Author: Alex Cole

Narrated by the legend that is Sir Patrick Stewart as well as Tiff Needell and featuring commentary from John Hindhaugh; Journey to Le Mans documents the story of the Jota Sport team as they try to complete the ultimate racing challenge and win Le Mans 2014.

Written and directed by Charlotte Fantelli, she has to be given credit for making Journey to Le Mans a documentary that flows well from start to finish. Featuring some incredible racing shots and with unbridled access to the team it gives the viewer an opening into the often closed world of racing and an understanding of the mentality behind both team owner and those that drive and work for Jota Sport.

There were a lot of personalities on show and Fantelli does a good job of weaving them all together. Despite a little too much focus on Simon Dolan, making it at times feel like this was a promotional film for his brilliance, overall I was impressed with the mixture Fantelli created, allowing the viewer to feel connected with all the important characters.

Unfortunately, despite good flow and some strong build up, the documentary has been somewhat over-dramatised and made inaccessible to non-racing fans. Far too often simple decisions, to which we know there is a conclusion, are given such an intense build up that that outcome or result is under-whelming. Whether this is through the direction of Charlotte Fantelli or the personality of those involved, isn’t clear, but I think Fantelli could have held back which would have made the drama of the race a little less manufactured and ultimately, more pertinent.

Despite not quite being at the heights of the recent documentary Senna, this is still worthwhile watch and a must have for the collection of any racing aficionados. Non-racing fans may feel a little bit of the Le Mans experience as they watch, feeling a little like an endurance race as it doesn’t quite go deep enough at any point to hold the interest of non-racing fans.

An entertaining documentary and a worthwhile watch for racing fans, but not for everyone.

How to Get Ahead in Advertising  tells the story of Denis Dimbleby, a high flying advertising executive who suffers a mental breakdown which leads him question his entire outlook on life and brings to life the very real battle between polarised oral outlooks as his now split personality fights for control of his mind. It’s very rare to find a film which can so flawlessly combine a thought provoking analysis of the morals of advertising with a talking boil and split personality; but somehow How to Get Ahead in Advertising does just that!

Through the combination of a tremendous individual performance by Richard E Grant, clever prosthetics and a script than any writer would be proud of, Bruce Robinson has put together a truly original film with aspects that can be enjoyed by any viewer but are far better enjoyed as a package. We follow Grant’s character as he turns against everything he’s worked for only to be pulled back through his internal struggle, all the while his life falls apart around him. It has humour; it has romance, it has drama and all of them coupled with some peculiar (and occasionally disgusting) scenes including a boil (which later grows a moustache). This film has fast made it into one of my top 50 films and is certainly one I’ll be quick to enjoy again and encourage others to watch.

This films only flaw is a slightly peculiar ending which comes a little quickly and has the feel of something that ran out of time. Whilst this almost ruined the movie for me and I still cannot get my head the strange final scene, on reflection, Richard E Grant’s portrayal of a man on the edge, having to encapsulate two very different versions of one man is enthralling to the very end and worth watching.

Now out on Blu-Ray through Arrow Films, this is definitely worth adding to your collection.

A fast paced, gritty psychological horror; Devil’s Mile has real fear-factor and brings horror back to where it should be!

From first-time director Joseph O’Brien, Devil’s Mile tells the tale of three criminals ordered to kidnap two girls for their sadistic boss who having taken a wrong turn find themselves trapped in deadly repeat and a nightmare they can’t escape.

A far stretch from the all too common Slasher film; Devil’s Mile is an amalgamation of several genres. From Thriller to Horror to the Supernatural it combines the best aspects of these films but crucially it uses them sparingly, leaving the viewer in a state of constant suspense and fear. You’ll spend most of the time not knowing what’s going on, or what’s going to happen and whilst most horror films have a type or a theme Devil’s Mile manages to use a variety of tools to scare his audience, so much so that we don’t know how or where O’Brien is going to take us next.

Write and Director Joseph O’Brien has a future in the horror industry, but there are also signs he can make in thriller or psychological drama as well. Asian horror certainly had an influence on tis Canadian American production, which can be seen in the stylisation of the Amanda Joy ’s character who provides the primary scare factor. There is certainly a talent on the horizon and whilst the acting performances from O’Brien’s small cast breeds no outstanding performances, they succeed at bringing you in and keeping the audience guessing.

Good film, good cast and great direction Devil’s Mile is a great pick for people who are tired of the usual horror or zombie film and for those who enjoy a good thriller, but a little bit of a scare as well. You won’t know where the Devil’s Mile will take you….and you’ll love it!

This films tagline ‘Hail to the Teeth!’ is not something I think I’ll find myself shouting anytime soon. When I researched this film I was filled with excitement; it was an exciting and unique idea from a sure to be talent Mike Davis, essentially my bread and butter. Unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my self-developed hype. Made entirely from recycled and stock footage of old industrial films, B-movies and educational reels that have been dubbed, edited and scripted it has the true grindhouse/B-movie feel but none of the comedy or appeal that make them great.

A Comedy Horror; President Wolfman tells the tale of President of the USA John Wolfman, a man trying to deal with the imminent financial takeover of the US by the Chinese government whilst balancing the fact he has been cursed by a magical coyote. Unable to stop wreaking havoc on his family and citizens, we are asked the question; can President Wolfman save the US from destruction? This is a bizarre story by any terms and at many points is just a step too far; but what kills this film is that it simply isn’t funny. The jokes are pointless, crass and often don’t work. It reeks of trying just a bit too hard to be crazy and imaginative but cannot manage the fine line between B-movie stupidity and just awful.

I want to praise Mike Davis for his creativity, attention to detail and hard work in getting this film funded. I can see a future here, but I just feel the script needed to be a little more reserved. Mental moments have to be rationed but President Wolfman proves to be glutton. I’d recommend this an example of outward thinking and for all those interested in how to produce a low-budget movie; but for most viewers I won’t be recommending this film.

Faithfully restored by Cineteca di Bologna L’Assassino is a ground-breaking murder mystery with scores of political and social undertones skilfully directed by the unique and inspirational mind of Elio Petri who brought us Investigation of a Citizen Under Suspicion (1970) and The Tenth Victim (1965).

The film opens when we meet our protagonist Alfredo Martelli (Marcello Mastroianni) living a lavish lifestyle and planning his latest business trip before he is locked up on no charges where he is accused of murdering his benefactor and mistress, harassed, bartered with and constantly interrogated . Throughout the interrogation and revealed by a series of flashbacks we see his life come under the microscope as Commissioner Palumbo (Salvo Randone) tries to prove his guilt .

With a background in political journalism it’s no surprise his first foray into cinema and his first true compromise between his strict Marxist beliefs and a need to reach a wider audience focuses on a character whose moral compass has been irreparably damaged after seeing his anti-fascist grandfather persecuted by the Italian authorities facing suspicion in light of his new and modern lifestyle. So devoid of traditional conservative beliefs wrought with adultery, fraud and Martelli is now under suspicion of murder, albeit with seemingly little question over his guilt. But what is surprising is the skill Petri displays on his directorial debut. The artistry is inspiring. Supported by famed cinematographer Carlo Di Palma there are some magical scenes and Petri’s incorporation of flashbacks into the story was at the time a new concept and L’Assassino works it so well.

Often with political commentary the film can get lost in the message, so we have to ask…is L’Assassino an entertaining film and will it translate to a modern audience?

It is, and yes!

I was truly surprised to enjoy this film so much. I don’t normally enjoy classic films. I found Casablanca hard to finish, and Psycho felt so dated. L’Assassino on the other hand had pace, intrigue, mystery, excellent performances from Mastroianni and Randone and remarkably it felt fresh and alive.

This is a thrilling film with an ending that leaves you wanting. Though perhaps not at the heights of Petri’s other films, this is a good example of classic European cinema that translates well to the modern audience and the modern format. I’d recommend this as a stepping stone for anyone looking to pile into the classics. It’s no wonder Marlon Brando has the poster on his wall.