All I WATCHED IN 2021 (with reviews)
Picks of the year:
The Silent Partner
The Dead
Ice Cold In Alex
The Grey Fox
Hobson's Choice
Fandango
Pillow Talk
Fort Apache
There Was A Crooked Man
Miranda/Mad About Men
Nowhere To Go
Breaking Away
Kings Of Summer
Manos: Hands Of Fate
The Hi-Lo Country
Ask A Policeman
Guns Of Navarone
Snowball
Ghosts Can't Do It
The Silent Partner
The Dead
Ice Cold In Alex
The Grey Fox
Hobson's Choice
Fandango
Pillow Talk
Fort Apache
There Was A Crooked Man
Miranda/Mad About Men
Nowhere To Go
Breaking Away
Kings Of Summer
Manos: Hands Of Fate
The Hi-Lo Country
Ask A Policeman
Guns Of Navarone
Snowball
Ghosts Can't Do It
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118 titles
- DirectorDaryl DukeCurtis HansonStarsElliott GouldChristopher PlummerSusannah YorkA timid bank teller anticipates a bank robbery and steals the money himself before the crook arrives. When the sadistic crook realizes he's been fooled, he tracks down the teller and engages him in a cat-and-mouse chase for the cash.This is a gem. The laid back, intriguing first half was good enough; the thriller that evolved took it up an unexpected gear.
- DirectorGary RossStarsTobey MaguireJeff DanielsJoan AllenTwo 1990s teenage siblings find themselves transported to a 1950s sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that colorless, complacent world.Enjoyed it when i first saw it in about 2009. Now i'm wiser. This is a manipulative reality/time travel film, like BTTF (though not as warm). Some dark undercurrent going on here when you really break it down.
- DirectorJim O'ConnollyStarsPeter VaughanJohn CarsonYvonne RomainA fastidious insurance assessor investigates a potential case of insurance fraud in Brighton and uncovers a murder.3rd viewing. I always remember the beginning and forget the end. Peter Vaughn and 60s Brighton are a combo enough that keeps me returning to this one.
- DirectorGeoff PosnerStarsVictoria WoodJulie WaltersCelia ImrieA spoof of ITV's magazine show This Morning, presented by Sally Cumbernauld (Wood) and Martin Crossthwaite (Preston), with sketches, adverts, an exercise ritual with Polly (Blake, an interview with Alan Rickman and the "four-times a day" soap opera, The Mall, with a special appearance from Mrs Overall.Probably the best of the VW specials. Includes the joyous 'The Mall' (soap opera)
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsAnjelica HustonDonal McCannHelena CarrollGabriel Conroy and wife Gretta attend an early January dinner with friends at the home of his spinster aunts, an evening which results in an epiphany for both of them.2nd viewing and wow. I had no idea just how good this was, how lovingly made. It'll probably be a 10 next time.
- DirectorJ. Lee ThompsonStarsJohn MillsAnthony QuayleSylvia SymsDuring World War II in North Africa, a medical field unit must cross the desert in their ambulance in order to reach the British lines in Alexandria.1st time seeing this on a projector really took it up a level. A solid, fine film.
- DirectorPhillip BorsosStarsRichard FarnsworthJackie BurroughsKen PogueWhen an aging, but gentlemanly stagecoach robber is released from prison, he decides to go to Canada to become a train robber.Finally the restored version. Man alive what a difference that made. Beautiful shots of autumnal canada to the cheiftains soundtrack. Again, this will probably become a 10 next time.
- DirectorGorô MiyazakiStarsSarah BolgerChris NothAnton YelchinA group of Yokohama teens look to save their school's clubhouse from the wrecking ball in preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.A lot of chewing with little nutrition. Didn't really care about anyone in this. Looked great but characters feel remote, like much of studio g.
- DirectorGene WilderStarsGene WilderMadeline KahnMarty FeldmanThe younger brother of the consulting detective tries to steal Sherlock's glory by solving an important case assisted by an eccentric Scotland Yard detective and a lovely but suspicious actress.It's no saddles or young frank, we know that, but this cast being happy idiots in a 1970s-made period setting? I'm in. Memorable moments but a forgettable plot.
- DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsMarlene DietrichJames StewartMischa AuerDeputy sheriff Destry tames the town of Bottle Neck, including saloon singer Frenchy.Better on 2nd viewing. Marlene and Jimmy both loosen up to give good comedy.
- DirectorJames HillStarsShirley Anne FieldRobert StephensKay WalshThe relationship and possible affair between a young designer and a married executive plays out over a series of lunch hours.Is she bizarrely over-reacting? Or is she being emotionally intuitive, seeing to the heart of him as a person? It's different and it does capture something about 'non-starter' relationships. I kinda like it.
- DirectorSamuel FullerStarsBarbara StanwyckBarry SullivanDean JaggerShowdown in Arizona between the Bonnell brothers, U.S.Marshals, and Jessica Drummond, the iron-fist rancher who controls the territory.4th? viewing. Memorable moments, looks great, slightly bonkers; Stanwyck gives it class without taking away any of its b movie delights.
- DirectorSimon StoneStarsCarey MulliganRalph FiennesLily JamesAn archaeologist embarks on the historically important excavation of Sutton Hoo in 1938.Does what it says on the tin. Felt like tv but with a few quid extra spent.
- DirectorGeorge PollockStarsMargaret RutherfordArthur KennedyMuriel PavlowWhen Miss Jane Marple reports witnessing a murder through the window of a passing train, the police dismiss her as a dotty spinster when no trace of the crime can be found.Even better on the big screen. Such a good place to be, the Rutherford Miss Marple's.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenDon TaylorOtto PremingerAfter two Americans are killed while escaping from a German P.O.W. camp in World War II, the barracks black marketeer, J.J. Sefton, is suspected of being an informer.Couple of squawky characters but overall a steady, dry hunk of bread of a film.
- DirectorGeorge PollockStarsMargaret RutherfordStringer DavisRobert MorleyWhen a wealthy old man appears to have been "frightened to death" by a cat, Miss Jane Marple suspects one of his four relatives, all heirs to his estate, of his murder.This may be my favourite of the four. It even has her clambering up a wall, in the courtyard of the king's head in old amersham.
- DirectorDavid WinklerStarsHarvey KeitelJohnathon SchaechBridget FondaAn eccentric drifter claiming to be Elvis Presley hitches a ride with a young man and they find themselves on an adventurous road trip to Memphis.On paper, this should have been silly. It is. But somehow it also managed to be quite moving. Road movie with allegorical dream element.
- DirectorJohn SturgesStarsRandolph ScottElla RainesWilliam BishopA group of treasure hunters search for a wagon load of gold, buried years before in Death Valley.Lucky to make a 6. Promising, but i walked away hungry. The best thing is Josh White's cool blues. Better off putting one of his LPs on instead.
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsCharles LaughtonJohn MillsBrenda de BanzieWidower Henry Hobson refuses to let his three daughters get married because he doesn't want to pay settlements, so they'll just have to outsmart him.2nd viewing. Solid, funny and warm. Great performances from Charles Laughton and John Mills. Could be a 9.
- DirectorKevin CostnerStarsKevin CostnerRobert DuvallDiego LunaA former gunslinger is forced to take up arms again when he and his cattle crew are threatened by a corrupt lawman.7th, 8th? viewing. Never fails. Costner and Duvall at their best. Sure to stay in my all time top 10 westerns for life.
- StarsTom BellBrian CroucherJohn JunkinAfter an eight-year stint for a failed bank heist, Frank Ross (Tom Bell, Prime Suspect) returns to his old gangland haunts to find the snitch who sent him to jail. The smooth, streetwise ex-con quickly adjusts to the new attitudes of the disco-tinged '70s but discovers that although neighborhoods change, old grudges never go out of style. Played with steely intelligence by Bell, Ross doesn't hesitate to pull a gun or swing a fist if it suits him. Can he find the rat without falling into the clutches of a ruthless crime boss (Brian Cox, Rise of the Planet of the Apes) or the detective (Norman Rodway, The Bretts) determined to destroy him? Filmed on location in South London, Out depicts a world where gritty pubs, dingy flats, and run-down office buildings teem with high-living mobsters, cash-starved hustlers, and corrupt cops. BAFTA nominee Bell delivers a psychologically complex portrait of a gangster whose inner demons torment him as ferociously as his flesh-and-blood enemies.A peak for Tom Bell and for late 70s UK tv. A 'get carter' style man on a mission story, working his way through the weasels all the way to Mr Big.
- DirectorCharles SturridgeStarsHelena Bonham CarterJudy DavisRupert GravesAfter a rich Edwardian widow impulsively marries a handsome but poor Tuscan dentist and dies in childbirth, her English in-laws try to gain custody of the baby.Period drama that misses the mark. Annoying acting and characters you don't care for. Glad when it ended.
- DirectorKevin ReynoldsStarsKevin CostnerJudd NelsonSam RobardsFive college buddies from the University of Texas circa 1971 embark on a final road trip odyssey across the Mexican border before facing up to uncertain futures, in Vietnam and otherwise.Can't believe i never heard of this before. Coming of age/buddy/road movie with unusual elements such as aeronautics, plus Costner in kinda Jeff Bridges mode. Humourous and worth a rewatch.
- DirectorGarson KaninStarsIrene DunneCary GrantRandolph ScottMissing for seven years and presumed dead, a woman returns home on the day of her husband's second marriage.OK. A poor man's The Awful Truth?
- DirectorBob KeenStarsJean BohtDoug BradleyDaniel BurkeA young boy receives a magical VCR with the power to replay the past and preview the future--and his comfortable middle-class existence is thrown into complete chaos.Naff in many ways, a good concept not quite realised to its fullest but i enjoyed it all the same, just.
- DirectorVal GuestStarsRobin NedwellDiane KeenTrevor HowardThe equilibrium of a small English village is upset by the arrival of a pop star and his wife. When he takes over the conductorship of the local brass band after the previous conductor resigns, he finds a bunch of untalented but touchy old men that need to be whipped into shape and find their own distinctive style.aka The Shillingbury Blowers. A lovely little world of an England that i miss more as the years go by. Lots of famous faces in this one. Trevor Howard steals it.
- DirectorAlfred L. WerkerStarsFred MacMurrayDorothy MaloneWalter BrennanThe peace-loving owner of a general store, who became a town hero after he luckily killed the leader of a gang of bank robbers, is deserted by the townspeople who fear the threatened return of the vengeful bandits.The soft bumbling hulk of Fred MacMurray does a good job on this one.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJohn WayneHenry FondaShirley TempleAt Fort Apache, an honorable and veteran war captain finds conflict when his regime is placed under the command of a young, glory hungry lieutenant colonel with no respect for the local Indian tribe.Having resisted it for so long, i wasn't expecting to enjoy it (cavalry westerns, not really my thing), but to my surprise, i really did. Good roles for both Fonda and Wayne.
- DirectorMichael RitchieStarsRobert RedfordGene HackmanCamilla SparvQuietly cocky Robert Redford joins U.S. ski team as downhill racer and clashes with the team's coach, played by Gene Hackman. Lots of good skiing action leading to an exciting climax.A low key portrait of an anti-hero hero on the ski slopes. Redford bares a little darkness, Hackman has thicker hair, all hanging round in late 60s European ski towns, it aint a bad old place to be for the afternoon.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsAlan LaddOlivia de HavillandDean JaggerA Confederate veteran living in the Yankee North struggles with his son's shock-induced muteness and the Northerners' hatred.Decent 'family drama' western. Got heart and Alan Ladd brings the right note of gravitas.
- DirectorAndrew V. McLaglenStarsJohn WayneMaureen O'HaraPatrick WayneWealthy rancher G. W. McLintock uses his power and influence in the territory to keep the peace between farmers, ranchers, land-grabbers, Indians and corrupt government officials.So much of what annoys me about John Wayne and 60s movies in general. Overplayed, loud brawl scenes and staged emotions. Worse than expected.
- DirectorGillian ArmstrongStarsCate BlanchettJames FleetAbigail CruttendenA young Scottish woman joins the French Resistance during World War II to rescue her Royal Air Force boyfriend who is lost in France.Yeah its very serious in tone, didn't love it but can't necessarily fault it.
- DirectorWolf RillaStarsJimmy HanleyRona AndersonLeslie DwyerWhen young reporter and amateur biker Jerry Marsh investigates a mysterious hooded figure on a motorbike, he discovers crooks hiding out in a ruined castle with atomic sabotage on their minds...Light crime mystery drama, pleasing rural setting with Lionel Jeffries on good villainous form. Enjoyable afternoon movie.
- DirectorMichael GordonStarsRock HudsonDoris DayTony RandallAn interior decorator and a playboy songwriter share a telephone party line and size each other up.Happy froth that makes me want to see more Doris Day rom-coms.
(though bizarrely, a gangland shooting took place at the end of our road while i watched this, 3pm on a sunday afternoon, c'est la vie) - DirectorWalter LangStarsJeanne CrainDana AndrewsDick HaymesEach member of the Frake clan has his/her own reason for attending the annual Iowa State Fair.Eeeh i didn't dislike it. A colourful (colorful) folksy world that probably never existed. Full of fun and also air.
- DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczStarsKirk DouglasHenry FondaHume CronynA charming but totally ruthless criminal is sent to a remote Arizona prison. He enlists the help of his cellmates in an escape attempt with the promise of sharing his hidden loot.2nd viewing, even better. Prison-movie comedy-western par excellence. Moves well and satisfies from start to end. Kirk D, Warren Oates, Henry Fonda and Burgess Meredith all bring it. Deserves better recognition.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsGregory PeckAnn ToddCharles LaughtonA happily married London barrister falls in love with the accused poisoner he is defending.If this was your first Hitchcock movie, you'd wonder what all the fuss is about. It's an ok drama in it's own right, but has none of the shock or, alas, the humour of classic Hitch.
- DirectorPeter BogdanovichStarsCybill ShepherdBarry BrownCloris LeachmanIn this comedy of manners, Frederick Winterbourne tries to figure out the bright and bubbly Daisy Miller, only to be helped and hindered by false judgments from their fellow friends.Pretty, bubbly, air-headed. That's the lead role, the acting, the script - and the movie itself. But there is this tasty autumnal tone. Get beyond the chitter-chatter and it's a pleasing sunday afternoon watch.
- DirectorLewis GilbertStarsEugeniusz ChylekSydney TaflerMichael BalfourA superb early work by illustrious British director Lewis Gilbert (Alfie, You Only Live Twice) which follows orphaned Polish refugee Janek, who runs into trouble in the shape of two scheming thieves. Starring popular character actor Sydney Tafler (Carve Her Name with Pride, The Spy who Loved Me) as a cunning spiv, and featuring an appearance from John Laurie (The 39 Steps, Dad's Army), Johnny on the Run is an action-packed adventure with a remarkable performance from its young lead.Yeah i can't knock it, the runaway boy ends up in a nice rural children's home setting. Nothing exceptional.
- DirectorMax AndersonStarsJohn RuddockRichard PalmerHilda FenemoreA teenage boy goes in search of treasure at an old mill in the hope of solving all his mother's money worries.Preferred it to johnny on the run. The old bookshop, the mystery, the exploring etc.
- DirectorRalph RichardsonStarsRalph RichardsonMargaret LeightonJack HawkinsDavid Preston, a banker, has a 24-hour memory lapse. Accused of robbery and murder, he can't account for his lost time. With no alibi, police press him to explain the missing hours, jeopardizing his freedom.(aka Home At Seven) Intriguing mystery that keeps you watching. A good Ralph Richardson movie.
- DirectorRoy Ward BakerStarsRobert RyanRhonda FlemingWilliam LundiganA tough, hard-driving business tycoon suffers a broken leg and is left to die in the desert by his scheming wife and her greedy lover.Life or death situation film with a B Movie vibe. Given extra class by the authentic heft of Robert Ryan.
- DirectorPeter FondaStarsPeter FondaWarren OatesVerna BloomHarry returns home to his wife and farm after drifting with his friend Arch and has to make a difficult decision regarding his loyalties.One of my all time best that i can watch endlessly.
- DirectorBill DouglasStarsRobin SoansWilliam GaminaraStephen BatemanThe story of "The Tolpuddle Martyrs". A group of nineteenth century English farm laborers who formed one of the first trade unions and started a campaign to receive fair wages.One of my all time best that i like to savour and only watch every two years or so.
- DirectorJoseph KaneStarsSkip HomeierKristine MillerGeorge MacreadyA rich vein of ore is discovered in a silver mine near a small town. The corrupt Mayor almost succeeds in seizing control of the mine.Good to watch Skip Homeier in a lead role, its got a little trash element to it that i liked.
- DirectorCarl KittStarsMorgan StevensJeff CoreyDale WilsonA young man meets with violent hostility as he attempts to fulfil his dream of making a life for himself in the wilds of British Columbia at the turn of the 20th Century.Something about this film is almost like a dream, i don't know why. Feels quite TV movie. But has the late 70s vibe that feels homely.
- DirectorRobert Hartford-DavisStarsJim BrownMartin LandauBrenda SykesA black militant group robs a Mafia bookie joint and also steals the incriminating ledgers which, in turn, prompts retaliation from the mob.Surely surely one of the movies that inspired Black Dynamite
- DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsPeter SellersHerbert LomBurt KwoukTo prove that he still is strong and powerful, Philippe Douvier decides to kill Clouseau. Once news of his "death" has been announced, Clouseau tries to take advantage of it and goes undercover with Cato to find out who tried to kill him.The one with him disguised as toulouse lautrec, etc. Clouseau getting his medal at the end, is a contender for the funniest scene of any peter sellers movie.
- DirectorGeorge ShermanStarsJoel McCreaBarbara HaleAlex NicolIn 1870, widowed farmer Zachary Hallock secretly joins a group of outlaws as a solution to his money problems.Decent B-Western, father/son drama, alpine setting.
- DirectorAutumn de WildeStarsAnya Taylor-JoyJohnny FlynnMia GothIn 1800s England, a well meaning but selfish young woman meddles in the love lives of her friends.Looks good, has its own twist of humour and boldness, yet something left me wanting.
- DirectorKen AnnakinStarsGlynis JohnsGoogie WithersGriffith JonesA young married physician discovers a mermaid, and gives in to her request to be taken to see London. Comedy and romantic entanglements ensue soon after.Enjoyable off-beat (rom-com?). Glynis Johns perfectly pitched for the mermaid, enchanting everyone, including David Tomlinson - yes it's both parents from Mary Poppins.
- DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsGeorge C. ScottDavid HemmingsGilbert RolandAn isolated sculptor is visited by his three sons just before the start of WWII.Less of a movie to care too much about, more of a good place to spend the afternoon. Watching George C Scott here is like smoking a roll up and watching the sea.
- DirectorSidney LanfieldStarsDick PowellJane GreerAgnes MooreheadAfter two U.S. cavalrymen transporting a gold shipment get killed, U.S. Army Intelligence investigator John Haven goes undercover to a mining and logging town to find the killers.B-movie noir in western setting. Some enjoyable dialogue and memorable moments. Hmm. Strange one, maybe it should be 7.
- DirectorMel BrooksStarsCleavon LittleGene WilderSlim PickensIn order to ruin a western town, a corrupt politician appoints a black Sheriff, who promptly becomes his most formidable adversary.Do i need to review this for me or for anyone else? After Star Wars, it's probably the film i've seen the most in my life.
- DirectorMichael Landon Jr.StarsKatherine HeiglDale MidkiffCorbin BernsenA young woman on her way to a new life in the 1800's suddenly finds herself a widow. Now she must live with a recently widowed young man and his daughter. Can any of them find love again?TV movie with some serious feelings. Wouldn't say i loved it but it was good.
- DirectorSeth HoltBasil DeardenStarsGeorge NaderMaggie SmithBernard LeeIn London, a Canadian serving prison time for grand theft escapes prison and attempts to retrieve his loot, kept in a bank safety deposit box, but his accomplice takes the security key while he only has the pass code.Yeah this is a solid, mature and atmospheric UK 'man on the run' movie, with a memorable early role for Maggie Smith.
- DirectorJohn GillingStarsDerek BondJane HyltonDora BryanCoastal pub proprietress is inveigled into a smuggling plot.Many enjoyable elements: the coastal setting, character actors, old-school post-war criminal Brits with a glint in the eye.
- DirectorAlberto CavalcantiStarsRachel ClayMichael WadeTerry RavenA group of children befriend a monster.Of course it's naff, particularly the special (ahem) effects, but this has all the joy of a fantasy CFF film.
- DirectorPeter YatesStarsDennis ChristopherDennis QuaidDaniel SternA working-class Indiana teen obsessed with the Italian cycling team vies for the affections of a college girl while searching for life goals with his friends.Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern & co in small town, coming of age drama with bikes, fights, nature spots. Quality late 70s vibe, look forward to rewatching.
- DirectorRoger MichellStarsHugh GrantJulia RobertsRichard McCabeA set of circumstances makes Anna Scott, a famous actress, fall in love with William Thacker, owner of a bookstore in Notting Hill. But the paparazzi's fascination with her complicates their bond.Never seen it before and i just happened to catch it at the right time, one afternoon when i felt crappy and wanting some easy viewing. It was like eating a tub of ice cream instead of dinner.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodMarsha MasonEverett McGillHard-nosed, hard-living Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway clashes with his superiors and his ex-wife as he takes command of a spoiled recon platoon with a bad attitude.Watched it 'because it's clint' really. Yeah it delivered on that level, the usual formula of work and woman, though in some ways he was almost overdoing the self-parody.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsBing CrosbyBarry FitzgeraldFrank McHughWhen young Father O'Malley arrives at St. Dominic's, old Father Fitzgibbon doesn't think much of the church's newest member.Bing is one of a few actors who i can never really quite enjoy. Don't know why. This is quite a contrived little set-up. Made better by watching it in Robin's outdoor cinema.
- DirectorGuy FergussonStarsMarcia ManolescueGillian HarrisonFella EdmondsA group of schoolchildren come upon an alien from Venus, and help him against a gang of criminals who are trying to kidnap him.Eeeeh. Come on. It's Meba. One of my favourite CFF fantasy movies.
- DirectorCliff OwenStarsDick EmeryDerren NesbittRonald FraserCharlie Tully and womanizing Reggie Peek con two rich Italians out of £500,000, but during their flight out Charlie is arrested for conning an American and a dog. Reggie puts the money in a Swiss bank, and after Charlie is released is about to tell him which bank when Reggie is killed by Sid Sabbath's gang, with whose girlfriend Reggie had an affair. The only lead is four tattoos that are on the girls with whom Reggie had affairs while Charlie was in jail. But Sabbath is on Charlie's trail to kill him, and the Italians contract the mob to find the money and then kill him.(aka Ooh, you are awful.) This Dick Emery movie based on his TV characters was a surprisngly good laugh. It's better than a lot of Carry On movies.
- DirectorRalph ThomasStarsGlynis JohnsDonald SindenAnne CrawfordFlirtatious mermaid Miranda (Glynis Johns) swaps places with a schoolteacher who has gone on vacation. All is well until she falls in love with a human.Sequel to Miranda takes it up a gear, including being shot in colour. The mermaid concept seems more relaxed and ripened into perhaps a better film than the first. Same thing but with a happier feel.
- DirectorHarley CokelissStarsBen BucktonKeith JayneRon PemberTwo teenage boys try to help a tiny spherical alien get back to its mothership, while the army and a devious petty crook pursue the creature for its wonderful powers.Great UK 70s vibe here, including classic 70s snacks and Ron Pember poking about. People say this influenced E.T. (!?!)
- DirectorJohn MaddenStarsJudi DenchBilly ConnollyGeoffrey PalmerWhen Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert dies, she finds solace in her trusted servant, Mr. John Brown, but their relationship also brings scandal and turmoil.More refined than it's sequel: 'Mrs Brown's Boys: D'Movie'...
but seriously, this is Connolly and Dench both on top form. A great period movie. - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodBee VangChristopher CarleyAfter a Hmong teenager tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino, a disgruntled, prejudiced Korean War veteran seeks to redeem both the boy and himself.2nd viewing. I think i liked it slightly less this time. It is good but i'm not having quite as much fun as i want to.
- DirectorSteve CarrStarsKevin JamesKeir O'DonnellJayma MaysWhen a shopping mall is taken over by a gang of organized crooks, it's up to a mild-mannered security guard to save the day.I'm beyond calling it a guilty pleasure now i think, and just choose to love it.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJohn WayneJoanne DruJohn AgarCaptain Nathan Brittles, on the eve of retirement, takes out a last patrol to stop an impending massive Indian attack. Encumbered by women who must be evacuated, Brittles finds his mission imperiled.Fort apache was great. This, part 2 of ford's cavalry trilogy, was surprisingly annoying to me. The characters and cliche of it all - plus the whole big army march situation. No i didn't like it.
- DirectorGavin MillarStarsVictoria WoodDavid ThrelfallChristopher HarperIn the late 1930s, Nella Last, a 49 year old housewife living in Barrow-in-Furness on the North West English coast, agrees to send details of her routine to the Mass Observation Project; a non-governmental scheme designed to chronicle the lives of ordinary people. When war comes, Nella defies her over-protective husband to join the local Women's Voluntary Service. Initially diffident, she blossoms thanks to the dominant but kindly Mrs. Waite, and enjoys her independence as a useful war worker. The film also shows her relationship with her two sons, as well as the effect of the war on the community, and ends by explaining that Nella kept in touch with the Mass Observation project until her death in 1968.It's fairly pedestrian but made with honest affection. Nothing to fault as such, just would have enjoyed another gear.
- DirectorJack GoldStarsJohn ThawNick RobinsonAnnabelle ApsionA shy and quiet World War II evacuee is housed by a disgruntled old man, and they soon develop a close bond.A scrooge type story that twangs the heartstrings without overdoing it. Thaw brings the expected gravitas with tender touch.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsC. Thomas HowellMatt DillonRalph MacchioIn a small Oklahoma town in 1964, the rivalry between two gangs, the poor Greasers and the rich Socs, heats up when one gang member accidentally kills a member of the other.Hadn't seen this since early 90s VHS days. Feels like an adult-affected view on teenage culture. I think enjoyed more for personal nostalgia than a film in its own right.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMatt DillonMickey RourkeDiane LaneAbsent-minded street thug Rusty James struggles to live up to his legendary older brother's reputation, and longs for the days of gang warfare.Again, not seen since early 90s. It hasn't aged well. It's essentially a stupid film. Tries too hard to be cool and to depict teen issues as such. Somehow it just feels out of touch.
- DirectorJordan Vogt-RobertsStarsNick RobinsonGabriel BassoMoises AriasThree teenage friends, in the ultimate act of independence, decide to spend their summer building a house in the woods and living off the land.Neat little indie teen comedy. Inhabits its own world well, and the cast seem united in having a good time. Will watch again.
- DirectorDavid EadyStarsPeter NewbyGary KempEileen FletcherA young boy runs away from an approved school to meet up with his father in the hope that he can persuade his dad to allow him to travel to Canada with him. He also meets up with two local children and discovers that his father is instead planning a bank heist.With a young Gary Kemp in a rainbow tanktop. Not as joyful as other CFF films, but just enough to keep you watching.
- DirectorTed KotcheffStarsAndrew McCarthyJonathan SilvermanCatherine Mary StewartTwo idiots try to pretend that their murdered employer is really alive, leading the hitman to attempt to track him down to finish him off.Surprised how i missed this back in the day, and also how good it was. As if lessons were learned from mid-80s teen movies and this refined the craft. Sadly the brat-pack thing was ending by 89, so it just missed the boat. This in 86 would have been twice the movie.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsSteve MartinJohn CandyLaila RobinsA Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion.Watched the 'clean' version: praise to channel 4 for cleverly editing all f-words from the car rental scene (it was always too ugly for such a sweet movie), but man alive did they have to cut out 'you play with your balls a lot' (the only moment Del Griffith bites back) and also Del's daft jamaican accent (they wouldn't cut out americans doing daft british or french accents, it's insulting to presume jamaicans can't enjoy the same joke)
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodPatrick L. ReyesCesar De LeónA ninety-year-old horticulturist and Korean War veteran turns drug mule for a Mexican cartel.4th time viewing. Engaging, satisfying, rounded movie. One of Clint's all time best.
- DirectorMike HodgesStarsMichael CaineIan HendryBritt EklandWhen his brother dies under mysterious circumstances in a car accident, London gangster Jack Carter travels to Newcastle to investigate.Looking sharp, aging well, funny, dirty, hard. Surely the ultimate Caine film and performance.
- DirectorRobert DayBasil DeardenStarsAlastair SimGeorge ColeTerry-ThomasAn assassin is annoyed by a vacuum cleaner salesman determined to stop him.Alastair Sim on fine form as the charming assassin. One of his best. Shame the rest of the movie doesn't quite match his strong comic performance.
- DirectorBuddy Van HornStarsClint EastwoodLiam NeesonPatricia ClarksonInspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan must stop a sick secret contest to murder various San Francisco celebrities, with himself being one of the targets.I got bored and fast forwarded through a few actions scenes at the end which saved me time and took nothing away from the film. Meh.
- DirectorEdgar G. UlmerStarsMarguerite ChapmanDouglas KennedyJames GriffithA crazed scientist invents an invisibility formula. He plans to use the formula to create an army of invisible zombies.Lucky to get a 6. This is ultimately, quite crap. But i was in the mood for it so i felt generous. No it's not amazing, but there is a man in it.
- DirectorIrvin S. Yeaworth Jr.Russell S. Doughten Jr.StarsSteve McQueenAneta CorsautEarl RoweAn alien lifeform consumes everything in its path as it grows and grows.Looks, feels, plays, emotes like an old comic. It's the drive-in b movie classic i expected it to be. Surprising to see Steve McQueen among it all, but there he is. Feels like everyone has been slightly gassed for this one.
- DirectorMario BavaStarsCameron MitchellEva BartokThomas ReinerA masked, shadowy killer brutally murders the models of a scandalous fashion house in Rome.Stylish and in some ways beginning to look dated, the whole concept of mystery black gloves killing only models. But still keeps its cool.
- DirectorDario ArgentoStarsTony MusanteSuzy KendallEnrico Maria SalernoAn American expatriate in Rome attempts to unmask a serial killer he witnessed in the act of an attempted murder - and is now hunting him and his girlfriend.Not as fun as 'black lace' but watchable all the same. Suffers, as usual, from the emotional detachment caused by overdubbing, so one never really thinks of the film again after viewing.
- DirectorHarold P. WarrenStarsTom NeymanJohn ReynoldsDiane AdelsonA family gets lost on the road and stumbles upon a hidden, underground, devil-worshiping cult led by the fearsome Master and his servant Torgo.Rated 1 to keep its cult status on IMDB. I actually loved it, it was soooo bad, i laughed out loud a lot from the general state of weak ecstasy that it built up. Of course loads of people would hate this film. Not me.
- DirectorPeter DuffellStarsJohn BryansJohn BennettDenholm ElliottAn anthology of four horror stories revolving around a mysterious rental house in the U.K.Anthology horror. Not as good as Dr Terror's house of horror, nor From beyond the grave, but same ballpark, Halloween oater.
- DirectorGerald ThomasStarsKenneth WilliamsJim DaleHarry H. CorbettThe sinister Dr Watt has an evil scheme going. He's kidnapping beautiful young women and turning them into mannequins to sell to local stores.One of the best Carry Ons. The madcap humour works well in a fantasy horror setting, years before Young Frankenstein did the same thing (albeit better)
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsJohnny DeppMartin LandauSarah Jessica ParkerAmbitious but troubled movie director Edward D. Wood Jr. tries his best to fulfill his dreams despite his lack of talent.Loved this in the 90s. Disappointed on this 2nd viewing. Landau steals it, the rest just seems a little floppy with too much focus on the cross-dress thing. Not as funny as i remembered.
- DirectorRobert Hartford-DavisStarsHeather SearsJohn TurnerAnn LynnA lord returns to his manor with his new wife, to hear rumors that he had already secretly returned and had committed several murders. Has he lost his mind, or is something dark afoot?The title sounds misleadingly generic. This is a strong gothic mystery that keeps you guessing. Looks good and has the right twinkle in its eye. Watch again.
- DirectorJames SignorelliStarsCassandra PetersonPhil RubensteinLarry Flash Jenkins"Elvira: Mistress of the Dark" is a 1988 comedy, horror movie - upon arriving in a small town where Elvira has inherited a rundown mansion, the famous horror host must battle an evil uncle, and townspeople who want her burned at the stake.As horror comedy goes, this is definitely one of my faves. It'd be a guilty pleasure, except i feel no guilt in enjoying and recommending this sassy little caper.
- DirectorGreg TiernanConrad VernonStarsOscar IsaacCharlize TheronChloë Grace MoretzThe eccentrically macabre family moves to a bland suburb where Wednesday Addams' friendship with the daughter of a hostile and conformist local reality show host exacerbates conflict between the families.The new animated one. I was into it at first but by the end had become kinda not so bothered. It's basically what you'd expect from such a movie in 2019.
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsJohn MillsValerie HobsonTony WagerA humble orphan boy in 1810s Kent is given the opportunity to go to London and become a gentleman, with the help of an unknown benefactor.4th? time viewing and loved it more than ever. Upgraded to 10. The best dickens adaptation, great photography, all the characters play well, even with Alec Guinness dressed up like an easter egg.
- DirectorNathan JuranStarsEdward JuddMartha HyerLionel JeffriesWhen a spaceship lands on the moon, it is hailed as a new accomplishment, before it becomes clear that a Victorian party completed the journey in 1899, leading investigators to that mission's last survivor.Again with that 60s 'loud n empty' feel. The whole mad inventor world at the start looked promising but once up on the moon, it soon ran out of puff and steam.
- DirectorNathan GrenoByron HowardStarsMandy MooreZachary LeviDonna MurphyThe magically long-haired Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but now that a runaway thief has stumbled upon her, she is about to discover the world for the first time, and who she really is.2nd viewing. Has a calmness and maturity not always found in Disney. Some pretty moments too, such as the candle lanterns. Yeah this is ageing well.
- DirectorStephen FrearsStarsBilly CrudupWoody HarrelsonPatricia ArquetteTwo cowboys have their friendship tested when they fall for the same girl.Woody Harrelson playing the loose cannon; touches of 80s brat-pack meets Hud perhaps? It moves casually but ends up feeling like a rounded film with a decent punch. Watch again.
- DirectorTony RichardsonStarsLaurence OlivierBrenda de BanzieRoger LiveseyArchie Rice, an old-time British music hall performer sinking into final defeat, schemes to stay in show business.Finally watched it and tried to wring every drop from it. Brave turn for Olivier, he does a good job. It all feels too self-aware without being funny enough nor successfully evoking the emotions it clearly wanted to.
- DirectorFreddie FrancisStarsRobert HuttonJennifer JayneZia MohyeddinScientists investigating an unusual meteor shower in a rural field are possessed by an alien force bent on an ulterior purpose.An clunky 60s british fumble through the usual alien takeover plot.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodGene HackmanEd HarrisCareer thief Luther Whitney (Clint Eastwood) witnesses a horrific crime involving U.S. President Alan Richmond (Gene Hackman).I shouldn't like this as much as i do. It's almost silly, but it keeps you watching. The cafe scene with all eyes on his meeting his daughter, his appearance at the hospital. Classic Clint in many ways, albeit smoker's delight.