Requiem for a Dream - A very good film that i can relate to and very welldone visual representation of drug induced psychosis (sp).

The Prestige - I really enjoyed this film a lot. Excellent turns from all members involved. It looked like the team all enjoyed making this fil (thats what i think anyway)

Doom: Unrated Director's Cut - Seen it before, didn't rate it, but does a few fun moments like the FPS sequence.

Arthur and the Invisibles
While Freddie Highmore is a very talented young actor and I can see him being a big star for years to come, this effort from Luc Besson is instantly forgettable. The animated sequences are uninspired and the voice cast, dull.
What promised to be a fantasical, magical journey turns out to be nothing more than a yawn inducing drag with a total lack of originality.

Dreamgirls
Over-rated and over-hyped. That's not to say it isn't any good, it is, but it doesn't deserve the plaudits it's receiving. A good performance from Eddie Murphy, but not Oscar worthy. With the exception of Danny Glover, most of the cast, in particular Jamie Foxx, have zero personality. And while Jennifer Hudson has a powerhouse of a voice, is it really acting?

Gridiron Gang
Cliched, way too many 'inspriational' speeches and an over-the-top sentimental score make this well intentioned film just too corny.
However, I couldn't help be drawn into it as it is endearing and uplifting with a surprisingly good performance from the Rock.

Notes on a Scandal
Taut, tense and compelling psychological thriller with superb performances from Cate Blanchett and Judi Dench. While it does go a bit over the top from time to time, the scene with the dying cat for one, for the most part this is a deviously entertaining film and it's a joy to watch two of the finest actresses around being pitted against each other.

I recently saw the French film 13 Tzameti. It was the most intense film I have ever seen. The movie is based on a game similar to russian roulette. My heart was pounding so much, I thought it was going to explode.

A horror film, the house of the dead.. it's a thrill and suspense movie, but i'm more intereseting in the new upcoming horror movie WAZ.. it's all about your life or your love.. would you kill the one you've life to save your self to death??? sounds interesting..

the hills have eyes 8/10 this film is similar to Wolf Creek but really good cause emile de ravin is in it
love and suicide 7/10 really bad acting but great storyline
crank 10/10 none stop action and jason statham dare i say more
lost and delarious 6/10 very depressing but brilliant from piper perabo (only reason i watched)
saving face 7/10 kepy switching language english to japanese got annoying

Pitch Black - Like the film a lot

The Last King of Scotland - Meh, nothing spectacular

The Terminal - Really enjoyed this film a lot. Excellent

88 Minutes starring Al Pacino - A very standard, average thriller. I'm not saying it's a bad movie just that it won't set the world alight with it's originality.

Sharing the Secret 8/10

Absolutely superb film starring Alison Lohman, Tim Matheson and Mare Winningham. Lohman is a teenage girl who feels she must always seem happy for her parents and friends and as a result, secretly binges then purges as a form of comfort which is soon recognised as an illness. Lohman is a very talented actress and has a stupendous range of ability. Made for TV film based on true accounts.

The Notebook 9/10

Possibly the greatest love story ever! Spectacular film, incredible cinematography, acting of the highest quality from Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, very moving soundtrack composed by the excellent Danny Elfman... this film has everything! From the amazing opening shots of a lonely rower at dusk on a river and the sweeping shots of the landscape, you know this is going to be an amzing film. Make sure you have lots of tissue!

The Breakfast Club 9/10

John Hughes' second finest film after Planes, Trains & Automobiles, a classic!

Good Will Hunting 8/10

Will Hunting is a janitor at a prestigious university but is also a maths genius who has developed a bad attitude in life because of his orphan upbringing. Some life lessons from Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) sets him free and opens his heart to find what he really wants in life. Moving in parts and a very good script from Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.

Charlotte's Web
The book dealt with a child's innocence and loss of it as they grow, however the film handles the subject with cotton wool wrapped around kids gloves and ultimately the point is lost.
It boasts a stellar voice cast and therein lies the main problem I had with the film, it was difficult to accept the horse, sheep etc. when they're being voiced by Robert Redford et al.

A nice film and kids will no doubt love it but lacks the charm and magic of Babe.


For Your Consideration
While Christopher Guest may never again reach the heights of This Is Spinal Tap but previous efforts like Waiting for Guffman and Best In Show prove that he has a knack for witty, delicious dialogue and is one of the finest comedic actor/directors around.
So it was with great anticipation that I went to see his latest offering, and was I disappointed. With all his films, Guest lets the actors improvise, however this time it doesn't work and most of the jokes fall flat.

Making a mockumentary on Hollywood should have been Guest's motherload but unfortunately the script was too weak and while the usual ensemble cast are fine they just don't have anything to say.


Hannibal Rising
A few years ago author Thomas Harris said that there's no need to try and explain Hannibal Lector's demon, his evil. Now he has apparently decided it is necessary. And therein is the main fault with the film. All through it the same question was running through my mind; Why do we need to see this?
You don't need to know what makes Hannibal Lecter evil, he just is, that's what makes characters like this so terrifying and by trying to explain it destroys the persona.

Another problem with the film was Gaspard Ulliel, who at times was ok as Hannibal but for the most part he glared and sneered so much he came across as a cartoon villian, all he was missing was a cape.

All I can hope is that Mr. Harris doesn't have any more stories to tell about Hannibal. Manhunter and Silence of the Lambs were the peak, everything that came after that were nails in a coffin and the latest offering has just sealed it.


Blood and Chocolate
I want to be a werewolf. Because seemingly if you are you have a magnificent wardrobe, drive sports cars and motorbikes and own chocolate shops.
How could this film be taken seriously, werewolves that deliver sweets to families around the neighbourhood. Based on what I believe is a very good book the film meanders through a very weak plot, poor special effects and ham acting from most of the cast.
One saving grace however is the cinematography, shot with a red filter it gives the film a very warm feel and beautiful shots of Bucharest.

But it's not enough to save this disaster.


Music and Lyrics
For me Hugh Grant reached his peak with About A Boy and since then I've watched his films in hope of seeing a repeat performance of said film. After the terrible Two Weeks Notice and poor Love Actually (two films I believe Grant himself disowns), this is better than the aforementioned films but not by alot.
After a promising start where we see the video of the bands 80's hit, the film takes the usual Hollywood romantic comedy route. This is a pity because what could/should have been a wry, witty look at the current pop scene, instead it plays it safe and delivers the usual formulaic, by the numbers film.
It wouldn't be fair to say it doesn't have some endearing qualities, it does and Hugh Grant delivers some good lines but ultimately it's forgettable.

JarHead...I was expecting it to be better. I think what turned me off was that I'm somewhat against war and the attitudes of the soldiers in the movie bothered me.

Smokin Aces - This i feel is pretty similar to Narc in terms of it tone. It starts of slow and builds into a fantastic climax with well chorographed action set pieces and an excellent plot twist and maintains such interest during the Denumont [sp].

Very good film but not great though but boy did it build up to a very intense finale

Admittedly the last film that I saw was for work but it was a good one, which I would definitely recommend if you'd like a bit of an emotional workout!

Having seen Mads Mikkelson's previous performance in CASINO ROYALE I must say that I think his Le Chiffre was certainly a standout, but his next film out in the UK, AFTER THE WEDDING (March 9th), showcases his talent subtly but beautifully. Granted my comparison is a little 'apples and oranges' so I'm not sure just how valid my opinion is but I did enjoy AFTER THE WEDDING more than Bond.

"Following his turn as villain Le Chiffre in the latest Bond instalment, Casino Royale, Mads Mikkelson takes a leading role in Oscar-nominated tragi-drama After the Wedding. The film follows Jacob (Mikkelson) as he is drawn back to Denmark to meet a potential wealthy donor to his failing Indian orphanage. Whilst back in his native country Jacob accepts an invitation to Jorgen’s daughter’s wedding where he finds that complications beyond business have been involved in his return".

Mads as a Bond villain was interesting, but as a leading man he does show himself to be pretty strong.

And I finally connected the dots the other day and realised that another of director Susanne Bier's many award winning films is to be remade for Hollywood by none other than Scrubs star Zach Braff. Aces.

Once Upon A Time In The Midlands - A woman turns down her boyfriend's proposal on live tv. Her ex-boyfriend returns to their hometown to try and win her back.
I like Shane Meadows but I found this really difficult to get through. I found it dull and it really dragged. The characters were mostly unlikeable as well.

Dot The I - Story about a passionate love traingle or is it ?
An intriguing idea but rather far fetched and it takes an age to get going. Gael Garcia Bernal always makes things watchable though.

Vital - More weirdness from Shinya Tsukamoto (the Tetsuo films). Hiroshi has amnesia following a car accident in which his girlfriend died. Things get rather odd and kinda gross when he returns to medical school.
Very mysterious and strange but I stuck with it and was satisfied. You may need a strong stomach to stick it out.

Jeepers Creepers 2 - There's no tension or scares in this one, it's just a straight out slasher. Some memorable slayings though. Makes an attempt to link to the first film with some supernatural vision gubbins but you be better off ignoring that bit.

Strayed - A widowed woman flees Nazi-occupied Paris with her two children. When the road is bombed they are helped by a mysterious young man.
Shows how quickly everything can be torn apart by war and how you have to learn to survive.
An enjoyable film with a sense of danger and foreboding through it. Gaspard Ulliel is touching as Yvan the vulnerable good samaritan.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) - Not bad but not particularly good either. Meh.

Videodrome - Max Renn works for a sleazy cable company specialising in porn. After he stumbles upon a secret snuff/torture channel his life gets increasingly weirder and out of control.
James Woods is great in this and the special effects are impressive and creepy. I suspect the film wouldn't be half as effective without them. A bizarre film but worth it.

Remember The Titans - The story of a football team forced to racially integrate and how they have to learn to play as a team. Based on true events. I thought it was ok but I think it's the cheesiest film I have ever seen. Real heart-string tugging stuff.

Imaginary Heroes - The Travis family is torn apart following a tragic event.
Quite a heavy film about a severely disfunctional family. But I really liked it. Sigourney Weaver is always good and there was some decent black comedy going on. No easy resolutions either.

Survive Style 5+ - I could try and describe the plot but there wouldn't be much point. There are too many things going on in this multi-threaded film. If you like bizarre films then this is a must. It's a riot of colour and randomness. It really did my head in at first but I fell in love on the second viewing. Ace.

Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore in Music and Lyrics - meh, Hugh Grant meets a woman, he charms her, he "pushes in her back doors" at about the hour time mark, they have a row, he makes a large scale romantic gesture and it ends happily. Better than Saturday Night Television.

hannibal rising - Was a bit dissapointed with this, i mean it was never gonna be the same without hopkins but still coulda been alot better then it was.
I thought Gaspard Ulliel over acted the part of hannibal and made him less convincing, in fact i think hannibals character was ruined, and the killings were rather dull as well.
If this film had nothing to do with hannibal it might have ben half decent but i was expecting so much more.


tideland - all you would expect from terry gilliam, if you dont like gilliams stuff then dont watch the movie, but i loved it though this was a great film and think gilliam was completly right when he said you have to watch it through a kids eyes, great.

Hot Fuzz
First of all it’s too long, should have been 30 minutes shorter. There are too many scenes where nothing happens and some of the jokes are forced and ultimately fall flat.
Another problem was there were too many characters that were criminally under used (no pun intended). Bill Bailey, Martin Freeman, Bill Nighy, Steve Coogan, they were all wasted.
Also the camera work was over the top, while it worked at times, alot of it felt like a Jerry Bruckheimer production of an episode of Murder She Wrote.

However, when it’s funny, it’s really funny and there are some lovely nods to Shaun of the Dead, Lethal Weapon, Bad Boys etc.
Timothy Dalton is excellent in it and there’s a really nice 007 moment near the end (or maybe I was reading too much into it).

All in all though I liked it, but it’s no Shaun of the Dead.


The Science of Sleep
This is one of those love/hate films. There's no in-between here. You'll either come out of it thinking Michel Gondry is a visionary filmmaker or you'll be wondering why you wasted your time and money.
Personally, I loved it. It's an inventive, magical journey with a childlike innocence.

The film follows Stephane (Gael Garcia Bernal) who has difficulty separating his dreams from reality. When he meets and falls for Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg) his dreams become dominated by her as he tries to win her affections.
It's the story of an average, ordinary man with a dull job that wants to be something more, something special and longs to be loved.
And it gets almost frustrating when Stephanie doesn't return his affection until the bombshell hits and you realise why. Although this revelation is very subtly done and some viewers may miss it. Of the three people I was with only one other got it.

A delightful treat of a film.

Harsh Times. A great twist on the slacker movie with a good turn from Christian Bale as a burned out soldier trying to get a job. Shame about the signposted ending but good nonetheless.

Children of men. Good film, again, shame about the end but still recommended.

Punch Drunk Love - Very strange - but I strangely enjoyed it!

Crash 9/10

Absolutely amazing film with superb power performances from an ensemble cast particularly Matt Dillon and Michael Pena who for me, stole the film. A wonderfully complex story, everything about is first class. Micheal Pena keeps getting better every time I see him in a film.

The Mighty 8/10

A very moving film about the most unlikeliest of friendships.

The Horse Whisperer 9/10

Another beautifully photographed film by the legend that is Robert Redford. The mother of an injured and traumatized girl enlists the help of a unique horse trainer to help the girl's equally injured horse after they're both injured in an accident. Redford is effortless as usual and Kristin Scott Thomas, Sam Neill and Scarlett Johansson are brilliant too.

Trouble Every Day 8/10

Very good french film starring the great Vincent Gallo. He has to be one of the most underrated actors of his time.

The Chronicles of Riddick: The Directors Cut - Certainly makes more sense that the theatrical release, this film gets better everytime i see it. I love how Twohy presents a strange universe with such diverse characters. Its ironic that when i first saw the film i disliked it, dismissing it as over two hours of pointless nonsense, yet this is getting to my tenth viewing of the film.......see....we all began as something else.

The Return starring Sarah Michelle Gellar - Dear God, no, incredibly bad. Really awful.

The Good Shepherd 9/10

It's finally upon us. The second film directed by the greatest actor of all time, and what a magnificent job he did! Robert De Niro's epic drama about the birth of the CIA told through the eyes of Edward Wilson as masterly played by the brilliant Matt Damon. The story is very complex and frequently moves back and forth in time to give a deep insight into how Wilson devotes his time to his family and the espionage and interrogation work he does for the CIA, combine this with real footage of actual events and this makes for a pretty accurate account into the history of one of the most secret agencies on the planet. Superb supporting performances from Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, John Turturro, Tammy Blanchard, and of course the king himself, makes The Good Shepherd one