SAFCOldie
Striker
I'd give you a medal Doogie, you give a lot of films at least a chance.
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SMB Film Thread 2026
- Thread starter Fletch73
- Start date
Apache Inbound
Winger
Silent Hill (2006) – 6.6/10
A woman travels with her adopted daughter to the abandoned town of Silent Hill after the child becomes obsessed with the place through disturbing dreams and sleepwalking episodes. Once there, they become trapped inside a fog-covered nightmare world filled with ash, darkness and horrifying creatures.
Very good.
What struck me most was the pacing. The film wastes very little time and gets straight into the atmosphere and nightmare world rather than dragging through endless setup. Once Rose enters Silent Hill, the movie becomes a full descent into what genuinely feels like a depiction of Hell itself.
The ash falling from the sky, the fog-covered streets, the rusted industrial transitions and air-raid sirens create an oppressive atmosphere that still holds up remarkably well nearly 20 years later. Watching it now, you can also clearly see parallels with Stranger Things and the “Upside Down” aesthetic. I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t at least some inspiration taken from Silent Hill’s alternate world presentation.
Visually, the film has aged far better than many mid-2000s horror movies. Despite people remembering it as CGI-heavy, there’s actually a strong practical foundation underneath a lot of the creature work and environments, which gives the film a more tactile feel. Pyramid Head in particular remains iconic and genuinely intimidating.
The soundtrack and sound design deserve a mention too. Akira Yamaoka’s music adds a strange melancholy to the horror rather than relying purely on jump scares.
The plot becomes a little messy towards the end and some exposition could probably have been tightened up, but atmospherically this is one of the better game-to-film adaptations ever made in my opinion.
I watched it over two sittings due to exhaustion after work, but oddly the film almost suits that fragmented fever-dream viewing style.
One I can definitely see improving on rewatch, especially on a gloomy rainy night.
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A woman travels with her adopted daughter to the abandoned town of Silent Hill after the child becomes obsessed with the place through disturbing dreams and sleepwalking episodes. Once there, they become trapped inside a fog-covered nightmare world filled with ash, darkness and horrifying creatures.
Very good.
What struck me most was the pacing. The film wastes very little time and gets straight into the atmosphere and nightmare world rather than dragging through endless setup. Once Rose enters Silent Hill, the movie becomes a full descent into what genuinely feels like a depiction of Hell itself.
The ash falling from the sky, the fog-covered streets, the rusted industrial transitions and air-raid sirens create an oppressive atmosphere that still holds up remarkably well nearly 20 years later. Watching it now, you can also clearly see parallels with Stranger Things and the “Upside Down” aesthetic. I’d be very surprised if there wasn’t at least some inspiration taken from Silent Hill’s alternate world presentation.
Visually, the film has aged far better than many mid-2000s horror movies. Despite people remembering it as CGI-heavy, there’s actually a strong practical foundation underneath a lot of the creature work and environments, which gives the film a more tactile feel. Pyramid Head in particular remains iconic and genuinely intimidating.
The soundtrack and sound design deserve a mention too. Akira Yamaoka’s music adds a strange melancholy to the horror rather than relying purely on jump scares.
The plot becomes a little messy towards the end and some exposition could probably have been tightened up, but atmospherically this is one of the better game-to-film adaptations ever made in my opinion.
I watched it over two sittings due to exhaustion after work, but oddly the film almost suits that fragmented fever-dream viewing style.
One I can definitely see improving on rewatch, especially on a gloomy rainy night.
Doogie Hauser
Midfield
Despite its poor quality, I still got something out of it. The 50s atmosphere, mainly. So it wasn’t a total loss. Chuck Connors was alright.
Lankester Merrin
Striker
The Christophers 2026
This really isn't good, despite being directed by Stephen Soderburgh. Ian McKellen, is a dying painter whose best days are behind him, and he is wrestling with an unfinished series of paintings which could be worth millions. Michaela Coel is the younger artist brought in to catalogue his work.
It is meant to be a meditation on art, authenticity and authorship, but ends up with McKeellen chewing the scenery, Coel looking baffled, and not much else.
There are only really 4 parts and the other 2 are James Corden and the women from Baby Reindeer, which doesn't help
Avoid
This really isn't good, despite being directed by Stephen Soderburgh. Ian McKellen, is a dying painter whose best days are behind him, and he is wrestling with an unfinished series of paintings which could be worth millions. Michaela Coel is the younger artist brought in to catalogue his work.
It is meant to be a meditation on art, authenticity and authorship, but ends up with McKeellen chewing the scenery, Coel looking baffled, and not much else.
There are only really 4 parts and the other 2 are James Corden and the women from Baby Reindeer, which doesn't help
Avoid
Fletch73
Midfield
Visually stunning, isn't it. I still haven't got round to watching any other Demy stuff, though.
The Drama [2026] 7/10
Entertaining and interesting despite the cringe level at times. Loved the editing.
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Monty Pigeon
Striker
Honeymoon in Vegas (1992) 6/10
Much worse than I remembered, but gets points for: a very very young Bruno Mars appearing as toddler Elvis; the Flying Elvises finale; and the fact that one of the burly security guards wrestling Nicolas Cage to the ground in Kauai was the PR Rep for a hotel I stayed at, and I had a business breakfast with him.
A Tale of Springtime (Conte de printemps) (1990) 9/10
A French woman tries to set her friend up with her father. Typical Eric Rohmer film: not much happens, but it doesn't happen brilliantly. Anne Teyssèdre is stunning. Sadly, she retired from acting after this.
The Stranger (L'Étranger) (2025) 10/10
François Ozon's adaptation of the book by Albert Camus. Vivid recreation of French Algeria, and doesn't shy from the book's existentialist message: life is absurd, therefore what's the point of anything? Big ideas, but also gripping.
Much worse than I remembered, but gets points for: a very very young Bruno Mars appearing as toddler Elvis; the Flying Elvises finale; and the fact that one of the burly security guards wrestling Nicolas Cage to the ground in Kauai was the PR Rep for a hotel I stayed at, and I had a business breakfast with him.
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A Tale of Springtime (Conte de printemps) (1990) 9/10
A French woman tries to set her friend up with her father. Typical Eric Rohmer film: not much happens, but it doesn't happen brilliantly. Anne Teyssèdre is stunning. Sadly, she retired from acting after this.
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The Stranger (L'Étranger) (2025) 10/10
François Ozon's adaptation of the book by Albert Camus. Vivid recreation of French Algeria, and doesn't shy from the book's existentialist message: life is absurd, therefore what's the point of anything? Big ideas, but also gripping.
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Fletch73
Midfield
I was unsure whether to watch this. Will give it a go now.
Doogie Hauser
Midfield
Dear Murderer (1947)
Businessman Eric Portman returns after a long trip to confront his wife, Greta Gynt, about her blatant infidelity in his absence. Not before visiting Dennis Price, and calmly telling him how he will kill him using the perfect murder. Mid-task, he discovers that his wife is also seeing Maxwell Reed, so he sees a chance to connect him to Price’s downfall.
Superior British B film which builds several layers of turns before its denouement. Most of the characters are bastards, so there’s a fascinating unravelling to be enjoyed, watching them cut each others’ throats. Jack Warner is the stoic detective who realises that that evidence doesn’t necessarily point to the truth. There’s some good quality dialogue throughout.
8/10
Businessman Eric Portman returns after a long trip to confront his wife, Greta Gynt, about her blatant infidelity in his absence. Not before visiting Dennis Price, and calmly telling him how he will kill him using the perfect murder. Mid-task, he discovers that his wife is also seeing Maxwell Reed, so he sees a chance to connect him to Price’s downfall.
Superior British B film which builds several layers of turns before its denouement. Most of the characters are bastards, so there’s a fascinating unravelling to be enjoyed, watching them cut each others’ throats. Jack Warner is the stoic detective who realises that that evidence doesn’t necessarily point to the truth. There’s some good quality dialogue throughout.
8/10
Drifter
Winger
The fall guy - 6/10 really really took its time to get going but felt it moved on at a nice pace once they’d set it all up, just about recovered to make it enjoyable
Actually, might knock an extra point off for the overuse of if I was made for living you by kiss
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craigypants
Striker
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Would rather was a TV series but love a bit of Mando. If you haven't watched the TV show then don't bother.
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Far too long for starters. Looked like The Exorcist and didn't grip me at all. Love horror but these mainstream Gen Z shit movies piss me off. Noisy, needle drops, boring dialogue, shitty family dynamics and predictable shocks. Cack.
Monty Pigeon
Striker
Against my better judgement, I decided to watch the Now You See Me series....
Now You See Me (2013) 6/10
So-so heist movie involving magicians. Jesse Eisenberg at his most irritating. Michael Caine dials it in.
Now You See Me 2 (2016) 5/10
The whole of the first film is, ultimately, about the magicians getting admittance to a secret society. Isla Fisher wasn't able to take part in the sequel, so another female character is clumsily introduced and gets instantly admitted to the society. Way too complicated, and largely a glossy advert for Macau.
Now You See Me Now You Don't (2025) 5/10
Ups the complexity by introducing a host younger characters to reach a new demographic. Largely a glossy advert for Abu Dhabi. All three films are shite, all three have made money. I guess people want shite.
Now You See Me (2013) 6/10
So-so heist movie involving magicians. Jesse Eisenberg at his most irritating. Michael Caine dials it in.
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Now You See Me 2 (2016) 5/10
The whole of the first film is, ultimately, about the magicians getting admittance to a secret society. Isla Fisher wasn't able to take part in the sequel, so another female character is clumsily introduced and gets instantly admitted to the society. Way too complicated, and largely a glossy advert for Macau.
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Now You See Me Now You Don't (2025) 5/10
Ups the complexity by introducing a host younger characters to reach a new demographic. Largely a glossy advert for Abu Dhabi. All three films are shite, all three have made money. I guess people want shite.
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DurhamRedStripe
Winger
Amazon might think different. I enjoyed the channel crossing but ffs it was crap
Speakeasy
Full Back
Saw this earlier this afternoon and also enjoyed it. A good fun horror dark comedy. Didn't take itself too seriously and had the tongue firmly in cheek a good chunk of the time, but didn't shy away from a bit of gore and shock factor to keep you on edge.
7/10
I'm a sucker for magicians on film and Robin Hood heists so the first one got by for me on that goodwill and a good cast. Can't be bothered with 2 and 3. There is a true magnum opus to be made about stage magicians, The Prestige and The Illusionist both came close. Perhaps someone will adapt Carter Beats the Devil one day
Doogie Hauser
Midfield
The Captive City (1952) - Prime (leaving in 8 days!)
Robert Wise crime noir about a journalist (John Forsythe) who looks into the suspicious death of a private detective and uncovers institutional corruption aimed at supporting and developing the grip of organised crime on all levels of society.
Smartly directed, and Forsythe is very good as the journo being ostracised and stonewalled by either implicated colleagues or scared townsfolk. The ending is naff but there’s a great deal to like here.
7.5/10
Robert Wise crime noir about a journalist (John Forsythe) who looks into the suspicious death of a private detective and uncovers institutional corruption aimed at supporting and developing the grip of organised crime on all levels of society.
Smartly directed, and Forsythe is very good as the journo being ostracised and stonewalled by either implicated colleagues or scared townsfolk. The ending is naff but there’s a great deal to like here.
7.5/10
NewAdventuresInWiFi
Striker
Double bill on Channel 4 last night.
The Equaliser 3 - 6.8/10
Excessive violence ending with sentimentality.
Fever Pitch - 6.8/10
Football & Romance innit.
The Equaliser 3 - 6.8/10
Excessive violence ending with sentimentality.
Fever Pitch - 6.8/10
Football & Romance innit.
Lankester Merrin
Striker
Rose of Nevada 2025
More creepy weirdness from Mark Jenkins, who directs, co-wrote and did the sound design. Trapped in a time loop on a cornish fishing trawler. Shot on 16mm film stock, using hand wound cameras for a grainy, retro aesthetic. Not for everyone but I loved it.
Lee Cronin's The Mummy 2026
Rubbish. Nothing positive to say about it. Plot was dull, nothing scary.
More creepy weirdness from Mark Jenkins, who directs, co-wrote and did the sound design. Trapped in a time loop on a cornish fishing trawler. Shot on 16mm film stock, using hand wound cameras for a grainy, retro aesthetic. Not for everyone but I loved it.
Lee Cronin's The Mummy 2026
Rubbish. Nothing positive to say about it. Plot was dull, nothing scary.
