Tigers at the Zoo (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see some tigers at the zoo.
Pretty much exactly what it says on the tin, some tigers behind bars get fed some meat. Very much what we would consider a home video today. Not overly special or remarkable.
3/5
Interview Between Napoleon and the Pope (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio and Georges Hatot this is an early short film. As the title suggests, Napoleon faces off against the Pope.
It is difficult to get much of an idea of what is going on here both because of the limitations of the medium and the low image quality. This short does not appear to survive in great quality. Not a lot going for it as a historical scene.
2/5
Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday (2022)
Directed by George & Harry Kirby this film stars Scott Adkins, Ray Stevenson, Perry Benson and Sarah Chang. A hitman in Malta has to protect the son of an Italian crime boss from other assassins.
I have not see the film this is a sequel to but that provided no problem in following this film. Some of the character stereotypes come across as a bit questionable and you can see the cheapness of the film in places. Mostly the action sequences are well done despite budget constraints, the plot is nothing special.
2/5
Sharp Stick (2022)
Written & directed by Lena Dunham this film stars Kristine Froseth, Jon Bernthal and Jennifer Jason Leigh. A naive 26 year old starts an affair with the husband of the couple she baby sits for.
I think the protagonist of this film is just far too naïve at 26 for the world she supposedly comes from. The lack of believability is pretty much the down fall of this film from the start. A shame because there is some promise there.
2/5
The Assassination of the Duke de Guise (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio and Georges Hatot this is an early short film based on a painting by Paul Delaroche. Duke rocks up and gets stabbed.
If you aren't familiar with the subject matter, and I'm not, then it is a little hard to tell what is going on. The back drop is nice but a little of the action gets lost. Decent production values despite the flaws.
3/5
Tar (2022)
Written & directed by Todd Field this film stars Cate Blanchett, Noemie Merlant and Nina Hoss. A female conductor faces allegations after the suicide of a former protege.
Covering familiar ground about the only thing unique this film does is have a female protagonist instead of a male one. The film is well made and well acted for what it is, getting plaudits for that, but it does walk a slightly uncomfortable line about what it is saying in a post #MeToo world. I am not entirely sure how I feel about this one in the end.
4/5
Brooklyn, Fulton Street (1896)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see several trams pass the camera.
This is another street scene that lacks the backdrop to make it unique or memorable. The foreground action is fine but not with much variety. Not my favourite street scene.
2/5
