"David Brent: Life on the Road", directed by Ricky Gervais

Movie, 2016

Reprisal of the David Brent character, who's giving rock and roll a proper try out in order to try and escape the drudgery of his sales job. This is a film which treads the line between rehash and some occasional moving scenes, but is never too far away from a good laugh or two. It's a savage character portrayal, very much in line and in the same style as The Office, although there's more emphasis on the human being and the frailties of David Brent, who is treated poorly, but who's gained a little more self-awareness. He's still cringeworthy, however, and although patchy, the film delivers. 

"Sons of the Desert," directed by William A Seiter

Movie, 1933

Thinly plotted caper starring Laurel and Hardy, who ham things up and pull of a fair few laughs from their ridiculous slapstick. This is a film with gender at its core - the wives dominate, bully and assault our heroes who are flawed and hapless. In this sense, they're strong and wronged, though on the other hand, they're clearly part of the machinery wearing Ollie and Stan down. Still, it's good fun and hokum. Possibly a little slow paced for modern audiences, although as a consequence, the film carries its audience along. 

"The Fundamentals of Caring," directed by Rob Burnett

Movie, 2016

Excellent road movie, featuring a carer taking his patient, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, on a road trip and rite of passage. There are almost too many points where the film could have slipped into schlock, though it avoids doing so with some aplomb. Some genuinely funny moments, some genuinely touching moments and while manipulating the emotions in that very American way, it retains a low budget integrity and doesn't ram home any position or attitude. Great entertainment from an unpromising premise.

"Whose Body?" by Dorothy Sayers

Novel, 1923

First Lord Peter Wimsey outing, setting up a London mystery between the wars, complete with man servants, domineering family members and a lightness of touch at times tempered with references to the darker psychological outcomes of the First World War. An entertaining read, above all, and if it's easy to dismiss this as a genre piece, there's much going on in the mental and moral and mental fibre of the book and the time in which it was written. This feels like a time catching its breath and looking to a future technological age with some trepidation. 

"Primer", directed by Shane Carruth

Movie, 2004

Perplexing film in which a group of nerds spend a load of time building stuff in one of their garages. The most notable piece of stuff is a time machine, which is kept in a storage facility, where things go a bit wrong with doubles inadvertently created and all manner of gloomy consequences ensue. The problem with the film is that the whole thing seems to have been improvised on no budget and all the action carried out with one hand over the mouth; nothing, ever, is clear or straightforward. Some lovely atmosphere and a stark authenticity, but a devil to try and follow.

"The Nice and the Good", by Iris Murdoch

Novel, 1968

A real lesson in engaging the reader with a hefty cast of characters, including more than a few conflicts and clashes. This is a book which really grips from the off and drives the reader through ever an more chaotic and unlikely plot, which keeps the pages turning even as more and more incredulity sets in. Shades and echoes of all sorts here, from country house whimsy to Black Magic to some almost classical aspects. A real rollicking read which twists between grim intensity and more more lighthearted trickery.

"The Internship", directed by Shawn Levy

Movie, 2013

Enjoyable comedy, which is almost over cloyingly American, but which nonetheless just about gets away with its over-sunny disposition with some near inter generational and cross cultural horseplay. The premise and story are both pretty thin and everything ridiculously predictable, but along the way, there are some funny set pieces and asides, even if a few of the set pieces outstay their welcome. Maybe not the most memorable film, but big and good enough not to have to be particularly bold. 

"The Prisoner of Second Avenue", directed by Melvin Frank

Movie, 1974

Comedy about power and work relations in a married couple suddenly exposed to economic hardship. Some excellent acting and a few decent scenes, although this film rather skates over some hefty issues in a way which suggests there's no problem with, say, metal illness. Things feel a little rushed and insubstantial as a result, although the film's perfectly entertaining if you can look past these niggles. A movie which feels as if its been lifted from a play (it was) and a little claustrophobic with it.

"The Comforters," by Muriel Spark

Novel, 1957

A novel it's difficult to describe without making it sound much better than it actually is. This is a tale of polite post-war society getting snagged up in witchcraft, insanity, affairs, diamond smuggling and all sorts besides. The trouble is that addressing all these themes and incidents with a cast of what feels like dozens of characters is tricky, especially when there's a huge proportion of the writing in dialogue. Some great writing, but overall, things just don't seem to have any real coherence. Some great moments, but the sum is difficult to be wholly favourable towards.

"Nocturne", directed Edwin L Marin

Movie, 1946

Moody whodunnit-cum-thriller, which feels a little restrained in terms of its settings and action, but which nonetheless puts over some good ideas and looks great in places. While the action and the film swiftly slip into formulae, the central character just about keeps the interest, despite George Raft not being 100% convincing in the role. Some good expressionistic lighting, noir atmospherics and pretty entertaining overall, though never really hitting the absolute pinnacles of similar films of the time and genre.

"THX 1138", directed by George Lucas

Movie, 1971

Brutal, good looking dystopia from a student film re-shot by Lucas, covering similar ground to "1984", though doing so by stripping even humanity out of the nightmare world he's created. What this gives us is a film it's hard to engage with or immerse in, which isn't helped by the slow narrative pushing along a rather opaque, threadbare script. Undeniably a visual stunner with an equally bleak soundtrack. A film to admire and ponder rather than enjoy.

"The Guest", directed by Adam Wingard

Movie, 2014

A film which flits between thriller, horror, mystery and teen romp but ends up being none of these things. Some good atmosphere and ideas early on, though these are subverted through clumsy foreshadowing, obvious plotting and a weird sense of non-anticipation as incident follows incident with indecent haste. A film which isn't so many things, it's tricky to say what it is. Hokum and entertaining to a point, but the sort of shameless sequel baiting fodder which really doesn't deserve a franchise.

"Four Souls" by Louise Erdrich

Novel, 2004

Family story of native American Indians and the dispossession and dissolution of their land and fortune. While this is a story which deals with gambling and drink, there's a sense of legends in the making, awe and power, often magical, in the rituals and activities of the women and the savage buffoonery of the men. If the switching of the narrative between characters occasionally stymies the overall flow, there's a wonderful atmosphere of loss, hope and retribution built and sustained throughout.

"They Made Me a Criminal", directed Busby Berkeley

Movie, 1939

Boxing movie which looks tired and dated, even if the opening premise, at least, is intriguing. After a while, the plot, acting and narrative all flop, leaving a pretty mundane picture with a few baffling scenes which do little to carry the action forward or comment on the main plot (borrowed from an earlier film). Difficult to know who this film was aimed for, and although not impossible to watch, it's quite a struggle. Some interesting character developments - not least in the central protagonist - though not enough to sustain interest.

"The Forensic Records Society", by Magnus Mills

Novel, 2017

A book, like others by the author, in which a scene is set - quite an odd, quirky but essentially familiar, humdrum scene - and then nothing really seems to happen in quite brisk, glorious fashion. The establishment, growth and fall of different shades of seven inch vinyl appreciation and their nuances and power struggles within and between give this novel more of an allegorical feel than some of its predecessors. This is glorious stuff indeed; easy, odd, perplexing in places and, for all its inbuilt mundanity, hugely entertaining.

"The Mystery of the Yellow Room", by Gaston Leroux

Novel, 1907

Early example of a locked room mystery and for all the labyrinthine plot twists, fairly easy to read and follow. The use of red herrings and characters not essential to the plot help measure rather than drag the narrative and the setting up of situations and cliff hangers makes for an absorbing read. Some may find the precociousness of the main character a little hard to entirely stomach, but the reminder of the boy detective helps with context and interest into wildly unfolding developments which often defy adult logic.

"A Damsel in Distress", by PG Wodehouse

Novel, 1919

A typical Wodehouse tale with all the stock characters and many set piece situations which appear all over the great man's work mean a thoroughly enjoyable, funny and reassuring read. This is a book relying a little more on chance than some of the others and one which also has a feel of a well-planned three act play, though in truth, little is lost as a result. Entertaining and twisting to the end, with characters more or less getting what they deserve except, possibly, a generous pay off for the main leads.

"I Capture the Castle", by Dodie Smith

Novel, 1949

A book tackling young love, a gloriously eccentric family and the very act and art of writing, which sets off at a furious pace, setting hints and hares running before settling into something more prosaic, but still pretty compulsive. The story itself is thin, but the settings, the family and the narrative are all sparkling and have a good deal of charm and originality. There's also an air of melancholy and a hint of the Empire dissolving into a new world, although the nostalgia is by no means overdone and the book not maudlin.

"Collected Ghost Stories", by MR James

Fiction, 1931

Supernatural tales, most of which stick close to established formulae (mysterious books and texts, eerie buildings) and can merge and blend a little into each other, but pepped up here and there with either humorous touches or the appearance and meta-fictional disruption of a narrator barrelling into proceedings. These are therefore stories to be enjoyed over a long period of time. More often than not, the stories are satisfying and, if a little old fashioned, can nonetheless conjure quite an atmosphere. There are, however, a few less powerful. 

"Life is a Dream", by Gyula Krúdy

Fiction, 1931

Short stories, many of which can't really be called 'stories', examining the lives of mainly working Hungarians through the food they are served and eat. The proliferation of broths, marrow bones and sour lungs give the collection a really earthy feeling, with many pieces not resolving and the imminent and sometimes actual presence of death giving the book a dreamy quality. Ten stories do give a feeling of being a 'bit samey', with the longer "The Green Ace" particularly meandering, but some lovely atmospherics along the way.

"The Babadook", directed by Jennifer Kent

Movie, 2014

A powerful atmospheric horror about a bogeyman, taking many of the genre's tropes (creepy house with a cellar, strange magical texts and a family battling good versus evil) and fits them in an Australian suburban set up, very much focusing on young mothers. This fresh approach to older, conservative forms reaps huge dividends, with the mother/son relationship swinging wildly and the absence of a male dominant figure striking. The plot swerves a little too wildly here and there, but this is a really bold, interesting and gripping horror.

Image: Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42530460

"Slouching Towards Bethlehem," by Joan Didion

Non-fiction, 1968

New Journalism without quite the crushing egotism and boorishness of either Hunter S Thompson or Tom Wolfe, focusing around a piece describing, in human terms, the human wreckage around Haight-Ashbury in the Summer of Love. This, and other pieces, are often wonderfully written, mixing an air of despair with one of nonchalance and painting an America roiling and clashing with itself and in no way showing any kind of social decorum. Refreshing change from the over-eulogising efforts of others, but still reportage of and within the moment.

"Foxcatcher," directed by Bennett Miller

Movie, 2014

Adaptation of a real life story involving an Olympic wrestler and a philanthropist whose interest in the sport bring the men and families closer together. In a film where the drama builds and fortunes interweave and develop, there's plenty to admire, even if a few bits and pieces are a little hard to get used to, mainly John DuPont's odd prosthetics and very static immobility. Still, well worth looking at and a very involving, affecting piece looking at stardom, power as a corrupting force and close familial relationships.

"The Hired Man," by Aminatta Forna

Novel, 2013

A tale of newcomers and a change in the pace and habits of a Croatian village, which becomes increasingly evident as a scene of recent catastrophe and intense ongoing tension. The mix of domestic woes, individuals adapting to altered situations and the huge, savage history underlying the setting is, in the main, effective, even if the pacing might have tightened up a little at the beginning of the novel. The sense of allegory and incidents foreshadowing and echoing events revealed later in the narrative probably makes this a good book for re-reading.

"Seance on a Wet Afternoon", directed by Bryan Forbes

Movie, 1964

A film looking at desperation in the English suburbs at a time when the swinging 60s was really kicking off. This is a film in which credibility and motivations are stretched, but which carries a powerful punch in looking and presenting a world teetering on the brink of insanity. Some great camerawork and music give a really tense atmosphere, as the main characters battle with each other and a situation running out of control. Gloriously overblown and entertaining for it.

"Into the Wild", directed Penn

Movie, 2007

Story of society drop out who graduates form college, then bums across the USA before ending up leading a mouth to hand existence in an old school bus in Alaska. A mixture of uplifting frontier anti-establishment action and some more toe-curing material every now and again, of the primacy and spirituality of the individual. Overall, pretty good, although could perhaps have benefited from a little more rigorous editing. A true story, so some nice steers away from the bleedin' obvious avenues the plot may have dived into.

Poster - https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11893732

"Eraserhead," directed by David Lynch

Movie, 1977

Eerie characters, settings, situations and morality. Everything in this tale of domestic life is eerie. Horrific at times - most of the time - but stylistically and surrealistically so, through hissing radiators, apparitions, deformed dancers, even more deformed babies and a cast of gruesome characters. This is a film worth enduring, though it truly is a test of endurance, showcasing themes and motifs played out in the director's later works. Not enjoyable as such, but hugely perplexing and there's no doubting the power of a dark imagination is truly at work.

"Otley," by Martin Waddell

Novel, 1966

Twisting plot concerning small time antiques thief who gets embroiled in espionage and counter espionage. This is a book which spins perhaps an over-sized cast of despots a little too quickly and although well written, doesn't quite do enough to grab and arrest the attention. A tongue in cheek, anti-establishment flavour root it in the time in which it was written. Not a problem, but despite a light, readable feel, the parts don't all add up to an entirely enjoyable whole.

"The Smallest Show on Earth", directed Basil Dearden

Movie, 1957

Cost British comedy in the Ealing mould about the little guy prevailing over the big American corporate, this time in the guise of a battle between two cinemas in a town in southern England. Some good scenes and nice settings, yes, although this is formulaic stuff, even if some of the supporting players act up a storm. A nice familiar whiff or moral ambiguity keeps things fairly interesting, though in fairness, and although charming, not a film to hold out for and make a real point of seeing. Nice entertainment, all the same.

"Faceless Killers" by Henning Mankell

Novel, 1991

In many ways, this is as formulaic a detective book as you could hope for; what sets it aside is the gloomy unrelenting atmosphere and sense of things breaking, from anti-hero Wallander's appalling diet, to the sense of a terrifying new world of race and other savage crimes to the bleak weather. Even the coffee's cold most of the time. The odd happier incident ensures the book isn't an outright mire, but there's a distinct lack of celebration in this compelling read which is all too often quashed by humanity.  

"Wonder Man", directed by H. Bruce Humberstone

Movie, 1945

Dark ingenious plot providing an early vehicle for Danny Kaye to squeak, pop, clicks and ga-humb-urdle his way through a pile of song and dance routines in addition to daft action situations. There's a lack of subtle sophistication and the Musical Theatre grates at times but still, this is top drawer entertainment. Even some of the singing works, most notably the opera singer who's beaten by his allergy to flowers. Terrific fun and sustained energy throughout; well worth a look unless Danny Kaye's really not your thing.

"Pop", by Kitty Aldridge

Novel, 2001

A novel which kicks off with some extraordinarily rich writing, which then flails and flags a little, but ends up delivering a satisfying whole. For the most part, this is an absorbing page turner, though it can feel as if plot points aren't resolved or somehow worked through to the kind of areas they may profitably be pushed into. Details of Midlands pub life are excellently sketched, though possibly distract from the more serious themes of loss and ambition. All in all, a cracking read.

"Harvey", directed by Henry Koster

Movie. 1950

An extraordinary film by contemporary standards, happily charting the story of a happy drunk by showing his endless charm and immunity to any of the downsides of alcoholism. Such is the disconnect, it's hard to offer a proper critique of what happens on the screen - the imaginary rabbit is quite possibly dispensible, the drunk's family are desperate human beings and the role of the sanitarium flips between being sinister oppression to a force for societal good. Too distracting to watch on a modern critical level.


Image source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26353576

"Looper", directed by Rian Johnson

Movie, 2012

Time travel science-fiction thriller in which execution squads take care of people flipped back to them from the future. Within this framework, a thriller with a few fairly standard goings on (chases, a nemesis and a few characters unwittingly drawn but relevant to the plot) and a few more mythical, magical elements, though possibly entirely seamlessly accommodating Bruce Willis' action hero and the more interesting family drama. A bit juddery as a result, but well worth a watch.

Poster by Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37152070

"The Man Who Came to Dinner", directed by William Keighley

Movie, 1942

Cracking, irreverant farce with a glorious procession of hard dyed stereotypes, gags, plot twists and situations which are as cruel as they are ridiculous. Presiding within and directing this cacophony, or so he'd like to think is main character, the wonderfully over the top, snarling Sheridan Whiteside. A grotesque beaut. A film like this, where every character except the slightly annoying male love interest, could easily have had a nervous breakdown, is pretty much beyond criticism. One to let wash over you and enjoy. It's also a rare example of an enclosed 'filmed play' which doesn't suffer from being set bound.

"Journey into Fear", directed Norman Foster

Movie, 1943

Atmospheric, gloomy film which creaks in places with its lack of subtlety and 'few too many characters', but delivers a huge chunk of entertainment nonetheless. Some of the action scenes are a real treat, not least the nightclub scene towards the beginning and the excellent finale, although the tension is occasionally undercut with some over-simplified caricatures. A feeling of anarchy, claustrophobia and underhandedness is, however, gloriously put across - if the film had a little more depth, it could have been a monster.

"The Tiger's Wife" by Téa Obreht

Novel, 2010

Sprawling story mixing a savage mythical series of characters and events in telling the story of a doctor's grandfather, a bombed out zoo and the tiger and wife of the book's title. This is a book of appetites, people who can't die and flashbacks, all of which give the narrative and the reader some hard work to do. Threads can unravel quite easily, in a book which can be powerful and poignant, but at times, a little frustrating too. All in all, a satisfying read and a fresh, brave debut novel.

"Lucy," directed by Luc Besson

Movie, 2014

Science fiction superhero gangster film with too many ideas to sustain and a generally cold outlook and a few less than savoury undertones. The basic idea of a innocent superhero inflicted with powers through to the footage of wild game being hunted by big cats are as tried and tired as they come. While the action scences and the pacing are fine, the disparate parts and their clunky coming together are distracting.  Entertaining, for sure, though this feels like a weird cross between a nerdy school project and a star vehicle for Scarlett Johansson.

"Nightcrawler", directed Dan Gilroy

Movie, 2014

Effective, powerful film charting the rise of a disreputable news collector in LA, superbly played by a suitably other worldly looking Jake Gyllenhaal. While this could have been preachy and one-dimensional, the film pulls you on board with some good characterisations and a compelling narrative, which builds and keeps the interest throughout. Not always easy to watch and possibly stretching credibility at times, but an excellent moral examination and satire of the news and fame business.

"Gaslight", directed by George Cukor

Movie, 1944

Grisly psychological study of a husband's mental greed and cruelty, with enough melodrama to send anyone into a spin. The overall look and feel of the film are both superb, although the build up and back story feel laboured and unnecessary, with an immediate degree of malice in the husband instantly decoupling some of the narrative tension. Still, some of the photography is breathtaking and moody, with the acting split between the vital hysterics required from the leads and one or two redundant, overblown characters. 

"4321," by Paul Auster

Novel, 2017

Epic, sprawling account of the journey into adulthood of Archie Ferguson, or more accurately, the four alternative Archies, determined by events and subsequent consequences. While the writing is excellent, this is a hefty tome which promises more than it delivers, with Auster's penchant for coincidence and meta-fictions relegated behind more straightforward episodic story telling which smoulders without ever fully igniting. The attention to history is detailed, though again, at times, feels just a little claustrophobic. 

"Woyzeck," directed Werner Herzog

Movie, 1979

Intense portrait looking at the disastrous effects of the military and psychological manipulation on a less than stable subject. The Herzog-Kinski combination brings in bucket loads of atmosphere and dread into a combat situation with no fighting, other than the destructive relationships raging through and around the main character. Beautifully shot and with a number of meditative scenes in among the high drama, but still coming up well paced. Brutal viewing tacking dehumanisation and absurdity full on and giving much pause for thought along the way.

"Die, Monster, Die!" directed by Daniel Haller

Movie, 1965

Curious mixture of horror tropes, from a spooky house, innocent virginal female lead, disabled and mad parents and mad scientist, to 60s' surreal and at times psychedelic science fiction feel. Karloff hams but is possibly upstaged by his insane and damaged wife, while the dashing young male lead both looks old enough to have been the heroine's father. Enjoyable hokum which never fully grabs attention but keeps rattling along at a decent pace and throws up plenty of oddities, including the odd genetically mutated giant tomato.  

"A Man Called Ove," by Fredrik Backman

Novel, 2012

Recently and deeply bereaved widower contemplates ending it all but is only happy to do so once all matters in hand are in some sort of order and those around him, in his neighbourhood, start conducting themselves in a fit and proper manner. As easy book to get into which, whenever it feels in an way repetitive or overly formulaic, brings things back round so the reader is given chance to understand and care about the main protagonists. In the end, there's some really effective emotional engagement and story telling which can be ploddy but overall, delivers a good read. 

"Young Frankenstein", directed Mel Brooks

Movie, 1974

Broad affectionate parody of Universal Horror films, with silly gags which feel both of their time and still worthy of a good chuckle, as Wilder, Feldman and co go through their paces. This is also a terrific looking film, wonderfully recreating the atmosphere of the setting of the original movies, nowhere more so than in the village and villager scenes, most ably led by the mechanically challenged Chief of Police. Lovers of the source films may have an advantage watching this and getting the jokes, but there's enough to keep all amused.

"The Informant", directed by Steven Soderbergh

Movie, 2009

A thriller about a whistle blower with a number of twists and turns, as a seemingly principled employee brings a torch of justice to bear on his employers. As a whole, this film will either engage its viewers or not, and while the acting, pace and much of the other component parts of the movie are satisfying, there's a lack of urgency n the narrative, somehow, which is only exacerbated with each twist in the story. Perhaps with a different editor, things could have been improved.

"Submarine," directed by Richard Ayoade

Movie, 2010

Charming, compassionate coming of age film on the one hand, though thankfully, and despite an appropriately juvenile cast, not at all gloopy. Some fairly major themes are tackled in an off-kilter way at times, though the effect is to appreciate the resilience and decency of the teenagers in the film rather then either pity or rail against them. Some funny set pieces, again looking at serious themes (bullying, family breakdown) as well as some oddball humour which never entirely alienates. Overall, pretty decent.

"Modern Times", directed Charlie Chaplin

Movie, 1936

Satirical situations and a hard time for Chaplin's tramp in a hostile, exploitative industrial environment, before salvation is suggested through a 'gamin' (street urchin). The physical comedy and repeatedly unlucky antics of the well-meaning duo point to the uncaring, greedy society, best illustrated at the beginning of the film, before the the gamin's emergence, and through the casual dictatorial style used by the CEO of the tramp's original employer. Some iconic scenes and empathy generated as the hapless couple struggle with the tramp's continual failures.

"Hunt for the Wilderpeople", directed by Taika Waititi

Movie, 2016

Touching and funny buddy story with a non-cloying performance by a child actor on the run from an over zealous child protection team in the New Zealand wilderness. While this is in no way a radical breakthrough film, the humour is well-balanced and the characters work well together, even if aside from the main protagonists, they tend to be very crudely drawn. The film delivers poignancy within something of a riotous framework, which is quite a feat, given the set up and the concentration on the two main actors and characters.

"Hotel Reserve", directed by Lance Comfort, Mutz Greenbaum and Victor Hanbury

Movie, 1944

Movie dramatisation of Eric Ambler's Epitaph for a Spy, whose departures from the book rather let it down. A young James Mason is good value, but a little switched on and glamorous as the bungling 'hero' Vadassy and the amateurish antics in the novel, which give it its tension, are rather smoothed out. Still, there's a dreamy interplay and set and some great support acting in a film which is still curious and well worth watching. Possibly ripe for a remake, but still colourful enough and with a contemporary resonance.