Odd Man Out (1947) / The Spy In Black (1939) / Brief Encounter (1945) / Newsies (1992/2017) / Young And Innocent (1937) / Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker (2019) / Caddyshack (1980)
Odd Man Out (1947) At once a socio-political reflection of its time, more vitally a reflection of the human condition, of dreams and ambition and love. Classic cinematic artistry, William Alwyn's glorious score and sublime performances make this essential viewing in any age.
The Spy In Black (1939) Powell &
Pressburger's first collaboration is a typically offbeat thriller that
embraces the view of the German spy aiming to destroy the British fleet
in remote Scotland. Conrad Veidt and Valerie Hobson provide depth and
emotion in a brisk, minor effort.
Brief Encounter (1945) Noel Coward and David
Lean's aching love story combines literate writing, strong performances
and mesmerizing style. Despite the sense of inherent parody, the
'flames of passion' embodied by Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard maintain
a perennial truth.
Newsies
(1992/2017) Despite its critical and commercial failure, an amiable
musical with solid songs and big production numbers. Reimagined as a
stage musical, the film of the show is superior, an exciting, affecting,
fast-moving tale of anti-establishment and family.
Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker (2019) The
production values, technical expertise and expansive visual effects are
without fault. Yet there remains an anemic atmosphere and a narrative
going through the motions, an opportunity lost. At least it provides
John Williams with a glorious finale.
Caddyshack (1980) With its meandering plot
and defiantly juvenile humour, a film that constantly threatens to
self-destruct. Rodney Dangerfield's energy, Bill Murray's mania and an
animatronic gopher keep it together and there are some genuinely funny
sequences, including an explosive ending.
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