Carrie (1976) – Review

Shy and socially awkward Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) is a teenager who finds herself regularly bullied by her classmates at school, while also tackling an extremely strict and religious mother at home. However, the teenager possesses a mysterious ability that she gradually begins to understand and control, leading to increasingly strange events surrounding her. A supernatural horror picture that has certainly left its mark on the genre since its release fifty years ago, but one that may divide opinion in recent times.

Rating: 2 out of 5.
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Psycho (1960) – Review

Secretary Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), working in Arizona, United States, finds herself making a desperate decision after stealing a large sum of money from her employer. Upon fleeing her city, she eventually stops at the isolated Bates Motel, where she meets the seemingly polite, but rather unusual owner, Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). What initially appears to be a quiet overnight stay, quickly develops into something far more sinister. An extremely well-known and well-received picture, which has become a major part of cinematic history since its release over sixty years ago.

Rating: 5 out of 5.
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Garden of Evil (1954) – Review

Three American explorers Hooker (Gary Cooper), Fiske (Richard Widmark) and Daly (Cameron Mitchell) find themselves stranded in a small Mexican village, before being approached by Leah Fuller (Susan Hayward), who offers them a large sum of money to rescue her husband from a collapsed gold mine. The trio agree and travel deep into the Mexican wilderness, where they encounter a series of obstacles along the way. A traditional American western that combines adventure and romance effectively and showcases some beautiful landscapes.

Rating: 3 out of 5.
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L.A. Confidential (1997) – Review

Set in Los Angeles, United States, during the 1950’s, L.A. Confidential follows three very different police officers who become increasingly caught up in a complex web of crime, corruption and overall scandal within the city’s police department. Detective Ed Exley (Guy Pearce), Officer Wendell White (Russell Crowe) and Sergeant Jack Vincennes (Kevin Spacey) each have their own methods and ambitions, but their paths quickly begin to cross as they investigate a series of mysterious events. A very stylish and well-made crime thriller that offers an intriguing look at a very different era of Los Angeles.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
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Drive (2011) – Review

An unnamed stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) spends his days working as a mechanic and driver in the movie world, while occasionally taking on jobs as a getaway driver for criminals in Los Angeles, United States. Living a relatively quiet life, he soon develops a friendship with his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son, before becoming involved in a dangerous situation following the release of Irene’s husband from prison. Initially, he seems to have been pulled into a simple job, but this quickly snowballs into something far more serious. A memorable and equally as stylish crime thriller that has developed somewhat of a cult following. It’s worth noting that Drive is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Rating: 4 out of 5.
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Spaghetti Sunday – Edition #14

In this fourteenth edition of Spaghetti Sunday, the career of Leonard Mann will be under the microscope, with various of his spaghetti western based flicks being reviewed. It’s important to note that this post will continue to grow over time, with new Leonard Mann reviews added as more of his spaghetti western flicks are watched. As with every article and review on the website, this entire series will be spoiler-free.

– The Leonard Mann Edition –

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