Thunder Force (2021)
Carry On Camping (1969)
A Window In London (1940)
Where Eagles Dare (1969)
Cell (2016)
Rome Express (1932)
Sleeping Car To Trieste (1948)
The Arrival (1996) ///
Carry On Camping (1969) Or 'Where Sleeping Bags Lie'. Appreciation of any of the Carry On series depends on a recognition or disregard of a British sense of humour rooted in the sexual politics of the era. Visually and narratively rudimentary, a better laugh rate than many.
A Window In London (1940) After witnessing a murder that turns out to be a magician husband and wife rehearsing, Michael Redgrave becomes obsessed with the woman, Sally Gray. Good use is made of London locations and though tone and pacing is uneven there's a nicely twisted ending.
Where Eagles Dare (1969) Despite a meaty two and a half hours, the streamlined narrative carries Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood as they break into a mountaintop fortress on a rescue mission that reveals traitors and double agents. Smart action, fine cast, robust Ron Goodwin score.
Cell (2016) Stephen King adaptation that feels both too abridged yet too slowly paced, a sure sense of visual design undermined by awkward narrative rhythms. John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson drift through the zombie-like mayhem, social commentary lost along with the tension.
Rome Express (1932) Dynamically shot opening sequence sets the tone for a spirited comedy thriller that centres on Conrad Veidt willing to murder to claim a stolen Van Dyck painting amidst the dramas of international passengers. Though performances feel arch, story twists remain involving.
Sleeping Car To Trieste (1948) Remake of Rome Express that substitutes agents for art thieves and includes a robbery prologue before boarding the Orient Express. Otherwise, narrative beats remain familiar with a light tone, appealing performers and a breezy, tight construction.
Young Ones (2014) Inert pacing reaches for the artistic and meaning in an apocalyptical future where Michael Shannon strives to rejuvenate his parched land, but instead finds encroaching violence and murder. Precise visuals and design feel in conflict with the harsh morality tale.
The Arrival (1996) Initially intriguing and involving earth invasion tale as paranoid Charlie Sheen uncovers Body Snatchers-like alien infiltrators planning terra-forming under the cover of climate change. More routine as the plot unfolds, some visuals and ideas maintain interest.
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