The Legend of Zorro (US, 2005)

The Zorro films explicitly don’t take themselves seriously so this passes a couple of hours pleasantly enough. Rufus Sewell didn’t look himself. (OAR) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386140/

Steamboy (Japan, 2004)

The opening 45 mins of this are absolutely stunning. Brilliant drawing and northern accents. I’d usually prefer to watch anime with the original actors but surely here the authentic (er Canadian Anna Paquin’s accent is wobbly & Patric Stewart is from Mirfield) accents add to the movie. The action may become repetitive but the visuals [...]

Singin’ in the Rain (US 1952)

Possibly the greatest of all Hollywood musicals, this film never fails to stun. The dancing is astonishing and the songs great. It’s also funny. Brilliantly directed in long takes so the dancing can be appreciated making music videos look corrupt with their rapid editing. (DVD, 5) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045152/

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe (US, 2005)

How can such a big budget movie have such ropey special effects (they’re not all bad but some of them are back-projection city)? Anyway, it gets the effects it deserves. (OAR) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363771/

Our Hospitality (US, 1923)

A Buster Keaton classic including the maddest train journey (the dog walks there quicker) in cinema and typical deadpan brilliance. (DVD, 2) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0014341/

The Cat Returns (Japan, 2002)

Another marvel from Studio Ghibli. The postmodern mix of styles and times and cultures make these a fascinating (and enchanting) watch. It’s not simply the intellectual satisfaction of enjoying another culture these are superbly done films. (DVD) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0347618/

Domino (US, 2005)

Peculiar (sort of) biopic. Keira Knightley’s been criticised as inappropriate in the role but she seems to be playing a posh English girl as bounty hunter so perfect casting there then. There’s not a lot so say (except Mickey Rourke’s looking better than he has for a long time); Tony Scott’s distinctive look holds the [...]

A Bittersweet Life (Korea, 2005)

Beautifully shot and performed by the lead (Yu-mi Jeong) with some stunning scenes (the return from the grave – but it is a gangster and not a horror movie). South Korea continues to produce the most interesting movies; does it constitute a ‘new wave’ yet? The western influences are clear but are made interesting by [...]

Slow Motion (France-Switzerland, 1980)

Twenty years after Breathless this movie was heralded as Godard’s return to form. 26 years after that this still looks good but I remember been baffled and enchanted in equal measure. It’s probably me that’s changed so I don’t find this movie difficult now; still has some fabulous composition’s and its wit is mordant. If [...]

Pan’s Labyrinth (Mexico-Spain, 2006)

A brilliant fantasy combining the brutal realism of the Spanish Civil War with a young girl’s escapist (after a fashion) fantasies. There’s a brilliant line describing fascism (accepting orders unthinkingly) and Sergio Lopez plays evil brilliantly. Visually stunning (all on E15m apparently) and emotionally gripping. One of the movies of the year. (Pictureville) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457430/