Film reviews part 21 (in order of viewing)

Richard III (1955). 27&29.5.24. Perhaps the best filmed production of a Shakespeare play I’ve seen to date, although the rather haphazard, amateurish battle scenes at the end – filmed inexplicably in the Spanish countryside (and it shows)  - spoilt a little what had gone before (and why would a horseless Richard be drawing attention to himself in the way that he did!). 8/10 

A cock and bull story (2005). 4.6.24. A novel idea, which basically works. 7½/10

The big country (1958). 10-13.6.24. Intelligent nuanced Western with three-dimensional characters and situations. Right up there with The Gunfighter, High Noon and The Good the Bad and the Ugly. 9/10

Shiva Baby (2020). 13.6.24. Claustrophobic – which was doubtless the intention (to reflect the claustrophobia felt by Danielle). Anyway, this is all good stuff for what it is (which isn’t much), and wisely kept to a very short duration (78 minutes). 7/10

Close (2022). 14.6.24. After a boring start where I thought it might turn out to be yet another pretentious French-language film, this steadily improved and ticked all the right boxes but without great flair / becoming exceptional. An extremely poignant story and excellent performances. 8/10

Man for all seasons (1968). 15.6.24. A very worthy Best Film Oscar-winner, this is unusual, striking and ultimately outstanding (both in the literal and contemporary senses of that word), with a mesmerising lead performance from Paul Scofield. 9/10

Hit man (2023). 18.6.24. This is being written a week after watching which isn’t good, but from memory I thought it was solid entertainment (no more than that, and forgettable). 7/10

The Duke (2020). 2.7.24. Another “good”, ticks-all-the-right-boxes British film: light, bright and soon forgettable. Despite good jobs by Broadbent and Mirren, talented Geordie actors would have made things more believable and therefore spiced it up a bit, the dialogue often lacked flair – and the two sons and their girlfriends were very sketchy and underused. 7/10

Ali & Ava (2021) (early July 2024). A winning vibe and winning performances  ̶  especially Claire Rushbrook’s remarkable Ava – more than make up for the thin material. 7½/10

Chopper (2000). 21.7.24. Up until the final set-piece this was tight and literate; just short of being excellent. But the final quarter of the film becomes unnecessarily confusing. Still, very memorable. 7½/10