HAMMY’S TOP 10…WORST SEQUELS

Let’s face facts: more often than not, sequels are unnecessary. Why do we need a sequel to Blade Runner, a film released almost thirty years ago? I’m trying not to cave in to the hype (but of course will see it at the cinema!). Why do we need sequels at all? When a film makes lots of money, Hollywood see that as a sign that people want more. So a sequel is rushed into production. They’re typically louder, bigger and longer. A chosen few are some of the best films of all time. Most sequels fall into the mediocre category. But there are those sequels that sully the good name of the original.  

HAMMY’S TOP 10…FILMS OF 1987

Hey, did you realise it’s been thirty years since 1987? I was but a little boy back then, in the heady days of Thatcher’s reign over Britain and the closing years of the Cold War. While I was watching Thomas The Tank Engine (and being scared out of my wits by the Ghost Train episode!), 1987 was being graced with great films. Of course, as I grew up, I became acquainted with the films of 1987 (not all of them, however. I still haven’t seen The Princess Bride!). Here are my Top 10 Films of 1987!

Review: Starship Troopers (1997) (B-Movie Trash, or Inspired Satire?)

“This year we explored the failure of democracy”

Starship Troopers is twenty years old this year! I mean the film, not the book. Paul Verhoeven’s adaptation of Robert Heinlein’s classic science fiction novel was greeted with critical disdain upon its release. Those fond of Heinlein’s novel disliked his interpretation of the text (and lack of power suits). Film critics disliked the fascistic overtones, bland acting, and simple plot. However, both parties misunderstood Verhoeven’s intentions behind directing Starship Troopers. He didn’t want to bow down before a science fiction classic. He wanted to be subversive and controversial. He wanted to turn the novel on its head and lace it with his own brand of brutal satire. In that respect, it was a success. Starship Troopers isn’t a classic science fiction film, but it’s pretty darn close.

Review: Robocop (1987) (Part Man, Part Machine, All Great Film)

“And remember, we care”

Robocop celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year. Well, it was last week, but I was on the island of Lokrum sat on the Iron Throne. Holidays pass too quickly! Robocop is one of my favourite films. It holds a place on my Top 10 Films Of All Time (click here to view) and my Top 10 Films I’ve Watched More Than Fives Times (click here to view). I’ve loved it since I was a kid (yes, my parents allowed me to watch a lot of stuff I shouldn’t have watched!). It can be viewed as a straight sci-fi action film, a revenge thriller, a satire on capitalism/privatisation, a Christ parable…but however you view it, it’s a bloody pleasure to watch.

This Is Your Film: Part One 1985-2001

There’s recently been a Twitter hashtag called #Thisisyourfilm. It’s another list hashtag. For this list you have to name your favourite film for each year of your life. Of course, the older you are, the more films you have to consider. I threw my list into the vast Twitter ring. Here, I thought I’d elaborate on my choices in a blog of two parts.

Here’s Part One, which covers 1985 to 2001…