The Wicker man 1973

Starring: Edward Woodward

A policeman flies to a remote Scottish isle to investigate the death of a child, and finds himself in the hands of diabolists.

This movie is certainly original. It's actually deeply disturbing despite the fact that Edward Woodward's accent often disappeared off the island whilst he was still there. It seems so far fetched that you don't worry about the subject matter too much. That is, until the end. I never saw the twist coming and forget slasher films, this had a terrifying ending. Some strange scenes in this movie, but lots to admire, particularly if you want to see Britt Ekland doing a bizarre naked dance. 7/10

Ivanhoe 1952

Staring: Robert Taylor

Derring-do amonk the knights of medieval England.

Oscar nominated in its day, this was certainly a lavish, colourful production. The Saxons/Norman plot was a little confusing and the text over emphasised with every sentence sounding as if it was an Earth changing statement. Some of the special effects were dated and rather obvious but there were some good scenes. The jousting and siege of the fort was all good 'Boys own' stuff. Dated but harmless. 5/10

Fantastic voyage 1966

When a top scientist is shot and suffers brain damage, a team of doctors and a boat are miniturized and injected into his blood stream......but one is a traitor.

Sometimes when watching sci-fi, you look at the plot and think the whole thing unlikely, but maybe one day in the future. This you don't! Preposterous plot which you can get away with if the performances are ok. To start with, this movie was poor. Very pedestrian with wooden acting. The whole thing picks up once the boat enters the body and you even get a bit of a biology lesson along the way. The identity of the traitor is never really in doubt. Many flaws, but harmless enough, however, not to be taken seriously. 5/10

Saturday night and Sunday morning 1960

Starring: Albert Finney

A Nottingham factory worker is dissatisfied with his lot, gets into trouble through an affair with a married woman, but finally settles for convention.

Gritty realistic drama. An angry young man searching for a way out of his hum-drum existence. To be honest, I never warmed to the character and felt desperately sorry For the people he was constantly taking advantage of. The whole setting is superbly observed, stunningly realistic streets, houses and pubs makes no attempt to glamorise. Apparenlt ground breaking when released, it's dated now but is still fascinating viewing. 7/10

Loving you 1957

Staring: Elvis Presley

A press agent signs a young hillbilly singer to give zest to her husbands band.

You know what you're going to get with an Elvis film. Gentle humour, pretty girls and songs. Well this movie certainly didn't break the formula. I actually think this was one of his better efforts. At times, it was like watching an epsiode of Happy days, but ultimately had quite a strong storyline. The music was good with classics like 'Teddy bear' although Mean woman blues was my favourite. The fight in the diner that set off the jukebox was a well worked out scene.
I can't take too many Elvis movies, about one a year is fine & this was a good one. 6/10