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SMB Film Thread 2026


Crime 101 (omniplex). Robin Hood sort of vibes, aiming for “stylish LA thriller” but falls just short. Obvious (again) twist to settle the outcome. 6.9/10
 
Lankester Merrin said:
Agreed, I for a long movie there is an awful lot going on, so many low key great performances, even the final credits were great

Might need another watch
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I made a point of not finding out too much about the film before going in to see to avoid spoilers etc. As a result I was going in pretty cold on a lot of the details and background even though I knew a bit about the dictatorship. While I was watching the film I was getting a bit frustrated by the things being purposely left out of the story, and that whole hairy leg business. Then just a bit of reading afterwards filled in some blanks, but also the effect of what the film was doing has just kept growing on me
 
Not sure if any of the older persons here take advantage of the Tyneside Cinema’s “Silver Screen” offering.
One film per week during the day, Wednesdays. Coffee pre film.£6. For those 60+ only £5 if you are a Friend of the Cinema
This month I saw Nouveau Vague, about the making of Breathless etc which was stylishly superb,
and The Testament of Ann Lee which was very long, religious and occasionally filthy.

It allows you to see stuff you wouldn’t normally go to see (the latter).
It’s not just old people keeping warm, honest.
 
El Conde on Netflix.

A dark atmospheric vampire film. It's bloody, funny with more than a few wtf moments. It catches you off guard more than a few times. It's just out right different from any other film I have seen.

It has a nice suprise near the end which will put a smile on your face.

A solid 8/10
 
errant said:
I do love the Tyneside Cinema, my goto to choice for big screen releases... luckily im too young for that offering (currently).
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Agree, the food is good too, decent bars and cafes, 10% off everything 👌🏽

The opposite applies to Everyman imo, overpriced and serving stuff to punters during the film??
 
Cockney Mackem said:
I made a point of not finding out too much about the film before going in to see to avoid spoilers etc. As a result I was going in pretty cold on a lot of the details and background even though I knew a bit about the dictatorship. While I was watching the film I was getting a bit frustrated by the things being purposely left out of the story, and that whole hairy leg business. Then just a bit of reading afterwards filled in some blanks, but also the effect of what the film was doing has just kept growing on me
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I knew a bit about the dictatorship in the 70s, partly through being a Jorge Ben fan. And I agree, even though it is nearly 3 hours so much of the imagry, so many scenes stayed with me
 
Song Sung Blue (2025) 7/10
Not a classic by any means, but pretty enjoyable - and having grown up in a Neil Diamond-loving household, I knew all the songs. It probably makes Lightning & Thunder seem a lot slicker than they actually were. In YouTube clips, they come across as pretty amateurish.
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Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011) 7.5/10
The Dubai one. As always, full of plot holes, but definitely a step up from the previous three.
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Excalibur (1981) 7/10
When I was in my teenage aspiring actor phase, I revered Nicol Williamson. Now find it hard to watch anything he's in. It's a thin line between genius and eccentricity. His performance here as Merlin is all over the shop.
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Resurrection (2025). Bi Gan directed. Totally insane visuals. Not entirely sure of the story but wow! Ravishing! Some mad one shot moments that defy logic are truly breathtaking. Outstanding.
 
The King (2019) - Netflix - 8/10

Enjoyed this. Timothee Chalamet plays Henry V with the film largely focusing on The Battle of Agincourt. The battle itself is well produced and although the film obviously takes liberties with certain storylines/scenes, the film is largely based on true events. A few dodgy French accents aside (not from Chalamet who is bilingual) this film is well worth a watch for those that enjoy historical-based films. One of Netflix's better productions. 2hrs 20mins long but it didn't feel like it.

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More old stuff from me…

Whirlpool (1950)

Otto Preminger directs. Gene Tierney is a kleptomaniac who is bailed out of a situation by a deliciously creepy Jose Ferrer. He offers to help her with her insomnia problems. Shortly after, a woman is dead, and Tierney is found in her house, over the body, with no recollection. Her husband, Richard Conte, believes she is innocent, but is hurt by her lies. Luckily, they find some assistance from a detective played by a fabulous Charles Bickford.

The explanation is bloody daft, but that doesn’t detract from an engrossing film, full of great performances, and rock solid pacing/direction. Bickford is excellent as the weary detective who offers Conte and Tierney an ear and a chance.

8/10

Quicksand (1950)

Mickey Rooney is a mechanic who is besotted with Jeanne Cagney, and he ‘borrows’ from his boss’ till so he can give her a good time. So begins a succession of dumb decisions by Rooney, each plunging him further into the shit. Peter Lorre shows up as Peter Lorre (which is great, obviously), pushing Rooney further along the rollercoaster of stupid.

The leads are all watchable and the story shoots along with purpose. I rolled my eyes at several bits of idiocy, but as a story about avoiding crime and making considered decisions, it is very entertaining.

7.5/10
 
Runaway Train 1985, despite the simplistic title this is actually very good indeed from top to bottom. Jon Voight in top, top form.
 
E.P.I.C. - Elvis Presley In Concert (2026) - Omniplex

Baz Luhrmann's second homage to The King in the last few years. Apparently when making Elvis he unearthed a load of previously unseen and presumed lost footage of the behind the scenes rehearsals for his legendary run of shows from 1969 onwards.

All the footage and sound is brilliantly remastered and looks and sounds incredible. Luhrmann's trademark hectic, helter-skelter editing style is a bit exhausting in the first 20 mins or so, but it settles down once it gets to the performance stuff.

The film focuses on Elvis the performer and the relationship he had with his audiences and with the musicians he played with. It stays away from all the personal stuff outside of the music. What's lovely is that you can see that he is truly at his happiest and most comfortable on stage or playing with his band, even though we know there was a lot of sadness and problems away from the music. I think it works perfectly, confirming (if it needed confirming) that he was one of the most naturally gifted performers ever seen.

8/10
 
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