Having been away for the last 2 weeks, we’ve managed to knock quite a few films on the head, courtesy of our log cabin in the Lake District having Film Four, and a few more from my Lovefilm list. I won’t go into indepth reviews of each, but just a few words about each with my rating out of 5.

A Clockwork Orange – Nearly turned it off after 20 minutes or so, as it was very weird (typical of early 70’s films that try to be “futuristic” methinks, but got better as the film progressed. still can’t believe that it’s the same fresh faced Malcolm McDowell that recently appeared in Heroes. Not sure what actually happened at the end either One of those that make you go “huh? is that it?” when the credits start rolling. Glad I’ve seen it, but wouldn’t choose to watch it again. Rating: 2/5

The Long Good Friday – My favourite type of film, a good London, gangster flick. Bob Hoskins is perfectly cast, and the supporting ensemble (such as Helen Mirren, Alan Ford, and a very young looking Pierce Brosnan) play their parts brilliantly. A wonderful storyline too, depicting why your average mob boss should never go on holiday! I’ve heard that the film is to be remade by Paul W S Anderson, which means it will be rubbish a la Get Carter (stallone version) and Italian Job (Wahlberg version). Anyway, I’m loving the original, and will no doubt be buying it to keep at some stage. Rating: 4.5/5

Rain Man – Why have I never seen this film before? Surely it should be on TV at least once a month? Tom Cruise playing an a** hole before he actually became one, and Dustin Hoffman giving the performance of his career (sure, you’d never watch this next to “Meet the Fockers”) as Raymond Babbitt, an austistic adult who was institutionalised as a child, and has never met his brother (cruise) before. A fantastic story, with brilliant acting. Wasn’t too sure on the ending (another huh? surely there should be another 20 mins” moment), but thinking back now, it’s all the better for not going for the obvious, sickly hollywood, fairy-tale ending. Another to add to the permanent shelf I should think. Rating: 5/5

The Good Girl -Only watched this for 2 reasons. No1: There was nothing else on. No2: Jennifer Aniston is in it, so there’s soemthing nice to look at even if the films cack. It was a bit of a girly flick – Downbeat southern wife married to a loser ends up having an affair with a young co-worker, who becomes obsessed with her. Nothing mind blowing plot-wise here, but it filled an hour and a half. Rating: 2/5

Dodgeball: A true Underdog story - Not strictly a new movie to me, as I saw it on a flight in the states a few years back. Great, feel-good comedy which doesn’t venture too far into new territory, but still a film you could watch again and again. Also contains the great motivating speech by Lance Armstong: “You know, once I was thinking of quitting when I was diagnosed with brain, lung and testicular cancer all at the same time. But with the love and support of my friends and family, I got back on the bike and won the Tour de France five times in a row. But I’m sure you have a good reason to quit.” Quality. Rating: 4/5

Sideways – A little over two hours, but the first hour dragged. Very slow-moving storyline, but once it got going, was an enjoyable flick. not my usual sort of movie, but passed the time nicely. And I can now pretend I know something about wine! Rating: 2.5/5

Cheaper by the Dozen – Steve Martin movie. Just like every other move Steve Martin has ever made. Kids say and do mildly amusing things. Sex is embarrassing. Yup, we get it. Rating: 1/5

Jungle2Jungle – See Cheaper by the Dozen, but replace “Steve Martin” with “Tim Allen”. Rating: 1/5

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