From the mid-'50s well through to the '60s there was a big craze for Jules Verne-themed films. The high water mark was undoubtably the Walt Disney production of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and at a slightly less exalted point is the Best Picture winner of 1956, Around the World in 80 Days. If those … Continue reading Jules Verne’s Rocket to the Moon
Month: April 2021
Clapboard Jungle – Blu-Ray Review
Clapboard Jungle is a fascinating insight into the world of independent filmmaking set primarily in the horror community. The film is directed by and "stars" Justin McConnell, who is a no-name horror filmmaker. He clearly loves film more than anything, but through various factors hasn't been able to get that next step up. The documentary walks a thin line between navel-gazing self-indulgence and useful tale about … Continue reading Clapboard Jungle – Blu-Ray Review
The Frightened City – Blu-Ray Review
The Frightened City is an early '60s British crime B picture that is probably most notable for having Sean Connery on the screen right before he became Bond... James Bond. It's all set around London's Soho, but from what we know about that period, we know it's a little too Hollywoodised. The film was directed … Continue reading The Frightened City – Blu-Ray Review
Catch Us If You Can – Blu-Ray Review
Catch Us If You Can (or Having a Wild Weekend in the U.S.)is the first feature film directed by John Boorman. It's an incredibly odd film, bordering on '60s art-house but wrapped up within this pop movie for the Dave Clark Five. The film came out in 1965, which was a year after the runaway success of The Beatles collaboration with Richard … Continue reading Catch Us If You Can – Blu-Ray Review
Black Windmill – Blu-Ray Review
Black Windmill is a 1974 film directed by Don Siegel. Siegel was usually an absolutely fantastic director, and this film came at what was arguably his career peakābut Black Windmill is pretty bland. In the three years that preceded this, he did Two Mules for Sister Sara, The Beguiled and Dirty Harry, plus Charley Varrick, … Continue reading Black Windmill – Blu-Ray Review