Sacha's Talk

Changeling

Movie brings to the fore a mother's plight when her son goes missing . It portrays the incompetency of the police & levels they will stoop to prove themselves correct.
Cinematography is good. There are no hysterics in the movie . For some this may be a drawback but for me that's the beauty . Jolie is simply brilliant in a restraint but potent performance.

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.

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.

Romulus, My Father

A touching tale based on the true story of Raimond Gaita's childhood & the relation of his parents. Richard Roxburgh examines the lives of Raimond's parents when they emigrated to Australia in 1950. Raimond's mother suffers from depression & leaves him & her husband .
Cinematography is beautiful. Eric Bana is brilliant as Romulus while Franka Potente delivers an intense performance. Raimond Guita is now a famous author & this movie was based on his autobiographical novel.

The Bourne Ultimatum

This non stop Action film is exciting from start to finish. This last installment of the trilogy is by far the best. A very minor disappointment for me, was not having Paddy Considine take a bigger role (but that's just pure bias on my part).

From the fight scenes to the car chases, different Countries to speaking different languages - this has become my favourite Action film ever.

Those of you who are interested in how the film was put together, ie Direction, stunts, fight choreography etc, the special features is definitely worth a look, showing Matt Damon as easy going, eager to learn, gutsy Actor, who will try his hand at absolutely anything (yes that's me eating my words of slating Matt Damon in the past!)

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.

Twilight

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.

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.

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.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss

It's a genuine & unpretentious take on the nuances of the new-tech romance & the cynicism surrounding it. The plot involves a broke & lonely Wilson, leading an obscure life in Las Vegas. He is urged by his best friend , Jacob to post a personal ad on a site for singles on New Year eve. Wilson reluctantly writes a message "Misanthrope seeks misanthrope". He gets a call from Vivian who is interviewing men to avoid being stuck with a loser on the eve of a new year.

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The characters seem genuine in this chaotic comedy. It is easy to identify with them. The director tries not to delve deep into the issues and in that sense it becomes a bit mundane at times. Still, the storyline is engrossing. The interaction between the protagonists is witty at times & seems natural. Scripting & editing is of high standards. Cinematography is beautiful. The black & white theme gels wonderfully well with the script. Scoot McNairy & Sara Simmonds have done a good job in this low budget flick. Overall, a moving and credible effort by director, Alex Holdridge.

Yojimbo

A great study in character development & analysis , this is a treat by Akira Kurosawa. The camera angles are acute as always by Kurosawa. The plot involves a samurai who drifts into a town torn apart by two rival factions. He comprehends the situation and realises that these factions can be easily manipulated.

The cinematography is brilliant & Toshirô Mifune gives a commendable performance in the role of a samurai. This multi-layered movie has a linear plot & provides a good material to study detailed character sketches .