Safe Return Doubtful

Here’s a very brief few words on a few decent films I’ve seen in the last few weeks. 

The Ballad of Wallis Island – thanks to Sue for the recommendation. An easy to watch, refreshing, uplifting and dryly humorous piece about an eccentric lottery winner living alone on a remote island who attempts to get his favourite musicians to play a concert for him. (British 2025) IMDB score 7.4 / 10 My Score 8 / 10

Four Mothers – again, thanks to Sue for the recommendation .. more of an emphasis on humour this time, but again, a refreshing and entertaining 90 minutes, as an unsuccessful novelist tries to promote his new book, but has to look after three elderly mothers of his friends, as well as his own, over a hectic weekend. (Ireland 2025) IMDB score 6.9 / 10 My Score 8 / 10 

Sujo – When a cartel hitman is killed he leaves behind a young son who grows up in the shadow of violence, but as he reaches adolescence he is determined not to fulfill his father’s destiny. It’s a tremendous performance from the young actor who plays the lead. (Colombia 2024) IMDB score 6.9 / 10 My score 8 / 10 

The Phoenician Scheme – Wes Anderson’s latest. I’m a big Anderson fan, but I thought this is the weakest of his films for a long time. The cinematography is as good as ever, there’s the usual quirk, but the humour doesn’t come across as well as it usually does. (USA 2025) IMDB score 6.8 / 10 – My score 6 / 10 

The Road to Patagonia – An inspiring story of adventure and a documentary made on a very low budget on basic equipment whose life changes when he makes a decision to give up work and travel down the west coast of the Americas, surfing where possible. (Australia 2025) IMDB score 7.5 / 10 – My score 7 / 10 

Sky Peals – a low budget film made in the Midlands about a young introverted British Pakistani who works in a motorway service station. His life seems to be going nowhere. When he hears that his father has died, he decides to investigate the circumstances. 

This will be one of my films of the year. It addresses themes of loneliness, identity and sense of belonging, but in such a clever, and darkly humorous way, through science fiction, and a touch of horror. 

Some of the scenes will stay in my mind a long time.

(UK 2023, but has only just had a streaming release) IMDB score 5.8 / 10, My Score 9 / 10