Reviews by Rollo Tomasi

One of those rare films that makes you look at and assess your own life. An excellent character study, with equally impressive performances. Most notably from Alan Arkin who incidentally doesn't appear on the films credits here at Listal.

Completely shot with hand-held cameras Last Resort has the feel of a documentary, built-up by an intricately structured script and the fabulous performances of the lead trio. The films climax is abrupt but strangely powerful in that it makes you contemplate the fate of the characters for quite a while after the end credits roll.

Paddy Considine does not have a bad performance in him. More subtle and understated than he is in Dead Man's Shoes, and My Summer of Love (another Pawlikowski film) but shows his incredible range. This duo are fast becoming personal favourites; I recommend you check them out if you haven't already.

I admire this film for many reasons. But mainly for a script that defies sensationalism and the pitch-perfect performances of the two leads.'Laia Maru' and 'Luis Tosar' beautifully convey all the subtleties and tensions in an abusive marriage.

The Kid Stays In The Picture traces the meteoric rise, fall and rise again of legendary Hollywood producer Robert Evans. The producer of The Godfather (1972) and Chinatown (1974), Evans' career faltered in the early 80s thanks to a cocaine bust and his rumoured involvement in a murder. This documentary, adapted from his best selling autobiography, chronicles his life, his loves (with the likes of Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Lana Turner, Ali Macgraw, and Raquel Welch) and friendships (Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, Roman Polanski, Henry Kissinger and Dustin Hoffman).

This documentary is mainly composed of still images, with a couple of interview clips thrown in for extra measure. Hard to even class it as a moving picture, but surprisingly effective to say the least.

Legendary Hollywood producer Robert Evans life is an interesting enough subject, and he's a fantastic storyteller, but what this film lacks is commentary from any of the numerous stars and celebrities accompanying Evans on his journey. There's not a single thing here to back up his tales.

A truly immersive slice of experimental cinema. I don't remember ever sampling performances as genuinely captivating and realistic as John Marley, Gena Rowlands, and Lynn Carling were serving up here. I'd be the first to admit not always getting what Casavettes is trying to say with his films but the director totally nails this one.

Cagney and Bogart playing off one another is an absolute treat to watch. No matter who Cagney plays I always forget he's an actor playing a role. He's that good.

Plot and story wise there is little that sets 'The Roaring Twenties' apart from other Cagney prohibition gangster era flicks such as 'Public Enemy' and 'Angels With Dirty Faces' other than the fact that thanks to the newsreel sequences you'll come out with a whole lot more knowledge of the era the film depicts.

An engaging and often humorous look into the trauma associated with living with disease. You thought Jack Nicholson was good as an OCD sufferer in 'As Good As It Gets' then just wait until you see 'Michael Sheen' here. Dirty Filthy Love was originally made as an ITV drama, but Sheen and Henderson propel this from prime-time television to must see DVD.

Pedro Almodavar's 'Bad Education' provides a spellbinding insight into how reality is transformed by fantasy. The film takes a little time to find it's stride, but WOW does it hit you for six when it does. The cinematography here is equally breath-taking, the use of vibrant colours framed by typical film noir neutrals. The performances are great all-round, especially Garcia-Bernal who impressively juggles multiple roles. Bad Education will be one of those films that's never far away from my DVD player.

Columbia University graduate student Babe Levy (Dustin Hoffman) spends his spare time running in marathons, but soon finds himself running for his life when he unwittingly becomes entangled in an espionage plot involving fierce Nazi fugitive Szell (Sir Laurence Olivier).

This has got to be the tightest plotted thriller I've ever had the pleasure to witness. Watch for or avoid (it may not be safe to watch) the infamous torture sequence orchestrated by the sadistic Szell, and the adrenaline packed chase scene on the overpass.

Reunited with director John Schlesinger (MIDNIGHT COWBOY), Hoffman gives a powerful performance alongside Olivier and Roy Scheider. The screenplay is by William Goldman, based on his own novel.

In summary 'Marathon Man' is an all-round winner featuring a director and cast at the peak of fitness.