The Birds is on trial this week. A pheasant surprise or does it make us raven mad?

Alex says this horror classic showcases a director at the height of his talent, blending different genres together to make something truly unique. Dave and Mike point out the dated effects, a nonsensical plot and deeply concerning behaviour from Alfred Hitchcock towards his star Tippi Hedren.

Mike also reads the synopsis of the film in the style of a crow and there's quiz based on cinematic birds.

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Special Guest: Mike.

Top Gun is on trial this week. Is it a movie Maverick? Or is it a cooked Goose?

Dave defends the classic, arguing that it was one of the biggest films of the 80s, with great action sequences and a stellar soundtrack. Gav is in prosecution and counters that the action is short and not very sweet, and that most of the film is focused on a poorly-written love story.

There's an impression of Tom Skerritt and a quiz all about movie nicknames. All that plus the usual great debates and banter from the gang. We feel the need. The need to plead... our case!

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War of the Worlds (2005) is on trial this week. Did Spielberg catch lightning in a bottle or would it be better left buried?

Alex says this is a modern yet faithful adaptation of the seminal novel by H.G. Wells that deftly weaves horror into the blockbuster experience. Dave feels a saccharine ending as well as odd plot changes mean the impact of the original novel is diluted and the film itself is forgettable.

All this with a quiz about other takes on this much-adapted work and an impression of Richard Burton.

www.filmsontrial.co.uk/274