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War for the Planet of the Apes
Actually blown away by this. A clever and subtle war film with incredible effects and performances from everyone. →
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The Princess and the Frog
A charmingly-old-fashioned Disney. Beautifully drawn, a fun script, some fantastic songs. Maybe a bit underrated? →
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)
A flat, lifeless adaptation. A great cast — Spencer Tracy, Ingrid Bergman, Lana Turner — but I don’t think anybody wanted to be there. →
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The Pit and the Pendulum (1961)
A little rough around the edges, but it’s hard to go wrong with Vincent Price. Unassumingly chilling. →
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Night Moves
A gripping eco-terrorist thriller with fantastic slow-burning performances from everyone. Subdued, sparse, heart in the mouth stuff. →
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Get Shorty
Travolta’s ‘90s cool schtick is less convincing the older I get, but Elmore Leonard's dialogue and story make this a lot of fun. →
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)
A bit stagey by today’s standards but the makeup and effects hold up well and the performances are rock solid. →
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King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
Another leaden turn by Charlie Hunnam doesn’t quite sink this, but comes close. It’s watchable enough, in parts. →
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Inkheart
Charmingly decent fantasy with an enjoyable cast and fun script. Wanders around a bit at the end but generally I liked it. →
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Colossus: The Forbin Project
In which a ‘70s supercomputer takes over humanity. Meant to be dystopian but honestly I’d find it kind of a relief now. →
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Street Fighter
Almost aggressively naff, but Raul Julia saves it. →
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Journey to the Far Side of the Sun
A ludicrous conceit and a thinly-spread story, but I won’t hear a word against the brightly-coloured 60s sci-fi style. →
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Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia
Grim, dusty, sweaty perfection. →
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The Castle of Cagliostro
Miyazaki’s second animation is an enjoyably dopey caper, with a bit of a Herbie/Cannonball Run vibe. Saturday morning fun. →
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The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Everyone’s doing great things here, but Angela Lansbury is the best, at her most deliciously sinister. →
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Murder on the Orient Express (1974)
Albert Finney hams it up a bit too much as Poirot, but this is a decent way to spend a Sunday afternoon. →
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Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey
It’s a largely pointless sequel but stupidly funny and Bill & Ted so enjoyable to spend time with I don’t care. →
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The Addams Family
Wonderful, of course. Has there ever been a more perfectly cast film? →
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Marjorie Prime
A beautifully shot, performed and scripted sci-fi piece. Thoughtful, cerebral and haunting. →
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A Very Brady Sequel
Not quite as charming as the first film but still worth watching for the brilliant Gary Cole, and to understand where the “Sure Jan” meme comes from. →