Rate The Last Movie You Saw

That's how an online critic describes this early Mickey Mouse short, and he's not that far off. As the title implies, Barnyard Olympics follows a series of sports events set in a barnyard-like environment. We have boxing, wrestling, diving, and even a marching band. The main event, however, is this heptathlon-like cross country race where competitors have to run, row, cycle, and much more.

I had already seen most of this short at some point long ago, but especially as my kids watched it. They really enjoy most of Mickey stuff, including the early ones, and this was no exception. Like the quote above, it is full of fun visual gags and jokes from start to finish, starting with a fun one as the camera pans across the "stadium" and two characters break the fourth wall as they notice the "camera".

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Full review on my Movie Loot

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Cleanskin (2012)

This was a nice edgy thriller following a British Islamic terrorist cell. After semtex is boosted from the Secret Service Ewan (Sean Bean) is tasked with finding the explosives. This is made more difficult as the man he is searching for is a "cleanskin" i.e has no history with the police and is not on the security service's. Ash's radicalisation is shown in flashbacks which are effective. The acting is good, the story is sturdy and I was amazed to find out this was a £2M production as it certainly doesn't show.

I've never heard of it or watched it but am now strangely compelled to see if it is as bad as described I may come back with a good old Scottish "pure pish" rating.

The Mysterians, 1957

Following a festival, a destructive earthquake strikes and, on investigation, an even more destructive robot emerges. The robot is controlled by an alien race called the Mysterians who originate from a hidden planet in the solar system. Friends Atsumi (Kenji Sahara), Hiroko (Momoko Kochi), and Etsuko (Yumi Shirakawa) end up enmeshed in the drama when their friend Shiraishi (Aihiko Hirata), who first theorized about the existence of the Mysterians, ends up joining them. The Mysterians are demanding a share of the Earth as well as a share of the Earth’s women. Can humankind marshall the resources to fight the powerful invaders?

Engaging set-pieces and a fun cast can’t quite overcome a disjoint story.

To Die For (1995)

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[ J ] - [ S ] - [ F ]

The Baby-Sitters Club (1995) I really liked all the main girls. There were some cute, fun moments, but I think the story should have focused more on friendship and babysitting and less on romance/boys. This is one of the few films that I think could actually benefit from a remake. The Netflix tv show was pretty good, but I think they should do a new film that focuses more on the girls babysitting and less on romance.