Films watched in 2009

Director:Gary Fleder
Released: 1997
Stars: Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman, Cary Elwes and Brian Cox
Genre: Thriller/Crime
Country: USA

Washington DC detective Dr. Alex Cross travels to North Carolina to investigate the apparent kidnapping of his niece. Aided by escaped kidnapee Kate McTiernan, Cross hunts down the kidnapper, who operates under the pseudonym "Casanova."

Kiss The Girls is very much a film of the 1990's. The look, the plot and in some ways the cast depict everything about 1990s's culture. With many films of the 1990's generally involving some kind of serial killer, or one person leading the chase to find the killer-this film isn't much of an exception to those films at all. Kiss the Girls does however keep you watching and watching it until the end.

With an all star cast, the film does keep you watching and with Morgan Freeman in the title role; you'll realise that he's the only reason why you are watching. The cast is the only thing that keeps this film moving. Many of the characters are well developed and you begin to understand each character. Ashley Judd( who seemed to be in every film in the 1990s,) , her character believable, yet a little hysterical at the end. Freeman, carries the film and delievers another assertve role. Cary Elwes, makes for a reasonable character and does deliever an equally interesting performance( as ou will see if you watch it!) Also worth mentioing Brian Cox, who is a little underdeveloped in his role is also good as is Tony Goldwyn.

The plot of Kiss the Girls is pretty average. The story moves along very quickly and some of the scenes feel a little underdeveloped and rushed at times, meaning it doesn't aid you're understanding of the film as a viewer. The plot is predictable, all except the twist which was one highlight of the film.

The film is directed well, but still at your average standard. Many of the scenes are filmed in such a way like many films of that period-minus the perfection. However this isn't a flaw. Comparisons with the likes of the superb Seven and The Silence of the Lambs are things that will most likely pop into your head whilst watching this. The film tries to suprise you but doesn't seem to have the suspense that those films had. You want to be scared but you just don't feel it. The "scar factor" is none exsistant however the film somehow keeps you attentive.

Overall, Kiss the Girls is no Seven of Silence of the Lambs, however is a decent serial killer film that keeps you watching. One to watch late in the evening.

6/10

Director:Adam Brooks
Released: 2008
Stars:Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Kline,Rachel Weisz and Elizabeth Banks
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Country: USA

On the day she has her first sex ed class, 10-year-old Maya grills her divorcing dad Will Hayes about her conception. That night, he fills her in, changing the names of the women who were in his life then to keep her guessing which is her mom: Emily, his college girlfriend when he came to New York from Wisconsin for Clinton's '92 campaign; April, edgy, a little cynical, who misses her father; and, Summer, a writer attracted to older, established men. In demanding the story, Maya's motivation is clear: to get her dad to fall in love again with her mom. Will this parent trap work? In the telling, might Will discover his true Penelope? Definitely

Review coming soon...

Director:Lindsay Anderson
Released: 1968
Stars: Malcolm McDowell, David Wood, and Rupert Webster
Genre:Drama
Country: UK

In an indictment of the British Boys School, we follow Mick and his mostly younger friends through a series of indignities and occasionally abuse as any fond feelings toward these schools are destroyed. When Mick and his friends rebel, violently, the catch phrase, "which side would you be on" becomes quite stark

If.... is considered one of the great British films of the 1960s and one of the best that our country has prodcued. If.... says everything about Britain; from the class system to the ridiculous public school system that we still have in this country over 40 years on. If.... is a bizzare, yet enagaging film which I admired a lot.

If.... was one of those films that I have been meaning to catch for ages. Yet I didn't realise just what an interesting film it was. Interesting,that relationships between the students and the house masters, one which is clearly lead by Travis(McDowell) and one which I'm sure is evident in many schools around the country. What is great about if... is that despite it essentially being about a public school, it draws upon aspects of all types of british schools. as you watch you begin to draw parrarells with your own education and reminise about many fellow students who have, like in the film-stood up to teachers. Comments indeed where you wish you could say something along those lines.




The thing I hate about you, Rowntree, is the way you give Coca-Cola to your scum, and your best teddy bear to Oxfam, and expect us to lick your frigid fingers for the rest of your frigid life."




What Anderson depicts in this film is just how ridiculous the public schoo system is. For instance we see the majority of the students somehow trying to make something out of their life, trying to be an individual. Mainly Travis and his three friends who have a rather revoultionary attitude to all things about sex, war and authority. Throughout the film the three gradually discuss parts of life and what they'd like to do, slowly drawing up to a climax.

If... is an incredibly surreal account of teenage rebellion and one which will capitvate and make you think. Anderson switches from b/w to colour on may occasions. Again, adding to the surrealness of it all. If is imepcably directed with some interesting crane shots.

If was McDowell's debut. From watching this I could see straight away why Kubrick picked him for the part of Alex in A Clockwork Orange. His mannerisms and charisma just shine in this film and you are really rooting for his character. Travis has some brilliant lines in this, made even more engaging by the delivery of McDowell. Also worth mentioning Arthur Lowe in a supporting role and the characters of Rowntree and the rest of the House masters.

Overall, If... isa suurealist take on a British Tradiation and with a revolutionary take on it. What is brilliant is just how relevent is still feels and it hasn't aged a bit. Close to perfection for me. Here are some other quotable lines..

One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place

Highly recomended.

9/10

Not worth your energy is all I have to say about this film...

Director:Stephen Frears
Released: 1986
Stars : Daniel Day Lewis, Saeed Jaffrey, Roshan Seth
Genre: Drama
Country: UK

An ambitious British Asian and his white lover strive for success and hope, when they open up a glamorous laundrette

My Beautiful Laundrette was one of those films which I've been meaning to see for a long long time. Not just because it's a classic British film but because it has only of my favourite actors (Daniel Day Lewis') first roles. This film is not only about the romance between a British Asian and a British guy but about Thatcher's 1980's Britain. It's defiantly one of my favourite films of the 1980's.

My Beautiful Laundrette, despite ageing a little, still maintains aspects of 80's culture that can be still prevalent in today's society. With aspects of British Muslim culture constantly questioned in today's society this is even more of an important film. Racism in relation to British Muslims has gone on recently in the UK and a strong part of our Media. Perhaps some aspects of the film is not relevant, for instance, the constant use of ?paki? wouldn?t be used in recent period films but only in the films of the 1980?s. Perhaps that?s an aspect that has aged the film a little but this film will always remain a strong depiction of life in Thatcher?s Britain for British Asians, and indeed gay men.

My Beautiful Laundrette is one of Daniel Day Lewis?s first acting roles; previously he?d played supporting roles. Day Lewis is a strong part of this film and delivers a strong performance, one which you can see what Stephen Frears say in him. Day-Lewis plays a great role as Johnny, school friend of Omar and certainly makes you empathise with him as a viewer. The acting in this film is a strong part of the construction of it. Like Day Lewis, Gordon Warnecke, in his first acting role delivers a great performance with such vulnerability and innocence. Right from the very first time we see the two characters meet, you can see the attraction and chemistry between the two characters; a relationship which is portrayed brilliantly by Frears. Also worth mentioning Saeed Jafferey as Omar?s uncle, who seems to crop in many British TV Shows and films.

The film is set in Thatcher?s Britain in 1985 and is mentioned by a few of the characters. The film contains examples of Individualism that was the main part of the 1980s, and many aspects of liberalism of the characters. Omar?s Uncle and members of their family seem to aspot characteristics of many of their white counterparts. For instance; owning many businesses, houses (evident in the scene where Johnny kicks out a tenant) and striving to succeed to their level. Once quote which is related to this is said by Omar?s uncle relating to being recognised as a Businessmen and not an Asian businessman. This doesn?t seem to be shared by Omar?s father; who constantly tries to get him to college;

Don't get too involved with that crook. You've got to study. We are under siege by the white man. For us education is power

And I think this is basically an underrated part of the film. The relationship between Omar and Johnny is not only the core of the film, but the backdrop that it is set in as well.

Overall, My Beautiful Laundrette has aged a little (possibly keeping it from a perfect film) but still is an important look into 198?s Thatcher Britain. An important look into the reactions towards British Asian?s entering jobs (previously occupied by white British males), racism and reactions towards homosexuality. Also worth watching to see one of Daniel Day Lewis?s first roles.

Highly recommend

8/10

Director:Rob Reiner
Released: 1992
Stars : Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon
Genre: Drama
Country: USA

In the heart of the nation's capital, in a courthouse of the U.S. government, one man will stop at nothing to keep his honour, and one will stop at nothing to find the truth.

A Few Good Men is one of those films that has been on my ?to watch? list for a long time. Mainly due to the fact that it?s one of the best films of the 1990,s one of the best court-rooms drams around and contains one of the most famous lines in cinema history. Plus I wanted to see Demi Moore in a role that I might actually like! A Few Good Men is a great film and one of my favourite films of the 1990?s.

A Few Good Men showcases many famous actors that were just coming into the limelight in the early 1990?s. Kiefer Sutherland, as Lt. Kendrick seems to depict many characteristics of what we know now as Jack Bauer and plays he role with an extremely patriotic tone. This is evident on many occasions when his character constantly refers to God, being someone he works for and stating about being a marine (much to the dismay of Tom Cruise?s character.) Kevin Bacon as Capt. Ross delivers a strong performance-as what would later be the prosecution. Noah Wyle as Cpl Barnes is a brief appearance and Cuba Gooding Jr, who would later appear in Jerry Maguire with Tom Cruise. All showcase a who?s who of Hollywood and produces an excellent film. Tom Cruise is excellent in one of the leading roles and just produces a great performance in the courtroom sequence. Cruise?s role in this film is probably one of my favourite films of his. Jack Nicholson produces another Oscar nominated performance and rightly so as he lights up the screen when he examined by Cruise?s character in the courtroom. You can?t help but get drawn into every scene he?s in because of the way he commands every scene. Just confirms to me just how much I admire his work. Also worth mentioning Demi Moore, who delivers one of the best performances that I?ve seen her in. Just a shame we don?t see much of that today.

A Few Good Men is directed pretty well by Rob Reiner. The last hour and a bit of the film is just excellent to watch and the time flies by when you catch that hour. Every bit of that hour is brilliantly put together and the dialogue just fits perfectly that you immediately are drawn into that scene. The part of the scene in which Nicholson?s character is cross-examined is just electric and filled with tension. The first part of the film is still as engaging and immediately keeps you watching. Mainly due to the chemistry between Demi Moore and Tom Cruise who really do make for a great one-screen partnership. However the film?s opening 40 or so minutes is not as engaging as the last hour. I would have liked to have seen the scene in which Nicholson tells Kendrick and Markinson to keep Santiago on the base, to have come in the first part of the film, as the film doesn?t flow as much as I?d like and it becomes confusing for the viewer. The narrative structure could have been better thought out. However the last hour and 10 mins certainly make up for that flaw.

Overall A Few Good Men is an excellent film with some great performances. One of the best films of the 1990?s and contains one of the greatest lines in cinema history. Defiantly worth checking out for Nicholson?s brilliant performance and the last hour.

Highly Recommended

8/10

Director:Danny Boyle
Released: 2008
Stars : Dev Patel, Irfan Khan, Anil Kapoor
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: UK

The story of the life of an impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik, who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?", wins, and is then suspected of cheating.

Slumdog Millionire has been heavily praised by critics both here in the UK and in the United States. Mainly due to its unique storyline and beautiful cinematography. Also heavily regarded as one of the best films of 2008. I really have to agree with that and more. Slumdog Millionire suprised me in many ways and is close to as perfect film as you can get.

Director Danny Boyle, whose films I must confess I have not seen a lot of, has been heavily underated both here and around the world. Recently Oscar nominated for his superb direction, I'm 80% sure he'll take home the oscar. The direction in this film is just wonderful to see. Shots that aren't often seen in many American films and ones which really add to the setting of India and give us as an audience a real taste of life in the "slums". What I loved about the opening sequence, or about 50 minutes into the film was that beautiful sequence where the two Brothers are chased by the Police. Added with briliant cinematography and a wonderful soundtrack it was just stunning to watch.

Slumdog Millionire, as I have just mentioned contains some absoulty stunning cinetography, and rightly socar nominated. It's just wonderful to watch a film that really gives us an insight into a world most western people just don't think about or know enough about. The shots of the town, Salim and Jamal lives in added with a touch of great lighting just looked great on the screen.

Slumdog Millionire is definatly not as "feel good" as the film poster makes out. It contains a few gritty scenes, that you will see when you watch them. You don't expect it when you walk in as it has not been advertised that way. In a way that adds to your overall view of the film and perhaps that's why I enjoyed it. Again this is due to the social context within the film. Like I said before, you just don't expect that to happen and a few times in the film, you wonder is that what life is like over there? Well it certainly is. The realtionship between Jamal and Salim is a very close one throught the film. Althought there is some question as to what exactly does Salim get into. Both brothers are left orphans at a young age, and Boyle depicts to us as the audience that many children are like Jamal and Salim. This is evident in the many photos and shots of children in the slums, most of them are orphans and are working for themselves. There is also a little use of documentry like filming in this film, which really does work.

The film tells 2 different stories; one- the story of jamal and the other Jamal and Latika. It's for the rags to riches sotry but also a sublot of romance. What was so engaging is that for many years Jamal was searching for Latika and didn't give up. Most likely a moral message delivered by Danny Boyle.

Acting in this film was done by mainly unknown actors. I think 2 BAFTA nominations for the acting came. It's brilliant to see Dev Patel, known to UK audiences in Skins, suddenly become a huge star around the world. Played the part of Jamal so well and unexpecdily for me as I didn't think someone from Skins could produce such a great performance. Would love to see what he does in the future.

Overall, Slumdog Milionire is every bit as good as everyone says it as and more. Close to a perfect film for me and one of the best film of 2008.

Highly Recomended

9/10

Director:Wong Kar Wai
Released: 2007
Stars : Norah Jones, Jude Law and Natalie Portman
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: Hong Kong/France

A young woman takes a soul-searching journey across America to resolve her questions about love while encountering a series of offbeat characters along the way.

I've been meaning to watch My Blueberry Nights ever since it was released last year in the UK. It's another one of those films that I have ben meaning to watch, mainly based on the fact that I am such a huge Wong Kar Wai fan. Unfortunatly I was a tad disappointed with the film.

My Blueberry Nights, is Wong Kar Wai's first english language film and I have to say that the transition is not quite there. For me the films that he's done are close to perfection. This film seems to be missing something. The script is something which bothered me a lot. There seems to be a lot reptition in the lines, in the sense that I'm sure Kar-Wai has used similar lines before. Most of the time I found myself wondering what was the point in saying that or where's the justification in that?! This was mainly in many of the scenes with Jude Law and Norah Jones.

Without the cinematography of Christopher Doyle, who worked with Kar-Wai on many of his previous films-however that doesn't affect the film. The Cinemaography in this film is what keeps the film going. With the bright lights on a sweeping scale it adds some energy into what is a little underwhelming plot. This is something that doesn't ocur often in Kar-Wai's film. Perhaps, having seen the majority of his films that's the viewpoint I'm coming from.

Casting in this film, is reasonable, but perhaps not to the standard, many fans of his are used to. With the likes of Maggie Cheung, Andy Lau and the lengedry Ton Leung Chi Wai, his films somehow feel complete. Without them something is gravely missing. The casting of singer Norah Jones is without a doubt one of the worst castings in cinema history. How she was cast, I don't know, as she seemed to take a back seat in the film. Being the in the lead role, she was outclassed by the likes of Rachel Weisz and Natalie Portman in every scene that she was with them. With a very wooden performance, the film just lacked any personlity with the scenes that she was in. The main problem is that you just don't care about her character and couldn't care less about her soul searching journey across America. Jones didn't seem to have much chemistry with Jude Law either and this was evident in the pretyt dull opening sequence. A worthy mention, though to Rachel Weisz, Natalie Portman and David Straitham. All three livened up the screen with every scene that they were in. I found myself caring about Straitham's character and Portman's. Portman, in particular, who gave off a great performance, put sadly couldn't save the already average film.

Kar-Wai still directs well but delivers a couple of freeze frame shots which didn't seem to be justified at all. Some of which annoyed me a lot, mainly because I've seen it all before. However with the entrance of Rachel Weisz it did work. Still unclear as to the point of the last shot at the end of the film. Maybe I might find out after a second viewing.

Overall, from a Kar-Wai fan perspective, My Blueberry Nights is very underwhelming film that just isn't up to the standard of his earlier films. If you haven't seen his other films, and have only seen this one, please go and check them out tnow as they are far superior.

5/10

Director:Sergio Leone
Released: 1968
Stars : Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach
Genre: Western
Country: Italy/Spain

A bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery

Finally I manged to catch this masterpiece of a western that I've been meaning to watch for many years. Considered one of the greatest films ever to grace the silver screen, one of the most quaotable films and a films with many legendry scenes. I didn't expect for me to enjoy this so much as I don't often watch westerns. There was something about this that just kept me watching.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is the third in Leon's trilogy and oddly the first one that I've watched. What is so brilliant about this film is that it feels lightyears ahead of its time. The whole film is almost a Pulp Fiction in it's day, sharing many of the same elements that made Pulp fiction such a succesful film. The narrative is not in anyway predictable and you really follow the story along with the characters motives and actions.

Overall, The Good The Bad and Teh Ugly is without a doubt one of the greatest films ever made and one to watch.

Highlt recomended

10/10

Director:Stephen Daldry
Released: 2008
Stars : Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, Bruno Ganz
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: USA/Germany

Post-WWII Germany: Nearly a decade after his affair with an older woman came to a mysterious end, law student Michael Burk re-encounters his former lover as she defends herself in a war-crime trial.

Part of my Oscar watch season, The Reader came a few weeks late to my local cinema and suprised me a great deal. Much attention has been given to the performance of one of my favourite actresses, Kate Winslet and I 100% agree with those critics. The Reader is an excellent film and one which is unfortunatly overshadowed by the likes of Slumdog Millionire and various other Oscar nominated films.

The Reader unfortunatly is American funded and by those Wenstein brothers, who are the only reason that this was up for best picture and perhaps for Stephen Daldry. Don't get me wrong Daldry's direction was very good just not Oscar worthy like the film in general. Without the backing of the Weinstin Brothers, this wouldn't have been receiving those awards; OScars and BAFTAs for example.

Just wanted to point that out. The Reader is an excellent film and suprised me enormously. What is just perfect about The Reader is that, despite being made for an English Language Audience, it feels very Geman orientated. Which for me is the key to any English Language based WW2 film or any other foreign orientated theme. What it does for the audience is that we can add meaning to what we are watching and really delve into each characters because they are very believable. The likes of Ralp Fiennes and Kate Winslet, for example, despite being English were very believable as German characters in the film. The film also sets the backdrop to Germany very well and the scenery around Germany was just brilliant and again added to meaning of the film for the viewer. One scene in particula which was extremly poignent, was the scene in which Michael visits Auswitz and goes in a series of rooms. What was brilliantly done here was the ommision of the soundtrack and just following Michael through what he is seeing. One to watch if you catch it at your cinema.

As metioned throughout the Media, Kate Winslet is just outstanding and highly believable. Thoughout the course of the film I was really feeling for her character and really believing this was Hana Schmitz that I was watching and not Winslet, playing Schmitz. Just brilliant! I hope to see her finally win the Oscar for this year because it was just brilliant to watch her on screen. Ralph Fiennes, brilliant as ever is great as older Michael as is Bruno Ganz as Michael's Law professor. A notable mention to newcomer David Kross who played his role with such innnocence and such a great performance. With the majority of the cast, from what I noticed, being German, I thought still kept the German theme going. For instance I felt like I was watching it in German because it was just done to perfectly.

The Reader, however does rush into the story a little fast and you really have to think for a bit as to watch just happened. I mean there are a few other tiny flaws that I noiced, but none other than the first one that make a difference. What Daldry does perfectly aswell is Michael's story as a boy, when he met Hanna, running alongside him as an older man. For some reason this let us as an audience get to know the character much quicker and establish a posistion with him before the two meet.

What is great is the chemistry between David Kross and Kate Winslet. For instance when thy first meet, you really feel for the both of them, which is difficult to say unless you catch the film. What is difficult to do when you what the film is feel negative towards the character of Hanna in any way. Trying to distinguish between the terrible things that she did as an SS officer and her relationship with Michael is very diffuclt to do. That is all down to Kate Winslet's brilliant performance.

Overall, The Reader is an excellent film and which should see Kate Winslet win her first Oscar. It's also one which shouldn't really be up for Best Picture as it's just not quite there in the 5 star films that I would normally regard in the Oscars. However, at the same time I think it has been forgotten as the other films have taken centre stage and because of Kate Winslet's performance. The Reader is a great film in it's own right and not just " Kate Winslet" film.

Highly Recomended

8/10

Director:Sam Mendes
Released: 2008
Stars : Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon
Genre: Drama/Romance
Country: UK/USA

A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.

Part of my Oscar watch season, Revoultionary Road is the 3rd film I think that I've seen that had finally reached my local cinema and very suprrisingly. Only I maye have to re-watch it again because of two annoying women behind me and my Mum, "blabbering their opions in my ear"- to use a line from Annie Hall. It's rude and disrespectful to others around you, so don't it folks! Anyway, I'd also like to add that if you get to see this film, most likely you'll have a "Titanic Crowd" in the cinema screen with you, as I did. Laughing at every sex scene in the film or the sight of a naked body. Yeah, that's just fucking hilarious. Without the annoying distractions, Revoulionary Road is such an underated film and just close to perfection.

Revolutionary Road has been described by many critics and reviewers on the site as being just the same as Mende's 1999 film American Beauty. Well, true, they deal with the same issues but they are set into two different time periods and two different films entirely. For one thing Both characters in this film have different things to deal with. For instance, Frank has to be the breadwinner of the family and be the man of his generation. Clearly, from the portryal of Frank by DiCaprio- that is not really what Frank's all about. Whereas American Beauty is enitrely about that life.

Revoultionary Road centres on the two main characters, Frank and April Weeler. Two different people, wanting different things. Throughout the film we are witnessed to two characters almost keeping up the lie. Underneath it all, they're not the people everyone thinks they are. For example, this is evident with the majority of the characters around them saying "what a great couple they are " and "oh, but you're the Weelers. In some respects they a couple which every other couple aspires to. We can see how much that affects them both. Frank wants to keep pretending to be the ideal man of his generation, by accepting te promotion he gets. April wants to try a new life. It's April that announches all of this as well.

The soundtrack to the film, like Newman did on American Beauty, was just stunning to listen to. It fits perfectly with the theme of the film and just helps us as an audience deleve deeper into 1950's America. Like the America Beauty, the them is almost haunting as you know the characters so well and understand the emotions that the them gives off. Just perfect. I will be downloading the soundtrack very soon. Also worth mentioning the brilliant 50's Jazz music that was in and around the film.

Acting in this film is just brilliantly done. From Kate Winslet to Kathy Bates all the cast produce some sublime performances that quite frankly deserve mre credit. Kate Winslet plays her role as April Weeler, so well and with such realism that you really feel for her. Deserved an Oscar nomination for her role, whch stupidly the Academy omitted. Michael Shannon, however I agree with. With a short apearance he left an impact on the characters and the audience. His character also made me laugh on some occasions at his wonderful social observations that both Frank and April noticed noone else had said. His performance is probably one of my favourites of the year. Leonardo DiCaprio also produced another performance of his career for me. Not his best but up there with my top 5 performances of his. I'm suprised he hasn't been given more credit for his performance.

Mendes once again delivers some brilliant direction in what seems to be an underated films of 2008. One shot in particular at the end perfectly summed up the whole films for me. Wanting to switch themselves off from the constant pursuit of the American Dream and live a little. Just superb. Overall his direction, again deserves more credit as it's just sublime and so underated. Only the Golden Globes have credited him. His attention to camera angels and some else I noticed was an shot which he also used in American Beauty, one to look out for.

Overall, Revoultionary Road is a film which deserved more Oscar Nominations as it's just a brilliant film and one which is close to perfect as you can get. A fascinating tale of one couple's constant struggle to bring up their kids, dealing with personal probelms and almost keep pursuing that American Dream.

Close to perfection...

Highly recomended

9/10

Director:Craig Gillespie
Released: 2008
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Emily Mortimer, Paul Schneider & R.D. Reid
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Country: USA

In this comedy, Lars Lindstrom is an awkwardly shy young man in a small northern town who finally brings home the girl of his dreams to his brother and sister-in-law's home. The only problem is that she's not real - she's a sex doll Lars ordered off the Internet. But sex is not what Lars has in mind, but rather a deep, meaningful relationship. His sister-in-law is worried for him, his brother thinks he's nuts, but eventually the entire town goes along with his delusion in support of this sweet natured boy that they've always loved.

Review coming soon....

Director:John Patrick Shanley
Released: 2008
Stars: Meryl Streep, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams & Viola Davis
Genre:Drama
Country: USA

Set in 1964, Doubt centers on a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him of abusing a black student. He denies the charges, and much of the play's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality, and authority.

One of the Oscar films that I have watched that has at last reached my cinema and for once my cinema has actually put on some Oscar nominated films. Doubt is one of the best of 2008 and one of my favourites of 2008. Without a doubt( no pun intended,) deserved the nominations it got. An excellent film indeed.

Receiving 5 Academy Award nominations; mainly for the cast members and I think a similar amoutn of BAFTA nominations, Doubt is one to watch if not for the brilliant acting that just lifts the film enormously. Dealing with such issues as religion, morality and authoirty; watching Doubt will leaves you wondering what is going on rather than pointing it out to you. The abuse charges that are put to Father Flyn for instance are implied and you don't see anything other than what the characters see. In other words you are put in the same posistion as the characters of Amy Adams and Meryal Streep. This is what works for the film in my opinion. It also probably shows that it was orginally a play; as that is what plays usually do when you watch them. What is brilliant though about the script is that you feel like you've watched so much on screen, yet nothing has particularly happened.

What is brilliant about Doubt and what has been discussed in many reviews is the acting from all the cast. Meryl Streep is outstanding, Phillip Seymour Hoffman is as brilliant as ever but for me, the heart of this film is Amy Adams. Her portryal of Sister James for some reason just stood above even the performance of Meryl Streep. Sister James, as portrayed by Adams is an incredibly vunerable character, one who never has doubts about people( or in this film people in authority) and one who thrives upon teaching her History class. Adams plays her so well that I started to see myself in her character and I'm sure that there are many Sister's like her around. I'd love her to win the Academy Awards but I just don't see it happening. I will for sure be looking into any future films that she produces that I just loved her performance in this. Viola Davis, with such a brief performance left an strong impact in the film. She played her role with such emotion and feeling that you really believed her. Also worth noting the performance of Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who, from being abuser, almost becomes abused at the end of the film. You suddenly feel for him at the end of the film. As you will see if you catch it yourself.

There are a few minor flaws that kept it from being a 5 star film. For instance the direction was a little odd, as it left me wondering whether it was me sitting in the wrong position. The transition from stage to screen I think isn't as strong as it should be for an Oscar nominated film. It lacks a cinematic flair and feels a little staged a times( showing the transition wasn't so atrong.)

The issues of authority is delt with quite strongly here and quite well. For instance Streep's character at first is quite nice to Father Flyn, as he is above her, towards the end of the film she begins to Doubt him. As shown in the film, the difference in authority of the two characters i quite diverse. For instance there is a contrasting shot of the two characters, at dinner with all the priests and nuns. The Nuns, under Streeps character, eat under absolute silence, The Priests are far more laid back and have a laugh. I think this is some of the reasoning behing the Doubt of Streep's character. Father Flyn has more of a rapour with the rest of the children. I'm sure she evys that.

Generally the script is of a decent standard and the dialogue suits eac character and plays well. Perhaps Shanley could have left out some of the more theatrical lines, which left me a little puzzled to say the least. Roger Deakins, world renowned cinematographer really depicts the backdropt to this film really well. From the autumn feeling to snow, it really works in the film.

Overall, Doubt is an excellent film though with flaws. It's a powerful feel that leaves you wondering certain aspects of your life that you might have doubted before. With some brilliant performances, Doubt is one to watch this year.

Highly recomended.

8/10

Director:David Fincher

Released: 2008

Stars: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton & Jason Flemyng

Genre:Drama/Fantasy/Romance

Country: USA



Tells the story of Benjamin Button, a man who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences



Review Coming Soon....

Director:Clint Eastwood
Released: 2009
Stars: Clint Eastwood,Christopher Carley,Ahney Her and Brian Haley
Genre: Drama
Country: USA

"Ever notice how you come across somebody once in a while you shouldn't have fucked with? That's me."

Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possession: his 1972 Gran Torino.

Once in a while a film comes along that is smore socially relevant to today's world than many film critics and reviewers alike fail to see. Gran Torino is one of them. Possibly one of the best socially relavant films out there and definatly one to watch again. Highly enjoyable and at times quite hard to watch.

Directed by and starring the great Clint Eastwood, Grant Torino is essentially about one man's struggle with the ever-changing post-modern world and his fight to get justice for those who dis-regard human life. The character of Walt, is one who I'm sure many can relate to and know someone who is exactly or similar to that character. What is worrying is just how alike I found Walt to be to my Grandad. I'm sure that's what Eastwood is trying to say in this powerful film.

The character of Walt is still suffering from old wounds from the Korean War and sees every younger man around him as wimps, includig the Priest. From the opening sequence of his Wife's funeral, we are also witnessed to the relationship that his has with his two sons and their families. Unfortunatly there is no relationship at all. Even the Grandchildren are waiting to see what they might get when he passes on and what the expect to get. Walt is extremly pessimestic of the current world and struggles to come to terms with the amount of ethic minorities moving in to the area. Imediatly we can idenitfy with the character's feelings here as they sort of thing is going on, and have probably come across it at some point.

The film is also funny at times, mainly on the part of Walt's character. In particular is constant racist jibes at his next door neighbours, who become a vital part of the film. What is interesting is that you can't help but laugh at . In some respect, you're laughing at him, because of the mistakes that he has made. What I found interesting was the relationship that his had with his next door neighbours, which gradually grew over the course of the film. What the film doesn't do is change Walt's attitudes. He still calls them gooks, and they accept that which shows the respect he has for them. What's interesting is how Walt becomes their protector against teh chinese gang that comes to their house.

Overall, Gran Torino is an excellent film which perfectly somes up today's ever changing world. Lok out for Walt's lines which will make you laugh.

Highly recomended

8/10

Director:Jean-Marc Vallée
Released: 2009
Stars: Emily Blunt, Miranda Richardson,Paul Bettany and Mark Strong
Genre: Drama
Country: UK

A dramatization of the turbulent first years of Queen Victoria's rule, and her enduring romance with Prince Albert

A thoroughly excellent dramatisation of our longest ever ruler. Stunning locations and some great casting makes this one of the better period dramas out there. Just brilliant.

More to follow soon

Possibly one of the best documentaries that I've seen in a long while. well researched and not biased in anyway....and will leave you feeling a little pissed at what the Bush administration allowed to happen.

More to follow soon....

Injuries sustained by two Army ranger behind enemy lines in Afghanistan set off a sequence of events involving a congressman, a journalist and a professor

Lions for Lambs was released in a year full of Iraq or war-related films and isn't one of the best of that year. I have to admit that I wonder just exactly what Redford is trying to say in this film and this is wil try to focus on, as well as the film's flaws and good parts.

Prior to watching this film, I had no idea as to how I would feel about this film-so I went into it with a relativly open mind. What's interesting though, is that the film starts off resonably well and gets progressivly worse as the film goes on. The main flaw, and a big one at that, is the content within the film. As mentioned by many reviews by my friends on this site; this film is incredibly prechy. As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, I wonder just exactly what Redford is really trying to tell us. Is it just full of his political ideas? Argbably that could be the case. However I think it's not only a fault of his but the script is a major problem and perhaps research that was carried out.

I wonder exactly why Redford thought this film was the right way to go. The problem with it is that it tells us nothing new about events up to and surrounding the Iraq war. Like I said before, it preches to us things we've heard time and time again about the war, by news stations and newspapers. I started to feel very irritated and insulted towards the middle of the film. This is because you feel as though Redford feels that the audience watching this have no concept of what this war is about. Thus, by the end of the film you feel as though you've been lectured to by one of your parents or teacher.

One review that I read said this film was "politics for dummies" and I think he's probably right. Much of the dialogue in this film is very obvious and uncessary. Yes, we know that the war in Iraq shouldn't have happened and Yes we know the consequences of war. I struggle to understand some of the sub-plots in this film. What was the purpse of the professor and the student and why exactly does Meryal Streep's character need to be there. Some of those unanswered questions means the films loses "the flow" that every film needs. By that I mean that a perfect film needs to be consistently great through every scene and every scene needs purpse. Lions for Lambs does not have that.

I really feel for Meryl Streep in this film as she is the only good part of it. Her character is very likeable and represents the masses in some respects. However the material given to her means we don't see the full extent of her capabilities in this role. Tom Cruise, I found very very irritating and found his character to be way to patrirchal for my liking.

Overall, Lions for Lambs fails to impress on all levels and I don't recomend it.

Watch Taxi to The Dark Side...to see a true portrayal of the Iraq War

Tokyo, the gangster Tetsu (Tetsuya Watari) regenerates when his yakuza boss Kurata (Ryuji Kita) decides to quit his criminal life. However, the mobster family leaded by Otsuka (Hideaki Esumi) threatens Kurata's legitimate business, and Tetsu decides to leave Kurata to relief the pressure on him. He leaves also his girlfriend Chiharu (Chieko Matsubara) and becomes a drifter moving to the country. When Tetsu is betrayed, he returns to Tokyo to resolve his situation.

Don't remember why exatctly I put this on my lovefilm rental list but I'm pretty glad that I did. Tokyo Drifter is something get extrodinary and very unliked most films that I've seen. Also don't often catch a B Film at all.

Japnese Cinema of the 1960s. I believe was inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill and Kill Bill 2. This is evident in the faboulous sets and brilliant imagery that Suzuki implements into this films. The story is very much the same, with the Tokyo Drifter (Tetsu) playing a similar role to Uma Thuram's character. Definatly check it out if you enjoy Tarantino'd cinema.

Tokyo Drifter take you into the world of Japanese Organised crime, with much of it feeling like you're watching a 1960's Bond film. The narrative is at times pretty bizzare and you really have to pay attention to the subtitles and what's going in in every scene. Which brings me on to the translated dialogue, which did seem a little oddly phrased at times. Argubaly this adds to the enjoymet of the film!

With some rather bizzare musical sequences, including a rather catching soundtrack and some great corny dialogue-not understanding the plot may not necessarily matter. For instance the musical sequences and the theme somehow has a symbolic reference, depending on how you look at it.
I mean, every musical sequence, was injected with a colourful pop art like backdrop, which is pratically postmodern. What I loved about that is that is it really depicts the 1960's so well.

Intrestingly, I noticed some of changing of scenes, was at time done so quick that you got lost in the story. Not quite sure of the purpose of that but somehow it doesn't matter. One brilliant thing to look out for is the changing colour in the openinging sequence, then to colour. This makes it feel like a distant memory or some sorts.

Overall, you can tell from my review that I don't watch a lot of Japanese cinema from the 1960's, so apologies for that. I highly recomend this film for it's gorgeous set design and one theme that you'll be whistling for hours. The plot is conventional, but at times hard to follow. If you keep at it you'll feel like you've watched an excellent film!

Look out for the brilliant end sequence!

Highly recomended

8/10

The film centers on Sam Lowry (Jonathan Pryce), a young man trying to find a woman who appears in his dreams while he is working in a mind-numbing job and living a life in a small apartment, set in a dystopian world in which there is an over-reliance on poorly maintained (and rather whimsical) machines.

Review coming soon...

Two co-dependent high school seniors are forced to deal with separation anxiety after their plan to stage a booze-soaked party goes awry.

I somehow missed this film when it came out back in 2007, but luckily I found it yesterday and bought it right there. There's just something brilliant about the way this film was constructed that sets it apart from a lot of the very un funny high school comedy like films. Perhaps because I could relate to teh characters and you have probably seen a Vogel or Seth in your year at school. Just hilaious stuff that will probably make me laugh and laugh even after multiple viewings.

I don't think I've ever laughed so much in a comedy recently. You can tell that it's the scipt that just makes the timing perfect in this film. From listening to the DVD comentary; writers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg wrote the script from their own personal experiences at high school. This is why I think that the film works so much without feeling too grossed out by what the characters aere doing. You really feel for the three main characters as they try to get the party with the alchohol, just so funny. I think aswell that Superbad is a grossley underated and unapreciated film. It's also overshadowed by A 40 Year Old Virgin, which to me is just as funny as but maybe funnier.

This film also has launched the careers of MIchael Cera and the very funny Christopher Mintz-Plasse, who both will have brilliant careers ahead of them. Cera, incidently, is miles better in this that the very overrated Juno. He has this unique way of looking geeky, yet a little cute at the same time, which is what I loved about him. Look out for the scene where he's mistaken for a singer...! Mintz-Plasse will forever be remembered as "McLovin", who is possibly one of the best created characters that I've seen. The scene where he shows the ID to Seth and Evan is just brilliant and the reactions by Hill and Cera are just brilliant. Also worth mentioning the Jonah Hill who is another hilaious part of this film.

I'd better stop otherwise I'll give something away. Obviously I loved this film and I recomend it to one and all. And yes, it deserves a 9/10......so what?

A team of astronauts are sent to re-ignite the dying sun 50 years into the future.




Review coming soon...maybe 02/05/09

A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members



" I'm a doctor, not a physicist!- McCoy"




Now I have been waiting for this film to come out for so so long and so glad that it finally got the right release date. I am mainly a fan of TNG but equally love the original series which I have watched many many times. I am pleased to say that it exceeded my expectations in every single way and the 2 and a bit hours flew by. Probably one of the best cinematic experiences that I've had...purely because of the fact that I don't normally not notice the time fly by!

One thing that does annoy me is the stingma attached to being a fan of the franchise. Why should people think you must be a geek for liking this? Well, anyway, having watched the original series I can safely say that Abrams has perfectly cast everyone in this film. From the first showings of Kirk, Spock and the crew these actors were the legendary characters that I had been watching. Obviously Zachary Quinto is perfect at Spock but equally brilliant was Chris Pine. Not only does he look gorgeous but he looks like a young Shatner and every mannerism is there to the sitting on the captains chair, to the look to Spock everything was perfect. Karl Urban also made me laugh as he too was just perfect in the role of Bones McCoy. IWhat was interesting there was the fact that I hadn't really any idea of the relationship between Kirk and Bones and that it was so close. Anton Yelchin as Checkov was spot on aswell with that very broken English accent that we all know and love from the orginal series. Zoe Saldana as Uhura really suprised me aswell as I just didn't picture her like that at all. Would love the know about the realtionship between Uhura and Spock, that was something which did baffle me a little I must admit.

The special effects were absolutly incredible which really brought the film alive and kicking into the audience's minds. I think that may really be the reason why It really felt just incredible to watch. I don't think a Star Trek film, even with the Next Generation. I think it will mos likely be up for an Oscar.

What Abrams has done is created a whole new Trek for a Post-modern generation where things like Star Trek are seen as something for Geeks, as I mentioned before. After watching this film, it really feels like a part of popular culture. He's created a Trek, which it is cool to watch and you don't feel like a Geek at all.

Overall, just one brilliant prequel to an already lengendary franchise. One film which you don't have to have seen any Trek episodes at all to enjoy. Look out for a cameo by Lenoard Nimoy and a great performance by Eric Bana. Now eagerly await the sequal

Highly recomended

9/10

When a murder of a physicist, Leonardo Vetra, finds a symbolist, Robert Langdon, and Mr. Vetra's daughter, Vittoria, on an adventure for a secret brotherhood, The Illuminati. Clues lead them all around the Vatican, including the four alters of science, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. An Assassin, working for the Illuminati, has captured four cardinals, and murders each, painfully. Robert and Vittoria also are searching for a new very destructive weapon that could kill millions.




Review coming soon....

Review coming soon...

Ist half is bad but redeems itself in the 2nd part with the intro of an X-men member. Overall not too bad but could have been much better...

More to follow soon..

Review coming soon...

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I still have no idea what this is all about...so no review.

Still incredibly shocking and disturbing even 30 years on. Delivers a strong depiction of life in a borstal during the 1970's. A film that must be watched...

More to follow in a bit

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Bloody hilarious....full review coming soon.

Review coming soon....

Laurence recounts to his neighbour how his life long friendship with Frank and Daniel has been overturned...

Martha, meet Daniel Frank and Lawrence is a somewhat misunderstood film. For a start it's more of a man's romantic comedy as its three guys all falling in love with the same woman. It may be predictable but this film has a certain charm to it that you can't ignore. It may be the case that because it's a British film, with three great British actors, that that is where the charm is coming from. I'm not sure whether it would be any good as an American film.

From a woman's point of view, it's just a perfect film. Mainly because you have three relatively good looking lead guys who is the centre for the first part of the film. You try to guess which one of the three childhood friends she would fall far and perhaps who would you. For a man I think you can also relate mainly with the three actors. Plus, for both sexes, it centres on something which we all think about and wonder what we would do if we were in that position.

I really don't think it's as bad as the critics on rotten tomatoes say. The script is, after all written by Peter Morgan, who wrote the scripts for The Queen and most recently Frost Nixon. A lot of the dialogue is centred on rather corny stuff like destiny and whether things happen for a reason, but because of the performances of Tom Hollander, Joseph Fiennes and Rufus Sewell, you do end up ignoring that completely.

This film is one of those rare romantic comedies where, as I said before, because you can identify with the characters and the character of Martha, you can really get into the film and it doesn't seem reminiscent of previous romantic comedies-where you might have got incredibly irritated. The film is very short. At 83 mins, we don't feel like the film has dragged on too much or irritated by the characters. I love the subtle humour from the three guys, which creates such brilliant people to watch on screen. Interestingly, this film never made it to US theatres but was shown everywhere else in the world.

I've been a Joseph Fiennes fan for a while now, and feel he's pick a few dodgy films over the years. (Look out for Vivaldi coming soon) but I can safely say that this is one of his better films. I can't tell you why, it just is. Also great support from Rufus Sewell and Tom Hollander both part of British Cinema these days. Look out for a funny performance from Ray Winstone and a cameo from none other that Rob Brydon. I have to agree that Monica Potter isn't so great in this film, but you can overlook that as there are better parts in the film.

Recommended watch! Forget the American Romantic comedies and rent this little British film.

7/10

Federal Agent Elliot Ness sets out to take out Al Capone; because of rampant corruption, he assembles a small, hand-picked team.

Review to come soon...

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Does pass the time but cant really believe I watched this this afternoon. In the end it all seemed a bit pointless...

More to follow..

Review coming soon..

Marty hires a private investigator to spy on his wife, who he suspects of cheating. When Marty hires the investigator to kill his wife and her lover, things get very complex. (IMDB)


Blood Simple is the Coen Bros' first feature film from 1984. It also features Frances McDormand, wife of Joel Coean and frequent collaborator in their films. Blood Simple is quite simply brilliant and of course the beginnings of what would later become two of Hollywood?s great film directors. One of my favourite Coen bros films and perhaps one of my favourite films.

The film also has many man similar characteristics to the Coean Bros 2007 film No Country for Old Men. It's an incredibly dark tale and contains a lot of shots that are in No Country for Old Men. What is also brilliant about this is the use of diegetic sound. That being that it's mainly in the picture that we hear music and aspects of surround sound. We also hear who would later become one of the main characters narrating at the beginning, which is what was in No Country for Old Men. This creates a far more realistic image to the audience and you really feel part of the film.

Worth mentioning some great tracking shots following characters which are just genius and brilliant to watch. Blood Simple is obviously brilliantly directed and such the attention to detail to perfection. The tension in Blood Simple is evident in many scenes and really makes you the viewer on tender hooks itching to know what will come next. I found myself on the edge of my bed just like that. The cinematography, especially in the opening sequence is again perfection. When we are introduced to the two main characters we feel claustrophic in the scene mainly due to the brilliant lighting in this scene.

Blood Simple contains a cleverly written script. One which incorporates humour, with a dark, twisted tale in the form of a film-noir. With all that entrenched in the film, it stars off as a predictable story but with a few twists and turns ( which is what The Coen Bros later did in their films) it becomes more of a complex and more engaging tale which I feel is perfection ( as I've stated before.) I've also got to admit that it will feel like a David Lynch film for the first 40 mins.

Blood Simple is one of cinema's forgotten gems and one which is of course overshadowed by the Coens later and better known titles. If you?ve not got into their body of work yet start with this as it really is a masterful piece of work. Brilliant! Don't expect you?re average crime of passion when you watch this.

Superb

10/10

Masterpiece.

Review coming soon...

Osbourne Cox, a Balkan expert, is fired at the CIA, so he begins a memoir. His wife wants a divorce and expects her lover, Harry, a philandering State Department marshal, to leave his wife. A diskette falls out of a gym bag at a Georgetown fitness center. Two employees there try to turn it into cash: Linda, who wants money for elective surgery, and Chad, an amiable goof. (IMDB)

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Moore may have some of the most biased documentaries that's ever been made but with this film, he shared the same opinion of the Bush administration with 95% of the world's population. It's because of that and the lengthy research that this guy does with every documentry, that I give this 9/10. Perhaps I would like to see some of the Democrats being interviewed but apart from this it's very well made and no doubt depicts what what the idiots of the Bush administration were doing during that period of time.

Definatly, worth watching, although if you're an avid Republican, probably best avoid. One of the better documentaries on the circumstances around the 9/11 attacks and Iraq.

Recomendation: If you did enjoy this, check out Taxi To The Dark Side

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a fantastical morality tale, set in the present day. It tells the story of Dr Parnassus and his extraordinary 'Imaginarium', a travelling show where members of the audience get an irresistible opportunity to choose between light and joy or darkness and gloom. Blessed with the extraordinary gift of guiding the imaginations of others, Dr Parnassus is cursed with a dark secret.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus is a film which I have been waiting to see for a long while. Not just because it contains Heath Ledger's last performance but because it's Terry Gilliam's latest film.

TMODP is an extroidnary tale in that you can not take your eyes off the screen. There's so much attention paid to the 4 characters that we see than your'e imediatly into the film. Just perfect to watch. The story seems quite complex at times but for some reason it all makes sense in the end. With some great great performances in this film and some of the best cinematography I've seen this year, it creates the idea world of "the imaginirum of Doctor Parnassus.

As I watched the film, I couldnt help but think about the extrodinary syblosim that is part of this film. The mind of DP, is reprensenting something symbolic for every character in the film. Every character has this different imagination but creates such authenticity; something not often seen in mainstream films.

More to follow....

One of the most unapreciated films that I've seen in a long while. Mainly because that the plot will feel very "familar" to a lot of people, who are then wil be unable to see just how superb this film really is. What's so special about it is that Sheridan takes what could be a very slushy predictable film and make it into such an organic tale of situations which we can all relate to.It's not just a tale of family ties, it's a lot more to that. Sheridan brings much more life into the film which makes it so much more real. Doesn't feel forced and you can relate to each and every character. By the end of the film you feel as a viewer that you've got something out of it. Close to perfection for me.

Highly recomended.

9/10

Utter trash but I somehow managed to gte through this because I focussed on how lovely Joesph Fiennes looks in this film ^_^

However, it's poorly directed, acted, written..the list is endless. Would recomend this is Joesh Fiennes films but besides that avoid it at all costs. Just terrible.