Not a trip to be taken lightly

Lucifer Rising (1972)

Directed by Kenneth Anger this film features music from Manson Family member Bobby Beausoleil. We see a confusing mix of religious imagery starting in the ancient Egyptian period.

No doubt this film is one of those supposed to be watched with the aid of drugs and a deep knowledge of obscure religious symbolism. For those of us normals watching it this is an interesting film of strange images but not much more. Slightly unsettling is the films connection to a convicted killer through its score.

3/5

The truth is I wouldn't dare anyone to watch this

Truth or Dare (2018)

Directed by Jeff Wadlow this film stars Lucy Hale, Tyler Poser and Violett Beane. College students on their last spring break find themselves playing a deadly game of truth or dare with a demon.

Unfortunately this film is a highly predictable piece that does little to separate itself in a crowded genre. There are no surprises, little tension and nothing actually scary about this film. I suppose it is not too badly made but there is not much to be had from the script.

2/5

Joke on rails

The Iron Mule (1925)

Directed by Roscoe Arbuckle and Grover Jones this film stars Al St. John. We see one of the early train journeys go wrong.

As comedies go this is nothing special but does raise the odd chuckle here and there. There are plenty of familiar elements and it is not riotously funny but will entertain at least. Not too badly made but maybe not up there with the masters of silent comedy.

3/5

Not at the races

Hollywood Handicap (1938)

Directed by Buster Keaton this film stars a number of Hollywood's stars as themselves. A group of stable hands that also work as a band are given a race horse.

This is a simple comedy that is not any huge shakes and kind of disappointing for having Buster Keaton involved. The jokes are nothing special and neither are the cameos really. Compared to the well crafted set ups of Keaton's silent films this is a very lazy effort.

2/5

No scares here

The Scarecrow (1920)

Directed by star Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline this film also features Joe Roberts and Sybil Seely. Two men compete for the love a farmer's daughter.

Starting out with fairly familiar gags from the era it takes this comedy a little while to get going. When things do finally start to get appropriately silly it becomes clear that even though this is an entertaining silent comedy it does not hit the heights of Keaton's best work. There is plenty to enjoy but with a little punching up this could have been an even better comedy.

3/5

Pacific Rim: The Academy Years

Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)

Directed by Steven S. DeKnight this sequel stars John Boyega, Scott Eastwood and Cailee Spaeny. Years after the war against alien monsters has been won is the robot force about to be scrapped for drones?

Not much is smart about this film and the character arcs are heavy handed at best. Most of the script is pretty obvious and could have done with a few more rewrites. The action sequences are alright but nothing to get you out of your seat.

3/5

To save or to harm

The Oath (2016)

Directed by star Baltasar Kormakur this film also features Hera Hilmar and Gisli Orn Garoarsson. Trying to get his drug addict daughter away from her dealer boyfriend causes a doctor to but up against his Hippocratic oath.

Maybe not the deepest look at addiction you will see but still an interesting watch from the perspective of the father. The protagonist finds himself facing several choices that are strong moral dilemmas and at least raise questions for the viewer too. As always the Icelandic landscape looks amazing but otherwise the direction and acting are not overly remarkable.

4/5