James' Talk

Ed Wood

A quirky true story about the man who was considered the ?worst Director?, told in a slight tongue and cheek manner, yet creatively put together and made for interesting viewing.

This is the type of film that will probably appeal more to those who have an interest in all aspects of film making. A slightly different type of project for Tim Burton, but you can certainly see in parts, why he was attracted to this project.

Gothika

A film that isn?t highly rated by most, but remains to be one of my favourites and most re-watched films that I own.

Gothika has the dark creepy atmosphere, which is maintained throughout the film and a storyline which urges you to feel the frustration of the main characters, played by Halle Berry and Penelope Cruz.

Admittedly it has it?s clichéd moments and it?s not without predictability, but it?s certainly worth watching (in my opinion) if you enjoy supernatural Thrillers.

'Behind Blue Eyes' became one of my favourite songs after watching this film.

Before Night Falls

Quite a difficult one to rate, as the acting was superb, whilst the film was long and drawn out. Great narration throughout by Javier Bardem, which worked well and he, as always was very impressive.

The story of Reinaldo Arenas? life is certainly an interesting one, but the film does take some perseverance.

A very small role here for Johnny Depp and an even smaller (almost unrecognisable) role for Sean Penn.

The Tenant

The biggest problem with this film, is that it is incredibly drawn out, however, it?s storyline is captivating and Polanski plays a great main role as well as Directing this piece, plus all the characters have been very well developed.

The story evolves well into a world of conspiracy and paranoia, this was conveyed well from the build up of the story.

There were a few badly dubbed scenes, but despite it?s drawn out length, this is a film to be remembered.

Wanted

Even better the second time around! This film is a very slick, high Action, Assassin story, adapted from a graphic novel.

A huge opportunity for McAvoy here, going from British tv to a yet another Hollywood film in just the last few years. Impressive graphics throughout, high speed car chases and stunts, all of which offered something completely new, with an enjoyable storyline too, it makes this film ideal for a wide range audience.

For me, it was one of my personal favourites of 2008.

For those of you, who like to take a look at behind the scenes, the Special Features (although quite short) are worth peeking at.

Chugyeogja (The Chaser)

An impressive Korean Thriller about a Serial Killer, which has a high level standard of acting and believability to it. The violent gore is not in every scene, but the scenes when it does arise are frighteningly realistic.

It does have it's moments whereby the fast pace of the films slows down somewhat, but soon picks up speed again and if anything, that heightens the suspense again.

Although I've only rated this film a 4, I feel it's one that after one or two more viewings, the rating will inevitably rise.

Incidentally there is a remake (presumably Hollywood) in the pipeline , I've seen comments that Leonardo DiCaprio may be taking an interest, (not sure if that's true?) it would be good to compare the two, but I have a feeling this one may come out on top.

The Gift

This film has always been a favourite of mine, it?s a great supernatural thriller. Cate Blanchett (as always) gives a very strong performance, a likeable performance too from Giovani Ribisi.

My very small annoyance was Katie Holmes (I?m not quite sure why I despise the girl so much?) but it?s slightly irrating to put her in the same league as the rest of the cast in this film, however her appearance really doesn?t affect the film or the plot.

This is an intriguing story, which offers something different to the ?whodunnit? type of mystery.

Iron Man

An impressive film in terms of graphics, machinery and of course the actual plot and how our Superhero actually emerges.

A great performance by Downey Jr, who is at times very comical. A nice comeback role for Gwyneth and an almost unrecognisable look for Bridges.

Overall a well put together film, which was extremely entertaining.

The Dead Girl

Having not received many reviews or recommendations for this film, I thought it was sure to be a very average film and yet I was pleasantly surprised, it?s definitely my type of film.

Centred around all the main people effected when a dead girl is found and creatively chaptered, to enable the viewer to experience the effects and emotions felt by each individual surrounding the storyline, it was a unique style used for this type of film and with a good standard of Actors, this was a very enjoyable film.

In Bruges

It?s nice to see Colin Farrell speaking with an Irish accent again, although there were parts, where I couldn?t help being reminded of Dougal in Father Ted (Brits will know what I mean), due to the comedy of the role.

I wasn?t quite sure how to take his humour at first, not realising how much of a comedy this was, but his unpolitically correct comments, made for some very funny scenes.

Ralph Fiennes, as the London Gangster, sounds like a cross of Reggie Kray and Ben Kingsley?s character from Sexy Beast.

It was an orginal idea for a comedy and one with an entertaining (black comedy) storyline. A film that will make you see Colin Farrell in a very different light.

The Heartbreak Kid

Unbelievably bad! A big disappointment from Ben Stiller. It re;ies heavily on crude humour and not much else.

The Bank Job

Surprisingly a very good film. If you're expecting a Hollywood Action film as I was (yes I didn't read up on it before I watched it) you'll be pleasantly surprised by this story. based on true events, told in a true London gangster tradition kind of way, with high ranking envolvement.

A very enjoyable Brit film, with a great cast. Statham is back playing the roles he is good at.

No Country for Old Men

After a fairly slow start, there emerges one of the best films of the last few years. It takes everything predictable and turns it on its head. This film (for me) is by far the best film The Coen Brothers have ever made.



There are times throughout, that I almost forgot that it's a bad man, hunting another bad man and found myself feeling sorry for the guy.



The acting was of great quality and Javier Bardem played one of the best killers ever to be casted in a film.



With regard to the ending, it was abrupt and maybe considered as somewhat of an anti-climax, but this to me gave the film some realism and again an unpredictability.

Scarface

In 1980 Miami, a determined Cuban immigrant takes over a drug empire while succumbing to greed. what can i say Pacino gives an amazing performance that is both comic and tragic in this remake of the 1932 classic about corruption in America. Pacino's character wants the world and everything in it. That's what he gets. We are reminded to beware of what we wish for. on my list of Best movies i own ( look at all my list )

Untraceable

An impressive performance by Diane Lane who leads the cast in this Serial Killer thriller, where the excitement commences immediately and continues until the very end.

I am a huge fan of these type of stories and although the killer wasn?t as strong a character as it could have been, plus there was an element of predictability, it was a much enjoyed film with a fresh new perspective on internet killers.

Beowulf

This film is worth seeing, if only for the amazing computer images. This very life-like tale is a phonomenally creative piece. You'll recognise stars even if you didn't know they appeared in the film.

The storyline at times was hard to concentrate on, but that only goes to show the detail that went into the film.

Quite surprising the certificate for this film is just a 12 and there are some pretty violent scenes, certainly not one for the young children to watch.

Night at the Museum

Love or hate Ben Stiller, this has to be the best ?come to life? kids adventure story since Jumanji. With a storyline that kept me interested until the very end. A large comedy cast plucked from both sides of the pond, ?Night of the Museum? was thoroughly entertaining.

The Island

An impressive futuristic story, which is beyond comprehension as an outlook on our future.

A much enjoyed story (perhaps slightly longer than was necessary) with some enjoyable performances and characters. Sean Bean definitely plays a bad guy best, just unfortunate that the role for Djimon Housou wasn?t bigger, but likable performances from Ewan and Scarlett

4 STARS

My Left Foot

A phonominal true story brought to life by the fantastic performances of Daniel Day Lewis and Brenda Fricker.

This Jim Sherridan film really grasps the poverty of the era which really gives you a sense of a working class family during this time. Also captured well was the Mother and son relationship and the strength of a family that stands together.

Powerful, emotional and brilliant.