The Hurt Locker (2009)

Winner of 6 Oscars, this gritty portrayal of an Iraq-based US bomb squad simmers for the most part, with some interesting cameos to boot. But some of these characters are incredibly two-dimensional, a real surprise for a Best Picture winner. Well received by the masses; perhaps they missed out on the superb Generation Kill.


4 stars

Lonesome Jim (2005)

Charming indie movie (that took three years to get a UK release..) from Mr Pink, starring Casey Affleck as the depressed loser Jim, who somehow manages to win you around (drinking from a jar helps) to his unique style of sadness.

Janck 4 stars (Aug '08)


Interesting premise of the broken washout who faces up to family life and some home truths. Intentional or otherwise, this occasionally gets lost in its own dreariness, and the sub-plots are largely uninvolving. Good black comedy for the most part though, just not a memorable indie classic.

Mitch 3 stars

Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic by name, jolly good by nature.

Janck 4 stars (Jan '10)




Not sure what Roald Dahl himself would make of this, but this certainly is a labour of love from Wes Anderson. Not quite as fantastic as originally hoped.

Mitch 3 stars

Fish Tank (2009)

Trapped by the tower block and her family and...well...Essex, 15 year old Mia offers us a glimpse into her world. Powerful performance from first time actress, Katie Jarvis, in the lead role; and an honourable mention too to Michael Fassbender. Realistic dialogue make this a well executed Brit Flick.


3.5 stars