This is England 9 out of 10. First time watching. In 2006 It would have reminded me of how far we had come as a society, jogged my memory of growing up in the 80s of the poverty fuelled violence and discrimination faced by minority groups. Now watching it, I could weep. It's all back.

28 Year's Later. 7.5 out of 10, really had to think long after viewing before scoring. I can understand how folk could rate this anywhere between 5 and 9. Not quite the film implied by the excellent trailer, but some interesting choices, direction, and strong performances. Likely a Marmite Movie.

Final Destination Blood Lines. 6.5 out of 10. If you're a fan of the series, you'll likely love it, imaginative and gory deaths as per usual, nothing particularly new or groundbreaking, but it's not the point. Poignant final cameo and dialogue from Tony Todd. Pure entertainment for gore hounds.

Hallow Road. 7 out of 10, low budget, under the radar, tight, relatable little movie, a morality tale, with a twist. Rosamund Pike is excellent, effectively Pike and Matthew Rhys have to carry the film. Opening brief tracking shots conveys so much about the characters, without any exposition.

Warfare 7.5 out of 10. Excellent sound, ramping up of tension and visceral imagery. No chest beating patriotism, just a snap shot of terror, a standard mission that heads south fast, with a casual disregard for the embedded Iraqi interpreter's and the families whose house is comandeered.

Manchester by the Sea
9 out of 10. Devastating film, one that will linger with you for days, essentially about condemnation, forgiveness, and the inability to forgive ourselves. So well written, acted, and filmed. Possibly a 1 watch only for most folk, big fan of Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams.

Sinners 8 out of 10. 1930s Vampire horror, engrossed from the start, with a unique dance/blues rotating one shot montage scene, blending past, present future music and dance styles, really smartly done. Even managing to squeeze in some KKK being massacred in the final section for good measure.

The Substance 8 out of 10. My favourite of 2024. Moore and Qualley are superb, Quaids character is grotesque.So much social commentary is embedded but not necessarily forced down your throat. Amazing imagery, music and practical effects. A uniquely excellent, full throttle, body horror movie.

Presence 7 out of 10. Really unique and unusual movie, shot from the perspective of a spirit or entity. Not a horror, as such, just a well-made interesting movie, not necessarily one to watch in the cinema, but very well crafted and engrossing.

A Complete Unknown. 8 out of 10. Excellent performances, especially the singing, I believe with no backing tracks, Chalamet very decent. A great snap shot of a turbulent time of immense change. Without much knowledge of Dylan this appeared to be a very balanced portrayal, not especially a puff piece

Nosferatu 8.5 out of 10. If hankering for a Hammer Horror or Lestat style vampire, you'll likely be disappointed. Recommend having watched the original 1922 version, to appreciate what Eggers has achieved. A brilliant homage to the source movie. Orlock is grotesque, an excellently crafted movie.

7.5 out of 10, excellently shot, emotional, warts and all portrayal, it doesn't hold back regarding drug taking and atrotious behaviour, but a decent redemption ark and cursory tale of meteoric fame, corporate manipulation and greed and finding oneself. Not the normal biopic.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist, as prescient now, as it was 100+ years ago.

Wicked 8/10. Not a musical fan generally, knew very little about this one, pleasantly surprised by the tacit subversive/sedition element, the 'othering' and use of minorities as a scape goat, visually great, and excellent performances all round especially Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande👍

6 out of 10 for me, an entertaining fantasy/fiction flick, with each actor doing their bit, perhaps not excelling as such, but decent enough. Crowes charisma and presence from Gladiator 1, would have been a hard act to follow to be fair. Sharks in the coliseum could have done with head lazers.