I have been a bit (very) slack recently, so it’s time to do a speedy two month run down of the movies I watched over June and July. Eight films in total and a rather mixed bag to say the least. Now I had some crappy news a few weeks ago and was made redundant from my job. I promise I am not saying this for sympathy…

…but rather an explanation if I don’t seem around as much. I may not be over the next few weeks whilst I job seek, eat Monster Munch in my dressing gown and watch depressing daytime TV (Judge Rinder – WTF) but don’t fret if you’re missing my outstanding movie knowledge because in the words of Jean-Claude Van Damme – I will be back.

So four films watched in June which brought my half-way-through-the-year tally to 41. Now I know people like Darren and Rob watch 41 movies, like, every week but I didn’t think this was too bad. If I pull my socks up and make effort to watch more (especially with all this new free time!) maybe I can make 100 by Christmas. Or 101 even. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

So June began with raucous laughter in the shape of Zoolander (2001) and Superbad (2007). Zoolander I watched for the millionth time on TV, having one new experience by watching it on the Dave channel. I don’t think I’ve ever watched a film on the Dave channel before. Everyone already knows I love Zoolander and blue steel and I think I’ve got the black lung pop so I’ll stop there on this one (though you can read my review for the sequel here).

Similarly there’s Superbad, which is also one of my favourite comedies and I could watch it any time. I recently reviewed its funky soundtrack here and if you ever want to sit and share quotes for a few hours you just let me know.

I ended June watching I’m Alright Jack (1959) and The Night of the Hunter (1955), which is one of my favourite films. A fantastic, scary and at times quite comical film noir starring Robert Mitchum as a murderous preacher. My favourite bit of trivia about this film is how some actors at the time were put off playing the part of Harry Powell, worried such a dark character could tarnish their image. Charles Laughton (the director) is reported as having said that when Mitchum walked into his office to audition he told him he was looking for someone to play a ‘diabolical shit’. Mitchum simply put his hand in the air and replied – “present”. 

The whole film is so atmospheric, making the most of shadow and silhouette and Powell is an ominous, frightening presence as we follow him chasing two siblings for a bounty of money. And whilst it is super creepy in places (make no mistake) it also has moments of hilarity, whether intentional or not. The angry mob always make me laugh – “lynch him!” – led by the very lady (now drunk) who was singing his praises a few days ago.

I’m Alright Jack was alright but not something I’d rush to watch again. A British satire / comedy starring Peter Sellers and Ian Carmichael among other well known faces, it tells a (fairly accurate so I’m told) story about trade unions in the British workforce during the 50s. It was enjoyable enough but perhaps not much my thing. 

So with sunshine, ice cream and those cool drinking glasses with a lid and stripey straw let’s move into July. Guess what? Another four movies watched. The Inbetweeners Movie (2011), Innerspace (!!!) (1987), V/H/S (2012) and The Boy (2016). 

Starting in reverse order you can read my review of The Boy here, which I enjoyed fine enough but admit is nothing special. I actually found the ‘creepy doll’ kind of cute. Look, he’s crying!

V/H/S was an extremely average horror movie that at least was a little scarier (not really that scary) than The Boy. A sort of portmanteau / found footage movie it shows some petty criminals breaking into a house and finding loads of old video tapes. OBVIOUSLY each one has some hideous murder or unexplained creepy incident on it. It wasn’t anything great but it was alright and I was pleasantly surprised that supernatural stories entwined with ‘real life’ terror situations. And FINALLY I now know where this picture comes from. I’ve seen it online so many times but never knew the source before.

Boo you whore.

Recently I was drunk and drunk tweeted a few (lucky!) people that I was watching Innerspace videos on YouTube. I’m vaguely ashamed but Innerspace though!! It was my favourite film when I was younger and apparently one of Dennis Quaid’s finest and most memorable roles.

I mean where else would you remember him from if not Innerspace? It’s a silly movie to say the last. Quaid is miniaturised to the size of a microdot and injected into Martin Short’s butt. Thus follows an adventure story full of inaccurate medical science and Sam Cooke music. I actually thank Innerspace for introducing me to Sam Cooke, two of his best songs feature on the soundtrack and prompted me to buy his Portrait of a Legend album. Watch Dennis Quaid and Martin Short drunk dancing to Twisting the Night Away and you’ll feel happier than you’ve ever felt before. Fact.

Plus don’t tell me you’ve never done something similar, I know I love a drunk-at-home-dance.

And so onto my last film on the list – The Inbetweeners Movie. Being British and an alive person I can safely say I am a fan of The Inbetweeners. Nothing beats the television series but the first movie was pretty great (second one was a bit weird) and again this is a definitely a comedy I could watch over and over.

Part of what makes The Inbetweeners so good is how relate-able it is. The situations may be a little outlandish at times but the turmoil, frustration and embarrassment that the boys continually face can surely be understood by most of us. It’s hard to choose a favourite character because they all contribute so well (the dialogue is exceptionally funny) but I do have a soft spot for Neil. And the guy sure can dance!