Wayne's Reviews

Nice idea, but I still felt that it didn't really work. It captures the feel of the very early silent film comedies but do I really want to watch that anyway ?

Better than expected. While the mildly annoying, all but washed up and very poor stand up comic mother is ostensibly the heart of the story, we enjoyed the son's fumbling relationship with a new girl and this made the movie for us. Like many other Australian movies, this one has a simplicity and honesty (imo) to its script which makes it more believable than many of its Hollywood brethren.

This is brilliant. I suspect a somewhat accurate snapshot of the real world of drugs and sex. Not exactly the Woodstock dream but gritty, intelligent, funny and highly entertaining. Ewan is excellent.

A young girl is accidently stranded on a tropical island and sends out a call for help which is answered by the writer of her favourite novel. A nice story with just a touch of fantasy to give it a bit more interest. Don't be put off in the opening scenes as the young lead seems to inhabit a world invented by Walt Disney on a particularly fanciful day. They are just that, her fantasies and not how the movie will unfold. Still a good movie for all the family and I always enjoy Jodie Foster although she's obviously expressing some motherly need to appear in this.

A swirling collection of 4 apparently unrelated stories that all spiral in along common connections. Well acted with some big stars but in the end, it seemed to go to a lot of trouble to try to make the connections and I'm not quite sure what the point was. While the 4 stories are connected, I found it difficult to attribute much deeper meaning. But certainly worth viewing.

Nice to see something a little different. Not a comedy, not even black, but an interesting concept handled in a level headed way to make it as believable as possible. The first 30 minutes held a bit of promise that this was going to be something very special but it's just a little too slow. Nevertheless, if you're in the mood to flop on the couch and accept the slower pace, it's worth watching for it's concept.

I managed to sit through this only because I was very tired and couldn't be bothered leaving. If you can accept the ludicrous premise (astronauts fly to the sun to deposit a bomb that will kick start its dying throes back to life) and hang in there, it becomes very dark and surreal. However, I've seen it all before dating back nearly 40 years. This movie rolls together "Space Odyssey" and the little known (but excellent) "Dark Star" with just a pinch of "Alien". But my wife and 18 year old liked it.

Hopkins playing a bit like Hannibal. Very intelligent but criminal. Although in this case, he is not inherently evil, just pushed that way by the behaviour of a infidel wife. He hatches a plan to bury her and her boyfriend and keeps you guessing along the way.

Makes it to excellent for me only because "worth watching' seems to sell it a little short. Probably carried more by its experienced and talented big stars than anything else. Redford mourns his dead son and hasn't forgiven his daughter in law who he perceives to be at fault. But this has robbed him of a granddaughter, something that is slowly rectified when mother and daughter are forced to seek refuge with their estranged father in law/grandpa. Throw in Morgan Freeman doing what he often does best (the sane and philosophising influence) and a bear.

Better than I was expecting from this genre. The situation in the first instance is quite believable but the main character's involvement with each other later on is far less so. Still, entertaining enough and not the totally silly tripe I was anticipating.

This was not at all what I was expecting. Perhaps that makes a movie that you enjoy seem even better. A misanthropic main character inherits an isolated train station building and is forced into relationships he doesn't desire. A really sweet movie with a surprising amount of quiet chuckles about three unlikely friendships although all three characters do share a common bond, even if it is not overtly the reason for their liaisons. I really enjoyed this and watched it more than once.

Cheech and Chong for the 21st century. Maybe. Didn't particularly like the originals anyway. Some people (young people) found this pretty amusing and while it might raise a smile some of the time it's pretty silly fare about a couple of dopeheads blundering around while trying to avoid the mobsters after them. Try the "The Big Lebowski" for a much better attempt at this sort of humour (by the Coen brothers).

This is like 8 or so little mini movies all revolving around the same event from different viewpoints. After the first 4 or so you start to become a little concerned that it's getting a bit tedious but stick with it. The subsequent stories expand on the initial 10 minutes that the movie deals with slowly revealing more and more of the story to explain the day's events. Reasonable acting, sets, affects and script although some of the intertwinings are a bit too contrived. Don't think too much, just watch for entertainment.

Starts off like a pretty typical gritty cop show but once the bad guys are hiding out things take a turn both for the players and the viewers. Supernatural voodoo themes and eternal punishment. Low budget but no real flaws in the acting or script, as long as you're willing to accept the supernatural element.

This is approximately 8 mini movies all revolving around the same event. You start to get concerned after the first 4 or so as they specifically focus on around 10 minutes of the same event from essentially the same location but stick with it as the stories soon start to expand, each revealing more of the puzzle which finally explains the days occurences (some of which feels a little too contrived). This has decent acting, filming, sets and effects but the way some aspects of the stories get intertwined pushes the reality boundaries a little. Don't think too much, just watch it as entertainment.

While I found the worldly confidence of the lead "teenage girl" a little hard to swallow, I still enjoyed the movie. A young school girl, apparently well in control of her life, falls pregnant and after initially considering abortion, decides to carry the pregnancy and adopt the baby. She develops a relationship with the adoptive parents-to-be but life is never simple. This is the lead actress from Hard Candy essentially playing a very similar character in a different setting.

Way too biblical for me. Garden of good and evil, the devil, the tree, flaming swords and............... If you like this sort of thing. A young boy is released from a mental hospital and taken by his father to a quiet farmhouse to get their lives back on track. The boy suffers delusions, hallucinations, paranoic episodes.....or does he ? Relies on it's sound track to drive the point home and to make up for its relative lack of suspense and tension.

Not what I was expecting. Looks like a dry musty tale, dusty school halls and withered old teachers. Lust, jealousy, possession, spite, infidelities and not just among the obvious characters. Very much enjoyed this tale of a lonely old school m'am who takes the young teacher "under her wing". Blanchett and Dench living up to reputations.

Best film I've seen for some time. Seems slow and measured yet it's thoroughly engrossing. You won't notice the time pass. Sensitive, thoughtful and yet often, surprisingly darkly funny. A chance encounter between a young woman and a middle aged senior public servant blossoms into an unlikely romance but there is far more to this movie than just that. I am sure that the the Coen brothers must have seen the wonderfully expressive face and performance of the lead lady, Kelly McDonald before they cast her in their Best Picture winner "No country for old men". Don't miss this film.

Quite a bit more entertaining than the synopsis may indicate. Slower paced but definitely worth watching and a true story to boot. The 19th century had its fair share of sensitive idealists, not everyone was overridden by the crush of industry, capitalism and progress.

Pretty disappointing. Sure it's based on the real thing and all but, quite frankly, it was boring. Only if you're desperate.

A bullied little boy who takes his frustrations out on an ant's nest gets shrunk to size. Down in the nest, he gets to know his victims and understands the value of their lives. Good graphics, harmless entertainment that the littlies would enjoy and it passed my time no problems at all.

Very interesting. Just remember that it is a documentary. Leaves you shaking your head- what a waste of engineering. Hard to believe that this actually occured.

What a disappointment- and I can take a good monster horror movie. Crap script, paper mache trees and plaster of paris rocks. The only thing reasonable in the whole movie was that the croc itself wasn't ludicrously large. It managed tension for a couple of minutes out of 90. Waste of my evening.

One is not quite sure where this is heading early on. It could go several directions. But other than wandering a little bit through the early second half, it becomes more and more intriguing. A young girl ruins her sister's clandestine love affair with the estate's caretaker and spends a lifetime makeing "atonement". It is only at the very end that you fully realise just how she does it and to what extent she has succeeded. A clever and sometimes moving storyline. Pretty to watch as well. Good sets and great wartime backdrops married to great performances from the 3 leads.

Much better than I was expecting, but that's not saying too much as I can't stand Sandler. However, his grating persona fits his role here and the movie does have a number of laughs. Two firemen buddies move in together to give the appearance of a "gay" relationship which will allow one of them to change beneficiaries on his benefits plan. Silly storyline but you're not watching Citizen Kane.

Better than I thought. The 10 year old daughter of a separated Dad goads her father into reliving his previous relationships. The movie is then his "memories" come to life but he hides the true identities of all the women and keeps the girl guessing as to which lover affair led to her inception. Easy entertainment.

This actually kept me interested but it's very slow. Looks like someone's film school final exam effort- low budget. A dreary life in a small town and the monotonous drudgery of factory work. An older factory worker has an easy friendship with one of her young male coworkers. But the arrival of a fresh face at the factory threatens to topple the status quo and brings drama to their quiet lives.

A rather dark, tense "pursuit" movie. Deadpan, but at the same time, intense. This is good, but it took me a couple of viewings to fully appreciate it and I am dedicated Coen bros fan. I was surprised to find that this is an extremely accurate rendition of the book that it is based upon because it is just SO Coen bros. Obviously the book struck a nerve with the bros. There are so many echoes in this from their previous films. I actually think that it did so well because it surprised people who were unfamiliar with the Coens. Because for me, I've seen alot of before in their earlier films- strong and quirky characterisations- the sheriff is so similar to Fargo, the villain so similar to Raising Arizona, the lead rather dead pan as they've done before and the great characters a feature of all their films- just appreciate, for example, the character that is portrayed in the trailer park manageress despite her few seconds of film. Brilliant, but if you're a Coen bros fan, you knew that already. I rate it a 4 star, but if you haven't appreciated Coen bros before, then this is not to be missed.

I like offbeat and this certainly is. Quirky, sweet, childish but very entertaining if you don't mind films that aren't quite "straight down the line". Young man finds that the plain jane friend of the one that he lusts for is his true soul mate as they lose themselves in a world where fantasy and dreams blur their reality. Sweet ending. Perfect for the nature of this movie.

3 stars but only just. Starts as an almost direct rip of Omega man but makes its own way towards the end. Will Smith is good enough to carry this film but I was let down by some of the CGI which was, I believe, below par and unrealistic. We've come 15 plus years since Jurassic park but they did CGI better back then it seems.

Better than expected. Not as cheesey or disneyesque as you may imagine. Entirely watchable and easy, light entertainment. I like their solution to a modern "flood".

A very quirky black comedy. If you don't like offbeat, then don't bother. But if you like something different, don't miss this. The first Cohen brothers movie that I saw over 20 years ago. Great characters, strange bedfellows, odd camera angles and underlying it all, a rather touching story of a childless couple who'd do anything to have a family. An excellent performance from a deadpan Nicolas Cage as the smalltime crook with a soft heart and a desire to please. Holly Hunter is also great as the feisty small town cop who falls for one of her collars. There are echoes of this early Cohen film in their latest academy award winner, No Country for Old Men. Just look at the parallels between the Bounty hunting biker and the menacing Chigurh in the latter film. I might have to agree with others in that this movie takes more than one viewing to fully appreciate. I loved it first up and have seen it a dozen times. There is a story in every trailer park.

This reeks of "telemovie" but it's also fairly lavish in its locations and sets. Overdramatised, cornball but the money spent in the details makes it at least look good and the airborne battle scenes are pretty spectacular especially if you have a big screen at home. Worth watching for the visuals, grit your teeth through some of the script.

We both enjoyed this. Quite a few laughs as Ben Stiller finally takes the plunge only to find that he's married the wrong one while the woman of his dreams is about to walk into his newlywed life. A no brainer and maybe we were just in a particularly good mood...........

Made more like a movie than a documentary and surpisingly easy watching. Very much the style of "Touching the Void" with actors playing out the story while the real people provide "asides" at various points in the movie. Very interesting, relatively non judgemental on both sides basically just trying to tell the story of a handful of Brit boys whose "good idea at the time" was caught up by a country in chaos.

Badly acted in places but you can only do so much with the script. Yet they didn't spare too much expense with the special effects and sets. Sort-of psychological futuristic drama where people can have computer games plugged into their brains so that they experience the game as if it were real life. But then how will you know whether you playing your life, or the game ?

I'd give this a one but that's not fair. I couldn't get past the first 20 minutes. Mainly because it was not what I was expecting. Made as if filming a stage play. If you want to see unusual film making, then maybe.

How accurate a portrayal is this ? Who knows. But a brilliant performance by Mirren. The story revolves around the Queen at the time of Blair's early prime ministership and Diana's death. Thoroughly enjoyable.

This is a movie woven around some urban myths and possibly actual events that earned people the "Darwin Award". An award basically for spectacularly stupid deaths. It's a pretty weak storyline but ambles along harmlessly and the "deaths" are fairly spectacular and stupid. Highlight was seeing a cameo of the Mythbusters team, Jamie and Adam.

I found this a bit of slog. Lots of colour and a lot of effort, it seems, to get the period right but it's no Braveheart. It just didn't involve me. Try it you like this medieval time period and have a bit of patience.

Worth watching if you're very keen about the series' ins and outs. I've forgotten many details of the earlier installments and needed my teenage son to constantly remind me of certain characters, particularly towards the end. But otherwise, more of the same. Overdone sound effects but excellent makeup and visual gore- too much really but then, this is the Saw series after all.

Only just makes 4 stars for me. This should be called "The Ambassador" for the hotel in which the entire movie takes place and for the guests and staff featured. "Bobby" is featured only near the end as it deals with his assassination. But he provides the axis around which the movie revolves. Not a bad snapshot of 60's Americana- trys too hard sometimes to be "sixties" and at other time uses concepts that I don't think were representative of the times "...I'm an equal opportunity employer...." says William H. Macy. Entertaining though and a constant parade of hollywood's new and old (Demi Moore, Sharon -almost-unrecognisable-Stone).

This is made in (where else) New Zealand. About as silly as I thought but not quite as slickly made as it could have been. Clunky sound, over the top gore but, quietly amusing. There is this "connection" that I have with both Aussie and NZ films that isn't there with anything from Hollywood. That, and only that, makes this (barely) watchable.

Read the jacket cover and it's a pretty straight forward storyline- one man races to find a "contaminated" gun that could be used in evidence while being pursued by both cops and crims. The gun moves from hand to hand complicating his task. The story is told in quite a unique way using all sorts of cinematic effects (not special effects). Sometimes quite confusing, watch this one fully alert. Just makes 4 stars simply because of its unusual presentation.

What a complete and total ripoff of a far, far better movie- "Fargo" by the Coen brothers. They couldn't even come up with a unique setting. Although this movie is not a blow by blow remake of Fargo it most certainly is inspired by it. Robin William's character finds a body and and ends up in a tangled web of crims and cops as he tries to profit from his find. Watch this and then rent Fargo for a 5 star experience.

I really wanted to see this. But someone's artistic bent got too far in front of their commercial sense. The love story of new world adventurer John Smith and his Indian princess lover (Pocahontus). Beautifully filmed but just painfully slow.

Don't take this too seriously and just enjoy. Nic Cage is a detective brought to an isolated community to solve a missing person case. But something is just not quite right about this island where the women dominate and the men choose not to speak. I like the mix of female characters, strength, allure, intelligence, assertive, aggressive. Nic gets his answers in the end.

Choose your audience carefully. I was not so much shocked by the graphic sexual scenes but the fact that they could show them in a "mainstream" movie. I believe that Shortbus makes into a "new realm" in that the sex scenes are not simulated. It has been featured in a documentary on censorship. But the movie itself has some interesting characters as it follows a sex therapist and some of her clients slowing confronting and overcoming her own problems. Much of the script is apparently adlibbed. Worth watching for sure but I not convinced of the whole point of it.

What an intriguing storyline. I believe this to be just a story and not based on any truth but it does it so well. A young Scotsman determined not to lead the colourless life of his Doctor father makes for Uganda to work among the masses. A chance meeting with Idi Amin, the infamous real life dictator of the 70's has him ensconsed as the madman's personal physician and it all moves downhill from there. Very well done, well acted and Idi's charming, mad, scarey persona is well captured.

Strange movie. Entertaining but quirky and I'm not sure how deliberate the quirkiness is. Story is inspired by the real life nude model Betti Page. As it is the 1950's, this is a little more controversial than it may seem today. Some of the acting is stilted, the editing lacks flow and Betti, at times, is a bit unbelievable- perhaps they are trying too hard to paint her in the best light. Some of the oddities in the script may be devices to portray an essence of the times. But it is certainly watchable.

If you are really desperate for a light girly movie with a romantic bent and/or are really keen on Dianne Keaton- otherwise I wouldn't bother. A meddling mother can't keep out of her youngest daughter's life. All three daughters are grown up but you never stop being a mother- at least that's the premise. Overdone to the point of being just silly in places as it desperately tries to be amusing and engaging. Last half is less silly than the first half. You'd have to be in the right mood to enjoy this one.

This is about as silly as you'd imagine but actually reasonably entertaining- better than I expected. Two famous male figure skaters are banned from the sport for their on ice behaviour but find a loophole in the rules that allow them to compete as a doubles pair- nothing actually says anything about them having to be of opposite sexes. Will Ferrell and Jon Heder play it very, very straight and there are numerous chuckles along the way if not belly laughs. The movie is not quite a spoof on the skating world at large but certainly has a dig.

This is a Disney movie of a children's book, but, I feel, far more in it than the usual formula. The story is more about the developing friendship between an early teen boy and girl than it is about their fantasy world of Terabithia. This is not a "Lion, Witch and Wardrobe" type of fantasy. The world exists in their imaginations and is simply an adjunct to their real world story. The story is well carried by its two young stars and you readily become involved. I wouldn't call this a G movie although there is nothing in it to scare the littlies nor anything distasteful. There is however, a very un-Disney like turn which could need some parental guidance. My wife and I both really enjoyed this. Excellent.

Certainly a good children's movie and acceptable entertainment for adults. Life in a beehive becomes too restrictive for a young bee who decides to take a look outside the hive where he falls in love with a young (human) woman. The first 20 minutes of this movie depicting life in the hive was too reminiscent of a Flintstones style of cartoon for my liking but it gets better. Barely a laugh in it for adults but beautiful colours and a bright feel with an improving story keep you involved.

The thinking man's vigilante movie featuring the thinking man's pin-up girl Jodie Foster. This is quite good, slow paced but becomes more involving and keeps you in right 'til the end. Foster's character is severely bashed and her boyfriend murdered by some street thugs. The traumatised woman buys a gun for self protection and starts to find herself suddenly empowered in a believable, considered way (well, her reactions are believable if not her uncanny ability to be present at random crimes). A slightly different take, but still a vigilante movie.

Director Terry Gilliam's "Brazil" is one of my Top Ten of all time but some of his other movies and this in particular, are really off the planet- and I'd put the emphasis on "off". I think that Terry is perhaps revealing too much of himself here, and I'm not sure I want to know about it. A young girl (9 year old I think) survives her drug overdosed parents living a bizarre mix of fantasy and reality in an isolated farmhouse. Inappropriate sexual themes (IMO) and dubious use of a young actress. This is a maybe if you're really a fan of Gilliam, otherwise, don't bother.

Ben Stiller plays the straight guy again as his night watchman character deals with a Museum full of living exhibits. A good family movie, unbelievable story line (but who cares) and stacked with special effects. Will keep everyone entertained as long as you watch in the right mood (Dick Van Dyke as a bad guy !!- who'd have thought).

Divorced dad finds that he has a limited time to live and meets a single woman in the same predicament. Entertaining enough, not too soppy, well balanced considering it can only end one way.

If you're looking for a historic account of the famous Spartan 300 this is not the movie for you. But if you just want to be entertained, this is probably a bit better than just "worth watching". Comic book rendition of the gallant stand of 300 Spartan warriors who held back hordes of invading troops. It uses a muted colour palette and has a grainy quality with a continously overcast and brooding background. Lots of digital background effects, simplistic script and story, moderate gore. It loses momentum and doesn't quite deliver what starts out as very promising- otherwise I'd call it excellent.

It's a Mr Bean movie- what else can you say. Actually, better than I was expecting. I wasn't going to watch it. Not just a collection of skits loosely tied together. One or two laughs even for a reluctant viewer. Not bad at all.

Watchable. Initially felt stilted, like when you hear the average actor reading Shakespearean lines but smoothed out as it progressed. The story follows a young female journalist who is contacted by a once well respected journo who is now (literally) crossing the river Styx. He gives her information which will be the scoop of her career if she can only put it to good use with the reluctant assistance of a bumbling kid's-show magician (Woody Allen). Full of "one liners" Allen style- not the sort of stuff that would have you falling off your chair laughing but it was entertaining.

A light hearted pyschological thriller - sounds mutually exclusive but have a look for yourself. Enjoyable, kept us entertained throughout and doesn't take itself too seriously. A contemporary take on Hitchcock's "Rear Window". Teenager confined to his room witnesses what he believes are criminal activities in a neighbours house.

Brilliant deadpan performance from the lead. Ace London copper steps on too many toes and gets sent to a tiny village where his pedantic ways conflict with the "softly softly" country approach until he uncovers the village's darker secrets. This is basically a cop show spoof, but the lead plays it dead straight. Quite funny in bits, amusing through most of it and keeps you entertained for its near 2 hour length. Probably a bit better than just a 3.

This starts out very slowly but still manages to tick along enough to keep your interest for the first hour. Then it just gets you in more and more up 'til the conclusion. While the story is based on the facts as accurately as they are available, the producers admit that it is only a story. A private eye investigates the apparent suicide of George Reeves- the original superman from the 1950's TV show. If you like the behind-the-scenes intrigue of Hollywood, you'll really enjoy this movie. If you also watched superman as a kid, then even more reason to watch this. But it is also well acted and scripted as it plays out a few possible scenarios leading to Reeves' death. Just stick out the first hour. I'd really call this 3 and 1/2 stars, but what the hell.

Bob works his way through various jobs in which he only excels at stuffing them up and getting fired. He's up to "B" thus the Butler. Amiable, mildly amusing in parts, ticks along. Nice to see a well kept Brooke Shields back on the screen but not a lot going for the movie as a whole. Safe, harmless family viewing is the most generous thing that I can say.

I'm told that "The Prestige" is the better movie. They are both in the same bal.park, late 19 century magicians and all their tricks (but are they just tricks, or is there something more ?). But I found this one surprisingly intriguing and very entertaining. Unfolded in an unexpected way (at least for me).

I thought that this was just a rip off of "Open Water". Perhaps someone saw that and it inspired them but this stands alone and I really enjoyed it. Group of friends go out on a yacht and end up in the water with no rescue in sight. Their circumstance completely believable, especially when a small truth about the boat's owner is revealed towards the end (not critical to the story, don't sweat that bit).

I enjoyed this thinking that I probably wouldn't. It's a very close remake of the 1970's (I think) original but is good enough to simply stand alone. Family group end up in the woop-woop USA style and are picked off by mutated trailer trash who survived the nuclear test sites of the 50's. B grade plot, but still good entertainment (in a mindless sort of way) that moves fairly quickly.

A pretty painful, cliche'd start to this movie as it establishes the premise for the story- mid life crisis suburban guys with a need to get out there and do something. So they take a road trip on their Harleys. Thank god for the quality of the cast-Travolta, Allen, Macey, Lawrence and Liotta who carry this off as well as they can. In the end an enjoyable and harmless light comedy. Just don't expect too much.

A feel good movie for sure but free of anything too sickly sweet. You certainly are taken along for the ride with Will Smith's character as he struggles with raising a child while trying to improve their living conditions. Many agonising moments as Smith just can't seem to take a trick and the movie successfully had us empathising so that we felt his every frustration, sometimes for what on the surface seem like the simplest hurdles. How hard can it be when your boss asks to borrow five bucks to pay the cab ?

Interesting, slightly offbeat pyschological drama. Two very intelligent but troubled teens are brought together in the stuffy halls of an expensive private school. Like minds or not, it seems that neither is happy about it. Told in a flashback style as Toni collette, playing a forensic psychologist tries to get to the bottom of an apparently open and shut murder case by interviewing the teen suspect. Tense, surprising, dark and disturbed. Excellent viewing which might require some explaining at the end- my teenage son usually brings me up to speed with movies like this.

Worth watching if you've read the book. If not, then only a maybe. I found both the acting and the script fairly stilted and although the settings are lavish, the whole thing was pretty pedestrian in its pace. Lord of the Rings style tale with dark forces pitched against the good. A peasant is chosen by the last remaining dragon to become a dragon rider and spur the rebellion against the evil dominance of the unjust king.

Pretty ordinary. Nothing actually wrong with it - just ordinary. Bruce Willis the down and out cop has a last chance to show how good he is defending a crim who has both the cops and bad guys out to get him. Could have been a good Tele movie. Only if you really love cop shows.

If you'd told me that this was a zombie movie I'd avoid it by a mile. But the fact is, even though there are no zombies, it really is in that genre. But it is very good. Gets off to a fast start and manages to keep the pace and the tension going throughout the whole movie. Watching the 1st installment (28 days) is not necessary, this one can stand alone. Well acted and directed with a plot line that's believable enough to not spoil the experience.

Fortunately Rowan Atkinson plays a relatively minor role in this. I have seen him play a very serious movie role many years ago, well before Bean and he did it very well but I guess that he's a little typecast these days. It is not Bean-style movie and the rest of the characters carry this movie nicely. Patrick Swayze does a great job despite the secondary or even third rank role. If you like the Vicar of Dibley style of English programming, you'll love this. For the rest of us, still an entertaining, light little movie with a novel plot.

An interesting movie which keeps you involved right to the last minute. Initially had me in by its colours and foreign culture and rituals but totally involved by the end. Its main flaw is a strangely stilted script which is sometimes clumsy in the delivery. Almost like native Japanese speakers being forced to read English (no subtitles, every thing that counts is in English). Good movie.

Tale of a slightly quirky family of essentially good people out on a road trip. Good characterizations well played especially by Alan Arkin and Toni Collette. A quiet little film that's really about ordinary people doing something only slightly out of the ordinary- yet it manages to be completely entertaining.

Only barely worth watching. This is essentially the "maverick detective" who does the investigation his way and gets his man in the end. Except that it's in a high school setting, the victims are schoolgirls and boys, Mr big a teen dealer and some of the thugs have only just got off their "L" plates. Ticks along and is sort of interesting for its approach to an old formula.

Middle ranking secret service agent (Michael Douglas) has enough personal dramas going to allow the bad guys to compromise him and the good guys to believe that the frame fits. Lacks any real thrills to qualify its "thriller" label or any big action sequences. Nevertheless, has enough in it to keep you interested and entertained probably due to the quality of the big stars.

Worth watching ONLY if you're a great fan of the first two. Too much gore for me and I'm not squeamish. The first half of the movie played liked a sequence of barely connected skits but it ties together all three movies fairly well by the end. Lacks the innovation and pyschological intrigue of the first relying on its fan base and grossly detailed scenes of torture.

Hard to describe this movie. It's one of those ...wasn't he working for them ?.....I thought that.....wasn't that...who went where.....??? But it spends most of its time explaining itself so that by the end of it, even dummies like me know exactly what went on. Bruce Willis is a hitman and, not wanting to give anything away, he is employed by opposing sides of a gangland war but the man in the middle of it all is a case of mistaken identity. Great Entertainment.

I'm a great fan of much in this genre but this is just a kids movie. Rat in a guilded cage living as a pet of a rich little kid is flushed down the toilet and has to mix it in the "real world". I thought that this was from the writer's of Shrek. If so, what a disappointment as it lacks the witty dialogue and great characterisations. Even the great CGI couldn't keep me interested. Strictly for the under 12's.

A magazine runs a competition for the best of 3 "novelty" weddings. It's a comdey but the whole film is done in a reality television documentary style. And very well done I think. Some scenes are very realistic and generally the whole thing is very believable and "real". This is subdued comedy, a little black and well worth watching. Along the lines of "Best in Show", only better.

A snapshot of life in the dying days of British colonialism. Focused on one small family in Swaziland it gives insight into the incestuous, stratified life of the colonial administrators with a token American thrown in to upset the apple cart. Mildly interesting but annoyingly overacted, especially through the second half. Easy viewing if you have nothing else.

This was a real surprise. Didn't know the actors. It is essentially a story with a cast of 2 and very limited location changes. Very well scripted and acted. Not a lot of suspense, mainly intrigue and along with the fast dialogue, keeps you rivetted. Slightly off the beaten track, still Hollywood but different. Others broadly in this ballpark, 11:14, Shallow grave, The Machinist.

About the only comedy in the last 20 years where the critiques on the box are actually true. Some will hate it, some will just not get it and the rest of us think that it's the funniest movie that we've ever seen. It's been done before (Gunston- whom I couldn't stand) but not quite in this way. Brilliant.

This is not brilliant, but it could have been. It's a very good attempt though. Closer to "Gods must be crazy" than "Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith", but it's meant to be. Something different. It was entertaining and in the final words of the narrator, also an insight into his world.

Worth watching IF you like this sort of thing- more of the same following on from the last one. Operatic, theatrical, overplayed and Depp spends the whole movie running like a girl. But spectacular visuals and effects keep you watching (but only just).

Road trip movie with a difference. Low key entertainment but kept us involved. Excellent performance from the lead balancing the transgender behaviour.

A bit disappointed. I was hoping for something a little broader. Perhaps Kokoda itself wasn't. I did learn a bit though. Just seemed narrowly focused and to just skim the surface. They're showing it in some school history classes if that helps you make up your mind.

I once had an adage which still fits- if you've seen a pair of tits in the first 10 minutes, you're probably watching an Australian film. It is, you do, but it is more intelligent than that. The slippery slope down the drugs slide. Reasonably realistic. I wonder if it is inspired by the old Golden Earring song "Candy ('s going bad)".

Subtitled but well worth the effort. Johannesburg and Soweto as the majority live it. Tsotsi, the main character is complex, confused and despite his frightening lifestyle, sensitive and in need. Great film, well acted, scripted and very believable.

Di Caprio (IMHO) gets better and better, these meatier roles fit his maturing looks. Also full of other big names and good performances. Not a brilliant film, but better than just "worth watching".

On the surface a pretty serious look at a family breakup. Underneath, a quirky and intelligent treatise of human character. A number of (black) laughs and thorougly enjoyable.

Denzel doing his not unfamiliar cop and bad guys bit with something a little different. Makes you guess and hypothesise all through it. And you'd be (mostly) wrong. Good performances from all. Probably a bit better than just 3 stars but I wouldn't call it "Excellent".

I like this sort of "small focus" movie based around 4 couples. But this one is just not very good. Clumsy constructs, amateur in places, ordinary scripting and stretches credibility a bit for the type of movie it tries to be.

I've never liked Adam Sandler so maybe I'm biased but I did want to see this. The concept had some potential to provide a lot of laughs but barely makes it. There were one or two laughs but some of the jokes were just plain stupid and tasteless. This might pass muster with some under 12's.

This was quite a surprise. Wasn't sure if it would pass our 15 minute test but perserverance paid off. Extra entertaining if you're old enough to remember the subject of this movie- Sinatra's 70's visit to Australia and his fight with the unions and media. I'm sure there is a bit of licence taken with the facts but it's lighthearted and entertaining.

This is such a rip of Ugly Betty which to my understanding predates this movie by a good length of time. Sure, it's been tweaked and a great performance from Streep. Entertaining.

You'd have to be a serious fan of the medium to bother with this. Arty and I think overdone in many ways. Perhaps interesting to some as an indication of the current track of OZ cinema. Hopefully a dead end.

Nothing really wrong with this but not nearly as good as I was expecting. Run-of-the-mill documentary as far as I'm concerned. Don't go out of your way.

Only if you're interested to see the original now that you've seen the 2006 remake. Dated, clunky, but did actually (barely) keep me interested.

This is a documentary, don't believe the blurb on the cover. It is an attempt to make a documentary about qantum physics and physiology interesting and involving by wrapping it in a "movie" format which doesn't quite work. I've seen far more interesting doco's on SBS. Subject matter is interesting, just poorly presented.

This is based on real events and I have seen the actual woman involved in an interview. I thoroughly enjoyed this as much for the storyline as for the rich colours of Africa.

Harmless. Family thought that they could guess the storyline a few times but failed. Still didn't do anything for any of us. Ho Hum.

"Excellent" is too strong but this is a bit better than just worth watching. If you're after fast action and gunfights, you've got the wrong movie. But if you're after something a bit more thoughtful, this is a good film helped along by some glorious (apparently) on location shots from around the world.

Story of a "by choice" single mother. Could be too close to the bone for many mums or even single dads. Some things you can relate to, some things are bordering on creepy. Certainly a watchable movie with some virtually cameo roles by big names.

Pretty much what the jacket says. Feel good comedy but understand that the "comedy" is pretty restrained. A couple of laughs but entertaining enough.

Sentimental, predictable even cornball. Nice enough, harmless, but I think that you'd have to be in the right mood and willing to throw logic to the winds. For the romantics with the patience to sit through the sloooow first 1/2 hour.

This is a low budget documentary- not that there's anything wrong with that. It's a reasonably interesting recount of a man who basically woke up with no memory of his past whatsoever. However, if you're keen on spending a night watching a "movie", this is not it. Good to while away a lazy afternoon.

Great movie. Not a fan of this genre, nor of Johnny Cash but we all enjoyed this from start to finish including a 16 year old who thinks Rock n Roll is a skateboard move. Surprised to find that vocals were all actually sung by stars Phoenix and Witherspoon.

This is Disney after all. A bit cheesy in places, anthropomorphic and very loosely based on any facts at all. Read "Inspired by true events" with great latitude. Still, entertaining and great for under 12's but actually stood up to a very cynical 16 year old.

Maybe if you're keen on seeing some familar comedic faces with their guard down a bit. A documentary of sorts. Hated the editing, jumped around too much. Couldn't get past 20 minutes. And the joke is not worth bothering to even load it into your player.

Not really a fan of Terry Gilliam films even though his "Brazil" rates as one of my all time favourites. This was just too fanciful for me...similar vein to "Knight's Tale" but one step too far into the simply incredulous.

Slightly askew look at life through a teenager’s eyes. Then again, all our perspectives were probably a little askew at that time weren’t they. Probably skims across a few issues that teens, and possibly parents, could relate to. Not particularly deep and meaningful but a thoughtful film with some light moments.

Subdued, a very slightly dreamy quality. Based on Steve Martin’s book there is a “feel” about this movie which seems to have its roots back in the style of “L.A. Story” or “Grand Canyon”. If you’re expecting a comedy, look somewhere else. This is completely without humour but a sensitive look at one woman, two relationships. I enjoyed it in a low key way but Steve Martin really should consider someone else doing the narration.

I'd almost like to make this an "Excellent" but it is a bit slow going in the beginning leaving you wondering when and what's going to happen. Good, believable story line (except for one scene maybe) enhanced by strong supporting actors.

Interesting, slightly peculiar film. Bright colours, sometimes stark, odd camera angles and pans, odd little asides and narrations, strange little soundtracks and scripted in, what seems like, contemporary Shakespeare (the jacket says “in verse”). Not to everyone’s taste. Slow moving but odd enough to compel viewing (for me, anyway). I think that is well done. A different view of an old topic, relationships, infidelities, insecurities.

If you're really keen on the slight oddity or "character" of Aussie films. Described as a black comedy. Barely rates on either description. Amiable enough, but I could have used the time better.

Wasn’t expecting this at all from reading the jacket cover. The description tells the story, but not how it is told. Different, very good. American Beauty meets Falling Down- almost. Black, surprising number of laughs, quirky and often subtle. We all enjoyed this very much.

No deep and meaningful but just great entertainment. Can't understand how Margaret and David (Movie Show) gave this a 1.5 and 2.5. All reasonable and believable as far as I was concerned. Bought a copy for myself.

Worth watching only if you really like animated or CGI. Good for the 5 to 12's. My 15 year old had to be dragged screaming to watch it. It ain't no Toy Story or Shrek.

This is not quite 4 stars- but what the hell. Patriotism or that special uniqueness that I get out of Australian movies. But it is good. Lots of laughs. One liners and sayings that I haven’t heard for decades. Very Aussie. Different. Almost poignant and touching in places. Loses momentum and then picks up again. What an effort for such a small team.

Spirit of a young lover reincarnated in a young man and discovered by his youthful partner now in her middle age. Sounds like the basis of another light hearted Hollywood romantic comedy ? Not quite. That’s the basic story but treated in an intelligent, thoughtful manner. Middle aged women is fragile, unfulfilled, disenchanted and teetering on the edge of a breakdown. The friend, ex husband, young lover. Nothing mystical or simple in any of these relationships. Nicely done.

Too lighthearted, too frivolous, too theatrical. Too much for me. Couldn't get past first 30 minutes. Wife didn't mind it.

Hilarious Black Comedy- the people who write the rubbish on the back of the box must have been drunk or stoned to call this a comedy. But black it is. William Macy doing the sort of role that he's good at. If you liked "Falling Down", this is the same ballpark- frustrated average man spiralling down. To see Macy at his best, watch "Fargo". Now that's a film not to be missed.

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I liked this movie. Many young guys to readily relate to the first 30 minutes as a trio of friends do their European tour thing. But then it just descends into grotesque and gorey cinema. Sure he's capitalising on Wolf Creek and Saw but it kept me nailed to my seat for the whole show. Totally socially irredeemable.

Lightweight but likeable characters, barely rates its listing as a comedy but that's pretty typical these days. An easy way to while away a (short) evening. Entertaining enough.

Absolutely spectacular visuals and special effects. Your big screen TV pays off ! However fails to deliver much else. Falls flat on any tension or suspense despite several attempts and grandiose symphonic soundtrack. Not a lot of comedy either, mainly a few smiles rather than any real laughs. Nevertheless, a little different (Jumanji’s been here before of course) and enjoyable.

Read the jacket description and it still won't give you much of an idea of what this film is about. What starts as an almost Disneyesque look at a child's involvement in spelling bees slowly spirals into something stranger and darker. Stick with it, it's different, and if that's your taste, you will enjoy.

I just couldn't relate to this movie at all and that is not because of its gay love theme. I found the characters hard to believe, especially Sissy Spacek's role. It kept me watching to the end, but if you like themes about sensitive and complex relationships, this may suit you. Wife loved it.

Did you like Bend it like Beckham or East is East. Well this is probably a movie that you'd enjoy too but it's less entertaining than either of the aforementioned. Improves after the first 30 minutes. Low budget look at multicultural issues in Great Britain (Pakistanis with Glaswegian accents !). Doesn't let white culture off the hook either with a look at our own cultural expectations and sanctions.

Interesting. Had me involved from the first scene. Steadily paced but subtley accelerating plot. Probably works on several levels but I'm too dumb to see them all. Fatal attraction for the new century.

Interesting. Had me in from the opening scene. Evenly paced pyschological drama yet with a subtle escalation in plot. Probably works on several levels but I'm too dumb to see them all. Fatal attraction for the new century.

Interesting. Evenly paced pyschological drama that kept me involved from the opening scene. Subtley accelerating plot that probably operates on several levels but I'm too dumb too see them all. Fatal attraction for the new century.

One man following a dream but without the mush normally associated with films of this nature. Gritty and real. Made more interesting for me by the fact that it is based on a true story. Most of the real people potrayed in the film appearing during the end credits. Well scripted and acted and a great insight into a world that most of us have never had to experience.

A very contemporary take on the werewolf saga. The saving grace for this movie is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. Watch it in that spirit, and it's definitely entertaining-which is the bottom line really.