Film Pick UK

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri -   Frances McDormand rips through this film like a forest fire as Mildred, an avenging Mother trying to find out who killed her daughter. This disturbing story is not without humour which is dark and deeply satisfying.  Call Me By Your Name - An exquisite film by Luca Guadagnino adapted from Andre Aciman's novel. He focuses on moments of awakening, desire, first love, jealousy and longing.  Languorously drawn out against the sensual summer backdrop of Northern Italy. Beautiful. Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool - B ased on the book by Peter Turner, a memoir of his affair with the film star Gloria Graham. The film reflects on their romance whilst dealing with the brutal reality of her illness and refusal to succumb to it. A touching film, sensitive but not sentimental. The Party - A star studded gem by Sally Potter who draws her observations of the left wing political elite with scalpel like precision...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  I attended the gala showing at this years London Film Festival with more than a little curiosity and perhaps if I am honest a little scepticism. Everything about this film seemed as extraordinary as its title. Lets start with the pairing of Annette Bening and Jamie Bell, an improbable combination to say the least but one that not only works, it works like a charm. Of course this is an extraordinary story, a true story. The film is based on the book by Peter Turner which is a memoir of his affair with the film star Gloria Graham. Unlikely? Yes, but true none the less and it is the truth that makes it so touching, romantic, tender, sexy, funny and sad; beautifully, heartbreakingly sad. This film is all those things. It begins at the end of Glorias life and then moves seamlessly into the past and the telling of the history between these two people. Just as we find ourselves swept up in their beguiling romance the film returns quietly to the present. Dipping i...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Spending my teenage years in the cultural wasteland that is Romford, Madness occupied a special place in my heart. In the late seventies, early eighties a bygone era pre dating social media, music and clothes defined us. The outward display of who we were and who we were mates with. I loved the look and the sound of the boys. Doc Martins, Ska beats and a humour reminiscent of the silent films of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, who incidentally we all knew because they were still showing those films on TV. We know the band, and who doesn't love Suggs? But what about the nutter on Sax, swinging around in mid air? That one is Lee Thompson the subject and star performer of this absolute gem of a film. Jeff Baynes the camera man has known the band since their early days and shot the videos for Baggy Trousers and House Of Fun (By the way, he also has an Emmy and a BAFTA nomination for his, ahem, more serious work) The film shows a lot of those old videos and footage fro...

My intention was to write a top ten Christmas Film List but after careful consideration I couldn't in all honesty find 10 films that I would want on my list, which surprised me, but there we are. Then I thought, well I could write a top five Christmas Film List but I have six films. Dear me its all falling apart, so I may as well get the next bit over with and that is; my list does not feature 'Its a wonderful Life' because, well, I just don't like it. Yeah I said it, so damn me to hell. Films that also failed to make my list were those that claim to be Christmas Films but aren't, for instance; Die Hard, Planes Trains and Automobiles and Trading Places. A Christmas tree and cold weather do not make a Christmas Film. What I have here for you is six of the best. Christmas Films that for me embody the spirit of the season; Peace, Love and Misunderstandings. Home Alone 1990  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The McCallister family are gathered together as they will be flying to F...