Saved by the dog flap

The Battle at Elderbush Gulch (1913)

Directed by D. W. Griffith this film stars Mae Marsh, Lillian Gish and Lionel Barrymore. Two orphaned sisters are sent to live with a relative, then Native Americans attack.

This film is typical of early Griffith action films in it's form and a standard example of suspect views towards Native Americans. Not much stands out about this film but it is a fairly decent watch if you can ignore how the Native Americans are treated. The action is decent but on par with Griffith's other films of the period.

3/5

In the beginning

Batman: Year One (2011)

Directed by Sam Liu & Lauren Montgomery this film has voices from Ben McKenzie, Bryan Cranston and Eliza Dushku. We see the arrival of Jim Gordon in Gotham as Bruce Wayne returns to the city for the first time as an adult.

Sticking pretty closely to the comic of the same name this is a fairly faithful adaptation. A little on the short side this is a decent but not amazing entry into the Batman canon. If I have any real quibble it is that some of the animation is a bit weak at points.

3/5

Farming Canada style

The Back-breaking Leaf (1959)

Directed by Terence Macartney-Filgate this film is narrated by Stanley Jackson. We see the life of the seasonal workers who farm tobacco in Ontario.

Fairly simple on the surface level this is a decent look at the back breaking work involved in harvesting a crop. The film shows the daily life of people well but I am not sure it connects it to anything larger. Certainly of some interest but not something that will stick in the memory.

3/5

George of the jungle on space roids

Rampage (2018)

Directed by Brad Peyton this film based on the arcade game of the same name stars Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman and Jeffery Dean Morgan. Animals get infected by a super growth and aggression virus leading to them going on a, well, rampage.

No one is going to accuse this film of being smart so best check your brain out before you start watching this one. As big dumb action movies go this one is not too bad and it does have a little heart to it. Some of the action sequences could have done with having a bit more scale to them but in general this is not a terrible genre piece.

3/5

Not your daddy's Beatrix Potter

Peter Rabbit (2018)

Directed by Will Gluck this film stars Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson and the voice of James Corden. A rabbit and his friends get into scrapes when a new owner moves into the house they steal vegetables from.

This is no the Beatrix Potter any of us are familiar with and to be honest I'm not sure the level of humour fits the age group of children a film like this would appeal to. There is a bit of a cruel tone to a lot of the jokes and to be honest this is an uncomfortable marriage of elements on nearly all levels. If you can take the film for what it is then it is not too bad but it is a bit of a head scratcher on how it ended up this way.

2/5

The woman they don't like to talk about

Mary Magdalene (2018)

Directed by Garth Davis this biblical drama stars Rooney Mara, Joaquin Pheonix and Chiwetel Ejiofor. In 33AD a woman decides to follow Jesus against her family's wishes.

Taking it's cue from gnosticism and feminism this is a rather slow moving religious film. While there is some fantastic scenery and settings used ultimately that is really the only impressive part of the film. I am not sure that the film really has much to wow or entertain the casual viewer with.

3/5

The sound of nature

Anima Mundi (1992)

Directed by Godfrey Reggio this film is scored by Philip Glass. We see various clips of the natural world set to music.

Combining some fantastic photography with music this film is certainly a visual feast. While the film may not be driving to an obvious, larger point it is still a fascinating watch. Maybe a little on the long side for some this is a really good watch for nature lovers.

4/5

Laugh blockers

Blockers (2018)

Directed by Kay Cannon this film stars Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz, John Cena, Kathryn Newton, Grealdine Viswanathan and Gideon Adlon. Three parents attempt to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night.

I think I laughed maybe twice during this comedy as the script is sorely lacking when it comes to jokes. The plot veers between being trying to have feminist views to not really seeming to being kind of mean about some of the characters. As sex comedies go this is neither smart or funny really.

2/5

Ready, willing but not able

Ready Player One (2018)

Directed by Steven Spielberg this film based on the novel of the same name stars Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn and Lena Waithe. In the future young people try to find an Easter egg in a VR world to save it from being taken over by an evil CEO.

On the superficial level there is plenty to enjoy here but oddly for a Spielberg project the film ends up lacking a true emotional core. I found the plot itself, especially towards the end, to be juvinille and predictable. There are too many unearned character moments hidden behind dazzling special effects and pop culture references.

3/5

It's all fake

Wrestling (1961)

Directed by Michel Brault, Claude Fournier, Claude Jutra and Mracel Carriere this is a short documentary. We see professional wrestling from Montreal.

Taking a reverent look at the sport of pro wrestling this short documentary aims to celebrate rather than deride. Personally I have never been a fan of this sort of entertainment but the film makes have enough skill to highlight what the audience gets from wrestling. Decently made and a good watch.

3/5

Living in a Watson shaped shadow

Beauty and the Beast (2014)

Directed by Christophe Gans this film stars Lea Seydoux and Vincent Cassel. Following the bankruptcy of her family and her father stealing a rose a young woman ends up prisoner of a beast.

Unfortunately about 10 minutes into watching this film I realised that having recently seen the Emma Watson version I was really not in the mood to see another bland version of this fairy tale. The visuals here are nice but the story telling is pretty weak, the script feels very bare bones and the romance not convincing. Maybe it is unfair for this adaptation to live in the shadow of the more recent Hollywood one but that is how it breaks.

2/5

No rules

The Exception (2016)

Directed by David Leveuax this film based on the novel “The Kaiser's Last Kiss” stars Lily James, Jai Courtney, Christopher Plummer and Janet McTeer. In 1940 a German officer is sent to guard the Kaiser living in exile and root out a British spy in his household.

Playing fast and loose with both history and accents this is somewhat of a questionable film. Given there is some decent acting talent in this film the outcome is fairly disappointing. Some of the character actions also left me scratching my head as they seemed rather forced.

2/5

To infinity AND beyond

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo this film has a huge cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans and many others. Intergalactic warlord Thanos searches for the infinity stones and comes up against our heroes.

In the past I have criticised Marvel for being more interested in what they were building up to rather than some of the films they were currently putting out but on the results of this film it was all worth it. Capturing the essential of a comic book crossover event and balancing so many moving parts is in no way easy but it is carried off here really well. The film does a great job of bringing both some heart and a ton of great action to the screen.

5/5

Love and chess

Chess Fever (1925)

Directed by Vsevolod Pudovkin & Mykola Shpikovsky this film stars Vladimir Fogel and Anna Zemtsova. A young man obsessed with chess finds it getting in the way of his relationship with the woman he loves.

A fairly simple comedy looking at the Russian obsession with chess I found the ending of the film a slight disappointment but otherwise not a bad watch. Maybe not as funny as it could be the film certainly captures something of the chess fever though. Decently made and acted this is worth a watch.

3/5

Best not to look too deeply

Jane Austen Book Club (2007)

Directed by Robin Swicord this film based on the novel of the same name stars Maria Bello, Emily Blunt, Amy Brenneman and Hugh Dancy. Six people struggling with their love lives get together to read all Jane Austen's books.

On the surface this is a pretty generic romantic comedy with some light Jane Austen references. Underneath this film has kind of a lot of characters that are not that nice and do some really questionable things which are never properly addressed. I am sure there is a really decent version of this film in there somewhere but this script is just a bit too light for my taste.

2/5

Woman meets fishman

The Shape of Water (2017)

Directed by Guillermo del Toro this film stars Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones and Octavia Spencer. In 1962 a mute cleaning lady falls in love with a sea monster being experimented on in a government facility.

Bizarre to say the least this is probably the oddest love story you will ever see and while not as good as Pan's Labyrinth (2006) it is a good example of del Toro's aesthetic. Ultimately this is a story of a group of social outcasts finding solace in each other at a time of repression. Well made and well acted this is well worth a watch for its uniqueness if nothing else.

4/5

Mysteries of the plot

The Mysteries of the Chateau of Dice (1929)

Directed by Man Ray and Jacques-Andre Boiffard this is a silent short film. After rolling some dice a couple head off to explore a weird chateau.

This mix of the bizarre is a little hard to follow in all honesty. I struggled to find what connected the seeming random events of the film. Some of the images are nice but the plot is just too obscure for me.

2/5

How to get young men to go and die for their country

Sergeant York (1941)

Directed by Howard Hawks this film based on real events stars Gary Cooper, Joan Leslie and Walter Brennan. A rural farmer from Tennessee becomes a good Christian and then a war hero in WW1.

Essentially this is a propaganda film released on the eve of the US's entry into WW2 and it is clear the film seeks to wipe out any arguments young men might have about going off to fight. Straying from history to create an idealistic story it does take the film a little too long to get to the meat of the story in my opinion. Sadly for a film with such a big reputation I am not sure this one has aged very well.

2/5

Goodbye to all that

Katie Says Goodbye (2016)

Directed by Wayne Roberts this film stars Olivia Cooke, Christopher Abbott, Mireille Enos and Mary Steenburgen. A 17 year old girl working as a waitress and a prostitute to support her mother falls in love with a mechanic just out of prison.

This tale of small town America is not very original but is well told and comes to the inevitable sad conclusion. Without melodrama the slow moving film rises to a decent climax. There are good performances and decent direction.

3/5

Not playing a blinder

In Darkness (2018)

Directed by Anthony Byrne this film stars Natalie Dormer, Ed Skrein and Emily Ratajkowski. A blind pianist overhears a struggle before her neighbour falls to her death.

For much of this film it is a pretty decent thriller but I think a few too many twists at the end undo a lot of the good work of the early portions of the film. It may be a little bit predictable where the film is going and sadly the ending does not hold together but there is still some enjoyable things here. There is plenty of tension and the direction and performances do a good job of holding the film together.

2/5

Not exactly money

Money Box (2014)

Written & directed by Muzappar Osman this film stars Auro Tosi. A man finds a vending machine gives out more cash than you put in and becomes greedy.

Listed as an award winning short I found the plot of this film rather simple. Decently filmed but really lacking a way of building on the premise this was a bit of a disappointment. There is some potential here but it is kind of wasted.

2/5

Can you hear the bells ring?

The Polar Express (2004)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis this film based on the book of the same name has voices from Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara and Nona Gaye. A young boy unsure if he believes in Santa or not any more is invited to take a journey on a magic train to the North Pole.

Putting together a simple Christmas movie this film does a good job of layering in some hints of darker stuff under the surface. At times it does feel a little bit like the plot has been padded out to fill the run time but the film does have some charm to it. The computer animation is decent but does show it's age a little bit as techniques have moved on.

3/5

No cure, slight bore

Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

Directed by Wes Ball this film based on the novel of the same name stars Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and Rosa Salazar. Our heroes head towards the last city in the world to find their missing friend.

At times contrived and a little on the bloated side this film is not really for those that were not huge fans of the series. As big budget blockbusters go this is not too bad but the film never connected with me emotionally. With a little work this could have been a better film.

2/5

Not so lonely?

Lonely Boy (1962)

Directed by Wolf Koenig and Roman Kroitor this is a short documentary. We see what it is like to be a teen idol as the cameras follow pop star Paul Anka.

As documentaries go I would not say this one is especially insightful due to its brief nature. Very much a surface level look at the subject matter there is still some interesting stuff here. I would have preferred the questions put to the subject had a little more push to them.

3/5

How to play nicely with others

Western (2017)

Written & directed by Valeska Grisebach this film stars Meinhard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek, Syuleyman Alilov Letifov and Vyara Borisova. German construction workers head to rural Bulgaria to build a hydroelectric plant but only one of them really tries to fit in with the locals.

As a study of relationships between Germany and poorer countries in the EU this is certainly an interesting film. The minimalist, realism of the film might not be to everyone's taste but I certainly enjoyed the slow burn nature of the film. Well made and with some stunning scenery this is a good watch.

4/5

Kids, booze and prejudice

Bomb City (2017)

Directed by Jameson Brooks this film based on real events stars Dave Davis, Glenn Morshower, Logan Huffman and Lorelei Linklater. Tensions between the punk and jock communities in Amarillo Texas rise to tragic consequences.

I really enjoyed this film, the way it contrasted the two cultural subtypes, how they are treated and the way it obscures the climax for those unfamiliar with the events. Certainly this film leaves the viewer with plenty to think about. Well made and largely well acted this film is well worth a watch.

4/5

Consider my daisy unpulled

Pull My Daisy (1959)

Directed by Robert Frank and Alfred Leslie this film has narration from writer Jack Kerouac. We are told the story of a railway brakeman's wife inviting a bishop to dinner.

To be honest I found this film a little hard to follow and difficult to get to the point. The style is that of Beat poetry but was not really to my taste. I am sure some will find this an interesting experiment but sadly I did not.

2/5

A poor man's Tennessee Williams

Wonder Wheel (2017)

Written & directed by Woody Allen this film stars Kate Winslet, Jim Belushi, Juno Temple and Justin Timberlake. During a 1950s summer on Coney Island a married woman starts an affair while her step daughter is on the run from the mob.

It is clear the style that Allen is going for here but that seems more fitting of a play at times and some of the dialogue/performances are a bit obvious. At least the plot offers a bit of variety compared to the usual Allen film of a neurotic older man chasing a younger woman. The most interesting thing here is the striking use of coloured lighting in some of the scenes.

3/5

Flim flam and hogwash

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Directed by Michael Gracey this musical based on real events stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya. A poor man aspures to become rich by entertaining the public.

Despite all the hype I found this to be a very bland musical with little plot or respect for history. The musical numbers are the generic modern pop songs and I doubt will stand the test of time. Clearly there is a lot of production value that has gone into the film but everything else seems to have been an after thought.

2/5

Life, growth and others

Lady Bird (2017)

Written & directed by Greta Gerwig this film stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts and Beanie Feldstein. In her final year of high school in 2002 a Sacramento teen regularly clashes with her mother.

Covering plenty of familiar ground this is still a very good coming of age drama. Despite being slightly over hyped by critics this is still a really interesting look at the usual themes but from the less seen female perspective. Well made and constructed it is very easy to recommend this film.

4/5

Painting the town

The Artist and the City (1956)

Written & directed by Manoel de Oliveira this is a short film returning to a familiar subject for the film maker. An artist wanders round the city of Porto.

As a record a historical record this film probably has more value than as a piece of entertainment. There are some nice images and decent editing but ultimately the film does not really have a narrative drive. Fun to see the images but not much more than that in my opinion.

3/5

Not so sweet

Sweet Country (2017)

Directed by Warwick Thornton this film stars Hamilton Morris, Sam Neill and Bryan Brown. In 1920s Australia an Aboriginal farmworker kills a white farmer in self defence and goes on the run.

Nothing is very original or surprising in this tale of Australian racism with the framing of a western. Despite the lack of originality this is still a well told story apart from an excessive use of flash forwards inserts to foreshadow the future. Well acted and with some nice scenery this is a decent watch.

3/5

Mini me, you complete me?

Like Father, Like Son (2013)

Written & directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda this film stars Masaharu Fukuama, Yoko Maki, Jun kunimura and Machiko Ono. Six years after the fact two couples from different economic backgrounds find out their sons were switched at the hospital.

Looking at classic questions like nature vs nurture and what it really means to be a parent this is a thoughtful film on the subject matter. I really enjoyed this film and it managed to handle an emotional situation without being melodramatic. Well made and well written it is no surprise to see someone wants to do an English language remake.

4/5

Family & war

A War (2015)

Written & directed by Tobias Lindholm this film stars Pilou Asbaek, Soren Malling, Dar Salim and Tuva Novotny. A Danish officer serving in Afghanistan struggles with his responsibilities to his men and his family at home.

Featuring a lot of familiar elements this is still a well crafted story on the dilemmas faced by modern soldiers. There are plenty of interesting juxtapositions and the film leaves you with plenty of questions. Well made and without melodrama this is a very grounded in reality film.

4/5

A quest for an orange

The Mascot (1933)

Directed by Wladyslaw Starewicz this short animated film has music from Edouard Flament. A poor boy wants an orange so his stuffed toy dog goes to find one.

An impressive example of stop motion animation this is a fun little story of a fantastical adventure. Clearly aimed at children there is still plenty here for the older viewer to enjoy. Enjoyable and well made this is worth a watch.

4/5

No real secrets

Father Figures (2017)

Directed by Lawrence Sher this film stars Owen Wilson, Ed Helms and Glenn Close. On discovering they have been lied to about their father by the single mother that raised them two twins go in search of their father.

This is very much a generic Hollywood feel good film. There is not a huge amount of originality or humour here but the film does just about hold together. With a little more punching up on the script this could have been a good film but its not a bad watch in the end.

3/5

Below enjoyment

Above Suspicion (2018)

Written & directed by Robert Moresco this film also known as “Bent” is based on the novel “Deadly Codes” and stars Karl Urban. Fresh out of jail a former policeman accused of corruption wants to set the record straight.

Filled with genre cliches and an unbelievable plot this is not one of the great thrillers of all time. I am not sure how closely this film sticks to its source material but one would hope for the sake of the book there were a lot of changes. The script attempts to hammer home some half baked ideas about giving up what you care most about which does not make sense either.

2/5

Getting more than you bargained for

Happy Mother's Day (1963)

Directed by Joyce Chopra and Richard Leacock this is a short documentary. We see the Fischer family, the first family known to have a surviving set of quintuplets in the United States of America.

Starting out fairly simply this film goes onto look at some of the interesting side effects facing the family thanks to the family's sudden celebrity status and large size. A little stilted in its presentation this is still a good look at fame and small town America. Decently enough made the direction lets the subjects do the talking.

4/5

What to do in LA

Hollywood Hobbies (1939)

Directed by George Sidney this film stars Joyce Compton, Sally Payne and William Benedict. Two female tourists want to see the stars of Hollywood.

Showing off some famous faces in their leisure time this is one of the better parade of stars that I have seen. There is some semblance of a plot to at least pretend to entertain with this piece. Fairly well made with some humorous moments this is a decent effort.

3/5

Eyes wide shit

Dark Crimes (2016)

Directed by Alexandros Avranas this film based on real events stars Jim Carrey, Marton Csokas and Charlotte Gainsbourg. A Polish police detective is obsessed with proving a novelist is guilty of murder.

Combining nearly every genre cliché there is with a sordid back drop this film is constantly hard to take serious. Maybe this film would have worked better as a parody because it is laughable as a brooding thriller. From the plot to the direction it is hard impossible to find anything to like about this film.

1/5

Not being star struck

Seeing Stars (1922)

From an unknown director this short documentary features a number of famous faces of the day. We see actors, directors and producers having a gala banquet.

Somewhere between a documentary and a piece of promotional film there is not a huge amount to see here. There is little narrative or point to this film other than showing a bunch of famous people in one place. Not much happens and the detail of the images is not great.

2/5

Chum for the aloof

Chumlum (1964)

Directed by Ron Rice this is an experimental short film. A bunch of adults laze around and play dress up.

I am sure there is supposed to be a point to this film but to me it seemed to be 25 minutes of nothing. Very much an acquired taste is required for this film and it appears I do not have it. No doubt there are some fans of this film out there but I am not amongst them.

2/5

Confusing to say the least

Let the Sunshine In (2017)

Directed by Claire Denis this film based on the novel “A Lover's Discourse: Fragments” stars Juliette Binoche. A middle aged artist struggles in love, starting and then abruptly ending relationships with a series of men.

I will be honest, this is one of those films that I just did not get. There are too many times when the protagonists actions seem contradictory and inexplicable to me. No doubt Juliette Binoche is a great actress but I just could not get what was going on here.

2/5

A night to remember?

Game Night (2018)

Directed by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein this film stars Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. A married couple that take games very competitively find themselves on a game night which has turned a lot more serious than expected.

Funny and with plenty of action to stay entertaining through out the actual plot gets a little wobbly towards the end so try not to over think things. As Hollywood comedies go this is a decent film but ultimately fairly obviously manufactured. The film heads towards being a little too predictable at times but is still a decent enough distraction.

3/5

Grain gains

The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936)

Written & directed by Pare Lorentz this is government funded documentary film. We see how the great plains were settled and the affect farming had on it.

Somewhere between public information and propaganda this film is clearly pushing an agenda. As a piece of entertainment this is not exactly a thrilling piece but does its job. Decently made but showing its age I did not find this documentary as hard hitting as expected.

3/5

Not much of a study

Character Studies (1927)

Directed by star Carter DeHaven this short film has cameos from a number of silent era stars. A man uses make up to transform himself into famous faces.

This is a very simple one joke film that does get a little repetitive. The camera trick is something you might expect from a film 10-15 years old but it is nice to see so many of these faces in one place. A little bit more comedy or style could have really been used to carry this film.

2/5

The modern lie?

Ivory Tower (2014)

Written & directed by Andrew Rossi this documentary has contributions from a number of students, teachers, parents and college administrators. We look into the state of higher education for undergraduates in the United States.

Asking plenty of questions about the changing landscape of higher education I would have liked to see this film touch on postgraduate education and research a little as well but otherwise is it is hard to fault this documentary. The film does not push an agenda in terms of what the solutions to the current problems but is pretty clear on it's point of view of the current issues. I really enjoyed this film and I think it is well worth a watch.

4/5

In a spin

Spinning Man (2018)

Directed by Simon Kaijser this film based on the novel of the same name stars Guy Pearce, Pierce Brosnan, Minnie Driver, Alexandra Shipp and Odeya Rush. A professor with memory issues and a wandering eye finds himself a suspect in the disappearance of a high school girl.

Taking a familiar subject this film puts a somewhat fresh spin on things as it looks at the ideas of memory and guilt. I enjoyed this film more than I expected to and it seems to have flown a little under the radar. Well made by director Simon Kaijser this film bringing that Scandinavian thriller touch to Hollywood.

4/5

Not a honeymoon

One Week (1920)

Directed by Edward F. Cline and star Buster Keaton this film also features Sybil Seely. A newly married couple find their first week of married life is harder than expected.

Putting together an excellent sequence of set pieces this is some classic silent era comedy. There is plenty to keep the viewer entertained and laughs through out. This is a great example of Keaton's style, well worth a watch.

4/5

Norwegian run around

Headhunters (2011)

Directed by Morten Tyldum this film based on the novel of the same name stars Aksel Hennie, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Synnove Macody Lund. An art thief and recruitment specialist ends up stealing from the wrong person.

This is a pretty fun crime film that explores male insecurity through what becomes a farce. The plot takes some unexpected twists and generally keeps you on your toes. Decently made and with good performances this is certainly not your average heist film.

4/5

Disappointing 2 hours

Darkest Hour (2017)

Directed by Joe Wright this film based on historical events stars Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James. As Winston Churchill becomes prime minister of the United Kingdom in the early days of WW2 the situation is dire.

Historical accuracy is unfortunately left by the wayside as this script descends increasingly into masturbatory territory. An accurate film on this subject matter would have been fascinating but it is far too late in the day for this propaganda effort. Gary Oldman is decent in the title role but that is little to redeem this film.

2/5

How to behave

A Welcome to Britain (1943)

Directed by Anthony Asquit and star Burgess Meredith this is a WWII era training film made for American troops. We get lessons on how to behave in Britain and understand the locals.

Fascinating as a historical record this film might not have the most thrilling plot but is certainly worth a watch. I really enjoyed seeing the difference in views between the British and Americans of the period. A little on the nose at times this film is not going to win any awards for being subtle.

3/5

Money, murder and revolution

The Nile Hilton Incident (2017)

Directed by Tarik Saleh this film stars Fares Fares, Mari Malek, Yasser Ali Maher, Ahmed Selim and Hania Amar. On the eve of revolution in Egypt a corrupt police officer is assigned the case of the murder of a female singer in a hotel.

Exploring corruption against the backdrop of the Arab Spring this is a thoughtful and entertaining thriller. Inspired by real events this film is a look into a world we rarely see on the big screen. Well made and without melodrama this film is well worth a watch.

4/5

But why?

Appointment with Danger (1950)

Directed by Lewis Allen this film stars Alan Ladd, Phyllis Calvert and Paul Stewart. A US postal service inspector investigates a murder of one of his peers that a nun is the only witness to.

This is a pretty simple crime drama with plenty of tension but never really explains why the initial murder happened. The plot gets side tracked into being a heist film and kind of forgets its origin. Never the less this is a decent watch that occasionally shoes its age.

3/5

Not smashing

Icebreaker (2016)

Directed by Nikolay Khomeriki this film based on real events stars Pyotr Fyodorov, Sergei Puskepalis and Aleksandr Pal. In 1985 a Russian icebreaker becomes trapped in the ice.

A mix of Soviet era politics and disaster film this is a bit of a tepid effort. On screen events never really rise to a level of high tension that will put you on the edge of your seat. It is hard to say how accurate the film is to real events but the film is at least mildly entertaining.

3/5

Clickety clack

Night Mail (1936)

Directed by Harry Watt and Basil Wright this is a short documentary from the General Post Office film unit. We see how mail travels by train over night from London to Scotland.

Coming in with a hefty reputation this is an interesting watch but the minutiae of the piece may appeal more to those deeply into the details of film construction than your average viewer. As a historical record this is a fascinating piece and the final poem really elevates this narration. There are some nice shots as well as some very human moments captured.

4/5

Bear-able

Paddington (2014)

Directed by Paul King this film based on the character of the same name stars Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Nicole Kidman and the voice of Ben Whishaw. A talking bear from Peru arrives at Paddington station in London and seeks a family to live with.

Enjoyable but simple this is a decent adaptation of a classic children's character. The script has a good hard but the film a little too short to be memorable in my opinion. Thankfully the CGI is well done as the film is some what reliant on that to work.

3/5

Doesn't sit right

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

Written & directed by Martin McDonagh this film stars Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, John Hawkes and Peter Dinklage. A woman puts up three billboards to try and spur the small town police force into working harder on the investigation into the rape and murder of her daughter.

I will be honest I found this film very hard to pin down. There is something that does not sit right about the way this film invokes racism and then brushes away it away as almost a forgotten prop. While there are enjoyable elements to this film the praise that was lavished on it surprises me somewhat.

3/5

Not so famous

The Famous Actress Cicala Formica (1920)

Directed by Lucio D'Ambra this film stars Lia Formia, Umberto Zanuccoli and Riccardo Bertacchini. A rich young woman dreams of being a film actress but various obstacles stand in her way.

To start out with the film spends far too long introducing a huge cast of characters, some of which barely feature in the film. When the plot itself gets going it is fairly average. There is the odd chuckle here and there but for an early film I found this one rather unremarkable.

2/5

Senseless

Terrifier (2017)

Written & directed by Damien Leone this film stars Jenna Kanell, Samatha Scaffidi, David Howard Thornton and Catherine Corcoran. A man dressed up as a clown kills a bunch of people on Halloween.

Missing any sort of plot, motivation or character arcs this is just an excuse to string together a bunch of gore. The fact that no character survives long enough to have any kind of arc means rather than being surprised you just never are about any character. It is easy to see what this film is trying to be but the script is so paper thin it falls far short.

1/5

How did an American make such a British film?

Phantom Thread (2017)

Written & directed by Paul Thomas Anderson this film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville. A high society dressmaker set in his eccentric ways begins a relationship with a waitress.

Somewhere between a Merchant-Ivory film and a Gothic horror this film is a surprisingly gripping character study that comes to a bizarre conclusion. As always Daniel Day-Lewis gives a transformative performance that is worth the price of admission by itself. The script certainly captures something of the reserved British upper classes as it explores the messed up relationships between the central characters.

4/5

To be a man

The Wound (2017)

Directecd by John Trengove this film stars Nakhane Toure, Bongile Matsai and Niza Jay Ncoyini. We explore the Xhosa initiation ritual Ulwaluko, manhood, homosexuality and tradition.

Unsurprisingly controversial in its homeland this film covers taboo subjects in a frank and engaging manner. You will be hard pressed to find another film on similar topics so this is certainly a ground breaking effort. Well worth a watch this film raises plenty of questions and challenges the viewer through out.

4/5

You what now?

Breakfast on the Grass (1988)

Directed by Priit Pärn this is a animated short film. We see four surreal stories that culminate in the pose for Monet's The Luncheon on the Grass.

Certainly bizarre, it is a little difficult to unpick this film which seems to show a dystopian society. No doubt there is something going on here which probably links back to life experienced living under Soviet rule. For those with a more out there taste this is certainly worth a watch.

3/5

It's finally over

Fifty Shades Freed (2018)

Directed by James Foley this film based on the novel of the same name stars Dakota Johnson, Jamie Doran and Eric Johnson. Newly married the couple must deal with a stalker.

As a marriage between a silly plot that barely holds together and some unrelated sex scenes with are nothing special it is hard to find anything to recommend this film on. It is as if the actual script was a complete after thought. The characters act like children and never seem to grow.

1/5

A 2016 project

Blair Witch (2016)

Directed by Adam Wingard this film stars James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Barndon Scott and Valorie Curry. Looking for his sister who disappeared when he was a child a man and his friends head into the woods to document their search.

Essentially this is just a complete retread of The Blair Witch Project (1999) with nothing new added. Having a larger budget takes away some of the good will the original had and made much of a less forgiving viewer. I suppose this is not a bad film but it never really exploited the chance to explore the set up through the lens of the Youtube generation.

3/5

A complete concept

The Idea (1932)

Written & directed by Berthold Bartosch this is an animated short based on the novel of the same name by Frans Masereel. Man has idea, idea takes the form of woman, the powers that be are not thrilled with the notion.

Certainly this is a fascinating watch with several interpretations as to what the idea really represents. The visuals are impressive and fit very well with the story. Well worth a watch with nothing you can compare this film to really.

5/5

True Spanish Detectives

Marshland (2014)

Directed by Alberto Rodriguez this film stars Raul Arevalo and Javier Guiterrez. In 1980 two policemen are sent from Madrid to the Guadalquivir Marshes to look for two missing teenage girls.

Set against the backdrop of Spain coming to terms with its fascist past this murder mystery has more than a hint of the first season of True Detective about it. The plot is good and keeps you gripped through out. Where the film is best is some of the fantastic cinematography, especially the top down shots of the marshes.

4/5

Creepy but not the way intended

Hostile (2018)

Written & directed by Mathieu Turi this film stars Brittany Ashworth and Javier Botet. In a post apocalyptic future a young woman breaks her leg and is trapped in an overturned van.

Having some what of an interesting contained set up for this horror film is undercut by the messed up romance in the back story. Unfortunately the back story is an unrealistic story of an unintentionally creepy romance. Decently enough made and acted it is the script that lets this film down.

2/5

When it's all spent

Room for Rent (2017)

Written & directed by Matthew Atkinson this film stars Brett Gelman, Mark Little, Carla Gallo and Stephanie Weir. A lottery winner that squandered his fortune convinces his parents to get a lodger when his father has to retire.

Fairly simple plot wise this is a decent but not earth shattering comedy. There are comedic moments but not by the bucketful. Decently made if a little predictable you can find worse ways to spend 90 minutes than watching this film.

3/5

The national family

Family Portrait (1950)

Directed by Humphrey Jennings this is a short documentary. We see an exploration of Britain past and present.

Essentially this is a propaganda piece celebrating all things British. As a historical record it is fairly interesting and there is something of a poetic nature to the narration. Unfortunately the agenda being pushed here is just a bit to clear and heavy handed for my taste.

3/5

Pass on

Sierra Passage (1950)

Directed by Frank McDonald this film stars Wayne Morris, Lola Albright, Lloyd Corrigan and Alan Hale Jr. After being orphaned by an outlaw a boy grows up working for a travelling show while hunting his father's killer.

A paint by numbers western made uncomfortable by the backdrop of a travelling minstrel show. The plot has no surprises and is heavy handed about the message it is trying to hammer home. Lola Albright provides the lone piece of glamour in this otherwise pedestrian film.

2/5

Good intentions, disappointing results

The 15:17 to Paris (2018)

Directed by Clint Eastwood this film based on real events stars a number of people playing themselves. Three American friends visiting Europe are on a train when it is attacked by a terrorist.

Sadly this is not Clint Eastwood's best work and the disappointment starts with a script which is all over the place. Trying to stretch out the events to a full film does not work very well and focuses too much on just three characters. I also think that casting non actors as themselves might have been a misstep as well.

2/5

Gushing about a gushing river

The Mighty River (1994)

Directed by Frederic Back this is an animated short film from French Canada. We see the life of the St. Lawrence river over thousands of years.

With beautiful animation we get the story of a landscape, Quebec and man's involvement with those two. A simple, slow story works well with the lovely animation and the vast scope of the time period involved. Well worth a watch this short shows the mess we make of the planet we live on.

4/5

Oy vey.

Menashe (2017)

Directed by Joshua Weinstein this film stars Menashe Lustig, Ruben Niborski, Yoel Weisshaus and Meyer Schwartz. A widowed Hasidic Jew living in New York struggles with the demands of life and his religion.

Providing a look into an unfamiliar culture this is a pretty human story of a father trying to do the best he can to provide for his child after the death of his wife. The conclusion of the film is a little obvious and heavy handed but otherwise this is a decent watch. Well made and dripping with authenticity this film leaves me interested to see what is next from its makers.

4/5

Youtube compliation 1978 style

Guerillere Talks (1978)

Directed by Vivienne Dick this is an experimental short film. Seven women each get three and a half minutes of screen time to say what they want on film.

I suppose there is something of this format that would have been unique in the period but in modern life we are saturated with these short style talking head videos. The content passed me by but I am sure this is something of a time capsule for some. Very much this is a roughly made film but not necessarily to its detriment.

3/5

Policeman gasses suspect

Easy Street (1917)

Directed by star Charlie Chaplain this film also features Edna Purviance and Eric Campbell. The little tramp gets a job as a policeman and is assigned to an out of control street.

Taking the classic Chaplain flair for physical comedy this is an entertaining short that shows what was to come from Chaplain in feature length format. The plot is simple but fun once it gets going. You can see the skill of a master craftsman here already decide the early date of the film.

4/5

The singing puppet cowboy

Song of the Prairie (1949)

Directed by Jiri Trnka this is an animated short film. Our hero saves a stagecoach and his girl from the menacing of a bad guy.

Very much a parody of westerns in general and Stagecoach (1939) specifically this is a fun little short. There is not a huge amount going on here but this is a fun little watch that will at least give a few chuckles. The animation is decent but not ground breaking.

3/5

Not so dead after all

Zombillenium (2017)

Directed by Arthur de Pins & Alexis Ducord this film based on the comic of the same name has voices from Emmanuel Curtil, Alain Choquet and Kelly Marot. An attraction park run by the undead is under threat of going out of business.

Short but entertaining this is a fairly simple children's film. There is nothing great to learn from the plot but it is never boring. Mostly the film is translated over to English well but there are a few odd bits of French remaining in the animation.

3/5

Not quite Yeelen

Black Panther (2018)

Directed by Ryan Coogler this film based on the comics of the same name stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyogn'o and Danai Gurira. Inheriting the throne of Wakanda our hero has to face up against the secret his father took to the grave.

No doubt a milestone in cinema this film has to walk a minefield of problematic Western views of Africa while trying to deliver the first African super hero no the big screen. For the most part the script does a decent job of capturing contemporary issues and side stepping the suspect elements from the comics. I was mainly impressed with how much female representation there was in this film compared to some of the other Marvel films.

4/5

On the docks

Indonesia Calling (1946)

Directed by Joris Ivens this is a short documentary film. We see the reaction of Australian dock workers to the plight of Indonesians fighting for independence from the Netherlands after WW2.

Despite being made by a Dutch director it is not hard to see this film as Australian propaganda. Whatever the intent behind the film it does show a first look at the massive decolonization movement that swept the world after WW2 and how the labour movement interfaced with that. Generally well made this is an interesting watch and probably an important historical record.

3/5

Anti-social

Social Animals (2018)

Written & directed by Theresa Bennett this film stars Noel Wells, Josh Radnor, Aya Cash and Carly Chaikin. A young woman whose life is going no where starts a relationship with a man whose marriage is falling apart.

As romantic comedies go this one is not especially funny and the plot does not really have anything to say. There are too many familiar elements and a time line that does not seem to fit the action in the script. The acting is not too bad but a weak script lets down the whole film.

2/5

Just a little bit of torture

Dear Dictator (2018)

Written & directed by Lisa Addario and Joe Syracuse this film stars Odeya Rush, Katie Holmes, Michael Caine and Seth Green. An American teenager becomes the pen pal of a communist dictator.

Not great by any stretch of the imagination this is still a fairly decent satire that has a little bit of heart to it. Our protagonist stumbles through a coming of age story and yes, there is a hint of Shane (1953) about the arc of Michael Caine's character. Maybe the script could have done with a little more polish but over all this film is not as bad as some of the reviews I have seen seem to indicate.

3/5

Roman or Shane the lawyer?

Roman J. Israel, Esq. (2017)

Written & directed by Dan Gilroy this films stars Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell and Carmen Ejogo. After the death of the man he works for a reclusive lawyer is forced out into the world.

Mixing ethical questions about the legal profession with hints of Shane (1953) this is an average legal film. The plot is predictable and the characters familiar so the 2 hour run time does drag a little. As always Denzel Washington is good in everything he is in but the script lacks a little freshness in my opinion.

3/5

Drinking & thinking

One A.M. (1916)

Directed by Edward Brewer and star Charlie Chaplin this film also features Albert Austin. Returning home from a night out drinking out hero finds simple tasks difficult to complete.

Taking a simple scenario this short film builds an entertaining comedy routine. There are plenty of laughs and this film shows hints of the longer films Chaplain would go on to make. A fun distraction but not the star's best work yet.

3/5

A vile mother

April's Daughter (2017)

Written & directed by Michel Franco this film stars Emma Suarez, Ana Valeria Becerril, Joanna Larequi and Enrique Arrizon. A woman goes to help her pregnant seventeen year old daughter, kidnaps the baby and seduces the father.

This is a story of a woman being supremely horrible to her daughter and while I'm not sure if there is a deeper meaning it was certainly an interesting watch. Slightly disappointingly we never get an explanation for the mothers behaviour. Well acted and made this is a decent watch.

3/5

Life sizing

Downsizing (2017)

Directed by Alexander Payne this film stars Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau and Kristen Wiig. In the future shrinking people is offered as a solution to over population and global warming.

I really enjoyed this look at the nature of modern, western life and the effect it has on both people and the world. Human nature takes a bit of a bashing in this satirical look at life but there is some heart to this film. Taking a refreshingly different concept this is a really fun sci-fi satire.

4/5

A rough nugget

Nugget Jim's Pardner (1916)

Directed by star Frank Borzage this film also features Jack Farrell, Ann Little and Dick La Reno. The son of a rich man spends his last dollar and heads out west where he takes up prospecting with a man and his daughter.

A simple tale of American life the plot of this film is not overly remarkable. It is easy enough to follow the on screen action unlike some early films. The production value actually looks pretty good for the period.

3/5

No gratitude

Nursing a Viper (1909)

Directed by D. W. Griffith this film stars Arthur V. Johnson, Marion Leonard and Frank Powell. During the French Revolution a couple hide an aristocrat from the murderous mob.

It takes a little while for this short film to get to the point and then it sort of robs us of the climax of the piece. Unlike a lot of Griffith films this does not build a tense climax but is a fairly average piece for the period. Nothing much stands out about this early film.

3/5

How to annoy your friends and enemies in one easy step

A United Kingdom (2016)

Directed by Amma Asante this film based on real events stars David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike. In the late 1940s the heir to an African throne marries a white British woman which pisses off everyone.

Straying a bit from history to condense the story down into two hours this film is a little too gentle and self congratulatory for my taste. A decent watch that is fairly well paced unfortunately fails to challenge the viewer in anyway. Lacking any flaws in the main characters is the biggest weakness of this film but it is not the worst film you will ever see.

3/5

Feminism, lesbianism and tennis

Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Directed by Valerie Faris & Jonathan Dayton this film stars Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Riseborough and Elisabeth Shue. As women seek prize money equality in tennis a retired male champion challenges the best female player to an exhibition match.

Taking real events and simplifying them down into a feel good film this is not the most in depth look at the women's rights movement. Fun and entertaining this is a decent watch if not something you will ever come back to. There is plenty of attention to detail which really helps capture the look of the period.

3/5

Oh look at me

Narcissus (1983)

Directed by Norman McLaren this film stars Jean-Louis Morin, Sylvie Kinal and Slyvian Lafourtune. A man becomes obsessed with his own image.

Taking the simple legend of Narcissus this short film explores the story by dance. I enjoyed this film and it is a nice take on a familiar tale. The dance fits the story well and the film does not over run for it's content.

4/5

A familiar cause

Department Q: The Keeper of Lost Causes (2013)

Directed by Mikkel Norgaard this film stars Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Fares Fares and Sonja Richter. After being involved in the same incident where two other police officers are shot a detective is sent to work on cold case files.

Dumping out plenty of genre cliches this is still a fairly decent watch. There is not much of a mystery as the plot telegraphs the antagonist fairly early on. Decently made but there is little worth remarking about this film and I am slightly surprised it spawned two sequels.

3/5

All the reshoots in the world

All the Money in the World (2017)

Directed by Ridley Scott this film based on real events stars Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg and Charlie Plummer. The richest man in the world is a complete miser and refuses to pay the ransom for his kidnapped grandson.

There appears to be a fair amount of bending of history here and ultimately I am not sure that this film has a huge amount to say that is revolutionary. Inevitably this film is going to be most famous for Kevin Spacey being released and there are scenes where it is more obvious than others. Fairly well made in general this is a big of a disappointment for a Ridley Scott film.

2/5

Grown ups as kids day

Mother's Day (1948)

Directed by poet and playwright James Broughton this is an experimental short film. We see a bunch of adults acting like children.

Certainly on the surreal scale this is a fairly fun short film that is at least entertaining. Maybe a little on the long side this short does get a bit repetitive but not overly so. Well made but without a deeper meaning in my opinion.

3/5

Not a complete joy

Pork Pie (2017)

Directed by Matt Murphy this remake of “Goodbye Pork Pie” also known as “Joyride” stars Dean O'Gorman, James Rolleston and Ashleigh Cummings. Three strangers end up together on a road trip through New Zealand that becomes a viral news story.

Having it's funny moments this is not a laugh a minute comedy. The plot relies on the tropes of large romantic gestures that are bordering on harassment but otherwise is not too bad. Decently made my only complaint was a few of the dialogue lines are a little on the quiet side.

3/5

Not cricket

The Cricket on the Hearth (1909)

Directed by D. W. Griffith this film based on the novella of the same name stars Owen Moore, Violet Mersereau and Linda Arvidson. A man returns home to find his sweetheart engaged to an older man.

Not the greatest adaptation you will ever see you can at least follow the plot of this film without prior knowledge of the story which is not always the case in these early films. Very much a cut down version this is a fairly decent film. No great shakes for the period this is an average effort.

3/5

What happened?

Romance of a Jewess (1908)

Written & directed by D. W. Griffith this film stars Florence Lawrence, George Gebhardt and Gladys Egan. We see a Jewish family in a melodrama.

To be honest it is pretty hard to figure out what is going on in this film, the image quality is not great and there are few inter titles. Not really being able to decipher the plot beyond the basics means this is not one of the best short films out there. There are much better silent films and much better Griffith films to watch.

2/5

Up in da 1955 club

Momma Don't Allow (1955)

Directed by Karel Reisz and Tony Richardson this is a short documentary. We see one night in the life of a London jazz club.

Somewhat interesting as a historical record but otherwise I did not find this an overly remarkable documentary. Very much just showing a slice of life without seeming to have a deeper point I thought this documentary was a little on the long side. There are some nice visuals but again nothing overly impressive.

3/5

A life time of sins

Hostiles (2017)

Written & directed by Scott Cooper this film stars Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike and Wes Studi. In 1892 a US cavalry officer is given the job of escorting a terminally ill Cheyenne war chief back to his trial lands in Montana.

Going over the dangerous grounds of US-Native American relations this is a pretty good look into a shameful part of history. The message of the film is not revolutionary but the plot does hold your attention. Well acted and directed this is a visually excellent western.

4/5

Wish I had been left home alone

Daddy's Home 2 (2017)

Directed by Sean Anders this film stars Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, John Lithgow and Mel Gibson. The arrival of grandfathers at Christmas time complicates matters for the co-dad protagonists.

Shovelling a limp sequel dripping with seasonal over sentimentality is enough to turn off most viewers and that is exactly what we have here. I think there are probably better places this script could have gone if a sequel was absolutely necessary, like exploring the co-mothering relationship. There are some jokes but largely this film is too obvious and lacking in subtlety.

2/5

Loses

Fuses (1967)

Directed by star Carolee Schneemann this film also features James Tenney. Two people have sex, in graphic detail.

I am sure there are artistic intentions behind this short film but to me this is just someone's largely out of focus home sex tape. Say what you will in favour of this film but I found it to be disjointed and a bit too long. No doubt this may appeal to some but it was not for me.

2/5

Carefully considered moves

The Chess Players (1977)

Directed by Satyajit Ray this film stars Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey and Richard Attenborough. In 1856 two men obsess over chess while the British East India Company plots to take over their country.

This is a fascinating look at the British takeover of India from the Indian point of view and the two stories work well as foils for each other. Some may find the plot a little slow going but this is certainly an interesting watch. Maybe not my favourite Ray film that I have seen but a good one none the less.

4/5

Devil's weak script

Devil's Gate (2017)

Directed by Clay Staub this film stars Amanda Schull, Shawn Ashmore, Milo Ventimiglia and Bridget Regan. An FBI agent is sent to look into the disappearance of a child, then it turns out it's aliens.

Essentially this is a cast off X-Files script without the insight of Mulder and Scully. I suppose this is a watchable film but there is far too much telling and not enough showing. Not too badly made for what was probably a low budget film but the script needed more work.

2/5