The Last 10 Movies – December 2024 Edition   

ANOTHER quick movie watch from me. No wonder my review ‘pile’ stubbornly refuses to increase! These were mostly re-watches with only TWO new films (to me at least) one of which I really enjoyed and the other I thought was terrible (but I finished it just to make absolutely sure). So... 

You Only Live Twice (1967) 

The last of the original/approved Connery Bond films. Mostly based in Japan and mostly very silly. Much as I do love Bond they haven’t aged very well! 

Free Fire (2016) 

I remembered seeing the trailer @ the cinema and thought this looked like FUN. It was – muchly. It's a very simple tale of an illegal gun-buy going very wrong indeed followed by a shoot-out in an abandoned warehouse. Almost TOO simple to work – but it does. 

Hang ‘Em High (1968) 

Rather crude Clint Eastwood western revenge flick. Another classic that hasn’t aged very well. 

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) 

The only Bond film starring George Lazenby as Bond. The first half was rather slow but it got there eventually. Starred Diana Rigg as the very attractive and self-destructive love interest. 

Black Adam (2022) 

I periodically try to ‘get into’ super-hero films after falling out with them after Avengers: End Game. This reconfirmed everything I hate about the genre. One of the worst films I’ve seen in years. 

Gorky Park (1983) 

I loved this when it came out and have really liked the book series it was based on. William Hurt was one of my favourite actors at that time and he played the role of a long-suffering Soviet policeman very well. Showing its age now but at least this has prompted me to continue with the books! 

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959) 

Quite terrible adaptation of my favourite Holmes story starring Peter Cushing as Holmes and Christopher Lee as Baskerville. Honestly, they should both be ashamed of themselves. 

The Taking of Pelham 123 (1974) 

Very inventive idea and very well-made train ‘heist’ movie starring Walter Matteau completely out of character with Robert Shaw as the baddie. Really shows what a mess 70’s New York was. 

The Matrix (1999) 

Still stands up pretty well despite being 25 years old. It completely blew me away when I first saw it – both for the visuals and the concepts – and I still greatly enjoyed it. Shame they made the sequels. 

What’s Up, Doc? (1972) 

This was a random pick and I was totally surprised how much I still enjoyed it. Mad-cap, silly and non-stop. TOTALLY hilarious comedy about a mix up with hand-luggage. Both Ryan O’Neil and especially Barbara Streisand are brilliant in these roles. Loved every minute of it.