The Valley of Gwangi(1969)
A Jim O'Connolly film based on an original,unproduced script by Willis O'Brien that once again put spectacle over substance.Pure escapism then and a chance for Ray Harryhausen to finally realise the dreams of his mentors and put cowboys and dinosaurs on film together.Don't take it seriously and just enjoy the charming stop motion animation.
6.5/10
The Rack Pack(2016)
A griity film from Brian Welsh centred around the snooker rivalry between the mild mannered and methodical Steve Davis and the flamboyant "people's champion" Alex Higgins throughout the 1980s.Luke Treadaway is utterly convincing as Higgins, nailing the accent and mannerisms as he descends into self destruction.
7/10
Fast and Furious 8 - 6/10 not much of a plot but some decent action sequences.
Dead Silence[aka Shhhh](2007)
A couple receives a package with no return address that contains a creepy looking ventriloquist's dummy named Billy.Mayhem ensues in this little seen and slightly over complicated horror thriller from director James Wan.
6.5/10
Terminator 3: Rise of The Machines
This film had so much potential, Arnold Schwarzenegger not only was good in the movie but was in great shape for it too, i liked the idea of the female Terminator, the action set pieces and the special effects provided by ILM but the film was a wasted opportunity it lacks what made the first two films great with the mixture of horror and action.
6.9/10.
The Legend of Tarzan (2016) 4/10 - despite the big budget and a-list cast, this latest version lacks excitement and a decent plot.
The Witches(1990)
Nicolas Roeg's excellent adaptation of Roald Dahl's children's book stars Angelica Huston,who is superb as Miss Eva Ernst later to be revealed as the Grand High Witch. The makeup effects are wonderful and still hold up better than today's over reliance on CGI.
7.5/10
Curse of the Crimson Altar(1968)
A decent occult horror thriller from Vernon Sewell and starring Christopher Lee as the leader of cult of witches at Craxted Lodge.Borris Karloff is great in support as an expert,brought in to help destroy the evil doers.
7/10
Been away a few days but managed to watch a couple of films
The Dark Valley (2014) Set in the 19th century a stranger(Sam Riley) arrives in an Austrian alpine village, setting off a chain of events.Think this must be my first Austrian western, beautifully shot in all ways (the mountains, the brutal winter and the indoor scenes). If the plot and story line do seem a little illogical at times, it does have a good 'Man With No Name' vibe going, and fine acting from Riley,Paula Beer and Carmen Gratl. Also starring Clemens Schick,Erwin Steinhauser & Hans- Michael Rehberg. 6.5/10
Birds Of A Feather(2011) Three friends who used to work in the theatre decide to reunite in a new play one of them is directing. A comedy/drama which is reasonably acted but woefully lacking in humorous lines and situations. Starring Lindsay Frame,Anthony Meindl, Danielle Hoover(provides some eye candy),Lindsay Hollister & Kenny Kelleher. 4.5/10
Cypher(2002) Jeremy Northam stars as a industrial spy who seems to be in way may over his head in what I would describe as a scifi neo noir thriller. Northam is perfectly cast as a sort of Everyman who appears to carried along by other character's actions, including Lucy Lui who is very good as a femme fatale type. Strikingly shot in many ways, for instance, toned down colours in some scenes, others with futuristic, clinical sets. Complex, with many twists, but satisfying to the end. Also starring Nigel Bennett, Timothy Webber, Kari Matchett & Kristina Nicoll. 8/10