2006

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1
The Prestige (2006,  PG-13)
The Prestige 5.0 Stars
Wow. I was not expecting this at all. I thought it would be good at most. But it really was amazing. I loved the way it was structured a lot. In most cases something like that would be too confusing and really wouldn't add to the film much but more take away from it as you'd spend so much time trying to work out expactly what was going on and when it was meant to be happening. But for some reason it was what made this film extra special. Christopher Nolan should be proud of that achievement because it had the potential to be a disaster. The high quality acting from Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman is once again just brilliant. Not really much from Scarlett Johansson but when she was around I did enjoy watching her. I liked that it had a few really great comedy moments as well as being quite a sad film. I loved the scene where Bale pretends to mess up the trick in front of the guard but actually chains his foot to the floor. That really made me laugh out loud and again when I re-watched it. Michael Caine brought the whole film together nicely with his narration. The twist I have to admit caught me off guard and I really wasn't expecting that at all. I like how they used flashbacks to fill in parts as well to explain how it was done. Extremely clever film that I definatly waited too long to see. Don't make the same mistake.
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2
The Departed (2006,  R)
The Departed 5.0 Stars
I often wondered if Martin Scorsese could top his other films. I think he just did. This has to be one of my favorite films ever. Jack Nicholson is just fantastic. One of his best performances. Leonardo DiCaprio stole this film in my opinion. His best performance so far in my opinion. Matt Damon was just brilliant. Infact the whole cast was brilliant. I don't think i've ever seen a film with such a great cast. Mark Wahlberg is amazing and I think the ending is just perfect. Its a shame that Leo's character dies but its a good twist. I love that Matt's character gets what he deserves in the end as well. I have to say, i love everything about this film. The plot is just so original with lots of twists. I don't think I could ask for more in a film.
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3
Clerks II (2006,  R)
Clerks II 5.0 Stars
I usually find it hard to believe that a sequel can be just as good as the first one, but in this case, it's true. I wouldn't go as far to say it was better but it definatly stands strong against the original. I think this one is a lot funnier in many ways than the first one and the plot is just as strong. The characters that I really love are back again with whole new problems in their lives. Dante is engaged but has issues with his boss at Moobies. Randal is as funny as he always is. My favorite scene in the whole film being when he argues with the customer about whether Star Wars or Lord of the Rings is better. Kevin Smith manages to throw some really great jokes in that sequence. And the lovable Jay and Silent Bob are back and just as funny as they always are. Another masterpiece from the master that is Kevin Smith. I've yet to find a film of his I didn't really enjoy. This is another film I find hard not to add to my favorites list, so i'm not going to try, I really can't find any reasons why I can't add it to the list. Highly recommended film. A must see for everyone.
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4
Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno) (2006,  R)
Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno) 4.5 Stars
It's like a fairytale for grown-ups. Actually it's not like one, it is one. It wasn't what I was expecting but i'm not really sure what that was anyway because I hadn't read the plot summary. I went purely on the excellent reviews it recieved. And boy where they right. It's like a work of art. Visually stunning. The acting was brilliant. I first saw Maribel Berdu perform in Y Tu Mama Tambien which I love so much so it was great to see another of her movies with a fantastic performance from her. I'm not familiar with the other actor's work but i'll definatly have to check it out. A must see film for all.
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5
Lucky Number Slevin (2006,  R)
Lucky Number Slevin 4.5 Stars
Very surprised about the quality of this film. Lots of really good parts to it and only a few minor flaws which on the scale of things don't really matter too much and which really only come down to taste. It's hard to write about this film without spoiling it because once you get to the end you'll realise that everything they just told you was a complete lie. Josh Hartnett was surprisingly good and this is definatly one of his better films. I loved that a lot of the characters are not exactly what the actors would usually play. Lucy Liu being the best and like a ray of sunshine everytime she was onscreen. Usually her characters are hard and unemotional but her character in this was the complete opposite. A bubbly and kind character that is maybe a little over enthusiastic. Performed beautifully she should definatly consider doing a few more character like this one. Morgan Freeman on a bit of a change of pace as well. Usually he plays good guys so this was a big change to a mob boss. It was a pleasure to see him do something else but at the same time he just didn't fit. He was still Morgan Freeman, the good and decent man. I was a little concerned with Bruce Willis because he is either brilliant or rubbish. Luckily he wasn't half bad in this and he didn't let the side down at all. Stanley Tucci was brilliant as well. Great addition to the cast and another actor that played a character he really doesn't usually do. Brilliant casting overall. I loved that Paul McGuigan didn't over do it with the exposition. He told you what you needed to know at the very beginning and then that was pretty much it. Not condescending like a lot of other Hollywood films. The ending was excellent, I don't anyone would have seen that coming a mile off. No matter what some people will claim. Really excellent thriller that exceeded expectations back when it first came out. It was very much an under the radar film that was even released in the UK before the US, which is very unusual for an American film. Definatly a film to be seen at least once.
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6
The Holiday (2006,  PG-13)
The Holiday 4.5 Stars
Nancy Meyers in my opinion is one of the best when it comes to Romantic Comedies. This film is so original and refreshing. The cast is just perfect and chemistry is pretty good as well. The cameos were great. I really enjoyed Dustin Hoffman's short but sweet appearance. I love the story and think that it is a really good feel good film. Its good to see Jack Black in a slightly more serious role although he does get to be funny. I would definatly recommend this film to anyone that likes RomComs.
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7
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006,  PG-13)
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest 4.5 Stars
Slightly better than the first one. I like that all the characters have developed in their own way. Johnny Depp's character is so much more funny. Keira Knightley's character is a lot better. She does play the predictable damsel in destress but more of an assertive character. Her performance is a lot better as well. The plot is much better as well. The ending is sad but it's made clear that he will be back again. I really enjoyed Jack Davenport's performance. The guy is a really great actor. A must see for everyone.
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8
Half Nelson (2006,  R)
Half Nelson 4.5 Stars
So far, I think this is the film that showcases Ryan Gosling's talent the best. A touching story about a trouble man and his odd relationship with one of his students. He's been in many films that prove what he is capable of but this film alone is where he is actually in a film that is truly worthy of holding the performance. I feel that it is such a shame that this film was not shown to a wide audience. His character is a remarkable man who inspires and influences all of his pupils. Some of the more simple scenes where it only involves his talking about his subject. Only Ryan Gosling could pull off the passion necessary. I love that you see him struggle through his own personal problems and those at school as he is being instructed to teach in a more acceptable way. I can't wait to see Gosling top this performance and I have no doubt that he will.
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9
The Fountain (2006,  PG-13)
The Fountain 4.5 Stars
Completely mind blowing film that even after watching many times, I still haven't managed to get my head around the whole concept. I think that may be what I like about it so much though. I believe it to be, essentially a love story. Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz I wouldn't say were an obvious couple but they had a hell of a lot of chemistry in this film. Some of the scenes they did together were just heartbreaking. I don't think I will even attempt to say anything about the plot because I think that it will all come down to personal opinion in the end. It is completely open to interpretation. The performances are all excellent. I love Rachel Weisz and this film just gives me more reason to. She really is amazing. I don't know what else I can say about this underrated masterpiece. It is visually stunning so definatly worth checking out, possibly even more than once because I don't feel that the whole film can be taken in on its first viewing.
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10
Little Miss Sunshine (2006,  R)
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11
Inside Man (2006,  R)
Inside Man 4.0 Stars
Miles better than I was anticipating. The greatness of it really is based on the plot. The start was decent and beyond that it just kept getting better and better. By the end I was desperate to know what was going to happen. The whole thing was well put together and the clues throughout were great looking back on the whole thing. Very psychological. The acting was excellent and I really enjoyed Clive Owen's monologue at the beginning and the end. An excellent and thrilling movie that is well worth the watch.
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12
Babel (2006,  R)
Babel 4.0 Stars
Very good film. The multiple plots that are all in some way connected is brilliant. Reminded me quite a lot of Crash though. I think this one might be slightly better though. Solid performances from all the actors. Gael Garcia Bernal did a fantastic job and has to be the actor that stood out most for me. A must see film for all.
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13
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus (2006,  R)
Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus 4.0 Stars
The film description I read of this film didn't exactly prepare me for what I was about to watch. I wanted to see it mainly because it had Robert Downey Jr in it and i've been watching a lot of his movies recently. It is a very weird love story that you can't help but get attached to. Then by the end I was pretty upset purely because what had happened was a true story. Robert Downey Jr. gave a mind blowing performance and even though I don't really like Nicole Kidman's work I would even stretch to say that I enjoyed watching her as well. Harrowing tale of forbidden love. About a women who sees beauty in places where no one else does. Definatly a must see film.
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14
Candy (2006,  R)
Candy 4.0 Stars
I had really high hopes for this film. I hadn't heard anything about it and only knew that drugs were involved in the plot. I plan on watching all of Heath Ledger's films in the near future and as I see more of his work I come to realise just what talent has been wasted. His performance in this film is powerful and captivating. I love that the film is split into three parts which emphasis the downward spiral of the couple's lives. I love the chemistry between Heath Ledger and Abbie Comish. She also gives an excellent performance. The plot is very tragic, as you come to realise how much in love the pair are and as they slowly ruin their lives. Beautiful film that isn't one of Heath Ledger's more well known films, which is a shame because he is excellent, and once again proves that he was capable of a hell of a lot.
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15
The Libertine (2006,  R)
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16
Scoop (2006,  PG-13)
Scoop 3.5 Stars
Enjoyable film on its own but when it is paired with the famous name Woody Allen it becomes a bit of a disappointment. I'm going to try and avoid the Woody Allen expectations as much as possible because as soon as you don't expect it to be as good as his other films then you will probably enjoy it a reasonable amount. I like the recent Woody Allen and Scarlett Johansson pairing because they have a lot of chemistry together and the results as usually pretty good. I do hope that one day they will produce an amazing film because through films like this you can really see the potential. Yet another quirky plot that is very typical of Allen. It has its ups and downs. I liked that not only does he try to get you guessing but all the way through your going, no it can be him, oh maybe it is, no it can't be, it might be, no way. In the end you'll probably find that you were right to begin with the bullshitting in between was good fun to watch. Decent performance from Hugh Jackman but nothing that would leave a lasting impression. Scarlett Johansson is really good as usual and together with Woody Allen they produce interesting characters that you really feel for. Allen is his usual funny self with not an ounce of seriousness at all. The pair work together really well and hopefully one day will produce a masterpiece. This unfortunatly, just isn't it.
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17
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006,  R)
A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints 3.5 Stars
Coming of age film that does the theme better than a lot of the others i've seen. Nothing too over the top and most of it was subtle except the ending which let it down quite a bit. Really great performance from Shia LaBeouf that is yet another example of how much of a great actor he really is. Solid performance from Robert Downey Jr. I'm glad he's getting back into important films because he's a real talent that has had a bit of a hard time. This is a performance he should be proud of. The other supporting actors do a great job as well. I'm not a fan of Channing Tatum and I don't feel that he has proven his talent yet but in this film you do get glimpses of it so it was good to find out that he does have potential. I knid of like the reference of saints to the people that are probably as far removed as possible from the stereotypical saints. Saints are people that do good and although hsi friends and parents are not great role models they always look out for him. I liked that in the end he discovers that he would be who he is today had he not interacted with these people. They made him who he is.
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18
Penelope (2006,  PG)
Penelope 3.5 Stars
I was more impressed with it's ensemble cast than anything else. Christina Ricci was brilliant as always and she worked well with James McAvoy. I had no idea Burn Gorman was in this so was surprised when he popped up a couple of times. Small role and only two scenes so I can't really comment although I have to mention the odd accent he was doing. I have no clue what that was about but it was bad. Russell Brand only had one scene and he didn't really get to be his funny self but it was good to see him nonetheless. Catherine O'Hara did a good job as the obsessive mother and it was great seeing Richard E. Grant. Reese Witherspoon was good even though she only had a few scenes. You liked her character right from when she walked through the bar doors. The plot was pretty good. A modern fairy tale of sorts. Overall not bad. I'm sure not everyone would enjoy it but for those of you that are fans of anyone in the cast then you might want to check it out.
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19
Lucky You (2006,  PG-13)
Lucky You 3.5 Stars
It wasn't bad but it wasn't brilliant either. I first have to express my extreme disappointment at the fact that Robert Downey Jr. had exactly three minutes of screen time. I am getting a little fed up with him getting small roles that don't show off his acting skills. I can't wait to see him getting a proper leading role. Eric Bana was alright as was Drew Barrymore although it wasn't her best performance. I like poker films and although this wasn't the best it was average and worth at least one viewing if your into that kind of thing. I also have to mention, just incase anyone cares, that the guy with tits in the movie actually exists. He just people to bet himoutrageous things and he does them. Getting breast implants was one of them.
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20
The Black Dahlia (2006,  R)
The Black Dahlia 3.5 Stars
Not really as good as I wanted it to be. I watched it mainly because of Scarlett Johansson even though I had received a few bad reviews about it. I don't think it is as bad as some people make out but it isn't great either. I was hugely disappointed considering Johansson's track record. Her performance was really good actually. And even Josh Hartnett didn't annoy me too much. Hilary Swank looked completely out of place and i'm not exactly sure why. Maybe i'm just not used to her being in this type of film playing that kind of character. I think she was better than the character and that was what bothered me about it. The plot was just a little too weak and the revealing in the end just didn't impress as much as I think it wanted to. Not a bad film overall and there are many more films of this genre out there that are worse but there are also a lot out there that are better.
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21
Marie Antoinette (2006,  PG-13)
Marie Antoinette 3.5 Stars
I think this film is a little underrated because it takes a pretty good story about a Queen that everyone knows about, however they only know about her ruining the country. I think this film does a good job of showing a different side to her. It stayed loyal to the story but made it a little more modern and a little easier to relate to. I certainly made me realise that perhaps she wasn't a bad person. She was just a young girl that just wanted to have fun but was thrown into the deep end and forced to leave her country and marry a man who was the future king of France. I think perhaps the ending could have been a little more shocking though. I mean she was beheaded and that impression isn't sent across in the film. The awards it won for the costumes were well deserved. Kirsten Dunst did an excellent job as well. Sophie Coppola deserves a lot more credit than she got for this film.
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22
It's a Boy Girl Thing (2006,  PG-13)
It's a Boy Girl Thing 3.0 Stars
This film actually surprised me quite a bit. My younger sister insisted on renting it so I thought I might as well watch it. I was expecting the usual plot line of two people switching bodies but this was had a slightly different take on the idea that has been done a million times before. I tends to be that mother and daughter or father and son switch, or in one other film, two people that don't even know each other, in this case they took a guy and a girl who didn't even like each other. Predictable plot but it was still fun to watch. Kevin Zegers and Samaire Armstrong were pretty good as well, convincingly switching bodies. A lot more fun than I expected and it made me laugh quite a bit as well. Some of the things they did or said did actually make me laugh out loud. I suppose this won't be for everyone so I won't recommend it as I understand some will hate it but if you're slightly interested then give it a chance because it isn't as terrible as you might think.
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23
Mission: Impossible III (2006,  PG-13)
Mission: Impossible III 2.5 Stars
I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as I enjoyed the first two. The plot wasn't as good and neither was the acting. The best performance in the whole film was probably from Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. I can't understand why Tom Cruise would want to do another Mission Impossible film. He was really pushing it. Why would you take something decent and want to squeeze more from it. I really can't understand it.
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24
Children of Men (2006,  R)
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25
The Illusionist (2006,  PG-13)
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26
Southland Tales (2006,  R)
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27
Casino Royale (2006,  PG-13)
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28
The Queen (2006,  PG-13)
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29
Letters from Iwo Jima (2007,  R)
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30
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006,  R)
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31
La Science des Rêves (The Science of Sleep) (1998,  R)
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32
Stranger Than Fiction (2006,  PG-13)
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33
Blood Diamond (2006,  R)
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34
My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006,  PG-13)
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35
Apocalypto (2006,  R)
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36
Little Children (2006,  R)
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37
Ne le Dis à Personne (Tell No One) (2006,  Unrated)
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38
The Painted Veil (2006,  PG-13)
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39
Mouth to Mouth (2006,  Unrated)
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40
Hard Candy (2006,  R)
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41
Alpha Dog (2006,  R)
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42
Black Sheep (2006) (2006,  Unrated)
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43
Cashback (2006,  R)
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44
The Darwin Awards (2006,  R)
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