film jam

Stake Land (2010)

2011-11-13T14:43:00.004Z

Like The Road but with more bite.

Drive (2011)

2011-09-18T17:20:00.004+01:00

Drive feels like the kind of film Quentin Tarantino could have made 15 years ago. Gritty, stylish and further cementing Gosling as one of Hollywood's most intersting actors.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

2011-09-18T16:40:00.003+01:00

Gary Oldman strives to get the wrong one out in Tomas Alfredson's masterful follow-up to one of my favourite films in recent years.

Rango (2011)

2011-07-30T22:00:00.000+01:00

Chameleon protagonist shouldn't find it too hard to blend in to this love letter to Westerns.

3 stars

Unknown (2011)

2011-07-30T14:41:00.001+01:00

Thriller by numbers is reassuringly Hollywood and entertains on its own merit. How many Takens/Unknows Liam Neeson will now typecast himself from here on is the only real known unknown.

3.5 stars

Submarine (2010)

2011-07-24T22:36:00.003+01:00

Decent Britflick from Richard Ayoade presents a coming-of-age tale with a genuine charm that cuts through the cloying schmaltz of the mass market machine. Funny, moving and nicely shot.

4 stars

The Town (2010)

2011-07-23T18:02:00.001+01:00

Decent, just can't help but we've seen it all before and better film was hidden in there somewhere.. still worth checking out though.

Janck 3.5 stars (Feb 2011)

Enjoyable enough crime thriller which although is solidly made, does not stick too long in the memory to make it a classic. Directed by Ben Affleck, the end result is very 'safe'.

Mitch 3.5 stars

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

2011-07-17T22:30:00.002+01:00

"Bourne meets Inception" says the film poster, however, there is unashamedly a large dose of romance, and, dare I say it, 'chick flick' cunningly disguised here. Emily Blunt is irresitible and annoying in equal measure though (no doubt due to some Hollywood exec telling her 'Oooh Emily, we just LOVE your Britishness'). Big themes of love/life/fate/choices make for a very mixed bag indeed.

3 stars

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

2011-07-16T22:26:00.003+01:00

Being a huge fan of the Alien Invasion genre, Battle: LA pulls no punches in basically just being Black Hawk Down with aliens. Battle, struggle, set-pieces, explosion, CGI, half-time and full-time results - it's all there. As is a, now obligatory, Michelle Rodriguez role as 'kick-ass female with a firearm'. Visual feast; paper thin and meaty at the same time.

2.5 stars

Black Swan (2010)

2011-07-10T21:06:00.001+01:00

Lesbianism, madness, Black Swan. The dark side are they.

Janck 4 stars (Jan 2011)

Aronofsky's use of symbolism and metaphor are sublime in this dark, psychological mystery. Lives up to the hype; recommended, raw, and cinematic.

Mitch 4.5 stars

Paranormal Activity (2007)

2011-07-10T20:53:00.002+01:00

Shot on a shoestring budget, Paranormal Activity is proof that you don't need to be a megabucks blockbuster to be tedious and boring.

Film Jam 2 stars
Rotten Tomatoes 82%
Metacritic 68 out of 100

El secreto de sus ojos (2009) aka "The Secret in Their Eyes"

2011-07-09T09:53:00.001+01:00

Although my mind is still boggling at A Prophet not winning Best Foreign Language film at last years Oscars, this is still a very worthy and rewarding winner.

Janck 4 stars (Feb 2011)

Academy Award Winner. Well paced Argentinian thriller, with sub-plots, twists and turns, and a reassuring darkness at the core.

Mitch 4 stars

Monsters (2010)

2011-06-26T21:49:00.001+01:00

Surprisingly cerebral and pedestrian 'invasion' monster movie. Action is used sparingly, which makes for an unexpected drama here. Cinematography (outstanding), writing, visual effects, and direction all from promising Brit newcomer Gareth Edwards.

3.5 stars

Akmareul boatda (2010) aka "I Saw the Devil"

2011-06-26T11:30:00.003+01:00

(Yet) Another uber-violent, stylish revenge thriller from the South Koreans.. but, they don't half know how to make them.

Film Jam 4 stars
Rotten Tomatoes 81%
Metacritic 67 out of 100

Easy A (2010)

2011-06-26T11:23:00.002+01:00

Easy to watch and good fun, it's a-okay.

Film Jam 3.5 stars
Rotten Tomatoes 85%
Metacritic 72 out of 100

Red (2010)

2011-06-25T21:45:00.002+01:00

Aging stars turn up and take the paycheck here; they run around a fair bit and wise-crack even more, but the end result falls flat.

2.5 stars

Paul (2011)

2011-06-19T21:41:00.002+01:00

Littered with Star Wars references, and pays homage to many others, this film is an enjoyable enough no-brainer.

3 stars

Blue Valentine (2010)

2011-06-18T21:37:00.002+01:00

Review to follow....

4 stars

The House of the Devil (2009)

2011-06-15T22:24:00.004+01:00

Tidy old school horror, genuinely suspenseful until the ending just boils over.

Film Jam 3.5 stars
Rotten Tomatoes 86%
Metacritic 73 out of 100

Mammoth (2009)

2011-06-12T20:40:00.004+01:00

Family and globalisation are examined in this well-meaning but flawed drama.

127 Hours (2010)

2011-06-12T15:49:00.005+01:00

Aron Ralston gives an arm, not a leg, to escape the Utah canyons.

Kokuhaku (2010) aka "Confessions"

2011-06-12T15:26:00.005+01:00

Yuko Moriguchi teaches her pupils a hard lesson in this psychological thriller.

Crank (2006)

2011-06-11T09:51:00.000+01:00

It's dumb.. really dumb.. but did make me smile.

Janck 3 stars (March 2011)

Review to follow...

Mitch 1 star

True Grit (2010)

2011-06-05T22:23:00.000+01:00

Nominated for ten Oscars but didn't win any, which seems about right.

Janck 3.5 stars (Feb 2011)

Review to follow....

Mitch 3.5 stars

The Fighter (2010)

2011-06-04T21:24:00.000+01:00

Like a powerful jab to the emotions, The Fighter is a true winner.

Janck 4 stars (Feb 2011)

Review to follow....

Mitch 4.5 stars

The King's Speech (2010)

2011-05-30T19:05:00.000+01:00

As we enter awards season I'd imagine Colin Firth et al. are all mastering speeches of their own.

Janck 4.5 stars (Jan 2011)

Review to follow....

Mitch 4 stars

The Green Hornet (2011)

2011-05-30T16:49:00.001+01:00

Disappointing superhero movie which doesn't really click for Seth Rogen or the creative vision of Michel Gondry. A bit silly, and not much originality.

2.5 stars

The Hangover Part II (2011)

2011-05-26T21:56:00.001+01:00

If you loved the first one, you'll like this.. but if you disliked part one then you'll hate it.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest (2009)

2011-05-22T18:36:00.003+01:00

More courtroom drama than action/thriller, this is still a decent end to a decent trilogy.

3.5 stars

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls Of Ga'Hoole (2010)

2011-05-22T18:23:00.001+01:00

Some of the best CGI in animation you'll be likely to see, this fantasy tale has a certain charm and a touch of 'Lord of the Rings' to it.

3 stars

GasLand (2010)

2011-05-22T12:39:00.002+01:00

Gas Panic! in small communities across the United States, all adversely effected by fracking gas companies.

Thor (2011)

2011-05-22T12:36:00.003+01:00

All the boom and bombast you'd expect from a Branagh comic book superhero.

The Social Network (2010)

2011-05-15T14:53:00.000+01:00

Janck 4.5 stars (Oct 2010)

I am indifferent about Facebook and it's daily usage, but I do appreciate a talented young cast and an Oscar winning screenplay. Extremely well made, Fincher combines all the elements well to tell a fascinating story.

Mitch 4.5 stars

Skyline (2010)

2011-05-14T18:08:00.002+01:00

One dimensional storyline as a bunch of model-slash-actors battle against alien invasion. How thoroughly entertained I was though ;) If you hate excessive CGI, you will hate this.

3 stars

London Boulevard (2010)

2011-04-30T18:01:00.002+01:00

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

Buried (2010)

2011-04-29T13:04:00.002+01:00

"Dark"

Wai dor lei ah yut ho (2010) aka "Dream Home"

2011-04-27T20:54:00.003+01:00

Violent thriller about Hong Kong's killer house prices.

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

2011-04-26T18:19:00.004+01:00

Possibly Banksy's most elaborate piece of work to date, and great fun for it.

The Mechanic (2011)

2011-04-26T18:13:00.002+01:00

Nuts 'n bolts actioner.

Let Me In (2010)

2011-04-24T15:27:00.001+01:00

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

Tropa de Elite (2007) aka "Elite Squad"

2011-04-23T19:43:00.001+01:00

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

American: The Bill Hicks Story (2009)

2011-04-18T19:12:00.002+01:00

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)

2011-04-18T19:04:00.003+01:00

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

Winter's Bone (2010)

2011-04-17T22:03:00.001+01:00

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

3.5 stars

The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)

2011-04-16T22:02:00.001+01:00

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

Megamind (2010)

2011-04-10T20:00:00.001+01:00

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

3.5 stars

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009)

2011-04-09T19:00:00.001+01:00

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

4 stars

Jackass 3D (2010) aka "Jackass 3"

2011-04-03T20:48:00.001+01:00

It's full of sh!t.

Source Code (2011)

2011-04-02T21:41:00.005+01:00

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)

2011-04-02T21:38:00.002+01:00

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

The Illusionist (2006)

2011-04-02T19:00:00.001+01:00

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

3 stars

The American (2010)

2011-03-27T20:14:00.000+01:00

No real thrills or spills, but The American is a beautifully crafted piece of work.

Janck 4 stars (Jan 2011)

Crime drama offers plenty of intrigue, and the Italian village backdrop offers enough escapism to ensure this is another solid Clooney picture.

Mitch 3.5 stars

Revanche (2008)

2011-03-27T16:43:00.003+01:00

Austrian crime drama with depth of character. Some narrative implausibility detracts slightly from a well rounded drama, although the tight direction and memorable cinematography justify the Oscar nomination.

3.5 stars

Greenberg (2010)

2011-03-20T20:34:00.000Z

Ben Stiller is surprisingly good in this drama, though the comedic element still shines through, albeit a well directed black one. Engaging character study.

3.5 stars

Hannibal Rising (2007)

2011-03-20T11:12:00.002Z

Hannibal Rising, Janck snoozing.

Madeo (2009) aka "Mother"

2011-03-20T10:05:00.002Z

Another smart and stylish South Korean thriller asking the question "do Mums know best?"

Machete (2010)

2011-03-19T16:24:00.004Z

Enjoyably trashy violence, one-liners and paper thin acting from a cast studded with cameos. Robert Rodriguez delivers a blood splattering machete fest.

3.5 stars

Despicable Me (2010)

2011-03-12T09:24:00.001Z

Not Incredible(s).

3 stars Janck (Jan 2011)

Feels like a Pixar poorer relation, but kids will still be entertained in this battle of villainy.

3 stars Mitch

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

2011-03-06T22:04:00.003Z

Nice Indie flick with lesbian mothers and a Ruffolian sperm donor.

3.5 stars

The Expendables (2010)

2011-03-06T15:01:00.002Z

Expectedly atrocious, but enjoyably so. Wry smiles all round from copious explosions and laughable acting. Boom, blast and ruination.

2.5 stars

A Serious Man (2009)

2011-02-28T21:57:00.002Z

Very Jewish, and very black.

4 stars

Funny People (2009)

2011-02-27T21:51:00.002Z

Comedy that is unexpectedly a drama. Funny, that.

3.5 stars

Last Train Home (2009)

2011-02-27T10:37:00.003Z

Interesting snapshot of modern life for millions (billions?!) of Chinese as they cope with family life during the industrialisation of their vast nation.

Lantana (2001)

2011-02-27T10:32:00.002Z

Smartly written and acted.. so much so that at times you may forget it's Australian.

The Brothers Bloom (2008)

2011-02-20T18:24:00.000Z

A blooming decent caper.

Janck Nov 2010 (3.5 stars)

Enjoyable, but not quite full bloom.

Mitch 3 stars

Carlos (2010) aka "Carlos the Jackal"

2011-02-20T18:07:00.004Z

TV mini-series chopped down for a UK cinema release, think along the lines of The Baader Meinhof Complex and Mesrine then you'll know what to expect.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

2011-02-19T21:43:00.000Z

Big budget Persian escapism.

3 stars

The Book of Eli (2010)

2011-02-13T22:41:00.006Z

A touch too preachy for my taste, although the post-apocalyptic vision is sufficiently desaturated and reassuringly big-budget.

3 stars

Brooklyn's Finest (2009)

2011-02-13T12:35:00.002Z

Largely derivative cops 'n robbers crime drama, although some good castings (and a few The Wire cameos) make this tick along. Is a stretch at over 2 hours runtime though.

3 stars

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call - New Orleans (2009)

2011-02-06T22:28:00.003Z

Slightly twisted crime drama lets Nic Cage run loose and bend and break the rules at will. Naughty man.

3.5 stars

The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009)

2011-02-06T21:53:00.000Z

Neat three-hander that ticks along nicely and locks you in till the very end. (Janck Nov 2010)

Could do with a re-write here and there, so what could have been brilliant turns out quite good. Nice to see Gemma Arterton not acting like Gemma Arterton for once.

3.5 stars

Case 39 (2009)

2011-01-30T22:20:00.001Z

With a credible cast who should know better, this is more a case of all filler, no killer.

2.5 stars

Restrepo (2010)

2011-01-24T21:27:00.003Z

A film that should be seen by all the hoards of CoD fanboys out there, to show them war is far from a game.

Crazy Heart (2009)

2011-01-23T22:30:00.001Z

Can't help but feel for Jeff Bridges as 'Bad Blake' saddled with the country gee-tar, the womanising and the bottom of a whiskey bottle.

4 stars

Exam (2009)

2011-01-22T23:13:00.003Z

Like an extreme edition of The Apprentice.

Knight and Day (2010)

2011-01-22T23:06:00.003Z

The film is almost as bad as the title.

The Crazies (2010)

2011-01-22T22:16:00.002Z

Pedestrian action/horror which relies too heavily on the seen-it-all-before death scares and creepy tension. Lack of a wider story makes this feel average but still watchable.

3 stars

The Cove (2009)

2011-01-17T22:00:00.000Z

Flipper has so much to answer for.

Janck 3.5 stars (Apr 2010)

Powerful doco grabs your attention and leaves a lasting impression. Raw and emotive.

Mitch 4 stars

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

2011-01-16T22:38:00.003Z

Enjoyable animated Viking adventure delivers plenty of action packed set pieces and the burgeoning relationship between boy and dragon.

3.5 stars

The Next Three Days (2010)

2011-01-11T21:55:00.001Z

As thrilling as it is believable.

Catfish (2010)

2011-01-11T21:38:00.003Z

There are plenty of Catfish in the sea.

Toy Story 3 (2010)

2011-01-09T19:02:00.000Z

Pixar knows if the toys ain't broke, don't fix 'em.

Janck 4 stars (Dec 2010)

Stunning sequel is entertaining from start to finish with unbelievably detailed HD animation. Pixar deliver another instant classic which is big on story, heart and emotion that leaves the competition lightyears away.

Mitch 4.5 stars

Iron Man 2 (2010)

2011-01-08T21:48:00.000Z

Iron Man sequel or Avengers prequel?

Janck 3.5 stars (May 2010)

Ticks every box you would expect from this big budget Hollywood blockbuster sequel, with little deviation from the core brand. Downey Jr. is good value in this very safe follow up.

Mitch 3.5 stars

Dark City (1998)

2011-01-03T20:43:00.000Z

A stellar cast fall a little flat in this sci-fi thriller with big ideas but little impact. Ideas within predate Inception, and The Matrix, however the latter being made only one year later make Dark City feel a little dated. Richard O'Brien's panto baddie sticks in the memory, but the end result is rather average.

3 stars

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)

2011-01-02T17:20:00.000Z

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World vs. me.

Janck 2.5 stars (Oct 2010)

Fresh, funny, fantastical. But also tangibly annoying and knowing at times, and bound to polarise viewer opinion. Typecast niceguy-geek Michael Cera plays this role perfectly; who cares about the one trick pony? There was enough horseplay here to keep me entertained.

Mitch 3.5 stars

Rapt (2009)

2010-12-23T12:51:00.006Z

Chugyeogja (2008) aka "The Chaser"

2010-12-19T15:48:00.000Z

Soon to be remade by the team that brought you The Departed screams the the cover.. screw that and just watch this version for another fine film to come out of Korea (it's no Oldboy tho).

Janck 4 stars (Aug '09)

Dark central themes and grisly violence are no strangers to Korean cinema, and The Chaser is no exception. Raw and energetic performances enliven this macabre tale.

Mitch 4 stars

The Ghost (2010) aka The Ghost Writer

2010-12-18T19:14:00.000Z

Pierce Brosnan plays ex-PM ~~Tony Blair~~ Adam Lang in this languorous but watchable thriller.

Janck 3.5 stars

Plotted and paced like a book itself, there is nothing overly gripping or cinematic about the Ghost, but a satisfying ending left me in good spirits.

Mitch 3.5 stars

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)

2010-12-12T21:14:00.003Z

This starts off with early promise, but lack of real suspense and tension left me with weekend engineering works rather than runaway express. Middle of the tracks viewing.

3 stars

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

2010-12-12T15:13:00.003Z

Michael Moore always manages to speak to my inner pinko, but he too often speaks to my inner narcoleptic as well.

Clash of the Titans (2010)

2010-12-11T21:04:00.000Z

Enjoyable enough CGI fest, but not a patch on the charming original if truth be told. Ralph Fiennes is the highlight as Hades in this style over substance fantasy epic.

3 stars

London (2005)

2010-12-04T20:56:00.003Z

Not the city, the girl. Played by Jessica Biel. And she's hotter than July. And a heartbreaker. Love's a bitch. A familiar cast (Biel, Evans, Statham) in an unfamiliar ensemble 'drama' that tries a little too hard to be deep.

3 stars

Heartless (2009)

2010-11-30T21:45:00.004Z

The devil is in the detail as Jim Sturgess enters into a deal with demons in East London.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

2010-11-28T23:40:00.002Z

Mindbending imagination adventure, which is actually better than it sounds. Has it's own fantasy charm in what proved to be Heath Ledger's last on screen adventure. Trippy.

3.5 stars

The Lovely Bones (2009)

2010-11-27T21:00:00.000Z

Good visual imagery, but surprisingly little emotion to leave any lasting impression. Standout performance from Stanley Tucci, but doesn't rescue this from averageness.

3 stars

Splice (2009)

2010-11-27T17:26:00.002Z

A film so so-so that I can't even dream up a glib review.. and that is the biggest crime with Splice.

Män som hatar kvinnor (2009) aka "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

2010-11-21T18:32:00.003Z

Very much like an extreme episode of Inspector Morse.

Pour Elle (2008) a.k.a. Anything For Her

2010-11-13T20:44:00.001Z

In spite of some artistic license, I would doing anything for Diane Kruger.

3.5 stars

Kærlighed på film (2007) aka "Just Another Love Story"

2010-11-11T14:36:00.004Z

Just another foreign language thriller.

Predators (2010)

2010-11-11T14:25:00.005Z

Makes the forgettable AvP movies even more forgettable without being spectacular itself.