Moneyball (2011)

Oakland Mathletics.

Submarine (2010)

Decent Britflick from Richard Ayoade presents a coming-of-age tale with a genuine charm that cuts through the cloying schmaltz of the mass market machine. Funny, moving and nicely shot.


4 stars

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

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

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

Blue Valentine (2010)

Review to follow....


4 stars

Mammoth (2009)

Family and globalisation are examined in this well-meaning but flawed drama.

127 Hours (2010)

Aron Ralston gives an arm, not a leg, to escape the Utah canyons.

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 King's Speech (2010)

As we enter awards season I'd imagine Colin Firth et al. are all mastering speeches of their own.

Janck 4.5 stars (Jan 2011)





Review to follow....

Mitch 4 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

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

Never Let Me Go (2010)

A haunting and downbeat affair, which is probably why Never Let Me Go was laregly shunned by audiences and awards alike.

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

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2009)

Cracking opening to a decent trilogy. No wonder the Hollywood remake is on the way.

4 stars

The Illusionist (2006)

Average magical mystery, but there is nothing really memorable or special conjured up here.

3 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