Baba Yaga (1973, ITA/FRA) C-85m. *** D: Corrado Farina. Starring Carroll Baker, George Eastman, Isabelle de Funès, Ely Galleani. Moody pop-art mystery, based on a comic strip by Guido Crepax. Avantgarde photographer de Funès (niece of Louis!) is approached by mysterious lady Baker, who seems to have a special interest in the young woman. De Funès soon starts having hallucinatory nightmares of a kinky kind, and something seems to be wrong with her camera ever since Baker touched it. Is the lady really a witch? With the help of film director Eastman, she sets out to solve the mystery. Slightly pretentious, bafflingly surreal film, creatively directed by writer-director Farina, who has a brief role in the surreal Nazi sequences. A little gem whose reputation should soar in future years. Great score by Piero Umiliani. Watch for Ely Galliani, who had a key role in Mario Bava’s CINQUE BAMBOLE PER LA LUNA D’AGOSTO (1970). Contains a reference to German expressionist cinema and shows a clip from the classic DER GOLEM, WIE ER IN DIE WELT KAM (1920). Alternative titles: KISS ME KILL ME, THE DEVIL WITCH and BLACK MAGIC.

Babe (1995, AUS/USA) C-89m. **½ D: Chris Noonan. Starring James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, voices of Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, narrated by Roscoe Lee Browne. Family film that traces the life of a pig, as it is “won” by quiet farmer Cromwell and his wife Szubanski. Soon the pig learns that its life on the farm is anything but easy. Good, Oscar-winning effects make you believe in the animals’ conversations, but plotting is without momentum or cleverness. Cute for kids, immensely successful in theaters. George Miller (MAD MAX) produced and coscripted, from the novel The Sheep Pig by Dick King-Smith. Followed by a sequel.

Babel (2006, USA/MEX/FRA) C-143m. ***½ D: Alejandro González Inárritu. Starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Mohamed Akhzam, Peter Wight, Harriet Walter, Trevor Martin, Matyelok Gibbs, Georges Bousquet, Nathan Gamble, Gael García Bernal, Rinko Kikuchi, Kôji Yakusho. Impressive thriller drama from the director of AMORES PERROS (2000) and 21 GRAMS (2003) interlocks four different stories: Pitt and his wife Blanchett are mourning the death of their infant child and have gone on a holiday to Morocco. During a bus ride she is accidentally shot by two Moroccan children, who have just received a gun from their father (story 2). In the third segment, Pitt and Blanchett’s other children, back at home in San Diego, are taken to a wedding in Mexico by their nanny. Finally, in Tokyo, Japan, an aimless, deaf teenager desperately looking for love and attention is also linked to the other stories. Complex, engrossing drama showing tragedy in all corners of the world, superbly directed and extremely well-edited. Oscar winner for Best Score, also won the Best Director and Best Editing (Technical Grand Prize) awards at Cannes.

Babe: Pig in the City (1998, AUS/USA) C-97m. **½ D: George Miller. Starring Magda Szubanski, James Cromwell, Mary Stein, Mickey Rooney, voices of Elizabeth Daily, Danny Mann, Glenne Headley, Hugo Weaving, Roscoe Lee Browne, Naomi Watts. Sort of… different sequel to the charmer BABE (1995) forces the farmer’s wife Szubanski and the pig to travel to Los Angeles, in order to save the farm. Babe meets many odd characters (monkeys, dogs, you name it) and has more than enough scary adventures. Dark, almost bizarre film recalls films of Jodorowsky, Burton, if only it wasn’t a children’s adventure! Excellent score and cinematography (by Andrew Lesnie, who also shot THE LORD OF THE RINGS films). Made by the director of the MAD MAX movies (and cowriter of the original BABE). Too gloomy for children, interesting for buffs.

Baby Blood (1989, FRA) C-87m. **½ D: Alain Robak. Starring Emmanuelle Escourrou, Christian Sinniger. Woman becomes impregnated by African monster and develops a relationship with the baby creature in her womb by speaking to it(!). French horror with comic undertones is a mix between ROSEMARY’S BABY and BRAIN DAMAGE and as such comes up with few ideas of its own. American version, titled EVIL WITHIN, (purportedly) runs 1m. longer.

Back in the USSR (1991, USA) C-88m. ** D: Deran Sarafian. Starring Frank Whaley, Natalya Negoda, Roman Polanski, Ravil Issyanov, Dey Young, Andrew Divof, Brian Blessed, Harry Ditson. The first film made entirely in Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union is a meandering thriller about American tourist Whaley and his coincidental involvement with the stealing of a valuable icon. He is forced to cooperate with the underworld figures and finds himself running for his life. Idea is not bad, but script is hardly credible. Main interest springs from Polanski’s role as a seedy smuggler.

Back to Back (1996, USA) C-90m. M D: Roger Nygard. Starring Michael Rooker, Ryo Ishibashi, Danielle Harris, John Laughlin, Koh Takasugi, Bobcat Goldthwait, Vincent Schiavelli, Tim Thomerson. Violent action trash produced for the video market about ex-cop Rooker who somehow gets to team up with Ishibashi, a Japanese Yakuza killer assigned to kill a Los Angeles mafia boss. Plot is highly improbable, the action scenes are strictly standard. Harris (as Rooker’s daughter) has the most offensively stupid role.

Back to Gaya (2004, GBR/GER/SPA) C-101m. Scope *** D: Lenard Fritz Krawinkel, Holger Tappe. Starring (the voices of) Patrick Stewart, Emily Watson, Glenn Wrage, Alan Marriott, Bob Saker. Computer-animated fantasy adventure set in the land of the Gayans (pint-sized creatures with large ears), where life depends on a crystal that is stolen by a villain from the real world. A group of Gayans is transported there as well, and they must fend for themselves in a huge city of humans. Exciting, atmospheric adventure doesn’t give you much time to breathe; when it does, its lack of a consistent plot slows it down a lot. Still, a great roller-coaster ride for kids. Films like this deserve more attention. Excellent score by Michael Kamen, who died of a heart attack before film’s premiere  International version is shorter by a few minutes. Also known as THE SNURKS, and BOO, ZINO & THE SNURKS.

Backyard, The (2002, USA) C-80m. ** D: Paul Hough. Starring The Lizard, Scar, Chaos, Heartless, Bongo, The Retarded Butcher, Rob Van Dam, James Weston. Straight-forward documentary (an attempted shockumentary) takes a look at the phenomenon of Backyard wrestling, which is done by kids who dream of making it in the wrestling business and try to imitate their idols and their shows. However, this is done in improvised rings in the backyard, and in ultra-violent fashion, with barb-wire fences, light bulbs, etc. and people are even set on fire. Sometimes shocking, but not because of the violence portrayed but because of the aimless youths who waste their childhoods injuring each other. Low-key narration should have made much more of the topic.

Bad Company (2002, USA/CZE) C-116m. Scope ** D: Joel Schumacher. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Chris Rock, Matthew Marsh, Gabriel Macht, Peter Stormare. Another lame-brained Hollywood concoction that somehow stays afloat because of competent direction. After losing his CIA colleague in a shoot-out, Hopkins turns to that man’s twin brother (Rock), who has to function as a stand-in to make a major weapons deal (and subsequent bust) work. The problem is that the twins are completely different, and Hopkins has nine days to transform a street-smart hustler into an educated upper-class gentleman. Rock has some very funny lines, but script is improbable (to say the least) and action thriller becomes ludicrously overlong.

Badlands (1973, USA) C-94m. *** D: Terrence Malick. Starring Martin Sheen, Sissy Spacek, Warren Oates, Ramon Bieri, Alan Vint. A garbage man (Sheen) falls in love with a naive 15 year-old (Spacek), and they take it on the lam after he kills her father and burns down their house. The dream of living happily together ends for them in the Badlands of Montana. A well-scored, stylishly photographed, altogether highly lyrical road movie that is not entirely successful due a lack of psychological depth. Spacek’s voice-overs, commenting on the events in retrospect, are effective, though. This directorial debut of Terrence Malick (DAYS OF HEAVEN, THE THIN RED LINE) has gained a cult reputation. Inspired by the real-life Starkweather-Fugate killings in the 1950s; more or less remade 20 years later as TRUE ROMANCE. Written and produced by the director, who has a cameo as a salesman. Film debut of first-rate cinematographer Tak Fujimoto (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS).

Bad Moon (1996, USA) C-80m. Scope ** D: Eric Red. Starring  Muriel Hemingway, Michael Paré, Mason Gamble, Ken Pogue, Hrothgar Mathews. Standard werewolf movie with Paré visiting his sister Hemingway and her little son, keeping a secret that he was bitten by a wolf-like creature in the jungle. Their dog Thor senses the danger and begins following the man into the wood, where he transforms into a werewolf ... every night. Not really bad but unimaginative, apart from some attack scenes and the visceral finale. Based on Wayne Smith's novel Thor, which reportedly had the dog tell the story(!).

Bad News Bears, The (1976, USA) C-102m. *** D: Michael Ritchie. Starring Walter Matthau, Chris Barnes, Tatum O’Neal, Ben Piazza, Vic Morrow. Popular sports comedy about down-and-out baseball coach Matthau, who gets the chance to coach team of 10-year-old losers and teaches them self-respect and courage. Funny, foul-mouthed film, a hit with kids. That rousing score is from George Bizet’s opera Carmen. Followed by two sequels and a TV series.

Bad Religion - Along the Way (1989, GER) C-75m. *** D: Matthias Kollek, Thorsten Bach. Early concert footage of punk rock band Bad Religion is worth seeing alone for its phenomenal editing, which makes us believe that film was shot during one show; as a matter of fact, it contains material of fourteen gigs! Check out at what speed the singer changes his T-shirts! The band members give interviews between the musical numbers.

Bad Ronald (1974, USA) C-78m. *** D: Buzz Kulik. Starring Scott Jacoby, Pippa Scott, John Larch, Dabney Coleman, Kim Huner, John Fiedler. Small but fine thriller about Jacoby, a teenage boy who has accidentally killed a little girl and now hides in a secret room of his dead mother’s house. Everything seems to work out fine, until ... Based on a novel by John Holbrooke Vance and originally made for television. One thing to add: Ronald is not really ‘bad’, he is a victim of circumstances.

Bad Taste (1987, NZL) C-90m. **½ D: Peter Jackson. Starring Peter Jackson, Terry Potter, Craig Smith, Mike Minett, Doug Wren. Peter Jackson’s first feature was realized between 1983 and 1987 and shot its director to (splatter-)stardom. The story: Aliens (disguising as farmers and walking around like zombies) have invaded a small coastal village in New Zealand, intending to bring human flesh (delicatessen) back to their planet. Scientist Derek (Jackson) and his “boys” must stop them. Outrageous gore effects, funny lines and slapstick (or, splatshtick), unfortunately outweighed by too many slow spots in the script. Still, rightfully put Jackson on the map, and provided him with the reputation (and money) to film his next movies, MEET THE FEEBLES and BRAINDEAD (thank God). Warning: The title of this movie is an apt description of it. Do not view, if in doubt. This was even shown at the Cannes Film Festival!

Ballad of Cable Hogue, The (1970, USA) C-121m. *** D: Sam Peckinpah. Starring Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, David Warner, Strother Martin, Slim Pickens, L.Q. Jones, R.G. Armstrong. Peckinpah’s follow-up to THE WILD BUNCH is a completely different western. Robards plays a simple-minded but determined drifter who finds water in the desert and decides to build a stop for stagecoaches. Stevens is a hooker who falls in love with him. Not very credible or realistic, and lacking Peckinpah’s trademark directorial style, but fine performances, lyrical scenes make it worthwhile. Score by Jerry Goldsmith.

Bambi (1942, USA) C-70m. **** D: David Hand. Starring (the voices of) Hardy Albright, Stan Alexander, Tim Davis, Paula Winslowe. Timeless, brilliant Disney classic detailing the life of deer Bambi, from childhood to adulthood, in beautiful, haunting images. Full of delightful sequences, with the death of Bambi’s mother and the forest fire standing out. This true masterpiece entails a message that withstands time. An awe-inspiring achievement, right up there with the best films of all time. Based on the novel by Felix Salten. Richly orchestrated score by Edward Plumb. This was Disney’s follow-up to DUMBO (1941).

Bambi II (2006, USA) C-72m. *** D: Brian Pimental. Starring (the voices of) Patrick Stewart, Alexander Gould, Brendan Baerg, Carolyn Hennesy, Nicky Jones. Sequel to the 1942 Disney classic forgets the ending of the original and takes off where the deer is left alone with his father, the great prince of the forest. The stag (voiced by Stewart) is looking for someone to raise his son, while Bambi is waking up to the adventures of the world around him. Many memorable characters return in this spin-off. The animation – lovingly designed, with the original in mind – compensates for modest plotting.

Banda del Gobbo, La (1977, ITA) C-99m. Scope *½ D: Umberto Lenzi. Starring Tomas Milian, Pino Colizzi, Isa Danieli, Sal Borgese, Luciano Catenacci, Tom Felleghy. Crime drama with Milian in a double role: he plays a ruthless hunchback and his twin brother, a mentally retarded mechanic. When Il Gobbo (=the hunchback) is double-crossed at a hold-up he seeks revenge on his partners who’d rather see him dead. Solidly filmed but boring, not funny and trivial. There’s not even enough action to keep you entertained. Milian had played a hunchback before in Lenzi’s ROMA A MANO ARMATA (1976). English title: BROTHERS TILL WE DIE.

Bande à Part (1964, FRA) 97m. ** D: Jean-Luc Godard. Starring Anna Karina, Sami Frey, Claude Brasseur, Michel Delahaye, narrated by Jean-Luc Godard. French art-house icon Godard attempts to repeat the success of his instant classic A BOUT DE SOUFFLE (1960) but result is unmemorable and largely uninspired. Two no-gooders Frey and Brasseur get involved with Karina and decide to rob her aunt. Largely (completely?) improvised crime film goes nowhere with its characters, maintaining a paper-thin pretence. Highly regarded by many Godard enthusiasts, Quentin Tarantino even named his production company ‘Band Apart’ after this movie. See for yourself if this appeals to you. Based on the novel Fool’s Gold by Dolores Hitchens. Score by Michel Legrand. English titles: BAND OF OUTSIDERS, THE OUTSIDERS.

Bandidas (2006, USA/MEX/FRA) C-93m. Scope **½ D: Joachim Roenning, Espen Sandberg. Starring Penélope Cruz, Salma Hayek, Steve Zahn, Dwight Yoakam, Denis Arndt, Sam Shepard. Quite attractive western comedy about Cruz, a farmer’s daughter, and Hayek, a landowner’s daughter, who in turn-of-the-century Mexico join forces in battling ruthless enforcer Yoakam, who steals land for the railway. Filmed with gusto and fervor, but plot is less engaging.  Cowritten and coproduced by Luc Besson, who may have been inspired by the Louis Malle classic VIVA MARIA! (1965).

Bandits (2001, USA) C-123m. Scope **½ D: Barry Levinson. Starring Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Cate Blanchett, Troy Garity, Brian F. O’Byrne, January Jones, Barry Levinson. Off-beat comedy, told in flashback style, about criminals Willis and Thornton (both with funny characterizations), who escape from the joint and perform clever bank robberies. Blanchett, a neurotic married woman, then complicates their relationship considerably. Tries hard to be unusual, but material isn’t tightly woven or funny enough. Written by Harley Peyton, who wrote several Twin Peaks episodes. Photographed by Dante Spinotti.

Bangkok Dangerous (1999, THA) C-105m. *** D: Danny and Oxide Pang. Starring Pawalit Mongkolpisit, Premsinee Ratanasopha, Patharawarin Timkul, Pisek Intrakanchit. Uncompromising, stunningly stylish debut feature from the Pang Brothers about a deaf-mute hitman in Bangkok, who drifts from job to job. When he falls in love with a shopgirl, he finds his life at a crossroads. When his partner falls prey to a syndicate, he also must run for his life. Uneven plot outdone by frenzied direction, editing. Written by the directors, who are twin brothers. Remade by Hollywood in 2008.

Barbarella (1968, FRA/ITA) C-98m. Scope **½ D: Roger Vadim. Starring Jane Fonda, John Phillip Law, Anita Pallenberg, Milo O’ Shea, Marcel Marceau, Claude Dauphin, Veronique Vendell, David Hemmings, Ugo Tognazzi. Perfect late 60s time capsule about sexy astronaut Fonda, who is assigned to track down a mega-criminal that wants to change this peaceful, love-oriented galaxy. Totally corny, at times embarrassingly so, with not-to-be-believed (studio) sets and costumes; a cult classic, also due to Fonda’s striptease during title sequence. From a comic book by Jean-Claude Forest. Script by Terry Southern and Roger Vadim, who was married to Fonda at the time. Photographed by Claude Renoir. Produced by Dina De Laurentiis. Also released as BARBARELLA: QUEEN OF THE GALAXY.

Bare Behind Bars (1977, SPA/GER) C-94m. *½ D: Osvaldo de Oliveira. Starring Maria Stella Splendor. Prison exploitation doesn’t bother with plot, but turns out to be “study“ of lesbianism in prisons. After 90m. this has a rather deadening effect. “Nude show“ is more like it. Uncut print has hardcore footage.

Barnyard (2006, USA/GER) C-90m. *** D: Steve Oedekerk. Starring (the voices of) Kevin James, Courteney Cox, Sam Elliott, Danny Glover, Wanda Sykes, Andie McDowell, David Koechner, Steve Oedekerk. Entertaining animated feature about irresponsible party cow James, who is forced to take his foster father’s role as protector of their barnyard, when a band of coyotes take his life. Not exactly BAMBI (1942), but funny and enjoyable, slightly anarchic, though not as much as SHREK (2001). Written by the director.

Barton Fink (1991, USA) C-116m. **** D: Joel Coen. Starring John Turturro, John Goodman, Judy Davis, Michael Lerner, John Mahoney, Tony Shalhoub, Jon Polito, Steve Buscemi. Dark, brilliant satirical drama, the Coens’ fourth film and perhaps their best. Barton Fink (Turturro), a successful dramatist from New York is called to Hollywood to write a screenplay for a wrestling picture. From his arrival at the Hotel Earle in Los Angeles, nothing goes as planned. Barton is suffering a writer’s block and his next-door neighbor, insurance salesman Charlie Meadows (Goodman) keeps him from concentrating properly. Is experienced novelist Mahoney going to help? And why is the wallpaper peeling? Stylish, surreal masterpiece of filmmaking identifies Hollywood with hell for someone who fails to play according to its rules. BARTON FINK will “show you the life of a mind!”. Turturro and Goodman are excellent, so is Carter Burwell’s theme. Winner of several awards, including all of the important prizes at the Cannes film festival (the first film to accomplish this). One of the best films of the decade.

Basic Instinct (1992, USA) C-128m. Scope *** D: Paul Verhoeven. Starring Michael Douglas, Sharon Stone, George Dzundza, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Daniel von Bargen, James Rebhorn. Fine erotic thriller with Douglas a frustrated cop on the search for an ice-pick killer and his involvement with prime suspect Stone, who’s the prototypical femme fatale. Director Verhoeven creates a maelstrom of sex and violence and keeps the viewer involved at all times. This Hitchcockian thriller was written by Joe Eszterhas. Enticing score by Jerry Goldsmith. Photographed by Jan De Bont.

Basket Case (1982, USA) C-91m. **½ D: Frank Henenlotter. Starring Kevin VanHentenryck, Terri Susan Smith, Beverly Bonner, Robert Vogel, Diana Browne. A young man, carrying his mutated siamese twin around in a basket, comes to N.Y.C. to exact revenge on the doctors who separated them as children. Truly grotesque horror with tongue-in-cheek is well-made (despite the low-budget) but may be too disturbing for some viewers. A cult favorite, followed by two sequels. Written and edited by director Henenlotter.

Basket Case 2 (1990, USA) C-90m. **½ D: Frank Henenlotter. Starring Kevin VanHentenryck, Judy Grafe, Annie Ross, Heather Rattray, Chad Brown, Ted Sorel, David Emge. Sequel to the 1982 cult favorite starts right where the original left off and follows VanHentenryck and his deformed twin to a house of freaks, where they find temporary refuge. Less original plotwise but still ambitious, with a twisted sense of humor and some astounding make-up creations that are reason alone to watch this film (credits list a “man with 37 noses”!). Written by the director. Followed by BASKET CASE 3 in 1992.

Basket Case 3: The Progeny (1992, USA) C-84m. **½ D: Frank Henenlotter. Starring Kevin VanHentenryck, Annie Ross, Gil Roper, Dan Biggers, Jim O’Doherty. Final entry in the BASKET CASE series is similar to second film, as Van Hentenryck and his brother Belial are still protected by Ross’s family of freaks. This time, Belial is about to become a father, and Van Hentenryck finally goes completely crazy. Again, quite enjoyable thanks to some very good make-up effects and a perverted sense of humor. For series fans, others should not bother. Produced by James Glickenhaus, coscripted by the director.

Basquiat (1996, USA) C-106m. **½ D: Julian Schnabel. Starring Jeffrey Wright, David Bowie, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Willem Dafoe, Michael Wincott, Benicio del Toro, Claire Forlani, Parker Posey, Christopher Walken, Courtney Love, Tatum O’Neal, Paul Bartel. Screen-bio of Warhol contemporary Jean-Michel Basquiat (Wright), who made an incredible career, starting out as a grafitti artist and growing to a respected expressionist painter. First half is fine, but film loses dramatic momentum in the second as it becomes all too clear that Basquiat’s lifestyle will inevitably lead to self-destruction. Well-filmed by first-time director Schnabel, but the biggest interest springs from the cast (including Bowie as Andy Warhol). Demonstrates how closely art and drugs are related, though SID AND NANCY was more consequent in that respect. Isabella Rossellini appears unbilled.

Batman (1989, USA) C-126m. **½ D: Tim Burton. Starring Jack Nicholson, Michael Keaton, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Jerry Hall. Long-awaited big-screen debut of the caped crusader (not counting the Adam West TV spin-off) has Batman (Keaton) lock horns with super-criminal The Joker (Nicholson). Impressive production design and special effects almost outshine unspectacular plotting. Keaton is a poor Bruce Wayne, the story setup longish; film finally hits its stride in bombastic finale. All in all slightly more disappointing than impressive … a near miss. Danny Elfman’s score is excellent. Oscar winner for Anthony First’s production design. Prince contributed some songs to the soundtrack. Followed by BATMAN RETURNS.

Batman & Robin (1997, USA) C-120m. *** D: Joel Schumacher. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Uma Thurman, Chris O’Donnel, Alicia Silverstone, Elle MacPherson, Michael Gough. Over-the-top thrill ride featuring Clooney as the new Batman, who has to contend with two super-villains, Mr. Freeze (Arnie) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). Well-directed fourth Batman-film takes some time to get going, but when it does it never lets up. Brilliantly cast, with Schwarzenegger a hyper-cool Mr. Freeze and Thurman a seductive Poison Ivy, film’s breathless pace matches the best action pictures of the 80s and 90s. Its success is mainly due to the fact that the movie is conscious of its comic-book origins and doesn’t take itself seriously. Especially kids will be thrilled. This was the follow-up to BATMAN FOREVER.

Batman Begins (2005, USA) C-141m. Scope **½ D: Christopher Nolan. Starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, Tom Wilkinson, Rutger Hauer, Ken Watanabe, Mark Boon Junior, Linus Roache, Morgan Freeman. Star-studded action blockbuster goes back to the winged crusader’s roots, more or less ignoring the previous BATMAN films. As title indicates, this is one long prologue, following Bruce Wayne’s frustrations after his parents’ murder, his ritualistic exile and his decision to go back and fight crime in the streets of Gotham City. Takes a long time to get going and never really hits its stride, despite high-octane action scenes and a typically intense turn by Bale. One may also wonder why the film shows hardly any comic book style. The choice of the villain (Scarecrow Murphy) is slight as well. Coscripted by director Nolan (MEMENTO).

Batman Forever (1995, USA) C-122m. **½ D: Joel Schumacher. Starring Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O’Donnell, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Drew Barrymore, Rene Auberjonois, Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson, Ed Begley Jr. Schumacher took over from Burton for this third BATMAN entry. Kilmer, replacing Keaton, has two new adversaries: Two-Face (Jones) and the Riddler (Carrey), both of whom have reason to go against Bruce Wayne and Batman. Kidman plays a psychologist with a definite interest in all of them. Stunning set design, eye-popping special effects cannot camouflage undramatic, strangely uninvolving plotting. Besides, the villains are not potent enough to make this work (in fact, they are rather annoying). Still, a rollercoaster ride of a movie, especially for kids. Followed by BATMAN & ROBIN (with much more potent villains).

Batman Returns (1992, USA) C-126m. *** D: Tim Burton. Starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Michael Murphy, Pat Hingle, Vincent Schiavelli, Paul Reubens. Batman returns in this darker, meaner sequel and must face ruthless industrialist Schreck (Walken) and ugly, evil freak The Penguin, who intend to plunge Gotham City into chaos. Meanwhile, the Caped Crusader faces his biggest challenge yet in seductive Catwoman (Pfeiffer), who is beset by revenge. This entry in the series emphasises horror and stands as another triumph of style and production design. A definite improvement over its predecessor, especially in its treatment and conceptualization of good and evil. Well-acted by all, even Keaton is more convincing as Bruce Wayne this time, but Pfeiffer is most impressive and steals the show. Elaborate score by Danny Elfman, special make-up effects by Stan Winston. Followed by BATMAN FOREVER.

Battaglia di El Alamein, La (1969, ITA/FRA) C-96m. Scope ** D: Calvin Jackson Padget (=Giorgio Ferroni). Starring Frederick Stafford, George Hilton, Robert Hossein, Michael Rennie, Ira von Fürstenberg, Enrico Maria Salerno, Sal Borgese, Tom Felleghy. Standard war actioner detailing the strategies of the opposing forces in WW2 Africa and subsequent title battle. No depth whatsoever, but at least production values are adequate. Cast is quite interesting. Score by Carlo Rustichelli, executive produced by Sergio Martino. English titles: DESERT TANKS, THE BATTLE OF EL ALAMEIN.

Battaglia di Maratona, La (1959, ITA) C-85m. Scope ** D: Jacques Tourneur. Starring Steve Reeves, Mylène Demongeot, Miranda Campa, Sergio Fantoni, Ivo Garrani, Daniela Rocca, Daniele Vargas. Colorful but emptyheaded spectacle, set 490 B.C., as Greeks have to fend off attacks by the Persians. Of course, the battle of Marathon is the climax of the film. Instead of concentrating on historical events, director Tourneur has muscleman Steele fall in love with beautiful blonde Demongeot. Interesting for fans of cinematographer Mario Bava, who photographed the film splendidly and also completed the film in Tourneur's absence. He may be responsible for increasingly violent scenes towards the end. English title: THE GIANT OF MARATHON.

Battle Beyond the Stars (1980, USA) C-104m. *½ D: Jimmy T. Murakami. Starring Richard Thomas, Robert Vaughn, John Saxon, George Peppard, Darlanne Fluegel, Sybil Danning, Sam Jaffe, Jeff Corey. Or, JOHN BOY AND THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN IN SPACE. When his planet is under siege from spaceships by warlord Saxon, Thomas sets out to recruit mercenaries to help defend it. Sci-fi movie probably seemed okay in 1980 and five years later, but today it just seems ultra-cheesy. Notable only for some big names involved in the making. John Sayles cowrote the script, Roger Corman coproduced, James Horner composed the music and James Cameron did the art direction (this was his first screen credit). Has a minor cult following, but any ‘Star Trek’ episode is better.

Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973, USA) C-87m. Scope **½ D: J. Lee Thompson. Starring Roddy McDowall, Claude Akins, Natalie Trundy, Severn Darden, Lew Ayres, Paul Williams, Austin Stoker, John Huston, John Landis. Fifth and final installment in the PLANET OF THE APES saga has orang-utan lawgiver Huston narrate around 2600 what happened after Caesar’s revolution some 600 years ago. He has to deal with rebellious Gorillas led by Akins and radioactive humanoids attempting to win back dominance on the surface of the Earth. Almost nothing is left of the appeal of the first films (best sequence: the descent into the Dead City), but this is still a must, if you are a fan. Some prints feature two additional scenes. The series was followed by two television series.

Battle Royale (2000, JAP) C-114m. *½ D: Kinji Fukasaku. Starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, Aki Maeda, Taro Yamamoto, Masanobu Ando, Kou Shibasaki, Chiaki Kuriyama, Beat Takeshi (Kitano).
Some thousand years in the future (which looks more like present day, however), a school class is chosen to be the contestants of a grueling competition. They are flown to a remote island, where they are supposed to kill each other within three days, as there can only be one survivor. Of course, the spectacle will be televised. Lots of shoot-outs and screaming teenagers, but plot and character development is practically non-existent. What’s more, it’s not fun at all. Kitano’s dead-pan performance doesn’t help, either. Uncut print runs 122m. Film’s success prompted a sequel in 2003.

Baxter (1989, FRA) C-82m. **½ D: Jérôme Boivin. Starring Lise Delamare, Jean Mercure, Jacques Spiesser, Catherine Ferran, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Sabrina Leurquin. A movie with a quite daring premise: the dog (a pitbull terrier) is the main character, who narrates the film, giving us his life story as he is passed on from owner to owner. Some interesting observations of the human-dog relationship are offered, but plot is underdeveloped and mostly pointless.

Beach, The (2000, USA) C-119m. Scope **½ D: Danny Boyle. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tilda Swinton, Virginie Ledoyen, Guillaume Canet, Robert Carlyle. Thrill-seeking youngster (DiCaprio) goes to Thailand and hears of a mysterious, Paradise-like beach. He decides to travel there with a French couple and finds something beyond his expectations. Adventure drama is off to an energetic start and maintains interest until the final thirty minutes which are kind of odd and turn DiCaprio into a Col. Kurtz-like madman. Two thirds of a good movie, well-handled by director Boyle (unless you disagree with his off-beat touches). Based on Alex Garland’s novel. Score by Angelo Badalamenti, photographed by Darius Khondji.

Beach Blanket Bingo (1965, USA) C-98m. **½ D: William Asher. Starring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Deborah Walley, Harvey Lembeck, Marta Kristen, Linda Evans, Timothy Carey, Don Rickles, Buster Keaton. A group of slim, handsome teens hang out at the beach, go surfing and live through minor adventures. Beach comedy isn’t much in terms of plot but actors are nicely suibdued and scenery is beautiful. A cult film for 60s surf and beach movie lovers, this was actually the fifth in a whole series of films produced by AIP.

Beast Must Die, The (1974, GBR) C-93m. *** D: Paul Annett. Starring Calvin Lockhart, Peter Cushing, Charles Gray, Marlene Clark, Anton Diffring. Lockhart invites several people to a remote mansion, where he tells them that one of them is a werewolf. He plans to kill the monster during a full moon. The audience is also given a guess at who might be it. Horror draws most of its suspense from the premise. Several redundant sequences but above-average. Not very violent, either. Based on the short story 'There Shall Be No Darkness' by James Blish.

Beast Within, The (1982, USA) C-98m. ** D: Philippe Mora. Starring Ronny Cox, Bibi Besch, Paul Clemens, Don Gordon, R.G. Armstrong, Katherine Moffat, L.Q. Jones, Luke Askew. Not-bad horror film about Cox and his wife Besch, who got raped 17 years ago by a maniac in the woods. Today, Besch’s son Clemens is showing disturbing tendencies, which the couple tries to investigate in the small town where the rape occurred. What is the populace trying to hide from them? Start out quite well, then becomes redundant and finally outright absurd. A okay view for horror aficionados. Tom Holland (FRIGHT NIGHT) scripted from a novel by Edward Levy. Elaborate score by Les Baxter.

Beatrice Cenci (1969, ITA) C-99m. **½ D: Lucio Fulci. Starring Adrienne Larussa, Antonio Casagrande, Tomas Milian, Raymond Pellegrin, Georges Wilson. In 1599, the aristocratic Cenci family are accused of heresy and must flee from the wrath of the Pope. When the tyrannical head of the family falls prey to an intrigue and dies, his daughter, beautiful Beatrice (Larussa) is accused of murder. Confusing narrative hampers proceedings, but drama is well-acted, generally not bad. Surprisingly straight stuff from Fulci, the sixth filmization of the story (1956 version was directed by Riccardo Freda). Also known as PERVERSION STORY.

Beau Serge, Le (1958, FRA) 97m. *** D : Claude Chabrol. Starring Gérard Blain, Jean-Claude Brialy, Michèle Meritz, Bernadette Lafont, Edmond Beauchamp. Claude Chabrol’s first film is also the first film of the French Nouvelle Vague. Dramatic story concerns Brialy’s return to his home village in the country. He encounters old friend Blain, who has started drinking, being unable to pull himself out of his misery. Not among the directors best films, but still highly recommended to cineastes. Philippe de Broca was first assistant director, Chabrol also wrote and produced.

Beautiful Girls (1996, USA) C-113m. *** D: Ted Demme. Starring Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Noah Emmerich, Annabeth Gish, Lauren Holly, Rosie O'Donnell, Max Perlich, Martha Plimpton, Natalie Portman, Michael Rapaport, Mira Sorvino, Uma Thurman, David Arquette. Pleasant-enough drama about Hutton returning to his hometown for a high school class reunion and finding his old pals haven't changed since. Most of them are unhappy with their lives, and he begins to doubt whether his relationship with his wife is so perfect. Good cast in bitter-sweet drama, which will appeal mostly to U.S. Americans, who can identify with the characters. Overlong but worthwhile. Good choice of songs on the soundtrack.

Beauty and the Beast (1991, USA) C-84m. *** D: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise. Starring (the voices of) Robby Benson, Jesse Corti, Rex Everhart, Angela Lansbury, Paige O’Hara, Brian Cummings. Fine Disney version of the famous fable is perfect for kids. Free-sprited Belle opts to stay with ugly beast in his castle, so that her father gets released. The beast has reason to change his brisk behavior as his time on Earth is running out. Well-made, engrossing, though adults should stick with the more poetic Jean Cocteau version. The first animated feature ever to receive a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars. Later extended to 90m.

Becoming Jane (2007, GBR/USA) C-120m. Scope ** D: Julian Jarrold. Starring Anne Hathaway, James McAvoy, Julie Walters, James Cromwell, Maggie Smith, Joe Anderson, Lucy Cohu, Laurence Fox, Ian Richardson. Plodding drama about famed writer Jane Austen, whose letters provide the basis for this feature film. Hathaway plays the novelist, who is confronted with doubts and sexism in late 18th century England. Production design is superb, but the plot shows very little development and moves at a snail’s pace. Richardson’s last film.

Bedhead (1991, USA) B&W-9m. n/r D: Robert Rodriguez. Starring Rebecca Rodriguez, David Rodriguez. Early short from the director of EL MARIACHI (1992) and FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (1996). A girl gets her revenge on her brother, when she suddenly acquires psychic powers after he made her fall on her head. Interesting to watch how Rodriguez is trying for some directorial style here (at the age of 22!), but otherwise pretty flat. Filmed with Rodriguez family members in the cast and crew.

Bed Sitting Room, The (1969, GBR) C-91m. ** D: Richard Lester. Starring Rita Tushingham, Ralph Richardson, Peter Cook, Harry Secombe, Dudley Moore, Spike Milligan, Roy Kinnear, Marty Feldman. Absurd post-apocalyptic satire set in a wasteland (or, rather waste dump) that was once London. A family – with pregnant Tushingham – travel around and meet all kinds of weird characters. Some funny bits, but plot is a mess. A curio at best. Based on Spike Milligan and John Antrobus’ play. Feldman’s film debut.

Bee Movie (2007, USA) C-90m. *** D: Steve Hickner, Simon J. Smith. Starring (the voices of) Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman, Chris Rock, Kathy Bates, Barry Levinson, Larry King, Ray Liotta, Sting, Oprah Winfrey, Megan Mullally, Rip Torn, Jim Cummings. Animated blockbuster from Dreamworks about a simple bee (Seinfeld) who doesn’t want to be one of zillion honey workers and dreams of greater things. On a trip through New York City he befriends florist Zellweger, who can’t believe that bees can talk (can you?). It all comes down to a court hearing where it’s humans vs. bees. If you can get past the movie’s silly plot twists and implausibilities, you’ll be wonderfully entertained, because it has a lot of funny scenes, and that’s what counts in this genre. Animation is first-rate, too.

Before Sunrise (1995, USA/AUT) C-105m. *** D: Richard Linklater. Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Andrea Eckert, Hanno Pöschl, Tex Rubinowitz, Erni Mangold, Peter Ily Huemer. Wonderful romance about Generation X protagonists Hawke and French girl Delpy, who meet on a train to Vienna, fall in love and spend an unforgettable night in the Austrian capital, aware that after they part on the next day, they might never see each other again. Simple but touching drama, well-acted and shot on typically Viennese locations. This cult film for the nineties may be what BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S was for the sixities. Cowritten by director Linklater.

Before Sunset (2004, USA/FRA) C-80m. *** D: Richard Linklater. Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Vernon Dobtcheff. Nine years after BEFORE SUNRISE (1995) Hawke has become a quite successful writer, and he is advertising his latest book in Paris when he meets Delpy again. On an hour-long odyssey through the French capital they exchange their philosophies and try to analyse what they have become. Charming, telling conversation piece unfolds in real-time and perfectly captures the fleeting moments of life as two former lovers re-unite. Contains some bitter truths about life and love. However, the short running time and the fact that it is subordinate to the first film wears it down a bit.

Before the Rain (1994, MAK/GBR/FRA) C-114m. Scope ***½ D: Milcho Manchevski. Starring Katrin Cartlidge, Rade Serbedzija, Gregoire Colin, Labina Mitevska. Intelligent, perceptive drama focusing on the lives of three people, who are all affected in a different way by the war in former Yugoslavia. Film is structured in three parts, which are linked together in a most unusual way. Well-made, beautifully photographed drama, which demonstrates the effects of war on a very personal level. Winner of the Golden Lion in Venice.

Begotten (1991, USA) B&W-71m. n/r D: E. Elias Merhige. Starring Brian Salzberg, Donna Dempsey, Stephen Charles Barry. Bizarre, almost legendary video experiment from the later director of SHADOW OF THE VAMPIRE (2000). Dialogue-free, black-and-white, with often distorted visuals, this is extremely difficult to watch, as it has little coherence and contains explicit violence and nudity. The “plot” starts with a “god” who kills himself with a razor, then “Mother Earth” gives birth to a deformed creature called the “son of Earth”. Impossible to rate, this – like all of expressive visual art – will depend on how you see it. One might ask why this is stretched out beyond short film length. Like it or not, this has become a cult item. Also shown at 78m.

Beguiled, The (1971, USA) C-105m. *** D: Don Siegel. Starring Clint Eastwood, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth Hartman, Jo Ann Harris, Darleen Carr, Pamelyn Ferdin. Unusual drama about wounded civil war soldier Eastwood, who comes to a girls' school in the South, where his wounds are treated despite him being a Yankee. The fact that he is a man causes much more upheaval (and jealousy) among the women. Engrossing drama, based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan, has a disappointing ending, but is highly recommended to fans of the off-beat. Good score by Lalo Schifrin.

Being, The (1983, USA) C-82m. *½ D: Jackie Kong. Starring Martin Landau, Marianne Gordon, Rexx Coltrane (=Bill Osco), José Ferrer, Dorothy Malone. Pretty bad horror film about a town which is terrorized by a slimy monster, a mutation caused by toxic waste. Basically an ALIEN-ripoff, only with a different setting. Actors are dull, so is script. Horror freaks might enjoy gory effects (and frequent nudity). Filmed in 1980. Alternative titles: FREAK, EASTER SUNDAY, THE POTTSVILLE HORROR.

Being John Malkovich (1999, USA) C-112m. ***½ D: Spike Jonze. Starring John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, John Malkovich, Mary Kay Place, Charlie Sheen. Extraordinary, intelligent fantasy about brilliant but penniless puppeteer  Cusack, who takes the job of sorting files on floor 7½ (!) of a skyscraper and subsequently discovers a strange, mind-expanding portal… Funny, even philosophical one-of-a-kind movie, highlighted by many offbeat characters, including Diaz as Cusack’s ugly, animal-obsessed wife, Bean as his mysterious boss and lots of celebrities, who appear as themselves (Charlie Sheen, Brad Pitt, Dustin Hoffman, Michelle Pfeiffer, Gary Sinise, Winona Ryder). A must-see. Jonze’s first film, perhaps influenced by Terry Gilliam’s BRAZIL.

Beiqing Chengsi (1989, TIW) C-157m. ** D: Hou Hsiao-Hsien. Starring Tony Leung. Deadening chronicle of the hard times a Taiwanese family have to live through when the Japanese emperor resigns after World War Two. Quite ambitious but never lives up to its intentions. Uninvolving direction (the majority of scenes is shot from a far distance) gives the impression of an indifferent approach by the film-makers. This is about as exciting as a history book, but nevertheless won a prize at the Venice film festival.

Bell Boy, The (1960, USA) 72m. ** D: Jerry Lewis. Starring Jerry Lewis, Bill Richmond. Plotless comedy about bell boy Lewis and his misfortunes in a hotel in Florida. Hardly funny, although it was quite popular and successful when originaly released. Richmond does a scary impression of the comedian Stan Laurel (of Laurel & Hardy fame). Lewis’ first film as a director; he also wrote and coproduced.

Belle Américaine, La (1961, FRA) 100m. ** D: Robert Dhéry. Starring Robert Dhéry, Colette Brosset, Alfred Adam, Louis de Funès, Christian Marin, Michel Serrault, Jean Carmet, Jean Lefebvre, Claude Piéplu, Pierre Tchernia, Grosso et Modo. Mild, dated comedy about factory worker Dhéry, who buys a used American car, which leads to his becoming the talk of the town. Slowly paced, old-fashioned nostalgia for fans of French cinema. Of interest mainly because of appearances of Serrault and de Funès (pre-stardom). Serrault gives a terrific performance, de Funès offers one of his pantomime routines. Also shown in computer-colored version. English titles: THE AMERICAN BEAUTY, WHAT A CHASSIS.

Belle de Jour (1967, FRA/ITA) C-101m. ***½ D: Luis Bunuel. Starring Catherine Deneuve, Jean Sorel, Michel Piccoli, Geneviève Page, Pierre Clémenti, Francoise Fabian, Francisco Rabal, Francis Blanche, Bernard Fresson, Luis Bunuel. Outstanding character study and examination of bourgeois morals is one of master surrealist Bunuel’s most famous films. Young Deneuve’s seemingly perfect marriage and relationship with her husband, doctor Sorel, is flawed by masochistic tendencies inside herself. She flees into the world of prostitution and starts leading a double life. Her descent and guilt is followed consequently by director Bunuel. Altogether fascinating treaty on the corset of the bourgeoisie was a scandal when originally released. Today it is a key film of the mid-1960s. Photographed by Sacha Vierny, costumes by Yves Saint-Laurent. For a similar examination of sexual fantasies and obsessions turn to Stanley Kubrick’s EYES WIDE SHUT (1999), for which this may have been an influence.

Belle Epoque (1992, SPA/POR/FRA) C-109m. Scope **½ D: Fernando Trueba. Starring Penélope Cruz, Miriam Díaz Aroca, Gabino Diego, Fernando Fernán Gómez, Michel Galabru. Seems familiar: In 1931 Spain a deserted soldier meets and falls in love with four sisters who happen to be visiting their father at his rural estate. Many amusing complications ensue until the man finally knows which girl to prefer. A hit in many countries but plot is overlong and not very stimulating (the actresses are, though). Nevertheless won a Best Foreign Film Oscar. For a more subtle (and sensuous) love comedy watch SIRENS (1994).

Belly of the Beast (2003, CDN/HGK/GBR) C-91m. *½ D: Ching Siu-Tung. Starring Steven Seagal, Byron Mann, Monica Lo, Tom Wu. Almost completely worthless actioner with Seagal an ex-CIA agent going to Thailand to recover kidnapped daughter. Buddhist clichés abound, a fat, old “hero” and a plot that is a throw-back to 80s video store bombs. Photography and direction (by genre-great Ching) is actually quite good, but it can’t save this turkey.

Belphégor – Le Fantôme du Louvre (2001, FRA) C-97m. Scope **½ D: Jean-Paul Salomé. Starring Sophie Marceau, Michel Serrault, Frédéric Diefenthal, Julie Christie, Jean-Francois Balmer, Juliette Gréco. An Egyptian mummy is brought to the famous Louvre in Paris, replete with ancient curse and angry pharao. Marceau, a young woman who lives near the museum is temporarily possessed by Belphégor… can her new lover Diefenthal help, or old expert Serrault? Well-produced, flashy horror suffers from overly realistic, hi-tech setting but pace is swift, and Serrault and Christie are fun to watch. Based on the novel by Arthur Bernède, which was filmed before as a mini-series in the 1960s. English title: BELPHEGOR – PHANTOM OF THE LOUVRE.

Belva dalla Calda Pelle, La (1982, ITA) C-92m. ** D: Bruno Fontana. Starring Angelo Infanti, Laura Gemser, Gabriele Tinti, Giovanni Brusadore, Salvatore Lago. Pure exploitation about a group of mercenaries who are double-crossed and must fend for themselves in hot countryside (probably somewhere in Greece). Soon the men’s loyalty to each other is put to a test, especially after they are seemingly seduced by a beautiful stranger (Gemser). Improves slightly after the appearance of Gemser (rather late in the movie). Exploitation fans watch this sleaze because of the dialogue (like “How long has it been since you had a hot cunt?”), others needn’t bother. Also known as THE DIRTY SEVEN, and EMMANUELLE, QUEEN OF THE DESERT.

Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970, USA) C-95m. Scope ***½ D: Ted Post. Starring James Franciscus, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, Linda Harrison, Paul Richards, Victor Buono, Charlton Heston. After the startling revelation at the end of PLANET OF THE APES, Heston has traveled on into the wastelands of the Forbidden Zone. Astronaut Franciscus, on a mission to find out what happened to Heston and his crew, retraces his steps, meets the ape characters of the first film and stumbles into a mysterious subterranean maze. Is Heston, or at least an explanation for everything to be found there? Riveting sequel is fast-paced, tightly edited and even shocking and frightening, especially in the second half. The most violent and horror film-like of the series. Stunning sci-fi, best-enjoyed right after the 1968 original. Followed by ESCAPE FROM THE PLANET OF THE APES.

Beneath the Valley of the Ultra-Vixens (1979, USA) C-93m. *** D: Russ Meyer. Starring Kitten Natividad, Ken Kerr, Stuart Lancaster, Henry Rowland, Uschi Digard, Russ Meyer. Typically engaging, tongue-in-cheek sex movie from the genre’s master about Small Town, U.S.A., where the citizens have typical problems, mostly related to sex. Worker Kerr can’t look his sexy wife Natividad in the eyes during the act, so he searches for a cure at a most unusual radio station. Fast-paced, with outrageous characters and ideas, and a purple-prose narrative that holds it all together. One of Meyer’s best. This was his last theatrical film, despite the announcement of a sequel JAWS OF THE VIXEN, which was never made. Meyer made one more movie (for the video market) three years before his death, PANDORA PEAKS (2001). Cowritten by Roger Ebert, who had collaborated with Meyer for the classic BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS (1970) and the lesser UP! (1976).

Beowulf (2007, USA) C-113m. Scope *** D: Robert Zemeckis. Starring Ray Winstone, Robin Wright-Penn, Anthony Hopkins, Sebastian Roché, John Malkovich, Crispin Glover, Angelina Jolie, Chris Coppola, Alison Lohman. Computer-generated adaptation of the epic medieval poem, much like director Zemeckis’ earlier THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004). Aging king Hopkins makes a call out to heroes to free his people from monstrous creature Grendel that comes down from his mountain lair every once in a while to wreak havoc on the community. Enter heroic warrior Beowulf (Winstone), who might even become the king’s successor if he can kill the monster. A bit simplistic storywise, but these flaws are quickly forgotten in bombastic action sequences, all set to a majestic score by Alan Silvestri. CGI effects are not entirely seamless, but with such a sweeping spectacle it doesn’t really matter. A powerful movie experience, which was also shown in 3-D. Screenplay by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary. Filmed several times before, most recently as BEOWULF & GRENDEL (2005).

Bersaglio Altezza d’Uomo (1979, ITA) C-79m. ** D: Guido Zurli. Starring Luc Merenda, Gabriella Giorgelli, Kadir Inanir, Paola Senatore. Third-rate actioner about inspector Merenda, who’s a tough crime fighter. One day, the syndicate blackmail one of his colleagues into assassinating him. Guess what happens next. Tired plot somehow kept alive by rythmical Stelvio Cipriani score. Original version may run longer. English title: TARGET.

Berserker (1987, USA) C-84m. ** D: Jefferson Richard. Starring Joseph Alan Johnson, Greg Dawson, Valerie Sheldon, Shannon Engemann, George ‘Buck’ Flower. Mid-80s slasher fodder. Several teens go camping in the woods (so much for originality) and finds themselves stalked by a msyterious creature. Adequate acting saves this, although it is rather slowly paced. Also known as BERSERKER: THE NORDIC CURSE.

Besat (1999, DAN) C-95m. **½ D: Anders Ronnow-Klarlund. Starring Ole Lemmeke, Kirsti Eline Torhaug, Ole Ernst, Niels Anders Thorn, Udo Kier. A Danish virologist investigates the mysterious death of a Romanian in Copenhagen and travels to Bucarest, where a similar case has been recorded. Was it a virus? And does enigmatic priest/astrologer Kier want to detroy the world with it? Good-looking horror thriller bears the mark of a talented but incomplete director. Interest comes and goes, but pace and suspense in finale will keep you watching. Not bad, but certainly not good either (it’s closer to a ** than a *** rating). Aka POSSESSED. Produced by Lars von Trier’s Zentropa Company.