Film reviews part 12 (in order of viewing)

Ghost (1990). 20&21.6.22. Dated in terms of directorial style - e.g. the self-conscious Unchained Melody scenes - and also script, this is still good enough for a wet afternoon’s entertainment. 7½/10

The mother (2003). 23-25.6.22. Compelling, taut drama about middle-aged loneliness. 8/10

She wore a yellow ribbon (1949). 9&10.7.22. Watched under half (was v unremarkable).

Westworld (1973). 24.7.22. Silly nonsense, but just about watchable. 5½/10

Dark Victory (1939). 25&26.7.22. The film suffers from melodramatic elements, common in films at that time: e.g. much more development was needed for the falling in love storyline, and the scenes showing Julie’s instability were rather crudely done (again typical of such a film). The dialogue in the opening scenes was also much too fast, which would have been fine if it was more engaging. The attempt at pathos at the end of the film though was quite successful and very welcome, despite being expected. 7/10

Election (1999). 27.7.22. This oozes gentle charm and timeless cosy humour which almost always hits the mark. Similar in many respects to American Beauty (also a 1999 film) but not quite as special. 8½/10

Now, Voyager (1942). 31.7 to 2.8.22. Quite a high-quality script and very good acting from Bette Davis, but let down by a somewhat mundane, and occasionally sloppy, production. For instance, as with Dark Victory above, the romance development could have been much better handled (the scenes on the boat are the least involving and those with the taxi driver are embarrassing!); and the end of the film is contrived and drags. 7/10

Carousel (1956). 4.8.22 to 6.8.22. One of the better Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, although nowhere near the quality of The King & I or the Sound of Music either in terms of story or music. But the dialogue and lyrics are fresh and snappy, and the song “You’ll never walk alone” is a R&H classic: head and shoulders above all the rest. Overall entirely watchable. 7/10

Reach for the sky (1956). 8.8.22 to 11.8.22. Breezy, pacy (perhaps too pacy) and very involving, although the often trite, peculiarly Home Counties dialogue is maybe more reminiscent of an earlier era in film than 1956. An early Lewis Gilbert film. 7½/10

The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018). 11.8.22. Very good acting by Moretz and an interesting premise, but ultimately this was a wasted opportunity / a bit of a 'nothing film'. 6/10