Los cronocrímenes (2007) aka "Timecrimes"

Time travel thriller, which by any L O S T fan standards is pretty straightforward, though still entertaining.

3.5 stars

The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

A bit invasion, a bit disaster movie, a bit silly (much like Jennifer Connelly's fringe). I haven't seen the original, but this is definitely Hollywood selling out with style over substance. Hollow blockbuster.


2.5 stars

Revolutionary Road (2009)

Sam Mendes revisits troubled American suburbia, although any American Beauty parallels would be wide of the mark. This time he directs the missus and DiCaprio, who both pull off powerhouse performances with ease; tempers flair and patience runs thin. Very solid human drama.


4 stars

Gran Torino (2008)

Clint pulls off a triumph in his rumoured last ever acting role in which he plays an embittered old man (was this really an acting stretch, Clint?). It's a slow-burner, but does eventually live up to the hype.


4.5 stars

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)

Never mind Zack and Miri, this is all about the Justin Long cameo. Not as much nudity as one would hope expect from an 18-certificate (the profanity more than makes up for that). Nice hangover movie.


3.5 stars

Sun taam (2007) aka "Mad Detective"

Intense and insane.. all pretty much to be expected from a HK action flick, not seen much Asian cinema recently so this was relativley refreshing if not a classic.

3.5 stars

I.O.U.S.A. (2008)

Documentary about the US national debt, paints a pretty grim picture especially as it was made before the recent economic bailouts..

3.5 stars

Man on Wire (2008)

Heist movie with a twist.. It's a documentary about a circus act.

Janck 4 stars (Apr 09)



Nice doco; you cannot help but feel Philippe Petit's infectious enthusiasm. Lots of great archive footage, just a shame they didn't pack a video camera for the crossing day.

Mitch 3.5 stars

Changeling (2008)

Solid and sinister true story adaptation from Clint; he does know how to make a good drama. Lots of use of the word 'son', son.

4 stars

Lakeview Terrace (2008)

Samuel L. Jackson vs liberal guilt.

3.5 stars

The Grudge 2 (2006)

After a woefully trite introduction (3 schoolgirls creep into the haunted house....yes....seriously....), The Grudge sequel manages to pack in enough death-scares and creepy visuals to equal its first installment. Combined with an impressive and nerve-shredding 5.1 surround soundtrack, creepiness has never sounded so good. Horror nonsense which surprisingly delivers.

3.5 stars

Le temps du loup (2003) (a.k.a. Time of the Wolf)

Rural France suffers an unexplained disaster setting up a post-apocalyptic dystopia. Grim and bleak cinematography capture this well with lonesome wide shots, although Haneke fails to convey the visceral human struggle in the way he so obviously intended.


3 stars

Defiance (2008)

Jewish brothers set up camp in the forests of Nazi controlled territory - we shall not be moved. Amazing tale of brotherhood and camaraderie, though this does not translate to a particularly exciting screenplay. OK, but not essential viewing.


3 stars

Quantum of Solace (2008)

Mitch : Actually quite enjoyed this; the re-invention of Bond continues. Very much action packed; (Quantum of Bourne, perhaps?) at times it's pace is unrelenting. I liked it, but maybe I'm easy to please.
4 stars

Janck : If Casino Royale was the James Bond franchise being shaken, this is more of a decent stir.
3.5 stars

Tyson (2008)

Interesting documentary, but would like to have seen director Toback put up more of a fight over Iron Mike's controversial past.

3 stars