Films on Trial

This week we review the films and performances up for nominations at the 2023 Academy Awards. Did you agree or disagree with our picks? Let us know on Twitter @filmtrials www.filmsontrial.co.uk/229

We put The Crow on trial this week. Does it rule the roost or have us spitting feathers? Gav and Dave argue that the dark atmosphere and moody aesthetic of the film make it a hit. Alex counters that this is a fairly unremarkable standard revenge film, propelled to cult status by tragic circumstances. As this is part of our Michael Wincott season we begin with an impression of the man himself. www....

We put Violent Night on trial. Does Santa light them up like a Christmas tree or will we have stars in our eyes? Gav and Dave say this is a great mix of action and comedy that has them already excited for a sequel. Joel and Alex argue out that disappointing action scenes and unnecessary gore make this a festive turkey. All this with an impression of jolly old St Nick and a quiz all about bloodthir...

The gang review 2022, including their best trials, their most surprising verdicts, and their favourite films of the year. Lots of banter, Kevin Costner, and Hosue of Gucci! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/226

Spirited is on trial this week. Does it have a bright future or a dark past? Dave and Ausy say a unique take on an old classic alongside great musical numbers make this a festive classic in the making. Joel and Gav say a muddled plot and actors with no musical training in over their heads make this one to forget. All this with a quiz all about Christmas music hits! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/225

Disenchanted is on trial this week. A real thumper of a Disney movie or does it flounder? Alex argues that a realistic look at what comes after a 'happy ever after' ending and a compelling performance by Amy Adams makes this a sure hit. Ausy says that while the ideas behind it are good, the execution is dire and this is destined to sit alongside Hocus Pocus 2 as a dud. All this with a quiz about D...

The Exorcist is on trial this week. Does it have the power to compel us or does it make our heads spin? Gav and Ausy say this is a masterpiece to be ranked alongside the greatest films ever made, with a shocking plot and outstanding performances. Joel and Alex say that time has changed what audiences find terrifying and that the truly horrific scenes are more gross than actually scary. All this wi...

Hocus Pocus 2 is on trial this week. Does it still have the magic or will it sink like a stone? Ausy and Dave argue that an entertaining cast and a fun plot make this a Halloween hit. Gav and Alex say that this is a standard Disney sequel cash grab with muddled characters and bad jokes. "Game of Crones" is our quiz this week and Gav gives us his best Bette Midler impression! www.filmsontrial.co.uk...

In preparation for the 2022 Liverpool Film Festival, which will be taking place in the Liverpool One Odeon between 3rd - 6th November, we are reviewing as many of the films as we can to try and convince the rest of the world that we are actually serious film enthusiasts. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/221

We put The Impossible on trial this week, starring Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor and Tom Holland in his film debut. The defence says it details the events of the 2004 tsunami faithfully, portraying the real experience of a family that survived. The prosecution says that by focusing in on one family we lose a larger look at how this disaster affected the region and the people who live there. All this...

Armageddon is on trial this week. Is it a triumph of a disaster movie, or is it just a disaster? Joel and Ausy say that it set the bar for disaster films, and that the action and special effects are outstanding. But Alex and Gav argue that there isn't enough of the action, and that it's too long and messy. There's a quiz all about Michael Bay, and impression of Steve Tyler, and a whole lot of bant...

Twister is on trial this week. As right as rain or a perfect storm? Dave and Alex say this is a film to be enjoyed rather than taken seriously, with a surprisingly good cast and practical effects. Joel and Gav argue that a ludicrous plot and paper-thin characters made them want to storm out. All this with an impression of a southern gentleman in a tornado and a quiz about product placement in movi...

Independence Day is on trial this week. Does a free USA work or would it have been better to remain a British colony? Dave and Ausy defend, saying that this was a huge box office smash with a big cast and special effects to match. Alex says that the use of miniatures has stopped for a reason and that two and a half hours of unfiltered patriotism is too much. All this with an impression of Jeff Gol...

Thelma and Louise is on trial this week. Will it soar like an eagle or fail to make an impact in the landscape? Joel and Dave argue that it was a trail blazing film at the time, with iconic scenes and incredible lead performances. Gav and Ausy argue that one iconic scene does not make up for script issues, dated dialogue and one dimensional supporting characters. All this with an impression of a s...

Gladiator is on trial this week. Will it conquer all or is it a big thumbs down? Dave and Alex defend, bringing up an iconic script delivered by a top shelf cast and a music score that matches the action perfectly. Gav and Ausy say the story gets bogged down in boring ancient politics, the effects are dated and that it's a shame this is how Oliver Reed went out. All this with an impression of Rich...

Alien Covenant is on trial this week. Does it give us a good feeling deep down or will it rip us apart? Gav and Joel say this is a return to form after Prometheus, offering fans the carnage they expect but also delivering some interesting ideas along the way. Ausy and Alex point out that this is a sequel to Prometheus which does nothing to mend the wreckage that film left the franchise in. On top...

This week marks the first episode in our Ridley Scott season, as the guys put House of Gucci on trial. Is it the Fun House, or the House of Horrors? Alex and Dave are defending and say that the film is style and substance, with some great performances from Adam Driver and Lady Gaga. Gav is prosecuting however, and he argues that the film abandons the more interesting aspects of the story, and also...

Something's Gotta Give is on trial this week. Is the naked truth this is a classic or is it squeaky bum time? Alex has chosen this film for romcom season as he hates it so very much. With Joel he points out a cringeworthy script and pointless plot points amongst other grievances. Dave and Ausy think he needs to calm down and enjoy an easy watch with a great cast and an interesting focus on love in...

Just Go With It is on trial this week. Good advice or should we take it with a pinch of salt? Dave and Alex defend, pointing to a simple but interesting story that provides plenty of laughs. Gav could not disagree more, calling it pedestrian, outdated and, perhaps worst of all, an Adam Sandler movie. All this with an impression of Sandler himself and a quiz based on films in Hawaii. www.filmsontri...

Wedding Crashers is on trial this week. A fairytale meeting of two comedic greats or will this end in tears? Joel and Ausy argue that a strong cast keeps the laughs coming and that there's an interesting story beneath the comedy. Gav and Alex argue that Wedding Crashers does not stand the test of time, with outdated views on women, men and pretty much everything else. All this with Joel showing us...

This week, Monster-in-Law is on trial. Is it a white wedding, or a sham marriage? Gav and Dave argue that this is a charming film and a fine cinematic return for Jane Fonda. Joel counters that it lacks charisma and is very forgettable. There's an impression(?) of Jane Fonda, and a quiz all about movie in-laws www.filmsontrial.co.uk/209

Clueless is in the hot seat this week. Should we take pride in it, or terminate with prejudice? Ausy and Gav say this is an essential 90s movie, with surprising depth to the characters and top notch actors. Dave says this film is trapped in the decade it was made and takes playing happy families a little too far. All this with a spot on impression of a 90s valley girl! www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Don't Look Up is on trial this week. A shooting star or does it fall to earth with a crash? Ausy and Alex say this film manages the near impossible task of being entertaining whilst showing the end of all life on earth. Dave and Gav say that a lack of subtlety and heavy handed swipes at pretty much everything mean any message is completely lost. All this with an impression of an insane tech mogul...

Matrix Resurrections is on trial this week. Does it wash away the sins of Matrix Revolutions or sometimes, is dead better? Joel and Gav go before Judge Dave and plead that an ambitious story that isn't afraid to take risks makes this a winner. Alex and Ausy point to a nonsensical, self-indulgent plot that manages to further destroy the legacy of the first film. All this with an impression and quiz...

Spiderman: No Way Home is on trial this week. A delicately woven plot or a tangled sticky web? Gav defends, looking at an ambitious plot that doesn't play it safe and brings a great resolution to not just one but three story arcs spanning 20 years. Dave says this is a fat cash cow that Sony and Marvel intend to milk for many years and that paying fan service like this is a cheap and lazy way to ma...