First Men in the Moon (1964)

The world is delighted when a spacecraft containing a crew made up of the world's astronauts lands on the moon for the first time. But the delight turns to shock when the astronauts discover an old British flag and a document declaring that the moon is taken for Queen Victoria proving they weren't the first men on the moon. On Earth, an investigation team finds the last of the Victorian crew, a now-aged Arnold Bedford who tells them the story of how he and his girlfriend, Katherine Callender, met up with inventor, Joseph Cavor, in 1899. Cavor has invented Cavorite, a paste that will allow anything to deflect gravity and he created a sphere that will take them to the moon. Taking Arnold and accidentally taking Katherine, they fly to the moon where, to their amazement, they discover a bee-like insect population who take an unhealthy interest in their Earthly visitors... First Men in the Moon might have to be my favourite of the H.G. Wells movie adaptations. The prospect of this film is certainly unique, having Victorians find a way to travel to space years before it is accomplished again and what is found is equally amazing. However, the most amazing thing about this film is that it was made before the real first moon landing which occurred in 1969. Everything about it is simply perfect. The sense of wonder and intrigue felt throughout this spectacular adventure, to the use of special effects that look years ahead of their time, most especially the stop-motion, which moves so fluently and smoothly like nothing I have ever seen before. Ray Harryhausen provided marvellous stop-motion animation effects for the movie. He worked on the Selenites, the giant caterpillar-like creatures and the large-brained Grand Lunar. Each one of these individual models moved with such ease and didn't look jolted in any way which can sometimes be the case in stop-motion. The designs were superb and looked extremely life-like making the story work all the better. One of my favourite uses of this art form was during a short sequence where the Selenites use a form of x-ray on Katherine. We get to see a detailed Skeleton model animated just as well as all the others and despite only being on screen for a couple of minutes it really stood out to me. Not only was the stop-motion great but also the sets. The surface of the moon looks beautiful however we spend more time inside the planet as the title insinuates. The inside is just breathtaking and has some magnificent colours and infrastructures that bring this insect-like space society to life. Whilst watching this film I couldn't help but notice how grand it looked and felt. Every scene felt huge in scale and a true cinema experience. I can only imagine how it must have looked and felt on the big screen. Alongside the phenomenal effects, the characters are very entertaining with each having their own experiences, thoughts and beliefs. They all go through individual adventures on this unique expedition and each has different views on it. Cavor is very excited, being a scientist, and wants to make contact, becoming friends whilst Bedford fights off the Selenites as they push them about and do experiments. Their contrasting beliefs drive the story forward leading to a whole manner of repercussions. My favourite character has to be Cavor (played by Lionel Jeffries) who is absolutely hilarious. He adds a level of comedy to this otherwise series movie, which I personally welcomed because although I do enjoy some of the more series adaptations like The Time Machine (1960), having some comedic elements and moments to laugh helps contrast the two. However, this film doesn't shy away from the more series moments and when they occur, it allows them to play out in full effect. I have quite fond memories of this sci-fi adventure after having witnessed it on television once during my childhood. The only reason I even remembered it was mainly because my Dad made a joke during one segment that has stuck with me and thanks to it, I was able to find it again. Overall, this classic science fiction flick makes for some fabulous escapism into an awe-inspiring tale with plenty of aspects to enjoy like the special effects and characters.

Runtime: 1h 39m

Director: Nathan Juran

Genre: Adventure / Sci-fi

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Better Off Dead... (1985)

Lane Meyer is obsessed with his girlfriend Beth and is crushed when she falls for the new captain of the ski team, Roy. After several failed suicide attempts, narrow escapes from the relentless paperboy, and nearly unbearable dinners at home with his crazy family, Lane finds a new love in French foreign exchange student Monique Junot. Meanwhile, the upset Lane challenges Roy in a competition on the K12 slope to regain his honour, which he instantly regrets. I absolutely adore this lesser-known, under-appreciated 80s classic. It manages to feel fresh and original and is like nothing I have ever seen before. It works to convey so many issues and teenage nightmares that we have faced in our lives at some point. It shows this by alternating from the brilliant 80s coming-of-age movie style to being just completely wacky at times, in the best way! We could go from addressing how it feels to break up in a relationship and how that can make you feel in regular teenage fashion to then show Lane's mother's cooking coming to life, crawling off of their plates at dinner, a claymation living hamburger and Lane's brother creating working ray guns and a spaceship (which crashes through the roof at the end of the film). Such bizarre moments are thrown into the mix of this hilarious flick that ultimately makes it all the better. It has your typical storyline for a coming-of-age movie with Lane trying to beat the jock, Roy, in a ski challenge to get back with his ex-girlfriend, Beth and in the process will find a new love in Monique who helps him in his troubles and constant lows. I adore the relationship that is formed between Lane and Monique as they develop throughout the film, starting as neighbours to friends and slowly becoming more, to the point where Lane realises his feelings for her. Their on-screen moments are very cute and romantic, the best in any rom-com. Now the movie does cover a sensitive topic, that being suicide, which Lane tries to do a few times during the film, however, the whole point and message we are told is that you are never better off dead. No matter what life throws at you, there is no reason to go to it which is shown through the meeting and romance with Monique. So besides all the typical and regular movie topics that are covered, the highlights for me are some of the more silly and strange moments of the movie where it just goes all out. This can be seen very early on by showing Kane's obsession with Beth by having his entire wall covered in pictures of her to even showing his clothes hangers having her face on them. It is a perfect representation of one's obsessive states during a relationship and shows how much the break-up is going to affect him. The most iconic subplot is without a doubt the paperboy. Upon being denied his pay by Lane, who makes up some hilarious excuses to get out of having to give him his money, the boy is relentless, stopping at nothing to get his two dollars. He shows up plenty of times throughout when you would least expect him from clinging to the roof of his car to chasing him down the mountain during the ski competition. He is hell-bent on his two dollars, which he frequently shouts as he pursues him easily becoming the most iconic line. Alongside all these mad capers, the film has some incredible musical pieces, most notably a song from the phenomenal Van Halen - 'Everybody Wants Some!!' played to the incredibly weird claymation that is just as memorable. I also really like Lane's friend, Charles De Mar who is hysterical with some unusual habits like snorting jelly and snow but my favourite moment of his is when he simply laughs at the bully's jokes, which is so contagious that I couldn't stop laughing. I loved how many quotable scenes there are in this film too that stand out for how unexpected they are, like for example, "Gee, I'm really sorry your mom blew up, Ricky", and the fact it is said in the straightest face ever, is so funny. Overall, this is a cherished favourite in my collection and one I think everyone should view once in their lifetime. I had such a blast and it is one I can assure you will be viewed over and over for years to come. This is another masterpiece added to the catalogue of the 1980s.

Runtime: 1h 37m

Director: Savage Steve Holland

Genre: Comedy / Romance

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See How They Run (2022)

In the West End of London 1953, The Mousetrap, Agatha Christie's latest murder mystery play, celebrates its 100th performance and preparations are in progress for a film adaptation. However, a horrible backstage murder brings the ambitious plans to an unexpected standstill. Now, everyone involved is a suspect. And as experienced Scotland Yard inspector Detective Sergeant Trotter and his enthusiastic assistant Constable Stalker sift through a long list of potential murderers, the question arises. Can the mismatched duo crack the knotty case before the shadowy killer strikes again? See How They Run is a very charming whodunnit that has some great qualities. I enjoyed this film for multiple reasons. One of the best parts of the film is the immersion, as it manages to bring the world of the 1950s to life. From clothing to cars, and even all the references to other films and actors of the times, like, for example, The African Queen (1951). I miss stories like these, especially since they aren't as prominent nowadays as they were then, which gave this film that breath of fresh air yet a hint of familiarity. Alongside its obvious crime and mystery genres, this movie features quite a bit of comedy scattered throughout. I wouldn't say it was the main focus of the story, as it does have one to tell but it does tend to include quite a bit and it is pretty funny. My favourite running joke is the film's self-awareness which comes into play a few times. From mentioning how bad flashbacks are to storytelling only to be used during that scene and saying how it's just as bad as cutting to a black screen saying 3 weeks later which again happens seconds after. Each one is ridiculously funny and my kind of humour. I further love all the other callbacks and call-forwards that hint at scenes later like my favourite being the director's pitch of a new ending for the film becoming the reality for the end of this film just as he described it. So many moments for the eagle-eyed viewers to pick up on. Our leading duo, Inspector Stoppard and Constable Stalker make an amazing team with some superb witty banter and comedic scenes along with some heart-to-heart moments and a growing friendship that develops over time. I love how eager Stalker is and the little mistakes and jumps to conclusions she makes and how Stoppard has to teach and coach her. Although she helps him with his troubles and sticks up for him when he is late which is nice. One of the coolest focal points of the film is having this murder mystery set around a whodunnit stage performance of one of Agatha Christie's plays: The Mousetrap. Its attention to real-life details is very fascinating and very clever. There has never been a movie made of the Mousetrap due to how after the rights of the film had been acquired, an agreement was made that a film couldn’t be made until the show’s run had ended, and six months had passed. Of course, the show kept running and is even ongoing to this day! So this movie did the clever thing by basing it around this premise, therefore, becoming the closest thing to a Mousetrap movie. There are also a lot of great easter eggs, references and nods to the work of Agatha Christie for fans to enjoy with little hints about her other works and herself. The suspects all appear to have a motive and more is revealed over time that makes the culprit all the harder to pinpoint, making for an intriguing mystery. With the director having intruded on an affair to starting fights with writers and actors, he made plenty of enemies and a possible killer. There are quite a few missteps in their searches and some cause a bit of tension for our duo but ultimately they manage to come through in the end. The reveal of the murder is a pretty good one and not one I was expecting which did make for a nice surprise. The whole climax is simply amazing and such fun with hilarious moments from the murderer's hostages. Overall, See How They Run may not be anything grandly special but what it offers is good old-fashioned fun for all whodunnit fans and theatre enthusiasts. It's an entertaining murder mystery to get engrossed in.

Runtime: 1h 38m

Director: Tom George

Genre: Comedy / Crime / Mystery

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Ready Player One (2018)

In the year 2045, the real world is a harsh place. The only time Wade Watts truly feels alive is when he escapes to the OASIS, an immersive virtual universe where most of humanity spends their days. In the OASIS, you can go anywhere, do anything and be anyone. The only limits are your imagination. The OASIS was created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday, who left his immense fortune and total control of the Oasis to the winner of a three-part contest he designed to find a worthy heir. When Wade conquers the first challenge of the reality-bending treasure hunt, he and his friends, The High Five, are hurled into a fantastical universe of discovery and danger to save the OASIS. Ready Player One is my favourite film. I know I have said that for many others already, but besides Star Wars, it holds the title of my all-time number-one favourite. I just can't help but simply adore this piece of Spielberg magic in every way. I know it may be with its flaws but to me, it is just perfect. I have always had a great appreciation for the vast collection of pop culture media. Movies, shows, video games, and music have all had such impacts on me and remain the highlights of my interests. Being a huge fan of all eras for their media, particularly the 1980s, I found this film truly connecting with my love and passion for references to other titles and times scattered throughout this epic film, even going as far as to amplify them. This film doesn't hold back with these references either, it goes all out. There are far too many for me to count and mention here, especially since I, and so many others, are still finding new things on later viewings. If you want a proper in-depth look at all the easter eggs and connections and want my respected reviews of those productions, check out the Ready Player One References Page. My favourite reference in the whole film is easily the appearance of the Delorean from Back to the Future (1985) combined with the light sensor off of K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider (TV Series 1982-1986). To mix the two into one easter egg is unbelievably cool and makes up my dream car. The best part about it is we get to see our main lead Parzival use it in the opening challenge, the race, which is by far one of the best scenes in the movie and a fantastic way to begin this adventure. It is simply amazing to see so many iconic cars racing against one another whilst dodging other movie references from a T-rex to King Kong himself. Alongside the overflowing references, this film has many other entertaining qualities and factors. Each of the characters has some great chemistry that feels like they are real friends. Their friendships and relationships only grow as the film progresses and the hardships they come by. I really like all the members of The High Five both in their real life and digital counterparts who have some amazing costumes and designs but my personal favourite is Wade/Parzival. The visual effects on display here are outstanding being some of the finest I have ever seen in movie history. It brings the virtual world of the OASIS to life and is simply breathtaking, making me wish all the more it was real. They did a superb job of swapping between the two realities just enough so that it didn't feel like constantly jumping back and forth. The challenge set in place is also very interesting, setting the task of collecting 3 keys for control of the world and its ownership. This challenge is partaken by the masses in the form of 'Gunters' (egg hunters) however some don't seek it for the fun, like our antagonist, Innovative Online Industries (IOI) CEO, Nolan Sorrento. He uses several indentured servants and employees called 'Sixers' to find the egg. They constantly interfere with the challenge and set up a rivalry against Parzival and his friends. Overall, this film is my everything. It is one I have seen multiple times and will continue to keep checking out. Ready Player One offers some exciting escapism filled with a fascinating story, beautiful visuals, entertaining references, enjoyable characters and heaps of imagination. If you haven't seen it already, this is a true cinema experience to fall in love with.

Runtime: 2h 20m

Director: Steven Spielberg

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-fi

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