Movie review - "Morons from Outer Space" (1985) **

 An excellent premise - aliens land, only they're dumb - and top rank talent - Mel Smithy, Griffin Rhys Jones, Mike Hodges - but it makes rookie errors. There's no distinct characters among the aliens - Mel Smith gets by being Mel Smith but the others are interchangable, nothing different. There's no key relationship to hook into - a scientist falls for the girl, which has potential, but that's it. Smith and Rhys Jones have no scenes together until the very end - for most of the film Smith's off on his own (and actually this is the most effective bit as Smith is such a strong performer and it hassome emotional resonance).

Really the film should have been Smith crashing, discovering Rhys Jones and the two of them being buddies. 

The effects and design are great but the film doesn't need it.

James Sikking adds energy as a deranged American. 

Movie review - "Dreamchild" (1985) ***

 Interesting. Three strands - Alice Liddell (Coral Browne) arrives in New York and gett s a lot of publicity for being Alice and her companion has a dull romance with a journalist Peter Gallaher). There's also young Alice inspiring Lewis Carroll (Ian Holm) who is a little lecherous towards her. And trippy scenes where young and old Alice have tea with characters from Alice in Wonderland - these are the best thing in the film.

This doesn't entirely work but it's made with skill.

Expensive - all those extras at the speech at the end, and scenes of people dancing. Didn't have to be. 

Dennis Potter wrote it. 

Book review - "The Uncool" by Cameron Crowe (2025)

 Superb memoir. Focuses on Crowe's childhood and career as a rock journo - winds up after he writes Fast Times at Ridgemount High apart from a book end of Almost Famous musical because that incorporates his mother's death. Not a lot of film stuff but plenty of rock stars - Bowie (didn't realise they were such friends), Allman Brothers, Kris Kristofferson etc. Also that random appearance in Other Side of the Wind.

Essential fact check against Almost Famous. Great read. Hope there's a second volume on the films. Why doesn't he do a second autobiographical film, like about him being a more established journo, or going to high school to write a book? 

Movie review - "Strange Invaders" (1983) **

 One of a bunch of 50s movies pastiche done by boomer directors in this case Michael Laughlin who wrote it with Bill Condon. Paul Le Mat investigates his missing ex wife which leads him to a small town. Nancy Allen is a tabloid girl helping investigate; terrible haircut. Le Mat is bland. 

Interesting support cast including Lucille Fletcher and names like Kenneth Tobey. There's some aliens at the end.

It lacks much suspense, humour or pace. 

Movie review - "Clint: The Man and the Movies" by Shawn Levy

 Underwhelming. Relies on work done by others especially Patrick McGilligan. Nothing really new or fresh. A lot of reviews. A few smart arse comments. I get the feeling Levy wrote it because he could turn it out in a short time though I might be wrong.

Eastwood's career meants this was easy enough to read but it's a recap really. 

Most interesting characters are Eastwood daughters who come across as hot messes who get involved in escapades. 

Movie review - "Age of Consent" (1969) *** (re-watching)

 Gorgeous to watch. Helen Mirren is perfect. James Mason's Australian accent isn't the best. Varying support work - I quite liked Neva Carr Glynn. The dog is terrific. Beautiful photography and locations.

Mirren looking old means the the dodginess of the plot is minimised.

Movie review - "Countess Dracula" (1971) ** (rewatching)

 Great moment where Ingrid Pitt is busted nude having a blood bath. But that's the one memorable scene. This lacks energy and excitement. It should be great - Pitt worried about ageing, killing peop.e Undercast the actor who plays her lover. Nigel Green doesn't have the star power of a Cushing or Lee. Not enough sex, violence, nudity. Needed to be more full throttle.