This post contains my movie archive from letters A - C, together with the year each film was made, my comments, and my rating of the film (1 is the lowest rating, 10 is the highest).
The criteria for inclusion in this list is 1) I have seen the film, and 2) I remember it well enough to be able to comment on it and give it a mark out of 10. There have been a few films I have seen, but have made so little impression on me that I cannot confidently give a comment or rating. Where this is the case, I have just given the title. If I possess the video or DVD of the movie, the letter "V" appears immediately after the title.
So - here we go!
Adventures of Robin Hood
1938
Classic B&W traditional adventure with Errol Flynn
7.2
African Queen, The
1951
Slow build up, but brooding and atmospheric
6.9
After the Ball
1957
Old fashioned biopic - undemanding but enjoyable
4.4
Agony and the Ecstacy, The
1965
Epic story, but too long with cardboard characters
3
Airplane (V)
1980
Hilarious, ground-breaking comedy for its time. Now looks dated.
7.8
Airplane II
1982
Poor sequel - basically the same jokes and story
2.5
Airport
1970
Good tension thriller, but badly acted.
3.8
Aladdin (V)
1992
Great animation - super songs and a wonderful performance from Robin Williams. Appeals to kids AND adults.
8.7
Alamo, The
1960
Classic Hollywood approach to history - light on facts but enjoyable to watch.
5.2
Albert RN
1953
Interesting story, well filmed, but dated
5.1
Alfie
1966
Great film - a good example of British film-making in the 60's
7.6
Alice in Wonderland
1951
Disney animation - some good moments and songs, but marred by taking too many liberties with the original story.
5.8
Alien
1979
One of only three films which have genuinely terrified me! Fantastically well made, and brilliant performances.
8.6
All About Eve
1950
Gripping story, well-acted and filmed. Well worth seeing.
6.5
All Creatures Great And Small
1974
Some of the photography is iffy, and variable acting, but moderately enjoyable if you're in the right mood.
4.1
All For Mary
1955
Not a very well-known film, but really good fun.
6.5
All Quiet On The Western Front
1930
Classic anti-war film, beautifully filmed.
8.6
All The President's Men
1976
Quite a brave attempt to tell the Watergate story, not as successfully done as it could have been, but adequate.
6.5
Alphabet Murders, The
1965
Agatha Christie mystery which strays too far from the original.
4
Altered States
1980
An interesting story, and well performed
7.2
Amadeus (V)
1984
One of my favourite all-time movies. Doesn't quite make 10/10 for 2 reasons: the American accents, which grate, and occasionally the pacing is not judged very well - some sequences are too long and give an unbalanced feel. The Director's cut on the DVD is much better.
9.5
Amazing Mr Blunden, The
1972
Made by the same team as "The Railway Children" but sadly without Jenny Agutter! It's an intriguing ghost story and features Diana Dors as a hideous old hag!
6
American Beauty
1999
Excellent, once you get into it. Not to be watched if you're feeling depressed though!
7.5
Anastasia (V)
1997
Not quite as technically slick as Disney in its animation, but makes up for this in its story, characterisation and some great songs.
8.8
And Now For Something Completely Different
1971
Lifted almost lock stock and barrel from the TV series. Works surprisingly well on the big screen. Like all Monty Python, you either love it or completely can't see the point. (I love it, by the way)
7.5
Angels In The Outfield
1994
Corny, cheesy, etc - but I liked it. Even despite the fact that, being English, I haven't a clue about the rules of baseball!
7.2
Angels One Five
1952
I've heard this described as poor, but I thought it dealt well with the contribution made by the unsung heroes of the Battle of Britain - i.e. the ground crews.
6.9
Anne of the Thousand Days (V)
1969
Not particularly historically accurate, but it looks great and has some spellbinding performances.
8
Annie (V)
1982
Nothing like the stage show (the Disney remake in the 90's was much better), but mostly good fun, if a bit on the long side.
6.5
Annie (V)
1999
In my view this is a good adaptation of the stage show, and works well.
7.9
Annie Hall
1977
This really hit the spot when it first came out. I went through a "Woody Allen" phase and loved it. Watching it recently, it made me smile, certainly, but wouldn't as highly rated now.
8.5
Apache Drums
1951
I've never been that keen on Westerns, but this was one which really held my attention. Rather dated now, but still stands up well to more recent movies.
6.8
Apocalypse Now
1979
Awesomely skillfully-made updating of "Heart of Darkness" transposed to the Vietnam war. This is one of those iconic movies - I must have been one of the first to see it, as I went on the day it was released in the UK. Quirky, violent, and utterly compelling.
9.2
Apollo 13
1995
I remember when this happened in real life. This film portrayal seems to me remarkably accurate, and has virtuoso performances from Tom Hanks et al.
8.9
Arabesque
1966
An underrated thriller, well worth seeing if it crops up on TV.
6.2
Are You Being Served?
1977
Disappointing movie version of the successful TV sitcom. Really doesn't transfer well to the big screen.
1.5
Aristocats, The (V)
1970
A kind of variation on the 101 Dalmations theme, except this time the kidnapped creatures are well-to-do Parisian pussies. I enjoyed it as a kid, and the songs are excellent, but the animation is not technically Disney's best and it's a bit let down by this.
6.7
Around The World In 80 Days
1956
Spectacular for its time, with loads of cameos by famous actors of the past. Quite faithful to Jules Verne's story, and it really gives you a sense of going on a journey.
7.1
Around The World In 80 Days
2004
Steve Coogan's version. Although it bears only the most slight resemblance to the original story it gets away with it by sheer audacity. The purists would hate it, but I just loved it. Also, it continues the tradition started in the previously filmed version of famous cameos - look out for Richard Branson and Arnold Schwarzeneggar.
8.5
Arthur
1981
Dudley Moore is always watchable, and this is no exception. There's also a good story trying to get out as well!
6
Asphalt Jungle, The
1950
Tough, gritty subject filmed toughly and grittily at a time when such an approach was not particularly fashionable. Worth seeing.
6.5
Baby Boom
1987
A silly story which didn't really deserve Diane Keaton and the rest of an extremely talented cast. This is a brilliant example of how good performances and direction can turn what could easily have been a load of rubbish into an enjoyable film.
6.5
Back To The Future (V)
1985
One of my favourite all-time movies. Also, I can only think of a handful of other movies which have sequels as good as this one. It's truly a proper trilogy, and vastly underrated I think. In my opinion, there is almost nothing you can criticise about this film, and the final sequence at the clock tower in the thunderstorm is simply movie magic of the highest standard.
10
Back To The Future II (V)
1989
Wonderful continuation of the story, with some amazing scenes dealing with the paradoxes involved in time travel. Intelligent film-making, but I know some audiences found the brain-work too challenging, and the overall tone more serious than the first film.
9.7
Back To The Future III (V)
1990
Satisfying end to the trilogy - again the paradoxes of time travel are thoughtfully but entertainingly explored. Loads of comic moments too.
9.9
Barabbas
1953
Taking a secondary character from another tale and following their story almost always leads to intriguing results, and this is no exception. Any description of Jesus' crucifixion will inevitably feature Barabbas as the criminal set free by the crowd in place of Jesus, but how many of us stop to wonder what happened to him? Unfortunately this movie suffers from the sort of exaggerated piousness so expertly parodied in "Life of Brian", but its heart's in the right place!
6.2
Barbarella
1968
Sci-fi meets sixties kitsch! Daringly sexy in its time (who can forget the "orgasmatron"?) but now looks very dated.
5
Barretts of Wimpole Street, The
1934
Classic film, which contains genuine drama and emotion. Its aesthetic owes more to theatre than cinema, but stands up remarkably well to a modern eye.
6.8
Barry Lyndon (V)
1975
Beautifully shot, as you would expect from a master like Kubrick. Many have criticised the pacing of this film and it's certainly very long, but it develops its own temporal space within its own parameters, and as a result, works extremely well once you get used to it. The battle scene in which the troop of men attack the French to the unrelenting beat of the drum is chilling.
9.5
Batman
1966
The original version, with Adam West as Batman. Great entertainment, very tongue-in-cheek and light hearted.
6.1
Battle of Britain
1969
This film has been criticised for its wooden acting, surprising given its all-star cast, but the real stars are the aeroplanes. The aerial combat sequences are just awesome. This was before the days of CGI and what you see on screen are skilled pilots flying real 2nd World War Spitfires, Hurricanes and Messerschmitts, specially bought up by the film company, flying the most amazing aerobatic battle manoeuvres.
8.7
Beauty and the Beast (V)
1991
In my view, the best Disney animated film ever (including the ones made in his lifetime). This is a treat for the eyes, ears and emotions.
9.6
Bedknobs and Broomsticks (V)
1971
A sort of follow-up to Mary Poppins, but not as good. The story is rather confused (and confusing) and some of the animation is lacklustre. The most effective bits are the medieval-style battle sequences, and Angela Lansbury's performance.
4.4
Beethoven (V)
1992
A good, no-nonsense family film, and there are precious few of those. Yes, I know it has its cheesy moments, but all-in-all a good couple of hours entertainment.
5.1
Beethoven's 2nd
1993
Not too bad as a sequel, with some genuinely hilarious moments.
5
Beethoven's 4th (V)
2001
The Beethoven franchise is looking distinctly tired now, and despite some amusing set pieces, this movie is lacklustre.
2.5
Being There
1979
I only saw this once, when it first came out, as I had always been an admirer of Peter Sellers. I found this puzzling, difficult to follow and ultimately a disappointment. I haven't seen it since, so my mark should be regarded as cautious.
4.1
Ben Hur
1959
The biblical epic to end them all! What a spectacle this is - just a bit too drawn out at times, but its wonderfully huge scale makes this worth watching, especially, if possible, on a big screen.
7.5
Beneath the Planet of the Apes
1970
Disappointing sequel (or one of them) to the original Planet of the Apes. Pretty much a waste of time and effort.
1.3
Benjamin Britten's War Requiem
1993
I love the music, which can reduce me to tears. Visuals have been put to it, rather in the style of a music video, and it is a very moving, if sombre, document. I think it's one of the last films Laurence Olivier appeared in. I think it's a brave experiment which nearly (but not quite) works.
5.1
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
1982
Terrible adaptation of the stage musical. A waste of time.
1.1
Bewitched (V)
2005
I used to love Bewitched and anticipated this film with a mixture of excitement and concern that they might ruin it. Actually, I really enjoyed the result. I thought the basic idea of having a real witch playing Samantha in a remake of the TV series was inspired.
8.9
Big Country, The
1958
An epic Western, which doesn't quite do anything for me I'm afraid, although the theme music is rather stirring (until you realise that it's an unashamed rip-off of some of Copland's "Rodeo" music!)
3.5
Big Fish
2003
I've grown to love many of Tim Burton's films. He has that knack of creating quirky films which keep you guessing and which are full of wonderful little details which repay watching the film many times. This film is no different, and I found it compelling and moving.
8.7
Biggles
1986
This tries to capture the spirit of those "gung-ho" boys' own adventure stories, but is spoiled by a silly time travel story and unconvincing details (such as having someone living in Tower Bridge).
3.5
Birds, The (V)
1963
One of my three favourite Hitchcock movies (along with "Rebecca" and "Psycho"). I have always been fascinated by this movie - it shouldn't work (e.g. the build-up is too slow and the ending is atrocious), but it does! Guaranteed to give you nightmares.
9.2
Bitter Moon
1992
I caught this late one night on TV and found it compelling but disturbing. Well made movie, but I'm glad to only have seen it once!
4
Blackadder Back and Forth (V)
2000
A short film, I first saw this at the Millennium Dome, for which it was commissioned. Blackadder at its hilarious best.
8.9
Blackboard Jungle
1955
The original "teacher tames difficult adolescents" movie which has spawned so many films with the same premise it's become something of a cliché. Worth seeing though.
6.5
Blair Witch Project, The (V)
1999
A major disappointment. I loved the concept, and it seemed a really innovative way of film-making, but the result is complete rubbish. Especially after the build up all the hype gave it.
3.5
Bless This House
1972
Film version of the popular Sid James sitcom. Pretty average.
4
Blithe Spirit
1945
I love this version of Noel Coward's play. The mannered performances are just right.
6.1
Blowup
1966
The archetypal swinging sixties film. Interesting as an historical document for that reason, but actually a poor piece of cinema. David Hemmings looks permanently stoned in this, and probably was!
4.1
Blue Lagoon, The
1980
Dreadful remake of an older film. A kind of "kids growing up on a desert island and discovering sex" film. Boring.
3
Blue Lamp. The
1950
A distant echo of a bygone age when the British "copper" was respected and was actually an effective defence against crime. Rather dated and mannered, but, on its own terms, a good film.
6
Blue Murder At St Trinians
1957
Not popular with critics, but I loved this - it's how we all wish we could have been at school.
6
Boatniks, The
1970
Pretty dire Disney live action comedy with Phil Silvers
4.1
Bonnie and Clyde
1967
A stunning performance from the 2 stars (Warren Beatty and Faye Dunawaye), together with great pace make this a memorable film.
7.2
Borat
2006
If you judge the hilarity of a movie by the number of laughs per minute, this one wins hands down. I literally laughed from the beginning right through to the end almost without stopping. I can say that this is without doubt the funniest movie I have ever seen in my life. Period. Seen in the cold light of day, much of the humour is of course crude, and also at times cruel. But it's funny. And that's what counts. Deal with it.
9.5
Born Free
1966
Rather too sentimental for my taste, but the animals are great! I can remember hearing the real Joy Adamson on the radio during the 1970s.
5.8
Boy Named Charlie Brown, A
1965
I've always loved the Charlie Brown cartoons, and think that they translate well to the screen. The rather basic animation actually adds to the charm.
6.5
Boys from Brazil, The
1978
Guaranteed to put you off dentists for life! An absolutely stupid story, but put across with such audacity you begin to believe it. Not the greatest film ever made, but enjoyable.
5.2
Brady Bunch Movie, The
1995
This shouldn't be any good, by rights. But actually the tongue-in-cheek approach works, and I found myself amused by it.
4.8
Breakfast at Tiffany's
1961
An iconic movie of course, but possibly not as good as its reputation would suggest. Still an enjoyable movie though
6.7
Bridget Jones The Edge of Reason
2004
I liked this a lot more than the first movie. In fact, it is FAR superior to the first one, and has some fantastically funny moments, such as the sequence where Bridget attempts to teach her fellow prisoners "Like A Virgin". Well worth seeing.
8.5
Bridget Jones's Diary
2001
I know this was hugely popular, but I was not over-impressed. For me, the pace was too slow, the comedy pedestrian, and overall it was a disappointment.
3.5
Bruce Almighty
2003
Jim Carrey is a virtuoso in this, as is Morgan Freedman as God. A thoroughly entertaining story, but also it raises some genuinely thought-provoking questions about life and God. Wonderful stuff.
8.5
Bugsy Malone (V)
1976
The sort of movie you either love or hate. I find most of it irritating, but it's saved by Jodie Foster's performance as Tallullah.
4.1
Cabaret (V)
1972
A successful, if rather unusual, approach to the filming of a stage musical. The songs are woven more naturally into the action than is often the case, leading to a much more realistic result. The atmosphere of the seedy KitKat Club is brilliantly evoked, and Liza Minelli's performance is amazing.
8.9
Captain Blood
1935
I saw this movie on TV when I was 9, and it made a big impression. It seemed everything a swashbuckling pirate film should be, and has been unequalled until Johnny Depp's Captain Sparrow came onto the scene. Great music, too, and Olivia de Havilland is beautiful.
6.7
Carmen Jones
1954
Not for the opera purist, but this foot-tapping version of Bizet's "Carmen" updates the story and music effortlessly. Oscar Hammerstein's new lyrics are most ingenious.
7.5
Carrie (V)
1976
One of those seminal horror films, effectively made and with genuine moments of tension. The best bit is probably the famous final scene which, if you haven't seen it before, is guaranteed to make you jump.
7.5
Carry on Abroad (V)
1972
Not one of the best Carry Ons, but mildly amusing.
5.2
Carry on Again Doctor (V)
1969
Rather mundane and routine - the series is showing its age!
4.8
Carry on at your convenience (V)
1970
It's the characters which make many Carry Ons worth watching, and this is no exception.
6
Carry on Camping (V)
1969
The one that everyone remembers, due to Barbara Windsor's flying bra.
5.5
Carry on Cleo (V)
1964
Definitely the funniest in the series - much of this is inspired, and Kenneth Williams' performance is magic!
8.6
Carry on Constable (V)
1960
In many ways, comedy from a bygone era - niaive and old-fashioned
5.1
Carry on Cowboy (V)
1965
I wasn't very impressed with this when I first saw it, but watched it recently and was pleasantly surprised by how witty it actually was! Worth a look.
6.5
Carry on Cruising (V)
1962
By now the "seaside postcard" humour has become established. This was also the first of the series to be shot in colour. Pleasant enough entertainment.
5.5
Carry on Doctor (V)
1967
Funny enough, but a bit run-of-the-mill.
5.5
Carry on Henry (V)
1970
Rather disappointing attempt to deal with an historical theme after the success of Carry On Cleo. This doesn't work half so well.
3.5
Carry on Loving (V)
1970
Some amusing interaction between Sid James and Hattie Jacques provides entertainment in this otherwise lacklustre and not often seen film from the series.
4.6
Carry on Matron (V)
1972
A return to the hospital environment, which particularly suits the Carry On kind of humour. Good fun, but about as intellectually stimulating as a rich tea biscuit.
5.6
Carry on Nurse (V)
1959
An early Carry On - rather gentler in tone than the later ones, and certainly less "rude". Entertaining, nonetheless.
5.2
Carry on Screaming (V)
1965
One of my favourite Carry Ons. Kenneth Williams, as usual, steals the show.
6.9
Carry on Sergeant (V)
1958
The first of the Carry On series. The humour in this has yet to establish the normal pattern for the series, so it's not really typical. It's rather dryer in tone than the others, but has some good moments.
5
Carry on Spying (V)
1964
This has always been underrated, and isn't often seen, but it's better than many of the other films in the series. The reverse-action sequence at the end is funny, but you can't help wondering whether it was because the producers ran out of money and wanted a cheap final sequence!
7.5
Carry on Teacher (V)
1959
One of the funniest in the series - the scene where the teachers are attacked with itching powder is just brilliant!
6.5
Carry on Up The Khyber (V)
1968
One of the rudest in the series. It has its moments but is inconsistent.
5
Casablanca
1942
The classic love story - I love the atmosphere it creates, but confess I find the mannered performances a bit stilted at times.
6
Chariots of Fire (V)
1981
I used to love this, and rated it extremely highly. Looking at it again more recently I still think it's a great film, but by no means flawless. Some of the pacing seems too laboured and some of the direction a little cliched. Still worth a look, though.
7.8
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
2005
Tim Burton's version outdoes the earlier musical version for its accurate portrayal of the book (despite an invented back story which I found somewhat irritating). I particularly enjoyed the "squirrel" sequence, the tongue-in-cheek references to "2001 A Space Odyssey" and the Oompa-Loompas.
6.9
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (V)
1968
I always felt I should like this, but found it over-long, bitty and over sentimental. It's saved by good songs and the car itself, which is magnificent. The stage version of the film is much better.
4.9
Chocolat
2000
Sumptious to look at, this movie has an engaging story to tell and is matched by great performances.
8.4
Chorus Line, A
1985
In my view, a disappointing film version of the stage musical. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Michael Douglas, it should have been excellent, but somehow misses the target, and is, I'm afraid, boring.
4
Cinderella (V)
1950
Almost perfect Disney animated fairy tale. Excellent animation, lovely songs and imaginative story-telling.
8.5
Clockwise
1986
John Cleese is, as would be expected, hilarious in this movie, but even his talent cannot save this lacklustre comedy. Disappointing.
3.2
Clockwork Orange, A (V)
1970
You could write an entire book about this movie, as you could about any of Kubrick's films. Most of the public (spurred on by the British tabloid press) completely missed the point and thought it was about the glorification of violence. This led to Kubrick himself banning it from being shown. Actually it's quite the opposite, and is anti-violence, both on a personal level and in society in general. Not one of Kubrick's best, but definitely worth seeing.
8.2
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (V)
1977
Back in fashion after some years in the doldrums. There were some truly innovative moments in this "Man meets benign aliens" tale, my favourite being the musical "conversation" between the humans and the visitors from space. However, the story is spoilt by being too predictable.
6
Clue
1985
An interesting idea to turn a board game into a movie, but this is pretty dire. Stick to the board game!
3
Color Purple, The
1985
Spielberg misjudged this, and it doesn't really engage, relying heavily on creating a kind of sentimental guiltiness in the audience. Powerful performance by Whoopi Goldberg save this from being truly awful.
4.5
Competition, The (V)
1980
A very much underrated film - not seen much these days. On the surface an old-fashioned romance, but has some interesting subtexts to do with ambition, competition and conflict. The piano playing scenes are really well done, and you'd need to be a good pianist yourself to spot that the actors aren't really playing!
8.5
Corinna Corinna
1994
Much criticised, but I rather enjoyed this gentle comedy with Whoopi Goldberg. We still blow at traffic lights!
5.5
Corpse Bride (V)
2005
I love this quirky animation. It's a simple yet engaging story, but its main strength is the wealth of wonderful little details which repay many viewings.
8.9
Court Jester, The
1955
A film I remember from childhood - probably saw it on TV. It was genuinely entertaining.
5.5
Cromwell
1970
Better than its critics would have us believe, although a bit wobbly in its interpretation of historical fact. Held together by Richard Harris' marvellously over-the-top portrayal of the eponymous hero.
7.1
