Volcano (1997)

Tommy Lee Jones is in charge of disaster management in Los Angeles and Anne Heche is a Geologist and they are thrown together when under Los Angeles an undiscovered Volcano comes through in the middle of rush hour. They then have to join forces to see if using all of the resources at their finger tips they can save the city and the people they love. This is very much a big budget disaster film that would have normally been shown on SyFy but director Mick Jackson had some big name actors to work with and a half decent budget.

I enjoy this film, however it a disaster film, it has many points that are cheesy and predictable, from the racist policeman and the black man that bang heads, to Tommy Lee’s Daughter played by Gaby Hoffmann who you know is going to end up in trouble as that is where her character is always going to end up. The bomb experts at the end that make the ultimate sacrifice and then there are the comments about everybody looking the same. Clunky metaphors thrown in to a film that are not needed, it tries to be gritty but ultimately fails.

Now with all the complaining and whinging out of the way I think that there is still an element of enjoyment about this film, the characters are not overly developed and those you expect to survive do and there are enough deaths and injuries and people doing the right thing to make it an enjoyable enough disaster movie, I do understand what it is about and just enjoy it, overall a 7 out of 10 worth watching for me. 

Bird on a Wire (1990)

From director John Badham comes the romantic comedy starring Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn. Mel Gibson plays Rick Jarmin who was put in the witness protection programme years earlier and rumbled when his old flame Goldie Hawn recognises him. Then the chase ensues as the people he put in prison discover he is still about and they start chasing him and Goldie Hawn to pay him back for what he did. The bad guys are played by Bill Duke and Stephen Tobolowsky so comic and dark.

You follow them as they go on the run and Mel heads to all of the places that he has been posted and you get the picture of the perfect guy that everybody loves and that he is the most useful person most of the people he has ever worked with know. Which of course leads Goldie Hawn to forgive him and the films climax in the Zoo is actually quite exciting, there are a few good laughs and apart from thinking that how did Mel Gibson have enough time to be so good with so many people the characters and story are a lot of fun.

This film is funny, sweet and for me enjoyable, there are the usual flaws in films like this with a bit of believability but you can get over that and go with the action. You actually hope that it works out for them as they are likeable characters. This is above average for me as there is actually nothing to really dislike about the film so a comfortable 6 out of 10 for me.

Clear and Present Danger (1994)

Harrison Ford is Jack Ryan straight from the pages of the books by Tom Clancy, this is a follow up to Patriot Games. It sees Jack Ryan involved in looking at the drugs coming from Columbia and as he has to take on a more senior role within the CIA he becomes involved with the president. Including the fact that he starts to realise he can influence policy within the government. I have not read any of the Jack Ryan books and not considered the films as a proper series, especially as you have 3 actors having now played Jack Ryan and all of the films have been produced out of order.

With Willem Dafoe as an operative in Columbia with Benjamin Bratt and Raymond Cruz. With Henry Czerny and Harris Yulin playing a different game that Jack has to go in and sort it out. The politicians allow and sign off on a war on the drug cartels and then when the heat comes up they leave the soldiers hanging and Jack runs off to save them. It is all very action packed and exciting and there are quite a few plots running through the film and you have to pay attention so you know what everybody is up to.

This is a fun packed film with lots of good acting and plenty of explosions for the boys; I think there is too much going on and this probably has a lot to do with the size of The Tom Clancy books and the difficulty in trying to condense them in to a two hour film. Overall an enjoyable film and should been seen as a 7 out of 10. 

Patriot Games (1992)

From the pen of Tom Clancy, directed by Philip Noyce comes the Harrison Ford portrayal of Jack Ryan. On holiday in London Jack is on hand when an IRA splinter group lead by Sean Bean tries to kidnap a member of the royal family. Jack gets involved and kills one of the attackers while killing the younger brother of Sean Bean. He is shot during the melee and when he is fit goes home and after the rest of the splinter group see there way to getting Sean Been out of prison the terrorism comes home for Jack Ryan.


I have not read any of the Tom Clancy books but after this film I am tempted to give them a go as they are full of action but try and keep some form of realism. Even if the realism is an extreme and could be considered paranoia and if all true is actually quite scary with terrorists in camps knowing when the satellites are supposed to be going overhead. This level of control, knowledge and the power of the attacks is extreme but makes for some good stories, might read the books and see how they compare to the films.


This film is enjoyable and has some good actors with Harrison Ford facing off against Sean Bean and the two of them playing excellent parts. With support from Anne Archer, Patrick Bergin and an early outing for Thora Birch, Samuel L Jackson and James Earl Jones give this a solid American feel as well. I really liked this film, the message and threat is now out of date but overall is still a fun Terrorist based action adventure film and a 7 out of 10 for me.

Amelia (2009)

Hilary Swank as the famous female pilot Amelia Earhart, this is the biopic of her rise to stardom and eventual final voyage. You have Richard Gere as her agent and eventually her husband and you follow their relationship as much as Amelia wanting to fly and achieve for women everywhere what she did. With a support cast of Christopher Eccleston and Ewan McGregor this is quite a strong cast for a film that did not really hit my radar when it came out.

I am not a fan of biopic films that chart the lives of real people as you know where it is going and therefore it is about the journey rather than the destination and I think that many film makers find it hard to achieve this in an interesting and meaningful way. I have to be honest and say I knew with a passing reference the name of Amelia Earhart and what happened to her at the end but had no knowledge about her rise to fame and this film did not ignite my interest to find out more. While I appreciated that she struggled to find a place in what was and still is a male dominated world there was nothing in this portrayal that made me think, wow, what are they not telling us or showing us.

The acting in this is fine, I am not a fan of Hilary Swank but she was believable as a strong minded woman who finds her passion and from other portrayals she was very different so shows she can change what and who she is on screen but there was no charisma there for me. Nothing drew me to her and how and why she and Richard Gere ended up together was a mystery that I could not fathom out other than that was what happened. The rest of the acting and the effects were fine and it is 5 out of 10 but I cannot recommend this to you, unless you love the main actors or the story of Amelia Earhart.

Wild Wild West (1999)

Firstly I have absolutely no attachment to any of the previous Wild Wild West TV series or comics or anything that came before the film. So I can only go on what was put on screen by director Barry Sonnefeld with Will Smith as James West, Kevin Kline as Artemus Grant, Salma Hayeck as Rita Escobar and Kenneth Branagh as the evil Dr Arliss Loveless. Now I can accept that a Steam-punk Wild West is perhaps not what the original series was envisioning but I liked what they did. West and Grant have to track down Loveless who is holding the American Government to ransom as he has developed new technology.

The story is very much in to the comedy and a bit of slapstick and there is some chemistry between Smith and Kline and they start in the position of disliking each other and through the progression they come to appreciate each others virtues and they probably still do not like each other. The technology is believable in the context of what the film is aiming for and being able to see this and disconnect the sensible from your brain allows you to still enjoy this film.

Overall I can appreciate the fact that many people do not like this film and from what I have heard especially those people that remember the original and view this as an abomination of what the original series was going for. Overall though I can admit that I enjoyed watching this and would recommend it if you are looking for some light hearted comedy a comfortable 6 out of 10.

Assassins (1995)

Sylvester Stallone is a hired Assassin in the film written by the Wachoski's and directed by Richard Donner. He is number one in his profession, you join him taking a mark out in to the swamp, another professional he has been tasked with killing. You have Antonio Banderas a younger Assassin who knows Sylvester Stallone is number one and he wants to be number one. You have Julianne Moore a hacker that comes between them as a target and from there the story unfolds as Stallone realises what she has and decides to use it to get out of the business.

The film comes to a conclusion outside a small white bank in a tropical location and it is strange finish as Stallone knows what will happen as it is a similar situation that he previously went through when he took the number one spot. Now this is an interesting story but he knows what is going to happen so well and can tell exactly what Banderas is going to do I don’t know why he did not make more sure of what he was trying. Thinking about the end of the film it was not very clear and while gripping in a tension filled way too much thought about how they do it makes it seem silly.

This film is enjoyable enough to watch and appreciate a couple of the gun fights but it is not high entertainment and is typical 90’s Stallone action driven fare. Would only recommend to people who enjoy this sort of film and think that from my brief description you will know if it is for you or not. Overall this is a 5 out of 10 film, not worth going out of your way to get but worth seeing especially for free.

Passenger 57 (1992)

A strange title for a film that barely tells you what the film is about and simply relates to the fact that Wesley Snipes is the 57^th person that the stewardess played by Alex Dachter reaches when counting how many passengers are on her flight. The film opens with Wesley Snipes leading a training course as an air marshal and Alex Dachter disarms him and he is upset as he presumes she is not taking the whole thing seriously.

It moves to the fact that they end up on the same flight and this flight also has Charles Rane creepily played by Bruce Payne being transported by the FBI on the same flight. It turns out his men do not want him to be taken where he is going so hijack the flight and then Wesley being the hero feels he has to try and intervene and save the day. With a supporting cast including Tom Sizemore, Elizabeth Hurley, Bruce Greenwood and Robert Hooks. This is an enjoyable action flick from the early 90’s when you had a lot of terrorist plots and it is a good example of this. It has plenty shooting and fighting and also gives Wesley a chance to show what he can do.

I have seen this film many times and it is a really good film to just switch your brain off and enjoy. I really appreciate Charles Rane he is truly creepy and he knows how to manipulate the local law enforcement agencies he is forced to deal with. Overall this is nothing special however it is very enjoyable and I give it a solid 7 out of 10 recommend if you have never seen it.

The Godfather: Part 2 (1974)

The second film the trilogy from Francis Ford Coppola and the first sequel to win the best Picture Oscar, as you will see from my review of part 1, earlier today. I am not the biggest fan of the original, so I had been told that watching the second part would make the whole film make sense and fall into place for me. You follow the continuing story of Al Pacino as Michael Corleone as he continues to run the family business moving more towards Vegas and illegal drugs.

In part two you also get Don Vito Corleone’s early story as you follow Robert DeNiro playing a young Don as he comes to America and starts his empire. This film is very much in the same line as the first part and I can believe that there is a version where both films have been edited and run together and I can imagine that they would work perfectly well. I have to say that the film making is excellent, the acting is fine with all of the cast returning but the story did not engage me. Yet one of my favourite films is Goodfellas and I love the idea behind the Gangster genre I can only presume that I am missing something, perhaps it is the hype and expectation that I am missing.

Overall disappointed that this film is not as good as I expected but unsure how to feel, am I wrong? Or is everybody else wrong? Have people just bought in to the fact that many people say it is the greatest film in the world or have I seen to many films that makes me view it as a copy when in fact it was an original? Who knows, I know that at some point I will watch these again as it baffles me as usually I do enjoy the classics but at the moment this is a 6 out of 10 for me.

The Godfather (1972)

The classic gangster film from the 70’s based upon the book by Mario Puzo it follows the Corleone family, starting at the wedding of the daughter where you get to meet all the family from the Father played by Marlon Brando to the boys played by James Caan as Sonny and Al Pacino as Michael with Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen. You follow the family as Don Vito Corleone makes offers to people that they cannot refuse while he does the business.

This is considered by many as one of the greatest films of all time, it reaches the top spot in many of the countdowns of greatest films of all time. I have to be honest, this is the second time I have watched this film and it must be the hype as I really enjoyed it but failed to see how it can be considered such a classic. I was very disappointed and feel I must have missed something and would really like someone to explain why it is so great.

I have the second part to watch and maybe as someone said this will complete why these films are considered some of the greatest films of all time. Well enough of my uncultured ranting about the greatest film of all time. I did enjoy it and would recommend that everybody sees it, I will have to revisit my thoughts after seeing the second part but at the moment this is a solid 6 out of 10 for me.

Would really appreciate people putting me right on this as I feel I am missing something and even though I did enjoy it I feel let down by it. 

The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007)

The 2007 follow up to the remake of the Wes Craven horror film that this time follows a group of trainee soldiers as they are on a training mission in the area occupied by the family that took care of the family from the first film. I have not seen the sequel to the original film that came out in 1985 and do not know if this is a remake of that or a straight sequel to the 2007 film which I reviewed here.

This film is annoying, the characters are stupid and I have no idea how any of them got to be in the army at all. There are very few names you will recognise and to me it is just another sequel/remake/horror film churned out for the cash that it might generate. You have Michael McMillan, Jessica Stroup, Jacob Vargas, Flex Alexander, Daniella Alonso basically playing generic roles that include the clown, the chief and the girl that is tough as nails but not really. Even though they are aware what is happening they still make stupid decisions that lead to problems for themselves.

This film is barely worth watching, perhaps some of the kills are inventive if a bit predictable, but I could not remember the following day that I had seen this film when asked what I had watched at the weekend which sums up how bad it was. Now the effects and direction were okay but apart from that and a few scenes there was nothing worth watching this film for at all, well that I can remember. So this is a 2 out of 10 seriously avoid from me.

Enter the Dragon (1973)

The Bruce Lee classic Kung Fu film which sees Bruce Lee go to the island of Han to participate in the tournament he runs. He is there to avenge his sister who was killed by Han. He is joined in the tournament by Jim Kelly and John Saxon and they are all there for their own reasons. This film is iconic for the fight scenes even from the start when the sister is being attacked right through to the end of the film when your heroes are fighting the foot soldiers. Then when Bruce is fighting the boss at the end, it plays a bit like a computer game from the 80’s, this is the first American Produce Martial arts film.

This is one of those iconic films that many people have heard of and I think that films in this category get a greater sense of hype. Well if everybody has heard of it and everybody likes it then surely it must be the greatest film ever made. Unfortunately whether it is the hype or expectation, very few films in this category live up to the expectations of the pop culture, however this film is awesome and I struggle to even say why. Bruce Lee famous for dying young and from being too fit, most likely a heart attack but he was dedicated and this film produces the most famous images of him and I was actually really surprised as he is actually a very good actor. This film is like a kung fu James Bond film with an Oriental twist and was probably aiming towards competing with the James Bond Franchise.

I really enjoy this film, thinking about it to hard I cannot really figure it out, other than the fact the story is good vs evil, the evil overlord is a true Bond villain crossed with Bond evil henchman and he has an army that attack one at a time. Really now it is quite cheesy but I loved it and cannot recommend it highly enough and would really like to know if anyone else feels the same way that I do. So in scoring this I am going to have to settle for 8 out of 10 for the kung fu fighting alone.

Carry on up the Khyber (1968)

If you have never seen a Carry On film then you need to sort this out and if you have to pick one apart from Carry on Screaming I cannot think of a better film than Carry on Up the Khyber. Starring all the stalwarts of the Carry On Series you have Sid James, Kenneth Williams, Charles Hawtrey, Joan Sims, Angela Douglas and Roy Castle. This film is based in British India during the height of the British Empire and some of the locals want to get rid of the British Soldiers lead by the Fearless Kilted Third Foot and Mouth Division.


The Carry On series was a staple of the British Film scene in the 60’s and 70’s and still holds up today. They were some of the first films that took the mickey out of certain stereotypes and other film genres leading to the common spoof film. This film in particular explores the British Stiff Upper lip and also the fact that the British like their tea and do not like to be disturbed in their daily routine.


The Carry On films themselves are from a time, everything is double entendres and cheeky humour but it is a classic series and this film is one of the better examples. The series itself is very much a taste thing and I know many people that just think they are silly and not very good but overall I think they are easy watching and enjoyable especially if you know the references. For Carry on Up the Khyber I give it 7 out of 10.

Rits, Sue and Bob Too (1987)

From 1987 comes a British comedy about life in Britain, you follow Bob played by George Costigan who as an affair with his babysitters Rita played by Siobhan Finneran and Sue played by Michelle Holmes. This film shows a harsh light on 80’s Britain with the state of the urban landscape and the attitudes of the characters. It follows Rita and Sue as they discuss what they want from life and how they can go about getting it and follows the three main characters as their relationship develops. Also there is a look at their home lives.

This film is actually really funny; the sex in the car scene always sticks in my mind, especially Bob’s reaction at the end of it. The acting is quite good though I do not believe the actresses only being of school age but apart from that they were all really good in the roles that they were in. Written by Andrea Dunbar and directed by Alan Clarke this is an interesting look at 80’s Britain, very similar feel to The Full Monty but actually from that time.

I really enjoyed this film though I am not the biggest fan of British films from the 80’s I feel they date to quickly, probably as I can actually remember the 80’s. This film is only really dated by the fashion and the cars everything else could still be from last year, overall this is a 7 out of 10 film, well worth seeing.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

The second in the Lethal Weapon films, sees Murtagh and Riggs back together again as partners, this time investigating South Africans. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, one of the best cop buddies are back in a film that takes what the original created and moves it on a bit. From 1989 it is dated by the fact that the drop back to a lot of the action and set up is Apartheid demonstrations and does lead to the funniest scene in the film in the South African Embassy. “Bit you are Bleck!”

I like the series it went on a bit long and have only ever seen the fourth film once, but the first three are actually a really good series and they do what sequels are supposed to do and build on the original and previous films and I think that this series achieves this. The action is a step up, the comedy goes annoying with Joe Pesci but with Joss Ackland playing the main bad guy you have the comedy relief and the evil enough bad guy.

Overall you will know before you watch this if you are going to like It, a buddy cop movie that ticks all the boxes of the late eighties with dark enough deaths, harsh enough violence and just the right level of comedy. In the Cop buddy stakes it is a 9 out of 10, in the realms of movies it hits a respectable 7 out of 10.

Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994)

The final instalment in the Nightmare on Elm Street from Wes Craven, that takes a different angle completely to the previous films. This is based in the real Life and follows Helen Langenkamp playing herself with her husband and son and other stars from the previous films popping up including Robert Englund and Wes Craven himself. The idea is that a demon has taken the form of Freddy Kreuger and is coming through in to the real world.


An interesting idea however it does not really work for me, firstly Helen Langenkamp is a horrible actress, I am sure that she is a wonderful person but it really brings in how bad she is in the first Nightmare film and the other sequels she is in. Overall I as not pulled in though the idea seems to make logical sense but even though it was supposed to be real life it felt very scripted and it may actually have been better to go with the haunting of a new sequel, done before but would work.

I was not that impressed with the film, Robert Englund came across really well but then I think he is actually a very good actor and have been impressed every time I have seen him. Wes Craven looked like a Director reading lines and I have said enough about Helen. Not a great film and not worth seeing only 3 out of 10 for me on this one.

Eraser (1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger starring in another action packed role along side Vanessa Williams, James Caan, James Coburn and James Cromwell. This time Arnie is a Federal Agent that takes Vanessa Williams in to protective custody and has to protect her from the people who are trying to kill her, they might even be people from within our own government.This is a spy thriller, not in the same realm as True Lies but still a lot of fun.

The set pieces in this film are fun in the unbelievable sense, jumping out of a plane, shooting the glass on the crocodile enclosure and the real threat with a suicide in front of you. This film struggles to find the right balance between fun comedy and serious action. The bad guys are believable but the comedy sidekick is pushing it a little, overall it lends to a jumbled experience.

Saying all of that I did enjoy it and could actually watch Arnie do anything with action as he does have some skill at it on the screen. Overall this is a 6 out of 10 for me, slightly above the middle but obviously not for everybody.

Conspiracy Theory (1997)

From 1997 we meet Gerry the Cab driver played by Mel Gibson who opens the film by talking endlessly about all of the common conspiracy theories and some not so common ones. You then see him try to visit Julia Roberts and it becomes clear that he is a little unhinged and is possibly a little bit obsessed with her. He has some radical theories that he gathers by reading all the newspapers and connecting articles through recent history. The big question surrounds is it Paranoia when they really are out to get you? And Sir Patrick Stewart is there to try and help him as well.

I saw this film not long after it came out but had not seen it again in ages so took the opportunity to watch it and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by it. Gibson and Roberts are not actors I am generally drawn to but they were both more in their hey day when this was filmed and were both very good and convincing. There is obviously some believability whether what is actually done in the film is possible and I think it is just the Hollywood extreme case that almost everything is true but not at the same time and they really make it work in the context of the film.

Patrick Stewart makes the perfect bad guy as he really can act and he can show both sides from the giving father to the evil agent out to kill you all. But he does round out what is an excellent cast and I have to say this film really was a pleasure to watch, 7 out of 10 for me on this one.

Shallow Grave (1994)

From Danny Boyle starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Eccleston and Kerry Fox they live in a flat together and they need another flat mate and this is when Keith Allan enters. When he dies and leaves a big bag of money this is when things start to change for the three friends. This is the first films from Danny Boyle and it really shows what he can do and it also shows what Ewan McGregor can achieve, the ending of the film is intense and really very clever.


While there is the tension in the film between the friends there is some great comedy especially at the start as they interview the potential flat mates. I think that this is an excellent example of British acting and film making from the early 90’s that coincided with Britpop and was the start of some excellent films that came from the British Film industry. The way the money comes into the lives of the students and the fact that it is enough to clear them for life and the fact that it is free and it shows you how you could react with these decisions and where it could lead.

This film is an excellently tension low budget film done right with good acting and good direction and is well worth the 8 out of 10 I give it. I think that if you have not seen this film then it is weel worth checking out.

Red State (2011)

From Kevin Smith his venture in to “Horror”, well that is how it was originally sold when I settled down to watch it. Your basic story starts with three male teenagers, played by Michael Angarano, Kyle Gallner and Nicholas Braun. They are looking to get laid and via a contact site they meet Sara played by Melissa Leo. This leads to them being captured by an extreme church that are portrayed as lunatics lead by Michael Parks. Then the story takes a switch and you end up with a stand off between the church and the Officials lead by John Goodman.


I had heard mixed reviews of this film and was not really that sure what it was about other than what the trailers tell you which is a bit jumbled to what the film actually is. To me it is a look at the world from a couple of view points, you have the Church with their beliefs and how they want to live their lives however wrong you may perceive that and the officials who are following orders and their questions around those orders. You have some quite shocking actions played out by both sides that will catch you off guard. Overall I found it an engaging film that took me on a roller-coaster ride of entertainment and thought provocation which is part of what I presume Kevin Smith was trying to achieve.


Overall I really enjoyed this film and would recommend that everybody gives it a look, the ending is interesting and I have heard that there was something different planned that made it impossible which I would actually have enjoyed as much as the actual ending. I have heard many people think that Smith got it wrong but overall I think he got a message out on this thoughts on both sides of the argument and I give this 8 out of 10.

Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)

The stop motion animation from Wes Anderson sees a telling of the classic Roald Dahl children’s tale of Fantastic Mr Fox. With an all star voice cast including George Clooney as Mr Fox, Meryl Streep as his wife with Jason Schwartzman as Ash, Bill Murray as Badger, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson and others. The film follows the book in a basic way with several alterations, these are needed when converting a book for the big screen.

When you have a film adapted from a book, if you know the book you always compare what they left out and what they added to see if you as a fan of the book agree. Well I like what they did with the additions, I have to say that the very end of the book while very unrealistic is how I imagine the ending everytime but that would not work in a film sense. The additions of the challenges between son and the cousin is good and interesting and I think that overall the story and additions lead to a good film. I did not like the wearing clothes but still being animal, especially with the eating, did not work for me I prefer the full animal or the full animal acting like an animal.

The animation is the next thing with this film and I have to say that it bothered me on some level. They tried to get the realistic movement with the stop motion and overall the look of it was good but what the fur does just got to me and I did not like it. That being said overall this film is a middle of the road venture, some good things some not so good, but due to the love of the original story which they honour this is an above average film so a 6 out of 10 for me.

Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

From Walt Disney comes the adaptation of the book by Johann David Wyss charting a Family ship wrecked on a desert island and their adventures as they adapt from a comfortable life to living off the land. This is very much in the tone of the times with some unrealistic achievements but it is a family friendly film that is full of adventure. You follow the family played by John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur,Tommy Kirk, Kevin Corcoran and the meet Bertie played by Janet Munro and apart from the pirates this is your full cast list.


I have seen this film only a couple of times but I love it in it’s simplicity and this is how I dream I would survive on a desert island, rather than starving to death or getting an infection in my toe and dying. The characters are typical with the two older boys vying for supremacy with one a scholar and one a man’s man. You have the careless free nature of the youngest as he takes risks. Then there are the parents as they watch their children grow in unusual circumstances and try to let them discover who they are on their own.

This is a great film, there is possibly a message for the people of the 1960’s about not getting too hooked into their technology and the advancements, though it does say that with a bit of ingenuity you can make anything work. This film while unbelievable is a family fantasy that ends in a battle with pirates that is thrilling and a lot of fun. This is a 8 out of 10 and well worth seeing for all the family.

Silent Hill (2006)

Based on the computer game of the same name, while I have heard that the game is super creepy and one of the best scary games out there, however I have never played it. So I went into this adaptation with nothing to compare it to, so no idea if it is a good adaptation or not. You follow Rhada Mitchell who is married to Sean Bean, they adopt a daughter who sleepwalks and ends up going missing and through connecting some clues she ends up tracking her to Silent Hill.


On the way she is stopped by a policewoman played by Laurie Holden, they end up together trying to find her daughter and trying to sort out what is happening in the world of Silent Hill. There is a side story that lets you understand a bit more what is happening as you see Sean Bean in and around the same places and you can understand what is going on. Within the world there are lots of viscious twisted creatures and there are also people hunting witches and you have the two female leads making their way through the world and the creatures trying to survive and find Rhada's daughter.


Understanding this is from a game helps but would have preferred to have some level of context and perhaps there could have been a little exposition at the start that helps and explains what the situation is as it is very confusing. I can see no reason for it other than it has to happen as this is what the game is all about. Overall it was fine in the fantasy horror genre of films and the effects were not to bad. I give it 5 out of 10, not terrible but not great and not really worth tracking down unless you have a connection to the game.

Singin' In the Rain (1952)

The musical comedy from 1952 set during the transition from the silent movie era to the talkies, starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. You follow the two main male characters Don and Cosmo as they meet and start getting involved with  Kathy and the story follows them as they enter the world of the talkies and how some of the compatriots cannot cope with the transition to the talking roles.

This film is one of the most famous musicals of the era with several songs that everybody will have heard as they have been parodied and use in adverts and sketches. The two most famous of these songs are the title “Singing in the Rain” and “Good Morning” and they are both catchy and as I write this I find my self singing them. You think and remember the actions and you recognise the impeccable timing that all three of the main actors had in the delivery of the moves as they were all accomplished dancers.


This film was awesome and I am again disappointed in myself for not watching it sooner having put it off and off to watch some of the nonsense I have endured over the years. This is another film that falls in to the category of classic that holds up to it’s reputation and is a strong 9 out of 10, so very nearly perfection in film making. Looking for any suggestions of classic films that I may not have seen all suggestions appreciated.

Sherlock Holmes: Terror by Night (1946)

The 6th film starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes with Nigel Bruce starring as Dr Watson, this film sees our hero’s boarding a train. They are employed by the son of Lady Margaret Carstairs, played by Mary Forbes to protect the Star of Rhodesia, a giant Diamond. While on the train the son of Lady Carstairs is a murdered and the Jewel is stolen. A plot is uncovered and Sherlock Holmes wins the day as he usually does in these films.

This is a short film at 60 minutes and in black and white and is the first Basil Rathbone portrayal of Sherlock Holmes I have had the opportunity to see. I liked Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes, he is debonair and gives the look of having the intelligence to be able to answer the questions raised by the mystery in front of him. I did feel though in this film he seemed a bit distracted and was perhaps phoning it in a bit. My real problem is Nigel Bruce as Dr Watson, I have read some of the stories and seen both Jude Law Performances and he was far to blustering and unbelieving for me and just a bit too stupid. I always thought of Dr Watson as the reasoning intelligent man who while not able to think like Holmes can bring his own logic to the cases.

Overall this was worth watching, it is interesting but for the modern audience the other films and portrayals are much better in my opinion. Therefore I give this 6 out of 10 and only really worth seeing if you have a love of Sherlock Holmes.

Sherlock Holmes 2: A Game of Shadows (2011)

The sequel to the 2009 film from Guy Ritchie starring Robert Downey jnr, Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Rachel McAdams, Jared Harris and Stephen Fry, I reviewed the original here. I really enjoyed the first film, I was unsure if the second which promised to be much the same based upon the trailers before seeing, so I was not expecting too much from it.

You follow Holmes again expertly played by Robert Downey Jnr as he tries to track Moriarty and you come to see where he is when Dr Watson played by Jude Law tracks him down. Then all over Europe they go chasing shadows and ending up at a conference on world peace at the Reichenbach Falls. This film follows on nicely from the original and based upon some of the Holmes stories I have now read and one of the made for TV films I watched this is an excellent adaptation and continuation of the series and as Mark Kermode says it is really nice to see Guy Ritchie find something he is truly excellent at making.


If you enjoyed the first you will probably enjoy this film more and as I fall heartily in to that camp I am happy to give this a resounding 8 out of 10. The support from Moriarty played by Jared Harris and Noomi Rapace playing Madam Simza Heron you really have a great film, I have to say that the ending is a Hollywood cop-out and the only thing stopping this being a 9 out of 10.

Blade Trinity (2004)

The third in the Blade series sees Wesley Snipes return as Daywalker, this times he teams up with Ryan Reynolds and Jessica Beale, the Trinity. This time they are up against the original source of all the vampires, Dracula, or Drake as he is called in this film, portrayed by Dominic Purcell who I first saw in Prison Break.

This film uses Ryan Reynold’s comedy timing to excellent advantage and even if I say so myself he does look very good, I think I might have a man crush on Mr Reynolds. Anyway the main bad guys are Parker Posey and Callum Keith Rennie as brother and sister vampires supported by Paul Levesque, better known as Triple H as the main henchman, with his dogs, just weird. Overall this film goes for the comedy aspect more than any serious story, not slapstick but a lot of one-liners and jokes, there is still the cool action with the fighting scenes.

I really like this film but think that it falls closer to guilty pleasure rather than a very good film. Ryan Reynolds is excellent and very likeable and Jessica Beale just looks very good, Snipes is a bit quieter and think that he must have been contracted for the third film. This is a 7 out of 10 for me but I know that it is tainted by my enjoyment of the film or maybe just Mr Reynolds.

Blade 2 (2002)

The second outing for Wesley Snipes as Daywalker, Blade. This time sees Blade have to rescue Whistler again played by Kris Kirstofferson and while in this he is approached by the very people he hunts, to help them as there is a new predator. This sees Blade working with vampires including Leonor Varela, Danny John Jules and Ron Pearlman as a wise cracking violent member of the Bloodpack.


While trying to continue from the original and there are a few references to what has happened in this film it tries to also move the world on and take the story in a new direction. It also explores the Blade world of vampires and the divisions within them. It actually put me a lot in mind of the Underworld Vampires and the set up within that franchise. Snipes is violent and an awesome as Blade and he can handle the violence and the wise cracking.


Overall this is an okay film, it is not brilliant and will certainly not win any awards but overall it is enjoyable fayre with enough fights, cool deaths and enjoyment to see you thought the running time. This film falls in the middle the production values take it above average so 7 out of 10.

Bikini Girls On Ice (2009)

Okay you caught me I watched this film expecting some cheeky titillation and some cheap thrills. It is a slasher film where the College girls decide to hold a Bikini Car Wash to raise money. On the way to their chosen venue they end up at what appears to be an abandoned gas station. You have your usual suspects from the good girl to the slut from the bitch to the jock to the nerdy guy that is helping cause he just wants to get laid.


I went in with low expectations expecting some sort of 80’s throw back, possibly with some sort of Disney on ice back drop. What you get is a middle of the road slasher film where the killer is scary daunting and well portrayed by William Jarrand but you have no justification or even a motive, even if it was plausible for no investigation when all these people go missing it just does not work. The only slight motive put forward is that he has an ice machine and likes to keep his ice box full for keeping the bodies cold, no reason for this is ever given. The acting is ropey with a couple of the girls just there for how good they look in Bikinis and certainly not for the acting ability. Then you get to plot holes and I am not even talking about the bad decisions victims are supposed to make I am talking about a group leave successfully and yet the authorities never show up.

You get one topless shot that barely justified the title and the effort I expended watching this film. It really was a disappointment and that was going in with very low expectations. The only thing I can think of is that there was a point that I missed and perhaps it was trying to be deeper but it missed its mark, so only 2 out of 10 from me and you can all avoid this film, unless you know somebody in it.

Apocalypto (2006)

Mel Gibson writes and directs a film about the Mayans and it is all subtitled, I was not that interested in this film. When it first came out I was not interested and would not have watched it but for the fact that it was on in the Coach when I was in Mexico. I had just been to visit the Chichen Itza and our guide, Victor, who was of Mayan descent, after speaking to us for hours all day told us that Mel Gibson had done the film correctly. He thinks that it is one of the truest representations of the people we had been hearing about all day. So I thought two hours on the bus, might as well settle down and enjoy the film as it was the only film on offer so that had to be worth something.

You follow Jaguar Paw as his tribe hunt a creature and you very quickly are pulled into the tribe set up and the very basic nature of their relationships and how they live. On the way back to the village they encounter a tribe of fisher people and with a warning they ignore, their troubles begin. You follow Jaguar Paw as he is captured and he vows and endeavours to return to his pregnant wife and young son. Along the way you meet the Mayans and you find out that they are a blood thirsty race out for sacrifice and how they treat the other tribes. The title Apocalypto comes from certain prophecies within the film and what the ending foreshadows.

This film was filmed using some natives that had never acted before but the set pieces and overall look and feel of the film was excellent. The story lacks a bit for me and there was a difference between the end of the film and what Victor had told us but then a little poetic licence is always needed in these films to get the message across. Overall though whether it was more to do with my day or the film itself I really enjoyed it within the context of seeing it. This is 7 out of 10 for me but if you do watch it on this recommendation just remember my view may have had a slight tint to it.

Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Another Oscar winning film, this time from 1991 starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, directed by Jonathan Demme. You follow Clarice Starling played by Jodie Foster as a young unqualified FBI agent who working with Scott Glenn as Jack Crawford ends up on the Buffalo Bill case and through a series of events gets to go and interview Dr Hannibal Lecter played brilliantly by Anthony Hopkins in what is probably his most famous role.

This film is brilliant, it is creepy, tense and there are flashes of sheer violence that while at the same time grotesque are not gory and are timed to perfection. Anthony Hopkins plays Dr Lector perfectly while manipulative and cunning he plays him so that you feel compassion for him. Like a lot of the great bad guys in cinema you almost start to root for him, then you swing back against him and possibly at the end you are back on his side, while you know he is vicious you respect him.

I have seen this film before but this is the first time that I have ever really enjoyed it, I am now at the point in my film watching that I am starting to really understand what the films are saying and trying to convey. Overall this is a strong 8 out of 10, not dated by being over 20 years old and a few plot holes on her speaking to Lecter alone you still get drawn in by the story and the awesome acting.

13Hrs (2010)

A British Werewolf film starring Isabella Calthorpe, Gemma Atkinson and Tom Felton, it starts in a lonely farmhouse when Isabella Calthorpe playing Sarah Tyler returns home and links up with her two brothers and her best friend played by Gemma Atkinson who is now going out with her brother. They head from the party in the barn where they are drinking and smoking and head back to the house, when the power goes out and as they are trying to see what has happened they discover that there is a wild animal in the house and it then starts picking them off one by one.

The further away from the film I am the better I think it was this, is a good thing as my initial reaction was one of not very good. As I am thinking about it I really have a better opinion of it. You follow a fairly interesting cast as you have Tom Felton, famous from all of the Harry Potter films and it is good to see him in a totally different role and you can see some of his skills coming through. Gemma Atkinson, of men’s magazine fame and Hollyoaks is actually playing not to bad a character. Yes overall there are weaknesses, the acting is not great and the story is a bit clunky but overall the ending if you are paying attention is quite clever and you have a bit of an epiphany at the end that shows they were thinking about the whole thing.


Overall not a great film but then the low budget shows and really it has some interesting ideas that show hope for the future from the actors and the writes and directors, overall 6 out of 10, up from an original 4 out of 10.

The Departed (2006)

From 2006 starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Walberg and Martin Sheen from director Martin Scorsese this is remake of Infernal Affairs bring the action of spies, cops and robbers to Boston. This is the film that finally won Scorsese his Oscar and while it is awesome and I really enjoy it I am unsure if it deserved the Oscar for that year. There are questions whether the award was more of a life time achievement award for Scorsese. You follow Leo and Matt as they grow up and come through the ranks of the Police and Criminal organisations and you follow Leo as an undercover cop he infiltrates Jack Nicholson's gang. And you follow Matt Damon as a member of Jack Nicholson's gang as he infiltrates the police and rises to power.


his film is full of twists and turns and you follow the main leads as they struggle with maintaining their identity and also trying to find out who the other is. There are plenty of shocks and the ending is awesome, confusing and just about right for this film and even though I have seen it a couple of times still love the ending. There is some love interest that focuses on Vera Farmiga; this gives more insight in to both the characters as they both interact with her.


The first time I saw this film I was on holiday in the US and always wondered if my love for it stemmed from the experience but taking the time to re-watch it I still love this film and give it a solid 9 out of 10 and a high recommend to everybody. Also if I get the opportunity I will be looking out the original as I have heard that this is very good as well.

Shutter Island (2010)

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the fourth film he has worked with Director Martin Scorsese, this film has Leo depicting a US Marshall as he and his partner played by Mark Ruffalo go to Shutter Island which houses a prison for the criminally insane. They have been sent to investigate the disappearance of one of the female inmates but is there more going on there than meets the eye? You follow Leo as he tries to figure out what has happened at the prison and what might be hidden there.

The first time I saw this film the impact of the twist was awesome, I was a bit distracted as it appeared that it was going to be a random reason for a disappearance and while I could see something was going on from what I could see I did not expect or see what was coming and it blew my mind. I have heard that some people guessed what was happening but for me it was out of the blue other than the knowledge that something had to be happening. Overall if you can see this knowing there is a twist but not what it is I think that you will appreciate the acting with Leo and Mark Ruffalo you have Sir Ben Kingsly, Max Von Sydow, Jackie Earle Haley and Emily Mortimer all playing excellent characters.

This is a film that I recommend, especially if you enjoy mysteries and thrillers, you will appreciate this and if you can spot the twist let me know, I would love to hear how you came to the right conclusion without it being a guess. Based on the early nods you are supposed to guess that something is up and even on second watch I still appreciated this film and would recommend you see it, this is a strong 9 out of 10 for me.

Ginger Snaps (2000)

The Canadian Werewolf film from director John Fawcett and writer Karen Walton you follow Brigitte and Ginger, sisters played by Emily Perkins and Katharine Isabelle respectively. This film explores females reaching puberty and getting the curse and uses Lycanthropy as a metaphor on how girls may feel like when they already feel like outsiders. The film starts with Ginger being attacked in the neighbourhood and follows the girls as they try to figure out what is happening to them both as they get older and Ginger as she starts to change.


I had heard many great things about this film stating that it was the greatest werewolf film ever, while I found it entertaining and enjoyable it was not the greatest film ever. I wonder if part of my issue was hype and expectation? The film is low budget and I had a few issues with the creature effects especially later in the film, try a bit more tell don't show would have been appropriate for this film. The girls are fine and you feel the pain of Brigitte as Ginger starts to explore her changes and joins a different circle of friends.


Overall an enjoyable film and worth seeing, I give this film 6 out of 10 and say that it is well worth seeing, especially if you are in to the genre of horror or lower budget films.

Fantastic 4:Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)

From the glut of super hero films that came out in the 2000’s this is the second film in the Marvel series of the Fantastic Four which consists of Mr Fantastic played by Ioan Gruffudd, Sue Storm played by Jessica Alba, Johnny Storm played by Chris Evans and the Thing played by Michael Chiklis. Mr Fantastic and Sue Storm are trying to get married but things just keep getting in their way, I think it is Mr Fantastic’s Blackberry which he cannot let go of. Anyway the Silver Surfer turns up and starts boring holes in the Earth and the fantastic four are called upon to save the world again.

Another comic book adaptation where I have no idea of the source material, so do not know if this is a good adaptation for the screen. I will say that it is aimed very low in my opinion, the first film and this one both go for bawdy laughs and cheap gags and the story is not that strong from my point of view. There are some good laughs if you like the characters when they start switching powers but it is a sketch more than a good thing. Also the ending is a bit meh, just not captivating and non-engaging.


So in summary poor characters, poor story but some interesting giggles and the effects are certainly acceptable but overall not worth seeing 3 out of 10.

Mr Deeds (2002)

Adam Sandler playing Longfellow Deeds in a comedy about a nice guy inheriting the controlling interest in a Media conglomerate and starts doing business his way. This is a remake of the 1936 film Mr Deeds goes to Town. You have the crook played by Peter Gallagher tries to convince him to sign it all over to him. With support from Winona Ryder and John Toturro. Adam Sandler films are hit or miss for me, some of the early stuff like Billy Maddison and Happy Gilmore have some funny parts in them but overall I am not that big a fan of his.

Here the problems with the film lie in the fact that Longfellow Deeds is to good, he does everything right and everybody loves him. It just felt so false for me and was not that taken with him on any level. A couple of the jokes are funny including his black foot but is a bit overplayed and got old quite quickly.

I am sure if you are a fan of Adam Sandler then you will have enjoyed this film and enjoyed the jokes and it will have been right for you. However for me it missed the mark and I can only give it 4 out of 10 and say that if not already an Adam Sandler fan then avoid this.

The People Under the Stairs (1991)

From Wes Craven you follow Fool played by Brandon Quintin Adams as he is roped into a robbery by Ving Rhames and Jeremy Roberts. They decide they are going to rob the home of Everett McGill and Wendy Robie who are living in a huge house as Mother and Father. They think there has to be a lot of money in the house due to the locks and bars.

I love this film, from the first time I saw it, the people under the stairs are held within the house and they come into play further into the film. With Sean Whalen as Roach with  Wayne Daniels and Michael Kopelow. The effects that are used are good enough and the characters of Fool and Alice played by A J Langer are thrown together and they develop a positive bond that I think is very visible.

This is one of these films that comes under horror without the real gruesome gore or the real violence but there is a dark edge to a film that has some levels of comedy. This film has its flaws but I have a real soft spot for it and will always watch it given the opportunity so a 4 star recommend for me.

Big (1988)

A childhood classic directed by Penny Marshall and starring Tom Hanks as Josh Baskin the young boy who wakes up Big. You start by following Jared Rushton who plays Billy and David Moscow who plays the young Josh who falls out with his mother played by Mercedes Ruehl and when at the fair ground he makes a wish and the following morning he wakes up and everything is different. Heading into the city he lives a life of an adult with child sensibilities getting a job, apartment and a love interest.

This is another film that falls squarely into the category of family classic it covers many bases including the importance of family and also the importance of taking time to grow up properly enjoy being a child and while it can suck, still it is necessary. It also looks at the fact that as adults it is important for us to still appreciate being children and remembering to have fun.

This film is one of the films that really brought Tom Hanks to my attention as a youngster and since that time he has pretty much always been there and has always been very good. This film is a superb 4 stars and if you have not taken the time to see it I highly recommend that you make the time, because we are only young once.  

Calamity Jane (1953)

The musical Western from 1953 starring Doris Day as Calamity Jane with Howard Keel, Allyn Ann McLerie and Philip Carey. Sees Jane agree to bring a big female star from the city to her town of Deadwood. Jane is very much a Tomboy and dresses as a soldier, shoots and drinks with the men and wants to be accepted as one of the boys. The film follows her as she discovers more about what she wants from life and why being a woman can be good.

This film is a lot of fun and the songs including "The Deadwood Stage (Whip Crack Away)" and "Just Blew in From the Windy City" are catchy, memorable and I am sure you will have heard them before. Musicals are a strange type of film as they can be more about the music than the story, this I think can be an issue for some people who are looking to watch a film rather than segments of music videos. The older Musicals including this really use the songs well to help emphasise the story and be a set piece within the film.

Musicals are a genre of film that I have naturally avoided but having seen this and recently seeing "Singin in the Rain" for the first time and really enjoying it, I am going to try and watch more Musicals. Overall this is a strong 3 stars I would recommend checking if nothing else to see a solid film star in Doris Day.