Films on Trial

This week, Army of the Dead is on trial. Is it an ace up the sleeve? Or does it break the bank? In a stripped back episode this week, Gav argues that the Zack Snyder is having a blast and the result is a big, fun movie. Dave disagrees and says that it lacks character developments and that the plot is all over the place. There's no quiz this week, but lots of facts about the film, and questionable...

Mortal Kombat (2021) is on trial this week. Will we throw our hats in the air or give this the sub-zero shoulder? Alex defends, pointing out that this is a mindless action gore fest involving people getting cut in half by a hat and being clapped to death. Gav and Dave prosecute, saying that the lack of a tournament in a movie about a combat tournament is problematic. All this and an impression of...

Conan the Barbarian is in the dock. As smooth as a well oiled bicep or the punch that broke the camel's jaw? Alex defends, saying that excellent direction and simple story make this a classic of the sword and sorcery genre. Dave prosecutes, saying that this is a film that involves snakes being rubbed straight into arrows that somehow manages to take itself too seriously. All this with an impressio...

This week Terminator: Genisys is in the hot seat. The beginning of something good or a rotten apple? Gav and Joel defend, arguing that this action film is packed with great action and manages to reinvigorate the tired franchise. Ausy and Alex do not agree, pointing out the incomprehensible plot and wooden performances that will annoy die-hard fans as well as confuse newcomers. All this with anothe...

Raw Deal is in the hot seat this week. Cordon bleu or undercooked? Dave defends this week and points out the cracking action and fun plot which make this a deserving entry in Arnie's catalogue. Alex prosecutes, mainly focusing on the idea of Arnold Schwarzenegger infiltrating the mafia. All this with a quiz about jobs the big man has had in his films and an impression of him by Alex this week. www...

The Running Man is up in the dock this week. A sprint finish or should it jog on? Gav manages to discuss the great action and prescient sci-fi themes in the film as well as his enduring love and respect for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Dave argues that Arnie spoils the story, taking away some of the threat in the plot by being too strong and not having the acting chops this story needs. All this with an...

The Dark Tower is on trial this week. Is it locked and loaded or firing blanks? Alex defends, saying that this film keeps the spirit of the books it is based on alive whilst making some much-needed changes for the big screen. Dave and Gav very much disagree, saying that an atrocious script and impenetrable plot make this a dud. And as if that wasn't enough, we have an impression of Matthew McConau...

Pet Sematary is in the stand this week. Heaven sent or does it buy the farm? Gav has another crack at getting a Pet Sematary film on the hit list after failing with the 1989 version. He points to interesting changes that keep the plot fresh and a solid cast. Alex and Ausy disagree, saying that there is just something wrong about the basic story to Pet Sematary which makes it impossible to adapt. A...

The Green Mile is in the hot seat this week. Is it capital or a punishment? Dave defends alone, calling this part of the trifecta of Stephen King adaptations by Frank Darrabont alongside the Shawshank Redemption and The Mist. Gav and Alex prosecute, saying that at over 3 hours this film begins to feel like a prison sentence itself. All this with a light hearted impression of someone with a urinary...

Doctor Sleep is on trial this week. Is it a dream come true or should they have let sleeping dogs lie? Ausy and Dave argue that the film had a major problem in being a sequel to both 'The Shining' book and the Kubrick adaptation, the result being a confused mess. Gav very much disagrees, pointing out the incredible work by director Mike Flanagan in melding these worlds together and still telling a...

Thor is in the hot seat this week. Does it deserve thunderous applause or does it strike out? Dave argues this is a great set-up to what came later, with solid character development and outstanding direction from Kenneth Branagh making it a gem in it's own right as well. Ausy and Alex do not agree, saying that the script is overwritten and the action lacklustre, with glimmers of potential but no r...

The Matrix: Reloaded is on trial this week. Does it hit the mark or run out of ammunition? Alex argues that this film manages to successfully build on the world hinted at in the first film while offering something new at the same time. Dave disagrees, saying that this sequel becomes bloated in both script and pop philosophy, ultimately failing to entertain. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/169

www.filmsontrial.co.uk

www.filmsontrial.co.uk

www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Gave and Joel are missing this week so Alex, Dave and Austin go a little off-piste when dealing with this star-studded 2011 movie. There's still a healthy dose of impressions and a quiz on quotes from films set at new years eve. www.filmsontrial.co.uk

Noelle is in the hot seat this week. Will it get on the naughty or nice list? Dave and Ausy defend, pointing out the light-hearted high jinx and joyful performances sprinkled through this festive feature. Gav and Alex prosecute, highlighting the flavourless comedy that takes no risks and boring plot. All this with a heartwarming impression of Santa himself and a quiz of quotes from Christmas films...

In our continuing quest to become hip, relevant, and popular enough to leave our day jobs, the FoT team will be putting Elf (2003) on trial and judging once and for all whether this is an absolute cracker or a disappointing turkey. Dave and Joel will be defending, with Ausy and Alex on the prosecution. Gav will be both judge and MC, making sure our first foray into live streaming goes without a si...

Mank is in the dock this week. A letter away from what it really is or a satisfying release? Ausy and Alex are on the defence, talking about the beautiful direction and relevant political themes that make this a shoe in at the Oscar's next year. Gav and Joel prosecute, pointing out the dense script that takes no prisoners and chaotic plot structure. All this with an impression of Orson Welles and...

www.filmsontrial.co.uk

www.filmsontrial.co.uk

The Secret Garden is on trial this week! Alex normally writes something witty here and he missed this week, so sorry :(

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan[b] is a 2020 American mockumentary comedy film directed by Jason Woliner in his feature directorial debut. The gang do some seriously bad Borat impressions, a quiz, and discuss if this is The King Of the Castle or like wizards sleeve.

Odd Thomas is in the hot seat this week. A dead cert or does it give up the ghost? Dave and Gav argue this is a cheesy but fun adaptation of a Dean Koontz novel that showcases Anton Yelchin and is fun for everyone. Joel and Alex very much disagree, pointing out the unbelievably bad script, awful performances and grating soundtrack. All this and an impression of Willem Dafoe and a quiz about Dean K...

The Crazies is on trial this week. An infectious zombie romp or does it make you lose your mind? Gav and Joel argue this remake improves on the original and has a strong lead trio that you can't help but get behind. Ausy and Dave don't believe this has enough of the social commentary of the original and plays fast and loose with the rules of zombie films. All this and a genuine, corn-fed, home-gro...