The Birds is on trial this week. A pheasant surprise or does it make us raven mad?
Alex says this horror classic showcases a director at the height of his talent, blending different genres together to make something truly unique. Dave and Mike point out the dated effects, a nonsensical plot and deeply concerning behaviour from Alfred Hitchcock towards his star Tippi Hedren.
Mike also reads the synopsis of the film in the style of a crow and there's quiz based on cinematic birds.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/276 Special Guest: Mike.
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Top Gun
Top Gun is on trial this week. Is it a movie Maverick? Or is it a cooked Goose?
Dave defends the classic, arguing that it was one of the biggest films of the 80s, with great action sequences and a stellar soundtrack. Gav is in prosecution and counters that the action is short and not very sweet, and that most of the film is focused on a poorly-written love story.
There's an impression of Tom Skerritt and a quiz all about movie nicknames. All that plus the usual great debates and banter from the gang. We feel the need. The need to plead... our case!
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/275
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1:10:54
War of the Worlds (2005)
War of the Worlds (2005) is on trial this week. Did Spielberg catch lightning in a bottle or would it be better left buried?
Alex says this is a modern yet faithful adaptation of the seminal novel by H.G. Wells that deftly weaves horror into the blockbuster experience. Dave feels a saccharine ending as well as odd plot changes mean the impact of the original novel is diluted and the film itself is forgettable.
All this with a quiz about other takes on this much-adapted work and an impression of Richard Burton.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/274
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1:13:20
Eyes Wide Shut
Eyes Wide Shut is on trial this week. Does it rise to the occasion or is it a complete flop?
Alex argues that Stanley Kubrick's last film is a gripping exploration of sexual desire and fantasy, with strong lead performances and an unnerving plot making this a hit. Gav and Mike say there is very little here to sustain a long runtime, with meandering scenes and themes that go nowhere.
All this with an impression of a busy Tom Cruise and a quiz all about the legendary Stanley Kubrick.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/273 Special Guest: Mike.
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1:35:46
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1:35:46
The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai is on trial this week. A perfect blossom or a knife in the guts?
Alex defends, saying that this love letter to Japan made a fascinating period of history accessible for Western audiences. Dave feels too much is lost in translation, with glaring historical inaccuracies that stop it achieving greatness.
All this with an impression of the big man Billy Connolly and a quiz all about Akira Kurosawa.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/272 Special Guest: Mike.
Each week we will act as judge, prosecution, and defence as we recreate a courtroom scenario, and decide whether a much loved (or hated) film should end up on the Hit List or not. Film trivia, quizzes, banter, terrible impressions, musical interludes, and lots of debating ensue as we put Films on Trial.
Ireland