Films on Trial

The Thing (1982) is on trial this week. Does it keep up appearances or is it a wolf in sheep's clothing? Gav defends his all-time favourite film with help from Mike, saying this is a masterpiece of sci-fi horror that has been often imitated but never bettered. Alex and Ausy are left cold however, citing a slapstick beginning to a film that then doesn't bother to create characters or tension, relying solely on special effects that are now outdated. All this with an impression of an incompetent Norwegian and a quiz all about the illustrious career of the man himself, Keith David. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/268 Special Guest: Mike.

After many years of putting films on trial, Citizen Kane is finally in the dock this week. Should it go on our shit list, next to Spiderman 3 or Home Sweet Home Alone? Or on our hit list, alongside such cinematic titans as Crossroads, Air Force One and Hocus Pocus? Alex defends and Dave prosecutes, with Gav having to decide whether this film deserves its place as one of the greatest films of all time, or if technical skill and movie mythology have blinded us to a boring and flawed film. All this with an impression of Orson Welles and a quiz about news in film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/267

Fight Club is on trial this week. Is it a love tap or a sucker punch? Alex defends, saying a faithful adaptation of the original classic novel coupled with David Fincher's magic touch make this a knockout. Gav thinks this fight was thrown, saying its mixed and confusing messages have not aged well, and that Brad Pitt's Tyler Durden hits below the belt. All this with an impression of Meatloaf and a quiz all about rules in films. Who is coffee for? www.filmsontrial.co.uk/266

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) is on trial this week. A sweet treat or like falling into a brown, disgusting river? Dave defends this sleeper hit, saying an iconic performance from Gene Wilder, hit songs and a tasty supporting cast make this a classic. Gav disagrees, saying the film glosses over the questionable morals of a psychotic capitalist who is likely guilty of trafficking the Oompa Loompas. All this with an impression of an Oompa Loompa and a quiz all about famous movie restaurants. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/265

City of Angels is on trial. A match made in heaven or has hell frozen over? Gav defends this week, pointing to a rich story that doesn't tug on your heartstrings for the sake of it and sublime performances. The devil is the details for Alex however, as he struggles to get past Maggie's lack of basic cycle safety awareness. All this with an impression of Dennis Franz and a quiz all about songs commissioned especially for movies. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/264

This week we put The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent on trial. Is it pulling its weight, or is it too much weight to bear? Dave says that it's an enjoyable comic piece with two great central performances, whereas Alex argues that it has a lot of potential which it never delivers on. All of this plus a quiz about heavy items and an impression of the man himself. Let us know what you think of the episode, and don't forget to leave us a 5* rating. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/263

Adaptation is on trial this week. Fresh as a daisy or best if we nip it in the bud? Alex defends one of his all time favourites, saying stand out performances from a stellar cast coupled with a truly original story and tight script make this a bed of roses. Gav and Dave have no qualms trampling on every single argument however, calling this masterpiece "w*nky" and asking the question: is a car chase a car chase if no car is being chased? All this with a quiz where we guess films from a tagline with blanks included and an impression of a Florida man. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/262

Longlegs is on trial this week. The daddy of detective horror films or does it trip over itself? Gav defends, stating that superb direction and a great aesthetic put him in seventh heaven. The devil is in the details for Ausy and Alex however, as they say a promising beginning ultimately collapses in a poor third act with podcast favourite up to his old antics. All this with an impression of Cage doing an impression of Marc Bolan, and a quiz all about serial killers in films. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/261

Renfield is in the dock this week. Something to sink our teeth into or does it make our blood boil? Dave defends, arguing a tight script and a killer premise make this film slay. Gav prosecutes, saying a messy mash of genres and confusing plot turns ended up breaking his heart. All this with an impression of Dracula and a quiz where we guess the vampire movie from the tagline. 'Eine symphonie des grauens', anybody? www.filmsontrial.co.uk/260

Gone in 60 Seconds is on trial this week. Is this an old banger or will it drive us round the bend? Ausy, a long time fan of Gone in 60 Seconds, finally gets the chance to defend this car heist classic with Dave, arguing it set the formula for car action films for the next 20 years. Joel and Alex prosecute, saying that a lack of cars in a car movie is criminal, and that too many characters means big actors like Robert Duval are left in the dust. All this with an impression of Vinnie Jones and a quiz all about some of Nicolas Cage's films from his later career, such as Primal. Does he fight a massive white jaguar on a boat or an assassin? Or both? www.filmsontrial.co.uk/259

The Wicker Man (2006) is on trial this week. Sweet as honey or better left in its cage? Gav defends, saying that watching Nicolas Cage karate chop his way through a pagan mystery dressed as a bear is tough to top. Dave and Alex argue that a smattering of unintentionally hilarious moments do not make up for the fact that this remake of a horror classic has taken out all the actual horror. All this with an impression and quiz about the main man himself, Nicolas Cage. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/258

The Wicker Man (1973) is on trial this week. Do we like these apples or is it a basket case? Gav argues a gripping story about paganism and Christianity topped off with one of the finest finales in horror history make this a classic. Dave and Alex argue it tries to be both a mystery-horror and a deep discussion of religion, ending up as neither. All this with an impression of Christopher Lee and another of a flaming Edward Woodward, with a quiz all about angles in historic monuments. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/257

Aladdin (2019) is on trial this week. Is it a magic carpet ride, or a step too Jafar? Gav celebrates the film's musical numbers, and highlights that a lot of the controversies of the original have been addressed. Alex argues that an odd choice in director and a subpar genie really hinder the film. There are great arguments from both sides, an impression of Guy Richie, and a quiz all about the 1001 Arabian Nights. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/256

Aladdin (1992) is on trial this week. A whole new world or a step Jafar? Gav mercilessly prosecutes, saying that the story is woeful and the use of stereotypes to depict middle eastern characters make this almost unwatchable. Alex and Ausy defend, looking at the film as the first Disney attempt at a story outside Western folk-tales that may have made many mistakes, but got some things right too. All this with an impression of the parrot and a quiz all about voice actors in Disney history. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/155

The Mummy (2017) is on trial this week. Are we all Set or is this a film in Isis? Gav defends, saying that having an action superstar like Cruise elevates this to another level. Dave is less enthusiastic, saying that this film is flawed in every possible way, killing the Dark Universe franchise before it even began. All this with an impression of the superb Russell Crowe and a quiz all about Tom Cruise! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/254

The Mummy (1999) is on trial this week. Does it help us unwind or is it better left under wraps? Dave argues an exciting plot with a director directing his own script makes for a scary, yet also family-friendly, adventure. Gav thinks the tone is all over the place, stretching thin at nearly 2 hours in length. All this with an impression of a Hungarian con-man and a quiz based on mummies! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/253

We are putting both Dune Parts I and II on trial this week. Will we get our just deserts, or does it leave us high and dry? Alex and Ausy say this is the definitive adaptation of the book, unlikely to be surpassed with such attention to detail in every aspect of production. Dave argues that too much detail causes a sluggish pace, the film thoroughly exploring every part of the book for a collective runtime of over five hours. All this with an awful attempt at a Charlotte Rampling impression, a much better try at Stellan Skarsgård and a spicy film quiz. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/252

Dune (1984) is on trial this week. Does it add some spice or should we bury our heads in the sand? Dave and Ausy argue this is an imaginative retelling by director David Lynch that packs a stellar cast. Alex is less fond of constant narration and voiceover that try to string together a huge amount of material with little to no success. All this with an impression of Sting and a quiz all about worms in films! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/251

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning is on trial this week. A runaway train or a nonentity? Gav passionately defends, arguing that slick action and an AI villain make this an accomplished addition to the series. Ausy and Alex feel that the lack of any tangible villain as well as fairly derivative action make this a fail. All this with an impression of Tom Cruise and a quiz all about actors doing stunts! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/250

No Hard Feelings is on trial this week. A strong contender or a complete flop? Dave and Ausy defend, saying this fresh take on the romcom has great comedic moments and a superb central performance from Jennifer Lawrence. Gav disagrees, saying that an insane basic premise is not helped by too much cringe humour and half-hearted characters. All this with an impression of a New Yorker and a quiz to test your film knowledge! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/249

Evil Dead Rise is on trial this week. A cut above the rest or is the glass half empty? Gav argues this is a loving tribute to the franchise that will satisfy fans whilst still shocking them. Dave and Alex feel that some lines are better left uncrossed and that all this pain and gore ultimately ends up in us feeling nothing at all. All this with an impression of Elvis as a Deadite and a quiz all about high-rise buildings in films www.filmsontrial.co.uk/248

Our Best of 2023 season continues as we put John Wick 4 on trial. Is it a candle in the wind? Or is it burning the candle at both ends? There are great arguments for both sides, a slapdash John Wick quiz, and an impression of the man himself. Hope that you enjoy. Let us know what you think in the comments! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/247

Saltburn is on trial this week. Will we lap it up or is it better left to rest in peace? Gav argues that a strong cast and big moments make this a fun ride guaranteed to get everyone talking. Dave and Alex say shocking scenes can't distract them from a shoddy plot that lacks any real point. All this with an impression of an Oxbridge student and a quiz all about disturbing scenes in films. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/246

Oppenheimer is on trial this week. Is it worth the hype or a 3 hour dud? Gav and Ausy say this is a spectacular, original piece of filmmaking that delves into a dark corner of human history. Dave says the film tries too hard to make Oppenheimer a sympathetic character whilst littering the plot with historical inaccuracies and amalgamated characters. All this with an impression of the biggest science man of all time, Albert Einstein! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/245

Barbie is in the hot seat this week. Does it make every day the best day ever or is it somehow always doing something wrong? Dave defends, highlighting a beyond stellar cast and a thought provoking story that is also thoroughly entertaining. Gav and Alex do not feel it is fantastic however, saying they can't get past the fact it is essentially a feature length advert full of irrelevant cameos. All this with an impression of both the lead singers of Aqua and a quiz all about toys in movies! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/244

This week, Danny Trejo season continues, as the gang put Spy Kids on trial. Is it a spy hit, or a spy miss? Gav argues that the film is an enjoyable and fun film that kids can still enjoy to this day, whereas Dave disagrees and says that it was poor back in the day, and definitely hasn't aged well. There's an impression of Antonio Banderas and a quiz all about the man himself, Danny Trejo. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/243

This week Machete is on trial. Is it a machete, or is it a butter knife? Dave argues that it's a bombastic grindhouse movie full of laughs and violence. But Gav disagrees and says that it's very one note, and that although it made an enjoyable 3 minute trailer, it didn't translate well to a full feature film. There's no judge this week, so both lads have to reach a general consensus. Will they be able to do it? Give it a listen and find out! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/242

X (2022) is on trial this week. An afternoon delight or better with the lights off? Gav defends, saying this is a homage with a fresh look at sex within the slasher sub-genre of horror. Dave does not agree, saying that the need for a second film (Pearl) to make sense of the first does not bode well. All this with a synopsis read out in a southern drawl and a quiz all about over the top horror deaths. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/241

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) is on trial. Are we as happy as a hog in slops or is it all hat and no cattle? This ain't Gav's first rodeo when it comes to horror, but he believes this is a classic of the genre with gruesome scenes that don't rely on gore and the introduction of the iconic villain Leatherface. For Alex this dog don't hunt, with the actual massacre lasting only 5 minutes tops and a total absence of tension throughout. All this with a mind-bending quiz and an impression of a rootin' tootin' Texan. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/240

The Mighty Ducks is on trial this week. Does it take to the water or is it skating on thin ice? Ausy and Gav have cherished memories of this film as an important part of their childhood, learning about teamwork and the positive consequences of drink driving. Alex does not agree, saying a weak plot and an emphasis on winning above all else makes this a lame duck. All this with an impression of Donald Duck himself and a quiz all about hockey in films! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/239

Backdraft is in the hot seat this week. Does it flame high or give us heartburn? Alex and Gav defend, saying this is the definitive film about firefighters that has incredible practical effects and a solid cast. Dave points to a weak plot, poor script and unrealistic action that ultimately makes it go up in smoke. All this with a quiz about firefighters in films and an off-the-cuff impression of Donald Sutherland. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/238

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith is on trial this week. Does it get itself in Hoth water or is it a happy Endor? Joel and Dave say Lucas finally got it right with this one, delivering exactly the Star Wars film fans were waiting for. Ausy and Alex say lessons were not learned, with terrible dialogue and far too much CGI fluff. All this with an impression of the Emperor and a Star Wars quiz! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/237

Doom is on trial this week. A ripping tale or one to make us tear up? Gav and Ausy argue this film took what is a very basic game concept and fleshed it out with exciting action and a solid cast. Joel and Alex say they took a very basic game concept and ignored it completely, deciding to rip off Aliens and Resident Evil instead. All this and an impression of both the Rock and a gritty Karl Urban with a quiz all about famous weapons in movies. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/236

What Dreams May Come is in the hot seat this week. Is it heaven sent or hell bent? Dave and Ausy say incredible visuals and a deeply emotional story make this a unique take on what comes after. Gav and Joel would rather not find out, with shallow sentimentality and weak characters making this a dud. All this with an impression of Robin Williams and Max Von Sydow and a quiz all about Joel's guilty pleasures. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/235

Top Gun: Maverick is on trial this week. Does it take our breath away or is it in the danger zone? Ausy and Alex say spectacular practical action sequences with a tight story and great cast hit the target dead on. Gav says it misses the mark, with a tired rehashed plot, lack of interesting characters and constant jingoism. All this with a quiz based around the Top Gun movies! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/234

Fast & Furious 7 is on trial this week. Has it got a full tank of diesel or are we going for a walk? Alex and Ausy say this is a mad action blockbuster that continually outdoes itself. Gav and Joel can't get past how insance the action is and find the lack of any attempt of character or plot too much to handle. All this with an impression of Vin Diesel and a quiz all about movie sevens. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/233

Lord of the Rings: Return of the King is on trial this week. A light in the darkness or a web of lies? Ausy and Dave say this is the most faithful and beloved adaptation of the classic fantasy novel we are ever going to get. Joel and Alex counter that there are unavoidable flaws in the original story that make this film dull and never-ending. All this with an impression of Gollum and a quiz all about Lord of the Rings! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/232

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is on trial this week. Is this the way or do we have a bad feeling about this? Alex and Joel defend, comparing this original and lovingly made prequel to the more focus grouped fan service films that came after. Gav and Dave list a multitude of basic filmmaking errors, adding that Lucas may have been wrong in thinking his audience was interested in galactic taxation as a central plot point. All this with an impression of a Sith lord and a quiz all about Star Wars! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/231

What's Love Got to Do with It? is on trial this week. Is it simply the best biopic ever? Dave and Ausy say phenomenal, career-defining performances from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne take this to the very top. Joel and Alex say that this is only for diehard fans of Tina Turner, with some poor direction and plot points that even Tina herself was not happy about. All this with an impression of David Bowie and a quiz on musicians in film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/230

This week we put Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on trial. A cat-astrophe or positively paw-some? Joel and Dave aren't kitten around when they say this is the best Marvel film in a long time that has great action and furmidable performances. Gav and Ausy have their claws out as they say this is far infurior to what came before and that the plot had them chasing their tail. All this with an impression of Ulysses Klaue and a hissterical quiz about the making of this film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/232

Olympus Has Fallen is in the dock this week. A storming, capital film or a bunch of trumped up nonsense? Gav and Dave argue that a fine central performance from Gerard Butler and some gritty action scenes make this one to be remembered. Ausy and Alex say that there is far too much grit in a film that does not deserve such a great cast. All this with faultless impressions and a dynamite quiz! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/231

This week sees the finale of the Michael Wincott season as the gang put Nope on trial. Is it a close encounter or is it a near miss? There are lots of great arguments for and against, plus a quiz all about the many deaths of Michael Wincott. Hope that you enjoy! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/230

This week we review the films and performances up for nominations at the 2023 Academy Awards. Did you agree or disagree with our picks? Let us know on Twitter @filmtrials www.filmsontrial.co.uk/229

We put The Crow on trial this week. Does it rule the roost or have us spitting feathers? Gav and Dave argue that the dark atmosphere and moody aesthetic of the film make it a hit. Alex counters that this is a fairly unremarkable standard revenge film, propelled to cult status by tragic circumstances. As this is part of our Michael Wincott season we begin with an impression of the man himself. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/228

We put Violent Night on trial. Does Santa light them up like a Christmas tree or will we have stars in our eyes? Gav and Dave say this is a great mix of action and comedy that has them already excited for a sequel. Joel and Alex argue out that disappointing action scenes and unnecessary gore make this a festive turkey. All this with an impression of jolly old St Nick and a quiz all about bloodthirsty Santas in film. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/227

The gang review 2022, including their best trials, their most surprising verdicts, and their favourite films of the year. Lots of banter, Kevin Costner, and Hosue of Gucci! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/226

Spirited is on trial this week. Does it have a bright future or a dark past? Dave and Ausy say a unique take on an old classic alongside great musical numbers make this a festive classic in the making. Joel and Gav say a muddled plot and actors with no musical training in over their heads make this one to forget. All this with a quiz all about Christmas music hits! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/225

Disenchanted is on trial this week. A real thumper of a Disney movie or does it flounder? Alex argues that a realistic look at what comes after a 'happy ever after' ending and a compelling performance by Amy Adams makes this a sure hit. Ausy says that while the ideas behind it are good, the execution is dire and this is destined to sit alongside Hocus Pocus 2 as a dud. All this with a quiz about Disney sidekicks and an impression of a chipmunk. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/224

The Exorcist is on trial this week. Does it have the power to compel us or does it make our heads spin? Gav and Ausy say this is a masterpiece to be ranked alongside the greatest films ever made, with a shocking plot and outstanding performances. Joel and Alex say that time has changed what audiences find terrifying and that the truly horrific scenes are more gross than actually scary. All this with an impression of Max Von Sydow and a demon with a quiz all about demon possession. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/223

Hocus Pocus 2 is on trial this week. Does it still have the magic or will it sink like a stone? Ausy and Dave argue that an entertaining cast and a fun plot make this a Halloween hit. Gav and Alex say that this is a standard Disney sequel cash grab with muddled characters and bad jokes. "Game of Crones" is our quiz this week and Gav gives us his best Bette Midler impression! www.filmsontrial.co.uk/222

In preparation for the 2022 Liverpool Film Festival, which will be taking place in the Liverpool One Odeon between 3rd - 6th November, we are reviewing as many of the films as we can to try and convince the rest of the world that we are actually serious film enthusiasts. www.filmsontrial.co.uk/221