We've lost dancing

 

Dancing on the Rope (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early animated film. A woman balances on a rope.

A charming little animation. Well done for the brief clip we get. Survives in good quality.

3/5

Sea, Sun, Sex, Scams

 

Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere (2026)

Directed by Adrian Choa this documentary stars Louis Theroux. Our intrepid investigator tries to get to the heart of the manosphere.

Compared to some other Theroux pieces I am not sure this is as hard hitting as it could be, it rather takes the easy shots at the Manosphere without going as deep as it could. The most interesting parts are the interviews with partners and family members of the content creators, I wish there was more of that. Decent but nothing unexpected.

3/5

Spinning

 

The Magic Rosette (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early short film. A simple coloured pattern spins round.

Lacks a bit of charm compared to some of Reynaud's other shorts. Pretty decent for what it is and the short length. Survives in decent quality.

3/5

Important conversations

 

Mr. Nobody Against Putin (2025)

Directed by David Borenstein and Pavel Talankin this is an Oscar winning documentary. A man working at a school in Russia sees his life and the life of the students change following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It is incredibly depressing to see the banal oppression come to small town Russia. Everything is so down to earth it makes what is happening even worse. Fantastically made and at great risk to the protagonist.

4/5

Pulling on them strings

 

The Musician Monkey (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaud this is an early short film. A monkey plays the violin.

A simple little short with some charm to it. The animation is way ahead of its time. Unfortunately the version I saw was rather low resolution.

3/5

So early

 

Les Deux Espiegels (1878)

Directed by Emile Reynaul this is an early animated film. Two girls toss a cat up and down on a blanket.

Really impressive for the era it is from. The art is very cutesy, predicting the sort of animation to come years later. Survives well.

3/5

Can

 

Cancan (1894)

Directed by Georges Demeny this is an early short film. Two women dance.

A nice little short despite how brief it is. I like the outfits which have some character to them. Survives in decent quality.

3/5