Top 10 Judy Garland Films

Judy Garland is without a doubt my favourite entertainer, I have been drawn to her performances and her music since I was a teenager. She has a magnetism and charisma that made her one of Hollywood's greatest stars and the biggest talent of the Golden Era of Musicals.

Garland is still considered a superstar for performances in some of the best loved musicals of all time. But not only that she was an amazing dramatic actress and was not used to her full potential by the studios.

Wildly mistreated and abused, she has become a Hollywood cautionary tale. However despite all the drama surrounding her, the legacy she has left us is nothing short of remarkable. Here is the list of my favourite of her performances and films.

10 - Girl Crazy (1943)

Running Time: 1 Hour 35 mins
Genre: Musical/Romance
Director: Norman Taurog/Busby Berkeley
Stars: Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, June Allyson

The fourth and last in a series of backyard musicals directed by Busby Berkeley and starring opposite Mickey Rooney (her greatest on-screen partner). Girl Crazy tells of a young man Danny (Rooney) rich on life and girls who is sent to a remote boys school in the west by his despairing father. Being the only girl Danny is immediately drawn to Ginger (Judy) but she is tough and has no time for this city boy.
With great songs and set pieces this is an adorable movie.

09 - For Me and My Gal (1942)

Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Musical/War
Director: Busby Berkeley
Stars: Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, George Murphy

Remembered largely for being Gene Kelly's first film he credited Judy with teaching him how to behave on camera. Gene and Judy are Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden two vaudeville actors who end up partnering and eventually falling in love. But they are interrupted by the War, Harry injures himself in a cowardly attempt to get out of being drafted, which works. But in the process he loses Jo, he goes out of his way to get to the front the only way he now can, by entertaining the troops. Great music and a sweet ending, nice and simple plot, priceless.

08 - In the Good Old Summertime (1949)

Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Musical/Comedy
Director: Robert Z. Leonard
Stars: Judy Garland, Van Johnson, S. Z. Sakall

The second of three takes on the script (the first The Shop Around the Corner (1940) with James Stewart, last You've Got Mail (1998) with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan). It is the story of 2 shop employees who cannot stand each other. Both are having romances by mail not realising that they are writing and in love with each other. This is a charming and hilarious take on the simple romance.

07 - The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Musical/Fantasy
Director: Victor Fleming/George Cukor
Stars: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger

The most watched film of all time for many years, it remains a classic musical for all generations. It is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and is more popular now than the year it was released.
A young girl Dorothy Gale is transported in her house by a twister from her farm in Kansas to the magical land of Oz over the rainbow.
She meets many new friends and unsavoury characters in her attempt to make it home. Fantastic cinematography, classic songs and a great moral message.

06 - Summer Stock (1950)

Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Musical/Romance
Director: Charles Walters
Stars: Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Phil Silvers

The last film Judy made for MGM before she was fired that same year. Summer Stock tells of a young farm owner Jane Falbury who feels obligated to run her families farm and marry her neighbour. Until her life is turned upside down by the arrival of her sister Abigail and her boyfriend Joe (Kelly) and a full stock company intent on putting on a show in her barn. At first she resists but eventually she comes to enjoy this exciting lifestyle and understands Joe rather better than her sister does. A lovely old Hollywood musical.

05 - Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Running Time: 1 Hour 50 mins
Genre: Musical/Family
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Stars: Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor

A christmas classic, future husband Vincente Minnelli shot Garland at her most beautiful angles. She is Esther the third of 5 children in the Smith family. The film takes the audience back to 1903 and the build up to the world fair in St. Louis and the romantic tribulations of the two eldest smith girls. With great songs (including Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas - now an annual classic) and a brilliantly simple but moving story about family this is a must see, especially during the holidays.

04 - The Clock (1945)

Running Time: 1 Hour 30 mins
Genre: Drama/Romance/War
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Stars: Judy Garland, Robert Walker, James Gleason

The first dramatic role she ever took, this sees Judy's Alice Mayberry meet a young soldier Joe Allen on a 2 day leave in New York. Knowing nobody she agrees to show him the sights. They find it increasingly difficult to say goodbye and find more and more things to do together. Over the space of his leave they fall in love and decide to get married before he returns to camp. They rush against time to accomplish it. A wonderfully shot film (Vincente Minnelli was brought in at Judy's insistence) and a story which must be true to the life of many young lovers during the hard years of war.

03 - Judgement at Nuremberg (1961)

Running Time: 3 Hours
Genre: Drama/War
Director: Stanley Kramer
Stars: Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Judy Garl

Only a small part in an all star cast about the trials of the German judges after the end of the war. Garland plays a German woman who in her younger life was persecuted for having a relationship with a Jewish man which was categorically forbidden. She is called to the stand as a witness against the injustice. This is one of the most harrowing and outstanding performances I have witnessed. Judy was Oscar nominated for the film, (she should have won). At 3 hours it is a long film and Judy is barely in it, but it is worth seeing for her unbelievably moving part.

02 - Easter Parade (1948)

Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Musical/Romance
Director: Charles Walters
Stars: Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Peter Lawford, Ann Miller

Meant for Gene Kelly until he broke his ankle, this brought Astaire out of retirement. They made a great team in this story of a song and dance man Don Hewes whose partner leaves him to go solo. He finds a new woman Hannah Brown (Judy) who he decides to mold into his old partner to prove he doesn't need her and can use anybody. He soon realises that Hannah has talents of her own and begins to utilise them. They also fall in love during the long hours rehearing and performing. Excellent songs from the great Irving Berlin and great chemistry between 2 masters of their trade.


01 - A Star is Born (1954)

Running Time: 1 Hour 50 mins
Genre: Musical/Drama
Director: George Cukor
Stars: Judy Garland, James Mason, Jack Carson

By far the greatest performance of her career she was robbed of the Best Actress Oscar (by Grace Kelly) for her role as Esther Blodgett the bar singer who is noticed by the famous actor Norman Maine. They fall in love and marry but as her star rises and she becomes the beloved Vicki Lester, his begins to fall due to his addiction to alcohol and their relationship suffers.
A moving masterpiece until it was butchered in editing by Warner Brothers this should have been Garland's big comeback to pictures. Never-the-less she is outstanding musically and dramatically, in this tale ironically close to her own life.


So that is my list, all amazing performances, perhaps surprising to some, I feel her best performances were those that required her not to sing but to dramatically act, and she was absolutely capable of that. In a career that started as a small child all the way up to her tragically premature death (she was only 47) she was always outstanding. Standing at only 4 foot 11" she had a voice that could bounce off a 3 story ceiling, and those eyes could express so much without a single word uttered. If I could introduce even one person to this unbelievable actress and her body of work I consider my time well spent.

Hope you watch the films and enjoyed the list. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Labor Day (2014)

Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Drama
Estimated Budget: $18, 000,000
Estimated Gross (USA 16th March): $13, 362,308

Director: Jason Reitman
Writer: Joyce Maynard (novel) Jason Reitman (screenplay)
Stars: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith

My Rating: 7/10

Labor Day was supposed to be released in February, it got held back over a month and a half. After seeing the trailer around christmas time and Kate Winslet being one of my favourite actresses I was desperately awaiting its release.

Labor Day is exactly what you see in the trailer, a story of two people who for different circumstances are struggling through life. When they meet an understanding and love forms in a matter of hours, with the constant threat of it being taken away, they cling tightly to each other for support.

The story of an eventful Labor Day in the mid eighties is told in retrospect by an adult Henry through the narration of Tobey Maguire. He relates how he and his single mother Adele (Winslet) who lives a secluded and lonely life since her husband left her, go on their monthly visit to the supermarket for supplies over Labor Day weekend. In the store Henry (Griffith) is approached by a man who asks for his help. He is bleeding and looks suspicious but is tall muscular and not someone you would say no to in a hurry. Under pressure for the safety of her son, Adele agrees to take this stranger; Frank to their home and he hides out there. It is revealed that he is an escaped convict who is serving life in prison for murder. When neighbours call, Frank realises that to save this small family he must tie Adele up so it does not look like she is willingly housing a fugitive. Both Adele and Henry pick up that their is something rather strange about Frank. He has a quiet, calm and soothing nature, nothing like what a criminal is imagined to be like. There is an instant connection between Frank and Adele, both are craving human touch and understanding, something that the teenage Henry is just on the cusp of finding out for himself being too young to understand the need as yet.

Things get complicated when Frank is persuaded to stay, even in Adele and Henry's uneventful and lonely existence their is still the outside world which breaks into their little bubble every now and then. For this reason living with a convict is living on a knifes edge. Through Frank they learn to enjoy the little things, freedom and appreciation being the most important. But they are snapped back into their tense reality by patrolling police cars, news reports and invading neighbours. It can only be a matter of time before the inevitable happens, it is just a case of when and how they will be discovered.

Labor Day is not the usual Jason Reitman film, known for the likes of Juno (2007), Up in the Air (2009) and Young Adult (2011) which are all incredibly well written scripts focusing very much on dialogue. Labor Day breaks the mould as a lot of the drama takes place through quiet almost still action and glances. With a narration that runs through the entire film at regular intervals there is little need for much dialogue as all the explanations are told to you through Maguire's calming tones.

Frank is an interesting character, well developed to a point; he is a criminal and we see his background in flashbacks, mostly silent montages. However towards the climax of these we are given less and less information and left to piece together the events. What invests us in his character is that despite his conviction we like him, we support him and we desperately want him to get away with Adele and Henry and start afresh.

Gattlin Griffith was a great find, he is very expressive, this is a brilliant first film for him. The film says so much through glances and suggestion, Griffith is able to keep us informed of every feeling and thought without uttering a word; a trait that his co-stars have said to have admired in him. Kate Winslet gives a subdued and reserved performance, contrasting her usual strong vocal characters. But this silence was required for the fragile Adele. Brolin is another vocal actor that has his volume and strength taken away from him to create a slow emotion filled performance, he put a lot of feeling into a character that needed to show years of suffering and grief. Director Reitman told him and Winslet to really hold back, it was something they had to think about as their natural reactions had to be overridden to create an almost still pace.

The peach scene is one that has and will be talked about, like the famous pottery scene from Ghost (1990) except with peaches and dough and an awkward teenager third wheeling. Will it be a classic moment in film, time will tell. Brolin baked endless pies during the making of the film to deliver an effortless performance as if he'd being doing it for years.

If I had to use one word to describe this film I would use simmering; that describes the unlikely romance that gently and slowly builds, the tension which is felt by this small manufactured family and the heat which is very evident at times, recalling Body Heat (1981) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) where the heat is like a character.

This was a well written and well thought out script with a great cast with solid performances. This is a great one for a friday evening with a chilled glass of wine and a box of After Eights. Hope you enjoy.

Easter Films

Happy Easter Weekend everyone!
In honour of the season and a few well deserved days off work, here is a list of great films to watch over the Easter break.
With religious, dramatic and of course family friendly movies included. If you don't feel like running out to the cinema to see Noah (2014) this weekend I hope you get a chance to watch at least one of these classics over the next few days. I know I will be.

Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (1971)
Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Fantasy/Musical/Family
Director: Mel Stuart
Stars: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum
My Rating: 9/10

A childhood favourite what better time whilst munching on chocolate eggs to watch Charlie Bucket win his golden ticket to visit the mysterious chocolate factory that the strange and kooky Mr Wonka is opening for the day. Full of amazing sets and wonderful songs; a great film for all the family, with a great heart and moral message too.
This is on my watch list.





Easter Parade (1948)
Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Musical
Director: Charles Walters
Stars: Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Ann Miller, Peter Lawford
My Rating: 9/10

How can you not watch a movie with Easter in the title this Easter weekend.One of my favourite Judy Garland films, she pairs with the incomparable Fred Astaire who plays a song and dance man who needs a new partner. At first he moulds Garland's Hannah Brown into an image of the old pertner (Miller) but begins to discover she has far more talents being herself. A musical full to bursting with amazing Irving Berlin songs and masterful dances. This is one for the whole family.


The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Running Time: 2 Hours 35 mins
Genre: Biography/Drama
Director: Henry King
Stars: Jennifer Jones, Charles Bickford, Vincent Price
My Rating: 9/10

A film loved by my mum and passed on to me. Jennifer Jones is the titular Bernadette a young sickly peasant girl in 1858 Lourdes, France. In the city dump she sees the vision of a beautiful lady, she never claims it to be anything other than what she describes but the townsfolk assume it is the Virgin Mary and ridicule her. Town officials try to make out that she is mad and try to silence her, frightened of the large following she is getting. The claims become a phenomenon and change the lives of all involved, except Bernadette who remains innocent, kind and selfless to the last. A beautiful film about faith and honesty, a must see.

Ben-Hur (1959)

Running Time: 3 Hours 30 mins
Genre: Adventure/Drama
Director: William Wyler
Stars: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd

Remembered for the famous chariot race, and its then record breaking win of 11 Academy Awards. Ben-Hur is the epic tale of a Jewish Prince who is betrayed by an old Roman friend and sent into slavery. He vows to regain his freedom and come back for revenge.
A Hollywood classic they just don't make em like this any more, don't balk at the length. This is perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon.






The Ten Commandments (1956)
Running Time: 2 Hours 40 mins
Genre: Historical Epic/Drama/Adventure
Director: Cecil B. DeMille
Stars: Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter

Known for creating great biblical epics Cecil B. DeMille re-imagines his 1923 classic this time bigger, better and in Technicolour. Can't get enough of Charlton Heston? Here he is again as Moses the adopted Prince of the Pharaoh who learns of his true Hebrew heritage. He is cast out of Egypt but returns on a divine message from god to deliver his people to freedom. But this does not go down well with Rameses now Pharaoh, he will fight even god to keep his slaves.
A thrilling movie for this Easter break, the great historical epic has a great message and its visuals will stick in your mind long after it has ended.

King of Kings (1961)
Running Time: 2 Hours 45 mins
Genre: Historical Epic/Drama
Director: Nicholas Ray
Stars: Jeffrey Hunter, Rip Torn, Frank Thring
My Rating: 8/10

King of Kings is the life of Jesus on a grand scale. From his birth in Bethlehem to his crucifixion and later resurrection plus everything in between. Considering the season this is the perfect film for the Easter Break, the charming and gorgeous blue eyed Jeffrey Hunter plays Jesus surrounded by a cast of familiar faces in an array of kind to outright vicious performances. This is a classic well worth a watch despite its length (but lets face it there are longer).

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)
Running Time: 3 Hours 45 mins
Genre: History/Drama
Director: George Stevens
Stars: Max Von Sydow, Charlton Heston, Angela Lansbury

This time George Stevens took a turn at telling one of the most famous stories in history. Max Von Sydow plays Jesus of Nazareth heading a truly star studded cast. What can you say about the life of Jesus, it was an epic story which needs an epic adaptation. The Greatest Story Ever Told fits the bill.

Another great example of a classic movie perfect for Easter.

Hop (2011)
Running Time: 1 Hour 35 mins
Genre: Animation/Family
Director: Tim Hill
Stars: Russell Brand, James Marsden

Part animation part live action, this fun Easter romp is channelling Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988). E.B. is the son of the one and only Easter Bunny he is heir to the family business but all he wants to do is become a famous drummer in Hollywood. He runs away from home and is taken in by Fred (Marsden) but when a plot to take over the business comes to fruition. E.B along with Fred must save Easter.
A great one for the kids, and some of you adults too, and perfect for this Easter weekend.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)
Running Time: 2 Hours 5 mins
Genre: Drama
Director: Mel Gibson
Stars: Jim Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Monica Bellucci

One of Mel Gibson's huge directing undertakings and highly criticised, this is a condensed story of Jesus. Focusing on just the final twelve hours of his life after he has been betrayed by Judas Iscariot and is arrested for proclaiming he is the 'Son of God'. A moving take from the actor turned director.
This one is just for the adults, put the kids to bed before you settle down for this one.

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Running Time: 2 Hours 40 mins
Genre: Drama
Director: Martin Scorsese
Stars: Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey

Another one for the adults and again very highly criticised on its release. Dafoe plays a very human Jesus, one with doubts and temptations not unlike the rest of us. Scorsese tells the life of Jesus with his usual gritty but classic style.

Yet another varied telling of the historical tale which leaves its own indelible mark. Storytelling and directing at its finest.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)
Running Time: 1 Hour 45 mins
Genre: Musical
Director: Norman Jewison
Stars: Ted Neeley, Carl Anderson, Yvonne Elliman

Well as if there weren't enough films about Jesus, they decided that what was really missing was a musical. This is the film adaptation of the hit West End stage musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The film was actually shot in Israel adding that realistic element, and with an added song written just for the film, this is an adaptation for the fans of the musical and the story.
Lloyd Webber and Rice are both musical geniuses so you can't go wrong with a sing-a-long this Easter.

Top 10 James Stewart Films

James Stewart is perhaps one of the finest actors of all time, he is certainly considered so. He was the loveable every-man, at 6 foot 2" his tall lanky frame towered on the screen and he is remembered for his performances in some of the most loved films of all time. Many of his films are considered classics and his performances are fondly remembered as some of the greatest that graced the screen. He won only one Academy award which when looking back at his amazing career is extremely surprising. However he was nominated 4 other times and he was awarded an Honorary Oscar in 1985 for his contribution to the film industry.
I am a huge fan of the classic era of Hollywood movies and am an avid supporter of old films, I truly believe they just don't make em' the way they used to and James Stewart is one of my favourite stars. This is my list of my favourite James Stewart performances.

10 - The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)

Running Time: 2 Hours
Genre: Thriller
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: James Stewart, Doris Day

A Hitchcock classic a remake from his earlier 1934 thriller with a memorable Peter Lorre. This time Hitchcock cast the loveable every-man James Stewart as a vacationing  man desperately searching for his son who has been kidnapped after Stewart and his wife (Day) discovered an assassination plot. Dripping with suspense and Doris Day hit Que Sera Sera make this a must see.

09 - The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)

Running Time: 2 Hours
Genre: Western
Director: John Ford
Stars: John Wayne, James Stewart, Vera Miles

The best pairing of Stewart and Wayne, told in flashback by Stewart's ageing Senator at the funeral of an old friend this is the story of what really happened during the killing of a famous outlaw that made the Senator famous years before. Directed by the infamous John Ford this classic western is hard to beat.

08 - The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Director: George Cukor
Stars: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart

If Katharine Hepburn had her way this classic comedy would have starred Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. But who can imagine The Philadelphia Story without Grant and Stewart who won his only Oscar for his performance of Mike Connor a reporter covering the wedding of a rich socialite about to remarry. Drama and hilarity ensues when her ex (Grant) shows up and her true feelings begin to surface.

07 - Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

Running Time: 3 Hours
Genre: Crime/Drama
Director: Otto Preminger
Stars: James Stewart, Lee Remmick, Ben Gazzara

One of the classic courtroom dramas, this is Stewart at his best, here playing the attorney assigned to the case of a man who is pleading temporary insanity after murdering the victim who raped his wife. But what really happened and does Stewart's Paul Biegler believe his clients story.

06 - Vertigo (1958)

Running Time: 2 hours 5 mins
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: James Stewart, Kim Novak

In his last film for Hitchcock, long considered the director's greatest work Stewart plays a retired detective in San Francisco suffering from, what else - vertigo. Doing a favour for an old friend he begins to investigate his wife, whilst following her he becomes obsessed to a rather unhealthy level.

05 - Rope (1948)

Running Time: 1 hour 20 mins
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: James Stewart, Farley Granger, John Dall

A masterpiece of screen writing and direction Rope was considered an experiment filmed like a stage play in 10 minute takes this was an act of sheer brilliance or madness. Stewart portrays an old and favoured teacher Rupert Cadell of two men having a dinner party. Unbeknownst to the guests the hosts have recently murdered a friend simply for the thrill of committing the perfect murder and have stashed his body in the ottoman they are dining off. All would be fine if not for Stewart's wise teacher suspecting the worst.

04 - Harvey (1950)

Running Time: 1 Hour 40 mins
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Director: Henry Koster
Stars: James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow

One of my favourite Stewart performances Elwood P. Dowd is a simple man, kind, generous his only irregularity is his companion, a six foot tall rabbit. His family think he is insane and try to have him committed but in the process they begin to learn more about Dowd and Harvey alike and Elwood may be smarter than any of them dare realise. This is an ingenious film, incredibly performed and written, Stewart was nominated for Best Actor but lost to Jose Ferrer for Cyrano de Bergerac, in my opinion he should have won as he was at his finest here.

03 - Rear Window (1954)

Running Time: 1 Hour 50 mins
Genre: Thriller
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Stars: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Thelma Ritter

One of my favourite Hitchcock thrillers Stewart plays L.B 'Jeff' Jeffries a photographer confined to his small apartment after breaking his leg. Jeff spends the hot summer days in his uncomfortable cast up to the hip spying on his neighbours. As he gets more and more engrossed he becomes convinced that one of his neighbours has murdered his wife. Enlisting the help of his girlfriend the gorgeous Grace Kelly the wheelchair bound photographer plans to discover the truth.

02 - Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Running Time: 2 Hours 5 mins
Genre: Drama
Director: Frank Capra
Stars: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains

The earliest film on this list and yet one of his greatest performances, Stewart plays Jefferson Smith a kind hearted but naive man who is enlisted to fill the vacant seat for his town at the US Senate. With big plans Smith discovers that the government he holds so dear is corrupt, but this does not stop Jefferson Smith he fights for the right of the people with one of the greatest speeches in Hollywood history. Stewart gives a knock out performance for Frank Capra and gave the audience a character to cheer for.


01 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Running Time: 2 Hours 10 mins
Genre: Drama
Director: Frank Capra
Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore

Proving that he did some of his greatest work alongside director Frank Capra the pair teamed again for It's a Wonderful Life in 1946, with the war just ended, this story of a man about to commit suicide did not sit well with audiences and amazingly did not succeed at the box office. We now know better; this is the ultimate christmas classic and is forever linked with James Stewart who plays the loveable George Bailey a man who has given up faith until an angel wanting to earn his wings comes down to show George what the world would be like without him. George realises his life has not been a waste and he has made more of a difference than he could ever realise. This is a true classic and perfectly casts Stewart as the man everybody loves, his character in this film is how he is perceived by many, audiences and critics alike. He could not be better than he is in this film, nothing beats It's a Wonderful Life at christmas time but the beauty of this film is that it can be watched all year round. If you haven't seen it I really don't know what your waiting for, it will change your perspective of movies for all time. This is truly one of the greats.


There you have it, my favourite James Stewart roles/films, and let me tell you it was not an easy list to make. Every performance James Stewart every gave is worth seeing, he captivates audiences to this day because he just had that star quality that all the greatest movie stars had, and he had it in spades. He will forever be remembered as a true gentleman, the every-man that men wanted to be or aspired to and that women fell in love with again and again. What a mega-star, there will never be another like him, hope you enjoyed the list.

What are your favourite James Stewart Films? Do you agree with the films on my list?
Let me know in the comments below.

A Long Way Down (2014)

Running Time: 1 Hour 30 mins
Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Director: Pascal Chaumeil
Writer: Nick Hornby (novel) Jack Thorne (Screenplay)
Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collette, Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots

My Rating: 7/10

A comedy about suicide, how does that work ?
Actually surprisingly well; this screenplay adapted from the successful novel by Nick Hornby who gave us About a Boy tells of four very different people who all go to the same rooftop on New Years Eve to commit suicide. As it turns out, it is not as easy to go through with as they think. They become a somewhat makeshift family, supporting each other until Valentine's Day having made a pact not to attempt to kill themselves again until this date. A very unconventional idea about an extremely touchy subject. Not something you would think you could ever laugh at, but there are moments (and plenty of them) in which you will find yourself roaring with laughter.

The four main characters could not be more different from each other and that I feel is what makes this story so interesting, they are not people you would ordinarily put together. Somehow through many difficult and awkward circumstances and discussions they come to mean something to each other. Pierce Brosnan plays Martin Sharp a disgraced Morning Breakfast Show host who slept with an under-age girl, went to prison for it and consequently lost his job, his wife and his family because of it, He is at the end of his rope feeling a constant humiliation. Toni Collette (here a reserved version of herself) plays Maureen a middle-aged, straight-laced women without a bad bone in her body. She is a struggling single mother with a handicapped son who seems to have lost the motivation to live. Imogen Poots is Jess Crichton, a young politicians daughter with many dark family issues of which she is struggling to come to terms. Poots makes this film, it is her performance that stands out above all others and she is so funny. Jess is a dramatic, loud, out of control young girl who says whatever comes into her head, and usually it is something awkward and extremely blunt. Most of which you know you should not laugh at because it is wildly inappropriate but you just can't help yourself. Aaron Paul coming off the success of Breaking Bad  is J.J. a struggling American musician whose reason for such a dramatic end is somewhat unclear.

It is J.J. we learn who has the more pressing psychological issues. The other 3 characters seem to come to the very final decision of suicide matter of factly; almost like oh well what else is there to do. Their problems are somewhat sugar-coated as is the issue of suicide itself. But J.J. is a more complex character than the others and it is discovering more about him that keeps audience interest throughout the film. The characters are in many cases quite under-developed, we never get down to the real gritty reality of their problems, all except Paul's character who in the final quarter of the film is revealed to have a serious lack of will to live (for reasons see the film - no spoilers here).

Pierce Brosnan is a very underrated actor I feel, and recently he is coming back in to fashion so to speak. He has many films on his slate for the next 2 years and has been very busy for the past 2. It is great to see him tackle a character who is frankly not very likeable, he is selfish and unkind and very unwilling at first to take any part in the lives of those around him. Toni Collette gives a very quiet and reserved performance as Maureen but when she does stand up and say something it is meaningful and heartfelt. She also has a quiet wit in the film, a simple humour that battles Poots outgoing brash humour. Imogen Poots is quite obviously a rising star having starred opposite Zac Efron in That Awkward Moment (2014) and worked again with Paul in the car action-er Need For Speed (2014) she is well on her way to becoming a household name. This film will certainly gain her plenty of new fans. As for Aaron Paul he is leaving behind Breaking Bad's Jesse Pinkman for which he has garnered tremendous critical acclaim. He is stepping onto the silver screen and so far he is holding his weight. With Need For Speed getting the petrol heads excited his next film Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) the swords and sandals epic opposite Christian Bale and Directed by Ridley Scott set to be released at christmas will surely prove to audiences this is a man to watch.

The ending of A Long Way Down is very predictable and the film as a whole is not what it could be according to most critics, professional and otherwise. I don't think the subject of suicide is handled quite right, however this film could be a method of getting people to open up and discuss the topic more. That in itself is a very important reason to see this film and appreciate it for what it is. At the end of the day it is an easy, funny take on a very interesting concept. I'd watch it just for that.