21 Grams(2003) directed by Alejandro G Inarritu( Birdman). Three diverse characters' lives cross over in the aftermath of a car accident. A challenging film with a story line that defies belief, and also a non linear plot with flashbacks that takes awhile to get used to. However, this plot structure rewards in time, and the acting is excellent. Oscar nominated Naomi Watts is probably the pick, but Sean Penn, Melissa Leo & Benicio Del Toro are not far behind. The soundtrack is interesting too. Also starring Eddie Marsan, Charlotte Gainsbourg & Danny Huston. 7.5/10
Topper(1937)
Cary Grant and Constance Bennett star as the ghosts of George and Marion Kerby,killed in a car accident.Also starring Roland Young as Topper,the only person who can see or hear them.A delightful comedy with some very good optical effects,directed by Norman Z.McLeod based on the novel by Throne Smith.
8/10
Lash(1934)
A drama starring John Mills in one of his earliest roles.A morale tail of a millionaire who's weakling of a son(Mills)fails him at every turn.Very nicely shot and well acted.
7/10
Prophecy(1979)
A logging company that dumps its waste,inadvertently mutates a grizzly bear which goes on a killing spree.A top cast featuring Thalia Shire,Armande Assante and Richard Dysart can't distract from just how awful this is.Its just a case of a very good director in John Frankenheimer,making a very bad film.
4/10
Blind (2014) A rather strange Norwegian drama in which Ellen Dorrit Petersen stars as a woman who's gone blind through a degenerative eye disease, who mostly on her own in her flat with her thoughts. A slow film that starts taking surreal, bizarre turns halfway through its hour and a half running time. By the end, I think I just about got a handle on it. Also starring Henrik Rafaelson,Vera Vitale & Marius Kolbenstvadt. 6/10
Dark Plaza 605(1953)
An exquisitely shot crime drama from director Bernard Knowles about a hotshot,private detective who has to solve a murder which he was accused of.With very good performances from Tom Conway,Sid James and Eva Bartok.
7.5/10
Master Spy(1964)
A cold war thriller starring Stephen Murray.A Russian scientist working with the British is suspected of being a plant,sent in to monitor nuclear secrets and and aid the communists.The tension,paranoia and distrust is conveyed well by director Montgomery Tully.
7/10
Trog(1970)
One of those films where you wonder if anyone ever stopped and said "What the fuck are we doing?."Great fun if you're in a cruel mood,otherwise it's just depressing.Also notable for being Joan Crawford's last film.
5/10
Starred Up(2013) Jack O'Connell turns in an impressive performance as a young offender transferred to a men's prison. A study of seemingly random and sudden male violence, made more striking by scenes of relative quiet in between.The whole piece feels realistic. Ben Mendelsohn is very good as the offender's father, also a prisoner and the only fault is a couple of plot contrivances towards the end. Also starring Rupert Friend,Sam Spruell,David Ajala & Peter Ferdinando. 7/10
Trumbo(2015)
Jay Roach known mostly for Meet the Fockers directs Bryan Cranston as Dalton Trumbo,the celebrated author.Although it doesn't go as deep as it could or should have,it does highlight Trumbo's genial talent and Cranston puts in a wonderful performance.
7/10