Sabata (1969, ITA) C-107m. Scope ** D: Frank Kramer. Starring Lee van Cleef, William Berger, Franco Ressel. Acceptable spaghetti western, whose title character (expertly played by van Cleef) is after a stolen $100,000. Occasional cleverness can’t overcome poor plot that has few novelties to offer. Berger is pretty ridiculous as banjo-wielding gunslinger, the score is good, though. Film’s full title is EHI AMICO ... C’E SABATA, HAI CHIUSO! Followed by a sequel.

Sabor de la Venganza, El (1963, SPA/ITA) C-75m. Scope **½ D: Joaquín Luis Romero Marchent. Starring Richard Harrison, Robert Hundar, Fernando Sancho, Claudio Ungari, Luis Induni, Gloria Milland, Raf Baldassarre, Aldo Sambrell. Pre-Leone western leans towards the classic American western (of which Riz Ortolani provides a great score imitation). Three brothers, all grown up to be different, have not forgotten the murder of their father 20 years ago. Who will finally avenge it? Quite appealing despite being weakly plotted. Original version reportedly runs much longer. English titles: GUNFIGHT AT HIGH NOON, SONS OF VENGEANCE, and THREE RUTHLESS ONES.

Sahara (2005, USA/GBR/SPA/GER) C-124m. Scope **½ D Breck Eisner. Starring Penélope Cruz, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Zahn, William H. Macy, Delroy Lindo. Adaptation of one of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt adventure novels is a near-miss: McConaughey plays the adventurer/hero Pitt, who ends up in Mali, Africa, chasing after a famed Civil War battleship. He teams up with WHO doctor Cruz, who’s researching a mysterious virus up the river Niger. Never believable, but action-filled enough to make this fairly entertaining. Good production values. Only other Cussler novel filmed before was RAISE THE TITANIC (1980).

Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, The (1976, GBR) C-105m. Scope *** D: Lewis John Carlino. Starring Sarah Miles, Kris Kristofferson, Jonathan Kahn, Margo Cunningham, Earl Rhodes. In a British seaside town, widowed mother (Miles) of a teenage boy (Kahn) is about to fall in love again… with a sailor (Kristofferson). Film deals with the boy’s complicated coming-to-terms with his mother’s new feelings and his relationship with his friends, one of whom (Rhodes, remarkably cold) is influencing him in negative way. Deliberately paced character study with fine performances and a moody score. Well-photographed by Douglas Slocombe. The director scripted from a novel by Yukio Mishima.

Saimin (1999, JAP) C-109m. **½ D: Masayuki Ochiai. Starring Goro Inagaki, Miho Kanno, Takeshi Masu, Ken Utsui, Yuki Watanabe. Derivative but quite effective horror thriller about mysterious suicides in contemporary Tokyo, which, as it turns out, have been caused by an elusive hypnotist, who planted a sound inside the victim’s minds that causes them to go crazy. An inspector and a psychologist try to track down the person responsible. Interesting film steals too much from movies like SE7EN (1995) and the Japanese hit CURE/KYUA (1997), but has an exciting finale. Based on a novel by Keisuke Matsuoka. English titles: HYPNOSIS, and THE HYPNOTIST.

Saisons du Plaisir, Les (1987, FRA) C-86m. **½ D: Jean-Pierre Mocky. Starring Stéphane Audran, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jean-Luc Bideau, Roland Blanche, Richard Bohringer, Fanny Cottençon, Darry Cowl, Eva Darlan, Dénise Grey, Sylvie Joly, Bernadette Lafont, Jacqueline Maillon, Bernard Manez, Jean Poiret, Charles Vanel. Typically eccentric Mocky comedy about family gathering at 100 year-old perfume magnate Vanel’s château in the countryside. When he announces that he will finally retire, everybody speculates about inheriting the business. Fast-moving, frivolous farce has some truly bizarre characters but won’t make anyone laugh unless they are fans of the director. Mocky (L’IBIS ROUGE, LA GRANDE FROUSSE) wrote the screenplay and coedited the picture.

Salem’s Lot (1979, USA) C-184m. *** D: Tobe Hooper. Starring David Soul, James Mason, Lance Kerwin, Bonnie Bedelia, Lew Ayres, Julie Cobb, Elisha Cook Jr., George Dzundza, Ed Flanders, Geoffrey Lewis, Barney McFadden, Kenneth McMillan, Reggie Nalder. Novelist Soul returns to his hometown of Salem’s Lot and finds out that antiques dealer Mason may be the reason for the disappearance of some children. What’s more, Mason’s house is reported to be haunted. Is he harboring a vampire? Adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel builds suspense and atmosphere neatly until hair-raising climax. Nalder’s make-up is terrifying! Originally made for television, film was released to theaters in Europe in a 110m. version. This one suffers from a rushed story setup and rates **½. Script was originally offered to George A. Romero; Hooper’s choice of directing this TV-movie seems odd, especially after his uncompromising earlier efforts. Also known as BLOOD THIRST. In-name-only sequel: A RETURN TO SALEM’S LOT (1987), which was directed by Larry Cohen.

Salome (1973, GBR) 18m. n/r D: Clive Barker. Starring Anne Taylor, Graham Bickley, Clive Barker, Doug Bradley. First film work of horror novelist and filmmaker Barker is a highly aesthetic, even hypnotic short film, loosely based on the play by Oscar Wilde. Eerie score, great atmosphere, an outstanding achievement, made when Barker was only 21. A must for followers of the director and basically all horror buffs.

Samaria (2004, KOR) C-95m. *** D: Ki-duk Kim. Starring Min-jeong Seo (=Yeo-reum Han), Ji-min Kwak, Eol Lee, Kwon Hyun-Min. Another fascinating drama from the new Korean cinema and one of its wunderkinds about two school girls, who decide to prostitute themselves to finance a trip to Europe. One girls sells her body unflinchingly, her friend is her "manager". Then tragedy strikes... Deeply felt, subtle drama, a telling observation of modern youth, and later modern parenting. Not for everyone's taste but well-acted and hypnotic towards the end. Fine score makes use of a famous classical theme. Winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin film festival. English title: SAMARITAN GIRL.

Samouraï, Le (1967, FRA/ITA) C-96m. ***½ D: Jean-Pierre Melville. Starring Alain Delon, François Périer, Nathalie Delon, Cathy Rosier, Catherine Jourdan. Somber, pessimistic drama about professional killer Delon, whom the police are trying to get hold of. Delon’s situation gets more and more hopeless, and he realizes that the lonely, isolated life he has led is like that of a bird in a cage. Masterful film initiated Delon’s international career and has become a cult item. Deliberately paced but fascinating if tuned in to immaculate atmosphere. An exceptional achievement by one of the great French directors. Scripted by Melville, who adapted Goan McLeod’s The Ronin. Photographed by Henri Decaë. Originally 103m.

Sansone Contro i Pirati (1963, ITA) C-84m. Scope *½ D: Amerigo Anton (=Tanio Boccia). Starring Kirk Morris, Margaret Lee, Daniele Vargas, Aldo Bufi Lando, Calisto Calisti. Adequately produced but empty-headed, poorly plotted costumer about strongman Samson (Morris), who goes against evil pirate who has abducted Lee’s friends and intends to auction them off as slaves. Hard to believe people once found this entertaining. English titles: SAMSON AGAINST THE PIRATES, SAMSON AND THE SEA BEAST.

Santa Sangre (1989, MEX/ITA) C-123m. ***½ D : Alejandro Jodorowsky. Starring Axel Jodorowsky, Blanca Guerra, Sabrina Dennison, Guy Stockwell, Thelma Tixou, Adan Jodorowsky, Faviola Elenka Tapia. Exceptional film produced by Claudio Argento marked Jodorowsky’s return to the screen after a break of ten years. Young Fenix, the son of a brutal, ugly circus owner (Stockwell) and a religious fanatic (Guerra) lives through a traumatizing childhood, which climaxes in his mother pouring acid on his father’s genitals in a rage of jealousy and his father cutting off her arms. The boy lives in an institution, refusing to speak, and when he coincidentally meets the woman responsible for his father’s death, he escapes and becomes a murderer, intent on killing every woman he meets. When his mother reappears, he performs with her, lending her his arms. Absolutely fascinating, irresistible depiction of circus life and the Mexican netherworld, grotesque and graphic, but also incredibly poetic and heart-rending. One stabbing scene (obviously influenced by Dario Argento) is so shockingly realistic that it is missing from most prints. Brilliant score by Simon Boswell. Original story by Alejandro Jodorowsky, whose collaboration with Marcel Marceau in the 1950s clearly influenced his style. The pantomime ‘The Creation of the World’, appearing in this film, is based on one of Marceau’s acts.

Sa Som I Himmelen (2004, SWE) C-132m. **½ D: Kay Pollak. Starring Michael Nyqvist, Frida Hallgren, Lennart Jähkel, Ingela Olsson, Niklas Falk, Helen Sjöholm. Oscar-nominated drama about famous conductor, who is forced to interrupt his career for health reasons  and returns to his old hometown in the Swedish countryside, where nobody remembers him. He tries to integrate in the small community and meets all kinds of problems. Not very cinematic, almost Dogma-like drama about a man finding himself. Direction, acting contribute to feeling of authenticity but there’s no reason for this to be so long or undramatic. English title: AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, AS IN HEAVEN.

Satan Bug, The (1965, USA) C-114m. Scope *** D: John Sturges. Starring George Maharis, Richard Basehart, Anne Francis, Dana Andrews, John Larkin, Richard Bull, Edward Asner, James Doohan. Thriller detailing nervous quest to retrieve title germ that has been stolen from government lab. The virus can wipe out whole cities – and there is no antidote! Never hits bull’s-eye due to muddled, uneven plot, but manages to create some suspense, and cinematography (by Robert Surtees) is something to see. Fine, first-rate score by Jerry Goldsmith. Based on an Alistair MacLean novel.

Satanic Rites of Dracula, The (1974, GBR) C-87m. ** D: Alan Gibson. Starring Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Michael Coles, William Franklyn, Freddie Jones, Joanna Lumley. Final installment in Hammer Films’ DRACULA series is one of the weakest. In modern-day England, Professor Van Helsing (Cushing) must do battle yet again with unkillable count Dracula (Lee), who intends to wipe out civilization with a deadly virus. The stars do their best to keep this from sinking too fast. Film shows the typical 70s tendency of being explicitly violent. Also shown at 84m.

Satan’s School for Girls (1973, USA) C-74m. *** D: David Lowell Rich. Starring Pamela Franklin, Kate Jackson, Lloyd Bochner, Jamie Smith-Jackson, Roy Thinnes, Jo Van Fleet, Cheryl Stoppelmoor (Ladd). Above-average, interesting chiller made for TV about Franklin, whose sister inexplicably committed suicide. She goes to her sister’s school to investigate, enrolling as a student. She finds out there’s something weird going on and more suicides are to follow. What mystery is the basement harboring? Quite well-directed mystery horror makes the most of its capacities. Might even have been an influence for SUSPIRIA (1977). Written by Arthur A. Ross (CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, THE GREAT RACE), coproduced by Aaron Spelling. Remade in 2000.

Satan's Slave (1976, GBR) C-89m. Scope ** D: Norman J. Warren. Starring Michael Gough, Candace Glendenning, Martin Potter, Barbara Kellerman, Michael Grace, James Bree, Celia Hewitt. During a visit to the country house of her uncle, young Glendenning gets caught in a sect of devil worshippers, who want to resurrect a demon. Solidly filmed horror trash, with some nudity, sadistic violence and gore. Of interest to horror fans only. Others may find it repellent.

Saut de l’Ange, Le (1971, FRA/ITA) C-93m. ** D: Yves Boisset. Starring Jean Yanne, Senta Berger, Sterling Hayden, Gordon Mitchell, Raymond Pellegrin. Trivial but watchable actioner about the bloody war between two rivalling gangster families. Extremely violent, only for rabid fans of European B-movies. Based on a novel by Bernard-Paul Lallier. English title: COBRA.

Savage Bees, The (1976, USA) C-91m. ** D: Bruce Geller. Starring Ben Johnson, Michael Parks, Paul Hecht, Gretchen Corbett, Horst Buchholz, James Best. THE BIRDS (1963) meets JAWS (1975) in this made-for-TV horror. African killer bees are invading New Orleans at Mardi Gras, but nobody wants to listen to sheriff Johnson’s warnings. Maybe expert Buchholz can help? Standard, earnest thriller offers no novelties, but is much better than similarly themed disaster thriller THE SWARM (1978). Followed by TV-movie TERROR OUT OF THE SKY (1978).

Savage Harvest (1981, USA) C-83m. ** D: Robert E. Collins. Starring Tom Skerritt, Michelle Phillips, Shawn Stevens, Anne-Marie Martin, Derek Partridge. In Kenya, Africa, local tribesmen are fearing attacks by vicious lions, and indeed the wildcats besiege an entire family at their villa. Okay, inauspicious thriller is never as rousing as it would like to be. Skerritt’s earnest performance helps. Photographed by Ronnie Taylor (OPERA).

Savage Weekend (1979, USA) C-87m. ** D: David Paulsen. Starring Christopher Allport, James (Jim) Doerr, Marylin Hamlin, Caitlin O’Heaney. In this horror thriller a group of weekenders find themselves under attack by a masked maniac. Not-bad slasher movie moves at a slow pace but is well-directed and shot. Score is more elaborate than you’d expect. Slasher movie fans should give this one a look, it’s not bad despite familiar trappings and sluggish plotting. Also known as THE KILLER BEHIND THE MASK (film’s working title) and THE UPSTATE MURDERS.

Saving Private Ryan (1998, USA) C-170m. Scope *** D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Vin Diesel, Giovanni Ribisi, Jeremy Davies, Matt Damon, Ted Danson, Paul Giamatti, Dennis Farina. WW2, Steven Spielberg-style: A group of soldiers led by Hanks is ordered to find and bring back a private whose three brothers have died on the battlefields. Their journey and desperate search turns into a nightmare as some of the soldiers lose their life themselves. Bravura action scenes, top direction and effects (especially in the final battle) do much to camouflage pathetic Americana. Only occasionally manages to criticise the lack of humanity in war (although the film does show it up constantly). In structure not dissimilar to George Romero’s legendary DAWN OF THE DEAD (the effects do put most horror films to shame). Allegedly based on a true story. Oscar-winner for Best Direction, Cinematography, Editing, Sound and Effects. Score by John Williams.

Savior (1998, USA) C-103m. **½ D: Predrag Antonijevic. Starring Dennis Quaid, Nastassja Kinski, Catlin Foster, Stellan Skarsgård, John MacLaren, Jean-Marc Barr. After having lost his wife and only child in an attack by terrorist bombers and killed some religious fundamentalists in an act of revenge, Quaid enlists in the Foreign Legion, fighting in the Yugoslav war in 1993. He encounters a pregnant young woman, whom he saves from certain death. He feels responsible for her and the child, so he protects them, trying to get them through to Zagreb. Nicely photographed war film, hampered by listless direction and a lack of character development. Maybe producer Oliver Stone should have directed as well.

Saviour of the Soul (1992, HGK) C-93m. **½ D: Corey Yuen, Jeffrey Lau, David Lai. Starring Andy Lau, Anita Mui, Gloria Yip. Immortal warrior Silver Fox is after beautiful Paradisa, who has caused his master to die, but she’s protected by Mercury, who’s looking after Paradisa’s little sister. Quite violent, often incoherent fantasy action comedy has some eye-popping fight scenes to recommend it but little more.

Saw (2004, USA) C-103m. ***½ D: James Wan. Starring Leigh Whannell, Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Ken Leung, Dina Meyer, Mike Butters, Paul Gutrecht, Michael Emerson, Shawnee Scott, Monica Potter. Riveting horror thriller that maintains a fever pitch from start to finish. Whannell and Elwes, two strangers, wake up in a shabby warehouse bathroom, obviously as prisoners of some deranged psychopath. Cops Glover and Leung are hot on his trail… can they or indeed anyone figure out which sick game the killer is playing? Intense, twist-laden story operates on several time levels and is stylishly directed. Leaves you hardly any time to breathe and keeps adding more and more (also gore) to its cocktail of suspense and violence. Plot is not completely airtight, but at this pace, who cares? A surefire cult hit, written by star Whannell (whose acting is decidely inferior to his writing), from a story by himself and the director. References ranging from Argento (PROFONDO ROSSO, OPERA – love the stethoscope scene) to Fincher (SE7EN) make it all the more fun for buffs. Followed by SAW II (2005).

Saw II (2005, USA) C-93m. *** D: Darren Lynn Bousman. Starring Donnie Wahlberg, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Franky G, Erik Knudsen, Glenn Plummer, Dina Meyer. Fast-paced, gimmicky sequel to the 2004 horror hit puts cop Wahlberg face to face with the jigsaw killer, who has locked several people into a booby trapped house, including Wahlberg’s son. A gas will kill them in two hours, unless they find an antidote, hidden somewhere in the derelict building. A bit too sadistic and unpleasant at times, but generally enjoyable, if you like this kind of stuff. Written by the director and Leigh Whannell, who also executive produced, along with the original SAW director James Wan. Followed by SAW III (2006).

Saw III (2006, USA) C-107m. **½ D: Darren Lynn Bousman. Starring Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, Angus Macfadyen, Bahar Soomekh, Donnie Wahlberg, Dina Meyer, Leigh Whannell. Third SAW movie has the dying Jigsaw killer and his assistant kidnap a doctor, who must keep him alive unless she will die with him because the collar around her neck is tied to his life functions. Meanwhile, a man who’s been mourning the death of his son by a hit-and-run driver is trying to escape a labyrinth devised by the madman. Story is still gripping and includes some gross-out gore and death scenes, but script is slightly uneven and most of this is déjà vu. Fans won’t mind.

Saw IV (2007, USA) C-96m. **½ D: Darren Lynn Bousman. Starring Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell, Lyriq Bent, Donnie Wahlberg, Angus Macfadyen, Shawnee Smith, Dina Meyer. Horror franchise is still going strong, with this entry partly a prequel to the other films, which explains – in flashback – how Jigsaw (Bell) became the killer he was. Somebody is playing another game of torture, and this time, detective Mathews’ (Wahlberg’s) life is at stake. Twisted story, explicitly gory effects sure to make you cringe, film relies heavily on the previous parts, so watch this right after SAW III if possible.

Sbirro, la Tua Legge è Lenta… la Mia… No! (1979, ITA) C-103m. *½ D: Stelvio Massi. Starring Maurizio Merli, Mario Merola, Carmen Scarpitta, Francisco Rabal, Nando Marineo. Italian police actioner (poliziottesco), made at the end of this subgenre’s popularity. Merli plays a cop who returns to Naples and must fight the local mafia. Some violent shoot-outs, but plot is lame. At least the score is by Stelvio Cipriani. Title translates as YOUR LAW IS SLOW, BUT MINE ISN’T!

Scandal (1989, GBR) C-114m. *** D: Michael Caton-Jones. Starring John Hurt, Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, Bridget Fonda, Ian McKellen, Leslie Phillips, Britt Ekland, Daniel Massey, Roland Gift, Jeroën Krabbé. The Profumo Scandal of the early 1960s that eventually led to the downfall of the government is vividly brought to the screen. Whalley-Kilmer portrays an 18 year-old showgirl, who becomes the mistress of the British Defense Minister John Profumo. Hurt, as the man who introduces her to the political elite of the country, is excellent as usual. A well-acted, interesting drama with a good score by Carl Davis. Director Caton-Jones’ (THIS BOY’S LIFE, THE JACKAL) first film. R-rated U.S. version runs 106m.

Scanner Darkly, A (2006, USA) C-100m. *½ D: Richard Linklater. Starring Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Rory Cochrane, David Cronenberg. Adaptation of a 1977 Philip K. Dick novel set in the near future, where main character Reeves is a cop of sorts, a spy, whose looks change every nano-second. He goes undercover to nail drug dealer Downey, but soon finds himself ‘trapped’ in their world, especially when he takes some of their valued Substance D. Filmed with real actors, then animated, which lends the film some style, but also keeps this rather artificial. The plot is uneven. Contains odd humorous touches, as well as identity-crisis elements a la BLADE RUNNER (1982). A misfire, much too immersed in its own weirdness. Screenplay by director Linklater.

Scanners (1981, CDN) C-103m. *** D: David Cronenberg. Starring Jennifer O’Neill, Stephen Lack, Patrick McGoohan, Lawrence Dane, Charles Shamata, Michael Ironside. Cronenberg’s shocker about people who can read minds - and cause heads to explode. Well-scripted (by the director) and especially well-scored (by Howard Shore), film rates among the director’s best films and is only marred by the protagonist’s indifferent performance. The special effects are yucky but good. Followed by two sequels in 1991 and 1992, and a new SCANNER COP movie series in 1994.

Scarab (1982, USA/SPA) C-94m. *½ D: Steven-Charles Jaffe. Starring Rip Torn, Robert Ginty, Cristina Sánchez Pascual, Isabel García Lorca, Donald Pickering. Tedious horror film about ancient Egyptian scarab cult that is reinstated by Torn and causes all kinds of violence. Anti-hero Ginty plays a reporter who investigates mysterious murders. Not completely without interest but causes boredom without relief. Director Jaffe later produced films like NEAR DARK (1987) or STRANGE DAYS (1995); he also cowrote MOTEL HELL (1980).

Scared to Death (1981, USA) C-91m. ** D: William Malone. Starring John Stinson, Diana Davidson, Jonathan David Moses, Tony Jannotta, Walker Edmistor, Pamela Bowman, William Malone. Straight horror film about mutated monster, which roams the sewers and kills young women. Ex-cop Stinson tackles the case. No surprises here, but okay for what it is, has a decent score. Followed by a sequel, SYNGENOR (1990). Also known as THE ABERDEEN EXPERIMENT.

Scarlet Diva (2000, ITA) C-91m. Scope *** D: Asia Argento. Starring Asia Argento, Jean Shepard, Herbert Fritsch, Vera Gemma, Daria Nicolodi, David Brandon. Intense self-portrait of actress Asia Argento (daughter of Dario), who plays a busy, successful actress with a childhood trauma, who’s also essentially lonely. She travels around the world mainly to get her script produced, entitled Scarlet Diva. Then she learns that she is pregnant from an Australian rock singer. Occasionally pretentious but effective psycho drama with a great Argento performance – or is it a performance at all? Difficult to watch at times, but Argento has fashioned a true cult film. Might not work as well for non-fans, though. Dedicated to Anna Ceroli, Asia’s half-sister, who died in an accident in 1994. Incidentally, Asia gave birth to a daughter called Anna in June 2001, a year after this film was first released. Brandon reprises his role from the 1986 DELIRIA (STAGEFRIGHT / AQUARIUS). Produced by Claudio and Dario Argento.

Scars of Dracula (1970, GBR) C-95m. ** D: Roy Ward Baker. Starring Christopher Lee, Dennis Waterman, Jenny Hanley, Patrick Houghton, Michael Ripper, Michael Gwynn. Sixth DRACULA movie by Hammer Films has the count resurrected by the blood of a bat. A young couple go in search of a missing brother and soon find themselves in hell’s kitchen (or, the vampire’s castle). Tired continuation of the series has lost most of its edge over the years. Only Lee is convincing. Followed by DRACULA A.D. 1972, which had old Drac move to contemporary London.

Scary Movie (2000, USA) C-88m. Scope ** D: Keenen Ivory Wayans. Starring Jon Abrahams, Rick Ducommun, Shannon Elizabeth, Carmen Electra, Anna Faris, Keenen Ivory Wayans. Spoof of the SCREAM-films (and other horror movies that followed) is a so-so sequence of gags, nothing more. Faris is good as Neve Campbell-like teenager who might be stalked by a masked murderer. Maybe someone should have told the Wayans brothers that SCREAM was a parody itself. Watchable.

Schindler’s List (1993, USA) C/B&W-197m. ***½ D: Steven Spielberg. Starring Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Jonathan Sagall, Embeth Davidtz. ‘Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.” Emotionally exhausting war drama about real-life industrialist Oskar Schindler (Neeson), who during World War Two managed to save the lives of hundreds of Jews by employing them in his factory. Film details his relationship with the Nazis (especially German commander Göth, played by Fiennes) and his growing obsession with saving lives – while risking his own fortune and safety. Set against the backdrop of the brutal killing of thousands of Jews in Krakow, this is director Spielberg’s personal working up of the Holocaust and a great film for most of the way, with excellent performances by Neeson and Kingsley (as Neeson’s Jewish assistant and conscience). Let down occasionally by narrative that seems to be infected by the war-time chaos and confusion that Spielberg so brilliantly, harrowingly depicts. Perfect black-and-white cinematography by Janusz Kaminski, haunting, unforgettable score by John Williams. Filmed on location in Poland, where most of this film is set. Script by Steve Zaillian, based on the novel by Thomas Keneally. Winner of seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Spielberg’s first), Best Score and Best Cinematography.

Schizo (1976, GBR) C-109m. ** D: Pete Walker. Starring Lynn Fredericks, John Leyton, Stephanie Beacham, John Fraser, Jack Watson. Producer-director Walker is at it again, this time his exploitation story centers around figure skater Fredericks, who is targeted and stalked by a (schizophrenic?) maniac, but nobody believes her. Did she know him when she was a child? Pretty much the same unpleasant bore that Walker gave us in FRIGHTMARE or HOUSE OF WHIPCORD, and overlong, to boot. Finale is interesting, though, so are some of the gore scenes. Also known as AMOK, and BLOOD OF THE UNDEAD.

Schlangengrube und das Pendel, Die (1967, GER) C-83m. ** D: Harald Reinl. Starring Christopher Lee, Lex Barker, Karin Dor, Carl Lange, Vladimir Medar. Barker and Dor are invited to a castle where Lee is waiting to be revenged on them. Not really bad and quite atmospheric but tacky and unconvincing. Based on E. A. Poe’s Pit and the Pendulum. U.S. titles: THE TORTURE CHAMBER OF DR. SADISM, THE BLOOD DEMON, and CASTLE OF THE WALKING DEAD. 

Schock (1977, ITA) C-92m. *½ D: Mario Bava. Starring Daria Nicolodi, John Steiner, David Colin Jr., Ivan Rassimov, Nicola Salerno. Maestro Mario Bava’s final theatrical film unfortunately does not compare with his earlier shockers. After the death of her husband, Nicolodi moves back into their house with her new lover Steiner. When her son (Colin Jr.) starts behaving strangely, her world is slowly shattered by the ghosts of the past. Poorly scripted by Mario’s son Lamberto (and three others), film lacks suspense, excitement and a fast pace. Direction and camerawork are stylish as usual, but otherwise this is utterly ordinary. Not the intended Freudian psycho thriller, as perhaps the title might suggest. Score by Goblin (as Libra). Theme reworked by Lamberto later in FINO ALLA MORTE. Alternative titles: SHOCK, and BEYOND THE DOOR II (this is actually a sequel to the EXORCIST-clone CHI SEI?, released in the U.S. as BEYOND THE DOOR).

Schöne Ende dieser Welt, Das (1984, GER) C-100m. ** D: Rainer Erler. Starring Robert Atzorn, Claire Oberman, Götz George, Judy Winter, Werner Kreindl. Atzorn plays an industrial chemist working for a company producing dangerous, toxic fertilizers. When he is sent to Australia to buy land for building a new factory, he starts having doubts about the morality of his undertaking, especially when he is confronted with environmental activist George. Script by director Erler is ambitious as usual, but budgetary restrictions hamper this TV production considerably. It’s just not convincing and never exciting. Some prints are titled FLASHBACK.

School of Rock, The (2003, USA) C-109m. **½ D: Richard Linklater. Starring Jack Black, Joan Cusack, Mike White, Adam Pascal, Robert Tsai, Frank Whaley. Black (of HIGH FIDELITY fame) is a 30-something slacker who dreams of making it as a rock star but sees his chances crushed when he is kicked out of his own band. Then he takes up a job as a teacher (posing as his roommate White) at an elite school, where the children just happen to be fine musicians (in the classical sense). Black’s performance is sensational, but the contrivances in the by-the-numbers script are often hard to take. Written by costar White.

Schramm (1993, GER) C-65m. M D: Jörg Buttgereit. Starring Florian Koerner, Monika M. Drastic horror film from Berlin sub-culture icon Jörg Buttgereit, whose films have been banned by German authorities, but surface now and then in video stores specializing on horror and trash. This nauseating 1993 release is about sexually disturbed serial killer Schramm (Koerner) and his unsuspecting roommate, a prostitute (Monika M.). Graphic mutilations, lots of gore, but in such a nihilistic presentation that it makes the film almost unwatchable. At least the filmmakers intended the film to have a deeper meaning. Some surreal scenes (quite well-edited) and a disquieting score add to the film's oppressive gruesomeness.

Schwarze Abt, Der (1963, FRA/GER) C-90m. Scope ** D: F. J. Gottlieb. Starring Joachim Fuchsberger, Charles Regnier, Dieter Borsche, Grit Boettcher, Klaus Kinski, Eddi Arent. ‘The Black Abbot’ (i.e. the English title of the movie) is stalking treasure hunters at a British castle. Fuchsberger, who is not playing the inspector this time, may have something to do with it. In this Edgar Wallace-inspired thriller the focus is on the (trivial) plot, there’s hardly any suspense. Arent’s funny antics save the film. Widescreen photography helps, too. English title: THE BLACK ABBOT.

Schwarze Schaf, Das (1960, GER) 95m. **½ D: Helmuth Ashley. Starring Heinz Rühmann, Siegfried Lowitz, Lina Carstens, Karl Schönböck, Maria Sebaldt. Famed German star actor Rühmann plays G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown, a priest with a particular interest in murder cases. When he solves one in his hometown, the bishop sends him away onto a small island which is said to be peaceful and quiet. When a murder happens nonetheless Father Brown is out to investigate. Crime comedy suffers from self-conscious humor but story develops into a compact whodunit, which makes the film worth watching. Followed by ER KANN’S NICHT LASSEN in 1962.

Schweigende Stern, Der (1960, GDR/POL) C-94m. Scope ** D: Kurt Maetzig. Starring Yoko Tani, Oldrich Lukes, Ignacy Machowski, Julius Ongewe. Based on Stanislaw Lem’s novel Astronauci, this East German-Polish coproduction fails to make much of its potentially intriguing premise. After a strange piece of rock is explained to be from an extra-terrestrial spaceship that exploded on earth several decades ago, a handful of renowned scientists make the voyage to Venus, the planet the vessel is thought to have come from. They find its surface devastated and deserted. Has there ever existed life on the planet? Apart from the dated effects, film is sometimes incoherent and never terribly involving or entertaining. Worth a look for science-fiction buffs, however. English title: FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS. Released abroad at 78m.

Scoop (2006, GBR/USA) C-96m. *** D: Woody Allen. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Woody Allen, Ian McShane, Charles Dance. Johansson is a young journalist just starting out in the business, who is contacted by a famous reporter just after he died(!). He tells her that he knows who is the Tarot serial killer of late, thus giving her the opportunity for the ultimate scoop. Together with stage magician Allen, she tries to make the acquaintance of the purported killer (Jackman). Quite watchable mix of murder mystery and romantic comedy, this has some very funny dialogue. One of Allen’s typical whimsical comedies; one wonders why he doesn’t aim higher anymore, however.

Scorched (2003, USA) C-89m. **½ D: Gavin Grazer. Starring Alicia Silverstone, Rachael Leigh Cook, Woody Harrelson, John Cleese, Paulo Costanzo, David Krumholtz, Joshua Leonard, Ivan Sergei, Marcus Thomas, Jeffrey Tambor, Max Wein, Gavin Grazer. Amusing (if underdeveloped) crime comedy with an interesting cast: Silverstone, Harrelson and Costanzo all work for the same bank in the same village, and they are all planning (independently so!) to steal some money for the craziest reasons. Almost good. Cleese is fun to watch as an eccentric millionaire with a dog and sushi fetish.

Scorpion King, The (2002, USA) C-92m. Scope **½ D: Chuck Russell. Starring The Rock (=Dwayne Johnson), Steven Brand, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kelly Hu, Bernard Hill. Lively, quite entertaining B-movie is a follow-up to the MUMMY movies. Pro wrestler The Rock plays the hunky title character who must kill evil ruler Brand in ancient Egypt. Blah script is mostly offset by some nice production design, non-stop action. Quite successful at the box office.

Scorpion Thunderbolt (1985, HGK) C-87m. ** D: Godfrey Ho. Starring Richard Harrison, Bernard Tsui, Juliet Chan, Nancy Lim. Truly odd obscurity about a journalist, who’s also a snake monster, controlled by an evil witch. Some effective scenes, quite well-made, but hampered by inserted (and amateurishly filmed) scenes featuring Richard Harrison, an American in Hong Kong, who owns a ring the witch needs. A curio for horror buffs, others should stay away. Not to be confused with director Ho’s COIL OF THE SNAKE / THE SNAKE STRIKES BACK.

Scream (1996, USA) C-110m. Scope *** D: Wes Craven. Starring Neve Campbell, Skeet Ulrich, Drew Barrymore, Rose McGowan, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Jamie Kennedy, Liev Schreiber, Linda Blair. A year after Campbell’s mother was found brutally murdered, the same murderer seems to go on another killing spree and anyone - including Campbell’s friends - could be the masked maniac. Tense, nerve-wrecking horror thriller isn’t really more than typical teenie slasher fare but tremendously scary at that. Only let down by an exaggerated (and unsatisfactory) conclusion. Director Wes Craven has a funny cameo as Freddy Kruger. Followed by two sequels. 

Scream 2 (1997, USA) C-120m. Scope ***½ D: Wes Craven. Starring Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Kennedy, Laurie Metcalf, Jada Pinkett, David Warner, Lewis Arquette, Tori Spelling. Heather Graham, Kevin Williamson. Sequel to the horror hit SCREAM is even better thanks to complicated, exciting plot about now-college student Campbell, who is terrified when a new murder series similar to the first one starts. Is it an imitation killer? Film (again scripted by Kevin Williamson) applies horror (non-)logic but plays cleverly with its premise and adds hair-raising excitement. Perhaps not as scary and original as the first but sweat-inducing nevertheless. A bulls-eye horror thriller, the best since CANDYMAN.

Scream 3 (2000, USA) C-116m. Scope *** D: Wes Craven. Starring David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox Arquette, Patrick Dempsey, Scott Foley, Lance Henriksen, Matt Keeslar, Jenny McCarthy, Emily Mortimer, Parker Posey, Deon Richmond, Patrick Warburton, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Kennedy, Heather Matarazzo, Roger Corman. The last part of the popular horror trilogy is good, dirty fun in the best SCREAM-tradition. Campbell is on the run again from the masked serial killer. This time he seems to be following the script to STAB 3, a mavie based on the original murders, Forget about any logic, just sit back and enjoy. Be warned, however: Those who haven’t seen the first and second part might not as eagerly embrace this movie as those who have. Certainly the weakest part of the trilogy, but good fun.

Scream… and Die! (1973, GBR) C-98m. ** D: Joseph (=José Ramón) Larraz. Starring Andrea Allan, Karl Lanchbury, Maggie Walker, Peter Forbes-Robertson, Judy Matheson. Strange sex-and-crime concoction about fashion model Allan, who stumbles into strange mansion with her boyfriend, only to witness a gruesome sex murder. She manages to escape, but her lover remains missing. Is the killer targeting her now? Sounds much more interesting than it plays, it goes nowhere after establishing the premise. Sluggish, talky thriller with a handful of rewarding features for buffs: Some stylish lighting, Allan’s gorgeous physique (she can act, too!) and a bizarre love sequence involving a middle-aged woman. Film was written by Derek Ford (perhaps inspired by Italian B-movies of the period), who also edited part of it. Alternative titles: DON’T GO INTO THE BEDROOM, THE HOUSE THAT VANISHED, and PSYCHO SEX FIEND.

Scream and Scream Again (1970, GBR) C-95m. *½ D: Gordon Hessler. Starring Vincent Price, Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Judy Huxtable, Christopher Matthews, Alfred Marks, Peter Sallis. Strange, confusing supernatural thriller: The police are trying to catch a dangerous murderer whose victims are found drained of their blood. The puzzling killings may be in connection with a secret military organization which, it turns out, has diabolical plans for humanity. This premise indicates that original story (from Peter Saxon’s novel The Disorientated Man) is not bad. The adaptation (by Christopher Wicking) is, a fact which can’t even be compensated by the (brief) appearances of three horror stars Price, Lee and Cushing.

Scream, Baby, Scream (1969, USA) C-82m. M D: Joseph Adler. Starring Ross Harris, Eugenie Wingate, Chris Martell. Suzanne Stuart. Lurid American sex-and-crime thriller about teenager Harris, whose girlfriend gets drawn into mysterious schemes of her arts teacher. Seems like a direct descendant of the surfer pics of the 60s, this one is ultra-bad. Cheap, absurd concoction, written by none other than Larry Cohen. Alternatively known as NIGHTMARE HOUSE.

Screamers (1995, CDN) C-108m. **½ D: Christian Duguay. Starring Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, Roy Dupuis, Andy Lauer, Charles Powell, Ron White. War has devastated a distant planet and military commander Weller has to contend with so-called Screamers, who are shapeshifters programmed to kill. Atmospheric sci-fi action starts impressively but then unfortunately loses its footing. Based on Second Variety, a short story by Philip K. Dick, the film is highly reminiscent of BLADE RUNNER.

Screamtime (1983, GBR) C-89m. ** D: Al Beresford (=Stanley A. Long). Starring Vincent Russo, Michael Gordon, Marie Scinto, Kevin Smith, Robin Bailey. Watchable, if considerably silly horror anthology, with frame story about two losers who steal video tapes and watch them at a randy friend’s place. First story concerns an old puppeteer, who is harassed by his family. Second one deals with a woman who has visions of horror in her home. And the last one is about a small-time crook who tries to rob a house protected by fairies. Not-bad, but still pretty pointless and quite laughable. Written by Michael Armstrong (HEXEN BIS AUFS BLUT GEQUÄLT – MARK OF THE DEVIL).

Scrooged (1988, USA) C-101m. ** D: Richard Donner. Starring Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John For-sythe, John Glover, Bobcat Goldthwaite, Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum, Buddy Hackett, Lee Majors. Need-lessly aggressive updating of the classic Charles Dickens story with Murray a cold-hearted TV executive who loses his contempt for Christmas when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve. Second ghost has the best moments in this quite funny modernization. The ending comes off forced, though. 

Seabiscuit (2003, USA) C-141m. Scope ***½ D: Gary Ross. Starring Jeff Bridges, Tobey Maguire, Chris Cooper, William H. Macy, Elizabeth Banks, Gary Stevens, James Keane, Gary Ross. Beautifully handled drama about opportunist Bridges, who loses most of his newly-gained wealth in stockmarket crash of 1929 and resorts to managing racing horses. One day he teams up with sensitive trainer Cooper and jockey Maguire to make once-injured horse Seabiscuit a champion. Excellent screenwriting introduces the story beautifully, and entire production is sublime. Good performances, immaculate period flavor, top Hollywood filmmaking. Written by director Ross, based on the book by Laura Hillenbrand.  Was nominated for 7 Oscars, won none. Same story filmed before in 1949.

Séance on a Wet Afternoon (1964, GBR) B&W-116m. ***½ D: Bryan Forbes. Starring Kim Stanley, Richard Attenborough, Nanette Newman, Mark Eden, Gerald Sim, Patrick Magee, Judith Donner. Outstanding psycho drama about psychotic medium Stanley, who plots to kidnap girl of rich family, hoping to get a reward for her “help” in locating the girl. Intimidated husband Attenborough reluctantly agrees to help with the scheme. Well-directed, brilliantly acted, not easily forgotten movie that some rightfully regard as a classic. Stanley should have won an Oscar (she was nominated). Interestingly, she suffered from psychosis in real life (revealed by director Forbes in an interview on the 2003 DVD). Terrific score by John Barry. Based on the novel by Mark McShane, remade by Kiyoshi Kurosawa for Japanese TV in 2000 (as KOREI). Referenced in Dario Argento’s TRAUMA (1993).

Sea of Love (1989, USA) C-112m. *** D: Harold Becker. Starring Al Pacino, Ellen Barkin, John Goodman, Michael Rooker, William Hickey, Richard Jenkins, Paul Calderon, Mark Phelan, Samuel L. Jackson. Police inspector Pacino is faced with brutal murders of men who put ads in the lonely hearts columns in newspapers. During the investigation he meets (and gradually falls in love with) possible suspect Barkin, a steamy femme fatale. Interesting, well-written thriller, a quintessential one of the late 1980s, with another excellent performance by Pacino. Good photography by Ronnie Taylor (OPERA). Scenes with Lorraine Bracco (as Pacino’s ex-wife) were cut out before the premiere.

Searchers, The (1956, USA) C-120m. *** D: John Ford. Starring John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Harry Carey Jr. Classic American western, usually cited as the best one, about war veteran Wayne’s embittered search for his niece, who has been abducted by Indians. Wayne spends years on their trail, aided by inexperienced Hunter. Western drama is unevenly structured and its intended emotional impact never fully realized. Negative, one-sided portrayal of Native Americans doesn’t help either. Well-paced, with a nice sense of humor, but cannot hold a candle to Sergio Leone’s operatic Dollar trilogy. Spawned many imitations. Shot in VistaVision.

Second Best (1993, GBR/USA) C-105m. *** D: Chris Menges. Starring William Hurt, John Hurt, Chris Cleary Miles, Keith Allen, Jane Horrocks, Prunella Scales, Alan Cumming. A self-conscious postmaster (William Hurt) decides to adopt a child and is matched with a troubled ten year-old (Miles), whose father is in prison. Hurt, whose childhood was not a happy one either, sees a chance to give each other the love they are both lacking in their lives. Good drama with superb performances, especially by William Hurt and Miles, could have been even better. Screenplay by David Cook, from his own novel. John Hurt’s role is no more than a cameo. Fine score by Simon Boswell (SANTA SANGRE). Set (and filmed) in Wales.

Secretary (2002, USA) C-112m. *** D: Steven Shainberg. Starring James Spader, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jeremy Davies, Patrick Bauchau, Stephen McHattie, Oz Perkins, Jessica Tuck, Amy Locane, Lesley Ann Warren. Highly original drama about mentally imbalanced Gyllenhaal, who has just been released from a mental institution and tries to make a stand in real life. The self-mutilating, insecure young woman then takes a job as a secretary in lawyer Spader’s firm, little knowing that he is a branded soul himself. Not consistently interesting, but this fresh drama is so well-performed you will forgive its dramatic shortcomings. Good score by Angelo Badalamenti. Based on a short story by Mary Gaitskill.

Secret Ceremony (1968, GBR) C-109m. **** D: Joseph Losey. Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Mia Farrow, Robert Mitchum, Peggy Ashcroft, Pamela Brown. Brilliantly acted chamber piece about Farrow and Taylor, whose meeting on the bus one day marks the beginning of a highly unusual relationship. Psychotic, girlish Farrow takes Taylor for her dead mother, who looked just like her. Taylor, in turn, accepts this role play hesitantly; Farrow’s resemblance with her own (dead) daughter is striking. The arrival of Farrow’s stepfather, lecherous Mitchum, puts a strain on their odd relationship. Completely fascinating psycho drama, difficult to watch but psychologically valid, with excellent direction by Losey (ACCIDENT), a must for cineastes. Farrow’s performance is breathtaking. Scripted by playwright George Tabori, who adapted the novel Ceremonia Secreta by Marco Denevi. Appropriately bizarre score by Richard Rodney Bennett. Beware edited 101m. version.

Secret des Selenites, Le (1983, FRA) C-82m. *½ D: Jean Image. Crude animation chronicles the adventures of the famed Baron Münchhausen as he sets out to find the Selenites, the secret inhabitants of the moon. Unpleasantly animated with many odd characters, film is not as interesting as it sounds. 

Secret Window (2004, USA) C-96m. Scope **½ D: David Koepp. Starring Johnny Depp, John Turturro, Maria Bello, Timothy Hutton, Charles S. Dutton. Okay thriller about troubled writer Depp, who is harassed by another writer (Turturro), who claims that Depp has stolen his story. Strangely enough, Depp has a hard time proving that he is wrong. Improbable (and thus predictable) from the word go, this thriller is kept alive by fair pace and Depp’s performance. Based on a short story by (you guessed it) Stephen King. Screenplay by the director. Score by Philip Glass.

Seduction, The (1982, USA) C-104m. ** D: David Schmoeller. Starring Morgan Fairchild, Michael Sarrazin, Vince Edwards, Andrew Stevens, Colleen Camp, Kevin Brophy. TV newswoman Fairchild is stalked by a fan of hers, photographer Stevens. There’s not much more to say about the plot, it’s predictable, slowly paced and rather stupid. Watch it if you are a fan of 80s stylistics and Morgan Fairchild in her prime (anybody?), stay away if you don’t dig pink credits. Has trash movie appeal. Score by Lalo Schifrin. Frank Darabont was among the crew.

Seduction of a Priest (1990, GBR/SPA) C-105m. ** D: Paolo Lara. Starring Paul McGann. Weak rendition of a masterpiece of Gothic literature, The Monk (1791) by William Gregory Lewis. McGann stars as a righteous monk who is seduced by a woman and soon finds himself in earthly purgatory. In a second strand of action, a young nun is imprisoned by the Mother Superior upon hearing that she is pregnant. Well-acted but tame, poorly directed, nowhere near the classic original. Filmed before by Ado Kyrou in 1972. Alternative title: THE MONK.

See Jane Run (2007, USA) C-86m. *½ D: Ryan Webb. Starring Jennifer Clary, Sasha Andreev, Joe Estevez, John Rodriguez, Kevin Haberer. Attempt at paying homage to horror exploitation movies (in particular T.C.M.) about four teenagers on the road, who end up in a house where a psychopath is intent on killing them. Low-budget, independent film starts not bad (excluding the odd opening scene), with less bad acting than usual, but fails to go anywhere from the first 20 minutes. There’s no atmosphere or suspense, and the villain looks like the guy next door (in a polished suburban house!). Some gore effects, most of them unconvincingly done with the computer.

Sei Donne per l’Assassino (1964, ITA/FRA/GER) C-89m. **½ D: Mario Bava. Starring Cameron Mitchell, Eva Bartok, Thomas Reiner, Arian Gorin, Dante di Paolo, Mary Arden, Frank Russel, Claude Dantes. Someone is killing fashion models for reasons that may be disclosed by the first victim’s diary, which the killer is after. Inspector Reiner is investigating the case. Badly paced, second rate plot (co-authored by the director) almost overcome by striking direction, good photography (Ubaldo Terzano) and a fine dramatic score (Carlo Rustichelli). This is how a horror thriller should be handled. Quite violent for its time. A must for followers of the director. English title: BLOOD AND BLACK LACE. 

Sei Mong Se Jun (2004, HGK) C-97m. *** D: Oxide Pang. Starring Race Wong, Roseanne Wong, Anson Leung, Michelle Mee. Fascinating psycho horror drama about an emotionally unstable young art student, who discovers her fascination with death and becomes obsessed with photographing death scenes. She distances herself from her surroundings, even becomes suicidal… but that’s not the end of the story. Plot is not always consistent, but film is stylishly directed, photographed and edited, another winner from cutting-edge filmmaker Pang. Written by the director and Thomas Pang. Produced by the Pang Brothers. English title: AB-NORMAL BEAUTY.

Seins de Glace, Les (1972, FRA) C-105m. ** D : Georges Lautner. Starring Mireille Darc, Alain Delon, Claude Brasseur, André Falcon, Nicoletta Machiavelli, Emilio Messina, Michel Peyrelon. Vague psycho drama about writer Brasseur, who encounters mysterious blonde Darc on the beach one day and immediately falls for her, trying to protect her from her overbearing protector, lawyer Delon. Interesting subject matter, done in by self-conscious direction and Brasseur’s naïve role. The reception of this drama may depend on one’s personal taste. Based on a novel by Richard Matheson. English title: ICY BREASTS.

Seize the Day (1986, USA) C-97m. ***½ D: Fielder Cook. Starring Robin Williams, Joseph Wiseman, Jerry Stiller, Glenne Headley, Tony Roberts, Richard Shull, John Fiedler, Jo van Fleet, William Hickey. Compelling drama about an unemployed loser (Williams), who’s separated from his wife and slowly has to learn that he’s a failure in life. Not even his own father (Wiseman) shows compassion for his son, who keeps trusting the wrong people. Brilliant acting by both Williams and Wiseman (who was the first Bond villain in screen history) elevate this serious drama, which is a little downbeat. Produced for television.

Self Defense (1983, CDN) C-81m. ** D: Paul Donovan, Marua O’Connell. Starring Brenda Bazinet, Jack Blum, Richard Collins. Quite intense but otherwise strictly by-the-numbers thriller about a group of thugs, who chase an eye witness to a murder in a gay bar and try to break into the apartment where he hides out. Violent fare, also known as SIEGE and NIGHT WARRIORS.

Semana del Asesino, La (1972, SPA) C-98m. ** D: Eloy de la Iglesia. Starring Vicente Parra, Emma Cohen, Eusebio Poncela, Vicky Lagos, Lola Herrera, Rafael Hernández. Spanish horror film about a slaughterhouse worker (Parra), who accidentally kills a taxi driver, then must keep murdering to keep this a secret. Each murder leads to the next. Guess where he disposes of his victims! Slowly paced drama with some gory bits has a cult reputation, but fun it ain’t, rather depressing with sub-standard acting. This was director Iglesias’ follow-up to the fascinating EL TECHO DE CRISTAL (1971). English titles: CANNIBAL MAN, THE APARTMENT ON THE 13TH FLOOR.

Semana Santa (2002, SPA/GBR/FRA/GER/ITA/DAN) C-91m. ** D: Pepe Danquart. Starring Mira Sorvino, Olivier Martinez, Féodor Atkine, Luis Tosar, Alida Valli, Peter Berling. Sorvino plays a troubled police woman, who comes to Sevilla, Spain, and soon finds herself in the middle of the hunt for a serial killer. Utterly conventional thriller, whose only novelty is the setting, the Semana Santa (Holy Week), during which religious processions crowd the narrow streets. The characters don’t figure at all in this film, at least it features some glossy cinematography. Based on the novel by David Hewson.

Sender, The (1982, USA/GBR) C-91m. *** D: Roger Christian. Starring Kathryn Harrold, Zeljko Ivanek, Shirley Knight, Paul Freeman, Sean Hewitt, Harry Ditson. Well-made supernatural thriller about hospital patient Ivanek, who unwittingly tranforms his powerful and frightening hallucinations to the hospital staff. The key to these telepathic powers lies in his past, as doctor Harrold soon finds out. Surreal, complicated horror film, surprisingly good. Its only mistake may be that it relies too much on realistic thriller elements. First feature for both director Christian and cinematographer Roger Pratt (BATMAN, BRAZIL). Christian won an Oscar as an art director for STAR WARS.

Sentenza di Morte (1968, ITA) C-90m. Scope *** D: Mario Lafranchi. Starring Robin Clarke, Richard Conte, Enrico Maria Salerno, Adolfo Celi, Tomas Milian, Eleonora Brown, Luciano Rossi. Unusual spaghetti western about baby-faced Clarke, who is out to kill 4 colorful villains, who caused the death of his brother. Simple revenge formula is overcome by stylish direction, which celebrates the archetypes of the spaghetti western, and brilliant score by Gianni Ferrio, who rivals Morricone in his use of unusual instruments. For buffs. Might have been an inspiration for Tarantino’s KILL BILL movies. English title: DEATH SENTENCE.

Sentinel, The (1977, USA) C-92m. *** D: Michael Winner. Starring Chris Sarandon, Cristina Raines, Martin Balsam, John Carradine, José Ferrer, Ava Gardner, Arthur Kennedy, Burgess Meredith, Sylvia Miles, Deborah Raffin, Eli Wallach, Christopher Walken, Jerry Orbach, Bevery D’Angelo, Hank Garrett, Tom Berenger, William Hickey, Jeff Goldblum. Derivative but enjoyable supernatural thriller about young actress Raines, who moves into a New York apartment, unknowing that the blind priest upstairs is there for a special purpose – to guard the gate to hell. Despite so many stars in the cast, this is a B-movie with dramatic faults, but it remains interesting (especially because of compact running time) and even chilling. Make-up effects are good. Written by director Winner, who adapted the novel by Jeffrey Konvitz, whose book is an intriguing mix between ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968) and THE EXORCIST (1973).

Seokkeul (2003, KOR) C-114m. **½ D: Seung-bae Park. Starring Soo-yeon Kang, Woong-in Jeong, Jeong-yun Choi, Jae-ryong Jeon. Provocative drama from Korea about a cold-blooded killer, who after being caught bases his defense on the claim that he is the reincarnation of a killer from the 1930s. The (female) state attorney is furious, but there is more to this story than she wants to believe; in flashbacks we learn about a fatal love affair. Low-key, deliberately paced drama is a bit too heavy on the sap sometimes, especially towards the end. Not a horror film, as the DVD cover might have you believe; it does contain some graphic scenes, though. English title: THE CIRCLE.

Seom (2000, KOR) C-90m. **½ D: Kim Ki-duk. Starring Suh Jung, Kim Yoosuk, Park Sung-hee, Jo Jae-hyeon, Jang Hang-seon. Quiet, disturbing drama about a mute woman, who rents out swimming huts on a lake to fishermen and occasionally sells her body, too. Her latest guest is equally introvert man, who has just committed a crime. Film charts their relationship in low-key, hypnotic fashion. Symbolic, raw film is difficult to watch. First big international success for director Kim, he won the Netpac prize at the Venice film festival and was nominated for the Golden Lion. English title: THE ISLE.

Sept Pèches Capitaux, Les (1961, FRA/ITA) 113m. Scope ** D: Sylvain Dhomme, Edouard Molinaro, Philippe de Broca, Jacques Demy, Jean-Luc Godard, Roger Vadim, Claude Chabrol. Starring Jean-Louis Trintignant, Eddie Constantine, Jean-Claude Brialy, Claude Brasseur, Marina Vlady. The Seven Capital Sins are interpreted by seven directors, most of whom would go on to achieve international recognition. Interesting (to say the least) but also boring and sometimes pointless satire isn’t funny enough to score a higher rating. Best of the stories is possibly de Broca’s La Gourmandise episode (Gluttony). English title: 7 CAPITAL SINS.

Seraphim Falls (2006, USA) C-115m. Scope *** D: David Von Ancken. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Liam Neeson, Michael Wincott, Ed Lauter, John Robinson, Robert Baker, Kevin O’Connor, Angelica Huston, Tom Noonan, Xander Berkeley, Wes Studi. John Toll’s (expectedly) fine cinematography and two arresting lead performances are main attractions in this post-Civil War western about Neeson’s quest to find and kill Brosnan in the wilderness, for reasons specified later in the movie. Rather episodic and obvious in its plotting, but well-worth seeing. Especially Neeson scores as a man bent on revenge. Cowritten by TV director Von Ancken.

Serendipity (2001, USA) C-90m. **½ D: Peter Chelsom. Starring John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale, Jeremy Piven, Bridget Moynahan, John Corbett, Eugene Levy. Sappy romance about Cusack and Beckinsale who meet by chance at Bloomingdale’s and fall in love. Since both are about to be married, they leave it to fate if they ever meet again. Pretty contrived but still likable thanks to the stars’ performances.

Sergeant Rutlidge (1960, USA) C-118m. **½ D: John Ford. Starring Woody Strode, Jeffrey Hunter, Constance Towers, Billie Burke. Interesting but predictable and clichéd western drama about court-martial of black sergeant Strode, who is accused of having murdered and raped a white girl. Well-acted, unusual western from one of the genre’s most prolific directors is overlong and has some comic relief that doesn’t really work. Not as ground-breaking in its anti-racist message as some claim it to be, if you consider that 12 ANGRY MEN came three years earlier. Still, western buffs will like it anyway. 

Serial Lover (1998, FRA) C-83m. *½ D: James Huth. Starring Michèle Laroque, Albert Dupontel, Elise Tielrooy, Michel Vuillermoz, Zinedine Soualem, Antoine Basler, Gilles Privat. Annoying, derivative black comedy thinks itself very funny but works only in spurts. 34 year-old Laroque wants to marry but can't decide whom, so she invites all four candidates to a dinner party. She ends up with four dead bodies, a devastated flat, two idiotic criminals, and a very strange police detective. Tries to be as hip as Tarantino's films (especially PULP FICTION), but is more ridiculous than funny.

Serial Mom (1994, USA) C-95m. **½ D: John Waters. Starring Kathleen Turner, Sam Waterston, Ricki Lake, Matthew Lillard, Mary Lo Catlett, Justin Whalin, Patricia Dunnock, Mink Stole, Patricia Hearst, Suzanne Somers, Traci Lords. Another one of writer-director Waters’ suburban fantasies. Perfect housewife Turner would do anything to protect her family and her values, even kill, which she has been doing with the same care as she does her household chores. Nobody believes she could be the wanted killer in the neighborhood. Makes its point early on, but remains funny enough for the rest of the movie. Turner is terrific, even in unnecessary, predictable courtroom  finale. Waters’ fans shouldn’t be disappointed. That’s his voice as Ted Bundy on the tape.

Sero Hiki no Goshu (1982, JAP) C-61m. *** D: Isao Takahata. Starring (the voices of) Hideki Sasaki, Fuyumi Shiraishi, Masashi Amenomori. Intelligent mini-feature by anime master Takahata, based on a short novel by Kenji Miyazawa. A young cello player, who is in preparation for an important concert, is visited by several animals who ask him to teach them music. His initial doubts are blown away when he realizes how powerful his music can be. Some idyllic animation, with beautiful classical music, a real find for animation buffs. English titles: GAUCHE THE CELLIST, GOSHU THE CELLIST.

Serpent, Le (1972, FRA/ITA/GER) C-113m. Scope ** D: Henri Verneuil. Starring Yul Brynner, Henry Fonda, Dirk Bogarde, Philippe Noiret, Michel Bouquet, Martin Held, Farley Granger, Virna Lisi, Guy Tréjan, Marie Dubois, Elga Andersen, Robert Alda, Herbert Fux. Unnecessarily complicated thriller about Russian KGB agent Brynner, who asks for political asylum and intends to disclose some important information to the Americans. Soon, a web of espionage and intrigues is uncovered that reaches up to the highest positions. Despite good start, stellar cast and Ennio Morricone’s elaborate score, this is a dud that’s far too talky and doesn’t thrill. Photographed by Claude Renoir, cowritten and produced by director Verneuil, whose great films (LE CORPS DE MON ENNEMI and I… COMME ICARE) were to come out later that decade. English titles: NIGHT FLIGHT FROM MOSCOW and THE SERPENT.

Serpent and the Rainbow, The (1988, USA) C-98m. *** D: Wes Craven. Starring Bill Pullman, Cathy Tyson, Zakes Mokae, Paul Winfield, Brent Jennings, Michael Gough. Pullman plays a scientist who is sent to Haiti by a pharmaceutical firm, where he is supposed to research a so-called voodoo powder, which kills people and makes them return from the dead. Atmospheric, even sweat-inducing chiller makes great use of locations. All the more creepy when you consider it is based on a true story(!), written down in the book The Serpent and the Rainbow by Wade Davis.

Serpent’s Egg, The (1977, USA/GER) C-114m. **½ D: Ingmar Bergman. Starring David Carradine, Liv Ullman, Gert Fröbe, Heinz Bennent. Atmospheric drama set in 1923 Germany, about Jewish circus artist Carradine, who is the prime suspect in a murder spree investigated by inspector Fröbe. Bravura acting by Ullman, ingenious directorial touches by Bergman make this a worthwhile experience, although unpleasant, relentlessly sleazy subject matter weighs it down a lot. Written by the director. Photography by Sven Nykvist, produced by Dino de Laurentiis. German title: DAS SCHLANGENEI.

Serpent Warriors, The (1985, USA/HGK) C-93m. *½ D: John Howard, Niels Rasmussen. Starring Clint Walker, Eartha Kitt, Christopher Mitchum, Ann Lockhart, Kathleen Lu. A woman is trying to find out more about a so-called snake cult, which – as she believes – has reason to kill her husband, who killed their leader when he was five years old. Almost incomprehensible trash shamelessly exploits the 1982 Hong Kong movie CALAMITY OF SNAKES. The scenes from that film – snake attacks and fights – are furiously filmed. Is that flick available somewhere?!

Se Sei Vivo Spara (1967, ITA/SPA) C-117m. Scope ** D: Giulio Questi. Starring Tomas Milian, Marilù Tolo, Piero Lulli, Milo Quesada, Sancho Gracia, Ray Lovelock, Frank Brana. Unusual but sluggish western with a cult reputation. Half-breed Milian is shot by bandits and left for dead. He is saved by two Indians and prepared for revenge. The