Firstly, apologies for the delay on this. The weekend was
messy. Oh so so messy. I thought I was in a happy place to write, but after
slaving away on this for a few hours it soon became evident that coherent
thought was not my friend. And neither was personal hygiene for that matter. Ah
well... Anyway, in time for tonight’s spooky festivities, I have managed to
pull myself away from the metaphorical ledge of despair, and also the quite
literal ledge of despair (I had a really bad hangover). So, put your masks on
kids and get your bags ready, I've got a few treats for you all - and maybe
some tricks as well.
Wednesday
The Shining, Cinemas
It’s Halloween, it’s orange Wednesday, so what a great time
to watch possibly the scariest film of all time on the big screen! Stanley
Kubrick’s adaptation of Stephen King’s bestseller is a master class on how to
unsettle your audience. Everything from the cinematography, to the music, even
to the carpet is designed to make you feel unease – and boy does it work. The
film follows Jack Torrance and his family as they move into the Overlook Hotel
to be caretakers over the winter break. But the isolation soon starts to have
an effect on Jack… Oh and the hotel may or may not be haunted as well. Stephen King wasn’t happy with Mr Kubrick’s
work as he felt that we don’t sympathise with Jack too much in the film, and
the plot diverts quite a lot from what was originally committed to paper, but
this should not deter yourselves from giving it a shot as it’s really an axe
cut above the rest (although I would recommend reading the book – it actually
might be scarier than the film). Don’t miss this opportunity to see this on the
big screen and take someone you can grab tight the whole way through. Hereeeeeeeeee’s
Johnny!
Poltergeist (1982) TCM 11.05pm Tobe Hooper’s classic ghost story is sure to get you looking at the TV slightly differently as a group of ghosts invade a poor unsuspecting family’s home. Surprisingly scary and surprisingly gruesome, given its original PG rating; this is one film you probably don’t want to let the kids watch even with your expert guidance.
The Sixth Sense (1999) FILM4 9pm
You know what, I haven’t seen this is bloody ages! And it’s bloody scary too. I’m pretty sure last time I watched this (about 5 years ago) there were still some bits I fast forwarded over (I’m thinking specifically about the scene in the tent), but I’m going to try my manly best to get to the end with some dignity still intact. Denial aside, this is an exquisitely crafted modern horror that manages to mix big scares and more subtle chills, which is no easy task seeing as a lot of films seem to focus on one or the other. This film made superstars of both director M. Night Shyamalan and Hayley Joel Osmant, both of whom have struggled in subsequent years, but this should not diminish from the achievement here (out shining Bruce Willis is no easy task – especially when he is this form). Sixth Sense is a film about a child who has been shunned by his peers for his removed and odd behaviour. His mother becomes increasingly concerned about her disturbed son, but there may be hope in the form of Bruce Willis. Can he discover the route of the unrest? You betchya!
The Adams Family (1991) FILM4 7.05pm
I’m pretty sure if I inquired about my friend’s opinions on this film they would be, at the minimum, resoundingly positive, and yet I still feel this film is under appreciated (don’t get even get me started on the sequel and how much more love that deserves). Razor sharp script brought to life by fantastic production, Barry Sonnenfeld brings the TV’s spookiest family to the big screen with fantastic aplomb.
Thursday
Casablanca (1942) TCM 4.45pm
Had enough of the morbid and morose? Want to see arguably the greatest love story ever committed to celluloid in order to cheer you up? Well, cheer you up kind of - depends on how you interpret the ending… Anyway, Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart are the two former lovers who are about to get reacquainted in Africa during the Second World War. For the more soppy of you out there get the tissues ready.
The Last of the Mohicans (1992) Channel 5 10pm
Great film this one, most of it will take your breath away;
from the amazing central performance from Daniel Day Lewis to the excellent
cinematography and action pieces orchestrated by Michael Mann, this is a really
powerful film that deserves your attention.Where Eagles Dare (1968) ITV4 9pm
Classic war time adventure starring Dickie Burton and Clint Eastwoord. Those pesky scheming Nazis are up to no good when they capture an American General, so an elite of team of Commandos are put together in order to retrieve him. If that wasn't difficult enough it soon transpire that they may have a traitor in their midst trying to scupper the rescue mission - the swines! If you like your adventure with some bang and your Nazis on the dead side of things then here is the film for you!
Friday
Crazy Stupid Love (2011) Sky Premier 8pm
I’ll warn you now, I’ll be recommending this film next week as well, because I love this. It’s already rocketed straight into my precious comfort film category (a top honour) and this is mainly because the warm fuzzy feeling it gives me. I want to be
The Host (2006) FILM4 12.45am
I’ve been meaning to watch this one for a while, so
thankfully it’s come along on TV. It’s a Korean monster movie, and meant to
very tongue in cheek and very high in quality – this is supposed to be a good
watch. Here’s Empire:http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/review.asp?DVDID=117548
Public Enemies (2009) ITV1 10.35pm
Now just to be upfront with you here on this one, this film is good, but when I saw it at the cinema it didn't blow me away. Which was a bit of a bugger really because this was the second film in succession from Mann to disappoint (the first being Miami Vice). It has Mann's stamp all over it i.e. it looks to die for and there are some great action set pieces. Plus it has two great leads in Johnny Depp and Christian Bale - it's just, something is missing... the spark which is meant to truly grab you and immerse you in what's happening on screen. But maybe that was just me, find out for yourself. Johnny Depp is John Dillinger, the most wanted robber of his day. He's a cool cat, and the public has a bit of a soft spot for him. He's being chased down by a very serious Christian Bale (is there another kind?) and a whole matter of things go boom with a few sultry looks thrown into boot.
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