Mark Karl Hughes (fb539588315)

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull PG-13

Its probably ten years too late but Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is still an entertaining romp with a few excellent set-pieces honouring the earlier films. Set in 1957 during the Cold War, the Russians are now the baddies, enter Cate Blanchett as a sort of dour Ninotchka who never lightens up. She is quite terrible. As is Ray Winstone as Indiana Jones new sidekick who constantly seems to be exclaiming "Jonesy!!!" and opening his arms for a hug. Karen Allen however picks up the slack magnificently and its a bit of a surprise that its taken until now to reteam the original Raiders of the Lost Ark pairing because she was pretty much the best heroine the series ever had. Further giving the whole film a fifties feel is Shia Le Boeouf as Marian's son who rides a motorbike and has a bit of a Brando-Wild One vibe about him. He also takes on a few of the more strenous stunts. The end is really touching allowing those of us who hankered for Jones to settle down to be given our final pay-off. It could have been better but it could have been a lot worse.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks G

Good fun despite the obvious paralells with "Mary Poppins" Angela Lansbury plays an irrepressible witch in training who takes in two evacuees during the early days of the second world war. In order to complete her training she needs the star of Astoroth to be found in a cartoon kingdom which she journeys to with her two charges and David Tomlinson. Even though it looks cheaper, it has a few memorable songs including "Down at the Bottom of the beautiful Briny sea" and Angela Lansbury is great as Eglantine, fending off a German attack by finally getting the spell right!

All About Eve Unrated

Extremely wordy and literate script from the opening voiceover from George Sander's as Addison de Witt. Deals wth a young hopeful ingenue who claws her way to the top using everyone she encounters. Baxter puts in a remarkable performance as Eve but it is essentially Bette Davis' film. Her Margo Channing is that rare film heroine in that she is incredibly flawed, difficult, annoying, amusing very multi faceted. It is the sort of film that just wuld not get made today, its just way too sophisticated.

Some Like It Hot Unrated

Whenever I feel down I snuggle up in bed with some chocalate and pop this in my dvd player. It is the ultimate comedy with a cast of outstanding performances from Marilyn to Jack to Tony to Joan Shawlee as "Sweet Sue". Its totally brilliant.