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Vanilla 1.1.4 is a product of Lussumo. More Information: Documentation, Community Support.
Tom and I are about to change this site a little, basically make it a little more interactive and give you the chance to write and publish your own reviews on this site.
Do we need a separate forum section for listener reviews?
Total Votes: 14
That sounds brilliant!
I am definitely egotistical enough to think that everyone wants to read my reviews the Ernst Lubitsch back catalogue, or Basil Rathbone's Sherklock Holmes and the Spider Woman!
Taglines for Sherlock Holmes and The Spider Woman (1944):
"Here is crawling death sent to Sherlock Holmes by the most fiendish killer of all..."

Posted by: TomTaglines for Sherlock Holmes and The Spider Woman (1944):
"Here is crawling death sent to Sherlock Holmes by the most fiendish killer of all..."
I watched it last night, and it is excellent. There is a beautifully judged scene where the killer comes to visit Holmes, and he knows who she is and she knows that he knows. The dialogue is brilliant. And of course Watson knows nothing! (The only problem with is that Holmes at one point dresses as an Indian Raj...it is a bit racially dubious, but he does not mock the race nor play him stupid some I am almost willing to let it go)
Sounds great. Would we be able to post movie reviews we have written for our personal blogs?
Yeah personal blogs is okay, I just don't want to get in any trouble with the big sites.
Both are fine, reviews of a Left Field film or left field reviews of a main stream movie.
Posted by: MikeDawsonYeah personal blogs is okay, I just don't want to get in any trouble with the big sites.
Nice. I might do that, but I'm considering writing a review of The Burmese Harp or Time of the Wolf (unless Mike wants to do it).
There's no problem with overlap in the future, if I do a Time of the Wolf episode at a later point it doesn't really matter. Just go for it.
I am composing my Rumble Fish review as we speak...
Excellent. I'm really looking forward to getting our first review!
Me to, Rumble Fish is easily Coppola's strangest creation
I absolutely loved the book when I read it as a teenager. Never seen the film though.
Oh the pressure, the pressure! I'd like to submit something. Just have to think of which movie now though..
Another:
www.leftfieldcinema.com/thing-from-another-world-the-review
(I really enjoyed reading this)
I've really enjoyed reading all of these and I hope other listeners are also reading these reviews. What's nice is that I've not seen the majority of the films reviewed so far and I've already been sold on more than one. I hope to read some more reviews in the coming weeks and months.

Do they have to be Left Field films?
It can either be Left Field Films, or mainstream films reviewed in a Left Field way. So you can review Southland Tales for example, only if you were making a case for it being a good film, or explaining why The Dark Knight is actually the worst of the Batman franchise. I don't know how you'd do it, but those are two examples of what you could do with main stream films.
Basically I don't want to see a review for Iron Man, telling me why it was a great film, but if you did a review explaining how Iron Man fits into a post 9/11 cinema, and the comments it makes on new technology in the war on terror, that would be acceptable.
The Dead Man's Shoes review is excellent. Well Done people!
That was mine, thanks Dance.
I really enjoyed your Venus review particularly. You completly nailed what I love about that film:
Posted by: MikeDawsonIt can either be Left Field Films, or mainstream films reviewed in a Left Field way. So you can review Southland Tales for example, only if you were making a case for it being a good film, or explaining why The Dark Knight is actually the worst of the Batman franchise. I don't know how you'd do it, but those are two examples of what you could do with main stream films.
Basically I don't want to see a review for Iron Man, telling me why it was a great film, but if you did a review explaining how Iron Man fits into a post 9/11 cinema, and the comments it makes on new technology in the war on terror, that would be acceptable.
How would you approach a review of W., cause I was thinking of writing on for it.
How W. fits in with Oliver Stone's overview of American History, referencing JFK; The Doors; Nixon; Vietnam Trilogy, World Trade Centre.
It would be the longest essay in history though 
Posted by: MikeDawsonperhaps a comparison with his earlier president biopic Nixon, style, content,the politiical position of the two films. They're both about Republicans after all
I've not seen Nixon, but that can be remedied easily. I just didn't know if a straight-up review of W. would work.
Posted by: DanceDanceDanceHow W. fits in with Oliver Stone's overview of American History, referencing JFK; The Doors; Nixon; Vietnam Trilogy, World Trade Centre.
It would be the longest essay in history though
I think that moves beyond essay and moves well into book teritory.
Posted by: MikeDawsonperhaps a comparison with his earlier president biopic Nixon, style, content,the politiical position of the two films. They're both about Republicans after all
Posted by: DanceDanceDanceHow W. fits in with Oliver Stone's overview of American History, referencing JFK; The Doors; Nixon; Vietnam Trilogy, World Trade Centre.
It would be the longest essay in history though
Yes, either of these approaches would be very interesting!
Ha ha - yes!
I thought the exact same thing!
Fantastic!
Two great reviews there, I particularly liked Dance's approach of reviewing an entire film by looking at just one scene. The Big Sleep is my second favourite film of the 1940's. The dialogue is electric.
Posted by: MikeDawsonTwo great reviews there, I particularly liked Dance's approach of reviewing an entire film by looking at just one scene.
I liked that as well actually.
Posted by: Tom
Posted by: MikeDawsonTwo great reviews there, I particularly liked Dance's approach of reviewing an entire film by looking at just one scene.
I liked that as well actually.
Cheers!
I did do it with a certain amount of subterfuge, as I do not think the rest of the film outside of the perfect scene is flawless. It is amazing but not flawless for me - too many woman throw themselves at Bogart for no particular reason, the Cab driver and Librarian. Also the film moved from being a true noir to more a romantic thriller. I am perhaps being picky. However, as i stated that is the pinnacle of movie scenes for me. Just Amazing.
Also I was going to a Death of The West review:
Highlighting Unforgiven, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Sam Peckinpah films and Anthony Mann films, but it was going to be huge and reviews section is not set up to deal with more than one movie per single reveiw.
Probably a good job as it would have taken me an age, and my girlfriend would have kicked my ass when I had to postpone Halloween as I was writing the worlds longest essay.
Posted by: DanceDanceDance
Highlighting Unforgiven, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Sam Peckinpah films and Anthony Mann films, but it was going to be huge and reviews section is not set up to deal with more than one movie per single reveiw.
Yeah - I can't think of an easy way around this I'm afraid.
Posted by: DanceDanceDanceProbably a good job as it would have taken me an age, and my girlfriend would have kicked my ass when I had to postpone Halloween as I was writing the worlds longest essay.

Personally, this is my favourite review so far. I adore this film (which I've only seen once) and I'm going to go and buy it today as a result of reading this:
http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/the-beat-that-my-heart-skipped-review
Very Good review Dance, once again. The Beat that Skipped My Heat is a very good film, I really want to see Fingers now.
I think Artificial Eye really botched the DVD cover for this one, it really doesn't sell the film at all.
I didn't even know it was a remake!
Yeah, one of those rare trans-atlantic remakes that goes the other way.
I would strongly recommend Fingers, Scarecrow (Pacino and Hackman!), Night Moves and especially Cutter's Way. All are forgotten 70s gems.
Would a review of Tropic Thunder as a parody comparing it to Hot Fuzz, Airplane! and the [Insert Genre Here] Movie franchise be considered left field?
Yeah, I mean there's nothing left field about Alien or Sunshine but my review of them was (hopefully) different and left field. If I can suggest an alternative, it might be interesting to compare Tropic Thunder with the films it parodies, just a thought, but your idea is interesting.
On another note - I was very disappointed in Tropic Thunder, I found it to be dull with very few laugh out loud moments. I seem to be on my own with this review (other than Kermode) It just did not make me laugh, it was meant to be this cutting edge comedy with a real non-PC core but infact it was very mainstream.
Tropic Thunder was one of many films this year that I didn't go to see because of bloody Kermode! Although I'm still going to see Quantom of Solace in less than two hours, I don't care what he says I never miss the new Bond movie.
Going to see QoS tomorrow, bloody Halloween party tonight that I cannot get out of - though I am going as Snake Plissken
- and am looking forward to it.
You were right to listen to the good Doctor he was spot on about Tropic Thunder.
Going on Monday.
Well, I'll post a short review for it later.
I believe there is a QoS thread, I will be posting in there once I have seen the film.
I watched Thunderball last night in preparation for Saturday.
It's always best to watch shite Bond films in prep that you won't be dissapointed, Moonraker and Die Another Day spring to mind.
Strangely I really enjoyed Thunderball last night, thought it was really entertaining.
Worst Bond - Diamonds Are Forever.
I am going to Bond on Saturday afternoon, Hunger Saturday night then Of Time and the City on Sunday. Only cost me about 30 quid (or 60 quid if the missus wants to come!)......
Posted by: DanceDanceDanceI am going to Bond on Saturday afternoon, Hunger Saturday night then Of Time and the City on Sunday. Only cost me about 30 quid (or 60 quid if the missus wants to come!)......
fantastic. Time and city on monday , Hunger on Tuesday, Qos with the girlfriend on Wednesday total Cost : £0 included in my membership. For some reason I never really go on the weekend.
Posted by: Franam i the only one who does not care about bond(hides) this week i can enjoy lovely empty screenings of Hunger and Of Time And City.
No. I couldn't give a rats ass. I liked Casino Royale, but never thought about it again. The love story bit didn't really work too well for me. The new one would have to be at least as good as Casino Royale for me to bother, so I won't.
Much more excited about Hunger & Of Time & The City.
What cinema membership do you have?
Posted by: Chris
Posted by: Franam i the only one who does not care about bond(hides) this week i can enjoy lovely empty screenings of Hunger and Of Time And City.
No. I couldn't give a rats ass. I liked Casino Royale, but never thought about it again. The love story bit didn't really work too well for me. The new one would have to be at least as good as Casino Royale for me to bother, so I won't.
Much more excited about Hunger & Of Time & The City.
What cinema membership do you have?
Curzon Cinemas Auteur membership. Its good if you go a lot but is expensive. £500 for 12 months (you get 3 months extra free) And for that you and a guest can go to any screening at a Curzon. Various deals at local restaurants, a free dvd every two months (usually an Artificial Eye Dvd) I'm enjoying it at the mo but obviously in the current climate I may not be able to renew next year.
This seems to have died down over the last couple of weeks, anyone working on anything at the moment? Remember you’ve got to get them in by the end of the weekend for a shot at being read out on the birthday show!
I wouldn't describe your La Zona review as "pedestrain" I thought it was rather good. Well I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't.
I currenty have 4 or 5 on the go, which are all in stages of unfinishedness.
Hopefully I will finish some of them before the end of next week, unfortunately none will be finished before the end of this weekend, because I am off to Leeds!
Posted by: MikeDawsonI wouldn't describe your La Zona review as "pedestrain" I thought it was rather good. Well I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't.
I wasn't fishing for a compliment, honest.
Posted by: PatrickBatemanI submitted a review of Gomorrah earlier. Hope it gets on the site as it's my first ever review.
Hi and welcome Patrick! Mike is actually away this week so he might not get a chance to read through it for a few days. Thanks for the review!
Posted by: TomAdded:
http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/gomorrah-review
(Brilliant review by the way)
That is a spot on review of a great film that will absolutely make my top ten of the year.
Good stuff!
The review was posted to the website by Mike from (as far as I can tell) a small snow covered cabin somewhere in deepest Finland. I imagine it to look something like the base in John Carpenter's "The Thing" and can only hope that Mike is wearing a similar sized hat to Kurt Russell.
Posted by: TomThe review was posted to the website by Mike from (as far as I can tell) a small snow covered cabin somewhere in deepest Finland. I imagine it to look something like the base in John Carpenter's "The Thing" and can only hope that Mike is wearing a similar sized hat to Kurt Russell.
And similar sized beard.
Posted by: MikeDawsonThe Beard is correct, the level of snow is correct but I'm now in Estonia (in a wooden hut) got diverted to Helsinki because the snow storm was worse in Tallinn.
He skillfully denies nothing with regard to the hat...
Can you do cross examinations?
This is great. We have received a huge amount of reviews this week including the much anticipated Pretty In Pink.
Posted by: TomThis is great. We have received a huge amount of reviews this week including the much anticipated Pretty In Pink.
Does this mean there is a danger that when people are visiting leftfield website for the first time they could be met with an image of Duckie?
Posted by: olly
Posted by: TomThis is great. We have received a huge amount of reviews this week including the much anticipated Pretty In Pink.
Does this mean there is a danger that when people are visiting leftfield website for the first time they could be met with an image of Duckie?
Dear god, that's a good point. Something must be done to prevent this.
Heathens! You are all Heathens!
Posted by: DanceDanceDanceHeathens! You are all Heathens!
Seriously though - this on the front page of a Mike Dawson website?!?!?!?!

Posted by: Tom
Posted by: DanceDanceDanceHeathens! You are all Heathens!
Seriously though - this on the front page of a Mike Dawson website?!?!?!?!

Don't worry I am sure Mike is working out a way to reject my review without hurting my feelings 
At least you won't find this until I hack the site 

Posted by: kumarhkAt least you won't find this until I hack the site
If you wrote a comparison between Pirates of the Carribean and "the films it parodies" you'd probably sneak it past Mike...
How about "The historical accuracy of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy?" :P
What about the Harry Potter films in relation to The Hero's Journey?
Posted by: kumarhkHow about "The historical accuracy of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy?" :P
I think that goes something like this:
"Once upon a time there were pirates and there is a place called the Caribbean. Here endeth the lesson." 
Posted by: TomWhat about the Harry Potter films in relation to The Hero's Journey?
That would actually work very well -- but only if you replaced "films" with "books". Heck, what I could write about the books would be longer than the books themselves! The films ... not so much.
I'm writing a review of Naissance des pieuvres (Water Lilies in English) at the moment, but it seems that the film has now been reclassified (to Category III, which is the equivalent of an 18 rating in the UK) here in Hong Kong such that I cannot go to the cinema to see it again. Let's just hope HMV hasn't heard of the reclassification 
I have been reading through the glut of new reviews on the site - they are a really good bunch!
I now really want to see:
The Young Girls of Rochefort
Noi the Albino