The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

Charles Dreyfus threatens to destroy the world with a doomsday device if Inspector Clouseau is not killed. Naturally, this is far harder than it sounds. (IMDb)

A mediocre overarching plot (the madman taking over the world and holding hostage a scientist to build him a doomsday machine trope is uninspired and over the top) is saved by its individual scenes, of which nearly each one is goofy slapstick gold you can’t help but laugh at–from Clouseau’s crazy combat with Cato to his daft dentist deceit to his culminating romantic night that ends hilariously horribly. The multiple assassins piece was poorly done though (they hardly seemed to be experts).

7/10 (Good)

The Great Train Robbery (1978)

In Victorian England, a master criminal makes elaborate plans to steal a shipment of gold from a moving train. (IMDb)

A thoroughly enjoyable heist movie, with naught a wasted scene in its entirety. The con jobs, building up to and including the big heist are wonderfully detailed and have a charm that only the technologically-simple Victorian era in which the movie is set can provide, while the cinematography, with its glossy sort of glow, gives the set a warm, nostalgic feel. Add a delightful soundtrack and engaging performances from Connery and Sutherland to this set-up and you have a really fun film.

7.5/10 (Really Good)