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

Munich (2005)

This one slipped through the net a few years back, but it's a worthy addition to Spielberg's more "serious" pictures. The film's message is topical; and seems as important now as it did in 1972.
Solid performance from Eric Bana.


4 stars

SherryBaby (2006)

Nominated for a Golden Globe, Maggie Gyllenhaal is sublime in this "trying to get my life back" tale of a young woman just out prison. The main struggle is, of course, with herself and her craving for normality and stability walks a rocky road. It reminded me of a female Half Nelson. Worth a look in if you're in the mood for a character driven drama. (Surely an Oscar nomination for Gyllenhaal can't be far away.....).

3.5 stars

Romanzo Criminale (2005)

This epic tale of the rise and fall of the Banda della Magliana's Roman empire of drugs, money, girls and political movings is a gangster story straight from the Scorsese school of movie making. It's a shame that the film didn't go into more detail about some of the 'strategy of tension' conspiracies touched upon, but at 147 minutes long I think they are best saved for another movie.

4 stars

Painted Veil, The (2006)

Contract cholera or watch this movie again .. tough call.

2 stars

Hellboy (2004)

A movie I first watched upon it's release a few years ago, getting a very "meh" review from me back then. However, upon watching a second time I found much to enjoy in this comic book adaptation ... a touch of humour, plenty of energy and a blade welding Nazi. Great fun and one hell of a movie.

Janck 3.5 stars


It's a darker Men in Black, with less CGI and and a smaller budget. It does work though; bring on the sequel.


Mitch 3.5 stars

Harsh Times (2005)

Christian Bale delivers a first-rate performance as an honourably discharged ex-army ranger. Friendships and trust are tested to the limit in this frantic drama set in the backdrop of South Central LA.
The narrative is a path well-trodden; Bale depicts the 'struggle within' very convincingly. I wish they could've delved into more of his back story. (Although, perhaps I've been watching too much LOST? lol).

3.5 stars