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Anastasia
Solid animation that felt like something out of the ‘50s musical era. Could have done with fewer evil supernatural bats though. →
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Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
Perfect, and ages like wine. I’ll never tire of watching this one. →
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Once Upon a Time in America
The four hour extended version. About two hours too long. →
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Breakfast at Tiffany’s
One of the few great old classics I’d love to see a new version of, or at least an edit that cuts out Mickey Rooney. →
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Plunkett & Macleane
One of those brilliant ‘90s films you watched at the time then never returned to. Holds up well: good action & comedy. →
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The Death Kiss
Historical curiosity from ’32 with a murder mystery and a film within a film. Hasn’t aged well but still worth a look. →
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The Forbidden Room
Absurdly brilliant and I don’t have the words to describe it. Try watching the trailer instead. →
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The Thin Man
A 1930s adaptation of the Dashiell Hammett novel that retains the rapid-fire dialogue & most of the drinking. Stagey but fun. →
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The Swimmer
A masterful piece of storytelling detailing the mental breakdown of a man via the medium of several swimming pools. →
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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
But I prefer Some Like It Hot. →
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Hobson’s Choice
Superb ‘50s romantic comedy. Charles Laughton is hilarious throughout but the determined Brenda De Banzie steals the show. →
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Passport to Pimlico
Londoners discover they can be French instead of English and naturally jump at the chance without hesitation. →
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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
As Kevin Conroy is the best Batman, a film length Batman animation is the best Batman film. That’s just science. →
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The Mummy
What’s not to like? Brendan Fraser at his best, John Hannah at his most caddish, Rachel Weisz as adorable librarian. Lots of fun. →
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Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Beautifully shot & scored, but also ponderous & scattershot. Not sure they thought beyond “Make it like 2001”. →
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Dumbo
At just 60 minutes, a surprisingly slight Disney classic. Shame about the racist crows as well. →
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The Long Kiss Goodnight
A fun ‘90s action flick with the usual Shane Black Xmas tone. Geena Davis is the great action hero we forgot we had. →
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Brazil
A classic, & the moral of the story is clear: obsessively stalk a woman you don’t even know, you’ll end up tortured by Michael Palin. →
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Batman Returns
One of the most Batmanish Batman films yet made, but also kind of gross and sticky. Uncomfortable sexualisation throughout. →
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The Messenger
Sombre Sixth Sense-style drama that’s fine if you stumble on it while browsing Channel 4 late at night, but don’t seek it out. →