High Noon (1952)

Marshal Will Kane is getting married to his lovely bride, Amy, and hangs up his badge as they prepare to leave their small town of Hadleyville, in New Mexico. However, he learns that a local criminal who he put behind bars, Frank Miller, has been set free and is coming to seek his revenge. Having initially decided to leave with his newly wedded bride, Will feels compelled to go back and face Miller. Will asks for the aid of the townspeople he had protected for so long but they turn their backs on him, leaving him to face Miller and his gang alone. Miller's gang awaits his arrival at the train station and with every minute that passes, the closer they get to their revenge. Rushed for time and with little help, Will is left to protect the cowardly townsfolk one against four. This is one of the most thrilling westerns I have ever seen, which has some great cinematography. I love how the director displays this impending doom for our protagonist Will Kane. The use of the clocks ticking away, growing ever closer as all the townsfolk look and wait with bated breath for the train's arrival is also fabulously shot. Everyone stares at their clocks as each minute passes knowing full well what will happen and yet offer no help. Shots like the train in the distance on the tracks are also ominous and leave us in a constant state of worry for the inevitable arrival of Miller, whilst Will searches desperately for aid. The train slowly edges closer and closer emerging from the distant horizon spelling certain doom, as it nears its destination. With frequent shots of the clocks and train getting closer and closer, it is displayed both by the time of the arrival etching nearer but also through the camera getting closer to the objects, which also switches to close-ups of the townfolk's faces. Having Will alone in the fight definitely ups the tension and has us rooting for him to make it out alive and to be reunited with his wife. Amy is understandably very upset about his choice to return putting his life on the line and constantly threatens to leave on the very train carrying his deadly opponent. You can sympathise with her frustration but hope for her to come back and help her husband rather than leave, abandoning him at his most desperate hour. We share Will's sense of panic and desperation as he searches everywhere for any help, only to be denied and pushed away. It leaves us wanting to help him out ourselves because we feel as helpless as Will and are left to observe, as the final confrontation takes place. Once Miller arrives and is joined by his gang it leads to the action, which is very thrilling and carries many iconic tropes in westerns, which I love. The gunfight showdown has a great setting with the deserted-like town making for a chilling atmosphere. During the shoot out there is a clever use of Will's tactics in the horse stables where he can smartly take one out. We even get to see Amy come to the rescue, managing to help take one of the two pinning Will down with gunfire. I am personally such a big fan of the western genre, especially all the old ones with the gunslinging action we have all come to know so well. I am a fan of western music too and it most definitely applied to this film with the dramatic soundtrack used during the final battle. Overall, High Noon is a fantastic movie and a western one at that. From its superb cinematography, characters, acting and climactic action to the overall story. Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and it's one all western fans should check out at least once. Even if you are just a regular moviegoer, this is still an outstanding one to check on out. It will get the blood pumping as it slowly creeps up to the climactic showdown. So draw your gun from your holster and blast your way into the thriller that is High Noon.

Runtime: 1h 25m

Director: Fred Zinnemann

Genre: Drama / Thriller / Western

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Spider-Man (2002)

Peter Parker is a high school student who is nerdy, shy, and slightly awkward. There is nothing unusual or out of the ordinary with Peter. That is until his class goes on a trip to a laboratory. During a presentation at the lab, a runaway radioactive spider lands on Peter and bites him, changing his life in a way you couldn't possibly comprehend. He awakes the next day to find he has acquired a muscular physique and improved eyesight, no longer needing his glasses. However, things get stranger when he gains the ability to cling to surfaces, shoot webs from his wrists, and have a spider-like sense. Whilst Peter comes to grasp his new abilities, a millionaire and owner of Oscorp Industries, Norman Osborn, creates a performance-enhancing drug but being rushed for time, he administers it on himself despite not being perfect yet. Things go very wrong and cause a maniacal alter ego, the Green Goblin to emerge taking control of Osborn. Peter Parker uses his abilities to fight crime and protect the neighbourhood as Spider-Man battles the Goblin. This is a fabulous superhero movie and a Spider-Man one at that, showing his origin story from the comics onto our screens. It has some great action and fights sequences, and even though there is some very noticeable bad CGI in places, this film does still hold up today but to its credit, such technology was in its early years. Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy is definitely a lot of fun, delivering some great comic book villains and Spider-Man stories and this was certainly a phenomenal starting point. I grew up seeing these films and they have become a special place in my heart and childhood. The costume for Spider-Man is also very iconic and this movie did a great job with this suit, a big shout out to the designers and costume makers. The red and blue are so striking and vibrant and whenever it is on full display the power and coolness exude off it. Spider-Man has become an icon in pop culture history and is beloved by all ages, especially by younger audiences. I adore this version of Spider-Man, played by Tobey Maguire and especially other performances from actors like Willem Dafoe, who played the Green Goblin. Each brings so much talent to the table in all aspects from vocal work to facial expressions. The film has so many quotable catchphrases with the most notable and equally iconic line from Uncle Ben: "With great power comes great responsibility." Not to mention that it also has an amazing score, composed by Danny Elfman, whose music really ups the action and emotional moments, setting the mood perfectly. He composed music for other superhero films like Batman (1989) and the main theme is one of my favourite of his pieces and the music in this film is equally fantastic. Even having Stan Lee, creator of Marvel, as well as Spider-Man, cameos in the movie always brings a smile to my face. He would go on to star as background characters and have small roles in Marvel movies, making for some hilarious and fun cameos for viewers to find. In this one, he has a split-second appearance saving a child from falling rubble. What a guy! There are also some great brutal fights and visuals in this film too, especially when it comes to the final showdown between Spider-Man and the Goblin. There is some very bloody action that will have you on the edge of your seat as the two battle to the death. It even gets so extreme, to the point where I could almost feel the impact of every single punch or impact with both of their costumes tearing and breaking. It is obvious the two are quite equal and have met their matches. Overall, Spider-Man is a superb superhero classic. This has its fair share of some phenomenal scenes and quotes like that forever memorable line and so many more thanks to memes. This version of Spider-Man will forever be a part of so many people's childhoods and would go on to help be a resurgence for the superhero sub-genre that would become so popular a few years later. If you enjoyed this film check out the even better sequel, Spider-Man 2 (2004).

 

Runtime: 2h 1m

Director: Sam Raimi

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-fi

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Batman: The Movie (1966)

An unusual alliance! Gotham's most dastardly villains have teamed up to take on the crime-thwarting duo Batman and Robin. Who are these fiends, well they are none other than The Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman. Together they launch a plan in which to gain control of the entire world. From his secret submarine, the Penguin hijacks a yacht carrying a dehydrator that has the power to extract all the moisture from humans, reducing them to particles of dust. These villains use this very device to turn the 9 Security Council members into particles that they stash into vials, kidnapping them all as multicoloured crystals. It is up to our dynamic duo to put an end to this horrific plot and restore the council members back to their original state, whilst capturing these crooks. This movie was first shown on the big screen on its release, which was a great feat for the show due to its popularity during its first year. This film has everything that you love about the show but on a grander scale. It has just as many memorable scenes as the show like the iconic moment when Batman is jumped upon by a shark whilst hanging from a helicopter ladder and using the Bat-Shark repellent to ward it off. Also, there is the sequence in which Batman tries very hard to dispose of a bomb at a pier to no avail with there always being something in his way, from nuns to ducks in the water below. Batman running around trying to find a place to dispose of the bomb has to be the most brilliant and iconic part of the film, alongside the shark scene, with his incredible line: "Somedays you just can't get rid of a bomb." Such a hilarious line. I love this film, it's very epic whilst also being extremely hilarious and I enjoyed every bit of it so much. There are some huge-scale moments especially when it comes to the final showdown with a huge fight aboard the Penguin's submarine, which is really exciting and fun to watch. Penguin's submarine is also an amazing sight, which looks incredible from the way it moves with flippers on the back acting like propellers. It was also really interesting seeing 4 of the duo's enemies form an alliance and work together to bring the world to its knees and take on Batman and Robin. It was definitely the right move to pin them all together as it led to some great interactions. Just seeing their hideout with sections for each of their belongings marked with names and characteristics like the Riddler's question marks and Joker's joke items made for some funny background visuals. The team behind the film had a much bigger budget to bring the crusaders to the big screen, thanks to the popularity of the show: Batman (TV Series 1966-1968) it allowed for some grand location shots as well as the use of many vehicles, new and old like the Batboat and Batcopter. We also got to see fights in the Batcave, which is really unusual to see and was a sequence I thoroughly enjoyed. As well as the TV Series, I found this film to be so engrossing and I had such a delightful time. It captured the same energy that we have come to love from the show and is just all-in-all great viewing, even if you haven't previously seen the show it is sure to entertain you. Although I think fans will enjoy it more. It's very exciting, has lots of action, great laughs, and there is fun for all the family. Overall, I definitely would recommend watching this colourful caped crusader adventure. If you are a long-time fan of the show or you are just wondering what the show is all about, then this film will give you a taste of everything the show has to offer. So strap on your utility belts and crime-fight your way over to Batman: The Movie! Also if you want more from the 60s Batman universe then check out the two animated films with some of the returning cast Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) and Batman Vs. Two-Face (2017).

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Leslie H. Martinson

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime

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Batman (TV Series 1966-1968)

Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, and entrepreneur has a secret double life. He is the crime-fighting vigilante Batman and his youthful ward Dick Grayson as Robin. Together the duo protects and serves Gotham city. At Wayne manor, a hidden pole transports them to the Batcave, where our heroes operate as their alter egos. On the trusty red Batphone, Commissioner Gordon summons them with the latest emergencies threatening their great city. With their trusty utility belts attached and ready, they race to Gotham in the Batmobile. Batman and Robin face great numbers of criminals and their many archenemies like the Joker, Penguin, Catwoman, Riddler, King Tut, Mr Freeze, and many more. This show offers an incredible amount of fun but also a very silly take on the character of Batman during the 60s era, bringing the comic book crusaders to life. Its hilarious depiction however is what makes it so charming, not to mention how actors, like Adam West who played Batman, act very seriously making it all the better. There are so many iconic things to take from the show too, like the huge lettering exploding on the screen with each punch, as well as Batman and Robin climbing up the side of buildings (often bumping into famous faces at the most random of times and places). The Batmobile is also an iconic symbol that is so recognisable, even showing up in the vast line of references in Ready Player One (2018), as one of many cars that is visible in a huge race sequence. I have so many fond memories of seeing the show when I was younger on TV when at school and was delighted when I was given the whole box set as a gift, which I watched in full with the rest of my family. This version of Batman is definitely a great family show as you can have a lot of laughs and enjoy all the crazy costumes and characters, which make it so enjoyable and entertaining. Not only that, but the villain's plans and traps would end up being bizarre and ridiculously entertaining. Characters such as Alfred and Chief O'Hara also bring great comedy and delight to the show. Alfred is undoubtedly the best butler you could ever need, constantly being there for Bruce & Dick and aiding them in their crime-fighting needs, and Chief O'Hara delivers some great performances, which always make me laugh. Scenes like Bruce talking to himself as Batman over two phones to fool the Commissioner and Chief will always be the most incredible scenes from the show that I'll never forget, as it looks so ridiculous. Despite its silliness, this show is simply amazing and I can see why it was popular in its time, enough to gain a movie too with Batman: The Movie (1966). Towards the third season, which would end up being the last, the show tried to introduce the character of Batgirl, who was the Commissioner's daughter, to try and boost its ratings but ultimately didn't do very well. They gave Batgirl a theme song and a bike, which she rode to fight crime, frequently helping the duo or taking things into her own hands. She was an alright addition to the show, but wasn't as much a favourite of mine as the original duo. This show has had such an impact in recent years too as it went on to inspire two animated movies that featured some returning cast to voice over their iconic roles in Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016) and Batman Vs. Two-Face (2017). Overall, Adam West's adaptation of Batman is a great, making for a delightful show that you can easily get lost in with its crazy stories and characters. If you want silly, fun entertainment, this show is the one to check out. If you aren't a fan of the colourful 60s version of the caped crusader then there are so many other interpretations of darker, grittier versions in all kinds of media to enjoy. But if you want some relaxing, laid back and chill television for the whole family, this is one to put on.

Seasons & Episodes: 3 Seasons - 120 Episodes

Creators: Lorenzo Semple Jr. & William Dozier

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Crime 

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Back to the Future (1985)

Marty McFly, a typical American teenager of the Eighties, is accidentally sent back 30 years to 1955 in a time-travelling DeLorean invented by the slightly mad scientist Doc Brown. Upon an unintentional intervention, Marty now has to make sure his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love so he can get back to the future. Back to the Future, is undoubtedly one of the most phenomenal 80s movies ever made. When I was young, I'd watch this film countless times and just couldn't get enough of it. Even to this day, watching it never ceases to get old, which is a testament to the film's brilliance, that makes it the timeless masterpiece it is. Everything about this movie is exceptional from the gripping story, the stellar cast, mind-blowing special effects, the triumphant score and catchy songs. The ingredients were all there and, when combined made for a cinematic phenomenon, teaming with imagination, creativity and heart. For instance, the concept of going back in time and meeting your parents is a fascinating idea. Deriving from the thought, had you known your parents at the same age and went to school together, would you be friends? I'm certain everyone has wondered this at least once, as I know I had and so did Bob Gale the co-writer who came up with the concept. Meeting his parents on this historic journey is Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) who is an unwilling time-traveller who is sent back to the 50s after the experiment goes awry. With the time machine none operationable without the scientist behind it, Dr. Emmett Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd), Marty seeks the Doc of the past to help him get back home. However, he bumps into his parents interacting with them, inadvertently intervening in their crucial meeting and jeopardising his very existence. So Marty is now tasked with playing matchmaker for his parents with the one slight issue of his mum, Lorraine, having the hots for him instead. I simply adore the plot line of him befriending his father, George McFly, and helping him to have courage, telling him "If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything". Although, George has to contend with the school bully, Biff who in the future, continues to exploit him. Marty, on many occasions, is forced to oppose Biff who pursues his mother and intimidates his father. My favourite interactions from the movie are between Doc and Marty. They have such an interesting bond that only grows stronger when Marty meets the younger variant. Their interactions are hilarious, heartfelt and the pair play off each other exceptionally both in terms of characters and as actors. Another factor I, and many other fans, love from this film is the kitted-out, time-travelling vehicle itself, The DeLorean. This movie made the car the most important vehicle in pop culture history and has become the dream car for many viewers, including myself. It simply looks outstanding with the countless accessories attached plus it has such a futuristic style that works perfectly for a time machine. Plus as Doc Brown so rightly put it: "The way I see it if you're gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?" I will never forget the first time I saw the car jump through time. It accelerates to the necessary 88 mph as sparks begin to fly, lights flash and a trail of flames is left behind as it travels in the now iconic scene, which left me awe-struck. Its other finest moment is during the finale where Marty and Doc must get enough power to send the car back to the future, which is electrifying from start to finish, especially when accompanied by Alan Silvestri's remarkable score. Equally noteworthy are the featured songs with the most memorable being from Huey Lewis and the News, 'The Power Of Love' and 'Back In Time', which are both tremendously captivating hits. Overall, Back to the Future is one of the most impactful movies I have had the pleasure of growing up with. It continues to hook viewers today with its emotional, adrenaline-filled story that works very well as a stand-alone product and as the first entry of a trilogy. Yet another must-see for all movie-goers. Check out the continuing adventure in the thrilling sequel Back to the Future Part II (1989).

Runtime: 1h 56m

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Sci-fi

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Alien (1979)

Deep in space, the crew of the Nostromo (a commercial spaceship) is on a journey back home and in cryo-sleep capsules for the long trip. However, halfway through their course, they are awoken when they pick up a distress call on a distant moon, from an alien vessel. Upon landing on the rocky terrain, 3 members go in search of the origin, and little did they know what they would uncover. The crew encounters a nest of eggs inside the alien ship where an organism from inside one egg leaps out, attaching itself to one of the crew. Brought back aboard the Nostromo the true horrors were yet to begin... Alien is a timeless classic and one of my absolute favourites. It is simply incredible! This film is everything I love about older movies, especially when it comes to old sci-fi flicks. Despite releasing 43 years ago, this movie still holds up today managing to impress and shock people, hammering home its timelessness. I have always had a fascination for anything science fiction especially in regards to space and futuristic technology. With these older films, the technology tends to be a mix of the future and tech of its time, which is now so outdated however it is a detail I cannot help but adore which is best seen throughout the film with the Nostromo. They also manage to implement this mixture of technology to the world making it appear outdated and clunky but is still high-tech which is a neat idea. Not only that, but this film takes the time to show how it all works. Everything has a purpose and by showing all their functions, it creates a bigger sense of believability and realism to this universe. They not only do this with the Nostromo but also with the alien organisms. Like, for example, with the face-hugger. We hear how it operates and we later see an up close dissection of the creature, further showing us how it could actually exist and operate which is just so cool. I additionally love these films for their use of models/miniatures for the ships that feature so much detail, which end up looking so grand when fully implemented into the film. The ship is also brought to life with the use of the incredible sound design from the wailing of the alarms to the whirring of the machines. Not to mention the ambient feel of the Nostromo's interior shown throughout which sets the tone whilst giving so many beautiful shots of the architecture. The actors deserve a lot of praise and credit too alongside Ridley Scott for making this film what it is, from the way it was shot to how authentic these characters feel. You care for them and understand their struggles so when they are put in this danger, you too feel in danger and fear for their safety. I feel this strongest with Ellen Ripley. We follow Ripley alongside the whole crew of the Nostromo on their journey and survival, however, she stands out above them all. If she had been in charge, I can only imagine how entirely differently the events of this film would have turned out, seeing as she would have ensured the creature never boarded the ship, to begin with, adhering to the protocols, unlike the captain. This film takes on a survival horror genre that is very intense, having you in a constant state of fear never knowing when or where the creature could spring from. The alien (known as a Xenomorph) has a phenomenal design that is super creepy yet very iconic. It is incredibly big and strong, has acid for blood and is practically unstoppable. If you enjoy this film for its survival horror aspect then: Alien Isolation (Video Game 2014) is a great additional part of the franchise that delivers the same experience but allows you to take control as Ripley's daughter set 15 years after this movie. Overall, I adore this film so much and will always remain a favourite of mine. There are so many memorable moments throughout Alien from the discovery of the mysterious vessel and hundreds of eggs deep within to the chestburster scene, there are so many famous scenes to experience. It is such a classic flick which has earned its place in pop culture history with its iconic scenes, characters, visuals and not to mention its tagline: In space, no one can hear you scream. I cannot stress enough that you check this one out alongside the equally perfect sequel: Aliens (1986).

Runtime: 1h 57m

Director: Ridley Scott

Genre: Horror / Sci-fi

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