Reviews by Max Blinkhorn

Order by: Date, A–Z

• 
  The African Queen (1951)

  Review preview for The African Queen

  It’s a classic feel good film for grown ups and in this digitally restored form is a real treat.

  A prim missionary and boozy river trader sail a boat through Africa.
• 
  Are You Being Served? - The Complete Third Series (1975)

  Third helping of the BBC department store comedy.
• 
  Bambi (1942)

  Review preview for Bambi

  It's a wonderful story and brings a tiny tear to the eye, even of this cynic.

  Disney classic about a fawn and his bunny buddy.
• 
  Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason (2004)

  Review preview for Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason

  It's "a romp" in the cheesiest sense of the word with standard gags pulled off with grand style.

  Bridget continues to put her fat foot in it, ending up in a Thai prison.
• 
  The Chronicles Of Riddick (2004)

  Review preview for The Chronicles Of Riddick

  The plot runs along predictable lines and the costumes are great and the effects, well, they're whizz-o, and the style is Caesar's Legions meets Microsoft.

  The continuing story of the escaped convict from the sci-fi thriller Pitch Black.
• 
  Creature Comforts: Complete Series 2 (2005)

  More British quirks captured in claymation.
• 
  Don't Look Up (2021)

  Review preview for Don't Look Up

  We see the pernicious and warped modern US in all its glory, turning common sense and science on its head and it's hilarious.

  Two low-level astronomers face a wall of indifference as they go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet earth.
• 
  Dumbo (1941)

  Review preview for Dumbo

  The pace is perfect and the plot well-developed

  Circus elephant with big ears beats the bullies thanks to his friendship with a mouse.
• 
  Escape From New York (1981)

  Review preview for Escape From New York

  Undeniably watchable.

  Kurt Russell embarks on a one-man mission to save the US President in a futuristic prison city.
• 
  Greyfriars Bobby (2005)

  Story of the little dog with the big heart.
• 
  Guernsey (2005)

  An aid worker's life changes dramatically after she discovers a body.
• 
  Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience (2009)

  Review preview for Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience

  Better standard camera techniques and catchier tunes would be more likely to ensure box office success.

  Footage from the Jonas brothers' Burning Up tour and an insight into their private lives.
• 
  Kon-Tiki (2012)

  Review preview for Kon-Tiki

  Right from the start, the film is a cinematic feast and a testament to the advantage the big screen has for showing the gorgeous colour and scale of nature in general

  Re-telling of anthropologist Thor Heyerdahl’s transformational 1947 journey by raft from Peru to Polynesia.
• 
  Labour Equals Freedom (2005)

  Review preview for Labour Equals Freedom

  I enjoyed this film for its bittersweet realness and comedic situations.

  Mid-life crises and marital breakdown in Slovenia.
• MASH: Season 6 (1977)

  Review preview for MASH: Season 6

  MASH is lovely - a long lost friend returning.

  Nostalgic reminder of the long running mobile army doctors classic American sitcom.
• 
  Madagascar (2005)

  Review preview for Madagascar

  Without the Lemurs and Monkey poo, Madagascar would hit a tree mid-swing and slide to the ground.

  Four animated animals from Central Park Zoo are shipwrecked on the wild shores of Madagascar.
• 
  One For The Road (2003)

  Review preview for One For The Road

  Smart, time-compressing cuts, with long close-ups and severe editing, produce a fast-moving film.

  Drink-drivers gang up on a boozy millionaire and relieve him of his large change.
• Ray Charles - Live In Brazil (1963)

  Review preview for Ray Charles - Live In Brazil

  Charles' effortless style and poise is so totally cool, he wows us completely.

  A 32-year-old Ray Charles plays live in Brazil.
• 
  Return Of The Poet (2006)

  Review preview for Return Of The Poet

  This film reveals so much to us - the lack of secular influences, the dominance of the church, the passion of the faithful, the strength of their young people.

  The creation and transport of a statue through Armenia.
• 
  Voices Of Bam (2006)

  Review preview for Voices Of Bam

  The pictures are a purer form of cinema verite with subdued colour and an eye that sees but does not pry.

  The aftermath of an earthquake in the ancient Iranian city of Bam.
• 
  La Vie En Rose (2007)

  Review preview for La Vie En Rose

  Above all, the film leaves you with the understanding that this woman’s life could not have been lived any other way.

  A biography of legendary singer Edith Piaf.
• 
  The Wicker Man (1973)

  Review preview for The Wicker Man

  Truly a milestone in British cinema.

  A policeman gets more than he bargained for on a remote Scottish isle.
• 
  The Wicker Man (2006)

  Review preview for The Wicker Man

  This remake is so clearly aimed at US audiences, it almost constitutes an international incident.

  A detective searches for a missing child in a mysterious Pagan community.
• 
  The Woman Next Door (1981)

  Review preview for The Woman Next Door

  A great way to get into your average Frenchman's domestic head but stand back and watch – don’t inhale the smoke from Les Gauloises!

  Lives are shattered when a contented husband's former lover moves in next door.