The Good, The Bad and The Multiplex: What's Wrong with Modern Movies?

by Mark Kermode

This Film Is Dangerous,

At least Cameron thought he was doing the right thing – like Tony Blair deciding to invade Iraq, only with less tragic results.

David Puttnam, who produced Chariots of Fire (‘the British are coming!’), once told me that the best advice he could give to a first-time film-maker would be to fund and film an inexpensive horror movie that made its money back – an exercise that teaches the film-maker both to understand the industry and to respect the habits and desires of their intended audience.

1) No, you can’t have any more money. 2) No, the movie doesn’t need to be that long. 3) Yes, you do have to have either an exploding helicopter or at least one scene in a strip club. 4) After that, you’re on your own – knock yourself out.

The Unborn,

I had similar experiences as a boy and that moved me when I read the book, the feeling of wanting revenge without having the ability to get it.