30 April 2011

London Boulevard (2010)


Average crime thriller with a cast of familiar faces, however this isn't as clever or killer as you're left hoping it should be.


3 stars

26 April 2011

24 April 2011

Let Me In (2010)

Not quite as subtle nor considered.. everything you'd expect from a Hollywood remake.

Janck 3.5 stars (Oct 2010)





Well made in its own right, but there's really not much need to check this out if you've already seen the original. Faithful remake.

Mitch 3.5 stars

23 April 2011

Tropa de Elite (2007) aka "Elite Squad"

Uncompromising police voilence dished out in the favelas of Rio, but any comparisons to City of God are way off the mark.

Janck 3.5 stars (May '09)




Raw, but not groundbreaking. Puts the viewer in the frame with great effect, at the expense of a more solid storyline.

Mitch 3.5 stars

18 April 2011

American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009)

I dare not even attempt a glib quip here, and will just say if you're interested in finding out more about one of America's most groundbreaking comedians then look no further.. otherwise "you suck".

Never Let Me Go (2010)

A haunting and downbeat affair, which is probably why Never Let Me Go was laregly shunned by audiences and awards alike.

17 April 2011

Winter's Bone (2010)

Bleak Missouri drama with pockets of intensity, but largely downbeat.


3.5 stars

16 April 2011

The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)

Part II plays with fire, but doesn't quite turn up the heat from the previous installment. Good thriller in its own right though.

3.5 stars

10 April 2011

Megamind (2010)

Enjoyable enough Dreamworks fodder, with some slick set pieces for world domination enthusiasts of all ages.


3.5 stars

9 April 2011

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009)

Cracking opening to a decent trilogy. No wonder the Hollywood remake is on the way.

4 stars

2 April 2011

Source Code (2011)

Very satisfying follow up to Moon, which, and whisper it quietly, is on a par with Inception.
Janck 4 stars

There's very much a 'something borrowed' feel to this, and though this manages to create a solid cerebral mystery, it's the more light-hearted Groundhog Day moments that raise smiles, intentionally or otherwise. The heavy thematic plotlines and characters coupled with a cloying schmaltz do make this feel like a very safe studio release, however. The individual parts are nothing new, but the sum of them is still a very engaging sci-fi thriller.
Mitch 3.5 stars

Jaws (1975)

Over 30 years on and this original blockbuster retains all its bite.

The Illusionist (2006)

Average magical mystery, but there is nothing really memorable or special conjured up here.

3 stars