Sevenmercury7

The Golden Age has given us such a varied roster of genres so far on blu-ray, and each film brings something unique to the vintage funhouse. For The Diamond Wizard, I was intrigued by the prospect of period location shots of 1950s England. Nothing brings a setting and an era to life like 3-D photography, and the filmmakers didn't disappoint. It's a poised, polished and very enjoyable police procedural with noir elements.

The two male stars (Dennis O'Keefe and Philip Friend) play well off each other and contrast nicely as characters, the brash American (O'Keefe) drawing his Scotland Yard counterpart out of his staid shell, always with a friendly nudge. Margaret Sheridan shines as both romantic interest and a potential lead in the case. She's spirited and playful without being a full-blown femme fatale. The supporting cast is very good, and I especially like how each character, down to the smallest part, is given a little quirk to make them memorable, reminiscent of I, The Jury.

Story-wise, it's solid and well-paced. It's also easy to follow. The quaint forensic and investigative techniques are entertaining and informative. There are a couple of twists, but they didn't surprise me all that much. I liked that the action finale didn't outstay its welcome.

The 3-D is better than I hoped it would be. The exterior street shots are incredibly atmospheric, while the interiors are always set up to maximize the sense of space just in front of and behind the frame. It has an elastic effect on the visual field, making us forget where the actual screen is. That's the opposite of a gimmick; it's immersive because it draws us in intuitively. I was always aware of the 3-D but never distracted by it (apart from a few fun pop-outs), and loved every second.

The English setting makes it a personal favourite, but it would be a top-tier Golden Age 3-D title even without that. The impeccable 3-D is complemented by a fun detective yarn, a polished screenplay, and rock-solid performances. Not to mention another outstanding restoration by the 3DFA, one of their best yet. I couldn't ask for more than that.

Witty and unpredictable, this black comedy-horror plays like a modern-day Vincent Price film. The satire is fun, the pacing tense, and top marks go to the dialogue, which is sharp and often laugh-out-loud funny in ways that keep the viewer on their toes.

The mystery of the meal experience, and what the chef is up to, is cleverly directed as a comedy of manners at first, then evolves into something much more sinister.

Ralph Fiennes is brilliant, while Anya Taylor-Joy continues to impress. The whole film is a five-course treat for those who like their thrillers dark and demented with a delicious serving of skewered pomp.

Highly recommended.

Pure movie magic. I've always liked stories about unexpected connections made between lost souls. This one is lovely - a funny, bittersweet tale of two Americans, one young, one middle-aged, who meet in Japan at a crossroads in their respective life journeys. It's an acquaintance that only lasts days, but will be important for the rest of their lives.

Director Sofia Coppola has a light, ruminative touch that works wonders here. She draws out the subtle emotions and vivid personalities of Charlotte (a luminous Scarlett Johansson) and Bob (a never-better Bill Murray). It's not quite a romance. It's something much deeper, more poignant.

A modern classic.