Showing posts with label J: 4 stars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label J: 4 stars. Show all posts

10 July 2011

Black Swan (2010)

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

9 July 2011

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

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

26 June 2011

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

(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

4 June 2011

The Fighter (2010)

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

26 April 2011

Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

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

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

27 March 2011

The American (2010)

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

20 March 2011

Madeo (2009) aka "Mother"

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

28 February 2011

20 February 2011

Carlos (2010) aka "Carlos the Jackal"

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.

11 January 2011

9 January 2011

Toy Story 3 (2010)

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

19 December 2010

Chugyeogja (2008) aka "The Chaser"

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

16 October 2010

Kick-Ass (2010)

If there was ever a film that needed a Lion essay review then here it is.. sweary kids, dark humour, and plenty of kick ass action make for a real knockout feature.

Janck 4 stars (Apr '10)


Funny and action-packed in equal measure, you cannot help but root for the introvert protagonist; duty bound to bring a new kind of superhero to the fore. Destined to annoy a legion of Daily Mail readers; I for one am hoping for a sequel.


Mitch 4 stars

25 September 2010

Brüno (2009)

Howlingly funny at times, Brüno doesn't deviate far from the successful formula set down by BCLoAfMBGNoK, but will still have you chuckling days later..

Janck 4 stars (Jul '09)


I was hoping for a stinging satire on the Fashion Industry, but instead of Funkyzeit, this was actually quite shite.


Mitch 2.5 stars

18 September 2010

The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

George Clooney movie based on a book by a Guardian journalist.. it should be the best film ever but ends up just being a thoroughly decent one instead.

Janck 4 stars (Nov '09)


I'm sure the book will be better, but the decision to go with a comedy rather than documentary approach is well received in a tale of where the truth really is stranger than fiction. If you can't bleat them, join them.

Mitch 3.5 stars

21 August 2010

Up in the Air (2009)

Sharp and witty, what's not to like?

Janck 4 stars (Jan '10)




Top flight drama with a 'just doing my job' George Clooney and a star-stealing performance from Anna Kendrik who was Oscar nominated in this role. Clever, fresh, recommended.

Mitch 4 stars