As stupid as it sounds

Zombeavers (2014)

Directed by Jordan Rubin this film stars Rachel Melvin, Corntney Palm, Lexi Atkins and Hutch Dano. Three sorority sisters head up to stay at a cabin by the lake and run into the title monsters.

Starting with a premise fit for a parody unfortunately this film forgets that it needs more than the premise to get by on. There are two or three funny moments but otherwise this plays like a film that is taking it self seriously but without any character or real story. Some of the special effects are pretty low rent and the cast is the usual selection of 30 year olds playing much younger roles.

1/5

Killing people makes you feel better

The Equalizer (2014)

Directed by Antoine Fuqua this film based on the television series of the same name stars Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloe Grace Moretz and Melissa Leo. A man working in a hardware store befriends a young prostitute then goes to war with the gang that mistreat her.

This film is essentially vigilante violence porn without consequence or cost. While the script is not exactly bad it offers little or no thought to the moral element of the story and hits the usual expected beats. The direction is slick but most of the stylised elements seem to be there just to paper of the fact there is not much really going on with the story.

3/5

Life continues

Mediterranee (1963)

Directed by Jean-Daneil Pollet and Volker Schlondorff this is an experimental French film. We see repeated sequences from the Mediterranean.

This will not be to everyone's taste but I really enjoyed this experimental film that explores the cyclical nature of human life. If you are looking for a plot you have come to the wrong place but I found the use of repeated visuals and voice over really helps emphasise the meaning of the film. There are some nice shots used and the film is skilfully assembled.

5/5

Love, wine and Japanese invasions

Red Sorghum (1987)

Directed by Zhang Yimou this film based on the novel “Red Sorghum Clan” stars Gong Li, Jiang Wen, Ji Chunhua and Teng Rujun. A young woman is forced into an arranged marriage with the an old man that has leprosy and owns a wine distillery.

At times I found the actions of the characters hard to understand in this film and the plot does meander from period to period. The story does always hold your attention though and is not a boring watch. Where the film is at it's strongest is some stunning use of strong colours and outstanding cinematography.

4/5

Genesis of Freaks?

The Unknown (1927)

Directed by Tod Browning this film stars Lon Chaney, Norman Kerry and Joan Crawford. In a Spanish circus a knife thrower with no arms and a strong man compete for the affections of a woman who hates being touched by men.

It is easy to see this as a precursor to Browning's later Freaks (1932) and while this is not as good as the second film it is decent in it's own right despite some shared elements. The plot has a fairly interesting metaphor for romantic seduction in it and the final set piece provides plenty of tension. Being macabre or dark rather than a full out horror film I would not say this is scary but it is well made.

4/5

Nuremberg before Nuremberg

None Shall Escape (1944)

Directed by Andre De Toth this film stars Alexander Knox, Marsha Hunt, Henry Travers and Erik Rolf. After the war a German officer stands trial for his crimes and we learn his path to Nazism via flashback.

This film is notable for being made before the end of the war but predicting the post war events of the Nuremberg trials. Unfortunately the story is not that deep, or even reflects the full horrors of Nazi rule and as a court room drama it is not that compelling either. While the film is fairly well made again the execution is not especially remarkable either.

3/5

War is hell in the jungle

Yesterday's Enemy (1959)

Directed by Val Guest this film stars Stanley Baker, Gordon Jackson, Guy Rolfe and Leo McKern. Durring WW2 in Burma an isolated group of British soldiers retreat through the jungle and their leader is faced with tough choices.

Compared to British war films of the era this is a surprisingly dark and unflinching look at the moral quandaries faced in war. At times the script may not be as subtle as it could be but it is an interesting ethical exploration. Stanley Baker is really good in the lead role but there is the odd hint this is not the highest production film and it was shot on a studio stage.

4/5