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

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

The Social Network (2010)

Janck 4.5 stars (Oct 2010)




I am indifferent about Facebook and it's daily usage, but I do appreciate a talented young cast and an Oscar winning screenplay. Extremely well made, Fincher combines all the elements well to tell a fascinating story.

Mitch 4.5 stars

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

Shutter Island (2010)

I've been waiting for Mitch to write an intelligent and worthy review for Shutter Island but no dice, so it falls to me to write a glib one instead.. You'd be crazy not to like it.

Janck 4 stars




A cinematic delight; the cloak and dagger backdrop of the fifties seems a perfect era for Scorsese to craft an intriguing thriller right from the off. Compelling, cryptic filmmaking that you'd be mad to miss out on.

Mitch 4.5 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

Star Trek (2009)

What the prequels should have been.

Janck 4.5 stars

To sum up in three words: Star Trek Wars. Highly entertainly on the big screen, J. J. Abrams has crafted a flat-out decent sci-fi spectacle.

Mitch 4.5 stars

WALL·E (2008)

Mitch : Futuristic robotic tale featuring one of the most likeable characters in years in WALL-E. Littered with 2001: A Space Odyssey references, a nod to classic silent film, and a stinging satire on the obesity timebomb, this is Disney/Pixar's finest work to date.
4.5 stars

Janck : Nice environmental message, with a hint of date-rape.. what's not to like.
4 stars

Sunshine (2007)

I re-watched this on blu-ray, and in spite of it's flaws, Sunshine is a near perfect blend of science fiction, cinematography, film score, and ultimately a tale of humanity. For me, Danny Boyle had already shown he was an accomplished director way before the Slumdog accolades came along.


4.5 stars

Dead Man's Shoes (2004)

Utterly compelling tale of bloody revenge. Shane Meadows delivers a powerful movie, with an impossibly good unhinged performance from Paddy Considine. Superb Brit flick.


4.5 stars

Scaphandre et le papillon, Le (2007) a.k.a. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

True story adaptations are usually let downs, but this speaks volumes about everything good about foreign cinema. Emotive and very well made; highly recommended.


4.5 stars

The Counterfeiters (Die Fälscher) (2007)

One of the lesser known tales of WWII, this absorbing story centres on a group of note forgery criminals within Nazi controlled concentration camps . Karl Markovics is outstanding in the lead role; the narrative deftly leads the viewer through moments of real tension. An impressive achievement in cinema.

4.5 stars

The Dark Knight (2008)

Much hyped sequel delivers in droves. It's fair to say Heath Ledger absolutely nails The Joker, but Oscar talk is premature given awards are dished out in February. There are solid performances throughout and Nolan deftly combines big budget with substance; thoroughly entertaining on the big screen. A worthy sequel indeed, but Batman Begins just shades it for me.

4.5 stars

In the Valley of Elah (2007)

I'm pretty sure that Paul 'the guy who made Crash but not the naughty one about carnal relationships' Haggis had a deeper message here about the mess in Iraq, but I just couldn't get over how much Jason Patric in specs looked like Martin O'Neill. Seriously, watch it just for that.

Janck 3.5 stars


Underrated drama that will pass many by due to it's unsnappy title. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron shine in this outstanding drama. Recommended.


Mitch 4.5 stars

Sicko (2007)

Heavily slanted but thoroughly enjoyable documentary from everybody's favourite poking-the-hornets-nest-with-a-stick filmmaker, Michael Moore.
Laughing out loud one minute, and lump in the throat viewing the next; who says you need fiction?


4.5 stars

Death Proof (2007)

Tarantino pulls no punches in this first-rate trashy B-movie. Plenty of fun at 100mph, this hurtles along albeit intercut with the lengthy dialogue you come to expect from Tarantino. Well worth viewing.

4.5 stars