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    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 14th 2008 edited
     

    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.

    We’re starting this through the forum and then it will be announced in a few weeks time if there is enough interest here.
    If you’d like to write a review then please go to: http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/writeareview fill in the boxes and hit submit, this will then be approved by myself and published on the website. Before you do, please read some of the following guidelines and rules:
     
    (1)     Reviews must be at least 250 words (there is no upper limit, go wild).
    (2)     Reviews must not contain profanity (unless quoting dialogue from a film)
    (3)     Reviews must only be published on this site, please do not submit reviews you may have written for IMDb for example.
    (4)     If a review contains plot spoilers please indicate at the top of your review (please avoid spoiling films where possible)
    (5)     Try where possible to write in the third person.
    (6)     Try to avoid reviewing the obvious (we don’t want a hundred reviews of The Dark Knight for example)
    (7)     Please check the reviews that have already been published, as well as existing episodes of LFC to make sure you’re not writing a review of a film which has already been reviewed on this site previously by myself or another user.
    (8)     Try to avoid unsupported judgements and generalisations, if you think a film is the greatest ever made or the worst ever made then tell us why.
     
    At some point in the future, if there have been enough submissions, I will read out the best reviews on a special episode of LFC. Hope to read some reviews soon!

    Poll

    Do we need a separate forum section for listener reviews?

    Yes12
    86%
    No2
    14%

    Total Votes: 14

  1.  

    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!

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 14th 2008
     

    Taglines for Sherlock Holmes and The Spider Woman (1944):

    "Here is crawling death sent to Sherlock Holmes by the most fiendish killer of all..."

  2.  
    Posted by: Tom

    Taglines 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)

  3.  

    Sounds great. Would we be able to post movie reviews we have written for our personal blogs?

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 14th 2008
     

    Yeah personal blogs is okay, I just don't want to get in any trouble with the big sites.

    • CommentAuthordimabbq
    • CommentTimeOct 14th 2008
     
    Awesome idea. Does the film reviewed have to be left-field? Or can it be a left field discussion/analysis of a right field film?
    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 15th 2008
     

    Both are fine, reviews of a Left Field film or left field reviews of a main stream movie.

    •  
      CommentAuthorkumarhk
    • CommentTimeOct 15th 2008
     

    Posted by: MikeDawson

    Yeah 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).

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 15th 2008
     

    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.

  4.  

    I am composing my Rumble Fish review as we speak...

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 17th 2008
     

    Excellent. I'm really looking forward to getting our first review!

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 17th 2008 edited
     

    Me to, Rumble Fish is easily Coppola's strangest creation

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 17th 2008
     

    I absolutely loved the book when I read it as a teenager. Never seen the film though.

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 18th 2008 edited
     

    Ladies and gents, we have our first review!

    http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/ace-in-the-hole-review

     

    •  
      CommentAuthoreldiablito
    • CommentTimeOct 18th 2008 edited
     

    Oh the pressure, the pressure!  I'd like to submit something.  Just have to think of which movie now though..

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2008
     

    Another:

    www.leftfieldcinema.com/thing-from-another-world-the-review

    (I really enjoyed reading this)

     

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 19th 2008
     
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2008
     
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2008
     
    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2008
     

    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.

  5.  

    Do they have to be Left Field films?

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 20th 2008
     

    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.

  6.  

    The Dead Man's Shoes review is excellent. Well Done people!

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 21st 2008
     

    That was mine, thanks Dance.

    I really enjoyed your Venus review particularly. You completly nailed what I love about that film:

    http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/venus-review

  7.  

    Posted by: MikeDawson

    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.

     

    How would you approach a review of W., cause I was thinking of writing on for it.

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 21st 2008
     
    perhaps a comparison with his earlier president biopic Nixon, style, content,the politiical position of the two films. They're both about Republicans after all
  8.  

    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

  9.  

    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.

  10.  

    Posted by: DanceDanceDance

    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

     

    I think that moves beyond essay and moves well into book teritory.

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 22nd 2008
     

    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: DanceDanceDance

    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

     

    Yes, either of these approaches would be very interesting!

  11.  
    I really like the idea of including these kinds of reviews (which are more like film criticism) on the site.

    I do, however have a query about rule no. 2 - no profanity unless it's a quote.

    Didn't I hear you utter such a profanity in the Tarantino podcast? It didn't seem out of place either!
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 22nd 2008
     

    Ha ha - yes!

    I thought the exact same thing!

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 22nd 2008
     
    yes, I've sworn in LFC prose before but always cut it out, but that was unscripted so just came out whilst I was ranting and felt more natural. As for swearing in the reviews I'd still like to not have any if possible. Do what I say, not do what I do!! :)
    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 28th 2008
     
    Right guys, as you may be aware, LFC is one year old at the end of November. To celebrate this I thought I'd take a week off and read out three or four of the best LFC listener reviews. If you want your review to have a chance at being read out on the show then you better get submitting, I'll be recording the episode about ten days before it goes live, as I'm on holiday in Estonia that week. So the deadline is 16th of November and the episode will go online on the 26th of November.

    There are already some strong contenders on there, so please read the rules at the top of the thread and happy writing!
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 28th 2008
     

    Fantastic!

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 28th 2008
     
    • CommentAuthorFran
    • CommentTimeOct 28th 2008
     
    whoever wrote the la zona review really hit the nail on the head
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 29th 2008
     
    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 29th 2008
     

    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.

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 29th 2008
     

    Posted by: MikeDawson

    Two 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.

  12.  

     

    Posted by: Tom

     

    Posted by: MikeDawson

    Two 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.

  13.  

    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.

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 29th 2008
     

    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: DanceDanceDance

    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.

     

     

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    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

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    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.

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    I didn't even know it was a remake!

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    Yeah, one of those rare trans-atlantic remakes that goes the other way.

  14.  

    I would strongly recommend Fingers, Scarecrow (Pacino and Hackman!), Night Moves and especially Cutter's Way. All are forgotten 70s gems.

    •  
      CommentAuthorkumarhk
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    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?

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    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. 

  15.  

    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.

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    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.

  16.  

    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.

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    Going on Monday.

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    Well, I'll post a short review for it later.

  17.  

    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.

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     

    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.

  18.  

    Strangely I really enjoyed Thunderball last night, thought it was really entertaining.

    Worst Bond - Diamonds Are Forever.

    • CommentAuthorFran
    • CommentTimeOct 31st 2008
     
    am 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. Surely moonraker and die another day have to be the worst. I think my girlfriend will make me see it though hopefully this one will be dialogue free.
  19.  

    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!)......

    • CommentAuthorFran
    • CommentTimeNov 1st 2008
     
    Posted by: DanceDanceDance

    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!)......

     

    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.

    •  
      CommentAuthorChris
    • CommentTimeNov 2nd 2008 edited
     

     

    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?

    • CommentAuthorFran
    • CommentTimeNov 2nd 2008
     
    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.

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeNov 14th 2008 edited
     

    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!

     
    • CommentAuthorolly
    • CommentTimeNov 14th 2008
     
    I wanted to attempt another one but it took such excessive energies to squeeze out my short and rather pedestrian review of La Zona that I am still in recovery!
    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeNov 14th 2008
     

    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.

  20.  

    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!

    • CommentAuthorolly
    • CommentTimeNov 14th 2008
     

    Posted by: MikeDawson

    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 wasn't fishing for a compliment, honest.
    • CommentAuthorFran
    • CommentTimeNov 14th 2008
     
    fish away mate i thought the review was excellent and summed up the good and the bad of that film.
    • CommentAuthordimabbq
    • CommentTimeNov 15th 2008
     
    Mike - "Well I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't."

    Now i know why all of my reviews aren't being posted!
    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeNov 15th 2008
     
    Are you serious? I haven't recieved any from you?
    • CommentAuthordimabbq
    • CommentTimeNov 20th 2008 edited
     
    I'm kiddin Mike, relax.

    I'm too damn lazy anyway.
  21.  
    I submitted a review of Gomorrah earlier. Hope it gets on the site as it's my first ever review.
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 26th 2008
     

    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!

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 26th 2008
     

    Added:

    http://www.leftfieldcinema.com/gomorrah-review

    (Brilliant review by the way)

  22.  
    Posted by: Tom

    Added:

    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!

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 26th 2008
     

    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.

  23.  
    Posted by: Tom

    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.

     

    And similar sized beard.

    • CommentAuthorMikeDawson
    • CommentTimeNov 26th 2008
     
    The 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.
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 27th 2008
     

    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...

    • CommentAuthordimabbq
    • CommentTimeNov 27th 2008
     
    Tome - "He skillfully denies nothing with regard to the hat..."

    haha
  24.  
    Thanks, guys. I hope to do more in the near future.
  25.  

    Can you do cross examinations?

  26.  
    I'd be wary. I've written one review in my life.
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 28th 2008
     

    This is great. We have received a huge amount of reviews this week including the much anticipated Pretty In Pink.

    • CommentAuthorolly
    • CommentTimeNov 28th 2008
     

    Posted by: Tom

    This 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?
    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 28th 2008
     

    Posted by: olly

     

    Posted by: Tom

    This 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.

  27.  

    Heathens! You are all Heathens!

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 28th 2008
     

    Posted by: DanceDanceDance

    Heathens! You are all Heathens!

     

    Seriously though - this on the front page of a Mike Dawson website?!?!?!?!

  28.  
    Posted by: Tom

     

    Posted by: DanceDanceDance

    Heathens! You are all Heathens!

     

    Seriously though - this on the front page of a Mike Dawson website?!?!?!?!

     

     

  29.  

    should be this though

  30.  

    Don't worry I am sure Mike is working out a way to reject my review without hurting my feelings

    •  
      CommentAuthorkumarhk
    • CommentTimeNov 30th 2008
     

    At least you won't find this until I hack the site

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeNov 30th 2008
     

    Posted by: kumarhk

    At 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...

    •  
      CommentAuthorkumarhk
    • CommentTimeDec 3rd 2008
     

    How about "The historical accuracy of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy?" :P

    • CommentAuthorTom
    • CommentTimeDec 3rd 2008
     

    What about the Harry Potter films in relation to The Hero's Journey?

  31.  

    Posted by: kumarhk

    How 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." 

    •  
      CommentAuthorkumarhk
    • CommentTimeDec 4th 2008
     

    Posted by: Tom

    What 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

  32.  

    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