Palatkik

The Duke [2020] In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Old school style British comedy drama based on a true story with two established lead actors on form, highly entertaining.

Night Of The Kings [2020] A young man is sent to a prison in Ivory Coast in the middle of the forest ruled by its inmates. With the red moon rising, he is designated by the inmate leader to be the new "Roman" and must tell a story to the other prisoners until dawn. Stylish French made prison drama full of theatrics and compelling viewing.

on loan to United euph. Up on blocks, fallen to the communists, on the blob, riding the menstrual cycle, on tow, packing string, chasing the cotton mouse, dropping clots, smoking short cigars, boiling beetroots, shooting jam, playing Arsenal at home.

Danny Boy [2021] Follows Brian Wood who is humbled when he is accused of Iraqi war crimes by the former human rights lawyer Phil Shiner. A lightweight drama made for TV has a star lead albeit glosses over the details and ends underwhelmingly. Interesting somewhat for those who didn't know the story beforehand.

Limbo [2020] A refugee carrying his oud and separated from his Syrian family, stuck on a remote fictional Scottish island awaiting the fate of his asylum request with other refugees. The premise might seem misguided and a bit sanitized coming from a big movie corporation UA, but the offbeat story is poignant with some wickedly wry British humor and Scottish scenery making for an enjoyable movie, nothing great but OK.

Rare Beasts [2019] A British anti rom-com about a career-driven single mother, who falls for charming, traditionalist work colleague. A movie that starts off well but descends into cliched platitudes best forgotten. Only became available to see in 2021, never a good sign.

A Quiet Place Part II [2021] Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats. Cashing in on the success of the original from 2018, sequels and sci-fi horror flicks are both an acquired taste, but when entertaining mindless alien violence fits the bill this is OK as its still retains some of the originality and the thrills work.

The Reason I Jump [2020] Based on the biography by Naoki Higashida about his autism, this immersive documentary without commentary explores the experiences of non-speaking autistic people around the world. Impressive close cropped in your face framing and sound bites works well to convey the experience.

Clarkson's Farm [2021 TV series] Jeremy Clarkson attempts to run a farm in the countryside. Unlike some of his other more boorish antics on TV, this new series is entertaining, insightful and humbling. A second series beckons.

"I went to Poole on holiday" "In Dorset?" "Yes I can thoroughly recommend it"...

King Rocker [2020] British comedian Stewart Lee talks old times and new with 70's alternative music legend Robert Lloyd who fronted the Prefects and then the Nightingales. Hilarious reminiscing's, both Lloyd and Lee on form here, great music throughout this rockumentary, with a contrived link by Lee to the King Kong statue that got banished from the Birmingham Bull Ring to end up in the Lake District.

In The Earth [2021] The world searches for a cure to a disastrous virus, a scientist and park scout venture deep in the forest for a routine equipment run, but things aren't what they seem. From the same director of the horror comedy Sightseers [2012] and starring that bloke from the inventive Inside No9 TV series, this low budget British horror flick is completely engrossing from start to finish, has the makings of a cult classic.

Shiva Baby [2020] Dragged along to a Jewish funeral service with her parents, a college student runs into both her ex-girlfriend and her sugar daddy who arrives with his wife and baby she didn't know about. A somewhat claustrophobic black comedy brings to mind Woody Allen, is a bit of an acquired taste (not mine), simplistic story line albeit well produced.

Where’s Wayne Kerr when you need him? Mike Hunt can't turn Black Hawk Down Hugh Jarse found this funny

Nobody [2021] When two thieves break into a nobodies suburban home one night, he declines to defend himself or his family, to prevent serious violence. The aftermath ignites a long-simmering rage propelling him on a brutal path that will surface dark secrets and lethal skills. In a barrage of fists, gunfire and squealing tires, he must save his family from a dangerous adversary. This low budget actioner is a lot of fun, punching above its weight - just the tonic when adrenaline fueled mindless violence suits the mood.

Time [2021 TV limited series] A prison officer tries to protect those in his charge, one of whom is a teacher serving time for drunk driving. When one of the inmates identifies the officers weakness, he faces an impossible choice between his principles and family. A prison crime drama with some harrowing scenes of prison brutality, two great actors at the top of their game, this is as good as it gets for British TV dramas and highly recommended.

Some Kind Of Heaven [2021] Filmmaker Lance Oppenheim cracks the manicured facade of The Villages -- a massive, self-contained retirement community located in Central Florida. Behind the gates of this utopia lie a small group of Villages residents and one interloper who are unable to find happiness within the community's pre-packaged paradise. Deadpan documentary with some curious characters has some appeal but average at best.

Mare Of Easttown [2021 TV Limited Series] A detective in a small Pennsylvania town investigates a local murder while trying to keep her life from falling apart. Old school style crime series with lots going on to give it more depth. Slow going at times, of interest for its strong lead and some surprises.

Think that was the idea for punk rockers in the day.

Poly Styrene I Am a Cliché [2021] The death of punk icon and X-Ray Spex front-woman Poly Styrene sends her daughter on a journey through her mother's archives in this intimate documentary. A candid movie about one of punk rocks most charismatic leads, archived footage, mental health issues and the mother daughter relationship.

Surge [2020] Set over 24 hours in London, a stripped back psychotic thriller about a man who goes on a reckless journey of self-liberation from his mundane airport security job. Shot in an immersive tightly cropped format, the powerful lead performance takes us on an adrenaline fueled rush of a madman, depressing and exciting the story is not that clear, but the surge is real.

I May Destroy You [2020 TV limited series] The question of sexual consent, liberation and exploitation. Visually impressive limited TV series with an imposing strong lead that holds this together as the story line wanders and appears a tad preachy, there is a memorably surreal last episode to make it worth the wait. More style than anything substantial, good when the mood suits.

Sir Alex Ferguson Never Give In [2021] Poignant biographical documentary looking back at the football managers life on and off the pitch through his own memories that he almost could have lost if not for a lucky recovery from a brain hemorrhage. Directed by his own son who delivers an in depth and emotional story that supporters of any team should appreciate.

Ammonite [2020] 1840s England, acclaimed working class fossil hunter Mary Anning and a young socialite woman sent to convalesce by the sea develop an intense relationship, altering both of their lives forever. Part biographical with Anning's work now displayed in the British Museum and part seemingly a speculative take of her lesbian friendship, this is a master class of acting and film making. Worth seeing.