“Mr. Wong, Detective” (1938)

Mr. Wong, Detective

Brief Description:

When a chemical manufacturer is killed after asking detective James Wong to help him, Wong investigates this and two subsequent murders.

Date: 1938

Genre: American crime film

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Cast: 

Boris Karloff: Mr. James Lee Wong 

Grant Withers: Capt. Sam Street 

Maxine Jennings: Myra Ross 

Evelyn Brent: Olga/Countess Dubois

George Lloyd: Devlin 

Lucien Prival: Anton Mohl 

John St. Polis: Carl Roemer

William Gould: Theodore Meisle

Hooper Atchley: Christian Wilk

John Hamilton: Simon Dayton 

Wilbur Mack: Russell 

Lee Tung Foo: Tchin

Lynton Brent: Tommy 

Grace Wood: Mrs. Roemer

Frank Bruno: Lescardi

Ed Cassidy: Ambulance Doctor

Wheaton Chambers: Chemistry

Herbert Evans: Wilk's Butler

Director: William Nigh

Production company: Monogram Pictures

Based on: the James Lee Wong series by Hugh Wiley 

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

This is apparently the first Mr. Wong film, and it's much better than “Mr. Wong in Chinatown”—though to be honest that's not saying much. Personally, I enjoyed the scenes in Wilk's house and Dayton's office. Wong's house was interesting too. 

Characters: 3.5/5

Mr. Wong plays a much more convincing and interesting detective here. While still using his calm and politeness to soothe victims and disarm villains, he does a lot more sleuthing and expresses more of his deductions aloud. Captain Street is still heavily unlikeable but at least a little toned down in comparison to “Mr. Wong in Chinatown.” (He also has a new first name, and a new fiancée. Headcanon: His name is Samuel William Street and Myra dumps him after this film. He and Roberta had one date in the other film and she calls him "Bill" to annoy him). The multitude of villains made for plenty of different, interesting characters (Lescardi and Russians felt real stereotyped, but also added a faint  WWII flavour at the mention that they wanted the poison gas for their country's armies). Myra was nice enough but it annoyed me that she was so snippy with Street for working late. You're literally about to marry a detective, honey, and he's in the middle of a massive murder investigation. Like... he deserves to be snipped at for how he talks to you (though I'll grant that he did apologize at one point, which is more than he ever did for Bobbie) but it's not his fault he's missing your date night. 

Plot: 3/5

The plot started out straightforward but began to crumble towards the end. The third death didn't make any sense and no one really explained it (and if Wong understood by then how it happened, why did he do nothing?). It also wasn't well explained what the different villains did or how they did it. I did not enjoy the interrogation scenes (not that any scene with Street in it was any good... yes, I really hate the character that much) and there were too many dark scenes where someone poked through a room and you weren't sure who and what they were doing. That said, the final climax with the poison gas was somewhat interesting. 

Romance: 3/5

Myra & Street don't seem to have a healthy relationship going on, but anyways, the only slightly romantic thing that happens is a kiss on the cheek. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

I honestly can't recall; possibly, but I don’t remember and I don't care to watch this again to find out. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Murder; threats.  

Overall: 3.5/5

An improvement on the first Mr. Wong film I watched, though contradictory; I won't rewatch it, but I'd like to watch the rest of the series out of curiosity. 

“Bulldog Drummond at Bay” (1937)

Bulldog Drummond at Bay

Brief Description:

Bulldog Drummond goes up against a gang of foreign agents who kidnap an inventor to steal the plans for a top-secret robot aircraft.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1937

Genre: British mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 18 minutes

Cast: 

John Lodge as Drummond 

Dorothy Mackaill as Doris 

Victor Jory as Gregoroff 

Claud Allister as Algy 

Richard Bird as Caldwell 

Hugh Miller as Kalinsky 

Leslie Perrins as Maj. Grayson 

Brian Buchel as Meredith 

Jim Gérald as Veight 

Maire O'Neill as Norah

Annie Esmond as Mrs. Caldwell 

Frank Cochrane as Dr. Belfrus 

William Dewhurst as Portside 

Wilfrid Hyde-White as Conrad

Director: Norman Lee

Production company: Associated British Picture Corporation

Based on: Bulldog Drummond at Bay by Herman C. McNeile

Wikipedia page

(Watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I watched this years ago and finally got around to viewing it again. I honestly had no idea what to expect, beyond the fact that it's a Bulldog Drummond film, and I had vague memories of a Bulldog film where he's caught in a castle dungeon...? Anyways, I enjoyed the various settings—the castle, the Scottish countryside, and the British club. 

Characters: 5/5

John Lodge is an awesome actor—and actually one of the few leading 1930s men I actually find handsome. Dorothy Mackaill was fascinating as Doris, and the two villains were just scary enough. Algy annoyed me, being way over-the-top stupid, but Reginald Portside was interesting. 

Plot: 5/5

A period magazine said this film could be "confidently relied upon to keep the unsophisticated on the edge of their seats" and I'd be insulted if I wasn't busy feeling sorry for whoever thought they were too sophisticated to enjoy this film. Personally, I really enjoyed it. With a hunted scientist being pressed to divulge his top-secret discoveries, a pacifists club used as a cover, the British Intelligence and a civilian detective, a near-death experience, a castle fire, and a delightful twist, this film delivered so many fun clichés, alongside with plenty of humour and drama.

Romance: 5/5

I can't say much because #spoilers, but it was such fun! 

Content: 5/5 (low)

Drinking & smoking; maybe some lying.

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence against pretty much everyone; several scenes where the scientist is threatened and at least one where he's about to be tortured. 

Overall: 4.5/5

I'd give this 5 stars but I'd like to keep that for my top favourite films. But I love this one and I will definitely watch it again! 

“Mr. Wong in Chinatown” (1939)

Mr. Wong in Chinatown

Brief Description:

When a pretty Chinese woman seeks his help, then is killed by a poisoned dart in his front hall, a San Francisco detective takes on a perilous case.

Date: 1939

Genre: American mystery film

Running time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Cast: 

Boris Karloff: Mr. Wong

Marjorie Reynolds: Roberta Logan

Grant Withers: Capt. Street

Huntley Gordon: Mr. Davidson

Peter George Lynn: Capt. Jackson

William Royle: Capt. Jame

James Flavin: Sgt. Jerry

Lotus Long: Lin Hwa

Lee Tung Foo: Willie

Bessie Loo: Lilly May (maid)

Richard Loo: Tong chief

Ernie Stanton: Burton (butler)

I. Stanford Jolley: Hotel clerk

Angelo Rossitto: mute Little Person

Director: William Nigh

Production company: Monogram Pictures

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I watched this years ago and finally rewatched it tonight to review. The setting is all right—I liked the ship especially, but Jackson's bureau also interested me. It's certainly very late-1930s in feel. 

Characters: 3/5

The only one who was somewhat likeable was Mr. Wong, the princess (who dies within seconds), and her servants (who only show in one scene). And for a lead detective, Mr. Wong was rather too quiet and slow. It almost looked like Street was trying to make up for Wong's lack of activity by being extra himself. I hated him—he was so aggressive and rude towards everyone, but especially Bobbie, and he did nothing but yell. As for Bobbie herself, I'm not a fan of the argumentative, shallow little "career woman" stereotype of the 1930s, but at least she had the distinction of saving a life. 

Plot: 3/5

I guessed the main bad guy as soon as he came on screen, which was kind of fun. The plot itself was nothing shiny. The touch of WWII hint with the Chinese buying airplanes was the most interesting part. 

Romance: 2/5

I don't see why we're supposed to ship Bill Street & Bobbie Logan. He's nothing but dismissive and nasty to her except in like 2 scenes where he rescues her/acts protective. She's just as loud and argumentative as he is but she comes off worse (what's with him physically shaking her and stuffing an apple in her mouth?!) so I feel more sorry for her. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Maybe an euphemism or two; slight racism and ablism towards Chinese and a Little Person. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Murder; fighting. 

Overall: 3/5

Not the worst 1930 movie I ever saw, but certainly not my favourite and probably not something I'll rewatch. 

“Bulldog Jack” (1935)

Bulldog Jack 

Also known as: Alias Bulldog Drummond

Brief Description:

When Bulldog Drummond is injured, Jack Pennington agrees to masquerade as the sleuth and is enlisted to help Ann Manders find her jeweller grandfather who has been kidnapped by a gang of crooks.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 1935

Genre: British comedy film 

Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes 

Cast: 

Jack Hulbert: Jack Pennington

Fay Wray: Ann Manders

Ralph Richardson: Morelle

Claude Hulbert: Algy Longworth

Gibb McLaughlin: Denny

Atholl Fleming: Bulldog Drummond

Paul Graetz: Salvini

Cyril Smith: Duke

Director: Walter Forde

Production company: Gaumont British

Based on: the Bulldog Drummond books by H.C. McNeile

Wikipedia page

Watch on YouTube

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

I watched this years ago and it always stuck to me as a hilarious and delightful film, so I recently hunted it up and watched it again. I love the Underground setting (fascinating to a WWII nerd, haha) and the British museum as well! 

Characters: 4.5/5

Ann is a brave, sweet girl, and her grandfather too. Algy is the comical bumbling sidekick, but somehow he's not aggravating, just hilarious, especially paired with Jack, who with all the poise and confidence in the world rises up from every downfall. They're a hilarious duo and I love their quick British banter. As for Morell, he is delightfully scary, while the other bad guys are just stupid enough and just scary enough. 

Plot: 4.5/5

It's mostly a comedy, though also partly mystery, partly romance, and partly action. Plenty of parts are ridiculous and far-fetched, but the film doesn't take itself seriously enough for that to be annoying. The most aggravating thing was the comedic sounds when people are knocked out. The ending is so perfectly humorous and suspenseful at the same time... I love it. 

Romance: 4/5

Just a thread of romance, but so cute! 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Smoking; maybe a few mild euphemsims. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Slapstick violence. 

Overall: 4.5/5

I thoroughly enjoyed this and intend to do so again 😉 

“Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure” (2015)

Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure

Brief Description:

Thomas is caught in a conspiracy to steal recently discovered pirate treasure as he tries everything to regain his position as Sir Topham Hatt's number one engine.

(from Wikipedia)

Date: 2015

Genre: British animated fantasy adventure film

Running time: 1 hour

Cast:

 Keith Wickham as Salty, Bert, Sir Topham Hatt, Bertie, & additional roles

Eddie Redmayne as Ryan

Jamie Campbell Bower as Skiff

John Hurt as Sailor John

Steven Kynman as Duck

Joe Mills as Donald, Douglas, Oliver, & Toad

Olivia Colman as Marion

Tim Whitnall as Mike & Oliver the Excavator

Teresa Gallagher as Daisy, Annie, Clarabel, & some children

Tom Stourton as Rex

Jonathan Broadbent as Bill & Ben

Nathan Clarke as Alfie

David Bedella as Victor

John Hasler as Thomas

Keith Wickham as Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, & Percy

Rob Rackstraw as Toby

Teresa Gallagher as Emily

Matt Wilkinson as Cranky, & Kevin

Steven Kynman as Jack

Director: David Stoten

Production company: HIT Entertainment

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

It's pretty enough, and I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful sunset/sunrise backdrop in a film. 

Characters: 2/5

Thomas drives me crazy; I hate Sir Topham Hatt; and Marion is a ninny. No one else really stands out, except Skiff, who's nice enough.  

Plot: 2.5/5

I watched this in the past and remembered it enough to hunt it down and watch it a few years ago. I decided to rewatch it to review here, and ended up hardly watching it at all because it's so stupid. The only remotely enjoyable part was the treasure hunt and chase, which only takes up about 1/4th of the film.  

Theme/Message/Topics: 1/5

I can't put my finger on the message of this film but seems awfully performative (do this and that and you'll be worth liking). 

Content: 4/5 (low)

A mention of ghosts; Marion believes the little engines are magic and can grant wishes. 

Violence: 4/5 (low)

Mild violence by Sailor John towards Skiff and the others. 

Overall: 2.5/5

I don't think I'll watch this again, even to review it more properly. 

“Oliver & Co.” (1988)

Oliver & Co. 

Brief Description:

A lost kitten joins a gang of dogs engaged in petty larceny in New York City.

(from IMDb)

Date: 1988

Genre: American animated musical adventure comedy-drama film

Running time: 1 hour 14 minutes

Cast: 

Joey Lawrence: Oliver

Natalie Gregory & Myhanh Tran: Jenny

Billy Joel: Dodger

Cheech Marin: Tito

Richard Mulligan: Einstein

Roscoe Lee Browne: Francis

Sheryl Lee Ralph & Ruth Pointer: Rita

Dom DeLuise: Fagin

Taurean Blacque: Roscoe

Carl Weintraub: DeSoto

Robert Loggia: Sykes

William Glover: Winston

Bette Midler: Georgette

Frank Welker: Louie the sausage vendor

Director: George Scribner

Production company: 

Inspired by: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 3.5/5

I've wanted to watch this for a long time but I disliked the opening so much that it took a while for me to force myself to watch it. I like the NYC setting, from Jenny's posh neighbourhood to the busy main streets to the dingy docks, though. 

Characters: 3.5/5

Winston, Jenny, & Oliver are my favourites. They're all so sweet. Fagin I felt sorry for and he ended up really decent; while Sykes and his dobermans were terrifying. Tito drove me crazy, he was so over-the-top and hyper and braggy; and Dodger was just too brash. Georgette ended up rather funny though. 

Plot: 3.5/5

Once I got past the beginning (the songs in this film drove me BATTY, but especially the first two) I enjoyed it somewhat. It's rather dark and sad, but that is to be expected, being based on OT. The ending was very high-stakes (I actually stopped cross-stitching to watch, lol) and rather more wild than I expected, but overall I enjoyed it. 

Romance: 2/5

There's just a tiny thread of romance between Georgette and Tito but I hated every second of it (and 90% of that was because of Tito offering kisses and yelling "WOMAN"). 

Theme/Message/Topics: 3/5

I feel like Jenny's kidnapping is a very good talking point for families. 

Content: 4/5 (low)

Probably some mild euphemisms? I forget. 

Violence: 3/5 (medium)

Aggressive dogs threatening to attack/bite/kill; lots of pushing around and threatening by Sykes; kidnapping; car chase ending in fiery death after crashing with a train. 

Overall: 3.5/5

I think I'll watch it again, but I doubt it will ever be a favourite. 

“Lady & the Tramp” (1955)

Lady & the Tramp

Brief Description:

The romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel and a streetwise downtown mutt.

(from IMDb)

Date: 1955

Genre: American animated musical romantic comedy film

Running time: 1 hour 16 minutes

Cast: 

Peggy Lee: Darling; Peg; Si & Am

Barbara Luddy: Lady

Larry Roberts: Tramp

Bill Thompson: Jock; Joe; Bull; Dachsie; the policeman; Jim's friend

Bill Baucom: Trusty

Stan Freberg: the beaver

Verna Felton: Aunt Sarah

Alan Reed: Boris

George Givot: Tony

Dallas McKennon: Toughy; Pedro; the professor; the hyena

Lee Millar: Jim Dear; the dogcatcher; the man in the pet shop

Thurl Ravenscroft: the alligator

Thurl Ravenscroft, Bill Lee, Max Smith, & Bob Stevens: Dog Chorus

Donald Novis: lead vocals for the opening song

Director: Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, & Wilfred Jackson

Production company: Walt Disney Productions

Inspired by: Happy Dan, the Cynical Dog by Ward Greene

Wikipedia page

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

I love the setting of Lady's side of town—it's so pretty and Edwardian! The Christmas beginning and ending are particularly charming and nostalgic. 

Characters: 4/5

Although I have a few bones to pick with Tramp, he's not half bad, and Lady's a little sweetheart. Jock is adorable and Trusty's amusing. Jim & Darling are nice enough too, and Aunt Sarah ends up sort redeeming herself. As for the dogs in the kennel, they're hilarious and heartbreaking all at once. (And I love their singing numbers.)

Plot: 4/5

Well-crafted plot, with plenty of tension and sweet moments, along with good humour. 

Romance: 4/5

Tramp & Lady are pretty cute together 😉 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Mild violence (dog fights, etc) 

Overall: 4/5

It's sweet, vintage, and very pretty :) 

“Togo” (2019)

Togo

Brief Description:

The true story of musher Leonhard Seppala and his sled dog Togo, who brave a brutal winter journey across Alaska to save lives against all odds.  

(from IMDb)

Date: 2019

Genre: American historical adventure film

Running time: 1 hour 54 minutes 

Cast: 

Willem Dafoe: Leonhard Seppala

Diesel: Togo

Riptide: adolescent Togo

Julianne Nicholson: Constance Seppala

Christopher Heyerdahl: Mayor George Maynard

Richard Dormer: Dr. Curtis Welch

Adrien Dorval: Bill Clark

Madeline Wickins: Sally Burdett

Michael Greyeyes: Amituk

Nive Nielsen: Atiqtalik

Nikolai Nikolaeff: Dan Murphy

Thorbjørn Harr: Charlie Olsen

Catherine McGregor: Sarah Foley

Michael McElhatton: Jafet Lindeberg

Brandon Oakes: Henry Ivanoff

Paul Piaskowski: Max Adams

Michael Gaston: Joe Dexter

Shaun Benson: Gunnar Kaasen

Zahn McClarnon: Tulimak

Jamie McShane: Scotty Allan

Steven McCarthy: Dev Burdett

Director: Kim Zubick

Production company: Walt Disney Pictures

Wikipedia page

Watched on Tubi

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 4/5

This came up on my Tubi and I flagged it as "interested in watching." Two days later Tubi told me it was leaving, so hurry up and watch, which I did. I enjoyed the Alaskan setting a lot. The music fit the scenes so well, and the cinematography was really nice, especially the ones where he crossed the strait.  

Characters: 4/5

I had a few miiiinor complaints against Seppala, but just personality-wise, haha. Probably because I'm a soft-hearted Celtic instead of a practical Scandinavian. I also really admired him and all the other mushers who did so much to save Nome. Basically everyone here was likeable. 

Plot: 4/5

I had heard the story of Togo before, but I didn't remember the specifics, so I enjoyed the story all over again. It's certainly dramatic and exciting, and I liked the flashbacks layering in to give Togo's backstory. It's somber, but still cheerful. 

Romance: 5/5

I loved Seppala's relationship with Constance; they were so sweet together. 💙 

Theme/Message/Topics: 5/5

Obviously the film is about courage and devotion. Personally I would have enjoyed more of a focus on the Lord who helped this rescue mission prosper, but even without that I was led to consider him.  

Content: 4/5 (low)

2 exclamations of "g*d"; a couple scenes where the Seppalas are in bed talking (I had 0 problem with it but just in case someone does).  

Overall: 4/5

It was a solid, enjoyable movie I'd watch again and would show my siblings, too. 

“The Railway Children” (2000)

The Railway Children

Brief Description:

Three children befriend locals as they try to learn what has become of their missing father.

Date: 2000

Genre: British drama television film

Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Cast: 

Jemima Rooper as Bobbie

Jack Blumenau as Peter

Clare Thomas as Phyllis

Jenny Agutter as Mother

Richard Attenborough as the Old Gentleman

Gregor Fisher as Perks

Michael Kitchen as Father

David Bamber as Dr. Forrest

Melanie Clark Pullen as Ruth

Georgie Glen as Aunt Emma

Velibor Topić as Mr. Szczepansky

Sophie Thompson as Mrs. Perks

JJ Feild as Jim

Clive Russell as the Station Master

Amanda Walker as Mrs. Ransome

Director: Catherine Morshead

Production company: Carlton Television

Based on: The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

Wikipedia page

Watch on Archive

(watched on Tubi)

Setting/Aesthetic/Feel: 5/5

Y'all. The scenery is gorgeous. The town is perfect. The houses are lovely. The railway is beautiful. 10/10. 

Characters: 5/5

I know they're not 100% accurate. Peter is too young; Phyllis is too stupid; Bobbie is a bit too old; Perks is a bit too one-dimensional. But I really don't care. I think each of those actors captures the characters so well, and I had such fun seeing Clive Russell as the stationmaster and David Bamber as the doctor (too old, but that's fine). Also, Jim is super cute and Mrs. Perks is the sweetest! 

Plot: 4.5/5

While they do simplify the plot a little, tweak things, and remove storylines (the whole bargee part, namely) they do a pretty good job sticking to the original plot and script. 

Romance: 5/5

The tiiiiiiny thread of blossoming romance between Jim & Bobbie is SO cute!!! 

Theme/Message/Topics: 4/5

Hope and be kind, basically like the book, I guess :) 

Content: 5/5 (low)

Maybe a handful of mild euphemisms? 

Violence: 5/5 (low)

Someone throne a chunk of coal at Peter. 

Overall: 5/5

I think it's perfect. The book is still a thousand times better but I love the film so much.