Bond is back. After a superb re-invention of the franchise with "Casino Royale" we are given a glimpse of the direct sequel "Quantum Of Solace" which will be released this autumn, thanks to the first trailer released today.

It has all the hallmarks of a successful entry to the series. Namely, sex.

High speed car chases.

Hard edged action.

And of course, Daniel Craig.

The blockbuster of the year.

XoD.

Warning.

I have included some screen captures from this film which depict scenes of a violent nature. Please be aware of this before reading and scrolling down the page. XoD.

"The Ruins" is similar to several other recent releases ("The Mist" and "Cloverfield".) in so far as it is rather bleak and unrelenting. Unlike so many mainstream US products, "The Ruins" tackles the subject of people facing death in a credible fashion. There is panic, denial, and a refusal to face facts. Despite these down beat qualities, the film is both gripping and genuinely scary.

Two couples on holiday in Mexico meet up with a German Tourist, who is on his way to meet his archaeologist brother, who has recently discover a new Mayan ruin. Taking the opportunity to see some of the countries heritage first hand, they head off in to the jungle. On arrival they find a Mayan pyramid covered in vines and creepers. It would appear that the locals are not to happy with them trespassing and they find themselves herded at gun point in to the ruins. It soon becomes apparent that the ancient temple harbours a deadly secret and that the siege outside is the least of their problems.

Author Scott Smith has adapted his own novel in to a screen play that effectively depicts American middle class twenty somethings. The characters are well defined and not as unlikeable as you would expect. Trainee doctor Jeff (Jonathan Tucker)is by far the most sympathetic character who keeps his head while his colleagues fail to grasp their situation. Director Carter Smith builds tension and takes a traditional approach to revealing the main protagonist. There is also only a minimal explanation as to the its origins. He does, however, not hold back the shocks, particularly in the unrated US DVD version. One scene rivals "Misery" for leg related trauma.

"The Ruins" despite its modern setting owes a lot to such films as "The Day Of The Triffids", "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" and "The Descent". It plays on primeval fears of isolation, hidden predators and the alien and abstract nature of plants. The film benefits from a very subtle score that avoids punctuating the shocks and therefore making them melodramatic. The plausible characters behave as they should. The most intelligent and sympathetic martyr themselves to save their less worthy friends. Although by the end the plot has to proceed down a somewhat formulaic route, this is still a rewarding and shocking film. As I've said so many times, these sort of movies seldom emerge from the corporate system these days.

Watch "The Ruins" late at night in a darkened room. Just ensure that your not sitting next to any pot plants.

XoD.

Producer Euan Lloyd after watching the live footage of the SAS storming the Iranian Embassy, saw the marketing potential of a film about the SAS. Registering the regimental motto of "Who Dares Wins" as a film title, he then got busy casting, trying to find a action hero who could star in the film and possible franchise. It was no chance that role went to Lewis Collins whose career was benefiting from the success of the TV series "The Professionals".

Collins, who had at one point been a contender for the role of Bond, was taken by Lloyd to the same barber and tailor that Sean Connery had used and was then marketed as the new British lead man and action star. Despite the success of "Who Dares Wins" in the UK market, it failed to do well in the US, where it was released under the title of "The Final Option". Attempts to raise funding for a sequel failed and the project stalled. However Collins gained success in the European markets with a string of Italian action films (the best of which "Commando Leopard" I shall be reviewing shortly).

The script by Reginald Rose is loosely adapted from James Follet's novel, "The Tiptoe Boys". It draws heavily on the TV footage of the Iranian embassy siege, which many may remember. The politics and characters are unfortunately very heavily handled. Stereotypical terrorists with clichéd revolutionary ideology. Two dimensional politicians and possibly the most unconvincing "skinheads" ever depicted. Like they'd be at a free concert by a band such as Metamorphosis?

But the military aspects of the story are very credible. Training with live ammunition, survival exercises in Wales and exchange projects with special forces from allied countries. The action scenes, particularly the climatic raid on the Embassy are accurately staged, by veteran Bond Stunt co-ordinator, Bob Simmons. Note how the SAS do not shoot the lock off the door, but the timber around the hinges. Also the staircase shootings and the curtains set alight by the thunder flash explosion are based in fact.

The film benefits by a good soundtrack by Roy Budd and Jerry & Mark Donahue. The soft rock protest songs are somewhat dated but incredibly amusing. The cues for scenes between Collins and his wife and the main theme itself are fine examples of Budd's talent and show his background in British Jazz. The soundtrack album itself is currently deleted and vinyl copies are somewhat hard to track down.

"Who Dares Wins" is a fine companion piece to Euan Lloyd's other famous action film "The Wild Geese". Both have naive politics, a plethora of British character actors and finely crafted action scenes. "Who Dares Wins" has the added bonus of featuring Hammer Scream Queen, Ingrid Pitt. Recommended action film viewing and an example of when the UK could still produce films of this genre.

Roy Budd's title theme is presented for your enjoyment.

XoD.

"Breakheart Pass" is an curious hybrid film. Written by Alistair MacLean, it encompasses the western and "whodunit" genre with a twisting tale of cholera epidemics, fugitive gunmen, corrupt politicians and Indian uprisings. Starring Charles Bronson at the peak of his career, this often overlooked film has many virtues to endear it to both the casual viewer and the die-hard film fan.

"Breakheart Pass" is very much a product of the 70's. Director Tom Gries, a veteran of many TV series, reveals the story in the manner of the detective and cop shows of the time. The cast is full of talented characters actors such as Ben Johnson, Ed Lauter and Richard Crenna, playing larger than life protagonists. The action scenes are effectively done, as this was the final film for veteran stunt legend Yakima Cannutt. Lucien Ballard's cinematography is striking and Jerry Goldsmith rounds off the movie with a lively and memorable score.

The western was in decline by the middle seventies and films such as this strived to bring an alternative angle to a tired genre. Yes there are flaws such as the episodic nature of the plot and the cliched "cavalry to the rescue" ending but I find it hard to dislike such honest adaptation of a mainstream bestseller.

I've uploaded Jerry Goldsmith's main theme as I consider it to be representative of his best work during the 70's. Enjoy.

"Breakheart Pass" main theme.

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For those unfamiliar with the work of Italian director Dario Argento, "Phenomena" may not be the best place to start. It is somewhat excessive even by his own standards. Yet if you approach it with the right mindset, then it can be a very rewarding. Mainstream American cinema has a clear and linear framework. It is constructed in a particular fashion and despite adopting techniques and styles from other countries, is still somewhat conservative in its presentation. Italian cinema, especially the work of Argento, focuses very much on visual aesthetics. Framing, the use of colour,editing and atmosphere often take priority over narrative and logic.

"Phenomena" is about the Jennifer Corvino (Jennifer Corvino), daughter of a famous actor, who starts at an exclusive girls school in Switzerland. She befriends Dr. MacGregor (Donald Pleasance), a disabled entomologist who is helping Police with their enquiries regarding a serial killer. The Dr. has a Chimpanzee. I mention this as it is an integral plot device. It should also be noted that Jennifer is a somnambulist and has a telepathic link with insects (please make notes, I'll be asking questions later). It is not long before Jennifer crosses the path of the serial killer.

On paper, the plot does sound somewhat ludicrous and frankly it is. However, the film beautifully shot on location in Switzerland, transcends its storyline and absorbs you with its vibrant audio visuals. Argento uses crane shots and stedicams to construct audacious and shocking set pieces. The violence is often shocking. European cinema always seems to depict such acts in a far more horrific way than the US. It is hard to put a finger on what the exact difference is. Colour and sound play an important part in the construction of "Phenomena". The music veers from soft choral motifs, to burst of 80's metal. Night scenes are bathed in blue hues and blood is often splattered against lighter colours that starkly contrast it.

If you have a curious nature, a liking for the horror genre and an interest in European cinema, then this film is certainly a "baptism of fire". Just to re-iterate, the plot contains killer dwarf's, flesh eating insects, bad Scottish accents and a chimp with a cut throat razor. The final 20 minutes are quite gruelling. But it is also a beautiful assault on your senses and for that reason I recommend it.

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When I first saw "Throne Of Blood" as a teenager I was ill with a fever. I found the brooding atmosphere and the use of fog, very hypnotic and was never quite sure if this was down to my health or the way the film had been crafted. A recent viewing has established that this dream like quality of the film is down the the creative talents of it's great director.

Akira Kurosawa's 1957 retelling of Macbeth translates perfectly into 16th century feudal Japan. It retains much of the Shakespeare's brooding atmosphere and to this he adds formality and cultural intrigue. Acted in the classic Kabuki tradition, the central performances, particularly that of Toshiro Mifune, are superb. The black and white cinematography and the imposing production design, costume and violence all work to create a sinister and esoteric world (an attitude still held about Japan by the West, in the post war era).

For those unfamiliar with the plot, the story focuses on Washizu and Miki, two captains that have just successfully suppressed a rebellion for their warlord. While riding through "Cobweb Forest", they encounter an old woman who prophesies that Washizu will usurp castle, but that his reign will be brief and his throne soon will be occupied by Miki's son. The warriors laugh at these predictions, but the prophesy soon unfolds, aided by the scheming of Washizu wife Asaji, who has great ambitions for her husband.

Modern audiences may have to adjust their expectations, as "Throne Of Blood" is made in the "Noh" drama style which relies on visuals, expression and pacing to convey characters feelings and the underlying mood. But it is the cultural differences of Japanese cinema that make this film so engaging and atmospheric. The ending is legendary and a visual triumph. They used real arrows! "Throne Of Blood" is an example as to why cinema is one of the greatest art forms.

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On 24th June, Universal re-release Gerry Anderson's only live action feature film, "Journey To The Far Side Of The Sun" on DVD. I'll be writing a comprehensive review, presently. In the meantime I've posted four music cues from the soundtrack, by Barry Gray. The score for this film is very innovative, with Gray using his trademark musical idiom to great effect. As with "Captain Scarlet" Gray makes effective use of the Ondes Martenot electronic keyboard.

1.) "Title Theme". A suitably grand opening theme set against a background of cutting edge technology (for the times).

2.) "Traitor In The Lab". Dr. Hassler (Herbert Lom) reveals that his eye is a hidden camera. This piece of music dramatically underscores the proceedings as the photos are developed and projected in a innovative fashion.

3.) "Sleeping Astronauts". This haunting cue is from when the astronauts connect to the heart, kidney, liver machine and prepare to sleep during their long journey to the new planet.

4.) "Rescue". This jarring and atmospheric theme plays as a figure of possibly alien origin descends upon the wreckage of the crash scene. A variation of this cue was later developed as the closing theme to the series "U.F.O" a year later.

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Juan Antonio Bayona's "El Ofanato" has received much praise and critical acclaim. International horror and supernatural films seem to consistently succeed where mainstream Hollywood fail. This is mainly due to the fact that films such as "The Orphanage" are made by people that believe in their products and love the medium and genre.

"El Orfanato" stars Belén Rueda as Laura, as a woman who returns to the orphanage where she stayed as a child. She, along with her Doctor husband (Fernando Cayo) plan to turn it into a home for disabled children. Her young son, who has HIV, spends his time playing with imaginary friends. It soon becomes apparent that these friends may not be imaginary and may have a sinister purpose.

Screenwriter Sergio Sánchez produces a modern twist to the classic ghost story which builds an atmosphere of tension, punctuated by disturbing shocks. The film is not excessively violent but has a few unpleasant scenes that may make you flinch. It touches on several classic themes such as the stigma of deformity and the cruelty of children. The ambiance and escalating disquiet is greatly enhanced by a suitably gothic production design, innovative cinematography and jarring sound effects.

Guillermo del Toro success has played a part in influencing Bayona. Alejandro Amenábar's "The Others" and the work of Alfred Hitchcock also spring to mind. Yet this still stands up as an innovative and fresh work in it's own right. This is the second film I've seen this year that has an ending that is quite radical and not necessarily what the viewers may have expected. It is certainly not a Hollywood ending. I thoroughly recommend "El Ofanato". Watch it late at night, with the lights down and enjoy a creepy and disturbing supernatural tale that deserves the reputation it's gained.

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I reviewed a few months ago, a fan edit of "Dawn Of The Dead". I then looked further into this sub genre and watched one of the many "Star Wars" re-edits. I was recommended to "Star Wars Revisited" by several bulletin boards and forums, who consider it to be the best out there. The results are outstanding. Adywan (the producer of this fan edit) has adjusted existing material and added new sequences to produce a highly professional version of this classic.

Please follow this link to see a comprehensive list of all the changes. The results are striking. I've added some screen captures to highlight some obvious new material.

Imperial Star Destroyers now patrol around the Death Star as well as the sentry TIE Fighters. The infamous "Imperial March" from TESB has been added to the score for this scene.

When the Rebel HQ picks up "enemy fighters" on their long range scanners, we now get to see the incoming squadron sent to engage the Rebels.

Finally, Chewie gets a medal! It's very clever the way the new scenes been edited so that Princess Leia can put it round the Wookies neck.

Again I am astonished at how professionally this fan edit has been put together. Yet from what I've read, this has all been done with domestic software that is readily available. I thoroughly recommend this version to all fans of "Star Wars" and am looking forward to "The Empire Strikes back Revisited" that is currently in production.

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"Film 4" showed the second of the two "Thunderbirds" feature films tonight. Although box office failures at the time, they still share many of the great qualities of the TV series. One of these being the superb music by Barry Gray. "Thunderbird 6" not only has familiar themes from the series but rousing and lush new motiffs, reflecting the international nature of the story. It is considered by some to be Gray's finest work. For your enjoyment, here is a suite of music from the film.

"Thunderbird 6 Suite".

XoD.

Spoiler Warning.

I have included some plot details in this review that may spoil "Indiana Jones & the Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull" for those who have not yet seen it. Please be aware of this before reading. XoD.

Well it's finally arrived after 19 years. I won't bother with an in depth plot breakdown as there has been more than enough of these in the last two weeks. Most fans and even the casual viewer will be familiar with the thrust of the plot by now. It is this media overkill and the recent phenomena of documenting every aspect of a film production via the internet, prior to it's release, that has led to the polarised expectations and views we've seen.

Hollywood is an industry that regularly resurrects franchises. If in doubt, revisit a tried and tested formula. Public good will and nostalgia will often guarantee decent box office returns. Sometimes this works as with Christopher Nolan's "Batman Begins" and Bryan Singer's "Superman returns". Often these fail. Take "I Spy", "Starsky & Hutch", "The Dukes Of Hazard", and some may argue the latter 3 "Star Wars" prequels. It often comes down to a trade off between pleasing existing fans and trying to capture a new market who may not be familiar with the original material.

Despite the familiar faces, music, production team and many other common elements to previous entries, IJATKOTCS suffers from a weak screenplay. New characters are introduced but none have sufficient back story. The fact that these roles are carried by quality actors helps, but they are not used to the best of their potential. Action scenes are punctuated with perfunctory plot exposition and the major plot element of aliens bears the clumsy handiwork of Mr. Lucas. It was he who allegedly vetoed scripts from several respected writers, including Frank Darabont.

Despite my reservations, Spielberg handles the relationship between Shia Lebouf and Harrison Ford very well. Some of the better scenes and dialogue is the banter between the two, focusing very much on the "old" and the "young". The female characters do not fair so well. Karen Allen is not given enough to do, which is a shame as her character was integral in ROTLA. Kate Blanchett is rather imposing as the Russian villain. Equipped with borderline psychic powers and a penchant for fencing, you'd think she'd be a standout feature of the film. Alas, again there is not enough material to flesh out the role.

It's difficult to find the correct balance between narrative and action as these films are essentially big budget "B" movies and cliffhanger serials. It's what the public expects. However, in this film I believe there is a little too much emphasis on action and I suspect the culprit is once again Mr. Lucas. Don't get me wrong there are some good scenes featuring traditional physical stunts The motorbike chase is a very good example with a rather amusing payoff. There is also the signature fist fight with the heavy of the movie. But then there are a few scenes that cross over the line and strain the viewers sense of credibility even by genre standards. You'll know them when you see them. Also, Indy's whip is under used which is a shame as other signature traits are present.

Now considering all that been said so far, you may well assume that I did not enjoy IJATKOTCS. But, this is not the case. Despite my criticisms Spielberg has succeeded in reviving a great character and franchise. This film is still streets ahead of the competition. This is largely down to the star quality of Harrison Ford and the skill of the director. There is still a lot to like about this film. Superb production design, excellent score, beautiful cinematography, superb editing and a character that everyone can identify with. The transition from the 1930's to the 50's works very well. The nuggets of information we get about what Indy's been up to in the last 20 years are rather intriguing. Working for O.S.S. and becoming a decorated war hero for example.The anecdote about Roswell raises a wry smile.

If you recognise that this is more of the same, rather than a totally fresh outing for the Jones's, then you'll probably enjoy the film a lot more. It's the cinematic equivalent of going to a favourite restaurant and ordering the meal that you usually have. It may not offer any surprises, but you know what to expect and the have the satisfaction of enjoying something familiar and pleasurable.

XoD.

A group of scientists led by Dr. Bennett (Erick Avari) are en route to Paris, transporting a cryogenically frozen coffin that carries an secret cargo in the hold of the plane. The flight crew are unsettled by the fact there's a armed guard securing it. The plane finds itself in the middle of a violent storm, which inevitably leads to the coffin accidentally being opened. It contains a mysterious woman, who doesn't appear to be quite dead. After attacking the guard she soon starts to spread her contagion among the rest of the crew and passengers. The survivors, a Policeman and prisoner, a Golf Pro, his wife and others must fight for their lives against the undead and try and land a damaged plane.

Directed by Scott Thomas there is not a single horror cliché left unturned in this enjoyable tongue in cheek "B" horror movie. There is a capable cast of TV and genre actors such as David Chisum, Kristen Kerr, Kevin J. O'Connor, Richard Tyson and Raymond J. Barry. Thomas has produced a professional looking production with the limited budget at his disposal. The make-up FX's are acceptable and the CGI work is better than expected. The scripts is the weakest aspect of the film and could have been tighter and more satirical. But the cast has a great time despite these short comings and I could help but enjoy the film, as it has no pretencions to be anything other than what it is.

I discovered this film thanks to Mark Kermode's video blog from the Cannes Film Festival. He gave coverage of the independent movie makers who come to find international distribution for their products and "Plane Dead" was one of the lurid flyers he was given. If you want an enjoyable horror movie which is ideal for post pub viewing then you may find this film ideal. It is the very essence of DTV film making and the "high concept" movie and that's meant as a compliment.

XoD.