Ji jie hao (2007) aka "Assembly"

After the impressive battle sequences the first half of this film treats you to, the latter half feels slightly underwhelming, but remains a powerful war epic.

3.5 stars

Festen (1998) a.k.a The Celebration

Father's 60th birthday celebrations turn sour in this Danish gem of a movie. This film kickstared the Dogme 95 revolution and proves something low-budget and un-Hollywood can still deliver.



4 stars

Planet Terror (2007)

Great fun and buckets of blood in this Robert Rodriguez feature, perfectly fitting the "grindhouse" genre (perhaps even more so than Death Proof). It's a great shame that the double feature concept was dropped, enjoyable as this was I think the original cut of 95 minutes would be a more suitable length for Planet Terror.

Janck 4 stars (18th March 2008)


Personally I preferred Death Proof out of this Grindhouse double-bill, but this tongue in cheek gorefest is enjoyable none-the-less.

Mitch 3.5 stars

A Mighty Heart (2007)

US reporter gets kidnapped in Pakistan in this drama based on actual events. Quickly edited shots throughout the film capture the mood of post 9/11 uncertainty. Unexpectedly powerful movie.


4 stars

Hollywoodland (2006)

Slow-burning drama/mystery surrounding the death of George Reeves, TV's Superman in the 1950's. Some very good acting, but the film's pedestrian pace ensures this does feel longer than it's 2hrs runtime.


3.5 stars

Eagle vs Shark (2007)

New Zealand 'geek-indie' flick riding on Napoleon Dynamite's coattails. Above average; but only just. (This completes quite the Antipodean weekend - see below).



3.5 stars

Kenny (2006)

Although there are some cracking one-liners and a few decent belly laughs in this Australian comedy, I can't help but think that 'mockumentary' as a genre has been done to death.




3 stars

The Lookout (2007)

Decent enough heist flick that delivers all you expect of it.

3 stars

Far from Heaven (2002)

This tale of forbidden love is fabulously acted, making it all the more so heartbreaking. A 50s classic.

4 stars

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Emotive and hard-hitting tale of hope amidst widespread genocide in Rwanda.


3.5 stars

The Exorcist (1973)

Pea soup anyone ?

4 stars