Film reviews part 8 (in order of viewing)

Naked (1993). CINEMA. 15.11.21. For me, this was markedly weaker than “Bleak Moments”, which I also viewed recently. The character played by Greg Crutwell was one-dimensional and almost unwatchable, so disgusting he was. Unfortunately, the Sandra character was also a sort of caricature, and whereas the film never fell short of being entertaining (in the broadest sense) – except after Sandra appeared – it felt empty and sort of pointless. The character and relationship studies weren’t quite interesting or intense enough to make this a film like “Bleak Moments”. 7½/10

Paths of glory (1957). 18.11.21. The effective courtroom scene made me sit up and take notice but the ending was disappointing. All a bit pat; a modern remake might be good. 6½/10

Man Up (2015). 21.11.21. Middling romcom, ok if you’re in the mood. 6½/10

What we do in the shadows (2014). 24.11.21. On-the-mark funny: a little gem. 8/10

A salesman (2016). 26.11.21. Not as tight, involving or thought-provoking as “A Separation” (by the same director), but still sufficiently entertaining. 7½/10

Vice (2018). 2&3.12.21. Hatchet job on Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld and the Bush administration generally. Doubtless much of it is true, but this is essentially one-dimensional soap opera, and the goodish score given reflects this type of (very cheap) entertainment value instead of true artistic merit.7/10

The Band Wagon (1953). 7&8.12.21. Fun, feel-good, sumptuous confection with quite a sharp script (doubtless ultra-contemporary at the time – for instance the Brando and Oscar & Hammerstein references – and which hasn’t dated), a few good songs, and an unusual / unexpected 'show within a show’ near the end, which unfortunately detracts. 7/10

Manchurian Candidate (1962). 13&14.12.21. Directed in quite an old-fashioned way perhaps (even for 1962), which is a pity because it had a lot going for it, such as Angela Lansbury’s great performance. The whole was better than the sum of its parts. 7/10

Escape from Alcatraz (1979). 16.12.21. A solid but dead-straight, unimaginative retelling of a true story. I can see how this might have got good reviews in 1979, but it doesn’t hold up in comparison with more recent prison films such as Shawshank Redemption or A Prophet. 6/10

Why don’t you just die (2018). 19.12.21. Taken on its own childish terms this outrageous meaningless black comedy is sort of fun, and always involving. Tarantino-esque, but inferior to his best stuff. 7/10