Gallops along nicely

Rating: 8/10 (8 April 2013)

Full of twists, turns and nice surprises.
Some of Hitchcock's films don't quite cut it for me so, with a film as long and complex as North By Northwest, I was expecting copious amounts of plot holes and a fair bit of cheese, but there's not a whiff of it, just tight script writing and lashings of witty, wry humour. The plot is pretty solid too.
Roger Thornhill gets roped into all sorts of unexpected activities, firstly reacting with indignation but then gradually adapting as he comes to accept the circumstances and understand his role.
Hitchcock uncovers the plot twists on a gradual basis instead of confusing us by going in too heavy or too deep, inviting us into the film by gently pushing forward the intrigue and not bamboozling us by making us think too hard. I didn't second guess the plot at all though, which is a sign of a really great film, afterwards feeling as though I'd witnessed something worthwhile, feeling happier with my day and overall disposition in life.
An unexpected film with strangely subtle James Bond, albeit action-free undertones and a few minor implausibilities, but which grabbed me within the first few minutes and kept me there throughout.