"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.

"Macbeth", directed by Justin Kurzel

Movie, 2015

A film which turns the play on its head, from a pacy plot which builds tension, to something pushing style at the expense of substance and in shortening the running time, makes the whole thing drag. An achievement of sorts. While there are some interesting ideas, including the battle scenes, the whole piece feels like a series of disjointed moments and there are times when the director's vision and cinematography go into overdrive and swamp everything else. Not the greatest introduction to the Bard.