Shame: DVD
To have the front to call yourself Steve McQueen and get away with it takes some grit, plus you would have to be totally different to the late legendary film star that we all knew and loved. Well this...
Yesterday
2 Days in New York
This Independent Cinema Office festival movie at the London National Theatre will, I hope, get an excellent nationwide release, as it’s a unique comedy, with a somewhat different touch from its...
Yesterday
All in Good Time
Directed by Nigel Cole, and therefore continuing his look at British life in various forms. After “Made In Dagenham” and good old “Calendar Girls”, we now have his latest work which is set...
4 days ago
Goodbye First Love
This co-production (France and Germany), directed by Mia Hanse-Love, explores the teenage world of new love and romance and its intensity.
Our young couple, Camille (Lola Creton) and...
8 days ago
Lockout
Not normally my cup of tea, this kind of thing. Having said that, I found that I actually enjoyed it.
Set in the distant future, a giant orbiting space prison is floating about, as...
11 days ago
This Must Be The Place
This very curious road picture – because at the end of the day that’s what it really is – presents me with a problem, in as much as I didn’t quite know how I should react to it.
The scenario...
14 days ago
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Let me stress something here, which is do not be put off by the title of this wonderful film. Of course those of you who have read the bestselling novel by Paul Jorday will flock to see...
1 month ago
The Artist
Now and again you see some magic; such is the case here. Seen on the smallest screens and in unfashionable black and white, this silent movie – yes, I did say silent, is a wow.
It tells the...
1 month ago
The Avengers
They are coming – the thing is, are you ready? There’s more than one of them, and they are not the TV heroes of yesterday, eg John Steed and Emma Peel. No, No; this bunch are...
1 month ago
Trishna
Based upon Thomas Hardy’s classic tragedy, this modern day interpretation is indeed a great tragedy. Trishna (Freida Pinto), she of ‘Slumdog’ fame, is a beautiful heroine. She makes you...
1 month ago
The Iron Lady
Let me say from the off, this political bio-drama will win Meryl Streep an Oscar as best actress. She’s already won a Globe, so it should be in the bag - we shall see; for me she can do no...
1 month ago
Wild Bill
The slogan for this new drama, directed by Dexter Fletcher, reads - “One of the best British pictures for years” - and I have to say I whole heartedly agree. Set very cleverly against the East...
1 month ago
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Daniel Craig is about to invade a multiplex as Journalist Mikael Blomkvist, in this latest US version of the best-selling thriller from the world of Stieg Larsson. The trio of books from Larsson have...
1 month ago
Bel Ami
Set in Paris, France, in the 1880s, this black comedy is a lesson in how to get to the top of the business world. How? Get to know the wives of VIPs. Of course it helps...
1 month ago
The Hunger Games
To all intents and purposes, this should be the first in a series of films based upon the very successful books by Suzanne Collins. So what’s it all about then, you may ask? ...
2 months ago
The Raven
Based on the gothic horror tale by the American master of the genre, Edgar Allan Poe, this chiller thriller is a nail biter. Starring John Cusack as Poe, the story unravels in turn of the...
2 months ago
We Bought a Zoo
A real journalist called Benjamin Mee bought a zoo; the only difference between his zoo and the one in this film is location - his zoo is in Dartmoor and the movie version is in California. So...
2 months ago
Submarine
Although I’ve put this teenage growing up film in the DVD category, which is where you will find it, I actually saw it at our local cinema club which, like all good clubs of that ilk, strives to show...
2 months ago
Rampart
Woody Harrelson, as Officer Dave Brown, is not the kind of person to encounter on a bad day; on any day come to that. As the scrooge of the Los Angeles police department, he is not their...
2 months ago
Hugo
The whole thing is set in the interior of a 1930’s Paris train station, where our young hero, Hugo (Asa Butterfield), lives - he’s hidden away inside the clock tower; his late father (Jude Law) was...
2 months ago
Safe House
Directed by Sweden’s Daniel Espinosa, this action filled spy drama is, I guess, pretty much what you would expect. Long, drawn out, crash, wallop! And that’s not long after it...
2 months ago
The Awakening
So you’re sitting around the log fire having consumed too much turkey and Christmas pudding, when that old relative reveals that they excel at telling ghost stories. So if you enjoy that kind of...
2 months ago
Tower Heist
This is a mixed bag of tricks which almost works. It’s 21st century Manhattan and Josh (Ben Stiller) plays a very caring, luxury tower block manager. Backed up by a dependable staff, all runs like...
2 months ago
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
It would have been so easy for this vehicle to float off into the world of farce and caricature. Thankfully it does not. In fact, I am pleased to be able to say, it works on every level; it’s...
2 months ago
The Help
Based upon the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, the story unfolds through 1960’s Southern USA, or to be more specific, Jackson, Mississippi. Through the eyes and ears of two delightful...
3 months ago
Jane Eyre
This much filmed and televised classic Bronte tale is now out on DVD.
As for the story, well most of you will know it by now. However, there’s always new blood, so here goes.
Jane (Mia...
3 months ago
The Woman in the Fifth
Strange title - well, yes, but then it is a strange film; interesting but strange. The setting is modern day Paris into which writer, Tom Ricks (Ethan Hawke), arrives with the purpose of...
3 months ago
My Week With Marilyn
I expect there was a time when many a man all over the world would have loved to have woken up only to find M.M. in their Christmas sack; well maybe not after this movie.
The most famous blonde of...
3 months ago
Contagion
The epidemic of scary films was so prevalent in the 1970s, I do hope there’s not more on the way. It was always an excuse to cram as many stars into hours as possible, and this follows the pattern....
3 months ago
Extremely Loud, Incredibly Close
Directed by our own Stephen Daldry, whose previous work stands in its own spotlight, it’s debateable therefore if this post 9/11 aftermath drama will share the same platform. Reason being,...
3 months ago
The Rum Diary
Springing from the routes, as it were, of late author’s Hunter Davis memoirs. This alcoholic dazed, humorous tale, set in sun soaked Puerto Rico is a serious hoot. Hoot because it’s very funny in...
3 months ago
The Three Musketeers
Well, I guess it had to happen sooner or later, an up to date version of Dumas’ “ Musketeers”.
For those of you who don’t even know the story, a young D’Artagnan comes to the city from the sticks...
3 months ago
A Dangerous Method
Though beautiful to look at, location wise and costume wise, my guess is this very fraught, wordy, physiological drama will mainly appeal to interested parties. In other words, to fans of...
3 months ago
Carnage
This very black comedy is nothing short of brilliant! Based upon a stage play, it shows us what occurs when Alan & Nancy Cowan (Christopher Waltz and Kate Winslet) visit the Longstreets...
3 months ago
We Need To Talk About Kevin
The automatic answer to this statement is “yes we do!” A psychological drama, directed by Lynne Ramsay, and based upon the bestselling book by Lionel Shriver, which derived its content from the awful...
3 months ago
The Lady
Aung San Suu Kyi (Michelle Yeoh) returns home from England because of her mother’s passing and is unhappy with what she sees. Basically a military Junta is in control.
They...
3 months ago
Haywire
Well, the title is rather indicative of what’s on offer. In fact, one’s almost tempted to say who needs Bond when you’ve got Mallory! Then again, perhaps not; mind you, Mallory Kane, as...
3 months ago
Man on a Ledge
The title kind of gives things away but all is not that simple in this fast moving thriller. The man is revealed to be Nick Cassidy, an ex-cop who is on the run from prison, having been wrongly...
3 months ago
Morris: A Life with Bells on
Now this is different and comes with an interest background. It started a few years ago now, and the small outfit behind it had a hard time trying to get any serious recognition for it for...
3 months ago
Shame
To have the front to call yourself Steve McQueen and get away with it takes some grit, plus you would have to be totally different to the late legendary film star that we all knew and...
4 months ago
The Descendants
Matt King (George Clooney) is suddenly dad to two girls when his wife has a tragic accident which renders her helpless in a hospital bed. So much so that the family have to consider pulling the...
4 months ago
The Woman in Black
A film that highlights three things: firstly, the transformation of a very successful stage play that’s been running forever, it seems, into a film; secondly, Daniel Radcliffe’s debut in a...
4 months ago
The Iron Lady
Let me say from the off, this political bio-drama will win Meryl Streep an Oscar as best actress. She’s already won a Globe, so it should be in the bag - we shall see; for me she can do no...
4 months ago
Drive
I have very mixed feelings about this, so called, edgy thriller. The substance is as follows: The driver (Ryan Gosling) is working on a one off super car with money supplied by his crippled pal. He...
4 months ago
W.E.
This film has come in for a bit of stick from my fellow reviewers, which I think is grossly unfair. I think Madonna has done a great job in producing and directing this very novel spin on one of...
4 months ago
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
This spy movie is a master class in both acting and superb British film making. Please note members of the coalition, I said British, which once was best! And can be again - so wake up government!...
4 months ago
The Artist
Now and again you see some magic; such is the case here. Seen on the smallest screens and in unfashionable black and white, this silent movie – yes, I did say silent, is a wow. ...
4 months ago
Resistance
I’m all for local films being made in their own vicinity, and therefore highlighting local things, including talent. This, in this case, means Wales. This truly is a Welsh production -...
4 months ago
The Debt
There seems to be a current trend for the spy movie again, especially those that are still routed in the past. This thriller, directed by John Madden, is a riveting example of the genre.
Retired...
4 months ago
War Horse
This is it - the film of the year - maybe even Oscar bound, who knows? I have seen the amazing stage version which we loved. So if anyone was going to do an epic version of this...
4 months ago
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Daniel Craig is about to invade a multiplex as Journalist Mikael Blomkvist, in this latest US version of the best-selling thriller from the world of Stieg Larsson. The trio of books from Larsson...
5 months ago
The Deep Blue Sea
This famous post war story, based upon Terence Rattigan’s well known play, features Mrs James Bond (Rachel Weisz) as Hester Collyer. She lives a rather well to do life style, in a post war...
5 months ago
Hugo
I approached this Martin Scorsese epic with great expectations, but alas they were somewhat crushed. What should have been a great movie, was only good, with a few ‘could have been better’...
5 months ago
The Rum Diary
Springing from the routes, as it were, of late author’s Hunter Davis memoirs. This alcoholic dazed, humorous tale, set in sun soaked Puerto Rico is a serious hoot. Hoot because it’s very...
5 months ago
Tower Heist
This is a mixed bag of tricks which almost works. Its 21st century Manhattan and Josh (Ben Stiller) plays a very caring, luxury tower block manager. Backed up by a dependable staff, all...
5 months ago
The Help
I am sure that this wonderful film will linger in your local “multi” or independent cinema as it’s a treat. In other words I do hope you get the chance to see it.
Based upon the best-selling...
6 months ago
The Awakening
So you’re sitting around the log fire having consumed too much turkey and Christmas pudding, when that old relative reveals that they excel at telling ghost stories. So if you enjoy that...
6 months ago
Arthur Christmas
This is going to be the big one and a Christmas film for all to enjoy. Directed by Sarah Smith, who also co-wrote the script, it tells the tale of Arthur (voiced by James McAvoy) whose alone...
6 months ago
Wuthering Heights
Another good one for the Christmas and New Year season; yet another version of the classic Emily Bronte tale. In case there are some of you who haven’t read or seen this, then here goes....
6 months ago
Midnight in Paris
Either you’re a Woody Allen fan or you’re not. Personally I have been for a long time, although I realise that he may have slipped up a little in more recent times. Happily that is not the...
6 months ago
60 Second News: 6th December 2011
Wintry weather set to continue
The cold snap is expected to continue as forecasters warn of frequent wintry showers and persistent snow across Scotland.
The Met Office has issued severe weather...
6 months ago
My Week with Marilyn
Staying with the Christmas theme, I expect there was a time when many a man all over the world would have loved to have woken up only to find M.M. in their Christmas sack; well maybe not after...
6 months ago
The Three Musketeers
Well, I guess it had to happen sooner or later, an up to date version of Dumas’ “ Musketeers”. Plus it’s in 3D - does that make it good? Now that’s a very debatable point.
For...
6 months ago
Contagion
The epidemic of scary films was so prevalent in the 1970s, I do hope there’s not more on the way. It was always an excuse to cram as many stars into hours as possible, and this follows the...
7 months ago
Johnny English Reborn
It had to happen sometime. Rowan Atkinson’s return to his successful spoof spy hero. The mission goes like this. Johnny English (Rowan) after years in the Libyan mountains, studying...
7 months ago
We Need to Talk About Kevin
The automatic answer to this statement is “yes we do!” A psychological drama, directed by Lynne Ramsay, and based upon the bestselling book by Lionel Shriver, which derived its content...
7 months ago
Melancholia
The film opens with stunning scenes and majestic music (Wagner) and a series of skills and slow motion sequences. A glimpse of what’s in store and what’s that?
Justine (Kirsten Dunst)...
7 months ago
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
This spy movie is a master class in both acting and superb British film making. Please note members of the coalition, I said British, which once was best! And can be again - so wake...
7 months ago
Drive
I have very mixed feelings about this, so called, edgy thriller. The substance is as follows: The driver (Ryan Gosling) is working on a one off super car with money supplied by his...
8 months ago
Le Herisson (The Hedgehog)
This French movie, directed by Mona Achache, for me has been by far, one of the nicest film experiences in a long time.
Set in a Parisian apartment block, our story unfolds partially through the...
8 months ago
Tomboy
A French film, directed by Celine Sciamma, which explores the joys and trials and teenage tribulation of growing up in a French suburb of Paris.
Michael does what all boys do - play football, swim...
8 months ago
The Bengali Dectective
A Docu-drama, set in the present day Calcutta, which chronicles weeks and days in the life of a city detective agency, which is one of India’s fastest growing commercial business. ...
8 months ago
The Debt
There seems to be a current trend for the spy movie again, especially those that are still routed in the past. This thriller, directed by John Madden, is a riveting example of the genre....
8 months ago
Sarah's Key
I caught this fascinating French movie on a one day showing in Cambridge, so I’m not sure how much of a release it’s had. My guess is, limited, but catch it if you can. It’s a “goodie” and...
9 months ago
Mr Popper's Penguins
Businessman, Tom Pepper (Jim Carey), resides in his luxury Manhattan apartment. Suddenly his upmarket world is interrupted by the arrival of six penguins on his door step. Naturally, this...
9 months ago
The Guard
Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) is suitably hilarious in this modern day black comedy.
Firmly ensconced in the west of Ireland, and leading a somewhat bizarre lifestyle as he slurps...
9 months ago
Jane Eyre
This much filmed and televised classic Bronte tale is once again adorning our local picture house screens. Will you want to see it? Well, I’d imagine there are enough fans who will buy a...
9 months ago
The Kill List
Quite why this film was made in the first place is beyond me. Still it’s a free country and all that.
We follow the motions of pals Jay and Gal, who are given – The Kill List. ...
9 months ago
The Skin I Live In
This Spanish movie, as directed by the legendary Pedro Almodovar, gives Antonio Banderas the chance to play a slightly evil character. Albeit that in plastic surgeon, Dr Robert Ledgard’s eyes,...
9 months ago
Captain America
There’s no second thought as to what this is all about. nContinuing the current fad for superb heroes, we now have Capt. America who battles against the Nazi mob in World War 2 and wins....
10 months ago
The Tree of Life
Brad Pitt first came to the forte in movies as a kind of young Robert Redford, who also directed him in his very first noteworthy film. Nowadays, he’s a very strong force in movie land....
10 months ago
Cars 2
If you saw the first one of these auto charmers, you’ll recall it was the last that the great Paul Newman undertook, he being a vehicle voice.
This time, when it comes to legends ,dear old Michael...
10 months ago
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Directed by Mike Newell
As a teenager one would often thrill to the delights of John Derek or aging Mr Flynn swinging about the streets of Baghdad or some such place, wielding a sword...
10 months ago
The Conspirator
By the time you see this excellent thriller, I guess it will be on DVD judging by its scant release - iIt being one for history buffs and those of you who prefer a thinking film – which...
10 months ago
The Lovely Bones
Directed by Peter Jackson
Directed by the ‘Rings’ king Peter Jackson, this adaptation of Alice Sebolds chiller thriller is intriguing and treads a strange path.
Set in 1970s suburban...
11 months ago
Up
Director Pete Docter
I saw this wonderful Pixar/Disney animated film with a packed cinema of Saturday morning children. They loved it and so did I. I’d missed it previously – my mistake. Rent it...
11 months ago
Up in the air
This George Clooney film has already garnered Golden Globe Awards.
It’s a strange piece which finds our hero working for an independent firing company and so he is up in the air literally, flying...
11 months ago
The Brothers
Directed by Jim Sheridan
Cinema
It’s always difficult to come up with something script wise that we haven’t seen before when it comes to films. In this case it’s familiar territory. Never...
11 months ago
Inglourious Bastards
I have to admit that this latest offering from the always surprising Quentin Tarantino was not what I expected at all. I was thinking it was going to be a send up of past war movies like “The Dirty...
11 months ago
Four Christmases
So the big day is fast approaching, which means a wonderful vacation for Kate (Reece Witherspoon) and Brad (Vince Vaughn) but guess what? They live in San Francisco, which is prone to fog and the...
11 months ago
This is it
Sadly, one has to ask the question what would Michael Jackson’s live appearances at London’s O2 arena have been like? Of course we won’t know because of his recent passing.
This...
11 months ago
Bright Star
It’s always a thrill to write about a local boy that has made it. Ben Wishaw who hails from the Queen Mother youth theatre in Hitchin is that person.
In this romantic drama he plays the young...
11 months ago
Defiance
This powerhouse of a Second World War movie, has three things going for it in particular: first and foremost it’s a true story, second a perfectly cast Daniel Craig and third it’s a great story...
11 months ago
The Reader
Once in a while you come across a movie that’s so moving and one that makes you think so deeply, it’s hard to describe in mere words. “The Reader”, directed by Stephen Daldry, with a screen play...
11 months ago
In Bruges
Were back in hood land again. That is to say two hit men are hiding out in beautiful and historic Bruges. Having hit someone back in London, someone thought that no one would look for them in a place...
11 months ago
Pineapple Express
No, it’s not a Disney film and it’s also not a train. Well, not in the proper sense anyway. Rather it’s a rare new strain of drug or weed as desired by Dale (Seth Rogan) who, when he’s about to get...
11 months ago
Bad Teacher
This film shows Cameron Diaz at her hottest yet, different from her usual rom-com’s. It was good to see her out of her normal angelic–like character. She played Elizabeth Halsey superbly, she...
11 months ago
The Beaver
It’s rather odd to observe Mel Gibson in a role that mirrors recent happenings in his own life. Maybe that was director Jodie Foster’s, who co-stars in this quirky comedy, intentions.
Walter...
11 months ago
Potiche
This French comedy which translates in the title sense to “trophy wife” is a joy to behold. Why – because its two stars (Catherine Deneuve) and (Gerard Depardieu) are exactly that - stars...
11 months ago
The Hangover Part II
The Wolfpack are back!
Right so here it is, “ It’s happened again” are the famous words to come out of Phil’s (Bradley Cooper’s) mouth during this movie - the words in itself explain all....
11 months ago
X Men First Class
There’s a huge trend right now for bringing Marvel comic heroes to the big screen. This being the latest. So does it work? Yes it does the reason being – apart from the excellent cast the teaming of...
11 months ago
Eyes Wide Open
Oh yes, I was there, complete with granddaughter - “Don’t show me up poppa” and an audience full of young girls.
The JLS lads decided to film their 02 concert in 3D, and it also give us...
11 months ago
Hue and Cry
This month’s classic movie – check out the internet – is Ealing studio's first post war comedy.
Set in a bomb sited 1946 London, our hero (Harry Fowler) works in Covent Garden – the...
11 months ago
The Green Lantern
In Post war London , there was a shop in Tower Bridge Road that sold American comics, which meant that Batman and Superman and the rest were cool to purchase and I...
11 months ago
Chico & Rita- Directed by Fernando Truba
I hope you catch this animated movie about a pianist Chico and singer Rita.
Set in Cuba, N.Y, London and Paris, their love story, set to original music by Cuba’s Bebo Valdes, is different and...
11 months ago
Meet The Parents (Little Fockers)
Come on you know what to expect.
De Niro says to Stiller “do you have it in you to be a Godfocker? Because I’m watching you” - GOT IT!
11 months ago
Morning Glory (Comming to your screens next year)
Starring Harrison Ford as an over the hill presenter, who is given the job of co-hosting a morning T.V slot over coffee and cornflakes with Diane Keaton.
Yes sparks fly, especially with grumpy...
11 months ago
Salt
I have been told by my doctor that too much salt is not good for me. Well after seeing this high speed all action spy thriller starring Angelina Jolie as a very dangerous and capable double agent...
11 months ago
The Girl Who Played With Fire
In the second of the trilogy of novels by Sweden ’s Stieg Larsson, our heroine of an anti-establishment nature, Lizbeth Salander, finds herself in yet more trouble as she is accused of a...
11 months ago
Tamara Drewe
Well, Gemma Arterton is certainly flavour of the moment these days, and in this latest British comedy she proves to be somewhat raunchy and sexy in the title role.
Tamara (Gemma Arterton)...
11 months ago
Eat. Pray. Love
Inspired by the best selling memoirs by Liz Gilbert all as Julie Roberts, this tale takes us on a journey to the other side of the world. So why is that? Our Liz is on a personal quest to find...
11 months ago
Made In Dagenham
Although the coalition government have put the lid on the British film council (What's wrong with them? Are they Mad?! Even Clint Eastwood is on our side!!), there seems to be a glut of...
11 months ago
Tony Curtis 1925-2010
Well, I couldn’t let the sad passing of one of Hollywood ’s legends go by without a few words from yours truly. My wife and I met him on a number of occasions and he was always charming,...
11 months ago
The Town
This heist movie is up there with the good ones e.g. ‘Heat’ and ‘Thomas Crown’ and what’s more it’s written and directed by its star, Ben Affleck, who’s made a journey into this area before with ‘Gone...
11 months ago
Norman Wisdom
Yet another icon passed away recently, namely Norman Wisdom. Charlie Chaplin called him his favourite comic. With his little man against all odds style you can see why.
How well I...
11 months ago
Harry Potter the Deathly Hallows - Part One
This penultimate movie is very scary with wizardry all over the place. So here’s the thing.
Dark Lord Voldemort’s gang have got a wanted notice on Harry. He must be taken at all costs and...
11 months ago
The American
This movie was shot in Italy. Maybe anti-hero (George Clooney) was able to commute to his como home?
George is a hit man hiding out in a medieval village. He wants to retire from the law...
11 months ago
London Boulevard- Directed by William Monahan
Collin Farrell and Keira Knightley star in this south London gangster pic.
You just know Mitchell – CF whose working as a D.I.Y. guy for actress Charlotte (Keira) is going to be...
11 months ago
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
Recently, I went over to the beautifully restored art deco picture house, the Rex, in Berkhamstead. Which if you haven’t been is a gem and well worth a visit. On this occasion I finally caught up with...
11 months ago
Biutiful
A Mexican movie with Oscar winning actor Javier Bardem as the tortured Uxbal who struggles with his seedy past, having found out that his future is bleak. He attempts to reunite with his family but...
11 months ago
The Conspirator
By the time you see this excellent thriller, I guess it will be on DVD, judging by its scant release - it being one for history buffs and those of you who prefer a thinking film,which includes old TP....
11 months ago
Barney's Vision
Barney (Paul Giamatti) looks back over his mixed bag of a life, which is full of ups and downs.
With guest appearances from Dustin Hoffman and Minnie Driver, and the always fascinating Giamatti, it...
11 months ago
Jane Russell
Jane really came to fame in a Western about Billy the Kid called “The Outlaw” with the fanatical Howard Hughes at the helm. The piece was rather controversial in the 1940’s, as Hughes was obsessed...
11 months ago
Country Strong
Who knew Gwyneth could actually sing? Excuse me – I did, and I guess maybe her old man - you know that Coldplay bloke. When it comes down to it she’s alright and so this country...
11 months ago
Call Northside 777 (Classic movie 1948)
This black and white film noir ‘classic’ is a masterpiece. In 1948, newspaper reporter P.J. 'Jim' McNeal (James Stewart) is directed by his editor (Lee.J.Cobb) to follow up a mother’s...
11 months ago
Limitless
The issue of what is actually limitless here is debatable? Is it the endless supply of all empowering drugs that our antihero Eddie (Bradley Cooper) digests or is it the limitless risks he takes in...
11 months ago
Arthur
I’m in the telling of Tales mood.
I recall in the sixties performing society gigs. Lots of champers – good food and money. Whilst alone, our pianist was asked by a waiter if...
11 months ago
Elizabeth Taylor
One of the truly great stars of the screen has now exited camera. Another era has passed. A two times Oscar winner who was as famous for her marriages - eight times – as her movies; my...
11 months ago
It’s a Wonderful Afterlife
Cinema
Directed by Gurinder Chadha
I must admit to having a soft spot for director Gurinder Chadha. She knows her world, which is mainly the west London Asian community. I love the...
11 months ago
The Disappearance of Alice Creed
Cinema
Directed by J Blakeson
This very captivating thriller from new director J Blakeson is a must see for lovers of the unexpected.
Alice Creed ( Gemma Arterton) is kidnapped by the...
11 months ago
Robin Hood
Cinema
Directed by Ridley Scott
From age five, I have been a Robin Hood fan. Being an elder statesman, Erroll Flynn will always be the tops, even in tights, and for those of you who don’t...
11 months ago
Iron Man 2
Cinema
Directed by Jon Favreau
Having enjoyed the first outing of this iron clad hero, I was totally up for the next adventure. So did it live up to expectations? Well, it's a yes from me,...
11 months ago
Kick-Ass
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Cinema
Dave the nerd (Aaron Johnson) fancies himself as a super hero. So dressed in a green wetsuit, hoodie, mask and boots he transforms himself. One problem...
11 months ago
The Ghost Writer
Directed by Roman Polanski
Cinema
The thought of one of our premiere ‘Bands’ appearing in a Roman Polanski film was a big lure and it does not disappoint. To give too much away would be a...
11 months ago
Nanny McPhee & the Big Bang
Directed by Kirk Jones
Being an actor myself, I know what it’s like when you get a winning formula and want it to go on forever. I guess that is what Emma Thompson feels as she plods through this...
11 months ago
The Bounty Hunter
Cinema
Directed by Andy Tennant
You’ll never guess, or maybe you will, Nicole (Jennifer Aniston) is about to be picked up by her ex husband, Bounty Hunter, Milo (Gerard Butler) for skipping...
11 months ago
The Blindside
DVD
Directed by John Lee Hancock
I have to own up to being a Sandra Bullock fan. She is funny and witty, though at the same time possessing a great dramatic quality. Hence her receiving the...
11 months ago
The Princess and the Frog
Cinema
Directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
It is always a pleasure to see a Disney cartoon that really works, and in fact takes you back to the good old days of Jungle Book and Lady...
11 months ago
The Wolfman
Cinema
Directed by Joe Johnston
When I think of films like this, my memory drums up black and white images, in what we used to call ‘BUG HUTCHES’ which were tiny cinemas only fit for fleas...
11 months ago
Invictus
Cinema
Directed by Clint Eastwood
Now and again, a film comes along that gives you hope. Not just because that’s part of its overall message – which it is – but also because someone has...
11 months ago
Crazy Heart
Cinema
Directed by Scott Cooper
I have to say, in all sincerity that I, as both a country music fan and long time supporter of Jeff Bridges' work, looked forward to seeing this.
Bad...
11 months ago
A Single Man
Cinema
Directed by Tom Ford
Colin Firth has already received the ‘Best Actor Award’ at the BAFTA’s for his role as a homosexual teacher in this film.
It’s the early sixties in...
11 months ago
A Prophet
Directed by Jacques Audiard
Cinema
This French edge of your seat prison drama comes highly recommended. What with winning the 2009 Grand Prix at Cannes and best film at the London...
11 months ago
Edge of Darkness
Directed by Martin Campbell
Cinema
After an absence of seven years from the screen as an actor, Mel Gibson is back with us playing a Boston police detective in this remake of the BBC...
11 months ago
The Boys Are Back
Directed by Scott Hicks
Cinema
Set against a lush Australian wine growing backdrop, this tear jerker of a true story is good family fare, well certainly for Mums anyway.
Joe, an...
11 months ago
It’s Complicated
Directed by Nancy Meyers
Cinema
Well it’s not actually when you have two superb stars like Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin on the screen, giving us the audience full value for the price...
11 months ago
Did You Hear About the Morgans?
Directed by Marc Lawrence
Cinema
The Morgans, namely Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker, are a warring New York couple who continue their war in Wyoming where they are hiding out as part...
11 months ago
Nine
Directed by Rob Marshall
Cinema
Well I’d like to say nice things about this overblown and frankly devoid of script musical, but I can’t.
The decent songs do not exist apart from Judy...
11 months ago
Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll
Directed by Mat Whitecross
Cinema
Recently, I have observed two greater romances on film that have both captured the essence of truly deeply disturbed British cultural heroes of the past....
11 months ago
Sherlock Holmes
Directed by Guy Richie
This is a completely different spin on the deerstalker hat and curly pipe. Seemingly, Holmes (Robert Downy Jr) is contemplating shutting up shop when a fresh villain...
11 months ago
Nowhere Boy
Sam Taylor Wood
Being a Rocker from the Locker, this movie is a fascinating piece of British Nostalgic musical drama, which hooked and intrigued me.
Exploring the early life of John Winston...
11 months ago
Avatar
Yes, we’ve seen all this before. The powerful army and machines of invading forces upon the innocent inhabitants of Pandora in order to extract its valuable mineral, reminds one of the US Cavalry...
11 months ago
The Merry Gentlemen
Cinema
Directed by, and starring, the always interesting Michael Keaton, this somewhat different Christmas offering promises to be unusual material.
Seeking anonymity in Chicago, Kate...
11 months ago
Nativity
Mr Maddens is not a festive person, so when he is given the task of directing the school Christmas Nativity play, he is not thrilled.
Before his primary school teaching days, he studied drama...
11 months ago
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
There’s a lot that occurs in this film, I won’t reveal all because:
a) if you have read it you know it, and
b) I don’t want to spoil it for you.
Suffice to say Harry feels pangs of...
11 months ago
Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde’s classic horror novel is given a new treatment for the big screen. Dorian Gray (Ben Barnes) comes back to his Victorian London childhood home. Young and very handsome, he is easily...
11 months ago
A Christmas Carol
Charles Dickens’s great story is given a new 3D animation treatment with stunning results.
Jim Carey inhabits our old pal Ebenezer Scrooge’s skin and as such is in fine form barking orders at...
11 months ago
Harry Brown
I have to own up to being a big Michael Caine fan. He is one of a group of actors that will make me turn up at the flicks. Perhaps it’s because we have the same roots? However, he’s part of British...
11 months ago
Gran Torino
At the outset of this film, Walt Kowalksi (Clint Eastwood) is clearly annoyed by his granddaughter’s dress and attitude at his late wife’s funeral. During the wake it’s very apparent that Walt...
11 months ago
The Day the Earth Stood Still
How well I remember a young boy, me, wandering into my local cinema in the 1950s to gaze at this chunk of tin known as a robot, and beautifully spoken Michael Rennie as his minder in the first version...
11 months ago
The International
In the 1970s I recall standing alone and looking up to the glass ceiling in the Guggenheim art museum in New York, and thinking imagine if that lot shattered. So you could say that the bizarre...
11 months ago
Confessions of a Shopaholic
I’m afraid this was not my cup of tea. Yes I know it’s a “chick flick” but hey, I wanted to give an overview of a now movie.
Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) loves clothesand has the credit bill...
11 months ago
Young Victoria
I have to say ,in all honesty, I absolutely loved this. I wasn’t sure if I was going to, mainly because the trailers left me feeling that it might be just a blown up O.K.'ish television piece on...
11 months ago
Quantum of Solace
In case you haven’t noticed, Bond is back!
Gun’s, explosions, car chases galore, action adventure - what else would you want? Oh yes, the ladies! Naturally we have...
11 months ago
Doubt
The action of this film drama, takes place in the Bronx of the early 1960’s when change is taking place.
Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is up for mixing new ideas into the traditional...
11 months ago
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Adapted From a short story by Scott Fitzgerald, this elongated movie resembles a modern fairy story or fable.
Dumped on an old folks' home porch and consequently brought up by the friendly...
11 months ago
Revolutionary Road
1950’s suburbia, as seen through the eyes of the seemingly perfect couple Frank (Leonardo Di Caprio) and April Wheeler (Kate Winslet) but they are not what they first appear to be.
There is a...
11 months ago
Valkyrie
What links “napalm in the morning” and an attempt on Adolf Hitler’s life in 1944? Answer – Valkyrie. Think about it, all will be revealed.
Deep in a German forest in Hitler’s Secret lair,...
11 months ago
Taken
This fast pace ‘edge of the seat’ thriller unfolds as follows. Bryan (Liam Neeson) reluctantly permits his 17 year old daughter to go on holiday in Paris with a friend.
His fears come true, as an...
11 months ago
Slumdog Millionaire
A bright young Char-Walla-Jamal (Dev Patel) is hauled off to the police station. Why you may ask? Because one dodgy TV host tells the cops that he’s cheating at India’s version of “Who...
11 months ago
Rock n Rolla
Having grown up with the best in hoods, Cagney/Bogart/Edward G (my dad’s mates), and lived in the east end and southeast London, one comes to a Guy Richie film with certain expertise. The “chaps” or...
11 months ago
The Duchess
First of all, let’s overlook certain links in this lavish and beautiful looking film, for example the Spencer family connections, and judge it on its own merit.
Lady Spencer (Charlotte...
11 months ago
Chalet Girl
It’s a snowy location and Felicity Jones is a chalet girl looking after - chalets, but secretly wants to be a snowboarder.
Once she’s on board (excuse the pun), she’s off and skiing,...
11 months ago
The Lincoln Lawyer
So when you want a lawyer why not get Mickey Haller?
Trouble is, don’t call an office, you track down his car – a Lincoln no less. He operates from the back seats. Saves on rates I guess....
11 months ago
The Adjustment Bureau
Curious title, curious film.
When first seen, all looks normal. David (Matt Damon) is vying for the position of New York State Senator. Indeed a likely candidate, he meets a feisty cheeky...
11 months ago
Unknown
Ever since I spotted January Jones (What a great name) as the ice maiden wife in TV’s Mad Men, I thought Hitchcock would have snapped her up!
So here she is as the cool blonde wife of Dr...
11 months ago
The Film Club
As promised, a little look at what’s going on in the film club world. We are blessed with many such organisations, the closest to us being Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City and, right here on our...
11 months ago
Gulliver’s Travels
They are all in this one - Billy Connolly, Catherine Tate, James Corden etc, etc and there’s the very funny Jack Black as Gulliver, Jonathan Swift’s children’s book hero.
Most of you will...
11 months ago
The King’s Speech
This one has already got Oscars at the door.
It stars good old Colin Firth as our Queen’s late father and highlights the problems that he has with his speech. Especially when he’s been...
11 months ago
Hereafter
Anything directed by legendary Clint Eastwood has to be worth turning up for.
This look into the world of the supernatural starring the excellent Matt Damon as a reluctant connection to the...
11 months ago
Morning Glory
This is worth seeing for grumpy old Harrison Ford’s central performance as Mike Pomeroy ace TV anchor man who’s brought in to rescue “Daybreak” a New York based breakfast show. Rachel McAdam, an eager...
11 months ago
Oscar Commentary
Hello, hello-well it’s the award season coming up. With the Bafta’s and Oscar’s lurking in the wings as it were. So I thought I’d give you a run down on my views as to who should get what. See what...
11 months ago
The Green Hornet
The super hero has history. First a radio series in the 1930’s, then a comic in the fortie, a television series in the eighties and now finally a potential block busting feature film. A success? ...
11 months ago
Knight and Day
I think you can say we have a glut of action movies this summer.
This time we have Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz globetrotting, whilst driving and running, and Tom’s good at that! Plus of course...
11 months ago
Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Those of you familiar with C.S Lewis books will know about this tale.
It’s Second World War England and Edmond and his sister Lucy (Skandar Kaynes and Georgie Henley) are residing in safe...
11 months ago
Letters to Juliet
Directed by Gary Winick
Having been inflicted with guns, drugs, good guys, bad guys and all things threatening, a film of this nature comes as somewhat of a relief.
Set in modern day...
11 months ago
Love and Other Drugs
Directed by Edward Zwick, this is a curious work. On the one hand at first it appears to be nothing more than a mildly amusing sex comedy. Then halfway through, it takes a far more serious turn and...
11 months ago
The Next Three Days
An escape movie with a difference, in which the ironic hero John Brennan (RUSSELL CROWE) seeks a way into jail in order to get his presumed innocent wife out. She is locked up for murder and serving...
11 months ago
Modern Faces
New band on the block. So they’ve just come off a mini tour with Kasabian and they haven’t even got a record deal!!!! Not bad, not bad at all.
They have some very strong songs “ Love Frustrates Me...
11 months ago
The Bad Lieutenant
Directed by Werner Herzog
I did not see the previous version of this drug drenched thriller. So comparisons are not in my eye line. That said this cop in the ‘big easy’ tale is directed by...
11 months ago
Brighton Rock
There may be many among you of the vintage variety that have seen the old black and white classic version starring a young Richard Attenborough as Brighton criminal Pinkie.
I have to tell you that...
11 months ago
Conviction
Directed by Tony Goldwyn, this court room drama based upon true events makes for compelling watching. Kenny Waters (SAM ROCKWELL) is convicted of murder in 1983, which he avidly rejects. His sister...
11 months ago
Pirates Of The Caribbean - On Stranger Tides
This front outing to "eye patch land" is the usual diet of cannons roaring, swords slashing and lots of pirates doing what pirates do - "Ar har Jim lad!". Well maybe not Jim....
11 months ago
Hop
My granddaughter Renn'e told me that we were going to see this!
So there, EB is the son of none other than the Easter Bunny. Unfortunately EB has no intention of being Bugs Bunny or...
11 months ago
Inception
Riding high on the crest of “Dark Knight” eg batman fame, director, producer Christopher Nolan’s latest mind control thriller is to say the least…different. I’ll explain if I can; being of a certain...
12 months ago
Black Death
Directed by Christopher Smith
I haven’t see Sean Bean in a while; I have heard his voice over the adverts but no visuals. So here he is in this horror tale ,set in the dark ages in dear old...
12 months ago
Black Swan
This is a must for lovers of dance, especially ballet people. How well I remember the post war master piece “ Red Shoes” - this movie promises to be in the same street. That of course depends upon...
12 months ago
Brooklyn's Finest
Directed by Christopher Smith
I haven’t see Sean Bean in a while; I have heard his voice over the adverts but no visuals. So here he is in this horror tale ,set in the dark ages in dear old...
12 months ago
Sex In the City 2
Directed by Werner Herzog
I did not see the previous version of this drug drenched thriller. So comparisons are not in my eye line. That said this cop in the ‘big easy’ tale is directed by...
12 months ago
The A Team
I warned you it was coming and now they are here! Those of you who are of a certain age will be familiar with the exploits of the ex Vietnam vets foursome, who are more or less the good guys…save an...
12 months ago
A Little Bit of Heaven
Taken at face value, this “weepie” is not your ideal, relax and let it entertain me film. That said, it does have certain merits, namely its star Kate Hudson and the location back up of New Orleans....
1 year ago
The Fighter
“I could have been a contender” said ex-boxer Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) in the classic “On the Waterfront” movie. Being a contender is what this film is all about. However it is no waterfront. In...
1 year ago
Pete Postlethwaite
No sooner has the new year got underway than we lose one of our finest character actors. Pete Postlethwaite excelled at playing the northern everyman of the people - which of course he wass
He...
1 year ago