War of the Worlds (2005) is on trial this week. Did Spielberg catch lightning in a bottle or would it be better left buried?
Alex says this is a modern yet faithful adaptation of the seminal novel by H.G. Wells that deftly weaves horror into the blockbuster experience. Dave feels a saccharine ending as well as odd plot changes mean the impact of the original novel is diluted and the film itself is forgettable.
All this with a quiz about other takes on this much-adapted work and an impression of Richard Burton.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/274
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1:13:20
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1:13:20
Eyes Wide Shut
Eyes Wide Shut is on trial this week. Does it rise to the occasion or is it a complete flop?
Alex argues that Stanley Kubrick's last film is a gripping exploration of sexual desire and fantasy, with strong lead performances and an unnerving plot making this a hit. Gav and Mike say there is very little here to sustain a long runtime, with meandering scenes and themes that go nowhere.
All this with an impression of a busy Tom Cruise and a quiz all about the legendary Stanley Kubrick.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/273 Special Guest: Mike.
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1:35:46
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1:35:46
The Last Samurai
The Last Samurai is on trial this week. A perfect blossom or a knife in the guts?
Alex defends, saying that this love letter to Japan made a fascinating period of history accessible for Western audiences. Dave feels too much is lost in translation, with glaring historical inaccuracies that stop it achieving greatness.
All this with an impression of the big man Billy Connolly and a quiz all about Akira Kurosawa.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/272 Special Guest: Mike.
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1:12:39
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1:12:39
Legend (1985)
We kick off Tom Cruise season by putting Legend (1985) on trial. Will it cruise to victory or fail to curry favour?
Dave defends, arguing that incredible character and set design, alongside an iconic performance from the legendary Tim Curry, make this a hit. Alex disagrees, saying there isn't enough make up in the world to disguise a story that lacks any emotional depth.
All this with an impression of Tim Curry and a quiz where Dave and Alex test each other on the career of Tom Cruise.
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/271
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1:08:29
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1:08:29
John Carter
Our financial flop season concludes with John Carter on trial this week. Will we jump for joy, or could we not give a Thark?
Ausy and Alex say a huge overspend on budget distracts from the fact that this is a fun adaptation of one of the earliest and most influential sci-fi series by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Dave and Mike argue that even forgetting the terrible marketing and extensive reshoots, John Carter ends up looking like a cheap imitation of Star Wars instead of its inspiration.
All this with an impression of Willem Dafoe and a quiz all about flops
www.filmsontrial.co.uk/270 Special Guest: Mike.
Each week we will act as judge, prosecution, and defence as we recreate a courtroom scenario, and decide whether a much loved (or hated) film should end up on the Hit List or not. Film trivia, quizzes, banter, terrible impressions, musical interludes, and lots of debating ensue as we put Films on Trial.
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