Week #5 Bugsy Malone (1976) Splurge guns at the ready for Alan Parker’s gloriously unique kids mobster musical. A film that not only continues to make you smile through the shaving cream and art deco sets. But also grabs hold of your attention with musical numbers from Paul Williams that have become a mainstay of school theatre productions. As we …
We live in challenging times, and nothing can be more challenging than trying to entertain your children during a social and school lockdown. However, it is at times like this that film can offer kids an escape from rolling news coverage and worries. While also allowing their imaginations to run riot in world of possibility. Enabling further play and activities …
It is hard to believe that Toy Story burst on to our screens 25 years ago, changing animation forever. While equally embedding the wonderful worlds created by Pixar into our collective conciousness. However, as time has passed has the magic of Pixar slowly diminished? And can Pixar still find original stories that engage and inspire new generations of children and …
Based on Michael Morpurgo’s novel, first published in 1990. Director Ben Cookson navigates the tightrope of bringing holocaust drama to children’s orientated filmmaking. While embracing the challenge of filming entirely on location. With the French mountain village at the centre of Morpurgo’s book, providing an important backdrop to the narrative. Creating a film that excels in both visual style and …
Anyone of my generation will have fond memories of Jon Pertwee as the lovable if slightly cantankerous scarecrow Worzel Gummidge. His interpretation of Barbara Euphan Todd’s 1930’s character shining on screen from 1979 – 1981. It is therefore with some trepidation that I settled down to watch his return on BBC One this Christmas. However, this trepidation was consigned to …
By late 1988 John Hughes had become one of the most powerful script writers and directors in Hollywood. His back catalogue of work including Train, Planes and Automobiles, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and The Breakfast Club to name but a few. However, unlike many other writers and directors, Hughes continued to plough his own unique journey through the Hollywood system. …
Those of us who grew up following the exploits and adventures of Charlie Brown, were elated to see the Peanuts gang help launch Apple TV + last month. Bringing the characters created by the legendary Charles M. Schulz back to our TV screens for the first time since their 2011 TV special. While in turn placing Charlie Brown and Snoopy …
As a seven year old watching The NeverEnding Story for the first time at my local Granada Cinema in 1984. I found myself swept away by the films fantasy and imagination. While equally suffering a small degree of trauma as Artax the horse was sucked into the swamp of sadness. With this combination of both sadness and joy leaving an …
Based on the hit books by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories first hit TV screens in 2009. The shows unique format mixing historical fact and fiction with humour, battles and songs. Providing children and adults alike with a delightful mix of fun and learning. Its anarchic recipe made the TV show and instant success for Children’s BBC. Therefore, after eight seasons …
Despite all the technical wizardry, Disney’s carbon copy of their own 1994 animated film fails to fly. The Lion King (2019) undeniably pushes the boundaries of modern animation, providing a stunning and new visual experience. Unfortunately however, no amount of technical prowess can save the film from a feeling of blandness. The emotion and energy of the 1994 original absent …