Revenge Of The Pink Panther
**¼
A late-ish Pink Panther film and not one of the best. A rather over-complicated plot and not many un-obvious laughs. I can't remember much else good or bad about it - quite forgettable.
Released - 1978
Seen by me: 13.7.02

Road To Perdition
***¾
Set in the inter war years, this film directed by Sam Mendes and starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman is about a US gangster who goes on the run from the mob with his young son after the boy witnesses a murder. Not really my favourite genre but it is very atmospheric with some clever directional touches. Well worth seeing.
Released - 2002

Robin Hood:  Prince Of Thieves
***1/2

After escaping imprisonment in the Holy Land, Robin (Kevin Costner) and Azeem (Morgan Freeman) arrive at England’s white cliffs of Dover.  "Great” exclaims Robin “we can drink and eat with my father tonight”.  In Nottinghamshire!!  A struggle with today’s transport systems let alone in Medieval times and just one of many inaccuracies in this highly entertaining, often unintentionally hilarious blockbuster.
Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves is a rather Americanised take on the Hood legend with Costner and Christian Slater (Will Scarlett) doing little to disguise their US accents.  With his middle-aged paunch and mullet, Costner is a rather ridiculous Robin though there is acting salvation in Freeman’s quietly dignified presence as Azeem and Alan Rickman’s flamboyant, twitchy Sheriff Of Nottingham.
With all the action scenes and skulduggery present as expected Robin Hood:  Prince Of Thieves is a highly entertaining mainstream picture, albeit one with some rather ridiculous flaws.
Released:  1991
Seen by me:  6.1.07  (with Naomi)

Royal Tenenbaums
****1/2
Very unusual semi-psychological comedy drama starring Gene Hackman as an ageing lecherous wealthy father who tries to make peace with his long separated wife (Anjelica Huston) and their three damaged and eccentric adult children (Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Stiller and Luke Wilson).  Royal Tenenbaums is a thought provoking film which deals with deep issues like incest with sensitivity but is still essentially a life-affirming comedy.  Like Amelie, its story is told in a “photo comic book” format, which, with the 70s haircuts on show, make it seem strangely both a period piece and a modern film dealing with contemporary issues.  An excellent film with some fine performances.
Released:  2002
Seen by me:  16.7.05 (with Naomi)

Seen by me: 4.1.04 (with Naomi)