Danuta's Reviews

Watched this movie intently. Even though it was a foreign film with subtitles. The actors were extremely credible. Direction was on the button. Beautifully executed to tell the story. It wasn't a happy film and the subject matter may have been intense and the life may be difficult but the story was told and it was sastisfying to see and understand it, no matter what country or language it was in.

Bit hackneyed but still enjoyed it. Like Mat Damon. He seems to be able to fit into any role and make his character believable.

Got bored half way through. Expected a lot more it didn't deliver.

A great mix of themes, maybe some people will think it's influenced by themes from other films like Matrix, Farenheit 451, 1984 etc. The director Kurt Wimmer even mentions this himself in the bonus directors narration about the film. For me this doesn't detract from the film as it is a good script premise. Great performances from the cast and Christian Bale in particular. Fabulous sets and fight scenes (using martial art themes), what's not too like? Extremely watchable.

Somewhat disappointing I was expecting something more, seeing as it was based on a true story! It turned out to be a typical hollywood movie style of film. After all, it's Julia Roberts in the lead role. It's set in some very picturesque countries. It's OK for relaxing and entertainment but don't expect any great insights into life!

Expected so much more. Especially from Robert Downey Jr. I put it in the "everybody lost the plot" category because the film certainly didn't have one! Such a contrived piece of work from all, masquerading as art, genre this and genre that. The most interesting aspect of this film is to read the all the member reviews and see how many people really loved it, and how many people thought it was rubbish and a waste of time!

Disappointing! 2 stars for the sfx. No storyline. Waiting for the movie to end to see what was actually going to happen. Wonky camera work on the steady cam? Bad sound transfer! Won't bother to talk about the acting!

An intriguing film, and a bit of an eye opener. Enjoyed it, as it was inspired by the real life experiences of a cia officer and her husband played by Naomi Watts and Sean Penn respectively.. This film shows how ruthless American's in Power can be when it's in their interests! Leaving people vulnerable and powerless, unless they are able to fight back!

Even though it semed a slow moving film it was a beautiful film to watch. What a backdrop to the story! A lighthouse on an island, a seemingly bleak place, not offering much to its few inhabitants except time and peace where people can think, feel and find themselves. Great performances from a small cast with believable characters. I enjoyed the whole unravelling of the story. The only small criticsm I had was about Miranda Otto's wardrobe which looked so new and pristine and occasionally her makeup seemed overdone for the scenes, which detracted from the film and what the film was trying to say.

A very enjoyable film. Beautifully directed and acted and danced! Wonderful story because it's true!. I think the true pathos of the character, and his background and upbringing in China has been expertly captured by the lead actor and the director, which makes the film very worthwhile viewing.

A bit of fun, and some childhood memories surfaced from reading the books. Visually interesting, but didn't really have the magic of the books. Where one's imagination does the work. I was expecting more!

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It deserved its awards. War movies are not my first choice and I wanted to see why this movie won awards against the much hyped film Avatar! I agree with members who said that members who trashed it had missed the point. What a refreshingly different style of film making, depicting and telling the story of daily life as soldiers in bomb disposal units (experts and specialists in their field). The edginess and tension created by the director, camera work and of course the actors, make the viewer feel connected with the experiences these specialist soldiers would encompass in a day, and how they would behave in the "hurt locker" at the end of their day. This film is edgy and rivetting viewing. It comes together on so many levels. We are not told all the facts about the wars in Iraq and Afganistan. Over the centuries wars have changed along with technology. All wars are frightening but not having a clear idea from moment to moment day to day where or who your enemy is and whether this is your last minute alive is fairly hard to comprehend. When some of these men finish their grim tour they also face an incomprehensible return to their lives and families who do not understand what they go through at all. Very thought provoking and even though I am not a war movie enthusiast I will see this movie again.

What a wonderful film all round. Beautifully shot and directed by Marc Forster. Ostensibly about the love and friendship of two young boys growing up in their homeland of Afganistan. Due to events and the Russian invasion they are separated but their lives are forever entwined. Marc Forster has brought out the best in his actors to tell a brilliant story full of empathy and thought provoking themes. I'll definitely see it again.

It warrants 4 stars for the sheer thrill of wondering where the plot is going and the suspense that's created and wondering who are the insane? Great acting from all and there are no small roles in this film. Leonardo Di Caprio is never disappointing and he knows how to flesh out a character. Even when you have decided that you understood the ending, there's still a little doubt ! A film that keeps you thinking through the plot & storyline long after it's over. A great production all round. Rivetting viewing.

Loved the intrigue and suspense of the first dvd, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and absolutely enjoyed this one, and can't wait for the third in the trilogy, The Girl who kicked the Hornet's nest ! Agree with one member about the contrived picking up the gun and then leaving it with all her fingprints on it! However without that contrivance it would be hard for the plot/storyline to point at Lisbeth Salander as a suspect, so contrived it might be but necessary it is. Also agree with another member about the yellow small subtitles being hard to read but they hardly matter when it comes down to fabulous and gripping storyline and entertainment. Noomi Rapace is great she has absolutely nailed the character of Lisbeth Salander. A well crafted and thought out drama all round. Good viewing.

Can't compare Kubrick's 2001 Space Odyessy with this sequel from Hyams... 2010 The Year We Make Contact, but it is enjoyable, and as other members say, the film tends to leave you with more questions than answers. Not sure of the casting, however the film was made in 1984 and the visuals and set production are outstanding for it's time.

At the begining of this film, I thought, Oh no! - It's once of those films that wants to be realistic and make a statement using continual swearing. However, it grew on me and I realised it was a fairly powerful movie depicting how it was for teenagers growing up in a tough neighbourhood in Queens in the 80's, and how people in general lived and coped. I'm glad that I persevered. I scored it low because filmically and structually it could have done with some technical improvement, and I think some actors were better than others, but In the end what makes the film, is the fact that it's based on a true story, and that's an eye opener and really sticks in the memory!

Intriguing film, with such different treatment, the use of cgi (visually wonderful) for "purgatory", as the place where the dead girl stays before she can move on to a higher plane, Her voice narrating and telling her story in the beginning of the film, after she has been murdered. The film is interestingly interwoven with the points of view of the family and the dead girl in purgatory and them both trying to connect and resolve the situation before they can all move on with the "new lives". There ares some strange scenes that perhaps weren't necessary, and that you have to wonder about, but overall a well crafted film in all respects, and visually beautiful. Provokes a lot of thoughts and questions. Recommended viewing.

Disappointing! Don't bother. Expected a lot more from this rather drawn out horror thriller. Story takes so long to unravel and then speeds up to reveal a ridiculous ending.

Enjoyed this movie immensley. Clint Eastwood has still got it, as an actor and a great director! This film was a good insight into prejudices, racism, and respect for one another as fellow human beings. Loved the performances from all. Very credible. What great inspiration centreing the Gran Torino as the catalyst to the story of Walt Kowalski and who he was and what he believed in.

Rated this 2 just for the cgi effects and for Eye Candy (Mila Jovovich),as far as storyline, script, performances forget it. unless you really want to veg out !

Yes it's a murder mystery and has some violent sex scenes but it is an excellently crafted film. The film is not rushed, you don't even notice it's 147 mins, it just gets on with telling the story. Full of intriguing twists and turns. Great acting from what seem like down to earth people and not hollywood stars. I agree with other members' reviews about it being difficult to view and read subtitles, (thank goodness for the pause button). Like other members I can't wait for the other two films in the trilogy.

Mixed feelings about this film. Will Smith did his best , but the script didn't really deliver. Maybe I missed the point, but did they discover a cure for cancer and it went wrong or what?..because I didn't think it was very well explained. Overall it was watchable, I liked the film production in general except for the over CGI 'd bits. However, It did have me asking a few questions, like how much of a time frame did he have to build the roller door/window barricades, and his lab & gear, or are we to presume that it was already installed and he always worked from home? How did tap into the energy grid or did he generate his power, was it all solar? ..etc. etc. One question begets another! In the end all his security was veneer thin if the mutants were able to storm through the roof and he had to resort to high voltage lighting, explode bombs, shoot. etc. How did the female and her son get to a safe destination carrying the antidote? I agree with other members a bit of weak ending.

An interesting, charming and sometimes quirky, fairytale of a movie. Basically about relationships with people and in particular a relationship, between a father and his son, that needs understanding. A feel good movie that is easy to watch and puts a smile on your face with a good cast and beautifully told.

Something was missing? Was it the ending? Was it the acting? Was it the direction? This low budget film had potential but went very awry, lost itself and then they didn't know how to wirte an ending! In the end its just about murder and mayhem. Disappointing!

A good suspensful psychological thriller movie, one that keeps you watching to the end because of the unexpected twists and turns. Great acting from the "innocent little girl" and Renee Zellweger is always a natural and totally believable in any role she plays. Some scenes seemed far fetched, but then you think to yourself, well, that's feasible. If you were at your wits end, and totaly driven by events, and everyone thought you're going a little nuts, especially when you are trying to tell them the truth about this innocent little girl! You would think that there's no oher way out, but to rid yourself of this evil, that only you can do, then you would probably stoop to these methods. I always think after watching a film of this genre that there's more to tell. I want to find out how the characters survive something like this in their lives. How do they continue with their daily lives? Do they just pick up where they left off? Do they change careers totally? Do they trust "little innocent girls again"..they're changed forever! What would take place in their lives? When a film leaves you asking questions at the end, it comes down to a good storyline/script to begin with!

I agree with some of the other reviews. Started off Ok with a lot of action happening but was badly directed, scripted and hard to follow with not a lot happening in general then suddenly in the final minutes they try to tie up the story and loose ends to come up with a finish. The filmakers shouldn't have bothered and nor should have I.

Peter Jackson presents a great Sci Fi Movie! Absolutely absorbing until the end, it had so many great elements. Good script with great acting and some comedy in parts, also with various messages about racism with respect to the aliens and not earlthlings. Loved the documentary style intercut with normal dramatic interludes. It works well in this film! Special effects and CGI were also great. The director should be commended. Hats off to all who worked on it. Will there be a sequel? What happens in 3 years time?

I"m glad a movie has been made about this topic of "alien abduction", as many people have come forward over the years to document their stories. The movie is certainly thought provoking and one is left wondering about the possibilities of extraterrestrial life. I'm keeping an open mind. A well crafted movie. Sort of a docu-drama treatment and worth getting out to judge for yourself. Rivetting viewing.

Interesting script premise, and filmically well executed . I like Denzel in just about everything I see him in and that's why I got it out. However, this film is not really my cup of tea. I know the director's trying to make a point with the sort of sepia grey look depicting how bleak things are and the hopelessness of life at this time (after the holocaust of the hole in the ozone layer) until our hero gets to the "west" and delivers his precious "book" and things appear greener, more civilised and more hopeful but it seemed too much at times and can get irritating to watch. The treatment reminded me of Mad Max. Don't know if its a bad dvd copy with the sound transfer, but I was constantly reaching for the remote to hush the sound fx and put up the volume on many scenes. The film asks as many questions as it answers.

Thoroughly engrossing film. Great performances from Liev Schrieber, Denzel Washington and naturally Meryl Streep. She's amazing, they way she can become a character and make it so thoroughly believable is unbelievable! Adore her in any role. A great conspiracy movie, well crafted with interesting twists and turns. After seeing "Charlie Wilsons War" recently and noting what goes on in the background of American politics and elections and their funding; the script premise of the "Manchurian Candidate" is plausible even if it does seem far fetched. Power is King when it comes to world dominance.

A well executed film. This film grabs you from the opening titles and you know it's going to be good right until the end scene. I Loved the opening titles with the strange contraption that's featured, that the character played by Anthony Hopkins has created himself. A good legal thriller that keeps you guessing to the end as to how Mr. Crawford (Anthony Hopkins) is going to get away with it?. Good performances from Anthony Hopkins. (He, like Jack Nicholson, are from a special mould and they just nail it everytime), but was expecting a lttle more from Ryan Gosling the prosecuting lawyer, Willy) but he doesn't deter from the film and it's worth getting out nonetheless.

I think most of the reviews have have elused to the plot. I just want to say I loved it. A truly enjoyable movie. A great movie, great sci-fi script full of twists and turns. Great acting performances and great production value all round. What a pity it's been around for awhile and I didn't know about it until recently when I found it trawling through the sci-fi genre offerings.

Based on a true story this film is an Interesting insight into American politics, corruption, funding and the cogs that turn behind the scenes to achieve the desired outcomes. Very enjoyable performances from Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and particularly Philip Seymour Hoffman.

This is the 2nd time I've seen this movie and I must admit I enjoyed it more in the 70's than this time around. Maybe the music seemed a little dated. Not sure. Great production value and some great musical acts. A bit of a parody on Phantom of the Opera, but it's worth getting out for sheer entertainment.

Enjoyable viewing with great acting from both Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman they teamed up well together. Good old Hollywood scripts make you believe that circumstances like these are possible, but the chances of being able to actually complete a 'bucket list' for mere mortals is not always possible or easy. However, I guess the moral of the story is live life to the fullest the best way you can, as there's not always a second chance!

Basically a moving and poignant love story that is set in the 1920's in England and Shanghai In China and based on a great novel by Somerset Maugham. Filmically beautiful to watch. Parts of country China are truly beautiful. I enjoyed it and it held me to the end. Overall a well crafted film. Recommended viewing.

The Men who sare at Goats is based on a book of the same name by Jon Ronson. You would think with a line up like Ewan McGgregor, George Clooney, Kevin Spacey and Jeff Bridges it would be great. Watchable yes, but great No. You would think that with the story premise based on some facts taken from Secret US Army files about Psychic Spying or remote viewing as it's also known, (some dating back to the fifties) and set in surreal surroundings like the desert landscapes of Kuwait and Iraq would have make for a great movie. Somehow it misses the mark, and comes over as a bit of a farce. It lost it's way for me because the actors didn't know whether to play comedy or play it straight. Maybe the director didn't help the actors here. Get it out anyway because the story and movie is bizarre in the telling but it could have been better.

Refreshingly different!. Jim Carrey & Kate Winselt are extremely watchable in this movie. Jim Carrey should do more serious roles. I enjoyed this movie and it held me until the end. Of course I've got some criticisms with the script where it could have been better, but nonetheless an interesting concept when it comes to erasing unwanted memories. Worth viewing.

It could have been funny, should have been funny, but it was painful and missed the mark totally for me! I admire Matt Damon's acting usually but I don't think he nailed it this time or he just didn't get any direction? Even though I watched it to the end I wondered when it would end.

If you're vegging out and just want to be entertained then a Hugh Grant and SJP movie is the fix. As other reviewers have mentiond Hugh Grant plays Hugh Grant and SJP plays SJP and/or Carrie from Sex in the City. Not a very well crafted film in terms scene editing and a bit too long in terms of storyline. Somehow the story bumbles through and you can guess the outcome. Did I enjoy it? Yeah, it was just OK!

I gave it 3 stars and I enjoyed it! It was funny, you could see the humour in ithe script even though it was black!. Absolutely different film making and that's what makes for interesting and entertaining viewing! It's a look at a slice of life from the sixties and from the view point of an individual who lives in a different culture from our current 2010 era and if you don't undersand the "jewish persuasion" then the premise may be even more baffling for you. However, I think it's exceptional viewing and to my mind the film did have a resolution. The character of Prof. Gotnik changed. He had a better understanding of "his" life and the scheme of things in it. He was so wrapped up in his job and who he thought he was, that he "missed the forest through the trees" syndrome. Therefore the things that transpire in his life open his eyes to the bigger picture.

A feel good movie. In the end what was a very interesting premise and could have gone somewhere, fizzled out. A pity! If you're just wanting to veg out and don't expect too much this will suffice.

I have mixed feelings about this film. I was interested because it was a true story. I always find Denzel very charismatic and Russel Crowe extremely adept at adapting to his characters. However, there was something irritating about this film. Maybe it was the mood that was created, I'm not sure, couldn't quite put my finger on it, because it didn't feel like a true story, it felt like Hollywood, I know that's a strange thing to say, maybe it was the way the gory and sleazy bits were portrayed. Get it out anyway, its very entertaining even though in reality its an idictment of our society and its values.

Preferred the first Cube, even though this one had potential with special fx, it lost out with the suspense and thrills. Some scenes were ridiculous an unnecessary and some didn't make sense, like the Big close up of the eye blinking in the beginning and the odd ending which didn't make a lot of sense even though I did think about it and I have my surmises but they still have me asking the question is that what the director meant? If so, the perpetrators have gone to a lot of trouble and expense to obtain their objective!. I prefer a resolve in films, it's like the icing on the cake!

I enjoyed it, but sad to say it could have been better. I think it's tricky to pull two true stories together in such a way one doesnt' detract from the other. This film did detract and if I had my "rathers" I'd rather have seen a film made on the story of Julia Childs (Meryl Streep's character) she was far more colourful than Julie. One could feel that the director (Nora Ephron) did her best to pull these two stories together, but for me she didn't quite pull it off. Meryl's wonderful as always but the "voice" she gave Julia was a little disconcerting at times. Visually lovely.

Worthwhile viewing! Interesting premise and interesting script concept. OK actors could have been better, but they do the job; because in the end you feel you are with them trapped in this cube and are wondering what you would do, how you would handle it ? etc. The ending is a little disappointing and there are still more questions than there are answers, but a very clever film for a new director and a low budget film. I'm looking forward to Cube 2: Hypercube now!

Fun movie to kill 85mins, but like other members' reviews, I thought enjoyable but nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe it is lost in the translation or maybe the French have different humour "buttons" because it certainly didn't make me "explode with laughter" and I hardly found it a "razor sharp farce", and just when you expected a little more to the story with regard to the ending..the film suddently just ended!

Loved it and gave it 5 stars for sheer enjoyment. A very well crafted film. When a film works it really works! Everyone cast, crew writer and director were totally together on this! Lots of fun and an easy way to spend 92 minutes!

I put the lack of stars in my rating down to the director! The direction of the film didn't come across as serious or comedy as it was a strange mix of the two and for me it did't work! I like Mark Wahlberg and Tim Robbins and thought this could be a good film, especially as it's based on a Truffaut story. However, they were both disappointing and that's saying something when it come to the evergreen and highly capable actor and director, that Tim Robbins is himself. Thandie Newton wasn't at all credible as her character. I watched it to the end but it's not like me to want a movie to end so I can do something else!

A true story that needed to be told. Unfortuntely, we still don't know the whole truth. It is sinful from those in power and particularly from the Indonesians who invaded Timor in the first place. Strong words from "Myke" in his review but one can understand his sentiment. Why does the Australian Government "pander" to the Indonesian government? I understand in terms of being neighbours and trade and generally being civilised etc., but why on earth does the Australian Government accept this lie and cover up as if it didn't happen. Thank goodness, some people have fought to find some kind of justice for the people of Timor and the murdered Australian journalists. The film captured the "gungho" nature of the Australian journalisits and their determined attitude to getting the story in the news! Thumbs up for all those involved in the making of this film, and for finding the funds to make a worthwhile film and tell the story., even though it happened 30 years ago. After all it's our history!

A bit of fun. Easy viewing. Good cast, great sets, costumes and script. It is after all a Noel Coward story. So good insights into characters of the time. I love upperclass English "twiterry" always good for a laugh.

After 10 pages of members reviews I think it's all been said, and I agree with the review by "Dooglebottom" that if it hadn't been for Christopher McCandless's inexperience and not knowing that the river may be swollen by melted snows, his death was very sad and needless. Having said that, a brilliant film in many ways. Sean Penn as a director continues to impress me. Beautiful scenic photography, good performance by Emile Hirsch who played Christopher. It is a thought provoking and very poignant film.

I don't usually give any film 5 stars. The Mist is an exception! It's not that horror films are my favourite genre. It's that this film was crafted excellently starting with the novella from Stephen King and followed by direction from Frank Darabont and all the ensemble cast who gave fabulous credible performances and last but not least the crew. Everyone has left their mark in this incredibly gripping tale. It does remind one of "Lord of the "Flies" the way people can behave or deteriorate when faced with the fear of the unknown. I agree with "Joff's" review it does have a few moments where things could be improved within the script but it is a film that stays with you for a few days as you mul it over. Highly recommended viewing.

Excellent action suspense thriller. I recommend it for sheer entertainment. Liam Neeson is great in this film. It's full on baddies versus goody drama from start to finish. I always have a giggle to myself about how people like Liam's character can do it all so efficiently with no sustenance or sleep! Realism goes out the window with these types of genre. Let's not let plausability get in the way of a good story. Get it out and enjoy action packed entertainment!

This is definitely meant to be a thought provoking movie. It certainly had a black & white feel about it. You will either like it or dislike it. I gave Sean Penn 3 stars for trying though. He's trying to show us through his film, the murky depths that some people will go to desensitize themselves from the pain they feel and others will strengthen themselves from the pain. The film definitely has some sensitive moments. I liked the techinical filming side as well, because Sean Penn tried to tell the story via the film which after all is why we watch the media to understand. I liked it and I'm glad I saw it.

An outstanding and interesting thought provoking Australian Film about Bushrangers. Very graphic brutality, however, there was a story to tell and it was told by wonderful cinematography, acting and by Nick Cave's wonderful direction. It's realy good to see an Australian Film that has something to offer and isn't just a copy of American genres made in Australia. I recommend it if your interested in early Australiana.

A fun light hearted film to veg out on at this time of the year! If you like comedy romance then you'll enjoy Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn as the couple who avoid family commitments and family xmas get togethers. Some scenes are outright silly but who cares. It's all a bit of laugh.

Very entertaining to say the least, very quirky to say the most. Very strange to some it up! Initially I chose it because I like all the actors in the film. Thought it can't be half bad if they are in it. If you give it a go and get into it and listen and watch without your own preconceived ideas, you 'll find it very clever and wonder how it was ever directed, acted and the script written at all. Very much a collaboration from all, otherwise it could never be. I enjoyed it and liked all the actors and without them doing their craft and giving us their special skills it could have been a disaster that didn't work! Judging by the reviews I see people either like it or dislike it.

A liitle slow to begin with but beautifully shot & directed in the seaside town of Robe South Australia. A story of people coming to terms with their "lot" in life and the small town they live in. Where most things are "related" in one way or another. Wonderful performances from all the actors particularly the two teenagers. Not everyone's cup of tea but very watchable. A very poignant storyline.

Interesting viewing. Overall I like Clint Eastwood's direction! I think because it's a true story, its worth viewing. Certainly a history lesson into the period of the late 20's to mid 30's. Won't disappoint. I found the character of Christine as portrayed by Angelina Jolie, ran a bit hot and cold. Her doeful eyes, beautiful as they are, a sort of distraction to her acting, along with the over emphasized makeup, that apart from the asylum scenes were over done for me. It detracted from the scenes where she really acted. Apart from that it deserves 4 stars as it's a very well crafted film.

I was dissappointed in this film it had a good cast and I expected a lot more. I thought it was a bad dvd transfer because of the mumbling and sound, so I played with the audio the whole movie through. I was able to leave the dvd on and make a tea etc., without pausing it. Nothing happened for ages, it was slow, boring and predictable I felt like I was watching a conglomeration of scripts "done before". I agree with all the comments from the member reviews of Micfitz, Purple Sue, and Myke all their comments were valid.

Woody Allen's done it again for me! He's always entertaining! Relationships he does well. Admittedly his direction is recognisable, but less so in this film with the characters not so repetetive as american's usually are! Penelope, Rebecca & Scarlett are all brilliant and delightful to watch do their craft. Javier Bardem is interesting! Great script, fab scenery of Barcelona and just a delightful romp into "truth is stranger than fiction" and it's usually the way when one's young and on hodildays in another country.

I think this movie is known as an "H" Grade movie. H for Hopeless. I think the best part of the movie were the end titles with shots of the crew that worked on it, which says it all. I find it amazing what Americans find as funny!

I got this movie out thinking done well, it will be an exciting genre. Not so, the movie is definitely "B Grade", including the cast, on whom it dwells too much at the beginning for the sake of the storyline. Apart from the fx which are expertly quickly edited to detract from the entirety of the propduction. That about sums it up.

Not the worst movie I have seen! However, if you find yourself alone with nothing to do then this is the one! The cast of wanna bes were earnest enough. The direction was low budget. The storyline somewhat goofy but had merit. All in all it was always going to be a c grade movie.

Another fun Jack Black film. It was a bit lame in a lot of ways. However, Jack Black as always is briliant he doesn't disappoint he's just able to put it out there and that's what makes him a great stand out comedian. Jared Hess the Producer was able to use the mexican pathos & landscape to fill in the blanks but the comedy comes with the acting from all. Sit back and be entertained watching!

Although I've rated this film low it's a strangely entertaining movie! If you're feeling voyeuristic or want to attend a wedding! It's like being a guest or close family friend and watching all the family dross that can surface amongst family relationships on occasions such as weddings! However once given a bit of an insight into these people's characters I realy wanted to understand them more! The characters were not really fleshed out enough for me to really feel that I liked or cared enough for them. Anne Hathaway is trying to engage us, but in the end I don't really feel that there were any real resolutions for them, perhaps except for the deliriously happy bride who's getting on with HER life! There are some deep messages peppered throughout though, and the wedding day is all colour and movement, a fiesta of multiculturalism!

A fantastical love story by the great novelist Scott F. Fitzgerald. I hadn't read the book so I was looking forward to this film version. I didn't think it could disappoint because of the stellar cast, and it didn't! Cate Blanchett just knocks me out as she always plays her characters with such conviction. Brad Pitt was an interesting choice as the curious Benjamin Button, but I liked the way he portrayed his character's gentle wisdom and earnestness. Yes it was a long film, but to me that's more acceptable on DVD rather than at the cinema! However, I can't imagine it being any shorter really, to do the story justice filmically, which it did. I liked the way the story twisted and turned and linked back and forth through a fascinating time span from the 1920's to the 21st century. A cleverly crafted film based on a cleverly crafted novel. Very deserving of the 3 Academy Awards! Loved it!

For my money definitely worth 4 stars. I love films based on true stories that show historical facts as well, and this one, skillfully directed by Australian Philip Noyce doesn't disappoint. An eye opening glimpse as to what it was like during the brutal "Boer" regime in South Africa during the 70's and 80's particulary if you were a black south African! Great drama & action from a brilliant main cast with performances that a very real. These sorts of films should be mandatory viewing in history classes in high schools.

Even though I've only rated this film two stars, I still think it deserves viewing. The drama, intrigue are there alive and well on the screen along with superbly stunning scenery captured magnificently for the screen. The two leads are very worthy actors and their screen presence is captivating. In the end it's all down to the storyline and that's what lets, what could be a brilliant movie down. The story does lose it's way and there are more questions than answers. I found myself mentally rewriting the script. Intriguing none the less. Give it a go!

Yes I gave it 5 stars! Why? - because it's a brilliant script to start with! Thumbs up for everyone who worked on this film. Absolutely fabulous performances from those who "live" life. It was very compelling viewing. Life is a paradox, it's not all squeaky clean and the atrocities do exist even in Australia the "lucky country". For the those who have never visited India, this type of "life" may be hard to grasp, but India is a paradox and in my opinion a very "real" education for those who have travelled there. In the end what this film gives us is hope and joy. It ends on a high note and deserves the 8 academy awards!

I agree with some of the other member reviews that it's great to see a film about indigenous Australians, especially one so beautifully crafted visually. I did feel some disappointment in the overall story telling,in as much as the film seemed to be building suspense, but in the end failed to deliver a conclusive ending and somewhat abruptly ended without any real resolution to the story. Having said that it's still very worthwhile viewing!

Stunningly moving & poignant film in all aspects. Big thumbs up to all involved in making this film, including the camels. A simple story about simple nomadic folk who live in the harsh Mongolian steppes. These people are happy with their lot and are in touch with their animals, the land and with the life they lead. In my opinion this film should be compulsory viewing for spoilt teenagers and generally for people who waste their lives achieving nothing in lands of plenty!

I was disappointed with this film and couldn't wait for it to end.. I was expecting a lot more than I got! I agree with WESLEY's review, the film did suck and was at times boring. The only redeeming factor was the performance of Heath Ledger. Everybody else was napping! That includes, scriptwriter, director, and particularly editor, hated the style of chopping off scenes like that, it doesn't create suspense, just disjoints the film. How it won awards is puzzling?!

Loved the performance from Abbie Cornish, (a new Australian star is born!). She was mesmerising, the subtleties of her character were exquisitely captured on camera. I could really understand the dilemmas a young girl was going though whilst exploring her sexual awakening. A very graphic and credible film, beautifully shot in a beautiful part of Australia. Performances from all support cast were all very good. The only place the film fell down for me was in the editing process, where it lacked a more subtle pacing & style with some scenes, otherwise I would have rated it 4 stars!

I took this film out on the strength of the review. If the reviewer got all that out of the film, we didn't see the same film! I thought the movie was produced and shot by "Students" or wannabe film makers! It was a good script premise and would be worth remaking with talented actors and filmakers all round. I perservered till the end hoping for some redeeming plot to reveal itself. It didn't, in fact it wasn't resolved one way or the other! Very disappointing!

I totally agree with the reviews of "Urs" and "Gaggles". I'm just disappointed I got it out in the first place! All I can say is that it's unrateable!

Enjoyable & compelling viewing. Great all round direction, cinematography & acting. The plot line is a very plausible possibility for mankind's future. Robbins & Morton's excellent performances do justice to the characters of William & Maria, two ordinary people living normal but somewhat dreary day to day lives, and made me feel like a voyuer in a strange but not unfamiliar future world. I'm a Tim Robbins fan, as his performances are always sure to please. A "thinking" actor, his characters are always interesting & unique. Being a romantic I would have liked a different ending, but the ending chosen for a code 46 violation is the only one allowed in that world. Certainly something for humanity to think about !

Compelling and rivetting viewing. The Wachowsky Brothers have done it again! They sure can tell a good story. Masters of their craft. Can't wait for their next epic! I loved this film. I loved the pace of the film that held you inextricably in the moment as the story unfolded. I wasn't thinking about the possible ending, second guessing this or that, noticing continuity problems or anything other than being totally absorbed in the whole film. Natalie Portman is excellent as the heroine Evey. Hugo Weaving (as V)just continues to amaze. A performance that is almost narration brings a body in a mask to life! His voice (delivery of his lines) is just compelling. Sort of film you'll want to see again, and it becomes a classic!

Unfortunately frustrating viewing! Considering this film has a great story premise and such a good cast lineup. I was sadly dissappointed with the overall story telling via the editing of this film. The disjointed "clip vigniette" type of editing style was just plain annoying and distracted from what a good movie should be - "tell the story and the good performances will also shine"! What a shame, I felt like I wanted to see the real film, with any scenes that were on the cutting room floor put back in again! I would have sacked the Editor and Executive producer (one of which was George Clooney) and re-edited.

Fascinating look into Russian Maffia World. Even though I was initially disturbed by the subject matter I found the movie rivetting. Mortensen and Watts turn out to be a great lead duo. Intense & highly credible performances from Viggo Mortensen. Great story telling from Director. Oscar material for my money.

Found the story overall soppy! The main characters were not developed enough. Had a great storyline and more could have been done with the film. Would have loved to re-edit it myself! Not enough kitchen drama and it was slow going in parts. The film and the ending were predictable.

I like Sandra Bullock in whatever role she plays and I thought she handled this genre well. Julian McMahon did a good job and his character was plausible. The movie plot was fascinating, but it required close attention otherwise one could lose the plot. I felt like it was a difficult task for both the director and the editor to keep it together, so as not to lose the viewer. I expected more of an ending after all the suspense, but I suppose there was no where really to go other than the ending the director chose! Overall enjoyable.

Great easy going fun movie. Great combination of the 4 main cast, the characters were very enjoyable to watch. Jack Black is a hoot! Great storyline concept of house swapping and the anything can happen in life if you give things a chance is always a winner. Visually lovely locations. Enjoyable feel good flick.