James' Talk

Sugarhouse

Slow paced, but superbly acted, starring some of Britain?s most underrated Actors. The acting was so good, that parts had no dialogue at all and yet the storyline continued along its way. A gritty and realistic approach, which really added to the scenes of violence etc.

An insightful look into a world few people will ever experience and some wish they didn?t.

El Orfanato (The Orphanage)

The Orphanage is a Thriller which gives some wonderfully tense moments and really made me jump on a couple of occasions.

Not your average ghost story, this is a beautifully created horror, whilst managing to steer away from predictable route, so many take and instead providing a genuine realistic account of an unknown world.

Antikörper (Antibodies)

Antibodies really exceded my expectations on many levels. Firstly as a fictional story of a serial killer, this has to be the best one since ?The Silence of the Lambs?. It was controversial, made you feel uncomfortable in parts, it was casted well, especially in the case of the serial killer.

In terms of World Cinema, this is way up there with the best, it?s also high up there as a Thriller, as there are twists and turns that left me shouting at the tv screen!

If you enjoy films which cover any of these genres (Serial Killer, World cinema and Thrillers) give it a watch, it?s impressive, you won?t be disappointed.

Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella)

A work of pure genious!!!

Roberto Benigni is fantastic.

This film really shows that humour really can be an international language. One man's persistance and imagination brings him love and an amazing journey for his son, whilst keeping the important messages to convey.

This is a totally original storyline, the characters and beauty of this film are blissfully unique and refreshing. The film synopsis really doesn't do it justice - see for yourselves.

The best film I have seen in a while.

Volver

I am now intriged by Pedro Almodóvar's work and intend to work my way through this list.



This is by far my favourite role for Penelope Cruz, who has always been an actress I can take or leave. Her role as a hard working Mum on the poverty line and coping with a series of events causing just a little bit of chaos, which take several twists and turns.



A totally original piece and one I certainly recommend

Hable con Ella (Talk to Her)

An original and unusual storyline and set of circumstances. There was one particular scene that was quite bizarre and I?m sure if you?ve seen it you will know immediately of which one I?m referring to, but the main plot is a much more serious and interesting story, which I felt made compelling viewing.

A Perfect Murder

The remake of Hitchcock?s ?Dial M for Murder? and a good job of it was made. Some slight variences from the original storyline, but all the important parts were included.

A story with great twists, Douglas plays rich and arrogant very well and we see a not so well known at the time Viggo Mortensen too.

A great thriller, based on love, betrayal, revenge and money.

Ratatouille

Impressive animation and characterization, I thought the story was great. Disney still manages to metaphor it?s morals aimed at the kids, but inject enough entertainment for the adults too. The storyline cleverly picks up on Celebrity chef culture.



4 Stars

A Bronx Tale

Utterly brilliant! In De Niro's directional debut, we see him taking a back seat as a supporting actor in this film as Chazz Palminteri, takes his one man stage show to the big screen.

Based on some true events in Chazz Palminteri's life growing up, A Bronx Tale saw freshly plucked actors and actresses take the main parts next to De Niro and Palminteri, in order to keep the film authentic.

A Bronx Tale is a film of many layers, from the star crossed lovers, who's friends and families are against each other in a race war, to the impressionable young boy, who is raised with two father figures, one an honest hard working man, the other a mafia boss who provides glamour and money, but also, violence and mistrust.

This film contains some of my favourite film quotes, along with a perfectly chosen soundrack, which emphasizes scenes all the way through the movie to add to the already powerful piece.

Chazz Palminteri, really makes this character his own and for me, sets a benchmark to which other Gangster bosses should be measured against throughout this movie genre.

Secuestro Express

A very realistic feel of a story of a kidnapping. Impressive actiing all round, in particular Mia Maestro. The kidnapping gang are played by members of one of South America's most popular rap groups 'Vagos Y Maleantes' Gritty and action packed, this film will hold you from start to finish.

Kung Fu Panda

After a bit of a slow start, this film really comes to life about half way through, the animation of course was great, Jack Black's voice completely matched the main character and the ideas and choreography that went into this film was quite something.

This feature length cartoon really has captured something from the Martial Arts movies and with clever little morals for the young ones to catch on to. Kung Fu Panda was a really enjoyable film.

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.

Frailty

One of my favourite films and one of the best film twists ever.

A sinister tale, well written and put together well, I never tire from watching this and never fail to be impressed.

To anyone who hasn't watched this film yet, you really should.

Perfect Stranger

A very enjoyable, non too complicated, whodunnit type of film, with a good twist.

Outlaw

A great gritty British vengeance film, where vigilantes take a stand against the bullies in society.

Just when I thought Sean Bean was past his prime, he pulls off a part that suits him really well.

The Code

(Known in the UK as La Mentale) One of the best Gangster style films I've ever seen. Fantastic performces all around especially from Samy Naceri, this had a very realistic feel to it.

A definite recommendation

White Noise

Pretty damn creepy! Love the fact that it was not the usual in-your-face kind of horror movie, but rather it transformed every day technology into a source of menace and malevolence. The ending though it has to be said WAS a little hokey :-)