SkinsFan7126

by Craig

Directed by: Christopher Nolan.
Starring: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckart, Michael Caine, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman.

<< "You see, madness is like gravity, all it takes is a little...push" >>

The story follows Batman a year after his accounter with Ra's Al Ghul and his thugs, the streets remain the same and Batman continues to do what he can with the help of newly appointed Commissioner, Jim Gordon and Gotham's new D.A, Harvey Dent. Before long a menacing madman called the Joker introduces something into Gotham that no one would have ever expected.

This is no doubt the hundredth review you have read on this film, massively hype for years by fans and recently by the general public, reviews have been pouring in by the bucketload...my review is simply just a reminder, from both an obsessed fan and a general moviegoer, that this film is beyond anyones expectations, especially mine and that it simply is outstanding.

Everything about the first film is simply raised in level here, everything seems to be in a new direction, yet never forgetting what made Begins so great. Christopher Nolan has always been my favorite director and he has simply proved it here by a mile. To many it might appear flashy that he has taken hold of the newest technology for the film with IMAX cameras etc and in the wrong hands it would have just been for show, but Nolan is god behind these cameras and the epic scope is deftly handled and perfectly assured, the man is long overdue to be recognised more...and Wally Pfeister simply dazzles with the assured tone on this epic scale, it adds such a lovely feel.

The Nolan brothers screenplay is simply remarkable and again, 'beyond' everything I expected from the film. I was one of the men who knew the film was going to be more than just a Batman film, the footage I saw showed it, the dialogue rang true of it and as I am no doubt repeating in this review, its more than you would ever expect. In Batman 89, the problem that feel on it was the fact that the storytelling was lax and Joker became a first rate character over Batman, who simply became third rate. Begins proved that Batman and Bruce Wayne can be powerful forces and complex humans and faces and TDK continues that power by adding so much more. Morally complex from every angle, its a perfect crime saga under the superhero cover. Each character is given special treatment and in one word, a 'soul'. Bruce Wayne must now face the facts of Rachael being with another man, especially the one appointed as the challenger to Batmans moral values on Gotham. Joker is never given a major origin story and thank god for that, because the direction of Nolans vision didn't need it. He's unrelenting, mysterious much like Batman yet so self destructive and simply one hell of a scary, menacing clown that promises anarchy and chaos.

I can't go on without mentioning something highly underlooked in films...the score. It is the first soundtrack I would have ever bothered to sit down and listen to throughout and for good reason. Its a rich force that blends beautifully with the complexities of the films morals and emotions, beautifully adding richness to every epic scene on screen, its up there as one of the greatest pieces of music I've heard that can add so much to the moving image.

You all knew I was getting to this...the performances. Christian Bale once again proves to be the greatest mix put on screen for these characters. As Bruce Wayne, he continues to show the charming and cheeky wit around the way he is seen in city, yet remains so human and battles the strong emotions with others as we all do. Aaron Eckhart simply blew me away, especially when everyone goes in for Heath. He's perfect...there I said it and easily blows Tommy Lee off the face of the earth. He's got the perfect charisma to play this all american man as D.A of a major city and really is a nice threat for Bruce in his personal life, because he is not only similiar in statue as the force of Gotham, but he has won Rachael over, who no doubt sees him as Bruce without the mask...and when Harvey changes into who he is destined to become, Aaron is scary as hell and really is compelling. Maggie Gyllenhaal is a great replacement over the horribly wooden Katie Holmes and is given more to work with this time around and she blends in just well....AND of course Heath Ledger. What more can I say that no one has already said? Many still believe an posthurmous Oscar win would be a sympathy vote, the truth is, if the man was still alive today, he would still win it for what is quite possibly the greatest villian to ever grace celluloid...and that will be argued. Equally unexpecting and expecting, his performance as the Joker will stand for a lifetime. Sure Ceaser and Jack will always have a face for Joker as the showman style of the character, but Heath is the dark side everyone knows from a 50+ year old character. Charismatic, dark, edgy and scary as all fucking hell, he breezes into every scene easily stealing it and delivering something so intense, so unexpected, yet so real. Its a performance to be remembered by someone who died so suddenly and whether or not he wins the truly deserved Oscar, he's already in the hall of fame in my eyes.

The Dark Knight is a fucking masterpiece. To be, of course as 'opinion', because no one can stand as being right, it is the greatest film I have ever seen and blew my obsessive and very high expectations right out of the water. Moral complex, beautifully captured, deftly controlled, greatly performed...simply great. I still can't say that the film is 'flawless', because I still believe no film can or ever will, but The Dark Knight comes damn close.

<< "You see, nobody panics when things go according to plan. Even if the plan is horrifying. If I told people that a gangbanger was going to get shot, or a busload of soldiers was going to get blown up, nobody would panic. It's all part of the plan. But tell people that one tiny little mayor is going to die and everyone loses their minds!" >>

by Luciana

"This boy's honest, not stupid."

I cried watching this movie. What else is new? lol.

by Andrew

Lets get this out the way, to some extent this is better than Harry Potter. It is much better than the last Harry Potter instalment, and honestly I think this is better than the first Harry Potter movie. The problem with the first Harry Potter movie was that it was plodding in parts and seemed to be just be showing off its many effect shots and some scenes seemed pointless. But with this movie, it just gets straight into it and the pace just keeps going and doesn't stop. There doesn't seem to be one dull moment, yes there may be a couple of times when you drift off slightly but otherwise it is good with its pace. The story is a good ol' fantasy one with goblins and ogres and all other kinds of fantastical beings. The heroes of the story are twins Jared & Simon (Freddie Highmore), and their sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger). The cast is a big strong point of this movie. Freddie Highmore is one of the bst young talents round at the moment. Here he shows his talent at dual roles and showing he can do a very good American accent. Sarah Bolger (last seen in Stormbreaker) s also another good young British acress, also showing more of her talents in this movie. The rest of the cast don't make as big an impact as its young stars do, but they all give good performances. ONe thing I will say bad about it is that some chracters barely get a look in up until the final act the house (which is surprinsgly kind of violent). This was no way going to be a five star movies, it just isn't one of those. But it is an excellent fantasy. The special effects are also a highlight. These are some of the best effects I have seen all year. They make the implausible seem just that bit more believable. Martin Short and Seth rogan are on hand for comic relief as two CGI critters. Mark Waters is a promising director, his recent efforts have been chick flicks but being a guy I think they're alright, considering they are chick flicks. With this movie Waters is showing he can do more than just chick flicks, this shows great depth to him as a director. If you enjoy fantasy movies, then I highly recommend this one because its just a nice change from the darkness of the recent Harry Potter movies.

by Andrew

This was really all I expected it to be. I wasen't expecting much, which could have made it seem better to be honest. I liked the first two, the third one was pretty shite. What I found intresting, and what really got me to watch it, was the fact it was in computer animation. I thought anything could look better than those plastic costumes back in the original movies (sure, they look cool when you're kids but now as a teenager!, well). What to say about the animation then? The turtles themselves have never looked better. The animation works great for them and it allows the action to flow more freely. But the animation is poor on the human characters, they just look so fake and out of proportion. Its a shame really. The action works well with the animation, even if it is a bit hard to see. The new look has allowed for a more stupid over the top fantastical storyline. 13 monsters on he loose tat have something to do with a 3000 year old immortal who wants to lift a curse and blah de blah blah. The story fitted well, but I didn't really like it much. It seemed all a bit to videogamish, in which each slight plot development could have easily just come from a low class PS2 game. It also seems to be too dramatic for what the film is about, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (mmmm...). The only time it seems to be very un-dramatic is with the orange and purple ones (I forget their names!). I didn't like the whole tormented brothers thing. The action saves this, and I will admit at times the story got my attention! Just basicly watch this to reminis on the old TMNT you watched as a kid, just with a new makeover!

by Andrew

To be honest going in to this I thought I would come out with the thought of, a predictable crock of American action filled shit. But, surprisingly, I came out thinking what a load of predictable, extremely american, very entertaining action movie. The story is one of its strong points, which really deserves a bigger production and a big hollywood studion behind it. 10 death row convicts are selected to take part in an online show in which they are on an island and have to kill each other and the last one left alive is set free. All the while having bombs strapped to their ankles that go off if tampered with. Oh, and there is a time limit of 30 hours, and if there is more than one person still alive, than off go the bombs. It is quite an inventive sstory concept that I would have thought Hollywood studios would have jumped on. But no, this is produced by WWE (hence Stone Cold as the main star). Yes, they could put abit of money in, but the story deserves better actors and a more confident director shall we say. Another thing that lets this down, is having a whole back-story to Stone Cold's character, it feels unnecessary. Yes, it adds humanity to the story, but it seems to get in the way of the action. Oh the action is the best thing about this movie. It goes at a pace that keeps you up and alert. Every action scene feels like a shot of adrenalin. Its not as good as the action in the likes of Rambo, but it is extremely entertaining to watch. Another good point is the sub-plot of all the producers of the online show, as they are all split dow the middle, othres seeing this as a huge money making scheme, others seeing it as inhuman and evil. Itgives a bit of reality to it and this sub-plot doesn't get in the way of the action like the other one does! Now, what should I say about the cast. The highlight is Vinnie Jones, giing a rough, darkly twisted and funny performance. Stone Cold is, well, blank in a way. The role doesn't ask for any acting from him, just the fighting. The supporting cast are just little fillers and don't really make an impact. This is good action, that makes an entertaining movie, just try and ignore all those little annoying bad points and enjoy!

by Jose Angel

WOW!!! Dark Knight was good...REALLY GOOD! I MEAN REALLLLLY GOOOOOD!

by Ruben

"Holy amazing movie, Batman!" - Robin (1960)

Wow... I'm speechless. What else is there to say? Utterly perfect. Everything expected from this film is accomplished. Believe all the hype. Bravo Christopher Nolan, Bravo! You have just accomplished to create the best superhero movie imaginable. Wait, is this film even classified in the superhero genre? Not to me. This film takes "superhero" to a hole new level.

The Dark Knight manages to surpass Batman Begins in every level imaginable. The characters in this film are all portrayed amazing. All the buzz surrounding the late Heath Ledger about a possible Oscar nod is a great probability chance. Some scenes he was in chilled you to the bone, others he was horrifyingly hilarious. He is THE Joker... say goodbye to Jack Nicholson's Joker. Though it's a shame of the fate he had... this film would have risen him a lot.
Other amazing performances are created by Aaron Eckhart, he completely shines as Harvey "Two Face" Dent. This film shows the rise and the fall of a hero by the portrayal of Dent.
"You Either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain" - Harvey Dent
This is the quote to define this film in one sentence.
Christian Bale replays his role as Bruce Wayne and Batman amazing as well. He still is the best Batman I have seen. This film is summed up by three characters. The one who comes out on top from these three in The Dark Knight clearly is Heath Ledger. Don't forget about other great performances by Gary Oldman, Maggie Gyllenhaal (tremendous improvement from Katie Holmes), Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine.

This is my second favorite film released in 2008 so far (the other being Wall-E). The Dark Knight is a way better film than Iron Man was, in my opinion (and that was considered the best comic book movie of all time). Now that this one has been released, in my opinion, it should claim that top spot previously held by Iron Man.
Don't expect to go to this film as a Batman movie for the kids, it is not. Leave those to the first four Batman movies. This one takes a huge step from the typical superhero genre and takes it up another notch. Compare this with Heat and The Departed, even The Godfather: Part II (one of my favorite movies). Please don't compare this with the silly Batman and Robin and Batman Forever, they are completely different, other than sharing similar characters. Those movies were horrible.
This film won't disappoint. My expectation were way high before watching it, and they were met. An amazing piece of entertainment. One of this year's best, I can tell. Greatly recommended.

by Ruben

Even better than Hellboy, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army is nonstop thrills from the get-go. From the cartoony start of the film, you know for sure that you're going to be in a great ride. Guillermo Del Toro did not disappoint, well at least he did not disappoint me. This movie had the right amount of comedy with right amount of action, mixing CGI within it. It works. My theater was roaring with laughter in some scenes, it kind of felt we were watching a straight comedy movie. The visuals in this sequel are breathtaking, better than the predecessor. It gives Pan's Labyrinth competition just from watching the visuals.
This movie is not as serious as the first one, this is more light-hearted. (For me, at least) The majority will love it, some will hate it. Couple's will love it, I guarantee you that.
And beware, you will crave beer when watching this film, I did. As a matter of fact, I'm drinking a Tecate while writing this review just for Hellboy because we all now he loves them. Right?

by Craig

Directed by: David Fincher.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Jared Leto.

<< "Self improvement is masturbation. Now self destruction..." >>

The story follows the narrator of the film, an office employee, a heavy consumer to the world, who suffers from insomnia and does what he can to try and cure it, but when someone gets in his way, it vents up. He soon meets Tyler Durden on a business flight and together, aside from there differences, they put together 'Fight Club', an underground male fight group to help relieve male aggression.

I've seen this film countless times and I think it takes my number 1 spot for that reason. I find it difficult to pick a favorite film and even then I see no film as perfect, but the fact that I can keep re-watching this film and finding something new and refreshing every single time keeps it as one of my 'favorites'.

This film showed me one of my favorite directors...David Fincher. I would also count Se7en as another film that really brings forward the genius (it was released before this), but I saw this first. Key words is really all I can give you for his work here...brilliant, stylish, taut and a very original directional style, even when a lot of it comes from the CGI, his deft control and visual mind are present in every computerized moment and whats delivered is more than just CGI.

Now I have never read Chuck Palahniuk's novel that this film is based on (but I definitely plan to read it), so I can't judge how faithful this film is, even though people say it is. Whether or not the book is more complex and layered or whether it's the other way around...either way, Jim Ehl's screenplay is something astonishing. Many still believe that even though its a film for the mind, the visceral content make it that much more...wrong. The screenplay is complex and chock full of layers. Its thoughtful, controversial and truly outstanding. Its not only a film full of crafty thrills, brilliant characters, superb and thoughtful dialogue and a twist to shock many (your not smart to 'figure' it out before the end, you can only take guesses), buts its so much more...a corporate advert to show the deterioration of man, a consumers guide to how life is, every character action, every frame tells another story about everything we live for, all while keeping you extremely engrossed elsewhere...reading the basic synopsis for this film tells you nothing, it is not just a film about fighting, its about what man is really capable of, because we are blinded by how unreal the world has become, where we aim for unnecessary goals, where we want a certain lifestyle that we don't need, like Tyler Durden says in the film, 'Things you own, end up owning you'...trust me, I am only telling you one small factor of the film here.

The acting is brilliant, although Brad Pitt delivered a strong and weird performance in 12 Monkeys before this, this film showed the world he really is an actor and not just a celebrity. His performance that is darkly hilarious and strangely captivating...and Edward Norton gives the 2nd strongest performance of his career (after American History X), enough said.

Fight Club was a critical success, which is rare thing for a film that is now seen as a 'cult classic', seeing as it flopped at the box office...it got the best of both worlds without the worlds money. I could continue to rant on and on about how much I love this film and how the film stands alone as something great, but I'll stop soon. The film is a masterpiece in my eyes, a film of kinetic beauty and a film to tell so much to so many...many will see this film as a degeneration of the world, but its actually exposing the world for what it is...a nice twist.

<< "Hitting bottom isn't a weekend retreat. It's not a goddamn seminar. Stop trying to control everything and just let go! LET GO!" >>

by Luciana

I have never seen the television show for which this is based, so I had no real preconceptions besides what I saw in the trailers. So, for me, Get Smart was a pleasant surprise :D
It was full of laughs and Steve Carell played a really funny Agent 86...Highly recommended.

by Andrew

Have just watched this for the first time in about 3 years. I have just got it on DVD and have seen it for the first time without editing by ITV. What can I say? This is one of the many great 80's movies. It is very original and very funny. To really get the full sense of this movie, you really need to watch this movie when youre in your teens. This is an excellent coming of age movie. The cast is very young but very talented. They make the film even more watchable and add that special bit to their characters. You have the Jock, Emilio Estevez, the nerd, Anthony Michael Hall, the rebel, Judd Nelson, The Princess, Molly Ringwald and the basket case, Allison Sheedy. The film has a great srtucture to it. It starts off as a very light 80's comedy with the characters having nothing to do with one another. But when you're stuck in a school library for 8 hours, you're bound to start some conversation. And that they do. The film progesses with little arguments, little run abouts around the school whilst trying not to get caught by the teacher (an excellent Paul Gleason). The film excells when the characters open up to each other. Not only does it display the great talent of its young cast but it adds more depth to the story. It is also very dramatic and it is one of those moments in a film where you go completely silent because you just want to listen and you don't want to miss one thing that is said. John Hughs was really theking of 80's teen flicks. This is by far the best of his work. It is and 80's classic that deserves to stand the best of time. Hugely recommended!

by Craig

Directed by: Peter Berg.
Starring: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Eddie Marsan, Jae Head.

<< "Call me an asshole, one more time..." >>

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD

The story follows a drunk superhero known as Hancock. The entire city knows who he is and although he really is the only savior they have against crime, they don't trust him, seeing as he is careless, drunk and carries an attitude for all to see. But when the city really needs him the most, the closest people he has met along the way must help him to clean himself up and take on what he is asked of.

Yeah the plot sounds predictable and it is...but god the twisted take sounds like it really could be great and when I first heard it I thought 'wow, its great to finally see a twist on the superhero genre that doesn't sound like another parody'...the plot still sounds great to me, but it isn't fulfilled to it potential here.

I shouldn't really be 'spoiling' the opening scene, but I really have to here, because it shows you why I nearly felt like walking out. Without going into to much detail, a car chase/shootout is happening on the highway, Hancock is drunk and asleep, someone calls upon him to help and he flies to help in a drunk state...this sounds decent and funny, but that isn't the case as it is horribly executed here. The CGI is appalling, I get the idea that they are trying to do him flying drunk through the air but it looks very iffy...and THEN he smashes into a sign on the highway that causes a 20 second sequence of blatant CGI bits smashing into countless cop cars that flip and crash in every direction...a very 'Michael Bay' moment made worse playing to the song 'Move Bitch'.

But to be fair, the movie did step up for the next hour. Peter Berg does go to far into the familiar hand-held style that he did in The Kingdom and it does become a little distracting for where the story goes, but he manages to keep the pacing right and really helps to deliver the humor. That is definitely the strong point of the film, its humor. From such a character created (which is actually standard and goes through the basic motions throughout the film...nothing great), its cheeky, witty, a little dirty and very 'in your face'...I definitely found myself having a great time.

The performances were rather acceptable. Will Smith is obviously the right man for such a role. Although getting greedy with the 'celebrity status' he now has, he can still entertain and can act...and his sly attitude and humor really adds presence to the film. Charlize Theron works well with Will and they have unexpected chemistry together...and shes so damn hot throughout. Jason Bateman is...well, Jason Bateman.

Then the film goes downhill from what was actually a rather decent and acceptable 1st and 2nd act. The final act, while watching it, is done well, remained gripped and the visual style was amazing (underneath the mediocre CGI), but by the time the credits rolled, I felt horribly cheated...the film simply changed note harshly and what was for a while a decent, cheeky, witty piece turned into a overly dramatic film that took itself way to seriously.

The film is really problematic. The characters are stock, theres no strong villain presence and the ending really pulls the film down, especially after what I saw as a rather acceptable, funny and witty twist on the superhero genre with a strong performance from Will Smith...pity.

by Craig

Directed by: Sidney Lumet.
Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ethan Hawke, Albert Finney, Marisa Tomei.

<< "The thing about real estate accounting is that you can, you can add down the page or across the page and everything works out. Everyday, everything adds up. The...the total is always the sum of its parts. It's, uh...clean. It's clear. Neat, absolute, but my life, it doesn't add up. It, uh...nothing connects to anything else. It's, uh...I'm not, I'm not the sum of my parts. All my parts don't add up to one...to one 'me', I guess." >>

The story follows two brothers who organize a robbery of there parents jewelery store. Everything is set nicely, they are to rob it when there parents are not working, to ensure they don't get hurt, the insurance will cover it all and they will get the money that they so badly need. But when everything goes wrong, it sends everyone of them into a chain of events that none of them can change.

What can I say? I knew the film was going to be worthy of a watch yet I still held off a bit from seeing it...how stupid of me.

The screenplay from first timer Kelly Masterson is simply outstanding. It acts more as a character drama rather then a full on crime thriller and it works better that way. The films pacing might have some people lost in the dust and it jumps a fair bit around in time from character to character, but without that, the film wouldn't feel as complete as it really is. Each character is given special treatment and such a brilliant study on the events that occur, it contains so many layers I really don't think I can tap them all.

Sidney Lumet really is back at the top of his game here. I could go on about the overall craftsmanship of the film making seeing as I can now see it from that angle (being a filmmaker myself), from the incredible continuity and setups, but its really how Sidney directs that people should worry about. It deft, its thoughtful and its damn near flawless. He still has it in him to create something great and thats what you get.

The acting really is superb and exactly what is needed for such characters. Philip Seymour Hoffman gives his best performance since his Oscar win. His character has different raging sides of emotions and Philip deftly portrays this hateful man perfectly. Ethan Hawke sits nicely in the background showing that he can do good without stepping forward, knowing he isn't as great as the leads around him, but he does incredibly well. Marisa Tomei still looks amazing for her age but it is strange to see her going topless in her recent films, she may be a little underused here, but we know that she can act around her body...and Albert Finney is simply fantastic. Heartbreaking, intense and simply gripping, he gives the best performance I have ever seen from him.

There is so much to this film and still by the end of it, I felt fully satisfied, its a rare film that you can see as 'complete'. Before the Devil Knows You're Dead is masterful work, with a stunning, character driven screenplay from first timer Kelly Masterson, deft and near flawless direction from Sidney Lumet and some outstanding performances from the main leads, especially Albert Finney and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Quite the masterpiece indeed and up there with Lumet's best.

by Andrew

I really find it difficult to write about this film. It's a strange one and you really need to see it to get the whole depth of someones opinion of it. Through-out this film you get the feeling that it is striving to be better than it is. It is brimming with such surreal ideas that are striving to be heard, seen and realised. Originally this was a stage play, and in some scenes of this movie, you can tell. Some scenes feel like they would fit perfectly on stage, but come across to talky on film. We are first introduced to these characters right from the very beginning of their lives. We see the girl, Runt being born and then being placed next to Pig. We then see them all grown upnearly 17. Throughout the film you get some intresting back story to their childhood. These back stories add great character depth. It starts off very strangely as the audience is introduced to their little world. It is a very strange world and you feel uncomfortable to be part of it. You see their daily routine, which is sometimes so strange that you almost feel it to much to take in at once. But all this is necessary in the build up to what is at times a very tense creepy final act. The reason behind all this daily routine is so you an understand how Pig feels when Runt leaves and is whole world has changed in an instant. He therefore sets off to find her and be joined together. But he has become extremely jealous of anybody that even lays eyes on her. Due to them having such a close-knit relationship for all their lives, he can't bear the thought of her with anyone else. So he sees everyone else as an enemy, which of course makes him loonier than all the looney tunes in a nut house. The finale is dramatic but not as good as it could have been. You feel that it could have been different and you get the feeling of, 'Why the hell did you do that', there are many other options. This film deserves a stronger ending, it lets it down from the modern classic it could have been. The performances are nigh on perfect, with the two leads showing such great talent. Cillian Murphy has the much harder role, as his character goes under much more of a character transformation. He is so creepingly convincing that you are really scraed by what he becomes. Elaine Cassidy is very sweet and she gives a solid perofrmance, which adds a sweet sensitive human touch to the crazy going ons. This film suffers from a weak beginning and a rickety ending, but the middle is solid. It is a shame because this craves to be more than it is. But I highly recommend this, I think this is a film that will have very varied opinions.

by Craig

Directed by: James Gray.
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Eva Mendes, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall, Alex Veadov.

<< "Remember. It's better to be judged by twelve people, than carried by six." >>

The story follows two brothers who have chosen different paths. Ones a New York nightclub manager. On the rise, hes in talks to manage another club and the drugs are available to him where ever he goes. The other is a cop, who has followed in his fathers footsteps. After he raids his brothers nightclub for a Russian Thug, things start to spiral out of control when a hit is put on one of the brothers.

The plot idea really has the potential to be something great. A powerful tale of brotherhood and the complexities of the crime syndicate that went on in the late 1980's...unfortunately this film doesn't reach that.

What pulls this film down is James Gray's undeveloped and weak script. As a director, he is impressive. The film has amazing production values and is competently told with his keen eye for visuals, but the script really starts to lose things after the decent first act. The characters go by the numbers, going through the motions and being there for every silly setup to create conflict in the story. Mark Wahlberg's character especially is horribly undeveloped after a great start. I sat there wanting to see what he could do from the corner he is pushed into. But it isn't just about the characters though, James Gray squeezes in too many dramatic moments and silly dialogue that really pulls the film down after many great scenes, especially the shootout between the cops and the Russians that really is intense and shocking.

The performances are actually quite acceptable, considering what they are given. Joaquin Phoenix is rather underrated by many and needs to be seen as more of a powerhouse actor. He inhabits the characters attitude with flair and battles through what he has to work with. Mark Wahlberg is acceptable and is better here than what we have seen of him in the last 2 years (post-Departed)...and Eva Mendes delivers her better performance as the girlfriend fighting an internal battle to keep supporting her lover.

We Own The Night had major potential to be seen as a classic crime thriller...but it falls short. For the most part it stays above what we see nowadays with some solid performances and impressive direction by James Gray, who shows a decent portrayal of 1980's New York accompanied with some great scenes...but it fails at being anything more because of way too many unnecessary moments to create conflict and overall bland characters that don't give anything. Its worth a watch, even though I felt frustrated...but my attitude by the end of it was simply...meh.

by Luciana

Hilarious!