The Outside Story (2020)
Written & directed by Casimir Nozkowski this film stars Brian Tyree Henry, Sunita Mani and Sonequa Martin-Green. A man locks himself out of his apartment by accident and is forced to get to know his neighbours.
Simplistic both in story and message this is a decent enough film. There is not a huge amount of depth to this positive out look script. I have a slight quibble with the ending but otherwise the film is fine.
3/5
I Remember You (2017)
Directed by Oskar Thor Axelsson this film based on the novel of the same name stars Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Agusta Eva Erlendsdottir and Elma Stefania Augustdottir. A doctor in Iceland helps the police work a case that brings back memories of his own son's disappearance three years prior.
This film does a really good job of mixing the familiar nordic noir elements with supernatural horror. The film kept me suitably creeped out through out without over playing things. Well worth seeking out for an unusual fusion of genres and the excellent Icelandic scenery.
4/5
Cat People (1942)
Directed by Jacques Tourneur this film stars Simone Simon, Kent Smith and Jane Randolph. An American man marries a Serbian immigrant who believes she is cursed.
Made as a B-movie this film is possibly the origin of the jump scare in cinema. There is certainly something going on beneath the surface of this film and it works well as a thematic horror film. Definitely a milestone in cinema but maybe not of the highest quality when viewed with modern eyes.
4/5
Long Story Short (2021)
Written & directed by Josh Lawson this film stars Rafe Spall, Zahra Newman, Ronny Chieng and Dena Kaplan. A man who always puts things off is shown how the next ten years of his life will unfold if he does not change his ways.
Simplistic but touching this is a fairly well done romantic comedy with a good heart. There is real potential for the film to get overly sentimental, thankfully it shows good restraint. Rafe Spall really carries the film managing to bring humour just when needed.
3/5
Russian Raid (2020)
Directed by Denis Kryuchkov this film stars Ivan Kotik, Alexandr Krasovsky and Ilya Antonenko. A mercenary takes part in a hostile take over a criminal factory.
There is not a huge amount of plot to this film, the action is clearly the focus here even if it is a bit repetitive. No doubt the film was made with a nod to The Raid: Redemption but is a weaker effort than Gareth Evan's film. Not bad if you want mindless action film just do not expect too much.
3/5
From the Drain (1967)
Written & directed by David Cronenberg this short film stars Mort Ritts and Stefan Nosko. Two veterans of an unspecified conflict sit an empty bathtub.
Certainly this is a bizarre film which foreshadows Cronenberg's full length films. The problem with this short is not a lot happens in it really, it is a little lacking in drama for most of the film. Probably not worth seeking out even for big Cronenberg fans.
2/5
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee (2020)
Directed by Dean Murphy this film stars Paul Hogan, Rachael Carpani and Jacob Elordi. With a knighthood in the offing all Paul Hogan has to do is stay out of trouble, which is seems unable to do.
Unfortunately much like its star this film comes across as old and tired. Everything feels just a little too forced. It might have been best if Hogan had stayed in retirement like his character wanted.
2/5
