Vids to watch.

Sorry these haven't been updated in a while, but we've been dead busy organising Curtis Mayfield House to open. Now thats on the way for March 11th we'll be back on reviewing tons of cool and interesting stuff to save you the time. Any video cover will click for you to buy it if you want and our past reviews are archived here.

  1. It's a wonderful life - Frank Capra. (1946)

    cover The greatest Xmas film ever made. Starring James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who puts everybody else before himself and ends up in a life he didn't want or plan. When everything goes wrong one Xmas eve he thinks about ending it all and is given the chance, by his guardian angel, to see what the world would have been like without him. Making a very real social point, it's impossible to see this film and not come away feeling absolutely top fantastic. It has a feel good factor that Hollywood tries to recreate time and time again - when you see this you'll realise they rarely even come close.

  2. Quadrophenia - Franc Roddam. (1979)

    cover A seminal story of deranged anti-hero Jimmy (Phil Daniels) and his Mod chums in the sixties. All the elements are here for teen cult movie. Sex, drugs, class tunes, gang mentality and a pace that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Kicks the ass of any USA/West Side Story nonsense. Soundtrack by The Who and most lead acting roles seem to be filled by 18 year old drug fuelled, snot nosed kids who are now chief inspectors on 'The Bill'. Top tune - 'Green Onions' Booker T. Top scene - when Jimmy quits his job.

  3. Time Bandits - Terry Gilliam. (1981)

    cover A dark fairytale involving a pack of marauding dwarves travelling through time with the assistance of a map stolen from the Supreme Being. Laugh a minute and just so odd. Various scenarios ensue, Greek mythology, Robin Hood, Napoleon etc as the stars line up to have their asses kicked by the little people. Family fun on a mad, genius, visionary tip. Top line 'rat anyone…?'

  4. Fist of Fury - Wei Lo. (1972)

    cover The mighty Bruce Lee kicks and chops his way through all the baddies in the way only he knows how. This video can be used to settle any old skool/new skool arguments with small children, i.e. 'Pokemon's better…? WWF wrestling rules…?' - 'Well just you sit down and watch this little man' etc. Never fails. Bruce Lee films are made so you can watch Bruce do his shit. That is the reason for them and that's why this rules supreme.

  5. Do the Right Thing - Spike Lee. (1989)

    cover More questions than answers, this is Spike Lee's strongest work. All his usual players are here in this story of a long hot summers day and night in a mixed New York neighbourhood. Quality sexual and racial tension in the intense heat, rise to a phenomenal climax. At times his highlighting and redefining of accepted stereotypes is nothing short of masterful (see 'spear chucking/pizza eating' speech). A triumph of content over cash. There is a photo of Spike watching over us all by the DJ box in World Headquarters.

  6. To Kill a Mocking Bird - Robert Mulligan. (1962)

    cover This film stars Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, a small town lawyer who agrees to defend a black man wrongly accused of the rape of a white woman in the southern US during the depression era. Told through the eyes of his young children Jem and Scout, it's also a tale of their burgeoning awareness of growing up, racism, bigotry and fear of the unknown. One of the few films to do justice to it's book, this is a an absolutely timeless, must own classic.

  7. Planet of the Apes - Franklin J Schaffner. (1967)

    cover Recently remade, this original version is a far superior movie and the most accurate parody of humankind there is. A school of thought, to which we subscribe, says that if you only see one film in your life, this should be the one. Charlton Heston and loads of mad monkey men star in this tale which we reckon is currently in the process of coming true. Greatest film ending ever and even though you probably already know that, believe us when we say it's time to see this movie again and take notice. You can think of it as realistic, cos it may well be.

  8. Abigail's Party - Mike Leigh. (1984)

    cover Unbelievable set piece filmed almost in one take, highlighting the 'beat the Jones's' attitude that pervades almost everyone's parents. Wince-tastic, superbly acted and rivetingly funny, it's the story of a little get together between neighbours as a teen party goes off down the street. Steeped in alcohol the evening rises to a jaw dropping climax and Alison Steadman delivers a really sexy performance which defines the term 'the bollocks'! Key phrases to watch out for are, 'just a little top up' and 'that's it, lovely'! This is the best play that has ever been on television.

  9. Get Carter - Mike Hodges. (1971)

    cover Michael Caine stars as Carter, an ex pat Geordie wiseguy, who arrives back in Newcastle from his cockney base, to find out the truth of his brother's gangland death. Filmed on location in Newcastle, this is what people mean when they say 'gritty drama'. Great story, mega backdrop, classic Caine and a real flavour of hardcore 60's Newcastle (when the biggest thing on the Quayside was the Sunday market). A really great night in and if you ever fancied climbing into a car boot, this could change your mind. Permanently.

  10. Living Planet - BBC. (1988)

    cover Words fail us…but we reckon - The person without time to watch David Attenborough in this society is a complete twat. The man who made us all realise that being top of the food chain carries responsibilities, more important than new trainers or even records! David takes us through the history of our world, with an authority and knowledge that makes him the dad of us all. You cannot ignore this and your life is wrong if you can't make time to watch it. Even if you think you know what to expect, dive back in here and appreciate what the real deal really is. In order for our species to survive, we need to start viewing this masterwork with the same respect that religious fanatics view their key books/gospels.