The Big easy 1986

Starring: Dennis Quaid

A New Orleans homicide detective is persuaded by a lady investigator from the DA's office to look into irregularities in the department.

Routine police corruption thriller but with a nice mixture of action & humour. Dennis Quaid draws up an interesting character & although I never believed Ellen Barkin as a deputy DA, her chemistry with Quaid kept the whole thing watchable and interesting. Ned Beatty was superb as the police captain and came very close to stealing the whole movie.   7/10

A tale of two cities 1958

Starring: Dirk Bogarde

Modest but still costly remake with good moments but a rather slow pace.

Very well made with a good fell & look. Dickens always penned great characters and that was the best thing about this. Just a little dull in pace and plot with little to get excited or enthralled with.     4/10

Sherlock Homes and the spider woman 1944

Starring: Basil Rathbone

A female Moriarty kills her victims with spiders so that she can collect on their insurance policies.

When of the better of the Holmes movies. Rathbone gets several opportunities to don a disguise & do a bit of acting. Watson was at his bumbling best particularly when he mistook a spider expert for Holmes in disguise. Quite good fun.     7/10

The Man who changed his mind 1936

Starring: Boris Karloff

A scientist dabbles in braiin transplants.

Boris (One trick pony) Karloff plays a mad scientist who swaps peoples thoughts & personalities between bodies. This is all rather good fun and the plot zips along. The swapping of the 2 chimpanzee minds was amusing and the swapping of human minds all rather effective and well acted. Touches of good humour and a nice ending - This was all a lot more enjoyable than expected.          8/10