Self Shine - ****

Let's Party!

1991, USA/Canada, Colour, Running Time

Directed by Sally T McGowen. Written by

Starring John Daily, Tracey Author, Arbor Saislink and someone called simply “Siren”

While masquerading as the tale of an immigrant trying to make his way in a new country, Self Shine is in-fact a surreal guide on how to be a hedonist on minimum wage. With a superb script and male lead (Saislink) this has to be one of the stand-up examples of the American Dream. So next time that guy with the accent on the street asks to shine your shoes, just say “Let’s party” It is just a pity the director’s follow-up film was the thrice dammed Further From the Sea.

Odd moment – Well, pretty much the first 30 minutes is odd. Keep an eye out for mocking references to Eddie Murphy’s 1988 film Coming to America.

Reviewed by Juan Incognito

The Club of Men - ****

The Club of Men Saves the Day Again

USA, 1950, Black & White, 120 minutes

Directed by Ryan G. Grant

Starring Gus Stevens, Mix Arnolds, Hank Smith, Joe Fielding, Anthony Manhield

There is trouble in Harlem, somebody stole all the chickens and Mr Solly doesn't like it when he doesn't have an egg for his breakfast! With that frantic cry one of the world's greatest movies begins. A two hour festival of witty dialogue, gripping mysteries and sinister slap stick, enough to make Arsenic and Old Lace look like the worst kind of hash paint-by-numbers writing! Is it any wonder Truman made the director a Poet Laureate?

Greatest moment – when Mr Solly is reunited with his chickens

Reviewed by Juan Incognito