My Favorite Movies

Just simply amazing. Right from the beginning of the film I was hooked and mesmerized by the cinematograhpy within every scene, just stunning. The soundtrack, for me was another great part in this film. Well, if only there were 6 stars but sadly there isn't.

Definatly a film i will watch again and one to go in my all time favourites list. Just amazing!

Director:Ridley Scott
Released: 1979
Stars: John Hurt, Ian Holm, Sigourney Weaver and Harry Dean Stanton
Genre:Sci-Fi/Horror
Country: UK/USA









The crew of the deep space mining ship Nostromo are awaken from hypersleep to investigate a strange signal from a nearby planet. While investigating the signal, they discover it was intended as a warning, and not an SOS. What follows are some grisly and inventive special effects based on the work of H.R.Giger

I can't believe I haven't got round to watching this absolutly superb film nor the rest of the series. So Let this be the start of my Alien Marathon. All I can say is thank god I've watched it now.

This is the one I think most of my friends on here remember, the one that started it all. I obtained yet another director's cut of Scott's film but I decided to watch the orginal '79 theatrical version. Superisingly, because I haven't watched it beefore there are very few flaws even 29 years on since it was made. Despite numerous Alien oe teenage horror films adopting a similar plot, I still could feel the suspense in every single scene and in some cases I did indeed scream. What is still brilliant about Scott's masterpiece is the fact it still feels very modern even almost 30 years on. The bleak and empty atmopshere is still prevelant even to this day.

The opening credits I thought were absolutly spectacular. Complete with Jerry Goldsmith's haunting score before the film has even begun, you are given a little something as to what's to come. Mangnificent. Godsmith#s score adds to the huge amount of tension within a scene and without it, we are left helpless as we have no ides of what's to come.

What's amazing to me is that the idelogy of Alien's exsisting in this film seems all the more real. Scott creates this believable enviornment that will leave you feeling at the end of the film that Aliens really do exsist. Alien's narrative is paced perfectly. at no point do you feel that the film has suddenly moved forward way too much, you are left engrossed in the story. What is also prevelant is the fact that after an hour of the film, I felt like so much has happened, yet I've only seen two or three instances of "Alien attacks." Which is a testemant to the supern direction and tension filled in the scene by Ridley Scott.

The set-designs reminisent of Kubrick's 2001, peerfectly depict the environment and also so well presented in the opening shot. The gorgeous cinematography even in the '79 theatrical version still seemmed absolutly spectacular to me. Oddly thought Alien only achieved two Academy award nominations at that time.
What stops alien from becoming a less than perfect picture is the incredible cast and their performances. Weaver, in her first lead role realistically depicts her character well without any over-exaggeratuons, the legendry Ian Holm is just perfect and John Hurt just as brilliant. Also worth noting Live and Let Die's Yaphet Kotto, who I Didn't think was in anything else.

Along with Blade Runner, both are Scott masterpieces of his career. Alien is a film which I highly recomend to anyone who enjoys cinema.

10/10

Visually stunning epic. Should be remembered for years to come. Highly recomend

Probably to most annoying film to analyse because there are so many different interepretations. That was probably exactly what Kubrick wanted but the blend of music and visualisations within the film is what he did in his films and it works on all scales. The film has little dialogue, which again, leaves the film open to interpretation, brilliant!

This is the best film out of the trilogy. The narrative is played around a little in this as we see Michael in this present and his father, Don in the past. This works well and that's why i love this one and it has become one of my favourite films.

This is such a great film. The whole storyline and the fact, in the end you do't actually see them do anything makes it an amazing film. Highly recomended

One of my favourites movies ever. Kevin Spacey is incredibly convincing as the serial killer! Highly recomended

This film really is something. It really captures the emotion that was around during this period of time. As the film progresses you really do feel for the characters, which is what a film really should do. I also loved the last 30 minutes or the film where about 7 minutes were totally done in German, to anyone who couldn't speak it, you could pretty much work out what they were saying from their body languaage e.t.c.
Adrian Brody deserved the oscar, as did Roman Polanski for best director. I really can't recomend this film enough. Absolutely unforgetable.

A throughly enjoyable film which wowed me from the start and keep been wanting for more.

Firstly, I did start watching the film from the middle, so naturally i got confused with the plot. I'll certainly try and watch it right rhough to the end anothertime. Aside that it has some stunning cinematography as ever in Asian movies and some great actions sequences. I liked the fact that the film had very little characters which imediatly led me to feel more for the three leads. The downside was, at times it doesn't seem exactly orginal and the action could be undermined by the plot of the love-traingle that we see unfolding to us in the film.

As for the lovely Taskeshi Kaneshiro, I'm starting to see why it's such a great actor and, most importantly incredibly good looking! Ziyi Zang, as ever gives a memorable performace and reminds my why she is such a great actress. Now I've seen a couple of movies with Andy Lau in I can also see something special with his acting abilities.

I must admit that I was gripped by the love story that was going on, which shows that it is my kind of film.

Overall a memorable film which will keep you guessing until the end. Most likely you'll want to re-watch it just to see the beautiful costumes and cinematography just that once more.

This really is one of the best action films I have ever seen in my entire life. Brilliant action sequences that just blow your mind away, really i mean it lol.

This is something that makes Die Hard look like a Steven Segal movie. john Woo is certainly the king of action and he is to action what Hitchcock is to suspense.

Even though there is a large amount of action sequences, there is alwayys a purpose to it. The last action sequence at the hospital is certainly the heart of the film. Great camera shots, imagery, tension, suspense and some fine performances by Tony Leung and Chow yun fat!

it's such a shame we don't see films like this, coming out of Hollywood these days. Most of them do not have the originality or suspense like this film does

Overall, This is a great cop drama and a great action film that everyone should see and learn from the master of action films. This really is a great film which i can't stop talking about lol. Go out and rent it if you haven't seen it!

Sun-woo is a reliable man who has served his boss without complaint for seven years. His attraction for Boss Kang is that he has apparently never been in love, or even had a girlfriend, an un-distracted state of affairs that allows him to give his role full dedication. He does his job, as evidenced by the opening scenes, very efficiently and reliably. Like his boss, an honourable man, who knows how "One mistake can undo the work of many years." In the light of this daunting recognition, the question the film ultimately poses is whether it is wise to restrict an emotional life around blind loyalty, or whether the heart and mind can ultimately make something else out of that which seems almost mechanical. Ultimately one cannot just 'erase memories' or the start of real human feeling just like overcoming an opponent, even though such concerns can be hidden behind fierce notions of honour.

Bittersweet Life is probably one of the most simple, most streamlined modern films I?ve seen recently. It is lean, mean, and like its lead male, a damn ruthless fighting machine. The film has the style of early 90's John Woo and with the energy and themes of Quentin Tarantino's grind house 70's. Life plays with your emotions, making you care for the bad-guy hero even though he is a vicious killer, and causes one to release tension through laughter when the blood starts gushing like a dozen ruptured fire hoses. Wholesale death, blood by the gallons, broken bones and multiple beatings with humongous pipe-wrenches, two-by-fours, and lead pipes are on order, right after a heaping dish of innocent love and a guy trying for once to do the right thing.

The plot: you can see everything coming a mile away, the movie plays it straight, and follows the exact path you know it will and the exact path you hope it will. There are no twist endings, no complicated triple crosses, no hidden motives for the characters. Everything on screen happens the way you see it, and everything thing ends exactly the way you picture it. And this is a good thing. The film is so on track that it doesn't need a twist or a swerve to make you pay attention. Despite this plot being simple, for some reason it didn?t bother me one bit. The fact that you seriously felt for the character of Mr-Kim made you follow what was going on with him, without any other storylines or over the top acting which you see in endless American films.

The acting is superb. The actor who played Sun-Hee reminds me a lot of Christina Bale. Oozing coolness all over. The supporting cast also delivers extremely well and I don?t think any words will do this superb films any justice. As you can tell I loved it. It just was cinematic perfection for m on all levels. Acting, plot, cinematography, interior and exterior of the surroundings. One things that makes this films for me is his relationship with his Boss? girlfriends. Despite that fact he likes her, he defies his feelings makes the film seem all that more unique. Utter brilliance, which I will repeat again.

The soundtrack is wonderful. It belnds in well with the main lead?s feelings and thoughts so well that I will properly repeat myself again.

If it?s one film you should see from South Korea it?s A Bittersweet Life. Utter brilliance in my opinion. Go out and rent it if you haven?t seen it. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Brilliant. The ending is totally unexpected. Plus a incredibly realistic submarine drama!

Outstanding performance by Bruno ganz as Adolf Hitler, totaly convincing as the fuhrer.

I absolutly adore this film! Fabulous musical, wonderful cast and score

Great soundtrack, one of the best I've heard.

Loved it, one of my favourite musicals and films.

Probably my favourite animation film ever. Watched it several times as a kid, and still watch it to this very day.

Redford and Hoffman are amazing in this. Plus we understand more about what went on in the watergate scandal. definatly one to watch!

Sean Connery is brilliant as Indiana's dad, the chemistry bewtween them is brilliant

Love this film! Definatly one of my favourite spielberg films. I'm not the greatest fan of Leonardo Dicaprio but he really was good in this.

The late 1960s saw two classic, hard-boiled thrillers set in San Fransico; John Boorman's stylised 'Point Blank', and Peter Yates' 'Bullitt'. Calling your hero Bullitt might seem an unsubtle way to emphasise his macho qualities, but in fact Steve MacQueen plays him as a quiet man, not some wise-talking maverick: he does what he has to do, but takes no pleasure in his actions; and survives the roughness of his work not by becoming a monster, but simply by becoming a little less human.

The story has Lieutenant Frank Bullitt receiving an assignment to protect a star witness in a high profile case that could bring down a powerful crime organization. Bullitt and his men take turns guarding the witness, but before long there is a hit and the witness is mortally wounded, and Bullitt takes the case into his own hands. The resulting mystery is both Grade-A Hollywood entertainment (rare these days) and a believable character portrait of a man engulfed by his work in a cruel world. I think watching a film, set in 60's America certainly brings about aspects of American life and Police during the 60's. I can certainly see that. The editing in this film is quite simply stunning and some fine work- which incidently won an oscar. Bullitt" seems to be remembered mostly for the central car chase, which was state-of-the-art for its time and still works extremely well. But this signature film of the late '60s was more than screeching tires and muscle cars flying down the hills of San Francisco. It saw the emergance of Steve McQueen as quite simply a cult hero. After this film, p[erhaps he didn't have as many sucees film as in the 60's but for sure he'll be remembered for Lt.Frank Bullitt in this film.Probably the most talked about sequence in this film is the car chase. Done with McQueen doing all of his stunts, as he did racing driving in his time made the chase argubaly the greatest that i've seen. Plus, throughout this 8 minute sequence there is no dialogue or score, which i think is key to a great sequence. Hearing the roar of the engine is something I wish I saw in movies of this era as it most certainly is lacking. Bullit is probably the most coolest film you'll see in your lifetime. Has the coolest star, score and actors that you'll see as well.

One thing which i love about Bullitt is the Jazz score. It just says everthing about that era, oozing coolness in my opinion.The plot requires close attention; I recall that it took me two or three viewings before I understood everything that was going on in the film. But "Bullitt" rewards repeat viewings with new wrinkles and insights. Norman Fell is scary as a police captain allied with the smooth, oily Chalmers; and Robert Duvall stands out in a rather small role. The locations and supporting actors lend a realism to "Bullitt" that also make it satisfying after multiple viewings.

Overall Bullit is one hell of a film which will leave you speechless at times. Highly recomended.

Never seen gene hackman quite like this. Great film.

Excellent! So much better than Grease.

Excellent film. Jack Nicholson at his very best! Such a relistic portrayal of life inside a mental institution and what agreat ending. Must watch film!

Alec Guiness at his best! Classic British film!

Thought as this is one of my favourite movies, I should at least write a review for it.

Such a great movie which symobolises the toment and troubles that we go through in everyday life.

Certainly the racism within the movie more than relevent today as we have the problem of terrorism which makes people far more aware of foreign people around them.

The cinematography is just amazing, the soundtrack poignent and the acting top class.

One of the best scenes in the film is when Thandie Newton's character is trapped in her car after a car acident. Who saves her? non other the the police officer than molested her the previous night. This scene is just so well done I can't tell you enough. The use of the sountrack to emphasise the emotion experienced and just the fact the scene was done all within the car. The scene is also helped with brilliant performances from Thandie Newton and Mat Dillion-just stunning.

Really, if you haven't seen this you really should. It is one of the more emotionally charged movies that i have ever seen. Modern-masterpiece, highly recomended!

Childhood favourite, still watch it today amazing film

Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker.

Just watched Die Hard for the 3rd time running and I wasn't bored at all. There's just something about this film that you can not watch. Some birlliant action sequences and two great performances by the great Alan Rickman and Bruce Willis. However it's a shame that the following two weren't as good. Hope Die Hard 4 is better.

One of my favourite films and is what I consider the greatest action film of them all. This is how action films SHOULD be.

Probably my favourite bond film. The best of the lot in my opinion- Robert Shaw is great in this!

hilarious!!

Superman, possibly one of my favourte films of all time. It's just the example of a perfect movies for me. One thing you've got the perfect on-screen couple; Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve. They seem just perfect.
Overall possible my favourite Super-Hero film at the moment. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Bill Murray is hilarious as Bob Whiley-recomended

Quite an amazing piece of film-making. The narrative is constantly swiched around, which mean you are unsure of the exact ending. Again Guy pearce is brilliant, just like his role in LA Confidential

Definatly a film, you should see if you haven't seen it.

I'd forgotton what a great Star Trek film this was after watching it today. Very funny a times when we see the team arrive in San Francisco and expecially Spock's one-liners after getting confused.
"You must be out of your mind?"
"Is there something wrong with the one I've got?

Really this is the perfect film for all trekie fans, myself included. Highly recomend!

Never quite seen something like this. The visulisations of the horse, hand with bugs coming out e.t.c. Beautifully shot for it's time, and the music also adds to the atmosphere within the mise-en-scene.

Less violent and more redemptive than Park Chan-wook's predecessors Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and Oldboy, Sympathy for Lady Vengeance follows an angel-faced, kind-hearted woman who has endured 13-year humiliation in order to carry out an important mission. Audacious, stylized in almost every scene and constant in making provocative topics in his idiosyncratic works. Park makes overwhelming success in completing his controversially brilliant "Vengeance Trilogy" by giving the pathetic heroine chances to expiate her sins as well as to take revenge in this final chapter of Vengeance Trilogy.

For some reason I enjoyed this hell of a lot more than Oldboy and Sympathy for Mr Vengeance. It deals strongly with the deepest thing a woman desires, a child. It explores the pain and suffering of giving up a child and indeed finding the child again. It deals superbly well, in my opinion with the main characters redemption as well after she goes along with the murder. What I love about this as well is that that this part of the film blends in well with the superb score and cinematography. From the symbolism of the snow at the beginning of the film, to the differentiation of light during the film. This makes the character seem weaker than she appears on the outside, as the light reflects her mood at the same time. The interior designs in the majority of the scenes seems very claustrophobic which makes the characters feelings and ideas seem all the more realistic. This was all done superbly well.

Perhaps Lady Vengeance is, like its predocessors realies heavily on style rather than substance at times. However I found this film to contain more story than the others. Yes there was a couple of points in the film, where I wasn?t quite sure why that happened or why she did that but for some reason it didn?t matter. The story was relatively simplistic, similar to Mr Vengeance, but I felt more for the lead and this story than the other two films. Park does this incredibly well and explores the mind of a women well. Especially when she has to resort to crime. Certainly this is something that I haven?t seen before, excluding Kill Bill of course.

Playing up biblical moments in the movie by symbolizing Geumja as a devil in angel's clothing (or vice versa, depending on how you want to look at it), the movie intersperses narrative moments with essential flashbacks to her life in prison. On one hand, she's the angel to newcomers who protects them from the bad prison cell mama-san, while on the other, she's the devil who's plotting murder on the sly. She gains respect from these inmates, who play important roles when Geum-ja is released, to exact her 13 year revenge plan. One of the best scenes in demonstrating this was the making of her twin-trigger handgun, translating poetic justice straight from the pages of a suture.

The direction is top-notch, Park has opted to blend the very divergant styles he portrayed in Mr Vengeance and Oldboy, into a solid and beautiful looking presentation, much cleaner than his previous efforts, but with just as much blood dirt and gore. Some of the comedic elements of the film work better than anything Park has attempted in his previous films, but just as many don't work. All the performances are fantastic, especially on the part of the now legendary Minsik Choi, who showed us all how it's done in Oldboy as the protagonist of that film.

For me, this is the best of the triology. Blends poignant moments with wonderful cinematography and a perfect score. By the end of the film I felt incredibly emotional and felt for the character. Highly recommended

Brilliant teen-comedy. One of lucas's overlooked films.

One of the great, if not "the great" Birtish film. So realitc and what you want from a ganster film. None of the rubbish that you see in Hollywood today.

This is, in my opinion Caine's best performance to date. Not Charlie Croker in The Italian Job, Jack Carter. He is just the "man's man" that was around in 1970's Britain and what was so very often seen on TV in the 70's as well.

The locations are used incredibly well by Hodges to depict a gritty North in which Carter is heading which almost mirrors the personality of Carter as well. We also see such faces as Ian Hendry, who also delivers with a fine supporting role and a young Alun Armstrong who also makes a memorable performance. We also see the appearance of Bond girl Britt Ekland who has a brief role but another memorable scene.

This film probably inspired the like of Guy Richtie with Snatch and Lock Stock and two Smoking Barrels. However this is the film that is superior to any British ganster movie believe me.

With a fine score by Roy Budd I'm sure lovers of Ganster movies would enjoy this. I can't recomend this enough, a true Brit classic

This was my first german film that I managed to watch all in german, without english subtitles.

Absolute classic! One of my childhood favourites, wish i could say the same for Dick Van Dyke's London accent.

The best of the M;I movies.

Chilling film, especiially the dentist chair scene. " Is it safe?" great line.

Another great performance by Matt Damon.

Certainly one of my favourite films of 2006, purely because of the superb direction, camera work acting and the beautiful locations-just stunning. I would have to say that Babel is far superior to Innaritu?s Amores Perros and the third in the trilogy 21 grams. It seriously beats the hell out of those two.

The characters are all interlinked in a very random way, it's a little like 10 degrees of separation .The characters are deep and insightful, each has a problem to face up to and the subtle, naturalistic way their issues play out make for truly emotional cinema. Each narrative delt with issues of family, racism, discrimination and issues of poverty as well. Certainly the issues of westerners in foreign country is brought about here by Innaritu with the characters of Richard and Susan, played by Cate blancett and Brad Pitt. We see the characters struggle to comprehend why they are unable to get the ambulance and why the people on the bus aren't staying for instance. The narrative with the character of Amelie, for me was far superior to the rest. I really felt for the characters within this scene as well as the kids going into a foreign country like Mexico- I mean this was particularly evident when Bernal's character breaks the head of the chicken and we see the two American kids looking on in horror.

All the performances are incredible, and very touching. Brad Pitt did an excellent job, and the always outstanding Cate Blanchett, our of the most outstanding actresses of this decade for sure. Gael Garcia Bernals' second outing in this trilogy does another brilliant performance as did Rinko Kiku as the young deaf teen who was outstanding. Overall the acting was seriously top-notch, just a shame that Kiku and Barraza will unlikely get the Oscar this year. For sure this has to be the best role that Pitt has been in for age. Watching him perform in this film really, at least has shown some top-notch acting talent from him and I hope there will be more of this to come. Also, after hearing he turned down the role to star in Scorsese's Departed, I was slightly dubois about that but after watching this I'm glad.

Perhaps the narrative of the film will seem confusing to some people,, but seriously once you've seen this film you'll realis that you're watching art and art of some calibear that is just stunning I can't tell you enough. The themes explored are more than releveant today, plus it makes you think at the same time about life and the culture we live in and is it living up to our expectations that it. The most remarkable thing that i loved is the way director Inarritu and screenwriter Arriaga capture the different rhythms of life in Morocco, America, Tokyo and Mexico. Rather than using some kind of clear-cut stylistic device by establising the flow of the film early on- again just outstadning cinema at it's best.

To top it off, let me just say ''Babel'' is one of a kind. You most likely won't see another film that deals so well with the lives of different characters around the globe. Highly recomended!!!

9/10

City Lights: "a subtitled "A Comedy Romance in Pantomime," is generally viewed as Charlie Chaplin's greatest film - a "silent film" released three years after the start of the talkies era of sound. The melodramatic film, a combination of pathos, slapstick and comedy, was a tribute to the art of body language and pantomime - a lone hold-out against the assault of the talking film. "

"Wicker Park" is a tale of obsession on many levels. It is told partly in flashback, so that you have to piece the events together and figure out how far back the action of the film began -- what is now and what was then. The director uses split-screen techniques that enhance the look and feel of the film, lifting it from the realm of the ordinary to the plane of art. A haunting theme weaves its way through this labyrinth of lies, leading to a satisfying (because inevitable) conclusion.

Wicker Park has to be one of the best Romance Dramas I?ve seen. It succeeds on a level. What I liked about it was that it wasn?t directed by an American director, we are seeing this through the perspective of Scottish director; Paul McGuigan, who recently used Hartnett in Lucky Number Slevin. For me he brings a whole different slant to the genre.
It was easy to tell what was flashback and what was here-and-now. But the story is complicated (not convoluted) and does require some sorting out. As for being cliched, I found the film quite the opposite. It could have gone in some trite, hackneyed directions but didn't. And while some people might think the ending is the cliché of all clichés, I thought that, emotionally, it was absolutely right and the only possible way to end the film

The film does indeed feature characters who possess unhealthy romantic obsessions, but these characters are not presented here as cartoonish psychopaths. Instead, they are presented as otherwise reasonable people compelled to do things that are less-than-reasonable, but understandable. Accordingly, the "action" here is not of the harpy-with-butcher-knife variety: "Wicker Park" builds excitement cumulatively, in the manner of a good mystery, as the complete picture coalesces through events revealed in a non-linear structure (reminiscent of several sequences from "The Rules of Attraction"). The acting appropriately lacks flashiness (with the exception of comic relief, Matthew Lillard), which grounds the film in a more believable reality. What was also brilliant was the intensity of the love we feel between Matthew and Lisa. the anguish they have felt the past two years from being unknowingly torn apart by a vindictive and crushed "friend" of Lisa's. These things said, one's enjoyment of "Wicker Park" may owe in great part to knowing to which genre this film belongs.

The camera-work is extremely well done, and, despite some comments by my friends on the site, the plot has no real holes. everything is revealed with perfect timing, and the songs absolutely heighten the emotion of each scene. the characters were eccentric and go to such great lengths for love. What I enjoyed was the fact. not only do we end up seeing that Alex has motive, we can almost relate to her....although we do not agree with her actions, she becomes more vulnerable and human to the audience.

Probably one of the most memorable scenes for me is the end scene. Some people might argue that it seems cliché?s and predictable but it just seems real. That emotion felt with the Coldplay song just makes you feel for these characters and really shed a tear-I most certainly did.

Overall, in my opinion Wicker Park has to be one of the most underated films of this decade. It is most certainly a recommendable film which I wish everybody would watch and see it for it?s beautiful score and direction. Ignore the comments on this site!

The Long Good Friday is evolves around Harold, a prosperous English gangster. A mysterious syndicate is trying to muscle in on his action, and Harold wants to know who they are. He finds out soon enough, and bloody mayhem ensues. Later Harold has two American organised crime delegates visit him in London to talk business - a highly lucrative Thames riverside property development. Harold's eager to impress and pulls out all the stops. There's just one problem. An unseen enemy keeps blowing up his "manor". This is not good for business, so Harold embarks on a revenge mission to discover who's responsible and re-assert his dominance over London.

The Long Good Friday is truly a great piece of British cinema. Quick paced, not too many long drawn out scenes and most of all shows the Americans what we Brits are made of. Ignore any critics that you might hear about this film as it really is up there with some of the best British films ever made. It will most likely make my Favourite Movies list as well.

The film is also a who?s who of British cinema/TV. We see a young Pierce Brosnan as one of the Irish, a young Derek Thompson (aka, Charlie Fairhead from Casualty, a young Gillen Talyforth (Eastenders) and Dexter Fletcher at about 13 years old. Really all of that shows what talent us Brits have. Bob Hoskins gives a great performance as the English gangster, Harold and gives some English spirit at that. Helen Mirren, in a role I didn?t realise she was in, gives another performance as the love-interest of Harold and you can really see the love between the two as he clearly takes what she says on board.

The Long Good Friday has some cracking set-pieces, the standout being the abattoir sequence. Some hapless London "faces" are hung on meat hooks and interrogated, the pig carcasses in the background an ominous reminder of what's to come if they don't co-operate. Also the brutal murder of a trusted lieutenant is fantastic, and very well directed with a nearly POV shot from the victim. Also Harold's Thames speech, with the Tower Bridge behind him, and especially his berating of his American friends. For sure some of the film is a dig at the Americans.

This film is also incredibly well directed. With some great tracking shots and one great close-up at Harold?s speech at the end all makes for a great film.
Despite some reviews on imdb, saying the soundtrack is dated, I like it a lot. It really fits in with the 80?s enormously. The final scene is deservedly famous, but the boat scene with Jeff and its aftermath come close to the tension and brilliance of the ending. The film is gritty and brutal, but immensely absorbing. Believe me, once you see the film, you don?t see the ending coming at all.

Overall, a great British film which should not be ignored one bit. I can?t recommend this enough. Well worth the five stars. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

A successful mod photographer in London whose world is bounded by fashion, pop music, marijuana, and easy sex, feels his life is boring and despairing. But in the course of a single day he accidentally captures on film the commission of a murder. The fact that he has photographed a murder does not occur to him until he studies and then blows up his negatives, uncovering details, blowing up smaller and smaller elements, and finally putting the puzzle together.



I did enjoy Blow Up at lot. It has all the elements of a classic Art House film and almost didn't feel like a British film but has a more European style to it, probably Antonioni's direction did this. A lot of the time I forgot I was watching a British movie. The film also relies heavily on the colour scene ans the pohtography theme, which empathises this sense of biwilderment with the main character.

I loved the use of colours interjected with scenes-very well done. Blow Up has to be one of the best films of the 60's for me. Essentially a film that that average viewer would need to re-watch again and again as many scenes may not make sense. However I believe that was what Antonioni intended as that in turn would make people talk about the film for years to come. This film is an intense character study, essentially about emptiness in life. Thomas feels that everything in his life is superficial, and he wants to do something more than just take photographs. If he could solve a mystery, then his life would have a definite purpose. Therefore, he sees what he wants to see, and invents a mystery from one of his photographs. What he sees is essentially part of his imagination. There are many factors that indicate this, such as his friend the artist who mentions that a detail in a painting "is like a clue in a detective story". Thomas plays detective in the film, however life is full of distractions, and ultimately he is unable to solve the mystery.

The central montage sequence of the film, the camera -- in place of Thomas' eyes -- slowly moves back and forth from one photograph to the next, and likewise, Antonioni cuts back and forth from the pictures to the protagonist looking at them. Since the act of looking at these enhanced images effectively reconstructs an event that the protagonist -- and the audience -- never actually saw with the naked eye in 'real life,' technology is shown to reveal a new surface of the world that is normally hidden from view. Antonioni's own particular brand of phenomenological Neorealism is concerned primarily with the process of seeing through a camera as a way of exposing an ultimate truth, or a lack thereof, that underlies the surface of the world. The editing in this film is also something I enjoyed. One shot would not include every frame and at one point you would be seeing the main character at one place and then there is a cut to several frames ahead. I have never seen Antoni?s work before so I don?t know whether that is a trademark of his or something he included to break the usual narrative conventions.

Overall a brilliant film but only for Art House lovers and people who study film. It has a nraative that is complex at times. RECOMENDED

You just can't beat the original. Don't watch the re-make!

It tells the story of Hortense Cumberbatch, a successful black woman who traces her family history and discovers that her mother, Cynthia Rose Purley, is a working class white woman. Cynthia's brother, Maurice Purley, is a photographer who is married to a petty house-proud suburban housewife.



Wow! is all I can say. . This is a feast of tremendous acting, by a most talented ensemble who really become their characters. The scenes play out very naturally, and you really feel a part of the story, with special empathy towards - in no particular order - Cynthia, Maurice and Hortense. As the film builds towards a showdown/climax at the birthday party, you can even take a step back and at least sympathize with Roxanne and even, Monica.

Alternating between high comedy, scathing one-liners (Blethyn telling daughter Rushbrook she has a face like a "slapped arse" is a moment to treasure) and tear-jerking poignancy, with Spall, Rushbrook and Baptiste all offering strong support, this is nothing short of superb. I loved the attention to detail on families. Having only watched Vera Drake before, I can still see how imprtant Leigh pays attention to Families her. You really get the sense of the trouble and tormnt that the family is going through. Hortense has made a name for herself and Cythia his living in poverty- you can see the socail differances clearly there.



Leigh's direction is admirable in its restraint. He recognizes that he has a winning story and he gets performances from his actors, building up to the climax of the film without giving up any tension along the way.

I loved the way the camera was placed in front of them in the restaurant. Not at one point did the camer move away from them. That way you see what is really troubling them and the emotions that they are feeling. Brilliant stuff. I love the layering of the story, the characterizations so unexpected. Such as the child abandoned at birth and put out for adoption being the most centred and focused of everyone. The drunken ex-owner of the business that Maurice bought bringing Maurice to a place of awareness that it could be him wandering around drunkenly, speaking of his past achievements.

The flashes of mini-plots portrayed by the subjects of Maurice's photographic settings. The heart-breaking scene where Maurice's snobby wife reveals her secrets. The slowly developing warmth and comfort between Cynthia and Hortense.




Maurice?s photography clearly had some element of symbolism .He could get appropriate reactions from family members with obviously conflicting agendas and attitudes is representative of his abilities to steer the feelings of family members away from the harmful, hurtful reactions which they all wish to unleash on one another. He captures snapshots of groups as they wish to be captured. However, the mode in which they are photographed usually does not reflect their actual feelings at the time, and indeed may obscure peoples' true feelings about being there, in those circumstances, with those people

Overall a brilliant,brilliant film which I hope everyone sees.

Highly Recommended

A young boy lives in a small floating temple on a beautiful lake, together with an elderly master who teaches him the ways of the Buddha. Years later the boy, now a young man, experiences his sexual awakening with a girl who has come to the temple to be healed by the master. The youth runs away to the outside world but his lust turns his life into hell, so he returns to the lake temple to find spiritual enlightenment.



Wow, Wow, Wow!!! is all I can say about this. Possibly one of the most beautifully shot films I've seen. Such attentions to detail and the isolation of the main characters was felt by me. You could almost put youself in the film and imagine what it would be like to live like that. I haven't had much experice at learnng the religion of Buddishm but after watching this, I can certainly see why Richard Gere turned to this.

I'm possibly a newcomber to Ki-duk Kim's work but I am now on the case to watch more of his work!

What I noticed is the fact there is very little dialogue and the imagery and facial experssions of the characters tell the story. I mean from the opening sequence with the young monk, as soon as he started to cry-you could feel the anguish that hey was going though, almost because I remember feeling like that. I don't think I've seen a director's work which relies on style to tell the work and let the viewer come to their own conlusions.



I love the coming-of age story here, told through the seasons. There is also evidence of sympbolism and colour, which seemed to be telling the mood and feelings within the scene. There was colours to represent the seasons and much of the objects were symbolism.



I love the idea that you can gain greater spirituality by going to an isolated area and just emjoy what's around you. All of that you can make up your own minds. I don;t think there is one clear explanation as to what is going on, you can make that you for youselves. That's what I loved about this film-it's incredibly self-consciencous. The film manages to speak directly to the soul (or...failing to believe in the soul...something deep inside anyone watching it), and this is where it's beauty lies. Parts are so affecting that a painful nostalgia for a place you never knew overwhelms you. I also loved the simplicity of the opening doors to introduce each scene to the stunning and hypnotic ending that makes you believe in the human spirit. If you walk away with anything from this film, I hope it is hope.

Anyway, I can't recomend this enough it;s one stunning film. I will now seek to find more of Ki-duk Kim's work.

9.5/10

This film is about the world famous multi-millionaire Howard Hughes. However, if the only thing you know about Hughes was that he was a recluse who secreted himself inside his hotel in Las Vegas and was obsessed with cleanliness, you may be in for a surprise. The film deals with Hughes' life before all that.

Nominated for 11 academy awards and winning 5 of them and the film most certainly deserved it. I enjoyed it a lot through most of the film. Perhaps it did go over an unnessacery 30 or so minutes, which I didn?t quite know what was going on but overall it didn?t matter at all. I know nothing about Howard Hughes, so the film was a real education, for me as I got to know the character thought Leonardo Dicaprio?s brilliant performance. For me I really got to the know the character well and understood his idea and emotions, plus at times some of the things he does I have done before so that was a bonus. The supporting cast including: Cate Blancett, as Katherine Hepburn, Kate Beckinsale, as Eva Garner and Jude Law as Eroll Flynn all acted superbly well for me. In particular Cate Blanchett, who got Eva Garner off to a tee with her starling performance. Most certainly she deserved that Oscar, one of her better performance, if that the best. Kate Beckinsale seemed good but did not have a lot of screen time, plus I haven?t really rated her before. Alec Baldwin and Alan Alda were also good but Alda was possibly better gaining deserved Oscar nomination as well.

Once again we see some stunning photography, cinematography from Scorsese here. It really reflected well the era of that time and the several aeroplanes that Hughes used at the time. Once again editing from frequent collaborator with Scorsese, Thelma Schoomaker, was outstanding again and got her a Oscar nomination that year. "The Aviator" undoubtedly skims the surface of many of the events it portrays, and it has the feel of a much larger production that has been quite severely edited to bring it in under a three hour running time. However, this editing has been expertly done and there's nothing wrong with the narrative flow. The production values, as one would expect of a Scorcese picture, are top notch, as of course is the music, mainly a fine selection of songs of the period, augmented by Howard Shore's Hermannesque bolero-style orchestrations. Some of the camera shots seemed perfect and really showed off the inerior of the scene well. However there were some flaws. For instance there were times which I couldn?t quite follow the story and the last 40 minutes seemed unjustified. But really that?s all that I can find.

Though Scorcese is often fascinated with eccentric, crazed lives, it is rare for him to give any reason for the lives of his characters. We can tell that loneliness helps to bring Travis Bickel, in Taxi Driver, over the bring. We see greed and violence begetting more violence in films such as Goodfellas and Raging Bull. The Aviator, also, give us hints to what may have driven Howard Hughes to such madness, but it never fully explains his actions. We see hints of a protective mother, and surely his drive to control every aspect of his life helped him become obsessive compulsive. Yet these things are not answers, more symptoms to the overall problem. Scorcese is more interested in the behavior of his characters.

Overall, perhaps not my favourite Scorsese film but well worth the watch. Recommended!

8/10

" Look for the bare necesities the simple bare necesities.."

In the DMZ separating North and South Korea, two North Korean soldiers have been killed, supposedly by one South Korean soldier. But the 11 bullets found in the bodies, together with the 5 remaining bullets in the assassin's magazine clip, amount to 16 bullets for a gun that should normally hold 15 bullets. The investigating Swiss/Swedish team from the neutral countries overseeing the DMZ suspects that another, unknown party was involved - all of which points to some sort of cover up. The truth is much simpler and much more tragic.



A brilliant film by Chan Wook-Park. Perhaps not as good as Oldboy but still a very good film and worth the watch. Also, a film that contains politics that I am not aware of at all, which I learnt about through watching this.

The film depicts the ridiculous, yet tragic consequences that an imposed barrier can have on its people. This was done beautifully, with one shot in particular. We see the shot aimed specifically at the protagonists feet and the emotions that one character felt through going over to the North. Brilliant! We also see that the 4 main characters, from the North and the South have more in common than they think. All of this, makes Joint Security Area a teriific film to watch. Keeping you on the edge of your seat.



While the plot feels very familar, ie many American films have used this idea of hositliies between two rival nations, JSA by the end of the film remains orginal for me. I begin to understand why Korea is mentioned so often in the news. There are also referances to the Americans and hostilities between the Koreans and them.

One flaw that JSA has is the poor English that is spoken between some of the foreign actors. Luckily one of them, a Swedish soldier has very little presence so he's ok, but the investigators chief commander a Swiss general is not worthy of any screen time what so ever. Yeong-ae Lee's(Lady Vengeance)command of English for someone who is suppose to have learned Korean second hand in Switzerland, is awkward and fake. It's obvious she doesn't have command of the English language in this film and makes for some bad dialogue, and doesn't make her character believable. A particularly unnecessary scene comes toward the end of the film when the Swiss general explains why he chose her to lead the investigation. The acting and exchange is bad, and there should have been a better place used to describe the situation probably in Korean with one of the other Korean actors. Or it should have just been flat out cut from the film all-together.



Asides that, the film is a brilliant portrayal of 4 friends from rival nations, who are united through their friendship. I loved the final scene, where it's revealed how they knew each other. Brilliant!

Overall, a brilliant film which I recomend to all.

Slice-of-life look at a sweet working-class couple in London, Shirley and Cyril, his mother, who's aging quickly and becoming forgetful, mum's ghastly upper-middle-class neighbors, and Cyril's pretentious sister and philandering husband. Shirley wants a baby, but Cyril, who reads Marx and wants the world to be perfect, is reluctant. Cyril's mum locks herself out and must ask her snooty neighbors for help. Then Cyril's sister Valerie stages a surprise party for mum's 70th birthday, a disaster from start to finish. Shirley holds things together, and she and Cyril may put aside her Dutch cap after all.

An underated Mike Leigh film made in the year I was born in and during the Thatcher years. I loved the satre in this film, which is stil true even to this day. Perhaps the uperclass couple aren't around so much today, and aren't next door to a working class woman.

Once again Leigh uses some brilliant camera work, soundtrack to create a brilliant portrait of Thatcher's Britain. Indeed, Leigh never gives us anything to cling to. Nor does he want to present hope that things will change for the better. Take the central couple Shirley and Cyril (Philip Davies and Ruth Sheen). Why are they living like squatters in their own tiny flat? Why can they not buy a proper bed (they sleep on the floor) or look for somewhere better - after all they both work? Apart from the question of a child (she wants - he doesn't) they both seem happy to live in squalor. In Shirley we at least have someone who cares for other people.

There is comic relief, particularly in the character of Cyril's sister Valerie: an embodiment of social-climbing at its most deranged. Valerie's excessive outbursts are undoubtedly overplayed as she flips at her Mother's birthday party; nevertheless, it's funny to watch. Otherwise, High Hopes remains quite firmly in the reality of Thatcherite Britain.

Overall I highly recomend that everyone watched this. Not just because it's a Mike Leigh film but because it it depicts so realitically social satire at the most uncomfotable it can be. It also depicts Thatcher's Britain so well.

HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Really, I've forgotton what a great Bond film this is. For sure it's one of the best, up there with the like sof Goldfinger and From Russia With Love. What's so great about it is the fact almost everything going on in the film IS believeable. You really feel like this sort of thing goes on. One exception however is Famke Janssen's character who isn't quite believable.

I must have seen this Bond flick about 10 times over the course of 10 years or so. And I never get tired of it. It's brilliantly directed, doesn't contain any Special effects than go over the top and foucusses more on Bond and the characters around him, which is not often shown in previous or later flicks..

We also see a great cast; Alan Cumming delivering one memorable line " I am invicible," Famke Janssen is possibly one of the first roles I've seen her in, Judi Dench's first role as M and Brosnan's. We also see Robbie Coltrane, who performas well and the great Sean Bean as one of the btter Bond Villans in the series. Just brilliant! One of my favourite Bond flicks and films.

Highly Recomended Bond film

I WISH EVERYONE WOULD WATCH ALL 21 FLICKS TO FULLY UNDERSTAND THE WHOLE FRANCHISE!!!

Three grown prodigies, all with a unique genius of some kind, and their mother are staying at the family household. Their father, Royal had left them long ago, and comes back to make things right with his family.

This is the second Wes Anderson film that I've watched, as I am watching all of his movies currently. I have to say that this is one hell of a movie. Acting,Script, Soundtrack, direction is pure perfection for a comedy. I loved the fact that when you watch it it feels more like a drama than a comedy because it feeld so true to life. Much like Rushmore. And that comes down to Anderson's genius as a director.

The script is superbly written. All the scenes really mean something and watching it, you can really make sense out of every bit of dialogue. No wonder this was nominated for an Oscar. I love the dry humour in this and it just feels to familar, despite my family not having any resemblance to the Tenenbaums. The family united against a miscreant father is a motif a lot of people can understand. It is this common humanity that really appeals a lot of us a an audience, and what, ultimately made this film so very memorable. The black comedy counterbalanced with the drama of the issues raised in this film is like I'd witnessed a film event, rather than just another film. I loved every frame of it, from the Baldwin narrated opening, to the final tying up of ends. It never dwelled on melodrama, or the more potentially unsavoury elements, and it didn't sink into the schmaltzy "We all love each other" end it could well have. Possibly what makes all the scenes memorable is the music added to every scenes cut with slow motion. This means that I can still remember frames of scenes in which that occur, making it more engaging and memorable. It also adds emotion to the scene as well.

'The Royal Tenenbaums' has a phenomenal cast, and all of the actors are excellent in the film. I don't think I've ever seen Gwyneth Paltrow and Ben Stiller act so well in a movie. Both actors must have played one of the better roles in their career. Bill Murray was more in a supporting role, but equally fantastic and hilarious. Anjelica Huston in one of the only roles I've seen her in did well as the Mother of the family but I think Gene Hackman did the better performance in this. For a start the part was made for him, with the dry wit, mannerisms and constant need to be with his family makes this one of my favourite Hackman performances. It's insteresting that at the beginning of the movie you dislike Royale but by the end of the film all protagonists warm to him and you do as a viewer. His transformation from manipulative and selfish to a genuinely lonely and honest man is wholly believable. When he does eventually show that he is the only man who can bring the whole family together again, it really brings a smile to your face.

Overal, this is one film that no-one should miss. A film with comic perfection and now one of my favourite movies. I could watch this again any time soon.

*Highly recomended watch*

I love this series, but I won't be watching the 4th and 5th ones!

American Pie 2, is just as funny as the first one. I prefer this one to three and one. I mean I've watched this about 4 times and still laugh at it. Especcially the hilarious scene with Jim and that cream! The cast are just as funny espcially Sean William Scott ......HA I'm laughing now. Some more memorable Stifler lines and the addition of his brother, Eli Marienthal who I remeber watching Tucker all those years ago.

There are some very funny scenes, which I could watch over and over again. There's just something about this addition in the franchise and the other two. There's a unique quality and orginality that recent teen comedies will never surpass. Also these movies are from MY generation, so I will be forever watching this one and number one and three for years to come.

Jim. Can't you keep your shirt on? You're scaring the chicks away

Hi, I'm Jim's Dad. You must be the parents of this young lady. I didn't get your daughter's name, but hopefully my son did.

Jim, you're the only guy I know who's dick needs an instruction manual

I could laugh and laugh at these. Just reading a quote makes me laugh :D


Just brilliant!

7/10

I don't think there's going to be a full in depth review as I can't really be bothered, so here are my thoughts...

Considered to be one of the greatest British films ever made and one of the best Horror films, and I totally agree. It has a certain appeal to it which you can't help but not love. I love the surrealness of it and the religious theme. It also has one of the best twists to a film. I don't think I can ever look at maypole dancing in the same way again

Two great performances here by Christopher Lee and Edward Woodward. Also look out for Bond girl Britt Ekland.

Highly recomended

My first foreign language film that I watched aged 12 years old. I loved it then a love it now. Only now have I truely appreciated it. It's one stunning film, an absolute masterpiece by Ang Lee. It contains one of the best fight scenes I've seen. Made more realistic by the fact Michelle Yeoh does all of her own stunts.

I highly recomend this one!

We are the Knights who say Ni....Ni
No..not the knights who say Ni!

London 1969 - two 'resting' (unemployed and unemployable) actors, Withnail and Marwood, fed up with damp, cold, piles of washing-up, mad drug dealers and psychotic Irishmen, decide to leave their squalid Camden flat for an idyllic holiday in the countryside, courtesy of Withnail's uncle Monty's country cottage. But when they get there, it rains non-stop, there's no food, and their basic survival skills turn out to be somewhat limited. Matters are not helped by the arrival of Uncle Monty, who shows an uncomfortably keen interest in Marwood...

Regarded as one of the finest British comedies ever made and one of the best scripts ever written and rightly so. From buying the DVD...I knew I would like it and once the film ended imeadiatly I loved it. For sure this will go into my favourite films as it's just hilarious. Withnail and I contains some of the best one liners in a film and one of the most of the most quotes of all time. Iam laughing as I write this, pure genuis in script wrint. Here are a few I loved...

- I've some extremely distressing news.
- I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear anything! Oh God, it's a nightmare, I tell you, it's a nightmare

=================
I don't know, I don't know. Oh God, I don't feel good. Look, my thumbs have gone weird! I'm in the middle of a bloody overdose. Oh God. My heart's beating like a fucked clock! I feel dreadful, I feel really dreadful!

====================

-You don't understand. I think there may be something alive.
- What do you mean? a rat?
- It's possible, it's possible.
-Then the fucker will rue the day!

=====================

- Aargh!
- I told you. You've been bitten!
- Burnt! Burnt! The fucking kettle's on fire!
-There's something floating up.
- FORK IT!

======================

I DEMAND TO HAVE SOME BOOZE!!

With some fine performances by Richard E Grant, who himself does not drink pocesses the essence of the character so well, an incredibly confincing drunk! Paul McGann in only the second film that i've seen him in brilliantly plays well with Grant and is also hilarious. Richard Griffiths is also hilarious as Uncle Monty, who take a liking to Marwood, with hilarious consequences.Marwood's narration really enables us to get into his mind and certainly understand the relationship between the two. Without that narration, you might not have been able to get into the narrative properly

The soundtrack of Hendrix, wonderfully fits in with the '60's culture and the photography of London, from the bleak miserable atomosphere to the same in the countryside. The rain and the cold symbolise British culture to a tea!

There are some referances to outsiders visiting the countryside...not sure how to put it. Once the two visit Uncle Monty's house...some hilarious scenes follow. Don't want to give too much away otherwise it'll spoil you're enjoyment.

Overall one of the best comedies I've seen. So well written, acted, direction and such a well crafted film. None of the following that you see in a Hollywodd comedy, just about a relationship between two unemployed actors in '60's London and how they survive...mainly through drugs. It's so funny I think I am going to be able to watch this over and over again. Outstanding.

Highly Recomended

Lula's psychopathic mother goes crazy at the thought of Lula being with Sailor, who just got free from jail. Ignoring Sailor's probation, they set out for California. However their mother hires a killer to hunt down Sailor. Unaware of this, the two enjoy their journey and themselves being together... until they witness a young woman dying after a car accident - a bad omen

It's been a few months but now I've finally been able to write a review and a long one. I can now officially say I'm now able to write long detailed reviews...wohoo!

Now it's now news that the last two films of Lynch's that I've watched; Blue Velvet(1985) and Muholland Drive(2001) I did not like or just thought they were incredibly overarted. I just couldn't see how they were masterpieces as some people have often said on here. Wild at Heart on the other hand is just perfect for me, close to excellent. There's just something about this films that I loved more so than the other two, for a start i didn't expect to like this one bit. The relationship between Lula and Sailor is possibly the key to the film, you can't help but feel for each of the two characters.

The acting in this is just brilliant. Nicolad Cage is possibly in the best role that I've seen him in and Laura Dern is proving to be one of my favourite actresses. Hard to believe the first time I saw her in a film was Jurassic Park(1993)! I also loved the addition of Diane Ladd, Dern's real-life mother. That added that extra "spice" to their relationship and make it that more believable. William Dafoe, also in a role that is that more freakier than I've seen him before.

Wild at Heart has some fabulous symbolsim. For a start the signficane of The Wizard of Oz, which is shown in various sigmnts of the film. For instance, " Yellow Brick Road is often mentioned and Lula wears red on most occasions. at one point there is a camera shot of her shoes, red shows, clicking them together like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. Lula's Mother seems to be a mirrow image of Lola, as at the end of the film, she dies and Lola blossoms. In other words the Intertexuality in this film is aboultly everywhere.I also loved Lola's visons of "The Good" and "The Bad" witch, which evidently symbolises the two character's conscious or indeed what they want to do.

The opening I loved. The fact it was totally unexpected and that more shocking made it just brilliant for me. Lynch has porved with this film, that he had made films which I can watch.

NEXT: Lynch's Lost Highway

*Highly Recomended*

I feel that I've underated this film and I need to write something about it. Seriously this has possible one of the best scripts I've seen in film and one of the best British films ever made.

Managed to watch it again the other days for about the 6th time and loved it. It's possible one of my favourite films just because it's so typically "British."

Just a shame for Andie McDowell who delivers a stale, emoionless performances. Also love the repeated use of "bugger" in the film.....just because it's such a typical British phrase and it's so damn funny. I wish more people would see the greatness i this movie because there's just nothing like it today....plus there's no writer like Richard Curtis!!

An actress's perception of reality becomes increasingly distorted as she finds herself falling for her co-star in a remake of an unfinished Polish production that was supposedly cursed.

After watching Lynch's Blue Velvet and Muholland Drive, I gave up hope of ever liking one of his films again. Boy was I mistaken. Inland Empire offers a world into the subconcious of the main protagonist...which, by the end of the film, feels like your own. With the stunning colours, which Lynch often uses, you start to relate the images to the dreams and imaginations that you might have had. You travel with Niki and feel the same thoughts as she does, which is a must for a film for me. Inland Empire is an absolute bloody masterpiece for me. For once the errie storyline I understood, and every segment which was switched at the beginning to another part of the film made abosolute sense. I still feel wowed and in or of this film which was truly mesmerizing stuff.

Some of the scenes, would otherwise have made me clueless, inabled me to follow the film perfectly and understand it. The camera work, done almost hand held and almost with a documentry like feel...makes it all the more realistic. You can see much more movement in this film than his others, giving an almost voyeuristic feel. He also uses many close shots, and as always, obscure framing allowing ambiguity and confusion. The sudden moments of suspense and shock are done so so well that it will make you jump our of your seat-which is what happened to me. Almost a Hitchcock feel it it all.

The three hour lenght makes no differance at all because the film moves in an out of itself with no regard for time. As each character questions time, so do we as the viewer-which is what I mentioned before. This film had made me realise how great Laura Dern is. She's in 95% of the film and beautifully plays her character well and morphs in and out of each state of the character so so well. Also a notable mention to Jeremy Irons who also played his character well.

The narrative is one psyholological journey as the main protagonist attempts to explore the reaonsing behind the clues around the environment. From the people with rabbit heads to the switching of the narrative, you're feeling the journey with her and forgetting th three hour time.

If there's one David Lynch film that you should see....Inland Empire is the one. If you haven't got round to watching this incredible man's work start with this one and work your way backwards. Lynch may not be the easiest filmaker to comprehend but for sure there's a films of his that you will understand.

A modern masterpiece and one that's gone straight into my top 30 films. Still thinking of it now.

*Highly Recomended*

Director:Martin Brest
Released: 1984
Stars: Eddie Murphy,Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Steven Berkoff
Genre:Comedy/ Crime/Drama/Thriller
Country: USA









Detroit cop Axel Foley is delighted when he receives a surprise visit from his best friend Mikey Tandino, who lives in California. Not long after Mikey arrives in Detroit, Mikey is killed, right in front of Axel, by a man named Zack. Axel follows Zack to Beverly Hills, California, where Beverly Hills police department Lieutenant Andrew Bogomil assigns Detective Billy Rosewood and Rosewood's partner, Sergeant John Taggart, to keep an eye on Axel. Axel visits his friend Jenny Summers, who works in an art gallery. With Jenny's help, Axel discovers that Zack works for Jenny's boss, Victor Maitland, the man who owns the art gallery. Maitland is a drug kingpin who is using the gallery as a front, and Maitland had Zack kill Mikey after Maitland accused Mikey of stealing some of Maitland's bonds. With the help of Jenny, Billy, and Taggart, Axel does what he can to make sure Maitland and Zack won't kill any more people

I have to admit that I haven't seen as many classic films of the 1980's as I should have but I was certainly glad when I watched this one. For starters, it has that little something which throughly entertained me from start to finish. My only wish is that comedies were done like this today rather than recycling plots from other various comedies of the past. I don't think big-shot producers would cast a comedic actor at such a young age( 23 I think Murphy was) today, purely because they just wouldn't trust them to bring in the big bucks from the box office.

Well, I watched Berverly Hills on a random notion that I should try and watch something that I wouldn't normally see..so after hearing that irritating Crazy Frog song I watched this. As I said before I really enjoyed and suprised myself a lot. I thought I wouldn't like it and still nto sure why. The script is sharp, witty and satirical at times which I will say again entertained me a lot.

I haven't really rated Eddir Murphy over the years, in anything at all but now I can see why he was a big hit in the '80's. Still can't believe Slyvester Stallone was going to play Axel Falloy, wouldn't have be as funny with him in it at all. Also worth mentioning the supporting performances of John Aston and Judge Judge Reinhold, who depite being out classed by Murphy still gave pretty decent performances.

I would have to say, with my ratings system, 4 stars for a comedy is pretty good indeed. Also shows how an above par film it is, I mean not your average comedy film out there.

For me Beverly Hills Cops is still releveant. By that I mean it hasn't dated at all. For a start it was Murphy made pretty good films and it's a cop film, which will always be relevant in any period of time.

Beverly Hills Cop is a very good film indeed and one which will make you laugh and laugh. Worth watching aswell for the brilliant score, which is still in my head, and for Eddie Murphy who shines in this film.

8/10- Normally the highest I rate comedies....

*Recomended watch*

Director:Tony Scott
Released: 1993
Stars: Brad Pitt, Christian Slater, Gary Oldman and Patricia Arquette
Genre:Crime, Thriller
Country: USA




Clarence and Alabama are newlyweds who acquire an unexpected wedding present. Unknown to the blissfully happy couple, ruthless gangsters are on their tail, determined to reclaim their lost property

Well True Romance is a film I should have watched a long long time ago. Oddly I've only just had the chance to watch it. I've also realised just how many films by Tony Scott that I've seen...which is very weird. I have to admit that I did enjoy it a lot.

The basis of the film is writen by Tarantino and you can tell. The very personalised elements, such as the two characters love of Kung fu films along with the several Ganster elements. It seems similar to Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, perhaps not as Great as it but still very comendable indeed. I think a cause of that is the direction by Scott, which is not as good as I thought.

Certainly after viewing numerous Tony Scott films, I can see a pattern emerging. The ending of the film is very similar to that of Scott's 1998 film Enemy of The State, which i enjoyed a lot. The elements of underground Drugland America is certainly relevant and one which was a huge part of 1990's cinema..oddly it would seem.

True Romance is certainly a more lighthearted Natural born Killers, which was done a year later. The characters clearly are doing their cause because they have to, Natural Born Killers-the characters do not. The characters of Alabahma and Clarence( Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette) have great chemistry on screen and clearly demonstrates the things we do for love. For example there are two contrasting scenes in which we see either character driving the car whilst the other character leans on their shoulder, battered at bruised. That depicts the chemistry between them and whty indeed the film is called" True Romance."

True Romance contains some big name stars. For instance Gary Oldman sporting a Jamican accent, Brad Pitt as a rathe hilarious pothead, Christopher Walken as a menancing Mafia boss, Tom Sizemore as a Cop and the late Chris Penn as his partner. It's interesting how this films star studded cast makes it all the more better and compelling.

I don't think I've seen Christian Slater in anything at all but perhaps a few UK TV appearances. I woudl imagine this is his greatest role without watching is other films. I love his chracter's concience, depicted by a " Lookalike Elivis." That seemed to add a little bit to his character

Overall True Romance is a modern classic and on eof the true great films of the 1990's. Orginal, vibrant and french with energy it makes it incredibly compelling to watch. Also love the rather odd appearances of Gary Oldman and Brad Pitt.

Gone straight into my favourites lists as I can see myself watching this again.

Director:Ang Lee
Released: 2008
Stars: Joan Chen, Tony Leung Chi Wai, Tang Wei
Genre:Drama, Romance, War
Country:China/Taiwan/Hong Kong/USA









Frustrated in his attempts to assassinate Yee, who is an important official in Japanese-ruled Shanghai, Old Wu, who has lost his wife and two sons as well as two women who had attempted to seduce Yee, now recruits Kuang, Mai Tai Tai, and their troupe of drama students from Hong Kong University in yet another attempt to do away with Yee. Mai Tai Tai is chosen to befriend Yee, which she does by posing as the wife of Mak, befriending Yee's wife and her female friends, and then eventually befriending Yee himself

Well I waited a gone long while to see Ang Lee's latest film after being albeit slightly disappointed with Brockback Mountain. Lust,Caution however blew me away. My expectations were slightly shortened because of the many dissapointing reviews I read both in newspapers her ein the UK and reviews on here. To be honest I don't quite know what film they were watching. Utterly compelling and kept me on tender hooks throughout.

As most of my friends on here know I tend to watch a lot of Asian cinema and that Tony Leung is one of my top 5 favourite actors, so I just had to see this. The narrative of the film is incredibly orginal and also because it deals with the subject of Japanese occupied Shanghai, something not familiar to Western audiences. I must admit that I wasn't 100% clear about the background to the story but as time went on it didn't seem to matter as it was inevitably about one character. The film is long but for a reason. It's depicting a story which is incredibly complex and just isn't going to be told in 1 and a bit hours. There are so many sides to the story that you don't envisidge at the first part of the film.

I love the way Lee switches narrative as we see the end of the story at the beginning. This means that we are able to see the full backdrop of the characters and understand their motives, feelings and of course the realtionship with one another. By this I mean Wong and her Dram clas friends who are part of the Resistance. This is an example of superb storytelling, which to be honest I haven't seen for a good few months. What is great is that the 2 and a bit hours just flew by and suddenly I realised the film is almost over. As I've said before just utterly mangnificent.

Oddly, this being a part USA film, this received no Oscar nominations but luckily us Brits awarded some BAFTA nominations. Believe me it so deserves it and it just depicts the story so so well. Being an art house film lover aswell, the story was paced so so well. This is partly due to the superb script writen by American James Schamus who brilliantly writes quick, informative dialogue that imeadialty gets you hooked from the start. Again....utterly amazing. Still can't get over the snobbery at the Oscars these days. As many of Lee's films, Lust caution is ipeccably photographed throughout it's length time. From the gorgeous sceney to the lush lanscapes of Shaghai.

The acting in Lee's film is fantastic. Tony Leung, who I will never say a bad word about, brilliantly plays two sides of Yee; charming and albeit slightly callous. This meant that as a viewer you liked him one minute and hated him the next. Leung is utterly amazing and deserves more credit by Western audiences. I hope he gains some sort of way into Western cinema soon. Tang Wei, who gained a BAFTA rising Star nomination was equally brilliant playing the naive yet incredibly strong Wong who eventually completely turns Mak(chi-Wai) around from this cold hearted man to a man who is left helpless at the end of the film. Their relationship is depicted strongly in the conterversial sex scenes, which were heavy publisied in the USA and that it was awards an NC-17 rating. Which is ridiculous. The sex scenes look so real and depict this up and down relationship betwen the two charactersl for instance the several sexual posistions and the more "harder" scene and a more emotive one. This I think is a reason why a lot of people didn;t get this film. I think because it's very "arty" and not exactly your more mainstream film.

Overall a stunning masterpiece which might very well be one of my favourite films as I could watch this again. Lust,Caution is seriously UNDERATED and deserved far more credit. It's offical Ang lee is on of the great story tellers our there.

Highly recomend and one of Lee's very best films.

10/10

Director:Howard Hawks
Released: 1938
Stars: Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, george Irving and Barry Fitzgerald
Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance
Country: USA



In this screwball comedy, heiress Susan is determined to catch a stuffy paleontologist and uses her pet leopard, Baby, to help get his attention. The elements of this farce include a yappy terrier who steals and buries an irreplaceable fossilized bone, a pompous big game hunter, a rich old aunt, a jealous fiancée, and a case of mistaken identity involving a second, and vicious, leopard

Oddly I haven't gotton round to watching many films of the 1930's but I hope this is the start of me watching more in the future. I've also not seen a lot of Katharin Hepburn or Cary Grant. Now I feel I've seen more of them than I could have in 5 of their films. The brilliance of Brnging up Baby is the two leads and that's why I enjoyed it so much.

I would imagine this is the start of me watching more comedies from the 30's and thirtees as I enjoyed this one so so much. Bringing Up Baby is now 70 years old and is a timeless classic. Argubably it's conisdered one of the great scre-ball comedies ever made and I agree with that 100%. The narrtive is still orginal 70 years on and not at one point did yu have some idea of what was coming. Even to today's standards the writing in this is superb indeed. the absurd situations make for an hilaious disp;ay of comedy which left me laughing and laughing. Haven't laughed like that in a film for a long while. the one liners and brilliant three way dialogue makes you sit up and laugh at a film which still feels fresh and vibrant 70 years on. Superb indeed.

I also seem to be watching a far few film of Howard Hawks and this is no exception. The direction here is brillliant as the comic timing of both leads fits the bill perfectly. From Grant's geekish type look to Hepburns awkwardness around his character just makes for a perfect on screen couple. HA! It's still mkaes me laugh now especially in the scene where they hunt out David's dinosoaur bone. Love the awkrdnes in her voice and distinct sarcastic tone which makes me laugh...still.

I highly recomend this one, hilaious film. Just don't be put off by the year it was made as believe me you will laugh and laugh.

Comedy classic.....

10/10

*HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Director:James Cameron
Released: 1984
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bill Paxton, Linda Hamilton
Genre:Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Country:UK/USA

A cyborg is sent from the future on a deadly mission. He has to kill Sarah Connor, a young woman whose life will have a great significance in years to come. Sarah has only one protector - Kyle Reese - also sent from the future. The Terminator uses his exceptional intelligence and strength to find Sarah, but is there any way to stop the seemingly indestructible cyborg ?

Well it's taken me a long while to sit and watch this classic sci-fi film and I've finally, obviously, got round to watching it. I have to admit that I enjoyed it a lot but also slightly dissapointed at the same time. Clearly I need to watch Judgement day next.

The Terminator clearly is an ultimate classic film but doesn't deserve to be in the imdb top 250 but deserved some sort of credit which I'm sure about. For sure it has some flaws for instance Arnie is not an actor but a film star and can be slightly laughable at times, but perhaps that's no so significent if we think of the context of the film. Some of the special effects are slightly dated, for instance in the opening scene doesn't leave much to the imagination. The soundtrack on some occasions is like something out of a B film and not a Hollywood film. But aside that it's a very good film indeed.

At the time, post Vietnam era many moviegoers would be looking for a film like this, which shows in the number of sci fi films released in the early 80's. Clearly people were looking to the future and it does deal with some issues there.

The terminator is directed well by the sci-fi expert director Cameron, who knows how to direct a sci-fi epic. The opening credits are, if I use an american word, "awesome" and possibly one of the greatest opening credits ever made. It really gives a feel for the mood of the film before you even watch it. The music thorghout the film, which I'm not sure what it's called really gives Arnie's character a sinister feel and gives the audience and sense of what's to come. Michael Bien was seriously attractive in those days aswell! Acting is ok but I didn't really mind it and i don't think it affects the overall viewing experience.

Overall an excellent sci-fi film which will leave you throughly entertained. Contains some classic scenes and one great opening credits scene.

8/10

*Recomended watch*

Director:Woody Allen
Released: 1979
Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Anne Byrneand Meryl Streep
Genre: Romance, Drama
Country: USA



Isaac, 42, has divorced Jill. She is now living with another woman, Connie, and is writing a book in which she will reveal some very private points of their relationship. Isaac has a love affair with Tracy, 17, when he meets Mary, the mistress of his best friend Yale. Yale is already married to Emily

Review coming soon

Director:Alfred Hitchcock
Released: 1940
Stars: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders and Judith Anderson
Genre: Drama/Thriller/Romance
Country: USA

When a naive young woman marries a rich widower and settles in his gigantic mansion, she finds the memory of the first wife maintaining a grip on her husband and the servants

Having seen the majority of a least most of Hitchcock's films I felt I had to check out Rebecca, which I should have seen many years ago. Rebecca is as great as everyone says it is and should be considered a UK film and not USA, but at the time Hitchcock went to Hollywood and was given American funding for most of his work in the late 1940s, so perhaps this was to be expected. Still an awful shame considering the majoirt of the cast are English, as was the director, locations and bits and pieces of the script contains dialogue that is associated with English people. But that's a small annonance that I have.

Rebecca was nominated for eleven Academy awards back in 1941, and won 2 of them. Three were for acting, which was well deserved. Laurence Oliver, with his English charm and gives out an instant attraction to the viewer that imediatly makes you sympathise with the character of Mximum De Winter and feel what Fontaine's character feels for him throughout the film. Both leads Oliver and Fontaine are just breathtaking to watch. You feel this instant affliliation with them both and want their marraige to work, despite the problems encuntered in the first part of the film. Fontaine, who's work I haven't seen an awful lot of, has this innocent youthfullness in her, which Maximum does mention, which instantly makes you feel for her and in some ways, relate to. Great supporting role by Judith Anderson as the sinister Mrs Danvers, obsessed by the previous Mrs De Winter, deliveres a marvallous performance which leaves you feeling scared, just like Fontaine's character.

Rebecca is a flawless Hitchcok picture which is effortlessly directed by Hitchcock ans delivers enough twists and turns that you wouldn't often seen in a modern orginal Screenplay. The beauty of this film is that even if you think you know what's about to come you will be pleasantly suprised. Which is absolutly amazing for a film 68 years old. The film spans nearly two hours and half way through the film you feel like you've seen an awful lot but all it is is Hitchcock's superb script and direction which makes you feel speechless-well me anyway.

Rebecca won best picture at the time and one for the superb cinematography which adds to the erriness of the backdrop to the film. For instance in the opening scene's narration, which seen glimpses of cliffs, which already gives an inclination of the end of the film. Oddly you don't predict the outcome, which I can't give away too much about. and the scenes of Mnderly, especially when the two leads arrive is beautiful to watch, even for a film done in 1940. I love the fire scenes at the end , which again ididn't expect, is still done so so well for a feel almost 70 years old. Also worth mentioning the art direction, for instance in many of the rooms the late Mrs De Winter resided in, is beautifully done and showcases how loves the character was and the differences in the late Mrs De Winter and the current one, played by Joan Fontaine.

The script is wonderfully crafted and perhaps was some sort of inspiration for Hitchcok's later film Vertigom which has a similar storyline. The dialogue given by each character is realistic and right for every character. The scenes between Olivier and Fontaine are filled with chemistry, mainly due to the superb dialogue. Oddly we are never told the name of Joan Fontaine's character throughout the film. Her character also changes thought the two hours and seems to blossom into a woman.

Interestingly, I'd forgotton this was a film of the 1940's as it feels lighyears ahead of it's time. This could very well be one of my favourite Hitchcoks films and one of my favourite films. I can't recomend this film enough. engaging throughout and still has many suprises that you will not see coming.

I say this a lot with Hitchcock, but an absolute masterpiece.

10/10

Highly recomended watch

Director:Joel Coen
Released: 1996
Stars: Frances McDormand, Steve Buscemi,William H. Macy and Harve Presnell
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
Country: USA



Jerry Lundegaard is in a financial jam and, out of desperation, comes up with a plan to hire someone to kidnap his wife and demand ransom from her wealthy father, to be secretly split between Jerry and the perpetrators. Jerry, who is not the most astute of individuals, hires a couple of real losers from the frozen northern reaches of Fargo, North Dakota for the job. Then things begin to slip from bad to worse as Jerry helplessly watches on.

Oddly I'm a complete newcomer when it comes to the cinema of Joel and Ethan Cohen. This is only the third film of theirs that I've seen, the other two being Oh Brother Where Art Thou? and the brilliant No Country For Old Men, which I loved from last year. After watching this and my opinion on No Country For Old Men, I really must search for other DVD's by them because, what I've seen so far have a uniquness about them, orginality. Which is key to any succesful film.

Fargo is based around true events and set in 1987 in Minneapolis. Most of the characters are based around the actual people around those events but names have been changed. This imediatly sets you thinking as a viewer about what exactly are you about to watch, This adds a touch of realism to the sequences that follow and you really start to believe each and every thing that happens. The characters in Fargo, feel like real people and not in any way manipulated by the writers to be something they're not. You really feel that this sort of thing could happen to anyone at any given time. The main lead, played by the very underated William H Macy, was doing something I'm ure any one of us could understand, given the recent ecomnomc problems in the US and the UK. You feel that what you are happening mirrors that of your own life in some repects.

Fargo was nominated for seven academy awards and won 2. One of which was Best Writing, which is more than deserves. The script is absolutly brilliant. What was excellent was the over-use of" Ya" constanly through out the film, which gives you a sense of the accent in that state, It also makes for some hilaious sequences. I'm sure I laughed several times the film, in particular when we see two characters exchanging the Ya's in the film. Very funny indeed. the script plays well thoughout the film and the dialogue is realitsic for each character.

I'm sure Fargo is one of the best crim dramas that I've seen, perhaps not up there with Pulp Fiction, but extremly close to. Fargo has some stunning cinematogrphy in it. Most notably the snow surrounding the state, gives a sense of the isolation in the town.

Acting is just perfect. I loved William H Macy's very underated role as Jerry Lundegaard. He really suited his role and I'm sure I haven't seen him in anything quite like that before and he rightly got an Academy Award nomination. Frances McDormand is pitch perfect as Police Chief Marge Gunderson into her first homicide investigation. She's incredibly funny to watch in this film and is an extremly likeable character. Also worth mentioning Steve Buscemi in another great role. One to check out there.

Probably the most jaw dropping scene in the film is that Woodchipper Scene, which I don't think I've seen anything quite like that before. The noise of that woodchipper was so loud that you really didn't quite know what you were in for. Hilarious nonetheless.

Fargo is possibly one of the greatest crima dramas you'll. The realism in this is fantastic and you'll laugh, be shocked and watch in awe of the greatness in this film and the great Coen brothers. Such an amazing film. Watch out for the great score aswell.

Highly recomended watch!

9/10

Review coming soon

Director:Stanley Kubrick
Released: 1987
Stars: Matthew Modine ,Adam Baldwin,Vincent D'Onofrio Genre: War/Drama
Country: UK/USA



A pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the Vietnam War has on his fellow Marine recruits from their brutal basic training to the bloody street fighting set in 1968 Hue, Vietnam.

Full Metal Jacket is one of those many famous war films that I didn't see. At last I've finally got around to watch it. Full Metal Jacket is, for me, one of the most undterated war films and films that I've ever seen. It focusses specifically on how characters progress in the situation they're in and not a specfic War fil on Vietnam. I'm sure if any fellow females want to watch a war film but don't like them, this is the one to watch.

I've seen a few Kubrick films now and this one was the one I hadn't seen. I'm glad I have. Whilst the film is more a character study piece, you still get an idea of the trama of War. Most of which is relevant still today, with the current unpopular Iraq war. Watching this, you really get a sense of Wartime and how things will never really change.

Acting is great especially from R Lee Emery in th eopening sequence. His portrayal of the drill sergent in the pening sequence was incredibly realistic and really makes you feel for all the soliders around also worth mentioning Vincent D'Onofrio's perfromance as the slightly odd Private Pyle-who end up being insane. Matthew Modine's lead performance and narration really sets the viewer into the war time.

Overall Full Metal Jacket is one of the lesser known exaples of a character study of War. Krubrick focusses specifically on the the characters and less of the war. Although it's mentioned on the occasion, you get the sense of the morals soliders faced during the Vietnam war and War time.

I can't recomend this enough. One of Kubrick's best. But not a patch on Apocolpyse Now but very close.

9/10

Director:Richard Linklater
Released: 1995
Stars: Ethan Hawke, Julie Deply
Genre: Drama, Romance
Country: USA/Austria



A young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one romantic evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.

Every once in a while I come across a film that everyone else has seen except for me and Before Sunrise and Sunset are films which I haven't got around to seeing. Luckily today I sat and watched this wonderful poignent film and I have to admit that it totally blew me away. I remeber my Film Studies Lecturer raving about how great this film is. At the time I couldn't see it but after watching it I can see why.

Before Sunrise is a film miles away from your conventinal American Romance where you most likely end up feeling grossed out or annoyed that your watching the most irritating actor or actress in Hollywood. Before Sunrise does not do that. You feel like your witnessing a relationship between two strangers which could happen anywhere, at any time. Almost makes you feel happier about life in that sense. I know, from reading reviews about this film, that it changed a lot of people's life, when it came out in 1995 and I can see why. Before Sunrise, makes you feel confident about life and sets you out on a journey which you probably didn't realise you were on.

The characters are developed wonderfully. Ethan Hawke, plays a typical American, who doesn not speak any other language other than English-which is often touched upon in the film. You can releate to him well. Julie Deply, who I haven't seen much of, brilliantly depicts her character well and again, like Jesse(Hawke) you can relate to her very well. Both leads have excellent chemistry on screen and this is filmed well. The key to this though is the brilliant screenplay, which beautifully uses each line well to show the ever-changing relationship between the two strangers. Each conversation they have so brilliantly written and evident in life, which add to the realism of the film. I would quote something from the film but there are way too many quotes from this film, I wouldn't be doing it justice. All I cansay is that when you sit and watch this this relationship you are watching is real, which is down to the realistc dialogue written.

The direction is simply brilliant. From the shots on the train to the scenery around Vienna, we get a sense of the one night that these two characters oare on and the world in which they find themselves in. Key to this is the fact the camera-95% of the time remains on them. Every bit of Scenery around Vienna for example, is depicted as part of their world-that being just the two of them. From long shots of the lush river through Vienna to the sunset in the morning, as a viewer you feel transported to this world and in some ways, feel like them, that you don't want this night to end either.

Before Sunrise is probably wone of the most romantic, realistc films that I've seen and one of the best films of the 1990's. With the clever obervations on life and the depiction of a one night relationship, it's the sort of film that remind you why you like films. The only thing released recently that could resemble this is Lost in Translation, other than that there hasn't been a film like this for a long time and it's a crying shame.

Before Sunrise is a masterpiece and one Romantic film that you'll never forget. One of the best romatic films I've seen in a long while.

Director:Michael Haneke Released: 1997
Stars:Susanne Lothar, Ulrich Muhe, Arno Frisch and Frank Giering
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Country: Austria









Two psychotic young men take a mother, father, and son hostage in their vacation cabin and force them to play sadistic "games" with one another for their own amusement.

Funny Games is another one of those films everybody bare me has seen. Finally I found it in my supermarket this afternoon and just finished watching it. I have to admit that it toally blew me away. Funny Games is far more than a Horror, it's also a depiction of just how often Media violence is in our society and how much we take it for granted and almost let ourselved be entertained by this. Pure genuis!

The film opens up with a helicopter shot of the family arriving at their holiday home on the motorway. While watching this we are shown just how close the family, setting us up for one hell of a ride. This voyeristic technique makes us wonder why we are sitting here watching this and almost feel slightly instrusive on the family. That's the genuis of Haneke. I must admit that I didn't go too much on Hidden but this is abosolutly amazing. I can see some similarities in the two films there.

I know a lot of people will either love or hate this film I can see why but there are many different menaings to this film. For instance as I said beofre why, as a viewer you are sitting down to watch this and also questioning the viewing public as a whole. It also shows us parts which you might not fully be shown in an American film and almost plays upon that. Haneke uses emotions of the family almost as bait. The two men constantly play upon why the couple are crying and feeling this way and twisting it for their own amusement. There's no manipulation here as you might often find in a US film, you are given the opotunity to switch off, as one character says and question just how much violence you can take. Which I think is why this film is NOT pointless as some people have written here.

The characterisation in Funny Games is brilliant and key to the viewers understanding of the film. Both of the two main leads; Anna and Georg Snr are a middle class couple and very likeable indeed. As a viewer you can instantly releate to them and their son Georg. The film's path is not what you would expect as you really do warm to the characters. Oddly the representation of the two men: Paul and Peter are ones of such charm and sophistication that you don't feel that they're the villian on some stages. I'm going to admit that I did find the character of Paul very attractive indeed and didn't for a second think anything less-but that's another story entirely! Incidently Peter is also a man full of charm but is presented as less intelligent and an odd character.-we see this when Peter continuously calls him "fatty" which he hates.

Funny Games is also intelligently written and well paced. 1 hr and 40 mins flew by and left me utterly speechless afterwards, which of course is genuis on Haneke's part. Funny Games cleverly plays with the conventions of filmaking and asks the audience:

We're not up to feature film length yet. You want a real ending with plausible plot development".

Also has Paul looking at the camear and talking to the audience, which also gives the character as sense of arrogance to him and almost tells the audiene that he's in charge. What was the most clever thing about this film was the re-wind scene which did leave me slightly disturbed at what I had just watched.

Funny Games is one of the most disturbing films that I have seen and so cleverly written and filmed it's unbelievable. It'll leave you feeling horrified at what you've just watched and leave you wondering the why you watch violence in the media. Funny Games is a clever film and one which I highly recomend.

Director:Sean Penn
Released: 2007
Stars: Catherine Kenner, Emile Hirsch, Kristen Stewart and William Hurt
Genre:Drama, Biography
Country: USA



Based on a true story. After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless abandoned his possessions, gave his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters who shape his life

Seriously I didn't expect to feel so much about this film, absolutly breathtaking. Need some time to think about it more.

Review to come at some point....

Review coming soon.......

Another great Connery film. Screenplay written by Roald Dahl, soundtrack by John Barry and the great Donald Plesense is just fantastic

Year: 2008
Director: Marc Forster
Country: UK/USA
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama
Stars: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Gemma Arterton


Forensic intelligence links an MI6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille, a woman who has her own vendetta. Camille leads Bond straight to Dominic Greene, a ruthless business man and major force within the mysterious organisation, Quantum.

That time has come again for another Bond film's release and I was once again there to catch it. Ever since I was 11, back in 1999 for the release of The World is Not Enough, I've caugh every Bond film since at the cinema. This time around the cinema was packed full of people of all ages. All I can say is Quantum of Solace equals Casino Royale but for me I prefer the realistic take on the story here than Casino Royale.

Althought I loved Casino Royale, it had a full cheesy moments which downgrades it's superiority over previous Bond's. What is great about Quanum of Solace is the realism inserted into the film by Marc Foster. Quantum has an Art House feel to it which I love, and it makes for an even more better film. Like many films released this year, it touches on upon world issues that are going on. The Dark Knight, for example touched upon our fears of Terrorism and this film uses the Oil situation in the west as the main part of the story. It's because of that I think many people have commented on the confusing plot. Having said that because it's a Bond film and the plot isn't always a necessry thing to focuss on.

Daniel Craig seems to be coming if not one of the best Bond's of all time. Surpassing even the great Sean Connery. His cold-blooded brutality creates his Bond as convincing as ever. This creates his appearance on screen as incredibly real and one which could be exsisting today. I have to see him in a few more films before he could become my favourite and surpass Connery. Judi Dench is brilliant as M and seems to be underated in many reviews. I think even her character could match Bond. The more films i see of them the more I'm convinced that's the way the writers are going. Gemma Arterton, who impressed me in Tess of the D'Urbevilles, made a brief appearance as agent Fields and was again impressive on screen. Would like to have seen more of her character than what was shown. Mathieu Amalric, was excellent as Dominc Green. Perhaps he was undeveloped and under-used but he definatly surpasses the previous Bond villian. Would also liked to have seen more of Jeffery Wright, as he makes for a great Felix Leiter.

One great strength of Quantum of Solace is just how great it's filmed. The stunning locations and photography, particularly at the end, make for an interesting film to watch. Many of the sequences were shot very very well and I loved one slow motion sequence shot against an opera, which related releated to the scene and film well. Would like to have seen a more intense build up to the arrival of Dominc Green, as I felt it was rushed a little and not allowing us to understand the character either.

Perhaps some weaknesses of the film, keeping it from being 5 stars, is the first half of the film. I felt a little underwhelmed throughout that and felt that there was something missing. The film does pick him in the middle and makes for a great film. I think the key to remember is that Bond films will never be perfect, some might say that films are never perfect but for me some are. Forster like Campbell previoulsy, is trying to move the franchise into a new era. This is evident in many scenes of the film. What's important to remeber is that, whilst doing that not everything you've seen in previous films will be in this one. The dialogue is less witty and more convincing, thus relating to the context of the film. Less action means that there is more focus on characters and the plot, meaning we can find deeper meaning within the film and enjoy it better. That's somehing I think the franchise will do in future films. Not only to move the franchise forward but to compete with other action films and add more meaning to Craig's Bond. After all this is only the second film he's in and the more he does the more we can get a sense of the way Craig plays his version of Bond.

Overall, Quantum of Solace takes a more emotional stance than Casino Royale. Less action and more meaning in the plot. Far more dialogue and attention to detail in the devlopment of characters. In only his second Bond film, Craig is shaping up to be one of the best Bond's if not the best. Both Casino Royale and his are pretty much equal in terms of quality. f I had to pick out of the two, it would be Quantum because of the realism it depicts. Without a doubt in my top 3 of the year so far!

Highly recomend. Go and see it when it reaches you a.s.a.p!

8/10

Director:Alan Parker
Released: 1978
Stars: John Hurt, Brad Davis, Randy Quaid and Irene Miracle
Genre: Crime, Biography
Country:UK/USA



Billy Hayes is caught attempting to smuggle drugs out of Turkey. The Turkish courts decide to make an example of him, sentencing him to more than 30 years in prison. Hayes has two opportunities for release: the appeals made by his lawyer, his family, and the American government, or the "Midnight Express

A film which I have meaning to watch for a number of years and I'm glad that I finally got around to buying the film and watching it. Mignight Express is a true story of extreme courage under unbelievable circumtances in a Turkish Prison. As a viewer and one the same age as the main character, you can emptahise with the character more with the incredible realistic way it's shot.....

More to follow in a bit...

Director:Alfred Hitchcok
Released: 1935
Stars: Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim and Godfrey Tearle
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Country: UK



Richard Hannay is a Canadian visitor to London. At the end of "Mr Memory"'s show in a music hall, he meets Annabella Smith who is running away from secret agents. He accepts to hide her in his flat, but in the night she is murdered. Fearing he could be accused on the girl's murder, Hannay goes on the run to break the spy ring

One of Hitchcock's very first masterpieces and one of the finest films of his that I've seen. Contains, which would later be, classic Hitchcok trademarks and brilliant cinematography which makes the film miles ahead of it's time. Brilliant...

More to follow...

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

Director:Mike Leigh
Released: 2008
Stars: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan,Andrea Riseborough and Alexis Zegerman
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Country: UK



Poppy is a thirty-year old Primary School teacher in contemporary North London. She has great friends, a job she loves and a full life. The movie watches her confront the harsh realities of life and deal with them head-on, never losing her sense of humour.

Review coming soon

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:Ridley Scott
Released: 1982
Stars: Harrison Ford, Sean Young,Rutger Hauer, Daryl Hannah
Country: US
Genre: Drama, Science Fiction & Fantasy



Los Angeles, 2019: Rick Deckard of the LPD's Blade Runner unit prowls the steel & micro-chip jungle of the 21st century for assumed humanoids known as 'replicants'. Replicants were declared illegal after a bloody mutiny on an Off-World Colony, and are to be terminated upon detection. Man's obsession with creating a being equal to himself has back-fired

Often considered one of the greatest films ever made and one of the greatest science fictions films ever made and rightly so. Blade Runner has something which most films do not. The ability to enlighten me every time I watch it.

Blade Runner is clearly an example of a Post Modern film. Set in a world where all theories on society are meaningless, where you shape your identity accordingly. For example we see the nexus six models in the shape of Roy Batty, living for only three years. The secret to the scucess of this films for me and why it is still relevant in today's world, is simply this- Blade Runner is about Identity, knowing your true self. The character of Rachel for isntance has no idea she is a replicant and seeks to understand being a human.

Blade Runner contains some of the finest examples of cinematography I've seen. Even with the endless cuts by Scott it's still amazing every time you look at it. Every frame in Blade Runner gets better every time I watch it and still mesmerising to me.

Highly recomend and one of my top five favourite films.

Certainly from the beginning I thought it would be as good as "In the Mood for Love" but, as the film progressed ideas within the film didn't seem to make sense and got me confused. Those ideas though, complex they may be, but mixed with the stunning cinematography I was totally fixated by it.

The idea of Chow's book running parralel to his life was also a little confusing at times but also proved to be an assit for me, as I understood Chow a lot better and ,certainly you're able to synpathise e a little with him.

The three leading ladies; Li Gong,Zhang Ziyi and Faye Wong were all very good but a bit under developed. Perhaps that was the case for Li Gong and Faye Wong, Zhang Ziyii seemed to be very childlike at times but was certainly the better out of the three.Tony Leung Chiu Wai was pretty good. I understood how he felt and what the affair meant to him in In the Mood For Love.

One of the best things in this film and from
" In the mood for love" is the brilliant soundtrack. It captures the emotion of the film and the atmosphere. I loved the slow motion at certain points, like a freeze frame in time- just brilliant

I recomend everyone to watch 2046 but watch In the Mood For Love first as you will be able to understand it a lot better.

Full Review written here soon...

Stunning cinematography, beautifully shot , backed up by a superb cast. A Modern masterpiece. My favourite film at the moment

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?

Masterpiece!

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

One of my favourites. Great Post WW2 film, orson welles is brilliant in this.

Review coming soon...

I've already rated this and given it a review so wtf is this all about?

Well, obviously I love it so I won't comment any further but just to say flixster gets weirder every time.

Full Review coming soon...

I have to admit that I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. What I love about this film is that despite looking like a chick-flick it's not all about their relationship. Plus, Richard Gere was pretty attractive in his 30's.

Documentary-style drama showing the events that lead up to the tragic incident on January 30, 1972 in the Northern Ireland town of Derry when a protest march led by civil rights activist Ivan Cooper was fired upon by British troops, killing 13 protesters and wounding 14 more.

Wow, Wow, Wow and more Wow!!! This is just one oustanding film and one emotional rollercoaster of a film. Some stunning shots and one brilliant performance by James Nesbitt. Wow I was just oustounded bythis film.



Really I don't think I've ever seen such an emotionally powerful film perhaps since I watched Greengrasses United 93 The documentry feel to this is just oustanding. You really get a sense of being in the moment and feeling the intense atmophere around you. Really, as I said in my United 93 Review" Hats off to Greengrass" this is really a masterpiece.



The film draws to the eventful climax though quick editing, there you really are kept on tender-hooks as you want to keep watching the film more and more. The main strength of the film is that it uses handheld cameras to create a great sense of chaos, confusion and disorientation. This helps show the events in a relatively balanced light. It's not clear if shots are fired at the army or not - it's so noisy that some of the bangs could have been shot. Thus this effect creates the emotion for the film that really made me cry- the last time that happened it was when I watched United 93. There are some brilliant shots of Londen Derry, which add to a claustrophophicatmosphere. Really there aren't that many words to describe this film. I'm left utterly speechless. One powerful, stunning film.



This is the film that got Greengrass the nod for The Bourne Supremacy and I can see why they chose him. All the films that I have seen of his each have the hand-held camera style. This adds to a realism feel and a sense that you really are in the picture with this characters and experincing what they are experiencing. Utterly fantastic!

Being British and watching this makes me question the motives of my Government. I mean after this disaster the British army concluded that their actions were justified. Some members of the army were awarded by the Queen. This really has made me think twice.

Really I think I've repeated "Oustanding" a few times here. You know that I enjoyed this film and that I recomend it. This is why he is doing teh Bourne Franchise his technique in filmaking is stunning!!

I'll stop now. Go out and find this film in your area NOW! You won't regret it. I was left shell shocked and stunned by the end of this brilliant film. I don't think I'll ever forget it. Gone straight to my top 5 favourite movies of all time.

HIGHLY RECOMENDED

10/10

When a CIA operation to purchase classified Russian documents is blown by a rival agent--who then shows up in the sleepy seaside village where Bourne (Damon) and Marie (Potente) have been living under assumed names--the pair collapse their lives and head out. Bourne, who promised retaliation should anyone from his former life attempt contact, is forced to once again take up his life as a trained assassin to survive.

Wow! Greengrass has certainly made a perfect movie for me. With this documentry like filmaking-it adds a more realistic portrayal of Bourne and the events around him. What I loved was that Greengrass decided on doing the film without all the special effects-making the film miles better than the Bourne Identity(2002)



Matt Damon gives another great performance as Bourne and in this film, we see a more darker Bourne than the first one. Bourne is slowly becoming better than Bond for me as you feel sympathy for the character, despite him being the ant hero of the film. The supporting cast; Joan Allen, Franka Potene, Brian Cox and Joan Allen all make this one of the best action films of this decade. It's also in Total Film's 100 Greatest films of all time-and I can see why.



For me, the hand held camera works brilliantly on all levels. Despite some people who may not like it, it just wowed me. I loved the why the camera moves with the action, making it ncredibly fast paced.

Greengrasses' direction, for me, made Supremacy a whole new film. It didn't feel like a Hollywood blockbuster, but more artsey-fies-if you know what I mean. With the brilliant camera work, is why you feel that.

Once again we see a excellent car chase. What was even better than the first one was that Damon and the other guy drove the car. We were in the car with Bourne and experinced what he was feeling. What also worked was that there was no dialogue throgh the scene-making me watch even more.

The score is even better this time round. Moby's Extreme Way's song is heard on the end credits. Just brilliant.

I think I could talk about this film for ages. I can't tell you how much I love this franchise. This film has raised the bar for Action films for me. Excellent.

Bring on The Bourne Ultimatum!

HIGHLY RECOMENDED

8/10

Review coming soon....

Absolute masterpiece. A moving piece of cinemas which will leave you emotionally charged!

Masterpiece. One of the greatest films of all time, and mine.

NEW REVIEW

The Departed is based around the 2002 Chinese thriller, Infernal Affairs. The idea is that in the midst of a war between the police and organized crime, each side succeeds in placing a clever mole in the heart of the other camp. Gradually, each spy discovers the existence, but not the identity, of his opposite and, as the noose tightens and the tension ratchets past the cracking point, each man struggles furiously to unmask his rival before he himself is revealed and destroyed. In addition to its trio of A List names, "The Departed" showcases excellent work from a wide range of performers including, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, and Alec Baldwin.

This is Scorsese?s first film since his 2002 film Gangs of New York. For the first time, since his 1990 hit, Goodfellas, he returns to the mob-style routes and catholic symbolism and that gritty style that we often associate with this legendary director.
However this could be argued as being a ?re-make? of this 2001 hit. I didn?t find that to be the case. What Scorsese does well with this film is that he made it his own film. By adding additional scenes, making all the characters much more believable and almost likeable. Some of the key scenes within the Departed, which really made the film shine, included the scene in which the team meets the Chinese. What I love about this scene is the tension that surrounds it and the long shots used to show Dicaprio?s character?s whereabouts within the claustropbic atmosphere. The dialogue within this scene is electric as Nicholson?s character and the Chinese man almost play off each other. At certain points in the movie, there is very little dialogue given, with more emphasises on facial expression and awareness of space on the actors part.

Some of the performances that I enjoyed were Mark Walhberg, Nicholson, Dicaprio and Ray Winstone. It's great to see British actors do so well in Hollywood movies, particularly if they're not an A List actor like Winstone. Surprisingly Mark Walberg actually performed well and was convincing as a police officer for once in his career. His character seemed to depict the essence of the character well and at times the character?s sarcasm was incredibly funny.

However the best performance of the movie has to be Jack Nicholson. Some critics have argued that Nicholson practically played himself in this role. There was some improvisation on Nicholson?s part, which is probably why his role will be so memorable. Matt Damon for once wasn?t the usual hero like he plays in many films, which is why his performance was also great.

Overall The Departed works on all levels. Top-notch directing, acting and some brilliant scenery from Boston. Hopefully the academy will recognise Scorsese this time, as he most certainly deserves it. Highly recommend.

Amazing

Pretty good film. Just not too keen on seeing dog fighting in a film- didn't quite get the ending.

Simply amazing! I loved every minute of this film. The whole storyline seemed familar, though, at times. I feel that is because Hollywood has used this type of film structure in many films that I have seen.

I enjoyed the storyline, two lonely cops both connected by a Honk Kong snack bar- just brilliant. Although I have to say the second part of the film was a lot better than the first and was the heart of the film for me.

Once again the cinematography was amazing and I've noticed re-accuring themes such as; love and connections in Wong's films. I'm certainly going to watch more of his films, as I've loved all that i've watched so far.

I wish we saw more original films in Hollywood today and why can't they all be as beautiful like this?

Some brilliant performances from Tony leung and faye Wong, which for me made the film what it is. Again, I'll be watching more og Leung's films as he is becoming one of my favourite actors.

Really, everybody should watch this film. I can't recomend this enough!

another classic film which i'll never get tired of watching. However that more I watch it the more I know what line is coming next lol!

Excellent film and an important look in the decay of society. Highly recomended, just wish I did that when everything got too much. Michael Douglous at his best!

Another brilliant Soderbergh movie. The chemistry between Lopez and LCooney is just brilliant.

Jim Carrey is brilliant in this! One of my favourite films!

amazing,one of my favourites

With the combination of Bill Murray, Dank Aykroyd and Ivan Reitman you're bound to be on to a winner!
This is one of the greatest comedies I've ever seen. Everytime i watch it i laugh and laugh!

Great soundtrack, great cast, great director and one of my favourite films. Highly recomended!

Absolute classic, redford and Newman are amazng in this. Check out the Sting if you haven't seen that aswell.

One of my favourite films ever, mainly because of Bill Murray's performace. This has to be his best performance to date, though Ghostbusters is probably the role he is known for.

I can't recomend this film enough, if u haven't seen it, go out and get it.

Possibly the greatest and funniest film I've seen in my lifetime. One hilrious script, superbly written and continuously funny in every single scene. A film that will never age, because it's just something that will never tire. Containing one of the funniest endings to a film....and one which makes it unique.

The Life Of Brian is one of the only comedy films which I rate 5 stars because it's so well put together and so well written. One of my favourite comedies and films. Also this is often quoted in many polls as the greatest British comedy ever made!

I'll get you for this, you bastard.
Oh, yeah?
Oh, yeah. Don't worry. I never forget a face.
: No?
I warned you. I'm going to punch you so hard, you Roman git!
Shut up, you Jewish turd!
Who are you calling Jewish? I'm not Jewish! I'm a Samaritan!
A Samaritan? This is supposed to be a Jewish section.

So, so funny I am laughing as I write this. A film which will stand the test of time and the best of the Python films.

Highly rcomended

I can't believe I haven't a review for this modern masterpiece of a film and one of my favourites. Brilliant film, with top notch acting,direction and displaying an accurate portryal of American life.

Spacey is truley memorable in this film and surely his greatest role to date. Annete Benning is in possibly her greatest role as well. I can't tell you how great a film this is. Highly recomended.

This isn't my favourite Hitchcock film. howeverr I felt a better ending was needed, it ended too quickly.

Besides that Cary Grant shines as Roger Thornhill as does James Mason. However I found the other actors not as concincing for instance Martin landau who usually is good.

Overall another stlylish Hictchol movie with enough intrgue and mystery to last you a millenium. Worth a watch. Now Ill try and see some other Hitchock movies.

Pretty decent movie. The chemistry between Dunaway and Beatty is electric,highly recomended.

I'm as mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore!!





Howard Beale (Peter Finch) is an ageing TV anchorman for UBS who is fired, effective in two weeks, after his ratings have been steadily deteriorating. He reacts to this by sensationally announcing on live television his intention to commit suicide on air. In doing so, Beale becomes a major TV icon and one of the most valuable assets to the Communications Corporation of America (CCA), the company that is gradually taking control of UBS. As a result he is given his own show as 'the mad prophet of the air-waves'. He appears live on television every week-day evening to tell the real truth to the people of America. The programme is a huge success but Beale uses his power to make startling revelations about CCA, leaving the company executives with a serious problem.

This has to be one of the best movies that I've seen for a while. Smartly written, brilliantly acted and contains one of the best quotes in cinema history. Outstanding! Sydney Lumet's cynical treatise on the moral and ethical decline of televison hinges on the somewhat naive belief that things will ever run differently. Even so, Network is a brilliant satire of the lurid lengths televison will go to to appease its coperate overseers as well as the complicity of its vast, passive, viewership.

Greed comes into play alot in the film. The characters of Christenson amongst others become so greedy and forget about the implications of what they are doing. That is excelt what televison does. Network could have come across as hypocritical and patronising if the director and writer hadn't done such an oustading job of depicting the worl of televison as sleazy and corrupt. The writing has kept the bitter, desperate acts and darkly comic pervervisities coming at such a brisk clip that you barely realise that the film is not just a portryal of the televison providers but us, the televison viewers. This makes you really want to throw out your TV sets and toss it out into the streets, but the film's major points is that we can's. The fact that we are so visually engaged by televison it makes us keep coming back to it.

Network contains some of the best performances I've seen. Most notably Peter Finch's performance as Howard Beale, who portrayas a man who has been destroyed by televison. Faye Dunaway also delivers a strong performance as perhaps a strong matriach, a modern woman so to speak. I also enjoyed the performance of William Holden, who I haven't really seen in many films.

What was so oustanding about this films was the fact, despite being made 31 years ago, it's still relevant today. Making it, not just one of the greatest films ever made and now one of my favourites of all time, but a timeless classic that will always be remembered.

9/10

HIGHLY RECOMENDED

Scorsese masterpiece!

Max Fischer is a precocious 15-year-old whose reason for living is his attendance at Rushmore, a private school where he's not doing well in any of his classes, but where he's the king of extracurricular activities - from being in the beekeeping society to writing and producing plays, there's very little after school he doesn't do. His life begins to change, however, when he finds out he's on academic probation, and when he stumbles into love with Miss Cross, a pretty teacher of the elementary school at Rushmore. Added to the mix is his friendship with Herman Blume, wealthy industrialist and father to boys who attend the school, and who also finds himself attracted to Miss Cross. Max's fate becomes inextricably tied to this odd love triangle, and how he sets about resolving it is the story in the film.

My first Wes Anderson film and the first time that I've seen Jason Schwartzman in a film. And I loved it. This Anderson film has a unique spin on some interesting characters. Especially the fact that Max Max is not completely lovable, but in the end you root for him anyway.

Rushmore also contains an incredible screenplay with brilliant dry humour and a brilliant scoundtrack which makes every scene unforgetable and have real heart in it. The camera angles in this film are interesting, connecting you to the environment and the characters. Wes Anderson picks the perfect music for each scene, especially for the heartbreaking scene at the end when Miss Cross and Max are dancing to the Faces "Ooh la la." There you really get the sense that the two protagonists connect in some way. With the music in the piece it makes the movie more engaing to watch than using classical music or something. I know Anderson has been named the new "Scorsese" and you can certainly see that. I also loved the slow-motion in some scenes, again backed by British rock music, something Scorsese is known for.

What I noticed was also great about the film was the fact you get a sense of adolescent experience, but for me on another angle. The most obvious marker of this is self-dramatisation with the curtains opening on every scene; Max's facility as a playwright; the repetition of portraits and framings within the film) that this is not an 'objective' story, but Max's highly mediated view of his own life.

The movie is funny because it's true. The movie is sad because it's true. What you expect to happen and what you hope happen never really happen, because really this movie is about life. I mean while watching it, I was expected many laughs, but even if I didn't I still enjoyed the scene regardless of that.

The acting here is top notch. Schwartzman is just perfect for the role of Max Fischer, a 15 year old searching for his place in life. And again Bill Murray is suited to his role as the middle-aged friend of Max. Their nuanced and complicated performances bring all of their scenes to brilliant life. Seymour Cassel is also wonderful as Max's dad Bert, giving the film added emotional weight. Again, as I've said before for great performances, you need to believe that what you are watching are the protagonists and really feel for the characters themselves. That is what you get with Rushmore.

Overall, Rushmore has to be one of the funniest comedies that I've seen in my lifetime. Up there with some of my favourites and favourite movies that I've seen. I know this will become timeless in years to come because it's just relevant to any decade. Equip with excellent performnaces, brilliant script and excellent direction. Rushmore is a Must see.

*Highly recomended watch*

Re-rated after second viewing

Bourne dodges new, superior assassins as he searches for his unknown past while a government agent tries to track him down. In the follow up to 2002's The Bourne Identity and 2004's The Bourne Ultimatum.

The Ultimatum begins where Supremacy ends as MENTIONED in the picture. It was said Marie died in Januray of that year, making it continued on from the first one. I won't say to much about the end but it's an excellent end to this outstanding trilogy. From the moment that the opening title appeared, I knew we were in for a ride. Paul Greengrass has done it again. Everything we love from the previous Bourne films is here once again: the action, the dialogue, and of course the shaky camera. However for me, that last one was never a problem. I think it adds to the suspense. The Bourne series is for sure one of the best trilogies ever made and rightly so. Withough Paul Greengrasse's direction I don't think we would have though the series to be as good.

I thought Supremacy was excellent this is just another different type of action movie. This is FAR superior to many action films made in the 21st century. It's incredibly authentic and you almost feel like this could be happening now and that it's NOT just your average action movie at ALL!!! Greengrass has brought his documentry-like filmaking to this franchise and turned it into a real "authetic" franchise. For a start Greengrass keeps to what he knows, there is not CGI techniques, most of the driving is done by Damon himself, the car chases are not CGI enchanced, the editing is just superb and adds a whole new dimension to this film. WOW! The quick editing, keeps the viewer into the picture, there's no long-drawn out scenes, which has annoyed me in many blockbusters this summer. The film doesn't have a ton of scenes, CGI or irrelvant sequences in the picture. It's just what a action thriller. film SHOULD be.

There are some intelligent humor here and some fine suspense. The reactions to certain events will have you either laughing(in a good way) or cheering on. (or both) To all those people who object to hand-held camera technique, do you not see how authetic and realistic this is. In Supremacy and this one, you really get a sense of the action that you are watching on screen, rather than a motionless shot which can divert your attention else. A hand held shot keeps you watching and, as I said before makes you feel like your watching a documentry rather than your average hollywwod action film. I just love Greengrasse's technique is just superb!

The acting in this is once again brilliant. the latest addition to the cast, David Strathairn was perfect. I haven't seen much of of him before but I most certainly will catch more of his movies and most importantly, My Blueberry Nights. Julia Stiles is now an acomplised actress and not the teen idol that she was many years ago. I also loved Albert Finney's addition to the cast, played his character superbly as always. And Matt Damon, well....will always be known as Jason Bourne as Sean Connery will be known as James Bond. I hope to see more of his films later this year.

The sequences in this were just amazing. Being in a crowed cinema, after the SUPERB char chase, I heard the audience "gasp" after it finished, showing that the visuals were so powerful that you could not engage into the scene. I loved the fact you could hear the tires screaching and no dialogue was played whatsoever. This adds to the suspense. The Warterloo Station sequence was another brilliant piece of filmkaing. I know that the sequence qas filmed FOR real on a working day, which adds to the realism of the film. I know aswell that when the shots where fired one women actually thought it was gunshots and screamed. I don't think i can ever go into Waterloo station again and no think of that sequence

Overall Ultimatum is the best film that I've seen this year and possibly one of the best action thrillers in recent years. I will have to watch the film again on DVD as it such genuis filmaking. Had Greengrass not directed Supremacy and Ultimatum we would NOT be regarding it as one of the best trilogies in recent years.

9/10

*Highly recomended watch*

Based on Ian McEwan?s award wining novel of the same name, Atonement tells the story of A British romance that spans several decades. Fledgling writer Briony Tallis, as a 13-year-old, irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.

I?ve waited several months to see Joe Wright?s second feature film ?Atonement? and it did not disappoint. For an only second feature film by 35 old Joe Wright, it?s absolutely astonishing. Directed superbly on all levels. From the stunning Dunkirk visuals, to several Point of view shots empathising each character?s need and feelings at that point, you can?t help but feel intertwined in the story and with the characters. I haven?t seen such an epic of a film since The English Patient, I hope it continues to do well at the box office and worldwide, as it deserved to. I haven?t read the novel, so I will do soon.

There are many sensational tracking shots in this, which I loved. For instance, in the Dunkirk scene, we walk with Robbie and see the devastation through his eyes, just amazing. At the beginning, Briony?s view of Robbie and Celia is done through two perspectives. One being what Briony believe has happened and two the real truth, this creates a dilemma for the audience as you don?t really know who to believe at that point. One shot I loved was of Briony?s eye, an extreme close-up almost giving a clue to the viewer. As I mentioned before, I can not believe that Wright has produced such a masterpiece of a film, in only his second feature.

The Dunkirk, scene is something to be remembered. Watching it at the cinema, I was so taken aback by the extraordinary beauty of the scene. The cinematography is sensational. It captures the mood of that time, so well that you can put yourself in there. What works is that you think what you?re seeing is real, and everything in every frame of that scene. I can?t really describe the words, as it won?t really doesn?t do justice to what I thought of the scene but let?s just say I?m still thinking about it now and will always. Subsequently that scene has to be up there with some of the best war scenes ever created for the silver screen, and I don?t often say that unless it?s seriously something that has left me speechless beyond any recognition- that hasn?t happened. Some other scenes to mention are; Celia and Briony?s estate like house and the scenery and the wartime London are also sensational. Plus, there done in such a way you wouldn?t expect a 21st century film to make.

FULL REVIEW HERE

Dustin Hoffman's most memorable film to date. Brilliant!

*SPOILERS*

A Belgian girl, Carol, works as a manicurist at a London beauty salon. While having lunch, a good looking young man, Colin, spots her and makes a date for another evening. She shares a flat with her sister Helen. Her sister's married lover, Michael, brings out her dislike of men which she cannot explain to Colin. Michael takes Helen abroad for a holiday. Left alone in their flat, Carol's moments of catalepsy and hallucination increase and deepen into madness.

WOW! I don't think I've ever seen such a film before in all my years of watching films. This really is how Horror shuld be done and without relying on gore to get you scared. This is Psychological at its very best and an absolute masterpiece of a film. Just amazing.

The only film that I've seen Catherine Deneuve in is a film from 2002, 8 women which I didn't like one little bit. Now I see what a huge icon she is of French cinema. She played the part so well and really pocessed the essense of the character to the point where you can synpathise and empthise with Carol. Also noticed many British actors there including Bad Girls star (Helen Fraser), one guy I noticed in some of the Bond films, don't know his name, Mike Pratt(aka Jeff Randall in the 60's Randall & Hopkirk) and Brit actor Ian Hendry. I will definatly be trying to see "Belle de jour" very soon.

I think this was Polanki's first English Language movie and one done outside his natice Poland. It's definatly the film that showcased him into a major Director. I loved some of the shots in this. Many, many close-ups of Carol, empathisign her "madness", many shots shot on the ground. The opening credits are stunning, generally because they're made by Bond credits maker "maurice Binder", really how did that guy make such great opening credits?

The soundtrack has to be one of the very best. We see Carol at one point walking along a street, and we hear music which perfectly fits the scene. I can't really describe the music, you'll have to see the movie for yourself or watch the trailer below. Something also interesting was also the way Polanski cuts to a bell sound after Carol's hullincination of her being raped. You end up jumping out of your seat and when Polanski cuts the music and sound you end up watching this scene foryourself, I was out of my seat once again. The murders are also used with that bit of music again, making it even more agressive and shocking to watch. And that scene with the hands coming through the walls, genuis direction!

Really you have to see this A.S.A.P this is one hell of a film. Excellent, direction, acting, cinematography,soundtrack. Forget gore horror, this is the one to watch.

Goes into my Top 100 films

*Highly recomended*

Not your average romance film and this is what makes it a fantastic film for all. highly recomended! " Play it again, Sam"

Quite an amazing british-spy thriller. Much more realistic than the James Bond franchise,mainly because everything in this film is totallt shot on location in England. And of course Michael Caine as Harry Palmer is excellent. Highly recomended

An inordinately complex man who has been labeled everything from hero, to charlatan, to sadist, Thomas Edward Lawrence blazed his way to glory in the Arabian desert, then sought anonymity as a common soldier under an assumed name. The story opens with the death of Lawrence in a motorcycle accident in London at the age of 47, then flashbacks to recount his adventures: as a young intelligence officer in Cairo in 1916, he is given leave to investigate the progress of the Arab revolt against the Turks in World War I. In the desert, he organizes a guerrilla army and--for two years--leads the Arabs in harassing the Turks with desert raids, train-wrecking and camel attacks. Eventually, he leads his army northward and helps a British General destroy the power of the Ottoman Empire

David Lean's stunning film is often reffered to as "One of the greatest films ever made" and one of the "greatest British films to cross the pond "and rightly so. So breathtakingly beautiful I even had the stunning colours in my dream last night and that score playing over and over again. As Spielberg said on the DVD" A film which is an inspirational to all" and I totally concur with that as I, like Speilberg won't to try direction in the future. This is the film that inspired Spielberg to make movies and the likes of Scorsese. So this is one film that no-one should miss.

A film of epic proption and stunning visuals is overwhelming when you watch it. In modern film making it's unlikely that you will see a film so authentic as this. With the introduction of CGI, a film like this would not be made today!

I doubt I'll give such a detailed review, as I am still spellbound by the film...still thinking about it's greatness. I will most likely repeat myself, so bear with me.

It took 2 years to film this, but you can see the attention to detal in every frame. So well directed and so well put together with stunning visuals, which makes most films you've seen recently look average. If only films were like this now, I would be so much more happy! The screenplay has to be one of the greatest ever written. Every bit of dialogue, you want to hear and when there's no dialogue you are still engaged by the landscape and the spacal awareness of the characters-who so wonderful portray their characters, you can't help but feel part of the film. Each actor's dialogue so brilliantly play off one another...again it's so wonderful to watch. Some outstanindg performances from Peter O'Toole, and Omar Schariff, who rightly gained an Academy Award nomination, and Alec Guiness and Anthony Quale.

By the end of the film, I didn't realise it was almost 4 hours long, which again shows how much I enjoyed this film. Perhaps it shows the shot attention span of people today as to some negative reviews I've read on IMDb and here. That annoys me a lot. All I can say to people is this, it shouldn't matter the length of a film!

That score has to be one of the greatest I've seen on film. I am still running over in my mind now, so well orcestrated it's unbeliveable.

Arabia contains some of the most iconic scenes in cinema history from Omar Scharrif's entrance to Lawrence standing on top of the turkish train with a background of sunlight....it leaves me Wowed. Again that scene with the entrance of Omar Schariff, wow! One of the greatest entrances I've seen. So well photograped and directed, you'll never see such a scene like that again. Superb!

Overall, a masterpiece of a film, which every single person on this site such watch. Such an amazing film...outstanding!

Gone into my top 100 films
10/10

Jack Torrance gets a job as the custodian of the Overlook Hotel, in the mountains of Colorado. The place is closed down during winter, Torrance and his family will be the only occupants of the hotel for a long while. When the snow storms block the Torrance family in the hotel, Jack's son Danny, who has some clairvoyance and telepathy powers, discovers that the hotel is haunted and that the spirits are slowly driving Jack crazy. When Jack meets the ghost of Mr. Grady, the former custodian of the hotel who murdered his wife and his two daughters, things begin to get really nasty.

First things first I can't believe I've avoided watching this for so long and watched other movies as it it a great movie. For me Kubrick's trademarks are all over the place in this film. The colour in particular the usage of colour within the cloths each character wears, the interior design of the hotel and the exterior design. One scene that does do this amazinging well is the scene in which Jack meets the ghost of Mr.Grady, the background is red giving the audience clear imagery of Death or that something is about to come. This was pure brilliance on Kubrick's part, making the colours fit with the mood of the play. One of the creepiest parts about the movie is the feeling of isolation that Kubrick makes. The hotel is very silent, and the rooms are huge, yet always empty. It is also eerily calm when Jack's son is riding his bike through the barren hallways. Jack Nicholson's performance is also one of his very best, scaring the hell out of me and making me sure to get out once in awhile. Shelly Duvall did perform well and perhaps, like Nicholson, was a little over the top

Kubrick's outstanding direction here, really send the shivers down any viewers back. From every tracking shot, mid-shot to shots you wouldn't have thought of in a million years. Every shot is carefully selected in order to trigger a sense of sock or horror to the audience, making the film seem truely chilling. Wow! The music score, for sure one of the best scores I've heard. Every scene has brilliant notes, corresponding to the mood for the film, again sending a sshiver down my spine.

However, despite all this over the last 16 years or so this theme of Horror has been done time and time again and watching it didn't seem that scary, or frightening but it was the sutble omages that scared me a little. The film, unlike many horror-oriented films nowadays, doesn't only rely on stomach-churning and gory images (which it does contain, anyway) but on the incredibly scary music based on the works of Béla Bartók and on the excellent cinematography (the Steadicam is superbly used, giving us a sense of ever-following evil), as well. The terrifying mood and atmosphere of the film is carefully and masterfully woven by Kubrick, who clearly knows how to really make a horror movie.

Overall this is a great film, one of the best I've seen in a while. HIGHLY RECOMENDED

*Due for re-review*

Director:Paul Thomas Anderson
Released: 2007
Stars: Daniel Day-Lewis, Paul Dano, Ciaran Hinds and Kevin J. O'Connor
Genre: Drama
Country: US




A story about family, greed, religion, and oil, centered around a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

Well, first things first, I didn't think that I would come across a film that would have the same impact on me when i watched Atonement. Boy was I wrong! Everything in this film is pure genuis on Anderson's part. Stunning cinematography,acting,score,editing....everything that I want in a film and more. An absolute masterpiece.

There Will Be Blood contains some intresting idelogies about surburben America. Most notably an incredibly isolated one. But two that come to mind are this Anti-Religious theme and Ant-capitalism. We see the character of Plaintiff, who feels uncomfortable around Eli Sunday in relation to his evangelical preching. Daniel Day-Lewis' character is one of a seriosuly repressed man, who wants no more than to own every oil enterprise in the land.

What was so brilliant about this film, which I will probably say again was just absolutly bloody everything. The score I will begin with. Made by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, who for some starnge reason did not get an Academy award nomination for this, produces a score which prefectly relates to the time period. The whole errieness of it and the detuning of the score, adds to the bleak, corrupt atmosphere that we see on screen. Abolutly mesmeriszing. Something which I have to buy very soon. Still have it in my head. So brilliant"

The film also contains huge christian like imagery. For instance Plaintiff, is seen as deriving from hell, ie- we first seen him down in the pit lookin for oil. From there we can see he is a violent, selfish man, who is deterimined to get what h wants. From there on, when he takes the son of another man and poses him as his own-also symoboloses this. There are loads more but I dodn't want to give too much away as it's just blown me away!

Talking of "blowing me away" the cinematography. WOW oh Wow! again I didn't think I would see should sensational cinematography since I watched Atonement back in September. Again I was serisouly wrong. Throughout the film, the colour on the screen changes from dark to seriously light. Again, possibly signifies the changing of mood. One oncredibly piece of imagery is that scene where the oil place is on fire is unbelivably. The colours, is set up perfectly for something spectactualer. I don't have the words to describe it but once you see it you'll see what I mean.

Being a Scorsese fan, I can see hell of a lot of trademarks in here that he uses. For instance the jump cuts in here, that he often uses. These, as I can see from reviews have put people off and confused them a little. For me this is is beauty of the film. It has certainly made be think about how much I take for granted everything told to me in the film. I mean Anderson takes a chunk of vita nrrative information and doesn't tells us anymore. I loved this. Seriouslyy people is a good thing you know. It's something that is original and not often used. People wake up! Anyway, I loved some of the tracking shots in this, not quite beating Atonement but still some unbeliveable scenes in it.

The acting...well just outstanding. Daniel Day Lewis seriosuly pocess the inner-body of his character so well. The John Huston like voice, mannerisms, e.t.c is just mind-blowing. If he doesn't win best actor at this year's oscars-I'l eat my own hat!! I have to say Paul Dano is serisouly under-rated in this role. He brilliantly plays the twin-brothers Eli and Paul so so well. I love his crazy preaching moment...but I can't go into that much. Both actors, Dano and Day-Lewis have brilliant chemistry on screen which shows. I can't understand why Dano hasn't been credited more with his role-only a BAFTA nomination. I guess his is slightly over-shadowed by Day Lewis's performance.

Overall, the length of the film DOES NOT matter, the jump cuts, DOES NOT matter, acting, score cinematograpy all contribute to a sensational, outsanding film which words can't not express. I couldn't keep my eyes of it all the way through, just annoyed me that I picked a crapy version but I will get it on DVD soon.

Go out and see it when you can, you wont be dsappointed. Ignore the negative comments here because they're wrong!! There Will Be Blood gave me the same experience as I had with the brilliant Atonement. One of utter admiration for the director and just all around Wownes...a word I made up right there!

10/10

Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon some dead bodies, a stash of heroin and more than $2 million in cash near the Rio Grande.

I manged to watch this whilst trawling through the internet for films to watch. Luckily I found it! And it's not even released in my country yet. I was not disappointed. No Country for Old Men is one hell of a film, so good I might have to re-rate some other films. For sure an American classic and yes this is a masterpiece. And no American Gangster is not what I first thought it was after watching it. This is the first Cohen brothers film that I've watched. I don't know how I have manged to not watch any of their films but I will now. No Country For Old Men is a character-driven masterpiece. I'm sure I will mention that again in this review.

No Country For Old Men is definatly one of the best of 2007, possibly in my top 5. Not as good as the superb Atonement, but is still sensational. The film's narrative is relativly simple but by the end of the film you come out feeling like you witnessed something more. The film is incredibly stylistic. I mean you find yourself deliving into the scenery because it's just awe-inspiring it truly is. I don't think i've seen such a great film this year since Atonement.

The film plays with your own perception of morality. For instance the tossing of the coin by Bardem's character and Le-Jone's character's perception of morality in this era. The sense that what is real now does not reflect the past is also reflected in the film. Vietnam is often repeated symbolised the "Old Men" in the title. Also symobolising this is "No Country For Old Men." If you see what I mean. Luckily most users on this site, from reading their reviews have picked up on that.

Shot through some humours moments, which is evidently refelcting what would otherwise be in a real-life situation, should not be mistake for "gooy" moments" in the film. As No Country For Old Men is one serious girtty western drama. And for once an American thriller which actaully keeps you thrilled to the very last moment.

The acting in this is something of pure greatness. From Tommy Lee Jone, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem and Scottish actress Kelly McDonald; No country for Old Men delivers something of pure greatnes, if that's a word, maybe I made it up right there. Javier Bardem, in the first role that I've seen him in, seems to have done his best performance of his career. For sure an Oscar nomination and possibly my vote for winning it. His character's presense and ghost-like ora throughout the film, gives off one chilling performance that I will never forget. I'm still thinking of it now. Josh Broling, who also completes the sensational cast, produces a great performance but is outlclassed by Javier Bardem for me. Tommy Lee Jones is as ever brilliant and will no doubt get an oscar nomination. Also great to see Scot Kelly McDonald complete one great Texan accent. You could hardly regonise her in this.

The cinematogrphy is magnificent. It's the part of rthe film in which you are imeadiatly drawn into. The colours, almost fitting the mood of every scene. The script is expertly crafted to perfecton and will no doubt get an oscar nomination.

What is magnificent about this is that for majority of the film, there isn't much dialogue and much of the character's body language conveys the meaning to you. For instance one scene in the petrol station with Bardem's character and one with Brolin and Bardem's character.

If there's one film that yu see after you watch Atonement....it's this one. Both are just magnificent films. No Country For Old Men goes into American Film history as one of the great films. I'm still in awe of these two great directors. I must watch more of the Cohen's work.

I do't want to say any more about this brilliant piece of filmkaing as I will give bits away...so I will leave you to make your minds up.

Roger Ebert:

"This movie is a masterful evocation of time, place, character, moral choices, immoral certainties, human nature and fate. It is also, in the photography by Roger Deakins, the editing by the Coens and the music by Carter Burwell, startlingly beautiful, stark and lonely. "

*Magnificent Highly recomend*

Even thought this film was incredibly short and ended very quickly, it cramed in an awful lot of comparisons with American Beauty and themes withing the film. I enjoyed this a lot.

Firstly, the interaction between each family member seemed very familar to me and the take on American family life was particularly interesting. To me, at times it was showing a unique portryal of life as we might not have seen it.

The performances of Greg Kinnera, Toni Collette, Steve Carrel and little Abigail Breslin where all amazing and really made the film what it is.

Using the beauty pagent, one of America's favourite past-times and almost taking the mickey out of it made it useful for european audiences and certainly this is not done in the usual Hollywood film. It shows that the pagent is a farce and not every American agrees with it, as seen in the movie with all the characters.

Overall, a brilliant comedy whch is certainly worth the watch. You'll certainly empathise with a lot of the characters and perhaps the family as a whole. I think this wil get some oscar nominations in January

UPDATE

After a second viewing I've decided it's much better than my original rating. Expect a new review soon

Director:John Carney
Released: 2007
Stars: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, Hugh Walsh and Gerard Hendrick
Genre: Drama, Music
Country: Ireland









A modern-day musical about a busker and an immigrant and their eventful week in Dublin, as they write, rehearse and record songs that tell their love story.

Well, I don't think i've seen a film quite like this before. I've seen the odd musical, not quite like this but "Once" has left me feeling speechless and in such a great mood. One of the best of 2007 for sure.

Once's narrative is very simple. There are no character names for our two leads, and the guy refers to the girl as "herself", which shows how irrelevant the character's names are and that we can understand the character perfectly without that. You are able to follow the story along very well and often realte to the characters. I love the way the camera pins in on the character, which makes you imeaditly focus on them rather than whether you follow the story or not. Just brilliant. Which proves you can make a superb film with a low budget and make your audience perfectly content.

Seriously, I didn't expect Once to have an affect on me at all. There's just something about the music which makes you take notice and almost reflect on your own life, everything around you seems utterly meaningless. The songs are incredibly powerful and enagaging that what everis happening in the narrative, you couldn't care less about.

The two main leads, as I said before are two people you can releate to. Girl is stugglinh to make ends meet after moving to Ireland and Guy, a Hoover repair man who's trying to get a record deal, whilst dealing with the loss of his girlfriend. Both are trying to work their way up the social ladder. They both love music and that's what eventually brings them together. You can see throught the film the chemistry between the two leads, which is possibly why I was able to feel for both characters a lot. It's not supring both are a couple outside this film, they seem to be a perfect match.

One another thing, which I enjoyed about this film was the scenery arounf Ireland. Despite being filmed on a low-budget, it seemed to add to the film's authenticity and made think that this could be happening anyway, anytime rather than your typical girl-meets boy type film. The fact it's filmed in Ireland, does make it seem that more real aswell as it's not everyday a film comes out from Ireland, quite like this.

Once is one of the best films of 2007 and possibly one of the better musical type films that you'll ever seen. Authetic, vibrant and engaging and will leave you feeling incredibly happy after you've watched it.

NOTE: I may end up rating this 5 stars, as I was left speechless after watching this

Highly Recomened viewing

One of the best brit comedies ever!

Director:Christopher Nolan
Released: 2008
Stars: Christian Bale,Heath Ledger,Gary Oldman
and Morgan Freeman
Genre: Crime/Drama/Thriller
Country: USA






Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly.



*Possible spoilers ahead*

After a year and a half long wait, the sequel to the brilliant Batman Begins(2005), is finally here and boy did I enjoy it! It surpasses all my expectations and is FAR SUPERIOR to Begins. A Sequel which is far better and will be remembered for doing so. I you thought Begins was good, you will be plesently suprised. The Dark knight is as great as everyone says it is and more I'm still finding the words to describe even several days after watching it.

Yes, before I started watching the film, I knew Heath Ledger's perfromance would be amazing in the role of the Joker, and I was right. I have to admit that it didn't suprise me one bit. The time that he took to perfect his rol and the perfection in his voice, mannerisms and behaviour is just outstanding. He's created a character that's incredibly menacing and even in a 12A film, scary to watch. I'm sure he'll receive a post homours Oscar nomation, winning it I'm not so sure. It'll be down to whether the Academy can avoid the snobbery that they have over blockbuster films winning at the Oscars. He's character was also very funny and had several one liners, which I did laugh at. I don't think I'll ever forget his performance. It'll always be in my top five of all time.

Christian Bale repises his role as the caped crusader and has obtained a far huskier voice, which was great to hear. Bale is now my favourite Batman and I'm sure others would agree. Even as Bruce Wayne he oozes coolness in every scene he's in. His Batman is far darker than many previously and makes for a great character to watch.Bale also plays he's character tremendouly well and should be given credit for that, Also worth mentioning Aaron Eckhart's tremendous perfromance as two-facem who I didn't think would be good at all. Worth mentioniong Gary Oldman's Lt Gordon, Maggie Glyyenhaal's and Morgan Freeman's perfromance aswell, who all delivered fine performances. I'd really like to see Bale get some sort of credit for his performance, as it really was great.

The Dark Knight's cinematography was absolutly breathtaking to watch. In particular the sublime, opening sequence, which was inspired by Heat-which you can see . The colours, and sequences filmed just added a little realism to the films, giving it that post 9/11 feel. It also adds a little fear to the viewer, for instance in the Mayot's funeral. It drwas upon real events, which is just superb. Talking of superbm that Opening sequence was outstanding to watch. One of my favourite shots was one of the Joker, in the middle of the street, in almost a God like stance. Everything in the scene is quite shocking to watch. The joker and his henchman don't just feel like characters in a film-where you can just write them off. These characters really feel real and the sounds of the guns shots, in this scene only emphathises this. One classic line which I won't forget by the Joker.

I believe what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger..

The screenplay in the Dark Knight has to be one of the finest that I've seen for a summer blockbuster...since..well forever. It is obviously responsible for some great lines in the film. The scenes with the Joker and Batmanl, for instance-The iterrogation scene. I'm sure the screenplay will be up for an Oscar ans it is one of the best parts of the film for me. Loved this line from Alfred..

Some men just want to watch the world burn!

Nolan has now set the bar for Great summer blocckbusters. Everything in the film is FLAWLESS. The running time of nearly 3 hours flew b. His direction is absoulty outstanding. I just hope BAFTA award him with a Best Director nod next year.

The Dark Knight contains some amazing camer shots. For instance, as I mentioned before-that opening shot of the Jokers-WOW. One sequence towards the end, was just sensational to watch. I just hope this is the start of great summer blockbusters to come.

The score by Hans Zimmer is just sensational to hear. Every single piece of music livens up every scene and just get an absoulte buzz, when you watch it. You can;t help but cheers and smile when you hear part of that score. Just mesmerising. I hope it gets awarded at next years Oscars aswell.

I really think the editing is one of the sucess points of the film. The pinning together of some scenes , two or three at some stages really addes tension to the scene and sheer joy for the viewer. This adds to the experience and really makes it one hell of an enoyable experience.

Overall The Dark Knight is an absoulte MASTERPIECE. Filled with sublime acting, cinematorgpahy, excellent editing, screenplay. Expect the Dark Knight to receive several BAFTA noms and some OSCARS noms. I can't tell you how great this film is and how musch I enjoyed it. You must go along and see it for yourself.

Oustanding.

Highly recomended

10/10