I Am Legend (2007, USA) C-101m. Scope *** D: Francis Lawrence. Starring Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith, Emma Thompson. Third film version of Richard Matheson’s novel about a research scientist (Smith) who is the only one immune to epidemic which wipes out mankind and turns most survivors into vampiric creatures that can only survive in darkness. By day Smith roams New York City with his dog looking for other survivors. Intriguing, almost pessimistic apocalyptic horror film with impressive special effects. Previously filmed as L’ULTIMO UOMO DELLA TERRA / THE LAST MAN ON EARTH (1964) with Vincent Price and THE OMEGA MAN (1971) with Charlton Heston. Score by James Newton Howard. Also shown with an alternate ending.

Ibis Rouge, L' (1975, FRA) C-80m. ***½ D: Jean-Pierre Mocky. Starring Michel Serrault, Michel Galabru, Michel Simon. Absurd, funny, typically anarchic Mocky satire about a psychopathic moron (Serrault), who feels compulsed to strangle women, ever since a fly landed on the decolletée of his piano teacher when he was a boy. Michel Galabru plays an indebted salesman, who by chance learns the murderer's identity. Central setting of the film is a Greek restaurant, whose owner is a sleazy cut-throat. Deliciously weird characters, intriguing plot complications, and a twisted sense of humor make this one a winner from start to finish. Written by Mocky, based on the novel by N.N.

Ice Age (2002, USA) C-81m. *** D: Chris Wedge, Carlos Saldanha. Starring the voices of Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Goran Visnjic. Episodic adventure set during the Ice Age (some 20,000 years ago) about a sloth and a mammoth who make friends and join forces in saving a human baby from a horde of sabre-tooth tigers. Over-the-top cartoon-like action prevails in this nicely computer-animated kids’ movie, which has some very funny scenes, however. Uneven but enjoyable.

Ice Storm, The (1997, USA) C-113m. ***½ D: Ang Lee. Starring Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Elijah Wood, Christina Ricci. Director Lee wanders Chabrol territory in this excellent drama based on the novel by Rick Moody. In 1973 America, whose mind is still occupied by Watergate and Nixon, tragic events shake the lives of two middle-class families. Kline is having an affair with neighbor and friend Weaver to forget about problems with his frustrated wife Allen. Their children, left alone with their own worries, are about to discover sex as a means of becoming independent from their parents. Lee makes everything right in this absorbing tale, which climaxes in the title catastrophe. Appropriately low-key, sensitively handled period piece. Weaver is especially good in a stylish role. Sexual awakening of the teenagers is explored, perhaps, in too much detail.

Ichijo Sayuri: Nureta Yokujo (1972, JAP) C-69m. Scope *½ D: Tatsumi Kumashiro. Starring Sayuri Ichijo, Hiroko Isayama, Kazuko Shirakawa. Sex movie about a famous stripper (Ichijo, who plays herself), who has plans to retire from this type of prostitution and a colleague wants to be like her. Some unusual (but pointless) directorial touches don’t do anything to relieve you of your boredom. Also known as SAYURI, THE STRIPPER.

I... comme Icare (1979, FRA) C-127m. **** D: Henri Verneuil. Starring Yves Montand, Michel Etcheverry, Jacqueline Staup, Georges Staquet, Roland Blanche, Jacques Sereys, Didier Sauvegrain, Jean Negroni, Roger Planchon, Michel Albertini, Brigitte Lahaie. One year after the French President’s assassination, attourney general Montand reassesses the seemingly solved case and discovers several clues that hint toward a conspiracy. Superb political thriller, with parallels to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, is riveting from start to finish. Montand is perfect as a man obsessed with finding out the truth. Excellent score by Ennio Morricone. One of the best political thrillers ever made, with the final 15 minutes particularly stunning. Written and produced by director Verneuil (PEUR SUR LA VILLE).

Identity (2003, USA) C-90m. Scope ** D: James Mangold. Starring John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, John Hawkes, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, John C. McGinley, William Lee Scott, Jake Busey, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Rebecca De Mornay. One rainy night, several unrelated strangers are holed up in a motel in the middle of nowhere, with flooded streets making it impossible to get out. Then, one after the other, these people are killed off… by whom or what? Thriller has a ridiculous plot and a twist near the end which tries to make the illogical work, but overall dullness prevails. The narrative structure is the only interesting thing about this one.

Idioterne (1998, DAN/SWE/NOR/FRA/ITA/GER) C-117m. ** D: Lars von Trier. Starring Bodil Jorgensen, Jens Albinus, Anne Louise Hassing, Troels Lyby, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Henrik Prip, Luis Mesonero, voice of Lars von Trier. Originally titled DOGMA #2: THE IDIOTS, this unconventional satire by Danish mastermind Lars von Trier is the second film that conforms entirely to a 1995 pamphlet issued by von Trier and several other filmmakers that declares special effects, costumes and elaborate camera perspectives obsolete, in order to achieve the highest possible degree of immediacy in the filmmaking process. Story concerns a group of people, who live in a villa in a small Danish town pretending to be mentally retarded. They mock at society, try to make money out of everything and generally enjoy themselves when they can do what they like. The point of the film may be social criticism, but it takes far too long to get there, and without an apparent structure in the script, this soon becomes tedious. Film has its moments, is well-acted and sometimes even hilarious, but also unpleasasant and disturbing at some points. No touch of genius here, a major disappointment from the director of such masterpieces as THE ELEMENT OF CRIME, MEDEA, EUROPA, RIGET and BREAKING THE WAVES.

I Dismember Mama (1974, USA) C-85m. *½ D: Paul Leder. Starring Zooey Hall, Geri Reischl, Joanne Moore Jordan, Greg Mullavy, Marlene Tracy, Rosella Olsen. Mean-spirited psycho drama about mental patient Hall, who hates his mother more than anything else. When he escapes from the asylum, he tortures his mother’s housekeeper and kidnaps her 11-year-old daughter. Lumbering account of mental depravity, not the gorefest one would expect from a film with such a title. Don’t mistake this for a horror film. Also known as CRAZED, POOR ALBERT AND LITTLE ANNIE.

Idle Hands (1999, USA) C-90m. *½ D: Rodman Flender. Starring Devon Sawa, Seth Green, Elden Henson, Jessica Alba, Vivica A. Fox, Christopher Hart. Pretty stupid horror comedy about clueless pothead Sawa, whose hometown is gripped by grisly murders and then realizes that it’s his hand – his possessed hand – that has committed them. Contrived, tasteless and hardly funny. The stuff dumb teenagers root for.

I Dreamed of Africa (2000, USA) C-114m. Scope **½ D: Hugh Hudson. Starring Kim Basinger, Vincent Perez, Liam Aiken, Eva Marie Saint. Adaptation of Kuki Gallmann’s autobiographical book about her decision to move to Africa with her son and new lover and the troubles that she encounters there. Uneven film is buoyed by Basinger excellent performance, although some plot twists are a little tough to take. Score by Maurice Jarre.

I Escaped from Devil’s Island (1973, USA/MEX) C-87m. *½ D: William Witney. Starring Christopher George, Rick Ely, James Luisi, Jim Brown. Despite colorful title, this thriller is one big disappointment. Several prisoners try to escape from Caribbean island nicknamed Devil’s Island. Trivial, talky, not entertaining at all. Veteran Witney’s direction is not bad, but this boat sinks fast. Produced by Gene and Roger Corman. Score by Les Baxter.

Igor and the Lunatics (1985, USA) C-80m. M D: Bill Parolini. Starring Joseph Eero, Joe Niola. Amateurish and eventually confusing Troma nonsense about a man whose involvement with a sect years ago comes back to haunt him when the guru is released from prison. Or something like that. Film turns into standard slasher fare in the second half with Igor (actually spelled Ygor in the closing credits) just a marginal character that is given a freakish spin by Joe Niola. Uncut print probably runs 81m.

Iguana dalla Lingua di Fuoco, L’ (1971, ITA/FRA/GER) C-95m. **½ D: Willy Pareto (=Riccardo Freda). Starring Luigi Pistilli, Dagmar Lassander, Anton Diffring, Arthur O’Sullivan, Werner Pochath, Valentina Cortese, Riccardo Freda. Slowly paced giallo about a murdered woman, who is discovered in the trunk of the Dutch ambassador’s car in Dublin, Ireland. Reinstated inspector Pistilli is out to investigate. Stylish, moody bits make this rather violent and nasty thriller watchable, but mainly for fans. Director Freda (I VAMPIRI) also coscripted and edited the picture. Fine score by Stelvio Cipriani (who did the music for Mario Bava’s ANTEFATTO that same year, which also starred Pistilli). English title: THE IGUANA WITH THE TONGUE OF FIRE.

I Hired a Contract Killer (1990, FIN/GER/GBR/SWE) C-80m. **½ D: Aki Kaurismäki. Starring Jean-Pierre Léaud, Margi Clarke, Kenneth Colley, T.R. Bowen, Imogen Claire, Peter Graves, Serge Reggiani, Aki Kaurismäki. Very slight comedy drama about loser Léaud, who decides to kill himself after losing his job. He eventually hires a contract killer but then falls in love and wants to get out of the contract. This is the premise for some truly off-beat ideas and situations, but Kaurismäki’s direction is minimalistic, which may bore the audience at times. Still, a cult favorite, especially with Kaurismäki’s fans. A matter of taste. Edited by Kaurismäki, the creator of the LENINGRAD COWBOYS.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997, USA) C-101m. Scope *** D: Jim Gillespie. Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Anne Heche. Four teenagers dispose of a man whom they have run over with their car without telling the police and are shocked when a year later a letter with the title message arrives. Thriller written by Kevin Williamson of SCREAM fame offers a clever premise and standard, often unimaginative plot, but delivers nevertheless. Surprisingly well-made and effective, good of its type. Followed by a sequel (I STILL KNOW...).

Il Etait une Fois un Flic (1972, FRA/ITA) C-100m. ** D: Georges Lautner. Starring Michel Constantin, Michael Lonsdale, Daniel Ivernel, Mireille Darc, Venantino Venantini, Robert Dalban, Charles Southwood, Robert Castel, Alain Delon. Constantin plays an undercover cop, who is assigned to bust drug smuggling syndicate by impersonating a dead dealer’s brother. Darc has to play his wife. Crime movie with humorous undertones sparks very little interest, despite being cowritten by Francis Veber and the director (adapting a novel by Richard Caron). The cast is quite good, though. Also known as FLIC STORY, THERE WAS ONCE A COP.

Illustrated Man, The (1969, USA) C-103m. Scope ** D: Jack Smight. Starring Rod Steiger, Claire Bloom, Robert Drivas, Don Dubbins, Jason Evers, Tim Weldon, Christie Matchett. Disappointing adaptation of short stories by Ray Bradbury, with Steiger playing the title character, a tramp who is looking for the woman who illustrated his entire body. Young wanderer Drivas' encounter with the man enables him to see the future in some of his tattoos. Odd sci-fi is too slowly paced to engross the viewer, although the acting is quite intense. Score by Jerry Goldsmith, photography by Philip Lathrop generate some interest.

I Love You, Alice B. Toklas! (1968, USA) C-93m. *** D: Hy Averback. Starring Peter Sellers, Jo Van Fleet, Leigh Taylor-Young, Joyce Van Patten. Winning comedy-drama about conservative lawyer Sellers, who at 35 finally decides to marry but then is drawn into the world of hippies and flower children. He leaves his spouse and has an affair with beautiful hippie Taylor-Young. Finally it dawns on him that he is just shying away from taking responsibilities. Not very credible, but entertaining, well-acted and well-scored (by Elmer Bernstein). Written and executive produced by Paul Mazursky and Larry Tucker.

Ilsa, She Wolf of the SS (1975, USA) C-96m. ** D: Don Edmonds. Starring Dyanne Thorne, Gregory Knoph, Tony Mumolo, Maria Marx, C.D. Lafleur (=George ‘Buck’ Flower), Uschi Digard, David F. Friedman. One of the most influential Nazisploitation films. The title character is a sexy blond German prison camp commander, who gets her kicks out of torturing, abusing and having sex with her prisoners. Initial interest wears off when it becomes clear that the film has no plot, but Thorne’s physique is amazing (she was 42 shen this was made!). Typical exploitation film was so successful, it spawned three sequels and many imitations. Followed by ILSA, HAREM-KEEPER OF THE OIL SHEIKS.

Ilsa, Harem Keeper of the Oil Sheiks (1976, CDN/USA) C-93m. ** D: Don Edmonds. Starring Dyanne Thorne, Michael (=Max) Thayer, Victor Alexander (=Jerry Delony), Elke Von (=Uschi Digard), Haji Cat (=Haji), Wolfgang Roehm (=Richard Kennedy), George ‘Buck’ Flower. Ilsa, from ILSA, SHE-WOLF OF THE SS (1975), resumes her murderous ways in an Arabian harem, which comes under scrutiny from two Americans. More of the same, though less violent

Ilsa, Tigress of Siberia (1977, CDN) C-92m. **½ D: Jean LaFleur. Starring Dyanne Thorne, Michel-René Labelle, Gilbert Beaumont, Jean-Guy Latour, Terry Haig. Pretty vile but somehow enjoyable exploitation flick is a mélange of torture and sex. Thorne is convincing as tyrannic ruler of a Siberian prison camp anno 1953. During the day she devises cruel methods for rebellious prisoners to die, by night she needs not one but two of her prison guards to satisfy her lust. After the Stalinist regime ends, Ilsa picks up her evil doings as a mafia boss in present-day Canada(!). Extremely violent, corny fun for cult movie buffs. It even references Kubrick and Pasolini! Third ILSA movie, though fourth in a series, following GRETA – HAUS OHNE MÄNNER (1977). Produced by Roger Corman and Ivan Reitman. Also known as TIGRESS.

Images (1972, USA/GBR) C-101m. Scope ***½ D: Robert Altman. Starring Susannah York, René Auberjonois, Marcel Bozzuffi, Hugh Millais, Cathryn Harrison. Troubled author of children’s books York travels with her husband to a cottage in Ireland, where she spent her childhood. She dreams up persons who have at one time played a role in her life. Dreamworld and reality merge in this masterfully directed, beautifully photographed (by Vilmos Zsigmond) psycho drama. Brilliant score (by John Williams) and sound effects add to the unique feel of the film. A shattering portrait of a broken mind. Based on In Search of Unicorns, a story by Susannah York, the film’s star.

Immortal Beloved (1995, GBR/USA) C-120m. Scope *** D: Bernard Rose. Starring Gary Oldman, Jeroen Krabbé, Isabella Rossellini, Johanna ter Steege, Marco Hofschneider, Miriam Margolyes, Barry Humphries, Valeria Golino, Bernard Rose. Fine, gripping bio-pic looks at the personality of great composer Ludwig van Beethoven (played with conviction by Gary Oldman), his obsession with music, his triumphs and, ultimately, his anger at slowly becoming deaf. All this is framed by his personal secretary Krabbé’s attempts at finding Beethoven’s ‘immortal beloved’, a mystery woman, to whom the late master has bequeathed his wealth. Writer-director Rose’s quite unexpected follow-up to the horror shocker CANDYMAN (1992) is a well-scripted, well-photographed and especially well-scored historical drama. Beethoven’s symphonies are ingeniously incorporated in the plot (kudos to music director Georg Solti). Unfortunately a little too long and slightly self-conscious, this might have been a great film.

Immortel (ad vitam) (2004, FRA/ITA/GBR) C-103m. **½ D: Enki Bilal. Starring Linda Hardy, Thomas Kretschmann, Charlotte Rampling, Frédéric Pierrot, Thomas M. Pollard, Jean-Louis Trintignant. Futuristic thriller set in 2095 New York. Egyptian God Horus is getting ready to enter the human world from his floating pyramid to find a suitable woman to impregnate. He enters astronaut Kretschmann’s body to make love to mysterious Hardy, who is being studied by scientist Rampling. Rather impenetrable graphic novel adaptation by the artist himself wallows in futuristic designs and ideas and constantly reminds one of films like BLADE RUNNER (1982), without having the necessary plot to make this as good. Some of the characters are computer-animated.

Impasse (1970, USA) C-105m. ** D: Richard Benedict. Starring Burt Reynolds, Anne Francis, Lyle Bettger, Rodolfo Acosta, Jeff Corey, Clarke Gordon, Miko Mayama, Joanne Dalsass, Vic Diaz. Unimportant diversion, only interest springs from early Reynolds performance. Burt plays an adventurer in search for gold on the Philippines. Script quite complicated, Reynolds seems relaxed but you’ll have forgotten the film completely in three days.

Impatto Mortale (1984, ITA) C-81m. *½ D: Larry Ludman (=Fabrizio De Angelis). Starring Bo Svenson, Fred Williamson, Giovanni Lombardo Radice, Vincent Conte. Low-rent, profane buddy comedy about cop Svenson’s chase for two killers, who are after a secret code that can predict winnigs at casinos in Las Vegas. Williamson is his sidekick. A poor excuse for a movie, but at least Williamson and Svenson seem to be having a good time. Also known as GIANT KILLER and DEADLY IMPACT.

Importance of Being Earnest, The (2002, GBR/FRA/USA) C-97m. Scope **½ D: Oliver Parker. Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Frances O’Connor, Reese Witherspoon, Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, Anna Massey, Edward Fox, Patrick Godfrey. Seventh film version of the Oscar Wilde play (including the TV adaptations) has a game cast and good production values. Everett and Firth are two womanizing gentlemen in the late 19^th century, who both pretend to be called ‘Ernest’. Then circumstances force them to play each other’s alter ego, much to the confusion of the women they have fallen in love with. Seems overdone occasionally. Written by the director.

Impostor (2002, USA) C-95m. **½ D: Gary Fleder. Starring Gary Sinise, Madeleine Stowe, Vincent D’Onofrio, Tony Shalhoub, Mekhi Phifer, Tim Guinee, Lindsay Crouse, Elizabeth Pena. In the year 2079 humanity is at war with extra-terrestrials from Alpha Centauri, and Sinise has just developed a powerful weapon, when authorities claim that he is actually a replicant made to resemble himself. They want to kill him, but he manages to escape. Can he prove that he is human? Adaptation of a short story by Philip K. Dick almost seems like a TOTAL RECALL (1990) remake. Sinise is compelling in this sci-fi tale that otherwise remains rather undistinguinshed. Sat on the shelf for a year. R-rated cirector’s cut runs 102m.

Im Staub der Sterne (1976, GDR) C-100m. **½ D: Gottfried Kolditz. Starring Jana Brejchová, Ekkehard Schall, Alfred Struwe, Leon Niemczyk. Pretty bizarre, utopian sci-fi, one of only a handful produced in East Germany. A spaceship follows a rescue call to a distant planet and finds the civilization there is not in need of help. Obviously, the race in charge is hiding something. Unconvincing, rather cheap, but so outlandish it will keep you watching. A real curio, for buffs, with some rather adult scenes, even a few unsettling ones. Similar in tone to John Boorman’s ZARDOZ (1974). Re-titled KRIEG DER PLANETEN. English title: IN THE DUST OF THE STARS.

In Cold Blood (1967, USA) 134m. Scope **** D: Richard Brooks. Starring Robert Blake, Scott Wilson, John Forsythe, Paul Stewart, Will Geer. Brilliant adaptation of Truman Capote’s semidocumentary about two young delinquents who murder a family, and their subsequent trial and execution. Film is perfectly realized, direction, score, photography, acting and especially the script are all superb. An awe-inspiring achievement, one of the best films of the 1960s.

Incontro nell’Ultimo Paradiso (1982, ITA) C-93m. ** D: Umberto Lenzi. Starring Sabrina Siani, Rodolfo Bigotti, Renato Miracco, Sal Borgese. Naive jungle adventure about two pals who are stranded in the jungle and find the company of a blond primitive most stimulating. However, there are diamond smugglers nearby, who feel disturbed by the trio. Low-brow, low-grade, harmless adventure comedy that Lenzi made right after CANNIBAL FEROX! Some of the slapstick is actually quite funny. Aka DAUGHTER OF THE JUNGLE, ADVENTURES IN LAST PARADISE.

Inconvenient Truth, An (2006, USA) C-96m. *** D: Davis Guggenheim. Compelling documentary by Al Gore based on his presentation about the extent and consequences of global warming. Facts and figures and given to demonstrate how vital this is to the future of mankind. A harrowing criticism of the Bush administration and America’s role in global warming, Gore eloquently states his claim. Not exceptional as a film per se (the presentation is undercut by some remarks regarding Gore’s private life), but compelling nonetheless.

Incorrigible, L’ (1975, FRA) C-99m. **½ D: Philippe de Broca. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, Geneviève Bujold, Julien Guiomar, Charles Gérard, Daniel Ceccaldi, Capucine, Andréa Ferréol, Elizabeth Teissier, Anémone. Belmondo’s energetic, restless performance as the title character, a swindler, is the whole show in this comedy based on a novel by Alex Varoux. Released from prison, Belmondo resumes his fraudulent ways and gets himself in trouble, while wooing a young woman (Bujold). Not much plot, but quite funny. Belmondo’s fourth collaboration with director de Broca (LES TRIBULATIONS D’UN CHINOIS EN CHINE). Score by Georges Delerue. English title: THE INCORRIGIBLE.

Incredibles, The (2004, USA) C-115m. Scope **½ D: Brad Bird. Starring (the voices of) Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, Dominique Louis, Teddy Newton, Elizabeth Pena, Brad Bird, John Ratzenberger. Pixar’s follow-up to FINDING NEMO (2003) was an equally big box-office hit. A family of former superheroes, who live undercover (unhappily) in suburbia, are suddenly called back to action. Full of great animation and ideas, but story is pat and not really aimed at kids (remember SPY KIDS?) and film is really just one big orgy of destruction. It climaxes in the thrashing and wrecking of an entire city, which puts real acts of terrorism to shame. Still, it won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature. Adults may enjoy the countless references to film classics.

Incredible Shrinking Man, The (1957, USA) 81m. *** D: Jack Arnold. Starring Grant Williams, Randy Stuart, April Kent, Paul Langton, Raymond Bailey. Classic B-movie with a title that explains it all. Everyman Williams is exposed to a strange mist and mysteriously starts shrinking – until he’s no bigger than a match! Then the real problems begin. Serious, dramatic, compelling fantasy criticized nuclear testing. Based on the novel The Shrinking Man by Richard Matheson (his first screen credit).

Incubo sulla Città Contaminata (1980, ITA/SPA) C-92m. Scope *½ D: Umberto Lenzi. Starring Mel Ferrer, Hugo Stiglitz, Laura Trotter. Radioactive zombies arrive by plane and wreak havoc among the population of a big city. Basically just another bad DAWN OF THE DEAD imitation but slightly more intelligent than others. Well-edited splatter movie also comes up with a nice score. U.S. title: CITY OF THE WALKING DEAD. Also known as NIGHTMARE CITY.

Incubus (1982, CDN) C-96m. M D: John Hough. Starring John Cassavetes, Kerrie Keane, Helen Hughes, Erin Flannery, Duncan McIntosh, John Ireland. Vague horror film about surgeon Cassavetes and his attempts to find out what is killing many young women and why it is trying to impregnate them. Nihilistic plot, atmosphere in typically mindless and pretentious early 80s horror shocker. Wait for a rerun of THE EXORCIST instead. Cassavetes is wasted in this adaptation of Ray Russel's novel.

Independence Day (1996, USA) C-153m. Scope *½ D: Roland Emmerich. Starring Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Margaret Colin, Will Smith, Vivica A. Fox, Randy Quaid, Robert Loggia, James Rebhorn, Adam Baldwin, Brent Spiner, Harry Connick Jr, Harry Belafonte. Emmerich’s immensely successful, immensely dumb blockbuster: Aliens have decided to besiege the Earth, and they are about to strike with incredible fierceness. Excellent (Oscar-winning) CGI effects keep you entertained for some time, but the script is so full of contrivances you’ll be shaking your head at every ludicrous plot twist. The characters are especially annoying. Originally released at 145m.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, USA) C-127m. *** D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Denholm Elliott, Alison Doody, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, River Phoenix, Michael Byrne, Alex Hyde-White. Last part of the Indiana Jones trilogy has the history professor and adventurer Indy (Ford) team up with his father (Connery) to find the holy grail, which also the Nazis are after. Episodic plot has very little appeal and film lives off the trademark cliffhanger stunts and digital wizardry of the Spielberg factory. Quite funny, mostly thanks to Connery’s performance. Perfect for kids, but adults may not really enjoy this outing, unless the little child inside of them has not disappeared.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984, USA) C-118m. Scope ***½ D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Philip Stone, Dan Aykroyd. Top-notch Spielberg adventure, a rollercoaster ride of a movie with lightning pace and ample amount of humor. Indiana Jones, the professor and star of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981), played perfectly by Ford, is catapulted into an adventure that takes him deep into Asia and finally India, where he is confronted with an evil, subterranean cult. Exhilarating thrill-ride may be a little too dark and violent for small kids (even some adults), but Spielberg doesn’t give you time to breathe. This is entertainment at its best. Beware some edited prints. Fine cinematography by Douglas Slocombe, perfect score by John Williams. Spielberg, cowriter Lucas, Frank Marshall and Anthony Powell appear unbilled. Followed by INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE in 1989.

Indiscreet (1958, GBR) C-100m. **½ D: Stanley Donen. Starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Cecil Parker. Pleasant fluff about finances expert Grant and his budding relationship with stage actress Bergman. He pretends to be married, however, because he wants to remain a bachelor. Stars save this otherwise shallow melodrama. Based on Norman Krasna’s play Kind Sir.

In Dreams (1999, USA) C-99m. **½ D: Neil Jordan. Starring Annette Bening, Aidan Quinn, Stephen Rea, Robert Downey, Jr., Paul Guilfoyle, Katie Sagona, Prudence Wright Holmes, Krystal Benn. Near an artificial lake, which flooded a whole town in the 1960s, wife and mother Bening lives with her family. Soon she is terrified by haunting dreams, which turn out to be ‘fed’ to her by a serial killer, enabling her to see both the past, present and future deeds of the psychopath. When her own child is killed, the visions drive her insane and it’s up to psychiatrist Rea to find out whether her visions correspond to reality. Stunningly filmed, stylish horror thriller (with shades of Jordan’s earlier THE COMPANY OF WOLVES) is flawed by frenzied pace that doesn’t camouflage the improbabilities but makes the viewer feel dissatisfied with the presentation of the story instead. Interesting throughout, even sweat-inducing, but only  recommended warmly to followers of the director. Based on the novel Doll’s Eyes by Bari Wood. First-rate cinemato-graphy by Darius Khondji (DELICATESSEN, SE7EN, THE NINTH GATE).

Inferno (1980, ITA) C-107m. *** D: Dario Argento. Starring Leigh McCloskey, Irene Miracle, Sacha Pitoëff, Daria Nicolodi, Eleonora Giorgi, Veronica Lazar, Alida Valli, Gabriele Lavia, Feodor Chaliapin. Visually magnificent, surreal horror opus, the second part of the unfinished ‘Three Mothers’-trilogy: In New York a young woman uncovers the secret of the house she lives in. It may be inhabited by Mater Tenebrarum, the Mother of Darkness. She writes a letter to her brother in Rome, asking him to visit her. Once he arrives all hell breaks loose... This is the film that expresses best the relationship between beauty and terror, which is the trademark of all of the director’s films. Incredibly stylish camerawork, lighting, art direction/set decoration glorify a film whose narrative is often barely there. A feast for the senses; inferior to SUSPIRIA only in excitement, not in style. Beginning and end are best parts, mid-section is a little too aimless. The underwater sequence, staged sans credit by Mario Bava, is especially chilling. Fine classical score by Keith Emerson. Mater Lacrimarum, the Mother of Tears, has a brief appearance at the auditorium in Rome. Written by the director, loosely based on Thomas de Quincey’s Suspiria de Profundis. 

In Her Shoes (2005, USA) C-130m. Scope **½ D: Curtis Hanson. Starring Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Feuerstein, Ken Howard, Candice Azzara, Brooke Smith, Jennifer Weiner. Comedy drama about lawyer Collette, whose life is constantly disrupted by her do-no-good sister Diaz. When Diaz even sleeps with her boyfriend, Collette breaks all ties with her. Jobless, homeless Diaz runs away to their estranged grandmother MacLaine. Refreshingly true-to-life, cliché-free story, though some scenes obviously lack the resonance they had in the novel by Jennifer Weiner, which this is based on. Its relatively slow pace results in slight overlength. Coproduced by director Hanson, Ridley and Tony Scott.

Innocents aux Mains Sales, Les (1975, FRA/ITA/GER) C-121m. *** D: Claude Chabrol. Starring Romy Schneider, Rod Steiger, Francois Maistre, Paolo Giusti, Francois Perrot, Hans-Christian Blech, Pierre Santini, Jean Rochefort, Henri Attal, Dominique Zardi. Deliberately paced but fascinating crime drama from one of the French masters, about beautiful Schneider, who takes a lover to help her get rid of her alcoholic husband Steiger. After the elderly man goes missing, the police are soon suspecting her, but who will get the last laugh on whom? Excellent acting, brilliant direction make up for overlength. Based on Richard Neely’s novel The Damned Innocents. Fine photographed by Jean Rabier, score by Pierre Jansen. English titles: DIRTY HANDS, and INNOCENTS WITH DIRTY HANDS.

I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007, USA) C-110m. **½ D: Dennis Dugan. Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Jessica Biel, Dan Aykroyd, Ving Rhames, Steve Buscemi, Nicholas Turturro, Richard Chamberlain, Dennis Dugan, Rob Schneider. Funny comedy about two fire fighters, one of whom (James) has recently lost his wife, and in order to make sure his kids have some kind of security if he also dies, he asks his buddy (Sandler), a womanizer, to marry him in liberal Canada. When a federal inspector comes to look if they are really gay, they have to act that way and get into all kinds of troubles, privately and in their male-only job. Lots of gags, most of which work in this comedy, though its contrivances are hard to overlook.

Inseminoid (1981, GBR) C-92m. Scope M D: Norman J. Warren. Starring Robin Clarke, Jennifer Ashley, Stephanie Beacham, Victoria Tennant, Judy Geeson. Terrible sci-fi horror about a group of astronauts, who find an alien life-form on a distant planet and soon find themselves under attack. Cheap effects, sloppily acted, a quickshot production made to cash in on the success of ALIEN (1979). Dick Pope was camera operator. Released in the U.S. as HORROR PLANET.

Inside Man (2006, USA) C-129m. Scope *** D: Spike Lee. Starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, Ken Leung. Another stylish Spike Lee joint about bank robber Owen, who has taken several hostages and plans to pull off the ultimate heist. Plummer, the owner of the bank, wants Foster to get something before Owen does. Is detective Washington smart enough to keep the upper hand? Funny, smart variation of the genre, with a fine performance by Washington. Screenplay by Russell Gewirtz.

Insider, The (1999, USA) C-157m. Scope *** D: Michael Mann. Starring Al Pacino, Russell Crowe, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora, Philip Baker Hall, Lindsay Crouse, Debi Mazar, Stephen Tobolowsky, Colm Feore, Bruce McGill, Gina Gershon, Michael Gambon, Rip Torn, Lynne Thigpen, Wings Hauser. Pacino plays the producer of 60 Minutes, a television news magazine, who stumbles on a paper incriminating the tobacco industry and may have found a crown witness in scientist Crowe – who has just been fired from one of the biggest tobacco firms in the U.S. Is there the chance of having him give a public interview without breaking the secrecy clause? Masterfully cast drama tackles a serious problem but is also overlong and loses narrative momentum more than once. Mann’s directorial style may be an approximation to Lars von Trier’s Dogma rules, providing a high degree of authenticity. Perhaps a little too American in its style and tone for European viewers (similar to APOLLO 13 and NIXON). Based on a magazine story by Marie Brenner.

Insomnia (1997, NOR) C-97m. **½ D: Erik Skjoldbjaerg. Starring Stellan Skarsgard, Sverre Anker Ousdal, Bjorn Floberg, Gisken Armand, Maria Bonnevie. Criminologist Skarsgard travels beyond the polar circle (where the sun doesn’t set for months) to investigate the murder of a teenage girl. Soon he finds himself head-over-heels involved in the mystery and comes closer to the killer than he may wish. Unconventional crime drama, where the mystery surrounding the murder is far less important than the main character’s own problems. Unfortunately, this lacks any genuine suspense or action and is not terribly interesting, either. Some liked this anyway. Hollywood remake followed in 2002.

Insomnia (2002, USA) C-118m. Scope *** D: Christopher Nolan. Starring Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Hilary Swank, Maura Tierney, Martin Donovan, Nicky Katt, Paul Dooley. A rare movie: A Hollywood remake of a non-U.S. film that surpasses the original in almost every way. Pacino plays a weary police detective, who is sent to Alaska with his partner to solve a murder case. Problems in the department at home and the midnight sun complicate the case, as the investigation takes unlikely turns. Supreme filmmaking by the director of MEMENTO (2000). Pacino is fine as usual, excellent use of David Julyan’s score. Script also improves on the original in terms of pace and character depth. Only fault is that the story has been told before (which those who have not seen the 1997 shouldn’t mind). Recommended.

Inspecteur Lavardin (1986, FRA/SUI) C-100m. **½ D: Claude Chabrol. Starring Jean Poiret, Jean-Claude Brialy, Bernadette Lafont, Lean-Luc Bideau, Jacques Dacqmine. Sequel to director Chabrol’s successful POULET AU VINAIGRE (1985) has the title character investigate the murder of a prominent member of society in a little sea-side village. As usual, Chabrol exposes the bourgeoisie as a pretentious, seemingly pious social class, with people hiding skeletons in their closets. Deliberately paced and not as biting as other Chabrol films. Followed by four related TV movies (LES DOSSIERS SECRETS DE L’INSPECTEUR LAVARDIN).

Instinct (1999, USA) C-126m. Scope *** D: Jon Turteltaub. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Donald Sutherland, Maura Tierney, George Dzundza. Hopkins plays an anthropologist, who was lost in the African jungle and is now returned by Rwandan authorities, because he has attacked and killed several hunters. The man refuses to speak and seems to have turned into a wild animal during his stay with mountain gorillas. Psychoanalyst Gooding, Jr., accepts the challenge of making Hopkins fit for a trial. Engrossing, compelling drama, despite overlength. Hopkins and Sutherland shine, Gooding, Jr., is good in a difficult role. Suggested by Daniel Quinn's novel Ishmael. Score by Danny Elfman.

Interview With the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994, USA) C-122m. *** D: Neil Jordan. Starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, Stephen Rea, Christian Slater, Kirsten Dunst, Domiziana Giordano. Atmospheric adaptation of Anne Rice's excellent novel about a vampire, who, in 20^th century San Francisco, tells a reporter about his 200-year existence, which he feels has been a curse. Beautiful production sometimes feels more like a vehicle for its stars than a vampire movie, but is nevertheless compelling. Good score, stylish direction, a fine modern vampire film. Written for the screen by Anne Rice.

In the Cut (2003, AUS/USA/GBR) C-119m. *** D: Jane Campion. Starring Meg Ryan, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Nick Damici, Kevin Bacon, Jane Campion. Fine, atmospheric erotic thriller with a surprisingly sexy Ryan. She plays a literature teacher in Manhattan, who is drawn into a murder investigation, when a body is found in her yard. A serial killer is dismembering his victims, and weary detective Ruffalo could also be a suspect. Good characterizations of emotionally unstable people, excellent camerawork, this is sometimes difficult to enjoy, but a well-made thriller. Director Campion adapted Susanna Moore’s novel with the author herself. Coproduced by Nicole Kidman.

In the Line of Duty (1986, HGK) C-90m. *** D: David Chang. Starring Michelle Yeoh, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Wong. Slam-bang action thriller Hong Kong-style, about three police officers, who battle a crime lord, after one of his partners has killed Sanada’s family. Uneven plot but first-rate action set-pieces, furiously staged and edited. Followed by two sequels. Also known as ROYAL WARRIORS and ULTRA FORCE.

In the Mood for Love (2000, HGK/FRA/THA) C-98m. *** D: Wong Kar Wai. Starring Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung, Siu Ping Lam, Rebecca Pan. Intoxicating mood piece set in the 1960s about a man and a woman who slowly realize that their spouses are cheating on them. A relationship between the two slowly develops, without either’s determination. Score by Mike Galasso and Shigeru Umebayashi works wonders in this admittedly slight, slowly paced movie. The stars are in fine form. Glossy photography by Christopher Doyle.

Intolerable Cruelty (2003, USA) C-100m. ** D: Joel Coen. Starring George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Geoffrey Rush, cedric the Entertainer, Edward Herrmann, Paul Adelstein, Richard Jenkins, Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Campbell. Big disappointment from the Coen brothers about divorce lawyer Clooney (about the best one there is), who meets his match in beautiful, infatuating Zeta-Jones, who becomes his adversary in several cases (including a very private one). A few scattered laughs, but look for satire in vain. Only the performances by the stars are good, although Zeta-Jones changes her opinion so many times, her character becomes totally incredible, and the supporting cast are not very-well integrated. In fact, it seems like the Coens only did the casting (some of their typically weird characters pop up) and filmed the scenes about Clooney’s boss. This was their first film where they had cowriters – let’s hope they rely on their own ideas next time. Score by Carter Burwell.

Into the Night (1985, USA) C-115m. *** D: John Landis. Starring Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dan Aykroyd, David Cronenberg, Richard Franklin, John Landis, Bruce McGill, Daniel Petrie, Paul Mazursky, Paul Bartel, Carl Perkins, Don Siegel, Jim Henson, David Bowie, Art Evans, Jack Arnold, Amy Heckerling, Roger Vadim, Lawrence Kasdan, Richard Farnsworth, Vera Miles, Irene Papas, Clu Gulager, Jonathan Demme. Popular thriller comedy about luckless Goldblum, who helps out mysterious blonde Pfeiffer one night, and gets drawn into mad-cap adventure, where they mostly run from bumbling Arab terrorists. A typical Landis contrivance, only this time it lacks the spirit of BLUES BROTHERS (1980) or the edge of AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON (1981). Goldblum and Pfeiffer are good, though, and there are a lot of directors to spot in cameo roles.

Intruder (1988, USA) C-88m. Scope *** D: Scott Spiegel. Starring Elizabeth Cox, Danny Hicks, Renee Estevez, Sam Raimi, Ted Raimi. Several young shop asisstants have to work after hours and are menaced by a killer who slices them up one by one. Slasher movie comes up with standard plot, but direction is inventive and film is not without a sense of humor. Suspenseful, if also a little poorly timed during the gory attack scenes. A treat for genre fans, who have seen a lot of real trash in their lives. Never given full theatrical release, despite having Lawrence Bender (RESERVOIR DOGS, PULP FICTION) as a producer.

Intruder, The (1997, HGK) C-87m. *½ D: Tsang Kan-Cheung. Starring Moses Chan, Lai Yiu-Cheung, Wong Man-Wai, Wu Chien-Lien. Mean-spirited thriller about a Chinese woman, who kills a prostitute, assumes her identity and immigrates into Hong Kong. There, she finds a victim in a taxi driver, whom she brutally victimizes. No good guys, thus no relief from proceedings, a depressing movie. First-time director Tsang later cowrote SHAOLIN SOCCER. Co-produced by Johnny To. Also known as DARK INTRUDER.

Intruder Within, The (1981, USA) C-99m. *½ D: Peter Carter. Starring Chad Everett, Joseph Bottoms, Jennifer Warren, Rockne Tarkington, Lynda Mason Greene, Matt Craven. Stupid title for a stupid movie: Workers on an oil rig are terrorized by an ALIEN-like creature that grows at an enormous rate (from rat to man-size). Its victims become zombie-like madmen. Badly paced, badly scripted, made for TV. That should be enough to turn you off. Creature designed by H.R. Giger, ripping off his own classic work for ALIEN (1979). Also known as THE LUCIFER RIG.

Inugami (2001, JAP) C-106m. *** D: Masato Harada. Starring Yuki Amami, Atsuro Watabe, Eugene Harada, Shiho Fujimura, Kazuhiro Yamaji. Well-made drama with fantasy and horror touches: School teacher Watabe arrives in a small village some time before starting work there, becomes entranced with surroundings and introvert paper maker Amami. Her family clan must protect ancient urns, which house the spirits of the Inugami, the spirits of dog gods. A bit too vague and esoteric but well-directed and evocative. Based on a novel by Masako Bando, adapted by director Harada. The Inugami were the subject of several previous movies (most notably in 1954 and 1976).

Invaders from Mars (1986, USA) C-95m. Scope *½ D: Tobe Hooper. Starring Karen Black, Hunter Carson, Timothy Bottoms, Laraine Newman, James Karen, Bud Cort, Louise Fletcher. Modernized remake of the 1953 sci-fi classic about a boy, who witnesses the landing of a spacecraft and soon realizes that aliens are taking over the bodies of everyone in town. Along with a teacher (Black) he tries to flee. Unconvincing, pretentious fare, with the aliens/monsters just plain laughable. Despite okay production values, this one just doesn’t work. Originally shown at 100m.

Invasion of the Blood Farmers (1972, USA) C-77m. M D: Ed Adlum. Starring Norman Kelley, Tanna Hunter, Bruce Detrick, Paul Craig Jennings, Cynthia Fleming. Terrible horror trash about a group of druids who are looking for a certain blood type in order to resurrect their evil queen Fleming. Amateurish, very gruesome (but not that violent). This one only if you must. Also shown at 84m., but don’t expect this version to be an improvement.

Invasori, Gli (1961, ITA/FRA) C-77m. Scope ** D: Mario Bava. Starring Cameron Mitchell, George Ardisson, Andrea Checchi, Francoise Christophe, Ellen Kessler, Alice Kessler, Folco Lulli, Raf Baldassare. Ambitious mini-epic with a Shakespearean plot: Twin brothers are separated as children and face themselves twenty years later, when the Vikings battle the British. Mario Bava’s cinematography is the chief interest here, unfortunately the narrative thrust is lost soon. Perhaps works better in uncut 88m. version. Also known as ERIK THE CONQUEROR, THE INVADERS, and FURY OF THE VIKINGS.

Invitation to Hell (1982, GBR) C-41m. n/r D: Michael J. Murphy. Starring Becky Simpson, Joseph Sheahan, Colin Efford. British horror short about a woman who receives an invitation to a party weekend in a country mansion. During the party she becomes the subject of a bizarre ceremony and soon other group members start being possessed by an evil spirit. Borrows atmosphere and gore from Romero and Fulci, respectively, and has a competent horror score, but why this is a short is anyone’s guess. The plotting is simply atrocious. For the curious.

Invitation to Hell (1984, USA) C-96m. **½ D: Wes Craven. Starring Robert Urich, Joanna Cassidy, Susan Lucci, Joe Regalbuto, Kevin McCarthy, Patricia McCormack, Soleil Moon Frye, Michael Berryman. Made-for-TV chiller by Wes Craven about a family who have moved to a new town only to discover that a satanic club/cult is ruling the community. Solid shocks in familiar, sometimes pretentious INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS-like plot. Guess why they cast Kevin McCarthy.

Io, Monaca… per Tre Carogne e Sette Peccatrici (1972, ITA/GER) C-82m. Scope *½ D: Richard Jackson (=Ernst R. von Theumer). Starring Tony Kendall, Gordon Mitchell, William Berger, Vonetta McGee. Ludicrous trash movie follows the exploits of seven women who must escape lecherous criminals after managing to escape from prison. Joining them is a nun(!) who gives them spiritual support. Wild plotting, lots of action, but nonsensical. This one gets half a star for trash value. Alternative titles: THE BIG BUST OUT and CRUCIFIED GIRLS OF SAN RAMON.

Ipcress File, The (1965, GBR) C-108m. Scope *** D: Sidney J. Furie. Starring Michael Caine, Nigel Green, Guy Doleman, Sue Lloyd, Gordon Jackson, Aubrey Richards. Alternative espionage movie (based on Len Deighton’s novel) adds realism to James Bond formula and subtracts action almost completely. Caine stars as stoic agent Harry Palmer, who has just been promoted and is allowed to investigate mysterious disappearance of scientists. Surprisingly quiet, but smoothly filmed, with weird camera angles, and complemented by a terrific, haunting John Barry score. Incidentally, many people involved with James Bond movies worked on this one too (producer Harry Saltzman, composer John Barry, editor Peter R. Hunt, production designer Ken Adam). A British cult film that spawned four sequels, starting with FUNERAL IN BERLIN (1966).

Irezumi (1966, JAP) C-86m. Scope *** D: Yasuzo Masamura. Starring Ayako Wakao, Akio Hasegawa, Gaku Yamamoto, Kei Sato, Reiko Fujiwara. Classic pink eiga movie about a young woman from a rich family, who runs away from home with her lover, is forced to become a geisha, then she meets a tattoo artist, who tattoos a tarantula on her back. Stark, powerful, if a bit stagey tale of the moral corruption of a woman. In fact, most other characters are immoral, too. Based on a novel by Junichirô Tanizaki. From the director of MOJU.

I, Robot (2004, USA) C-115m. Scope *** D: Alex Proyas. Starring Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk, James Cromwell, Bruce Greenwood. It’s the year 2035, and humanity relies greatly on robots, to help in the household, as assistants etc. Smith plays a cop, who is suspicious of the new technology, and his doubts may be confirmed, when the robots’ creator is found dead after an apparent suicide. With the help of scientist Moynahan, Smith uncovers a conspiracy. Science-fiction thriller based on the writings of Isaac Asimov sometimes has the feel of a typical Hollywood “product”, but it’s entertaining, well-directed and filled with great action sequences. Smith gives a slick, convincing performance. From the director THE CROW (1994) and DARK CITY (1998).

Iron Monkey (1977, HGK) C-89m. Scope ** D: Chen Kuan Tai. Starring Suen Ga Lam, Chik Goon Gwan. Minor genre classic about a young man’s determination to avenge the killing of his family. His father was a rebel leader and the young warrior goes back to (a martial arts) school to learn the legendary technique of the Monkey Fist. Okay plotwise, though slow, action sequences are better elsewhere. Followed by a sequel in 1996.

I Saw What You Did (1965, USA) B&W-82m. **½ D: William Castle. Starring Joan Crawford, John Ireland, Leif Erickson, Sara Lane, Andi Garrett. Two adolescent girls call people at random and play practical jokes at them. One of them (Ireland) has just killed his wife and the girls get themselves in trouble by telling him the title line. Good idea, but a bit too calculated and naïve, a fair thriller by producer-director Castle. Based on the novel by Ursula Curtiss. Remade for TV in 1988. Also known as I SAW WHAT YOU DID AND I KNOW WHO YOU ARE!

I Shot Andy Warhol (1996, USA/GBR) C-103m. *** D: Mary Harron. Starring Lili Taylor, Jared Harris, Stephen Dorff, Martha Plimpton, Danny Morgenstern, Lothaire Bluteau, Michael Imperioli, Reg Rogers, Donovan Leitch, Tahnee Welch. Screen-bio of Valerie Solanas, an Andy Warhol contemporary, who was a pioneer of radical feminism and achieved fame/notoriety when she shot her mentor in 1968. Taylor’s fine performance buoys this well-directed drama. A little hard to take, but fascinating nonetheless. For another interesting, if less consequential film about an Andy Warhol contemporary see BASQUIAT.

Isla Misteriosa y el Capitán Nemo, La (1973, SPA/ITA/FRA) C-105m. ** D: Jaun Antonio Bardem, Henri Colpi. Starring Omar Sharif, Ambroise Bia, Jess Hahn, Philippe Nicaud, Gérard Tichy, Rik Battaglia, Jean Lefebvre, Gabriele Tinti. Low-grade adaptation of Jules Verne’s L’Ile Mystérieuse (the fifth film version), about five Americans who narrowly escape from prison in a balloon and end up on a seemingly deserted island. Little do they know that Captain Nemo (Sharif) is ruling a subterranean empire there. Unconvincing, but not bad, an okay timekiller for kids. Edited down from 6-part TV series. English titles: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND OF CAPTAIN (or DR.) NEMO, THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND.

Island, The (1980, USA) C-114m. Scope ** D: Michael Ritchie. Starring Michael Caine, David Warner, Angela Punch McGregor, Frank Middlemass, Don Henderson, Zakes Mokae. Journalist Caine goes to Florida with his son, hoping to get an inside scoop concerning several mysterious disappearances in the Caribbean. Soon he makes the acquaintance of a band of primitive outcasts, who call themselves buccaneers. Pulp drama starts out as a nice adventure but becomes increasingly bizarre and unlikely. Caine’s character is irresponsible (he buys his thirteen-year-old son a pistol!). Written by Peter Benchley (JAWS), based on his novel. Photographed by Henri Decaë, score by Ennio Morricone.

Island at the Top of the World, The (1974, USA) C-93m. **½ D: Robert Stevenson. Starring David Hartman, Donald Sinden, Jacques Marin, Mako, David Gwillim. Juvenile fantasy film about a professor who goes in search of his son somewhere near the North Pole and finds lost civilization of Vikings living like in ancient times. Kids may be thrilled, adults may rejoice at the nice sets and effects.

Island of Blood (1982, USA) C-82m. ** D: William T. Naud. Starring Marie Alise (Recasner), Rick Dean, Ron Gardner, Terry Goodman. Low-grade, somehow watchable slasher horror movie about a film crew, who are slaughtered while shooting on an island. Offers some gruesome murders in generally tedious framework. Video title: WHODUNIT. Also known as SCARED ALIVE.

Island of Dr. Moreau, The (1996, USA) C-100m. Scope *** D: John Frankenheimer. Starring Val Kilmer, Marlon Brando, Ron Perlman, David Thewlis. Contemporary version of H.G. Wells’ classic novel about mad doctor (Brando) who lives on a remote island inhabited by freaks. Strikingly directed and photographed, this is one of the rare exceptions of a good (and poignant) remake. Special effects by Stan Winston. Filmed before in 1933 (as ISLAND OF LOST SOULS) and 1977.

Island of Terror (1966, GBR) C-89m. ** D: Terence Fisher. Starring Peter Cushing, Edward Judd, Carole Gray, Eddie Byrne, Sam Kydd. Cushing’s credibility is put to a test in this B-monster movie from Britain. He plays a doctor, who is called to an island, where cancer research has resulted in the creation of bone-sucking monsters. Rather silly, unconvincing. Despite Fisher’s (so-so) direction, this was not a Hammer production. Also known as NIGHT OF THE SILICATES, THE CREEPERS, THE NIGHT THE CREATURES CAME, THE NIGHT THE SILICATES CAME.

Island on Fire (1991, HGK) C-92m. ** D: Chu Yen-Ping. Starring Tony Leung, Jackie Chan, Samo Hung. Prison drama focusing on the lives of three inmates, who however have little to do with each other. Hung comes off best as caring father who breaks out just to see his son. Rest of film is pretty lifeless, with less action than you‘d expect from a Hong Kong movie with such a cast.

Isle of the Snake People (1971, MEX/USA) C-85m. ** D: Juan Ibanez, Jack Hill. Starring Boris Karloff, Julissa, Carlos East, July Carmichael. A police captain investigates a snake worshipping cult in Mexico, which produced zombies. Not-bad horror film with attempts to keep direction lively and atmosphere dense. One of four movies Karloff made shortly before his death; his scenes seem actually quite out of place. Filmed in 1968. English titles: SNAKE PEOPLE, CULT OF THE DEAD, ISLE OF THE LIVING DEAD.

Isola: Tajuu Jinkaku Shôjo (2000, JAP) C-94m. ** D: Toshiyuki Mizutani. Starring Yoshino Kimura, Yû Kurosawa, Ken Ishiguro, Makiko Watanabe, Takashi Miike. Slightly disoriented woman with mind-reading abilities comes to Kobe to help take care of victims of the latest devastating earthquake. She meets a disturbed girl with multiple personalities and tries to find out about her past. One of the personalities inside her turns out to be quite dangerous. Plot is muddled and carries little weight, thus scary sequences don’t work. One of the lesser Japanese horror films. Based on a novel by Yûsuke Kishi. English titles: ISOLA: MULTIPLE PERSONALITY GIRL and ISOLA: PERSONA 13.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998, USA) C-100m. Scope **½ D. Danny Cannon. Starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Mekhi Phifer, Brandy, Jeffrey Combs. Sequel to I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER is better than expected. The killer is on the loose again, this time terrorizing the high school kids on a small island in the Bahamas. There is not much more to be said about the illogical, if also quite complicated plot, but technically the film is noteworthy. Lighting, camerawork, making good use of the setting, show skill and provide the slasher pic with the right atmosphere. Quite good, for people who like to see this kind of movies. Director Dannon was obviously influenced by Mario Bava's ANTEFATTO, which is cited in a scene involving a brass spear.

Istruttoria è Chiusa: Dimentichi, L’ (1971, ITA) C-104m. ** D: Damiano Damiani. Starring Franco Nero, Georges Wilson, John Steiner, Riccardo Cucciolla, Ferruccio De Ceresa. Attempted satire on corruption in Italy features DJANGO Nero as architect, who goes to prison after causing a fatal car accident and finds himself left alone by justice. Rather harmless, dated film with Nero trying hard to look bewildered. Features a score by Ennio Morricone, which resorts to sound effects. Director Damiani also coscripted. Title translates as THE INQUEST IS CLOSED, FORGET IT.

Italian Job, The (1969, GBR) C-99m. Scope *** D: Peter Collinson. Starring Michael Caine, Noel Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi, Margaret Blye, Irene Handl, Harry Baird, George Innes. Caine just got out of prison when he gets a message from a fellow criminal. Caine should organize a gold robbery in Italy. He then enlists the help of so-called experts to perform the job. Standard caper story helped immensely by Caine’s sardonic performance and Collinson’s stylish direction. A late 60s time capsule, fits perfectly in the era, a cult item in Britain. Highlight: Wild escape/chase involving three Minis. Photographed by Douglas Slocombe, music by Quincy Jones. Remade in 2003.

Italian Job, The (2003, USA/GBR/FRA) C-111m. Scope ** D: F. Gary Gray. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Donald Sutherland, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def, Edward Norton. After performing a daring heist in Venice, Italy, Wahlberg’s men are double-crossed by Norton. Theron, whose father got killed in the mishap, is enlisted to help Wahlberg’s gang to crack Norton’s safe… not an easy feat. Pumped up with flashy editing and cool situations, but story is a yawn and script’s contrivances don’t help. Difficult to imagine this is based on a 1969 movie starring Michael Caine.

It Came from Outer Space (1953, USA) 81m. *** D: Jack Arnold. Starring Richard Carlson, Barbara Rush, Charles Drake, Joe Sawyer. Based on a story by Ray Bradbury, this was director Arnold’s first feature film. Hobby-astronomer Carlson witnesses the crash of a meteorite, which, at second glance, turns out to be a spaceship! Before he can convince his wife and the police officers, the vessel is buried accidentally under tons of earth. Soon after, inexplicable things start to happen… could it be that extra-terrestrials are haunting the desert village? Solid, quite eerie sci-fi, warmly recommended to fans. Not that much inferior to 50s classics THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL, WAR OF THE WORLDS, or INVADERS FROM MARS. Score by Henry Mancini.

It Could Happen to You (1994, USA) C-101m. *½ D: Andrew Bergman. Starring Nicholas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez, Isaac Hayes, Seymour Cassel, Stanley Tucci, Red Buttons. Ultra-kitschy romance more than strains credibility: Cop Cage shares a lottery ticket with waitress Fonda because he doesn’t have enough money to tip her. When he wins four million bucks and decides to give Fonda half of it, his wife Perez freaks out. Guess what happens next. Film is based on a real-life incident, which couldn’t have been as kitchy and exaggerated as this commercial Hollywood film. Cage’s character is a total wimp!

It Lives Again (1978, USA) C-91m. *½ D: Larry Cohen. Starring Frederic Forrest, Kathleen Lloyd, John P. Ryan, John Marley, Andrew Duggan, Eddie Constantine. Absurd, needless sequel to IT’S ALIVE! (1974) has Ryan promise couple Forrest and Lloyd to take care of their mutated baby. Is there hope for their offspring? Unappealing, even off-putting, only for die-hard series fans. Only redeeming factors: Lloyd’s performance and Bernard Herrmann’s score, which is reused. Features a brief sequence from Bruce Lee’s ENTER THE DRAGON (1973). Trilogy concludes in IT’S ALIVE III: ISLAND OF THE ALIVE in 1987.

It’s Alive! (1974, USA) C-91m. ** D: Larry Cohen. Starring John P. Ryan, Sharon Farrell, James Dixon, William Wellman Jr., Guy Stockwell. Horror shocker (or: schlocker) about new-born baby, which is deformed and murders everyone in the way. Will the parents accept it nonetheless? Minor cult classic wants to be critical of society but is mostly slow and banal. Some effective scenes, good score by Bernard Herrmann. Followed by two sequels in 1978 and 1987 (starting with IT LIVES AGAIN). Written and produced by director Cohen, who is like a second-rate George Romero.

It’s Alive III: Island of the Alive (1987, USA) C-95m. *½ D: Larry Cohen. Starring Michael Moriarty, Karen Black, Laurene Landon, James Dixon, Gerrit Graham. Conclusion of the horror trilogy has Moriarty plead for the survival of the monster babies, one of them being his son. He joins an expedition to find them on the secluded island they were shipped to. Pretty fierce horror film, the opposite of low-key, but very grotesque and uneven. Strictly for those who enjoyed the first two parts. Cohen also scripted and produced.

It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963, USA) C-154m. Scope *** D: Stanley Kramer. Starring Spencer Tracy, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Buddy Hackett, Ethel Merman, Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, Phil Silvers, Terry-Thomas, Peter Falk, Buster Keaton, Don Knotts, Carl Reiner, Jimmy Durante, The Three Stooges, Jerry Lewis. Comedy of giant proportions about a group of people who are all told about a hidden treasure by a dying man and immediately set out to find it, resulting in a race to the west coast where everyone is trying to be quicker or cleverer than the other. Police inspector Tracy keeps an attentive eye on them. Filmdom’s biggest treasure hunt, this comedy isn’t consistently funny but always entertaining thanks to a great cast. Fine score by Ernest Gold, colorful cinematography by Ernest Laszlo. Oscar-winner for Best Effects, Sound Effects. Shot in Ultra Panavision, with an aspect ratio of 2,75:1! Original 70mm copy ran 192m. In the 1990s several scenes were restored; this version runs 188m. 4m. of footage remain unaccounted for and are considered lost.</