The Time Machine (1960)

A classic sci-fi based on the renowned H.G. Wells novella (1895) of the same name. The celebrated adaptation's most enduring aspect is perhaps the time-travelling device itself, which may be the most iconic of its kind in the history of cinema, but the film is also a fun adventure with poignant commentary on the destructive nature(s) of mankind through the ages.
Rod Taylor is the daring Victorian time-trotter. Although not a very charismatic character, his scientific drive nevertheless gives him an edge.
The FX are more memorable; the use of time-lapse, composites, miniatures and stop-motion animation really bring the journeying to life.

3½ instruction sirens out of 5

Giant (1956)

A Texan bigwig (Rock Hudson) travels to Maryland to buy a stallion for his ranch and while there takes a shine to the landowner's daughter (Elizabeth Taylor – well, you would, wouldn't you?). The speedy romance is the beginnings of a family story that spans almost three decades. In that time fortunes change (financial and otherwise) and attitudes are adjusted.
There's almost no onscreen chemistry between the lovers in the first half, but the second half makes up for it a little, with the comfortable feeling that long-time couples can sometimes acquire being much better realised. If not for Liz and James Dean doing their thing, she adding heart and he being a fiercely independent worker who resents his boss, that first half would really drag.

3 resources out of 5

The V.I.P.s (1963)

Spend time at an airport terminal and you'll catch glimpses of other people's lives; mini-dramas, all slightly connected due to the shared location.
Elizabeth Taylor looks gorgeous doing her thing; Richard Burton steals the show, like he often does, doing his; Orson Welles pops up and does something different. The sense of attachment and emotion is absent, except for one fabulous scene. If you must, watch it for the cast and not the script.

2½ toy ducks from Woolworths out of 5

THE BIRDS [1963]

Alfred Hitchcock wraps himself around the classic story of man against nature in this colorful and eerie thriller.

Tippi Hedren and Rod Taylor lead the cast, rounded out by Jessica Tandy (was she ever young?), Suzanne Pleshette and a very, very young Veronica Cartwright.

Hitchcock has a wonderfully brilliant way of "watching" people, setting scenes up and inserting his wicked humor at the best moments.

4 ½ gouged out eyes out of 5