The Passion of Anna (3 Stars)

This is a difficult film to watch. It represents the peak of director Ingmar Bergman's alienation techniques. While ostensibly a drama about four characters living on the remote Swedish island Fårö, it's actually about the four actors who play the roles and the way they represent the characters. The film is interrupted by interviews with the actors about how they understand the characters they play, and we see a stark contrast. The actors are all friendly, likeable people. The characters they play are distant, unable to relate to one another, except through acts of violence. They are as remote as the island they live on.

The film ends with the main character pacing up and down, alone in the remote landscape, with Bergman saying in voiceover "This time he was called Andreas Winkelman". Implied is that in the next film he will play a different role.

What is Bergman trying to say? Most reviewers concentrate on the action in the film, such as the love affairs and the lynching of the man suspected of killing animals. I believe we should think about the metafilm instead. Bergman knows that very few of the film's viewers live in an environment like Fårö, an island with a population of only 500 people. Despite the openness of the scenery, the atmosphere is claustrophobic. Bergman is asking the viewers if they could live in such a place. Would the viewers also degenerate and become unable to reveal their emotions? Would they undergo the same metamorphosis as the actors, who are portrayed as both physically and psychologically crippled?

Vamps 2: Blood Sisters (4 Stars)

A sexy vampire thriller with an over-ambitious plot that fascinates, but could have been better. A strip club on Christmas Day, an ancient prophecy, a priest and a vampire messiah. If I had to point my finger at one weakness it would be that there are too many characters. The story would have been better with less vampire strippers, but obviously the director felt the need to show a bigger variety of naked flesh. Unnecessary. He could have given the delectable Glori-Anne Gilbert more time on screen.

The two disk set offered at Amazon includes "Vamps 1". Good value for money if you want to enjoy naked blood suckers.

Love Exposure (5 Stars)

A love story of epic proportions, this is one of the best films I've ever seen. The film runs for four hours, passing through phases of family drama, action and weirdness, but it's never boring. Genre defying, this is a film that everyone should watch.

A 17-year-old boy who is brought up in a strict Christian family learns kung fu techniques to aid him in taking upskirt photos of girls' panties. His life is turned around when he sees a lesbian schoolgirl beating up a gang of men. The only way he can be close to her is by pretending to be a woman, but matters are complicated when their parents marry and they become brother and sister. Adding to the confusion, his family is being stalked by the leader of a religious cult, who is also a cocaine dealer.

I can't begin to praise this film enough. It's hard to believe it hasn't yet been released in America after winning awards around the world. Just read a few of the reviews at IMDB to see what others have to say about it. "Love Exposure" is a stunning work of genius.

Barbarella (4½ Stars)

If Dino De Laurentiis has to be remembered for one film, let "Barbarella" be his legacy. As dated as it may seem today, especially the music, this is a beautiful film. I almost gave it 5 stars, but I had to deduct half a star for the gratuitous clothing. After the opening nude scene Barbarella's insistance on clothing later in the film seems illogical and unnecessary. Apart from the one fault, this is a classic film that will always be remembered.

Vamp (4 Stars)

This used to be one of my favourite films. When I watch it today it's difficult to understand why. It may be because I was fascinated by Grace Jones when I was younger.

In the 1980's Grace Jones's picture was everywhere. As a singer she had only moderate success, but she was the queen of scandal. Whether it was for standing at her window naked waving to photographers or for being arrested after having sex on an airplane, everyone knew her face. And her body. Her extremely dark skin and her taut muscles gave her an almost unhuman look.

In 1984 she had a small role opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Conan the Destroyer", but it wasn't till the following year when she was recognised as an actress, after starring as May Day in the James Bond film "A View to a Kill". "Vamp" was touted as the film which would make her famous as an actress.

But it didn't work. "Vamp" was the peak of her acting career. After this she faded into insignificance as an actress, although the scandals continued. She said in interviews that she had given up acting to further her singing career, but the truth was that nobody wanted her. So what went wrong?

I don't think it was Grace's fault. The inexperienced director Richard Wenk was to blame. He didn't make enough of Grace's obvious talents, namely her beauty and her deep sexy voice. The vampires in the film are ugly, and Grace was the ugliest of them all. The first time we see her she has a red wig and her skin is covered with powder to make her white. In the next scene she's her black self, but as soon as her fangs sprout her face turns into a vision of ugliness. From then on she becomes progressively uglier throughout the film, until in the final scene she looks so nasty that she's unrecognisable. And why oh why is Grace mute in the film? The only small treat we have of her voice is a dark sexy laugh.

I've given this film 4 stars anyway. Not because of Grace Jones. Her performance is forgettable. It has appeal as a teen comedy. I enjoyed watching the pledges running round looking for a stripper for a frat party. The strip club manager who dreams of opening a vampire club in Las Vegas amused me. As a vampire film "Vamp" is entertaining. As a promotional vehicle for Grace Jones it flops.

On the town (4½ Stars)

This is one of the best musicals I've ever seen. Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munshin shine as three lovable sailors on 24 hour shore leave in New York. (I've never heard of Jules, was he famous?) And what do you do when you only have one day in a strange town? You go pick up girls! After 60 years the songs, the dances and the humour are just as fresh and enjoyable as they were in 1949. Some films don't age.

Man from Uncle: The Spy With My Face (4½ Stars)

An extended film version of one of the early Man from UNCLE episodes. The series was always good action. It's a long time since I've seen it repeated on television, but I have it in fond remembrance.

Kung Fu Zombie (4 Stars)

Kung fu kicking zombies, ghosts and vampires... a drunken wizard... grave robbers... family feuds... and a Buddhist monk saves the day! This film has it all! Considering this is a comedy, there are some incredible fight sequences.

R.I.P. Dino De Laurentiis

A truly great man passed away on November 10th 2010. For more than 60 years Dino De Laurentiis produced some of the most memorable films in cinema history. Far from being a "snob" who preferred one style of film over another, his output contains both blockbusters like "Hannibal" and low budget classics like "Army of Darkness" (which was the first DVD I ever bought). Producers rarely get the same recognition as directors. Putting it simplistically, the director is the artist with his head in the clouds while the producer deals with the practical realities of film making and has both feet on the ground.

Let me name a few of his films. Films that mean something to me. Approximately in their order of importance. Please, feel free to comment and add your own personal favorites.

1. Army of Darkness (1992)
2. Barbarella (1968)
3. Silver Bullet (1985)
4. Hannibal (2001)
5. Red Dragon (2002)
6. Flash Gordon (1980)
7. The Last Legion (2007)
8. The Serpent's Egg (1977)

At first I wanted to list more films, but then I decided only to list the ones that I have in my DVD collection. Maybe I'll rewatch some of them soon.

Frenzy (4 Stars)

One of Alfred Hitchcock's last films, and also one of those most loved by his fans. A serial killer is stalking women in London, and the police are chasing the wrong man. Unlike most of Hitchcock's films, we know from early on who the killer is. We sit in frustration as the police detective rattles off the compelling evidence pointing to the wrong man, and only the detective's wife says it can't have been him.

This film has special meaning for me, because I've long admired Jon Finch as an actor and have never understood why he's widely unknown, having to make do with minor roles in obscure films.

Phone Booth (5 Stars)

Have you ever watched a film that you think is so incredible that you have to tell others about it? Then you explain it to them... and they say it sounds boring? This is a film like that. What happens? A man is making a phone call that lasts for the whole film. I won't even try to explain why it's so good. Just give it a chance. It'll be 72 minutes of your life that you won't regret.

The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1½ Stars)

A vain fashion designer sits complaining about the men in her life, while oblivious to the feelings of those around her, in particular her servant Marlene. The film says things in two hours that could have been expressed in ten minutes.

General: Unreleased TV Series

There are probably a lot of tv series that haven't found their way onto DVD yet. I'll come back and comment on all of the following series when I have time.

1. Batman (1966-1968)
One of the best tv series ever! It's a crime that this still hasn't been released, despite regular broadcasts on TV throughout the world.

2. My Hero (2000-2006)
This incredible series starring Ardal O'Hanlan as the superhero Thermoman has me in stitches whenever I watch the TV repeats. For some reason only the third season has even been released on DVD. Weird.

3. Night Man (1997-1999)
An underrated series about one of the lesser known Marvel super heroes. It's easy to pick faults with some of the series' premisses, but the stories were first class!

4. 99-1 (1994-1995)
An unusual police series about an undercover cop. I believe this used to be available on videotapes.

5. Rocket Man (2006)
Difficult to describe. A series about a man who works at a Welsh chocolate factory who spends his spare time trying to build a space rocket.

6. Unhappily ever after (1995-1999)
I already wrote a review of this series here.

General: Unreleased Films

Are there any films that haven't been released yet on DVD that you're desperately waiting for? I can think of a few, including some that haven't been released in England or America, but have been released in other countries.

1. Three into two won't go (1969, Rod Steiger)
This British family drama is occasionally shown on UK television.

2. Date with a lonely girl (1971, James Caan)
A powerful psychological drama. It's been a long time since I last saw it on TV.

3. The Last Woman (1976, Gerard Depardieu & Ornella Muti)
Critics say this was Gerard's best film, so where is it?

4. The Paperboy (1994)
A brilliant low budget Canadian horror film. Only released in Greece and Australia.

5. Heart of Darkness (1993, Tim Roth & John Malkovich)
A faithful adaptation of the novel. Only released in Italy.

6. The Legend of 1900 (1998, Tim Roth)
A brilliant weepy film. The uncut 165 minute version is only released in Italy.

7. The Ogre (1996, John Malkovich)
An unusual war story about a French POW. Only released in Germany.

8. The Idol (2002, Leelee Sobieski)
A passionate drama. Only released in France and China.

9. Dangerous Liaisons (2003, Leelee Sobieski)
This novel has been filmed 10 times, including "Cruel Intentions" in 1999. This version has only been released in France.

Shame I can't make it a round 10, but that's all I can think of right now. I hope my readers can name other films.

Carry On Dick (4½ Stars)

This is the 26th film in the Carry On series. The film is about the adventures of Dick Turpin, known to his enemies as Big Dick. Dick is played by the wonderful South African actor, Sid James, whose birth name was Solomon Cohen. This was the last Carry On film he made before his death. If I had to name the actor in the Carry On team that I admire most it would be Sid James. Rest in peace.

Carry On Abroad (4 Stars)

This is the 24th film in the Carry On series. Friends and strangers from the same town go on a package holiday to a Spanish hotel that is still being built.

The Wicker Man [2006 version] (4 Stars)

I've been curious about this film for a long time. I've read so many bad reviews about it. People don't say it's "so bad that it's good", just bad. It's held up as an example of a remake that is far behind the original in quality. However, I have the (dis)advantage that I've never seen the original, so I could watch it without bias. And guess what? I enjoyed it.

The opening scenes immediately drew me in with their atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Nicolas Cage is convincing as a policeman with an agenda. He also seems to have too high an opinion of himself. He's a traffic cop who thinks of himself as a detective. On the island he tries to bluff his way through, claiming that he's on official police business, although he's only doing an ex-girlfriend a favour while he's off work sick.

It's not perfect as a film. The accident at the beginning points to a supernatural element that isn't present in the later development of the film. I don't mind a director throwing in "red herrings", but the accident doesn't make sense in the context of the film. I also fail to see why the pilot was murdered after he had obviously done what was expected of him.

I intend to go back and watch the original version. Maybe it's better. I'll let you know. But I do think that the remake is worth watching in its own right, and it's unfair to put it in the runnings for the worst film of all time.

Carry On Matron (4 Stars)

This is the 23rd film in the Carry On series. A gang of criminals plan to rob a maternity hospital. An excuse for riotous laughs.

The World's Fastest Indian (5 Stars)

If ever a film deserved more than 5 stars, this is it. Anthony Hopkins calls this the best film he's starred in, and it's doubtless one of the best films ever made.

This is the true story of the New Zealander motorcyclist Burt Munro and his first trip to the United States in 1962 to attempt to set a new land speed record. His determination to succeed when everything is against him is an inspiration to everyone. He is a hero in the truest meaning of the word. But the film isn't just made great by Anthony Hopkins' performance. The supporting characters all dazzle with their depths of personality and often their weirdness. They are like vibrant splashes of colour in an oil painting, emphasising the central motif, Burt and his bike.

Whatever your tastes are in films, you will enjoy "The World's Fastest Indian". It will make you want to laugh and cry at the same time. But most of all, when the final credits roll you will close your eyes and feel glad to be alive. This is a film that can inspire hope. If you think I'm exaggerating with my praise, check the reviews on Amazon's web site (click the picture above) and you will find words from more than 300 people who agree with me.

Carry On At Your Convenience (4½ Stars)

This is the 22nd film in the Carry On series. It deals with the relations between staff and management at a factory that makes bathroom equipment, the W. C. Boggs Lavatory Factory.

There were 29 Carry On films made between 1958 and 1978, and they're considered a major part of British film history. The humour is typically "sixties" in its nature. Britain was just breaking free of its prudishness of the past, and "naughty jokes" were becoming common. The films are well known to everyone in Britain through their constant showing on television, but they're hardly known abroad. The full list, in order, is:

1. Carry On Sergeant (1958)
2. Carry On Nurse (1959)
3. Carry On Teacher (1959)
4. Carry On Constable (1959)
5. Carry On Regardless (1961)
6. Carry On Cruising (1962)
7. Carry On Cabby (1963)
8. Carry On Jack (1963)
9. Carry On Spying (1964)
10. Carry On Cleo (1964)
11. Carry On Cowboy (1965)
12. Carry On Screaming! (1966)
13. Carry On Don't lose your Head (1966)
14. Carry On Follow that Camel (1967)
15. Carry On Doctor (1967)
16. Carry On Up the Khyber (1968)
17. Carry On Camping (1969)
18. Carry On Again Doctor (1969)
19. Carry On Up the Jungle (1970)
20. Carry On Loving (1970)
21. Carry On Henry (1971)
22. Carry On At your Convenience (1971)
23. Carry On Matron (1972)
24. Carry On Abroad (1972)
25. Carry On Girls (1973)
26. Carry On Dick (1974)
27. Carry On Behind (1975)
28. Carry On England (1976)
29. Carry On Emmannuelle (1978)

The Carry On films starred different actors in each film, but there was a hard core of actors, the "Carry On Team", who played the major roles in the films. If you ask anyone in England who the main actors were they would probably answer Sid James and Barbara Windsor, even though Barbara only played in 9 of the films. Her fame comes from being the only actress in the films to be shown fully nude, but the secenes are so brief that you have to watch them in slow motion to see anything. The main actors were:

1. Kenneth Williams (25 films) 1-6, 8-18, 20-24, 26, 27, 29
2. Joan Sims (24 films) 2-5, 10-29
3. Charles Hawtrey (23 films) 1-5, 7-24
4. Sid James (19 films) 4-7, 10, 11, 13, 15-26
5. Kenneth Connor (17 films) 1-7, 10, 19, 21, 23-29
6. Peter Butterworth (16 films) 11-18, 20, 21, 24-29
7. Hattie Jacques (14 films) 1-5, 7, 15, 17, 18, 20, 22-24, 26
8. Bernard Bresslaw (13 films) 11, 12, 15-17, 19, 20, 22-27
9. Jim Dale (10 films) 7-15, 18
10. Barbara Windsor (9 films) 9, 15, 17, 18, 21, 23-26
11. Patsy Rowlands (9 films) 18, 20-27

The most successful film at the box office was "Carry on Camping". Critics usually vote that "Carry on Cowboy" is the best film. My personal favorites are "Carry on Spying" and "Carry on Screaming".

Incidentally, the same set is used for the underground lair in "Carry on Spying" (1964) that was used as the Dalek city in "Doctor Who and the Daleks" (1965). The decorations are different, but if you watch the two films back to back you can see that the rooms are the same.