Film reviews part 28 (in order of viewing)

Sunset boulevard (1950). 3&4.4.26. Getting Cecil B DeMille to play himself in a not insignificant role must have given the film a lot of attention and it’s certainly still worth watching, but is not head-and-shoulders above other films of its time. Norma Desmond gets quite tedious.... 7½/10

Speed (1994). 6.4.26. The ultimate thrills and spills movie, it keeps the audience on edge as well as the passengers, with a smart final third taking the action off the roads. Straight escapism and just the right side of preposterous, although personally I would not be laughing and cheering at every small challenge overcome if I’d been on the bus! 8/10

Sightseers (2012). 19.4.26. Black comedy of the Shaun of the Dead tradition, with some Nuts in May and generic road trip elements mixed in. All good fun with a few instances of gratuitous scatology and borderline bad taste. Her mother is a hoot and has the very best lines. 7½/10

Destry rides again (1939). 23.4.26. A winning Western with some great comic dialogue, although the resolution could have been cleverer and more in accordance with the hero’s principles. 7½/10

French Connection II (1975). 24&25.4.26. A little *too* raw for my liking (despite being partial to gritty 1970s thrillers). Doyle’s xenophobia was slightly ridiculous and the cold turkey scenes a bit OTT / something of a self-conscious showcase for Hackman. Because of its unpolished nature the film was occasionally difficult to follow (especially dialogue), and I didn’t like Henri, the French detective. Despite all this, the authentic atmosphere keeps the viewer hooked. The film is unusual for having absolutely no epilogue. 7/10

The school of rock (2003). 12.5.26. This is flawless for the type of film it is. The laughs come thick and fast, and it neither puts a foot wrong nor outstays its welcome. Written by the future writer of the White Lotus (Mike White), who also seems to enjoy being a rubbish actor! 9/10

Mona Lisa (1986). 13.5.26. A very eighties film which doesn’t pass muster in today’s more sophisticated age. The dialogue in particular is poor, and the storyline is tepid despite early promise. A certain vibrancy and watchability keeps it from getting a lower score. 6/10

Two-way stretch (1960). 20&21.5.26. An understated performance from Peter Sellers, a few years before his first appearance as Clouseau, helps along this very enjoyable comedy-drama, which never gets too broad or farcical. Lionel Jeffries as Kraut is also superb. 9/10

The guard (2011). 23.5.26. Fresh and original. 7½/10

My favourite cake (2024). 2.6.26. A film like a comfy pillow. Great performances from the two leads. 7½/10