Das Rad (The Wheel) - English subtitle

At last! A version with english subtitles. You must watch it now. Enjoy

Some little reviews of some jolly fine films

• Children Of Men (2006)

A grungy and yet, somehow, beautiful film. Set in a world worryingly similar to our own, where mankind has no future so ceases to care about the present. We are shown the best and the worst that people can do. Clive Owen is sexily heroic

Starring: Clive Owen, Julianne Moore, Michael Caine
Director: Alfonso Cuaron


• The Village (2004)

People seem disappointed that M Night Shyamalan doesn't keep making the same movie over and over. Isn't that a good thing? I was slightly disappointed by this on first viewing since, up till then, each of his films had been better than the one before. However, having seen it a few times now, I think it's a good film. It's basically a fairy story - of the Grimm school. Bryce Dallas Howard is luminous and feisty. Joaquin has rarely been sexier (strong and silent). This may not be Shyamalan's best work but that's still better than most.

Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Joaquin Phoenix, Adrien Brody
Director: M. Night Shyamalan


• The Rage In Placid Lake (2003)

It is a crime that this gloriously sweet and quirky film never got released in UK cinemas. I saw it 2 years ago at the EIFF and loved it then. I'm happy to say it's even better on second viewing. Placid, lying in hospital after breaking every bone in his body, decides that 'being himself' is just too dangerous. He decides to reinvent himself, get a job and become normal. A move which his outrageously hippy-ish parents (Miranda Richardson is fantastic as Placid's mother) see as a rebellion against them. Rose Byrne is also great as Placid's best friend Gemma, "Doris Day the Scientist". She's really becoming one of my favourite actresses. This film is everything I’ve come to expect from Australian cinema. Off-beat storyline, peppered with loveably weird characters. And a feeling of warm, fuzziness when it’s all over.

Starring: Jordan Brooking, Miranda Richardson, Garry McDonald
Director: Tony McNamara


• My Name Is Modesty (2003)

I came to this movie with some trepidation. As a fan of the novels I had high expectations and apart from anything else the lead actress, Alexandra Staden, just looked too skinny. I have to admit that I was very pleasantly surprised. Apparently this film had to be knocked out quickly in order to secure the rights for a planned series of movies. Filming was done in just 18 days! If this is what they do in a rush I’m really looking forward to watching the series proper. It is a fine action flick but has the added interest of providing a back-story for a character I’ve loved for years. Among the special features, the interview with author Peter O’Donnell was both fascinating and moving. I would recommend this to anyone who is even vaguely interested in the character Modesty Blaise.

Starring: Alexandra Staden, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Raymond Cruz
Director: Scott Spiegel



• Lake Placid (1999)

Something about this film reminds me of the 50s sci-fi films I love so much. I think it's the witty banter and gentle comedy interspersed with jump-out-of-your-seat frights. The acting is flawless. Even Bridget Fonda, who I normally find grating, is well cast. The relationship between Oliver Platt’s condescending and wealthy crocodile hunter and Brendan Gleeson’s belligerent country sheriff is particularly delightful.

Starring: Bill Pullman, Bridget Fonda, Oliver Platt
Director: Steve Miner



• The Thing From Another World (1951)

I love the combination of snappy dialogue and sci-fi hokum in this movie. Although sprinkled with wonderful humour there are moments of real suspense too. Claustrophobic and atmospheric with an eerie sound track, in my opinion this is the best film of it’s time and type.

Starring: Margaret Sheridan, Kenneth Tobey, Robert Cornthwaite
Director: Christian Nyby