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SMB Film Thread 2026


The Secret Agent (2025)

Won loads of awards and easy to see why.

Watched this Saturday night, everything about this was right up my alley... but, I was massively disappointed. The slow pace, the narrative storyline style & the lack of decisive conclusion really jarred with me. It looked great, it felt like it was really of its time. I just, got bored and a little lost.

I should have really loved this, but I didn't. Even the ending left me lost, and had a similar feeling back in the day when watching no country for old men.
 
Scream 7 – 4/10

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We’ve all seen and heard of sequels like this being described as having ‘affection’ or ‘respect’ for the original. Well, this one takes it to a new level. It’s so deeply, madly and sycophantically in love with the original that the estate of Wes Craven could file for a restraining order.

The script is diabolical, to the point where it’s a miracle that the likes of Campbell and Cox manage to get their lines out without either stifling laughter or crying. Worst of all, it appears terrified to commit to its own premise out of fears of being labelled a farce. Well, I hate to break it to you…
 
Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (1979/2023) 7/10
Complete restoration of the notorious film produced by Bob Guccione, publisher of Penthouse. Now 70% made up of footage axed from the original release, with all the hardcore scenes removed. You can see why so many British luvvies were willing to get involved - before Guccione turned it into the most expensive porn flick ever made. Still not a classic, but the kind of film Ken Russell would have been proud of.
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The Heart of the Matter (1953) 8/10
Decent adaptation of the novel by Graham Greene, shot on location in Sierra Leone.
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The Stunt Man (1980) 6/10
A man on the run from the police stumbles onto a movie set and gets taken on as a stunt man. Hard to tell if its a comedy, satire, or thriller. Some good stunts, though, and Peter O'Toole delivers a larger than life performance as a tyrannical film director.
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Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (1979/2023) 7/10
Complete restoration of the notorious film produced by Bob Guccione, publisher of Penthouse. Now 70% made up of footage axed from the original release, with all the hardcore scenes removed. You can see why so many British luvvies were willing to get involved - before Guccione turned it into the most expensive porn flick ever made. Still not a classic, but the kind of film Ken Russell would have been proud of.
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The Heart of the Matter (1953) 8/10
Decent adaptation of the novel by Graham Greene, shot on location in Sierra Leone.
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The Stunt Man (1980) 6/10
A man on the run from the police stumbles onto a movie set and gets taken on as a stunt man. Hard to tell if its a comedy, satire, or thriller. Some good stunts, though, and Peter O'Toole delivers a larger than life performance as a tyrannical film director.
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I had just seen I Claudia's on the TV. And someone asked me out. I would love to see Caligula I said. After 1979 mind I was mortified.
 
Giant - about Prince naseem / Brendan ingle ( pierce brosnan)
Really enjoyed it. I'm a big boxing fan but think it would be enjoyable if you don't like boxing.
7/10

Saipan - about Roy keane / mick McCarthy (Steve coogan) and the fall out in Saipan. Really enjoyable and seems a fair reflection on what happened. Both wanting what's best for the team but going about it in different ways
7.5/10
 
I swear 10/10 very sad but moving, had a lump in the throat a few times. What a life he's had and a very uplifting story how he's helped others.

So sad that the cause has been set back years by his use of the N-word at the BAFTAS. In America, it seems Tourette's is now being portrayed as another excuse for entitled white people to be racist without consequences. The uplifting message of the film is being drowned out by the controversy.
 
So sad that the cause has been set back years by his use of the N-word at the BAFTAS. In America, it seems Tourette's is now being portrayed as another excuse for entitled white people to be racist without consequences. The uplifting message of the film is being drowned out by the controversy.
I don't think that's happening. The SNL sketch depicting that has been rightly ridiculed. I do find it odd though that a lot of prominent black folk seem unable to understand what Tourettes is and instead are simply offended by what happened. Obviously the whole thing was regrettable but maybe in the long run it will keep it in the public eye. I do wish one of the black actors on stage at the BAFTA's when it was shouted would have come out and downplayed it instead of sucking up the support that came their way. It shows there's a long way to go to have people appreciate what it is.
 
I don't think that's happening. The SNL sketch depicting that has been rightly ridiculed. I do find it odd though that a lot of prominent black folk seem unable to understand what Tourettes is and instead are simply offended by what happened. Obviously the whole thing was regrettable but maybe in the long run it will keep it in the public eye. I do wish one of the black actors on stage at the BAFTA's when it was shouted would have come out and downplayed it instead of sucking up the support that came their way. It shows there's a long way to go to have people appreciate what it is.

Not just SNL. The Daily Show did a long segment on it which didn't entirely exonerate Davidson, but put most of the 'blame' on BAFTA and the BBC. The main take in America is not 'it was said, but it wasn't meant', but rather 'it was said, who's to blame?'

This is a common take: I refuse to let acknowledgement of Davidson’s disability be at the expense of prioritising the wellbeing of the two Black men who were victims of his racist outburst (whether intentional or not).

 
I do wish one of the black actors on stage at the BAFTA's when it was shouted would have come out and downplayed it instead of sucking up the support that came their way. It shows there's a long way to go to have people appreciate what it is.

i'm not entirely in the loop with this in terms of the bafta;s, but this yeah seems to be something that's missing. gonna watch I Swear as its something i want to know more about - my understanding isnt much beyond the reaction to johns not mad back in the 80s.
 
i'm not entirely in the loop with this in terms of the bafta;s, but this yeah seems to be something that's missing. gonna watch I Swear as its something i want to know more about - my understanding isnt much beyond the reaction to johns not mad back in the 80s.
It's a shame coz it's such a superbly acted film. Not sure it will play well in America but Aramayo is excellent.
 
i'm not entirely in the loop with this in terms of the bafta;s, but this yeah seems to be something that's missing. gonna watch I Swear as its something i want to know more about - my understanding isnt much beyond the reaction to johns not mad back in the 80s.
Tourettes always fascinated me and I too had watched those documentaries. I definitely laughed at them but I was young and never really thought of the consequences for him. The movie really shows the impact for him and his family. It's sad but very funny and uplifting. It deserves all the accolades that come it's way.
Not just SNL. The Daily Show did a long segment on it which didn't entirely exonerate Davidson, but put most of the 'blame' on BAFTA and the BBC. The main take in America is not 'it was said, but it wasn't meant', but rather 'it was said, who's to blame?'

This is a common take: I refuse to let acknowledgement of Davidson’s disability be at the expense of prioritising the wellbeing of the two Black men who were victims of his racist outburst (whether intentional or not).

I guess it's a difficult subject given the historical legacy of black people in America. I appreciate they were offended and embarrassed on stage. I also appreciate it seems BAFTA didn't handle it well with regards to apologies (although everyone was told at the start there were people with Tourettes present). Of course the BBC missed a trick in not editing it out initially (obviously a simple error and not intentional!). It feels like people want to seek out being offended rather than taking a breath and appreciating the reasons why this happened. I wonder what would have been the reaction if a black person with Tourettes was there and had said it?! Or had called a white person a racial slur. It feels like it comes down to whether you believe he meant to say it or meant what he said also. Anyway I've de-railed the thread enough. Let's get back to reviewing movies! :lol:
 
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Network (1976) 10/10
I've seen this several times over the past 40 years, and every time it seems freshly relevant. The new Criterion 4K doesn't bring much re picture quality - the source material is deliberately grainy - but some decent extras, especially the documentary about Paddy Chayefsky.
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Field of Dreams (1989) 9/10
One of the great sports films of all time. Not seen it for 20+ years, but it stands up well.
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Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (2025) 9/10
Adaptation of a memoir about the end of Rhodesia. A lot of personal overlap for me, but I think what should sell it for a wider audience is the astonishing Lexi Venter as the young girl. I don't think I've seen a better child performance.
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The Sea Shall Not Have Them (1954)

A who’s who of British acting talent in the era. A few lads are stranded at sea in a dinghy, escorting top brass with a suitcase full of important documents. Boats and planes are despatched to rescue them, and encounter various problems.

It’s a slow burner and not a great deal happens, but the structure handles the jumps between different groups well. The photography is ace, you actually feel cold and soaked just watching it.

A solid, enjoyable, postwar black and white yarn. I rate it highly just for the cast and atmosphere.

8/10
 
Not just SNL. The Daily Show did a long segment on it which didn't entirely exonerate Davidson, but put most of the 'blame' on BAFTA and the BBC. The main take in America is not 'it was said, but it wasn't meant', but rather 'it was said, who's to blame?'

This is a common take: I refuse to let acknowledgement of Davidson’s disability be at the expense of prioritising the wellbeing of the two Black men who were victims of his racist outburst (whether intentional or not).

It's so infuriating to see takes like that. Such a lack of understanding.
 
I don't think that's happening. The SNL sketch depicting that has been rightly ridiculed. I do find it odd though that a lot of prominent black folk seem unable to understand what Tourettes is and instead are simply offended by what happened. Obviously the whole thing was regrettable but maybe in the long run it will keep it in the public eye. I do wish one of the black actors on stage at the BAFTA's when it was shouted would have come out and downplayed it instead of sucking up the support that came their way. It shows there's a long way to go to have people appreciate what it is.
Saying he must be racist how could he have heard that word. Why was it in his head as if it hasn't been used on television, in music lyrics and to appear cool and edgy every day. I was once called a cee you next Tuesday by someone with Tourettes once. Guess what.....she has Tourettes.

On another note. Went to see The Home at the Glasgow film festival last night. Swedish horror. Was good.
 
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight (2025) 9/10
Adaptation of a memoir about the end of Rhodesia. A lot of personal overlap for me, but I think what should sell it for a wider audience is the astonishing Lexi Venter as the young girl. I don't think I've seen a better child performance.
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That looks great. Another for the watchlist.
 
Saipan - about Roy keane / mick McCarthy (Steve coogan) and the fall out in Saipan. Really enjoyable and seems a fair reflection on what happened. Both wanting what's best for the team but going about it in different ways
7.5/10
I enjoyed it too but there's lots of fiction in it.

The Unknown Soldier (2017).
Finnish WW2 film.
Loved it 9/10.
Free on YouTube.
 
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Saying he must be racist how could he have heard that word. Why was it in his head as if it hasn't been used on television, in music lyrics and to appear cool and edgy every day. I was once called a cee you next Tuesday by someone with Tourettes once. Guess what.....she has Tourettes.

On another note. Went to see The Home at the Glasgow film festival last night. Swedish horror. Was good.
Tbf, they might just be calling you out for your response to someone taking the low offer on the chase.
 
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