Two More Films

A Happy Easter to all our readers. I'm at the old country seat, gorging myself on chocolate and other comestibles whilst glancing surreptitiously out of the window at the people viewing the house next door. Nosey bastard - I'm turning into my father-in-law.

We watched two good films last weekend. The Verdict stars Paul Newman as a downbeat ambulance-chasing lawyer. Newman does good drunks even if it is hard to marry with his undoubted beauty (the Groupie confirms I am right on this point). This is the old staple - a courtroom drama which confirms that, deep down inside, the American dream is alive and well. A message that can seem rather important these days. Expert hands are at work on this piece - Sidney Lumet directs and David Mamet gets a screenwriting credit. Tidy. 7.5/10.

Talking of expert hands, Tom Hanks doesn't really do bad films does he? He is the successor to those old studio stars who could shine in most any vehicle. And when you ally his talents to a witty script and generous direction what you have is an old-fashioned sort of success - the kind of film that Frank Capra might be making if still alive - which is probably the greatest compliment one can pay to the giant who is Steven Spielberg. Charming and uplifting throughout, in fact thoroughly bosting as they say at home. 8/10.