Pearce’s Film Reviews

240 Films have been rated or reviewed by Pearce.

Billion Dollar Brain (1968): After two relatively low–key entries, Ken Russell takes over the series and kills it, amping an already ridiculous plot up to 11 with campy visual excess. Entertaining but almost makes Bond look realistic.
Funeral in Berlin (1966): Less showy but just as impressive as The Ipcress File, this almost hits LeCarre territory. The initial escape across the wall is astonishing.
Ipcress File, The (1965): Stylised to the point of ridiculousness, this is still a surprisingly down to earth spy thriller from a lot of the same people who made Bond movies.
People Places Things (2015): As generically bland as its title, this wastes a good cast in a movie that slips from the memory even while it's still playing.; DVD $19.95
Dear White People (2014): Funny and clever, with a number of star turns from then–unknown actors.
Get Carter (1971): Forget Alfie, this is why Michael Caine was great. He takes an unredeemable villain and makes you root for him. The blaxploitation remake Hit Man is also worth a look.
La Dolce Vita (1960): One of those movies where you continually say, "Oh so THAT'S what all those other directors were trying to do!"
Pulp (1972): Quirky and episodic, this is amusing but feels like they started shooting with an unfinished script and never figured out an ending. The cast is fun especially Lionel Stander as a cheerful goon.; DVD ~~$15~~ $11.25
Kong: Skull Island (2017): Nimbly side–stepping the racism and colonialist garbage of most earlier Kong movies, this combines top–notch kaiju action with a great cast and a tinge of anti–war commentary.
Child's Play 3 (1991): Hysterical British tabloids blamed this for a tragic real–life child murder, but the only thing I could imagine it inspiring is a nap. They seem very fond of scapegoating movies for real social problems in the UK.

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Pearce’s Film Reviews