Movies
Adventures of Ford Fairlane, The (1990)
Before the UK cinema release of The Adventures of Ford Fairlane (which I remember, as I was one of the 4 people that saw it), nobody had heard of its star Andrew Dice Clay. And after the release, even less people had. Back then, the world was a much bigger place, so Clay wasn’t notorious... »
Q The Winged Serpent (1982)
Another old classic re-release in an improved R1 version is Q The Winged Serpent. This was made in 1982 by Larry Cohen (writer of the more recent Phone Booth), and features the title character killing assorted NYC residents as well as a whole lot of other plot points which would look crazy if I wrote... »
Ulzana’s Raid (1972)
Violent Western usually seen as a Vietnam allegory. One from Lancaster’s late period, where he managed to rein in his teeth-gritting and portrayed a series of dignified and wise elder statesmen. In this one he’s an ‘adviser’ to Bruce Davidson’s idealistic young Cavalry officer while they’re on a hunt for some Apaches who have left... »
Valdez is Coming (1971)
One of Burt Lancaster’s later Westerns (see also Ulzana’s Raid and Lawman). In this one, based on an Elmore Leonard story, he’s an ageing scout of Mexican descent who is bullied and humiliated by the local land baron (Jon Cypher) and eventually snaps, going on a rampage to regain his dignity and avenge... »
Flight of the Phoenix (2004)
A mismatched crew and passengers are stranded in the desert, and try to build a new plane to escape. This is a remake of the old Robert Aldrich movie which starred Jimmy Stewart and Richard Attenborough and which often turns up on Sunday afternoon TV. This time, instead of Cold War tension, we get Dennis... »
Any Given Sunday (1999)
Any Given Sunday follows the fortunes of an American Football team as they battle to reach the end of season play-offs. They win some, they lose some, you get the idea. It has the stock sports movie characters. We get the old fashioned coach (Al Pacino). The young owner (Cameron Diaz). The ageing Quarterback... »
East is East (1999)
Set in Salford in 1971, the story of a Pakistani chip shop owner, his English wife and the cultural difficulties experienced by the family. Yet another movie hailed as the proof that British Cinema is alive and well. And yet another movie where the FilmFour logo heralds 90-odd minutes of exasperation and feeble drama. The... »
Twister (1997)
At the cinema Twister was impressive in parts, mainly due to images of destruction and a very loud soundtrack. Video for once does us a service by exposing it for what it is. While De Bont’s previous effort Speed was also ludicrous, it was well thought out until the last few minutes, and had... »
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)
The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (snappy title eh?) is the second directorial effort by Tommy Lee Jones, who also stars. He plays an aging cowboy whose friend is killed in suspicious circumstances. When the local authorities cover things up, our hero takes things into his own hands, digs up the body and... »
Survival of the Dead (2009)
With very little fanfare, George Romero’s Survival of the Dead has arrived on UK DVD and BluRay. I assume the low-key release is down to the generally indifferent welcome for his last zombie movie, Diary of the Dead. As one of those disappointed with the last entry, I approached Survival warily. Well, the good news... »