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Neurotic. Woody Allan defined in one word. Each time I’m reminded of him that word springs to mind. He even mentions it in this movie.

Most of his movies are about nothing and this one does not stray too far. That’s not a bad thing. He does it well and never better than in Manhattan. It’s the story of a couple of friends and their relationships old and new. It’s simple, funny and memorable in a subtle way. After watching it you realise it was rather plain and uneventful but you won’t forget the natural banter and emotion displayed.

A standout for me is the long one cut scenes (I’m a sucker for these) as they walk the streets of Manhattan and the scene where their love triangle comes to an uncomfortable head. It’s well worth the watch but only when you have nothing else to see. Just nudged over the 6 for a 7/10.

Manhattan (1979)

Another Italian film in the top 250 and this one does not disappoint. Penned and directed by Frederico Fellini as with our La Dolce vita entry at 239. He passed away in 1993 but one of his screenplays is currently in production.

La Strada is a sad tale of a traveling entertainer who purchases an assistant that is mentally imbalanced. They have an unusual relationship and try to make ends meet traveling from town to town. She’s ill treated but drawn to him for her own reasons.

To say more would be spoiling it. If you’re looking for a template movie this is not for you. It’s a look at human nature with a twist of reality which is not always pretty but has its moments. A pleasant 7/10.

La Strada (1954)

Directed by Clint Eastwood we have a subtle movie that’s a monster hit in my opinion. Eastwood really is becoming an experienced film maker and we’ll get to see more of his movies further down the road.

Mystic River is set in Boston where we open with 3 kids are playing street hockey in 1975. The events of that day when one of them is kidnapped by child molesterers forever changes their relationship. Their paths cross years later when the daughter of one of the kids is brutally killed. We witness the crime being solved and how each man deals with the problems they face surrounding these events.

When I first watched this movie I fell in love with it. The performances given by the cast is second to none. We see Sean Penn, Tim Robbins and Kevin Bacon deliver powerful performances and backed up by the wise direction of Clint Eastwood I had no choice but to give this one a 10/10.

Mystic River (2003)

I bet you the writers of this movie thought they were so cool and smart. Line after line of fast talking characters full of witty comments. It got a bit boring to be honest. I guess there is such a thing as too cool for your own good. In any case, I did enjoy this hip flick and its evil characters.

A manipulative and all too powerful columnist tries to keep his sister all to himself by destroying her lover’s good standing. He uses people all too easily and does not hide it. Falco is one of his many publicists who does his dirty work. Together they make and break careers but how long can they get away with it before it all catches up with them?

I must admit I did enjoy the film and I wasn’t really put off by all the hip lines. I just wish they held back on a few of them. Shame they were too cool for their own good. I gave it a 6/10.

Sweet Smell of Success (1957)

Take note. As plentiful as films are it is a rare occasion for one to be this good.

I first saw this film last year and I fell in love with it. It was unassuming, rather plain, very grounded and superb as a whole. It does not treat you like an idiot. If your movie diet is all Hollywood you might not get it. You might think it’s bland and boring. You just might scratch your head and wonder why this is a comedy and why you are watching this English snoozer when you could be enjoying a good laugh watching Garfield or some such. Wait what? You’re watching Garfield?

This is where I give you a brief outline of the plot only I can’t this time. You just have to trust me and rent, buy, hire, borrow, steal or download this 10/10.

In Bruges (2008)