| Title |
Director
/ Actors / Writer / Producer |
Description |
Buy
at Amazon USA or UK
|
Suggested
By
|
Amelie
(Le
Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) (2001) |
d.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet
a. Audrey Tautou
|
Amelie is a unique cinematic experience.
It hits all the right emotional buttons; laced with euphoric
moments, blissful joy and cheeky humour. The combination of
a brilliant director, a trully outstanding actress and a great
film composer surmount to the success of this film. Although
having played quality roles in many French productions since
1996, it was Audrey Tautou's mesmerizing performances in "Amelie"
(Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain) and then "A Very
Long Engagement" (Un long Dimanche de Fiançailles) that
has since made her the darling of world cinema. Director Jean-Pierre
Jeunet is a perfectionist in every detail - costumes and sets
(even on location) are painstakingly manicured and enhanced
to emit the exact hues of colour and light needed to create
the required mood or visual dynamic. Yan Tierson composed the
memorable music which means that no DVD and CD collection would
be complete without Amelie the movie and Amelie the soundtrack.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Bagpuss |
w.p.Oliver
Postgate |
Like
the patterns on the wallpaper in your childhood bedroom, the memory
of Bagpuss stays forever. If you have children Bagpuss for them.
If you don't buy it just to say hello again to Professor Yaffle,
Madelaine the rag doll, Gabriel the toad, the Mouse Organ Mice
and of course Bagpuss.... just a saggy old cloth cat... but Emily
loved him. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Buffy
The Vampire Slayer (TV series)
|
a.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony
Head |
From a rather disappointing and
average pilot a few years back, Buffy improved in huge leaps
and bounds (and bites). A well chosen cast delivered a brilliant
script laced with classic one liners ... blink and you'll miss
them.
All dialogue and editing is immaculately
paced, synchronous with pin sharp wit and outrageous deadpan
irony. The bouncy, fluffy lingo deserves entry into dictionaries
everywhere to brighten up all languages around the world.
Humour and brilliantly understated
horror cross seamlessly with intelligent character study. Powerful
emotional turmoil, teen angst and cool-cute persona flourishes
throughout its cast, supported by a fine music score, great
featured bands, kicking special FX's and quality production
design - including some very creepy moments. (Watch out for
"The Gentlemen" (Hush) episode...ooohhh)
The natural, cool, quirky drama
makes Buffy a show of unique, class quality... with a few stakes,
potions and demons thrown in for good measure.
The purchase links here point
to:
Buffy
UK and USA at Cult Digital
|
Buffy
UK and USA
|
|
| Dead
Like Me (2003-4) |
a.
Ellen Muth, Laura Harris, Rebecca Gayheart, Callum Blue, Mandy
Patinkin, Cynthia Stevenson, Jasmine Guy, Britt McKillip, Callum
Blue
|
Finally, a TV series that was
set to cheer up the millions who had still been suffering cold-turkey
since the end of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer". "Dead Like Me"
oozes subtle deadpan humour, great character profiles and a
consistently strong script. With flavours of "Buffy", "Six Feet
Under", "Donnie Darko" and even elements of modern British comedy
thrown in for good measure, this truly unusual series has it
all. The lead character 'George' is played by the gifted Ellen
Muth, who as well as projecting a rather extraordinarily offbeat
acting talent is also a member of Mensa. In fact, Muth's father
has an entire museum named after him. Supported by a music score
courtesy of Stewart Copeland, "Dead Like Me" is destined to
become a high-pedigree cult classic...
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Desperately
Seeking Susan (1985) |
d.
Susan Seidelman
a.
Rosanna Arquette, Madonna
w.Leora
Barish
|
On
the surface this is a quirky, fun, cute, easy going gem. But there
is an undertow of melancholy that makes it somehow unforgettable.
Rosanna Arquette's (wonderfully understated) enigmatic presence
may have something to do with it. But so maybe does the general
ambience...which becomes increasingly reflective as years go by.
This may seem overstated but is this movie, as yet, an un-hailed
1980's period piece? |
USA
UK
|
LG
|
|
Doctor Strangelove
(1963)
|
d.
Stanley Kubrick
a.
Peter Sellers, George C. Scott
w.Peter
George
|
Starring Peter Sellers in three
completely contrasting rolls. This father of all black comedies
parodies the nuclear arms race to insane, epic proportions.
As usual Kubrick's directorial technique is far ahead of it's
time. Hilariously dark masterpiece.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Fantasia
2000 |
Walt
Disney |
The
original release of Fantasia in 1940 was intended to be the first
of an ongoing work in progress.. with each successive release
including new works... Well its been a 60 year gap for this next
installment to appear, but in doing so it presents itself not
only in 35mm but most effectively as the first IMAX animated feature.
The gigantic IMAX hi-tech cinema experience is the place to really
absorb this enchanting experimentation of brand new and reworked
older pieces. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Ferris Buellers
Day Off (1986)
|
d.
John Hughes
a.
Mathew Broderick, Mia Sara, Alan Ruck
|
Determined
to have a day off from school and despite of what the principal
thinks, Ferris and co. make the madcap most of it. There's a "cultural
awakening" scene in this movie as the three truants visit
an art gallery, accompanied by some affecting music... all which
sums up a sharp directorial balance between emotion and humour;
something which John Hughes accomplished so well in his films
of the 80's and 90's |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
Friends
(the complete
TV Series) (1994-2004)
|
a.
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew
Perry, David Schwimmer, |
One of the slickest, finely tuned
American comedies in recent years. From the sublime to the ridiculous,
a magnetic TV choice for anyone who doesn't take life too seriously.
And you can simply watch them over and over. Great blues lifters.
Here we list only the new DVD
versions. Every series is now available in this format in complete
volumes
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
|
gThe
Graduate (1968)
|
d.
Mike
Nichols
a.
Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross
p.
Lawrence Turman
|
Mike
Nichols' coolest of period pieces which became a template for
modern teen genre movies (and ads). The inclusion of the Simon
and Garfunkel soundtrack was an added masterstroke. Here's to
you Mrs Robinson. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| gThe
Great Race (1965) |
d.
Blake
Edwards
a.
Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Peter Falk
|
Wacky Races on speed and obviously
the movie that inspired the cartoons. Completely potty from
start to finishing post. They don't make 'em like this anymore,
etc. etc.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Head
(1968) |
d.
Bob Rafelson
a.
The Monkees
p.
Jack Nicholson
|
The
Monkees parody their own manufactured image in this popadelic
rarity. The soundtrack
album is a lost classic (which became trendy again in the
early 90's). It highlights a hidden emotion and melancholy which
obviously bubbled under the foursomes comic shells. The film and
particularly it's music confirms that deeper artistic talents
were present in some guise or another (particularly Mike Nesmith).
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| How
To Steal A Million (1966) |
d.
William
Wyler
a.
Audrey Hepburn, Peter O'Toole
w.
Harry Kurnitz
|
Starring
the jet set princess of Pink Champagne comedy. Some nice lines
and subtle comic character studies. Set in a Paris we all like
to imagine still exists. (Particularly when viewed from behind
the wheel of a primrose coloured E-type convertible). |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| I'm
All Right Jack (1959) |
d.
John Boulting
a.
Peter Sellers, Terry-Thomas, Richard Attenborough
|
The
star cast for this great British comedy by the brothers John and
Roy Boulting goes on and on. Along with other Petter Sellers Classics
of that time, such as Heaven's Above, The Smallest Show on Earth
etc. such films as part of a DVD library will be enjoyed forever.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| iThe
Icicle Thief (1989) |
d.
Maurizio Nichelli
a.
Maurizio Nichelli,Calerina Sylos Labini
|
A
clever parody of Bicycle Thief with an added dimension! A surreal
concept which slowly reveals itself throughout the film. (Check
out the "bambino" who crawls in and out of most precarious
situations!) ... bizarre. |
USA
UK
|
L-G
|
| Lost
In Translation (2003) |
d.
Sofia Coppola
a. Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray
|
A subtle drama set in Tokyo and
expertly directed by Sofia Coppola. Lost In Translation stars
the hugely talented Scarlett Johansson and a surprise change
of acting style by Bill Murray. Highly thought provoking.
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Manhattan
(1979) |
d.
Woody Allen
a.
Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemmingway, Meryl Streep
|
This movie deserves special attention.
New York may be the location but the scenario relates to metropolis'
from London to Sydney. Possibly Woody Allen's finest observation
of self absorbed, media oriented pseudo intellects, wrecking
their own lives as much as each others in the search for the
selfishly unattainable. As each character (except Mariel Hemmingway)
whines and whinges self sympathy about their "predicament",
one wonders how many towny trendies watching this are actually
viewing their own traits without a hope in hell of self admission.
The films final frame speaks volumes as Allen's character turns
to a camera close-up....You only need to imagine his thoughts:
"I'm such a whinging hypocritical arsehole but hey, I just
can't help myself." In retrospect, and on the humorous
side, Seinfeld fans may also recognize an inspired format. Incidentally,
Manhattan never seems to date.
Choose
from a complete list of Woody Allen Films here
|
Full
List
|
L-G |
| Mon
Oncle (1958) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
For further details on Mon Oncle
see Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday.... since the next paragraph is just an
L-G ed letting of a little well deserved steam regarding some
of the dead wood he has dragged behind him in the past....!
One incredibly self righteous,
English, ex-colleague of mine would mock my interests in "foreign
films with subtitles"... (she would rather watch Brookside)...
Well.... perhaps Jacques Tati is a painlessly simple introduction
to fun foreign film culture for you...!!! (Oh, isn't it nice
how the web allows one to let off a little anonymous steam.
I could go on but... tut tut... unprofessional!
|
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday (1953) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati,
a.
Nathalie Pascaud
|
The
film that introduced Tati's gauche character Monsieur Hulot, whose
increasingly surreal adventures continued up until 1970 with Mon
Oncle, Playtime, and Traffic (all listed here). Tati's films define
a European style which one loves or snubs. The comedies of errors...
funny or sad. Tati was both... and brilliant at it. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| oThe
Odd Couple (1968) |
d.
Gene Saks
a.
Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
w.
Neil Simon
|
The
coolest film theme music ever and a most memorable movie vehicle
to introduce the Lemmon and Matthau screen partnership. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Playtime
(1967) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
see
Monsieur Hulot's Holiday |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Police
Squad! (1982) |
Created
by David
and Jerry Zucker
a.
Leslie Nielsen
|
Because the idea was to parody the 60's/70's "Quinn Martin"
era of TV cop dramas, these original small screen episodes sit
deadpan perfectly. The subsequent Police Squad movies (unlike
big screen Airplane! by the same team), seemed rather diluted
in comparison. VHS versions only vol1 and vol2 |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Sabrina
(1995) |
d.
Sydney Pollack
a.
Harrison Ford, Julia Ormand
|
Although
a 1990's remake of the Bogart original, this version stands on
its own by reflecting colorful feel-good factors of '50's pink
champagne classics and done with authentic charm. A chauffeur's
daughter falls in love with the son of the wealthy Larrabee household....
Take it from here Harrison! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| sThe
Shop Around The Corner (1940) |
d.
Samson Raphaelson
a.
James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan
|
A
somehow forgotten James Stewart classic of endearing charm, wit
and emotion. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Take
The Money and Run (1969) |
d.
Woody Allen
a.
Woody Allen, Janet Margolin
|
A very early film pre Bananas era and before Woody Allen became
more analytical with his own writing. Therefore with more physical
comedy involved there's many memorable moments to reenact whilst
discussing Allen movies over drinks... e.g. whilst in prison Allen's
character, Virgil Starkwell makes a gun out of soap for an escape....
trouble is it's raining on escape night, and ends up threatening
a guard with a handful of soapsuds. (Not to mention the ultimate
punishment... a night in solitary confinement with an insurance
salesman)
Choose
from a complete list of Woody Allen Films here |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| To
Catch a Thief (1955) |
d.
Alfred Hitchcock
a.
Cary Grant, Grace Kelly
|
Not
a Cary Grant, or Hitchcock classic but non the less a stylish
overspill of pink champagne. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Trafic
(1971) |
d.a.
Jacques Tati |
see
Monsieur
Hulot's Holiday |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| What
About Bob? (1991) |
d.
Frank Oz
a.
Bill Murray, Richard Dreyfuss
|
This
Frank Oz offering is quite simply great fun and uplifting. And,
as with John Hughes movies, this also leaves a balanced margin
for reflective emotion. Yah, yah...That being said there is otherwise
absolutely no point analyzing this film further........... ..............Well,
sorry trendy, angst critics, cynics and arties, but if you got
of your analy retented high horses for one minute and just let
go a giggle you might allow yourselves to see what else keeps
the real world refreshed and entertained after an easy going,
"hair exploding" nuts of a movie, like this one! |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
| Zero
De Conduite (1923) b/w |
d.
Jean Vigo |
Surreal
cinematic trickery is subtly scattered throughout this early French
masterpiece. Lovely dreamlike touches and an equally ingenious
soundtrack composed by Maurice Jaubert. Check out the procession
scene following the dorm pillow fight.... a true Dreambeat moment. |
USA
UK
|
L-G |
Dreambeat
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