven't cried this much at a film since 'Bridges of Madison County' and know that this means I have really connected with the characters - it really is heartbreaking. Critics always say that the reason you cry in a movie is because you can imagine the situation taking place in your own life and I do think that it applies here. The tragedy is almost instantaneous at the beginning and we are left pondering why through the rest of the film. This is a film to watch if you want to evaluate your own life and relationship. P.s I love the soundtrack.

Rating 4/5

The Tale of Despereaux - 2008

The world's smallest mouse fights back.

To be honest although this film has great animated and graphic design the story just seemed a bit too 'Ratatouille-like' for me and many scenes almost felt like I was in the wrong movie! The basic story follows a young mouse who instead of learning to be timid and scared of cats decides instead to be brave and strong. He goes against his family and friends in order to be different. Ratatouille centres around a mouse who decides to be different as well and although one is about honour and the other is about food I still couldn't watch the film without seeing 'Ratatouille.' The latter is my favourite and this movie has missed the mark in my opinion because I don't think it appeals to all audiences like 'Ratatouille.'

Rating 2.5/5

The Uninvited - 2009

Fear moves in

I had no idea that this horror movie was an Americanised version of Tartan Asia Extreme's 'A Tale of Two Sisters'. If I had known then I would never have bothered to watch it in the first place. As it stands I found it pretty dull, not very well acted and very predictable, for many times I sat there and guessed what would happen in the upcoming scene, I dislike that in movies. I am a big fan of genuinely scary horror films and am always on the lookout for a new release, although I should have learned by now that they are all churned out by the same people who have no imagination and have to copy other directors' ideas.

Rating 2/5

Black Snake Moan - 2006

Everything is hotter down south.

For some reason I got it into my head that this was a sequel for 'Snakes on a plane' maybe because there was the word snake in the title! However it wasn't a sequel and the only thing that kept me going all the way through was basking with delight that Christina Ricci really can act! Her portrayal of a trailer trash nymphomaniac who has a serious addiction was brilliant and Samuel Jackson was as always on top form as the deeply religious yet mildly sleazy man who saves her from her demons. Film went on a bit but you can't have everything.

Rating 2.5/5

Bedtime Stories - 2008

What if the stories you told came to life?

This film was supposed to be a big deal last year but for what reason I don't know! Adam Sandler doesn't seem to have progressed very much in his film career and is still choosing exactly the same type of parts to play - goofy and weirdly comical. Russell Brand was funny but not enough to save the film and Keri Russell wasn't much better. I found that the story lagged and never got funny enough to grasp my attention.

Rating 2/5

Party Girl - 1930

The shocking story of love for sale.

I was curious to see this movie, partly because of Douglas Fairbanks Jnr and partly because of it being banned in many countries at the time of it's release, these types of movies generally interest me as they hold some sort of naughty fascination that there will be shocking scenes. For many, I'm sure that this movie was a pretty big deal when it came out, I mean being a party girl was just another name for an escort now and 1930's America wouldn't have been ready for something as reputation-shattering as that. Although I tried to look at the movie with a view to being a post-20s flapper I still couldn't find enough to panic me, in fact the whole movie just seemed to consist of girls wandering around rooms with glasses of champagne and old men with party hats on. Not very scandalous and not very exciting as movies go, plus Douglas Fairbanks was at his most unappealing for the entire film showing no acting skills whatsoever. A waste of time and money, do not be fooled into thinking if you buy it you will be capturing a piece of priceless footage from the 30s - it's purely garbage.

Rating 2/5

Dream Wife - 1953

It's a riot how Cary carries on!

This is yet another Cary Grant movie that I have never heard of before. And I don't know why because the relationship between him and Deborah Kerr is, as always hilarious (see 'The Green Green Grass' for another example of their witty partnership.) Add a very funny fight scene and a mock wedding and you have grounds for an extremely enjoyable movie. But then again I am biased and find Cary Grant funny in anything!!

Rating 4/5

And When Did You Last See Your Father? - 2007

Between every father and his son, there is a story to be told.

This was a very heart-wrenching film. A film about a man whose father dies before he has time to truly tell him all the things he feels he should. Between these scenes we see flashbacks of the man as a young boy and understand in more depth how he really feels about his father. Each memory is haunting, precise and ever so painful to watch for anyone who has ever lost a member of their family and felt that they did not appreciate them enough in the time they were alive. Colin Firth is gut-wrenchingly good as the son, Blake and Jim Broadbent is brilliant as his father. A film that must be watched.

Rating 4/5

Gone - 2006

The Trip of a lifetime.

I saw this two years ago and don't remember what I thought of it so unlike my usual routine of not watching films again unless they are outstanding I decided to go ahead and buy it to see again. After watching it for a second time I now realise that it's one of the worst horror movies I've ever seen and I assume the reason I didn't remember that before was because I was trying to blot out the awfulness of it!! I loved 'Wolf Creek' and this is like a cheaper and even worse version of that involving a girl, her boyfriend and a bloke that they pick up while on a trekking holiday. The stranger appears to develop feelings for the girl and the boyfriend sets out to make sure nothing happens.

Riveting stuff - that was sarcasm by the way.

Rating 2/5

The Asphalt Jungle - 1950

The City under the City.

This film is renowned for being a film noir buff's dream. It's got everything - gangsters, jewels, dames, Marilyn Monroe and beautifully shot scenes. Sterling Hayden is very memorable as Dix, one of the leaders of a Bank Robbery that goes wrong and Jean Hagen ( Lena from Singin' in the Rain before her voice went high!!) is great as the naiive gangster's moll caught up with him. Marilyn is in this movie very briefly but is great as well and you can see the makings of the world's most famous star.

Rating 3.5/5

Coffee and Cigarettes - 2003

Java and smokes, and bizarre little jokes.

This was a peculiar movie, for almost half of it was complete dilge and the rest was brilliant!! Highlights for me included the sketch involving Steve Coogen and one with Bill Murray as a caffeine obsessive. I think many of the others were truly awful - the last sketch was simply 2 old men coughing and talking about their coffee break, hardly an interesting ten minutes and so I think this film is of the 'love it or hate it' variety, and I'm not sure where I am although I'm leaning heavily towards hate!

Rating 2/5 (the 2 stars was for the 2 good sketches!!)

The Pit and the Pendulum - 1961

The Greatest Terror tale ever told!

I realise that this isn't taken exactly from Edgar Allen Poe's work of the same name but still it proves a very enjoyable and pretty scary film!! Vincent Price is as usual on top form with his characterisation of Nicholas, the owner of the eerie castle in the mountains whose brother in law comes to visit after hearing of his sister's untimely death. On the outset Nicholas appears devestated by the events and can hardly communicate the matters of her death to the brother, but everything is not what it seems...
A scary film that is being given an extra star because of Vincent!

Rating 3/5

Sleuth - 2007

Obey the Rules.

I can hardly review this film without getting excited. Pinter is a total genius and Caine and Law act perfectly together! The story centres around Caine and Law meeting as respectable men at Caine's large estate to discuss Caine's wife, whom both are sleeping with. The next hour or so is absurd, funny, clever, brilliant and thoroughly confusing. Law has proved to me that he can act very well indeed and Michael Caine just grows and grows in my good books as one of 'The Best of British.' A salute goes to Harold Pinter for his amazing screenplay and Kenneth Branagh can now add a 5/5 rated movie to his list of talents!!

Rating 5/5

Scoop - 2006

The perfect man. The perfect story. The perfect murder.

For all Woody Allen's faults at sometimes playing jittering incomprehensible idiots he was brilliant in this movie. He and Scarlett Johansson bounced off each other comically like two peas in a pod. The story is very funny too! Johansson plays a budding amateur journalist who meets Allen when she attends one of his magicican shows one night. Finding herself caught up in the 'Tarot Killer Murders' she confides in Allen who sets out begrudgingly to help her solve the case. When she meets a dashing, intelligent young aristocrat Allen smells a rat - he's not got an alibi for any murders and appears to own a set of Tarot Cards! but Johansson has begun a relationship with him, so he couldn't possibly be the killer...
A fast, upbeat movie full of plenty of laughs and a talented cast, this will be a movie you want to see again and again!

Rating 4.5/5