DB-08-DB

Q (a.k.a. The Winged Serpent here in the UK) is a note perfect B movie, perhaps the blueprint that all low budget creature-features should work from. The film, from writer/ director Larry Cohen, is the best horror/ comedy/ exploitation hybrid this side of the '70's (pic was made in 1982). Everything works a treat. The film has many things going for it, not least an intelligent screenplay that is hysterically funny in parts. The cast are superb: in particular Moriarty's nervous hood and Carradine's no-nonsense, sarcastic detective. The film zips along at a cracking pace, like Lewis Teague's equally brilliant 'Alligator' (1980), not a frame of the film is wasted. Witty, gory, well-paced and populated by believable characters, Q works on almost every level. As unpretentious B Movies go, this one is a masterclass on how to get it right. Highly recomended.

I had high expectation for Daredevil. I hoped it would be a good film, and more than that I wanted it to be a good film. I was disappointed by Spider-Man, a film that felt childish and insincere. I hoped Daredevil would be gutsier, darker and more heart felt. The film surpassed all expectation. This is a comic book film for adults, probably the finest since 'The Crow'. Daredevil is terrific entertainment, but it is also a film of some depth (it is unafraid of emotion, without ever over doing it). The film's main plus is in it's straight faced delivery. This is sombre, haunting material; all pain and sadness. The action is lean and well handled, fantastic without becoming far-fetched (for the most part, anyhow). The cast are credible and deliver great performances. Affleck is subtle and convincing as Murdoch/ DD. This is one of his finest performances, he has created a real character here, as opposed to relying on his film star persona. Much of the film's success must go to Affleck. Garner is beautiful and suitably athletic. Farrell chews the scenery with a colourful, growling relish. David Keith makes the most of his screen time as Jack 'The Devil' Murdoch, it's good to see him back on the big screen. Credit to director Johnson for creating a realistic, downbeat film that will somehow pass for popcorn entertainment. This is brilliant big-screen fare; Marvel should be proud.

Pretentious, unbelievably self-indulgent film that crawls at a snail's pace whilst going absolutely nowhere. A depressing, glossy, superficial waste of everybody's time and energy. Any film that wastes the talent of Jason Lee, Timothy Spall, Noah Taylor and Kurt Russell should be condemned to life in the bargain basket. Avoid.