Have a proper gander

The Cross of Lorraine (1943)

Directed by Tay Garnett this film stars Jean-Pierre Aumont, Gene Kelly and Sir Cedric Hardwicke. Following the fall of France in 1940 a group of French soldiers are taking to a POW camp and find life is not as they expected.

Loosely based on the real life experiences of Hans Habe this film was clearly a propaganda effort made to help explain to American audiences the conditions in occupied Europe. How realistic the story is is probably open to question but it is a fairly similar to a number of other POW films set in the era. The film does open up some questions on the harsh choices between resistance and collaboration but is never really in a position to explore these fully due to the propaganda nature of the film.

3/5

seven times three

Guns of the Magnificent Seven (1969)

Directed by Paul Wendkos this second sequel stars George Kennedy, James Whitmore and Monte Markham. Mexicans fighting against the corrupt government seek the help of American gun fighters to free one of the leaders of the revolution.

Compared to the first sequel this film at least tries to use a different plot which is not bad but hardly distinct from a number of similar westerns. It is hard to imagine anyone replacing Yul Brynner and while George Kennedy does nothing wrong he just does not have the same or a similar screen presence. The execution of the film is mostly good apart from an over reliance on the musical score for the original film which does not necessarily fit the action here.

3/5

straight to video hell

Sacrifice (2011)

Directed by Damian Lee this film stars Cuba Gooding Jr, Devon Bostick, Lara Daans and Christian Slater. An undercover drugs cop in Canada returns to work shortly after the murder of his family and gets involved in investigating a heroin smuggling ring.

A spectre hangs over this film in the form of having been released “direct to video” and unfortunately it is not one of those gems that some how slipped through. The plot of the film is pretty average filled with stock characters from any number of similar films. When it comes to production quality the film seems cheap and the script has some pretty weak character motivations.

2/5

Being someone else

The Passenger (1975)

Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni this film stars Jack Nicholson, Maria Schneider and Jenny Runacre. A journalist travelling in a North African country decides to escape his life by taking the identity of the man who died in the hotel room next to his.

Compared to many American films the pace of this film is really slow and may not be something that is to the taste of everyone but the final long take-tracking shot is very impressive. The plot of the film is about identity and the desire to escape ones self and works well. There are a number of great locations and the minimal use of dialogue really helps add to the atmosphere of the film.

5/5

Maybe not forever

Batman Forever (1995)

Directed by Joel Schumacher this sequel to the Tim Burton films stars Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey and Nicole Kidman. Batman takes on two of the well known elements of his rogues gallery.

This is a film of a very mixed nature, it takes a decided turn towards the less serious elements of the franchise but still has enough action and visuals to be a bit of a guilty pleasure. Unfortunately the script comes across as a bit disjoint, lurching from one set piece to another rather than having a more natural flow. When it comes to the villains both come off as over the top rip offs of the Joker.

3/5

Birds

The Big Year (2011)

Directed by David Frankel this film stars Steve Martin, Jack Black, Owen Wilson and Rosamund Pike. Three men join a competition to see who can see the most species of birds in North America during a single year.

Adapted from a book this film acknowledges that it is very loose adaptation which is a lot better than claiming to be true facts. Despite the fairly light tone of the film it actually has some decent themes of the price of obsession and mortality running under the surface. Where the film is a bit weak is that it really lacks the laugh out loud comedy you would expect from a film with Jack Black and Steve Martin.

4/5

Twin tripe

Jack and Jill (2011)

Directed by Dennis Dugan this comedy stars Adam Sandler (x2), Al Pacino and Katie Holmes. A man has his annoying twin sister come to visit for the holidays while he tries to get Al Pacino to star in a commercial.

Much like any other comedy written by Adam Sandler this film uses all the easy “jokes” and manages to sneak in some racism too. The premise of the of the film is as thin as it's characters and I am not entirely sure the plot even works from a character stand point. Despite the disaster going on around him Al Pacino gives a good performance and you have to wonder what he is even doing in this film.

2/5

Stagecoach west

Escort West (1958)

Directed by Francis D. Lyon this western stars Victor Mature, Elaine Stewart and Faith Domergue. Months after the end of the Civil war an ex-confederate officer and his daughter travel across hostile territory in search of a new life.

This is pretty much your standard b-movie western with a simple plot and likely made on the cheap. There is a selection of the usual characters and usual out comes in what is a pretty predictable film. What the film does have going for it is that it is made fairly well and while it does little original it does little wrong either.

3/5

Coming to terms

Terms of Endearment (1983)

Based on the novel of the same name this film from director James L. Brooks stars Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson and Jeff Daniels. A widow and her daughter both look for love.

When a film wins five Oscars you sort of expect a little more than what we get here which is a decent film but by no means seemingly anything special. The story is well handled in as much as it does not descend into melodrama or cliché but does not really rise beyond the literal. There are some good performances but I was really surprised that Jack Nicholson got an Oscar for playing the same guy he plays in everything.

3/5

Time across the world

The Fourth Dimension (2012)

Three short films from directors Harmony Korine, Alexey Fedorchenko and Jan Kwiencinski are put together to make this film. In America a strange version of Val Kilmer gives motivational speeches, in Russia a scientist attempts to view the past and in Poland four friends ignore evacuation warnings.

Of all the stories the first is the most bizarre and hardest to make sense of but the other two parts provide some interesting stories. All three directors were given a strict set of instructions by producer Eddy Moretti and it has certainly produced a varied grouping of short films. If you can manage to sit through the nonsensical first part the others are well worth a watch.

3/5

The cost of war

Shenandoah (1965)

Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen this film stars James Stewart, Doug McClure and Rosemary Forsyth. During the American Civil war a Virginian farmer tries to keep his family outside of the war.

Given that James Stewart was a high profile member of the armed services during WW2 it is a slight surprise to find him in this highly anti war film but the war this film is talking about is Vietnam. The plot of the film is good with plenty of drama along the way and offers a good variety of characters. When it comes to the direction McLaglen does a good impression of John Ford mixing drama with lighter moments of comedy but does not have the masters flair for the landscape.

4/5

Virtually no virtues

Virtusoity (1995)

Directed by Brett Leonard this techno thriller stars Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe and Kelly Lynch. A serial killer program from a police training virtual reality simulator manages to escape into the real world.

Unfortunately it is hard to take this film seriously despite it's science fiction elements not being that bad because the plot indulges far too much stupidity elsewhere. A lot of films from the 90s have some questionable asthetics and this film fits in with a lot of those. Russell Crowe gives a performance in the style of Jack Nicholson's Joker which is pretty brave but maybe misjudged.

2/5

No escape from genre conventions

Escape from Fort Bravo (1953)

Directed by John Sturges this western stars William Holden, Eleanor Parker and John Forsythe. Deep in Indian country Union soldiers at a fort guard Confederate prisoners that nearly out number them.

Despite a pretty decent set up for tension and conflict this is a fairly average western of the period that cheats the characters out of having to make any real decisions. Like many westerns the Indians are not characters and mostly feature as an distance menace but at least the film does not descend into out right racism. The direction is not bad but it does look like the film was made on a budget at times.

3/5  

Out of time

In Time (2011)

Written and directed by Andrew Niccol this film stars Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried and Cillian Murphy. In the future people are genetically engineered and can live forever but to live past 25 you have to earn time which is the main currency of the world.

I am a big fan of the work of Andrew Niccol but this film is not on par with his best work. What the film really lacks is deeper characters and while the premise is interesting I think it fails by relying on the notion that there are enough resources for everyone to live forever. When it comes to the performances I think it is fair to say that this film does not contain Justin Timberlake's best work either.

2/5

Hegg story

The Decoy Bride (2011)

Directed by Sheree Folkson this film stars Kelly Macdonald, David Tennant and Alice Eve. A famous American actress and an author visit a small Scottish island in an attempt to get married in private.

As romantic comedies go this film is pretty much a middle of the road effort with a fairly predictable plot. Being that this is a low budget British film there are a few British actors with slightly suspect American accents but otherwise the performances are fine. The landscape while it has it's moments does not really provide enough to give any more life to an average effort.

3/5

You again

Womb (2010)

Also known as Clone this film from writer/director Benedek Fliegauf stars Eva Green, Matt Smith and Hannah Murray. Follow the death of her boyfriend a woman raises his clone and her feelings for the child become confused.

Clearly this film is made with a art house style in mind given it's slow pace, minimal dialogue and excellent landscape shots. The content of the film is uneasy to watch as it slowly heads towards it's inevitable Oedipus style conclusion. For all the stylistic flair of the execution the film never really goes deep enough into really exploring the conclusions of a society with human cloning, only hinting at prejudice against them.

4/5

Boy from hell

Hellboy (2004)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro this comic book adaptation stars Ron Perlma, Selma Blair, John Hurt and Rupert Evans. A demon summoned by the Nazis during WW2 is raised by an American professor and works for the FBI hunting monsters.

Coming as part of the glut of super hero films that the new millennium ushered in this film offers a slightly different take on the usual. While del Toro is best known for his visuals this film offers some interesting stuff but never really hits the crazy heights of his other films. The plot skirts around the idea of some thematic depth but never really gets there and as such we are left with a pretty average genre film.

3/5

General's disaster

The Night of the Generals (1967)

Directed by Anatole Litvak this film stars Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, Tom Courtenay and Donald Pleasence. In the post war period a man looks into the investigation of three German generals suspected of being a serial killer during WW2.

Considering this film was made during the Cold War and Western backed the amount of footage shot on location in Warsaw is impressive and gives the film a good back drop. The plot does a good job of contrasting softening views on Nazi Germany at the time it was made with the actions carried out during the war. While the story is not an especially complex “who done it” it does provide plenty of varied locations, characters and sequences to keep you entertained.

4/5

Not so wonderful town

Wonderful Town (2007)

Directed by Aditya Assarat this Thai film stars Anchalee Saisoontorn and Supphasit Kansen. An architect from the big city travels to a rural town to help with the rebuilding and meets a woman that runs a hotel.

One of the first things that will strike you about this film is the slower pace and the use of montages which may not be to everyone's taste. The plot is a fairly standard boy meets girl for most of the film but takes a rather large twist towards the end which does seem a bit out of place. Maybe being unfamiliar with the local culture does not help but this does come across as a pretty average and sedate film.

3/5

Rebel scum

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Directed by Richard Marquand directs the final instalment of the original trilogy which again stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Billy Dee Williams. Our heroes plan to rescue Han Solo and prepare for the final confrontation with the Empire.

While this film does not hit the heights of the previous film it is still a very good entry in the franchise and by no means a weak link. With a lot more plot to get through this film does lack some of the philosophical content of it's direct predecessor but still provides an excellent action adventure. Some of the special effects sequences may have been a little ambitious for their time but just about hold up, the only real issue is the addition of Hayden Christensen in the newer releases.

5/5

Legendary?

Immortals (2011)

Directed by Tarsem Singh this film stars Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto, Mickey Rourke and Stephen Dorff. A young man is selected by Zeus to lead the fight for humanity against an evil king.

Although set in the world of Greek mythology this film only takes very loose inspiration from the legends and crafts it's own story. The plot of the film is nothing amazing and while it hints at some ideas on faith it never really hammers out a clear point. Visually the film is pretty impressive taking it's cue from Renaissance art but some of the props are pretty obviously rubber made which is a bit of a let down in terms of quality.

3/5

Just another Groundhog Day?

Repeaters (2010)

Directed by Carl Bessai this film stars Dustin Milligan, Amanda Crew and Richard de Klerk. Three addicts at a rehab facility find themselves living the same day over and over again.

While this film does cover some of the same ideas as Groundhog Day (1993) using the idea of living the same day over and over again without concern for the consequences of your actions works as a really good metaphor for addiction. Despite the good premise unfortunately I do not think that the film ever really takes it's ideas far enough nor has interesting enough characters to hold the film together. In general the film is fairly well made and a good idea that just falls short in execution.

3/5

A film best kept secret

The Secret Invasion (1964)

Directed by Roger Corman this film stars Stewart Granger, Raf Vallone and Mickey Rooney. A British Major leads a group of criminals on a secret mission in Yugoslavia during WW2.

This film is pretty much what you would expect from a low budget B-movie and about the only surprise is that it was made before a few of the better films the plot appears to rip off. The problems start early on with a script that lacks any real characterisation and is at best ham fisted. Some of the acting is best not commented on and about the only element of note is that Dubrovnik provides an impressive back drop for this lackluster film.

1/5

Haywire by name..

Haywire (2011)

Directed by Steven Soderbergh this film stars Gina Carano, Ewan Mgregor, Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas and Bill Paxton. A special agent for a private security firm is framed by someone.

This film is littered with problems, firstly the script is convoluted and left me pretty confused as to what the actual conspiracy was (not in a good way). When you cast a mixed martial arts fighter in as the protagonist shooting so many of the action sequences so her face is not visible seems to defeat the point of casting her in the first place. When it comes to the supporting cast you have to say it is a case of so much talent given so little to do.

2/5

Resistable

Resistance (2011)

Based on the novel of the same name this film directed by Amit Gupta stars Andrea Riseborough, Tom Wlaschiha and Michael Sheen. In an alternate 1944 Britain is invaded by Germany and the women of a Welsh valley are left to deal with the occupiers by their husbands.

While the premise of this film is fairly interesting the plot never really goes anywhere, preferring to skirt around the issues rather than get to grips with them. Wales provides an excellent backdrop for the film with some stunning scenery but that is about the best thing in this film. Unfortunately I think this is another case of trying to take a novel where all the conflict is internal and trying to transfer it to a medium that specialises in external conflict.

2/5

There is another

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Directed by Irvin Kershner this sequel stars Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Billy Dee Williams. Following the destruction of the death star in the previous film the Empire looks to hunt down the rebels while Luke continues his training as a Jedi.

Often this film is the highest rated of the series and it is easy to see why as it takes everything from the original and adds a level of philosophy as well as a good amount of character development. There are more great action sequences which include the opening battle in the snow and the slight changes made by Lucas in the re-release do help clean up some of the special effects. The extra budget available for the film also help put the film just a notch above it's predecessor.

5/5

Zulu 2: Zulu Harder

Zulu Dawn (1979)

Directed by Douglas Hickox this film stars Peter O'Toole, Burt Lanchaster, Sir John Mills and Denholm Elliot. In 1879 a British column is set to launch an invasion of Zulu land in South Africa.

Made 15 years after Zulu (1964) this attempt at a prequel has an all star cast and a fairly large budget. While the script is again provided by Cy Endfield this time the direction really lets it down in comparison to the original. While the scenery provides a great back drop to the film the all important battle is too small a part of the film and really suffers from now having a more detailed view.

2/5

Actually pretty normal

Crazy, stupid, Love. (2011)

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa this film stars Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore and Emma Stone. A young ladies man takes an older man going through the break up of his marriage under his wing.

There is a whole host of acting talent involved with this film but sadly most of them do not have much to work with. By far the funniest person in the film is Emma Stone and I can not help but think this film would have worked better if the Emma Stone/Ryan Gosling story line was the central one as it is more interesting than the main plot which has been played out plenty of times in film. Most of the film is pretty good and there is a great twist but the transformation scene at the end really pushes the boundaries on cheesy, trite, rubbish that you have seen plenty of times before.

3/5

Gun bad

The Iron Giant (1999)

Based on a book by Ted Hughes this animated film from director Brad Bird includes the voice talent of Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr. and Vin Diesel. During the 1950s in America a robot from outer space makes friends with a boy.

Despite being based on the novel “The Iron Man” there are a number of departures from the plot of the book and it serves more as a character inspiration. With themes of Cold War pacifism and anti violence it does seem like this film maybe made a few decades late but it is still well worth watching as it is entertaining and has a number of really funny moments. The voice acting is good but there are no stand out moments and like wise the animation is sufficient but not much more.

4/5

Bodies in the Bayou

Texas Killing Fields (2011)

Directed by Ami Canaan Mann this film stars Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Sam Worthington, Jessica Chastain and Chloe Grace Moretz. Three detectives in Texas struggle to deal with the number of murder victims being dumped in the bayous.

Loosely based on real events I think it is safe to say this film is more likely inspired by real events rather than necessarily based in fact. The plot is a pretty dark tale of obsession but is nothing particularly original. While the film has a pretty good atmosphere Sam Worthington's accent is patchy at best and sometimes a little undecipherable.

3/5