The World Is Not Enough (1999)

Some men want the world, but for some women the world is not enough.

James Bond (Pierce Brosnan) is tasked to protect oil heiress Electra (Sophie Marceau) after her father (David Calder) was killed in a terrorist attack at MI6. Bond discovers that Renard (Robert Carlyle) - who has a bullet in his brain - is planning to destroy an oil pipeline with an atomic bomb by stealing ex-Soviet plutonium. With the help of nuclear scientist Dr Jones (Denise Richards), James foils that plan but the real plot is far more deadly, and the true mastermind behind the plot highly unexpected...

This is a good Bond film (but can't be said to be amongst the very best) though when he is fighting Renard inside a live nuclear reactor you might consider that Bond (even by his prior standards) has jumped the shark! Despite that the action mostly stays the right side of plausibility and the various set pieces are pretty spectacular.

Juggernaut (1974)

A superbly tense thriller set aboard an ocean liner loaded with bombs.

Under the command of Captain Brunel (Omar Sharif) the ocean liner Britannic sets off on it's first voyage after a refit, the passengers barely entertained by hapless entertainment officer Curtain (Roy Kinnear) though the incredibly rough seas don't help. Soon, however there is some excitement. A mad man contacts the shipping line to tell them various booby trapped bombs are aboard, and unless he receives a couple of suitcases full of cash the bombs will go off sinking the liner and all aboard her.

While the police in the form of McCleod (Anthony Hopkins) try and hunt down the bomber, expert bomb disposal officer Fallon (Richard Harris) and his team and parachuted into the Atlantic and clamber aboard the liner. With the timers fast counting down Harris and his team desperately try and defuse the incredibly complicated bombs before it's too late...

A great film with a brilliant cast. The bomb disposal scenes make great use of close-ups. The final twist is delicious.

The Lesser Evil (1912)

A neat little drama.

A young woman (Blanche Sweet) goes to meet her sweetheart, a fisherman (Edwin August). Unfortunately the meeting point is where a gang of smugglers led by (Alfred Paget) store their wares. The woman is kidnapped by the smugglers who take to their boat. While her sweetheart tries to raise the alarm and get help, trouble is brewing on the boat. The crew are now boozed up and seeking to have "fun" with the woman, she considers death would be preferable, the lesser evil...

While not a masterpiece the film is decent in most ways including the naturalistic acting.

The Woman in Green (1945)

Another fiendish plot is foiled by Holmes and Watson.

There have been a spate of murders of women across London, the fingers of each victim cut off. Meanwhile, city gent Sir George (Paul Cavanagh) entertains a lady friend (Hillary Brooke). However, he wakes up in a dingy bedsit, hearing shouts of murder outside. There has been yet another murder of a woman, and her severed finger is in Sir George's pocket...

Holmes (Basil Rathbone) and Watson (Nigel Bruce) are soon called to the tragic scene of Sir George's suicide, they discover that he has been blackmailed. This indicates to Holmes that it isn't a madman committing these murders, rather it is a devious plot. He suspects Moriarty (Henry Daniell) is behind this and is soon proved to be right in a dangerous tale of hypnosis and extortion...

This is typical of the long-running Holmes series from Rathbone and Bruce, Bruce's Watson is a little too much of a buffoon as usual but this is perfectly enjoyable if not exceptional fare. For some reason Edgware is misspelt with an extra E several times. Maybe we can blame Moriarty for that as well?

The Mouse on the Moon (1963)

A hilarious satire on Superpower space race politics.

The tiny country of Grand Fenwick is in trouble, their wine - their only source of income - is exploding and PM Mountjoy (Ron Moody) needs money for some indoor plumbing. He attempts to trick the US into giving them some money for "space research", Russia goes one better and gives Grand Fenwick a rocket! The Grand Duchess (Margaret Rutherford) orders the dreadful tin thing got rid of. Its hidden in a castle tower where Professor Kokintz (David Kossoff) and Vincent Montjoy (Bernard Cribbins) secretly plan to go to the Moon for real!

The US and Soviets find themselves outflanked when Kokintz's rocket makes it's slow way into space using an anti-gravity substance discovered by the Professor. But making it to the Moon first isn't the most important thing, its making it back!

This film sends up the so-often overblown and ridiculous Superpower politics perfectly with some classic British comedy. Terry-Thomas does a great turn as a hapless British spy.

Two Flags West (1950)

An American Civil War tale mixed with some decent Western action.

The North is winning the war but faces a manpower shortage on the Western frontier and need more troops to fight marauding Indians. A group of Confederate prisoners are given the option of a pardon if they join the Union Army and go out West. Reluctantly Tucker (Joseph Cotten) brings his men over to the over side, even more reluctantly Major Kenniston (Jeff Chandler) accepts them.

Tucker begins to plan to escape and also gets mixed up with widow Elena (Linda Darnell), Kenniston's sister-in-law. Elena's husband was killed in the war, during an attack by Tucker's troop...

Although not the most dramatic Western, the Civil War backing with the animosity between the two sides adds an interesting dimension to the film.

Godmonster of Indian Flats (1973)

What on Earth is this film about? You could watch this a million times and probably still be none the wiser. Watching this just once is probably enough though.

There have been many "monster" movies, this one is about a rampaging killer... sheep! The embryo of a mutant sheep is discovered by a farmer, and rushed off to a secret medical lab which just happens to be in this rural location! Clemens (E. Kerrigan Prescott) discovers that the mutation may be due to toxic vapours in a mine. Naturally the monster sheep eventually escapes and wrecks havoc! The mayor (Stuart Lancaster) of course wants the sheep to bring money to his town...

That part of the film only takes up a minority of the film however. Much of the film involves a strange story about a businessman (Christopher Brooks) being tricked into thinking he has shot a dog (a fake funeral for tbe dog is held!) There is also a story about a young man who wins big in Reno and ends up getting cheated out of his money and beaten up!

Naturally the monster looks ridiculous and the film makes very little sense. Oddly enough, the acting is sometimes not bad at all, considering the material they had to work with thats quite something!

The Boat (1921)

Buster Keaton has built a boat in his house and intends to take his family on a trip. What could go wrong? Apart from everything.

First of all the boat is too big to get out of the house, the boat is finally removed from the house but not without demolishing the house! Buster's wife (Sybil Seely) is not that impressed naturally though shows admirable restraint. When the family do get to the sea, the boat it sinks (of course) leaving them in peril! He could probably do with another hobby to be honest.

This is a good slapstick comedy but with some subtle humour too. So much is packed into this short film, you might even think a little too much? A great film from a comedy master. 

These Girls Are Fools (1950)

Many try their luck in Hollywood, some succeed and others... take their clothes off apparently.

Sheila Anderson is a naive beauty queen who wins a part in a "Hollywood" film. Unfortunately for Sheila its a bit of a con, really the film turns out to be a low-rent soft core porn film where she has to take her clothes off and do some nude swimming. Unfortunately her chances of a real career as an actress are now ruined as no one wants to hire a "porn actress". It doesn't end well for Sheila, viewers may have a happier ending.

The film narration tries to paint this little film as a public service film warning young ladies about Hollywood, yeah right its actually a pubic service film serving up some female flesh and sexploitation. Terrible trash obviously, so blatant it is quite amusing.

Burn 'Em Up Barnes (Serial) (1934)

Burn 'Em Up Barnes is a highly successful racing driver, not someone who often crashes as you might imagine from that name!

Barnes (Jack Mulhall) and his mate Bobby (Frankie Darro) help Marjorie (Lola Lane), the owner of a bus company, who also owns a plot of seemingly worthless land. Of course the land isn't really worthless, it contains rich oil reserves which crooked race promoter Drummond (Jason Robarbs) wants for himself. He will stop at nothing to achieve his evil plans in a series of death defying cliff hangers!

Unfortunately it all gets a bit repetitive after about half a dozen episodes though the stunts are often amazing (though the speeding up of racing footage is obvious at times). Not the best 1930s serial but an enjoyable romp all the same.

Thunderball (1965)

A classic James Bond film, with much underwater action.

SPECTRE steal two British atomic bombs and hold London to ransom, James Bond (Sean Connery) is one of a number of agents sent to find out where the bombs are, naturally James' assignment is to the Bahamas and not, say, Hull. Naturally James does not do much actual spying, preferring to appear in plain sight and let SPECTRE boss Largo (Adolfo Celi) come to him.

Largo of course has a swanky mansion complete with a pool of sharks. James, with the help of Domino (Claudine Auger) - Largo's mistress whom James soon seduces, manages to foil the SPECTRE plot to nuke Miami after a long (maybe too long to be honest) battle underwater...

A highly enjoyable film though not without flaws, at times the action is rather slow. However, the story and SPECTRE plot is top notch making this a very good entry in the Bond canon.

Daughters of Satan (1972)

A rather average Satanic horror film though makes the best use of a limited budget.

James (Tom Selleck) is an art dealer living in the Philippines with his wife Chris (Barra Grant). One day he finds a mysterious painting at an antique shop owned by Ching (Vic Diaz). The painting appears to show the burning of some witches, one of which looks exactly like his wife! The painting freaks Chris out, and James too as she seems to know a lot about what the painting shows...

More mysterious events begin to occur. Some elements of the painting disappear, and their likenesses appear in real life. These include a vicious black dog and a stern maid (Paraluman). James begins to think the painting is possessed, Doctor Dangal (Vic Silayan) knows there is witchcraft at play but the coven led by Kitty (Tani Guthrie) deal with him. Now she wants Chris to deal with James...

The film has plenty of suspense and creepy moments. It also has some rather racy scenes involving naked women being whipped. Ultimately the plot is a bit disappointing especially towards the end, however this is a reasonable watch. 

His New Profession (1914)

An early Charlie Chaplin short comedy. An interesting if not especially brilliant stepping stone on the road to greatness.

Courting couple Charlie Chase and Peggy Page are having their date ruined by a crippled uncle (Jess Dandy) they are supposed to be looking after. They see Charlie and decide that of course that he would be the perfect person to outsource their care for uncle to! 

Much antics follow, including Charlie taking advantage of the uncle to beg for some money and gets into a fight over a girl...

Chaplin was still learning the ropes and also his Tramp character was still in it's very early days. It is by no means the best Chaplin film, the main character is a bit too mean and aggressive. A fine historical piece nonetheless.

Hurricane Smith (1952)

A tale of treasure and freebooters on the South Seas which gets mired in calm seas.

Hurricane Smith (John Ireland) and his crew are marooned on an isolated island in the Pacific (why is never quite explained, it feels like they missed the first 20 minutes of the script out) but escape by stealing the ship of slaver Raikes (Emile Meyer). Later in Australia, and badly in need of coin, Smith's boat and crew is hired by Gorvahlsen (James Craig) to explore the flora and fauna of the South Seas but really Gorvahlsen is after gold.

Obviously because it makes perfect logical sense, Smith has pressganged Raikes into his crew, the two of them want the gold for themselves. The beautiful young Luana (Yvonne De Carlo), whom Smith falls for, also complicates matters of course.

Filmed in Technicolor, the film looks gorgeous and has plenty of swash buckling action and a fast moving plot but despite the bright blue skies ultimately the film is a bit dull. The film isn't very original and lacks a spark, though is a reasonable watch.

Lady in Cement (1968)

An enjoyable and relaxed gangster romp with late 1960s style.

Private detective Tony Rome (Frank Sinatra) is scuba diving off the coast of Miami when he discovers a dead blonde with her feet incased in cement on the sea bed. He begins to investigate why she was killed after being hired by man mountain Waldo (Dan Blocker). Tony begins his investigation in seedy girlie bars (of course) and discovers rich beauty Kit (Raquel Welch) is involved somehow, as is retired hoodlum Mungar (Martin Gabel)...

Not a bad film though doesn't make a huge amount of sense, it just seems to slide from scene to scene with some amusing quips by Sinatra and physical humour from Blocker. The film needs an edge but is a little too light to give it one. 

But it is perfectly entertaining enough to be worthwhile. It tries very hard to be cool, and sometimes succeeds. The psychedelic-ish girlie bar for example.

House of the Long Shadows (1983)

An enjoyable horror romp with a twist, also the last time Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing appeared together in a film.

Annoying American author Ken Magee (Desi Arnaz Jr) is set a curious bet by his publisher (Richard Todd), he is given 24 hours to write a novel and will win a $20K bet if he succeeds. As he needs peace and quiet, he is offered the use of a remote empty mansion in Wales. Reaching the mansion in a storm is not that easy but Ken makes it, and he sets up his typewriter. However, he immediately hears noises... the mansion is not empty after all.

In fact there is soon a whole dining room full of people there, including a man who claims to be the housekeeper (John Carradine), as well as some former inhabitants (Vincent Price and Peter Cushing) and a man (Christopher Lee) who is wanting to buy the mansion. However, there is a dark secret in the house involving a murder, and an imprisoned beast. Ken is joined by secretary Mary (Julie Peasgood) to try and discover the secret, and survive once the bodycount starts to rise...

This is a terrific film with it's cast of horror legends and a real old skool horror feel, it may be a bit slow to get going but once the action gets started it is pretty relentless. The film does have a rather large twist at the end which some will feel is inspired but others might feel a bit of a cop-out. 

The Town That Dreaded Sundown (1976)

A low-budget but highly entertaining horror made in a semi-documentary style (and based on real events).

It is 1946, a small town in Texas is rocked by a series of attacks by a masked maniac. Courting couples are not safe in their cars on Lovers Lane, he even starts attacking couples in their own homes. Top policeman Morales (Ben Johnson) is bought in to lead the investigation, though assisted by Deputy Ramsey (Andrew Prine) and Patrolman Benson (Charles B Pierce) he doesn't really get very far...

Just like the real case in fact, the murders were never solved and to this day the identity of the maniac is unknown. If the police investigation shown here is accurate then you can see why as they didn't really do a lot. This is an enjoyable horror/crime film with some decent thrills. There is a little bit of goofy humour added too for some reason which doesn't really add anything, luckily this nonsense is kept to a minimum.

Hollywood After Dark (1961)

A rather sleazy tale, more no-rent than low-rent.

Tony (Tony Vorno) owns a scrapyard in Hollywood. He is recruited by the owner of a strip club to join in a planned raid on an armoured car though is rather hesitant to go through with it. Tony who seems somewhat morose about... well everything but he falls in love with Sandy (Rue McClanahan), a Hollywood hopeful who is hoping to become a star but instead seems to be taking her clothes off for a handful of cheap punters. Tony decides to go through with the heist so he can use the money to help Sandy...

A very cheap and rather awful film. The film has poor acting, a poor plot, and is rather poorly made. Even the strip show scenes are rather grim. You do get to see a future Golden Girl do a burlesque strip show though!

House of Bamboo (1955)

A tough and taut crime drama in early postwar Japan.

Dawson (Robert Ryan) runs a tough crime syndicate in 1950s Japan, even stealing weapons from a military train. Eddie (Robert Stack) is a US Army investigator who goes undercover as a two-bit hoodlum who has come over to Tokyo to try his luck. He links up with Mariko (Shirley Yamaguchi), the girl of an ex-gang member who Dawson had shot, and manages to get into Dawson's group.

He needs to find evidence and catch Dawson on the job, knowing that the boss has inside men in the police, this does not prove to be that easy though. Can Eddie stop Dawson before his cover is blown?

A lovely period piece set in a Japan just starting to emerge from the postwar rebuild. The film is tense with hard boiled leads and a superb final confrontation in a fair ground. Not quite a Noir (its in colour for a start) but definitely has that feel.

GoldenEye (1995)

A new Bond and a good reboot with Pierce Brosnan now in possession of the Walther PPK.

Years before 007 and 006 raid and destroy a Soviet secret weapon factory, though 006 (Sean Bean) doesn't make it out alive. Now the Soviet Union has collapsed, but the top secret space weapon system GoldenEye is still in operation... until it is stolen by Ourumov (Gottfried John) and the rather psychotic Xenia (Famke Janssen). GoldenEye can destroy electronic systems. Now the GoldenEye is being readied to attack London and destroy the world financial system.

Along with Natalya (Izabella Scorupco), the only survivor of the raid on the GoldenEye base, Bond must discover who is really behind the plot to steal the weapon. The identity of whom is a surprise even to James...

A slightly harder and more serious Bond than the films of the 1980s, a very good return to form. The action scenes, especially the tank car chase in St Petersburg are pretty spectacular, but Bond still has his quips.

The Perils of Pauline (Serial) (1933)

This shares a title with the famous serial which more or less started the genre, 1914's The Perils of Pauline but little else. This is, though, a pretty decent little set of cliffhangers.

Professor Hargrave (James Durkin) and his daughter Pauline (Evelyn Knapp) are in Indo-China during a time of revolution, Hargrave is working on a deadly gas which in the wrong hands would be a terrible weapon. Evil Dr Bashan (John Davidson) has those "wrong hands". With Bashan in pursuit, the Hargraves along with Robert (Craig Reynolds) seek out an ivory disc with the formula written on it...

The serial starts out strongly with a good budget and good use of newsreel footage though gets a bit stuck in the middle during an overlong stay in the Indonesian jungle (which for some reason, due to re-used sets, includes an Ancient Egyptian temple!) The climax in the US is a return to form though the ending is rather sudden.

This fulfils the brief for a perfectly acceptable movie serial, good cliffhangers, re-use of whatever sets and costumes were available and ridiculous plot lines (complete with a superbly evil baddie). Excellent entertainment.

Carry on Behind (1975)

While not the best Carry On film (and certainly recycling quite a bit from earlier films especially Carry on Camping), this is still a very funny entry. Indeed, the last good Carry On film in many ways.

Professor Crump (Kenneth Williams) has organised an archaeological dig looking for Roman ruins with Professor Vooshka (Elke Sommers). Their dig happens to be next to a rather low-rent camp site owned by Major Leep (Kenneth Connor) with odd-job man Henry (Peter Butterworth) always after a few quid. Amongst the camp site visitors are Ernie (Jack Douglas) and Fred (Windsor Davies) who are on a "fishing" trip, though as their wives are not with them, and as this is a Carry On film, we know what they are looking to "catch"! Arthur (Bernard Bresslaw) and his wife Linda (Patsy Rowlands) are also there, unfortunately for Arthur so is his mother-in-law (Joan Sims) and her potty-mouthed mynah bird!

The film lacks much in the way of plot, the dig and the camp site gradually falls into chaos and ruin, especially after a lot of rain. The comedy situations are very funny though. Many of the jokes are so obvious an Eagle could see them coming, you'll still laugh though.