Film reviews part 22 (in order of viewing)

Boyhood (2014). 14-16.8.24. An intriguing, somewhat captivating first hour, but the absence of plot started to irk after that, and the script and characterisation weren’t quite interesting enough to compensate, despite a sprinkling of nice touches such as when the two kids talk together to compete for Mason Sr’s attention. And the constant bonhomie, the superficially messed-up but (of course) absolutely ideal father, the ‘we have to be tolerant and appreciate the gun-loving religious people’ message etc all started to rankle. I can see the (worthy) reasons why it won the Oscar though. 7½/10

Doctor Zhivago (1965). 22 & 25.8.24. A slick, stylish production very much of its time. More focused on the big sweeping picture than having an eye for detail, but some of the dialogue and the love triangle storyline were advanced for its time and impressive. One can see why it would have been highly thought of when it was released. No comparison with, say, Lean’s Brief Encounter though. 7/10

Strangers on a train (1951). 29&30.8.24. The first two-thirds were so much better than the action-heavy and melodramatic final third; this is a regular criticism of mine regarding films, especially perhaps older films. The incidental music was a hindrance. A few nice touches here and there, such as the mother character, just about make this a 7. 7/10

Meantime (1983). 2&3.9.24. Another spot-on Mike Leigh film in terms of dialogue and characterisation, although a few of the characters’ motivations were annoyingly but doubtless deliberately unexplained. Very similar in style and structure to (at least) Life is Sweet. All the cast are excellent but the performances from Phil Daniels and Marion Bailey stand out especially. 8½/10

Get Carter (1971). 7.9.24. An absolutely cracking, tight, first-rate film, and perhaps one of the first really raw, authentic crime films – of which the 1970s are famous – to come out of Britain or America? It needs to be seen at least twice though to really ‘get it’ as there is a lot going on. The scene where he is having ‘telephone sex’, while his landlady is obliged to listen, is captivating, and possibly the most erotic thing I’ve seen on film. 9/10

Waves (2019). 26&27.9.24. The overall message is strong and beautiful; the direction and pacing are good; there is originality, three-dimensional characters (which is kind of the point of the film) and pathos galore; but the dialogue is unexceptional which means it cannot raise its head above the rest. 7/10

Custody (2017). 4&5.10.24. After thinking about this film some time after watching it I am minded to give it a better review than I would have if writing just afterwards. The first hour was excellent in ramping up the suspense, and nuances in dialogue and direction mean there is a more to think about regarding the family dynamics than seems obvious. That said, this is essentially a simple film that does not need to be seen more than once to appreciate it more fully. 7½/10

Deliverance (1972). 21.11.24. I was captured right from the start with its realistic dialogue reminiscent of the Deer Hunter (NOT a favourite of mine) and characterisation, especially of the hillbillies which I would guess is authentic for the time. There is a straightforward and entertaining plot, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the scenes in the water are thrilling. My only gripe is that the film rather tailed off towards the end; it could have been punchier. Still, good entertainment. 8/10

Minari (2020). 5.12.24. Warm and engaging but didn’t fulfil its early promise, and with a damp squib ending (although ‘insightful’ no doubt). 7/10

The blue caftan (2022). 27.12.24. I was wary of watching this film because from (a) the title, (b) subject matter and (c) being Moroccan, I expected pretentiousness. But this was better than expected and – for once with this type of film – I tend to agree with the good reviews, or at least I think there is a lot here for the casual intelligent (not necessarily intellectual) viewer. Well-paced, and well-acted by the actors playing the married couple. 7/10

Planes, trains and automobiles (1987). 30.12.24. This was the first time I’d seen this classic. I am a fan of the more modern film Due Date – which was clearly heavily based on this – and prefer that movie. This is a bit loose, I don’t really feel for Steve Martin’s character (is he miscast?) and the laughs are too intermittent. Good fun though / it never seriously slacks. 7/10

I also started watching the following films, but they didn't interest me enough to keep watching.

Decision to leave (2022). 8.10.24. Watched half.

Memoria (2021). 8.11.24. Watched 45 minutes.

Anais in love (2021). 3.12.24. Watched first half and bits of second half.