The Devil in a Convent (1899)
Directed by Georges Melies this is an early short film. The devil attempts to cause problems in a convent.
A fun little mix of setting and camera tricks. The action is pretty good, entertaining and has its funny moments. Very impressive for the time it was made in.
3/5
The Man with the Rubber Head (1901)
Directed by Georges Melies this is an early short film. A man blows up a spare head.
Classic Melies stuff, mixing camera trickery with good staging. A nice little fantasy on the screen. There may not be much depth but there is skill and humour.
3/5
Area Boy (2023)
Directed by Iggy London this film stars Joshua Cameron. A young man moves to a new area with his mother and struggles to find his place in the world.
To be honest this film is just too short at 18 minutes to really explore all the ideas it touches on. I hope this one gets expanded into a full feature at some point. As is it shows promise even if it does not deliver on it.
2/5
There's Something in the Barn (2023)
Directed by Magnus Martens this film stars Martin Starr, Amrita Acharia and Kiran Shah. An American family move to a farm in Norway and upset the barn elf.
Fun for what it is, tolerable if we really have to do Christmas films in November. Once the violence starts up there are some funny moments. Not sure the ending is entirely earned.
3/5
The Astronomer's Dream (1898)
Directed by Georges Melies this is an early short film. An astronomer dreams an bizarre dream.
Impressive for the year it was made this is a good mix of fantasy and camera trickery. The sets and effects are really good. A lot of fun if a bit chaotic.
4/5
The Holdovers (2023)
Directed by Alexander Payne this film stars Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Dominic Sessa. In December 1970 one student is stuck behind at a New England boarding school with the teacher everyone hates.
Somehow both exactly what you expect and not at all what you expect. Enjoyable and touching this is a classic American boarding school film where the characters gradually reveal their true selves. Maybe just a bit too familiar to be great but still thought provoking nonetheless.
4/5
The New Lord of the Village (1908)
Listed as directed by George Melies this was probably directed by the actor Manuel. A village scene.
Another film that only survives as a fragment so impossible to know what is going on. Nice set and costumes. A shame as it seems this was a fun one.
2/5
