Unknown (2011)

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

The Town (2010)

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

Monsters (2010)

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

True Grit (2010)

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 Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest (2009)

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

3.5 stars

Let Me In (2010)

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"

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

Winter's Bone (2010)

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


3.5 stars

The Girl Who Played with Fire (2009)

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)

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


3.5 stars

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

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

Revanche (2008)

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)

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

Machete (2010)

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

The Kids Are All Right (2010)

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

3.5 stars

Funny People (2009)

Comedy that is unexpectedly a drama. Funny, that.

3.5 stars

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

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)

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

How To Train Your Dragon (2010)

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


3.5 stars