Case for prosecuting

 

The Prosecutor (2024)

Directed by star Donnie Yen this film also features Julian Cheung, Michael Hui and Francis Ng. A police detective starts a new job as a prosecutor and tries to over turn a miscarriage of justice.

Attempting to mix martial arts films and court room drama I do not think this film will appeal to fans of either genre as the other gets in the way of the parts they are interested in. Based on a true story I very much doubt it sticks closely to real events given the inserting of over the top fight scenes. Surprised this one has so much praise.

2/5

The first advert?

 

Rudge-Whitworth – Britain's Best Bicycle (1902)

Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early advertisement. A woman shows off her bike to a man who is unhappy with his.

Survives really well for the age of the film. Fairly decent advert, nothing that special by modern standards. Interesting piece of history.

3/5

Lacking companionship

 

Companion (2025)

Written & directed by Drew Hancock this film stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quad. A young woman and her boyfriend go to stay at the house of a rich Russian with his friends.

There are a few interesting concepts here but the film tips its hand too early to work as a mystery thriller and does not go deep enough on any of the higher concepts to be thought provoking. Seems like something of a wasted opportunity. Much better versions of this story out there.

2/5

Two women wave

 

The Queen and the Queen Mother on the Palace Balcony Responding to the Call of the Populace (Coronation of Wilhemina) (1898)

Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. Royalty wave to the crowd.

Very milky in the surviving footage so not exactly easy to make out what is happening. The camera is a bit far away to make out the individuals which also does not help. Not the best in this series.

2/5

Old in old

 

Review of the Royal Netherland Guard in the Costumes of the Middle Ages (1898)

Directed by William K. L. Dickson this is an early short film. Guards on parade for the coronation of Queen Wilhemina.

Fascinating to see soldiers in what was out of date costumes even for the day. Decently framed shot and good image quality. A nice piece of history.

3/5

Not a mastiff in sight

 

The 12 Inch Pianist (2025)

Directed by Lucas Ansel this is an animated short film. A familiar joke extended to surreal conclusions.

I really enjoyed this short, it takes a simple concept and stretches it out nicely. The animation style is pretty cool and does not look cheap at all. A very fun short.

3/5

Best left in the chamber

 

1 in the Chamber (2024)

Directed by Diana Wright & Annie Girard this short film stars Mary Elizabeth Ellis and Yara Martinez. A woman is sent to kill her co-worker.

A one note joke extended out to 7 minutes fairly well. Obviously made a bit on the cheap side. Fine for what it is I guess.

2/5