Josh's Reviews
Remember, submitting a review allows you to share your views and opinions on any title - all reviews are available to all other members, so please keep them coming, as they allow you to give your view on what's hot and what's not.
Although you can't expect too much from it, you can appreciate it for the way it really embraces the blaxploitation genre. Generally it's just a really good 1970s crime film.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Regardless of the relevance to the other Halloween movies, this is garbage either way. Skip it.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
It really does make you think twice about people on the internet. I don't think it's that strong in regards to its plot, but the message hits you like a ton of bricks.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Just a good little movie to watch. It's flawed, but forgivably flawed and it never ceases to be entertaining. What more can you ask for?
(Excellent) - review by Josh
This is one of those very few movies where by the end of watching it I sit there thinking "Are movies even allowed to be this good". This is inevitably a masterpiece. Jack Nicholson steals the show, but all the other patient characters can be connected to easily due to their rebellion. Milos Forman gave us a masterpiece. It really is one of the best.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A very unique and moving film. I did feel that the regular musical numbers drew away from the story's great pace, but when you look past that the movie delivers an almost home video like style of cinematography and Bjork is fantastic in her role. This is not an everyman's movie, but when one appreciates film it's hard not to like.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Much too sentimental, but nonetheless a decent watch. I normally don't care for Owen Wilson in movies but he delivered a surprisingly moving performance here. It's a good family movie that's worth the viewing.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Simply a fun adventure movie. It has plot holes and other problems, but the overall enjoyability outweighed it. At least for me.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Wonderful film. It really keeps you on the edge of your seat in the good old Hitchcockian fashion. Also really love the performances, cinematography, twists and turns of the script, and to say the least, the gorgeous scenery. Polanski fans, this is recommended even more highly to you.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Very fun movie. A nicely protrayed idea reinforced by great performances and humour. Overall, a very good 70s comedy.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An absolutely phenomenal miniseries. It'll take up a lot of your time, but I really do recommend it highly. It's moving, but at the same time very educational. Meryl Streep and James Woods are probably the two most engaging characters throughout the entire show.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Unintelligent junk. There isn't a whole lot to say about it. There are no interesting or developed characters, there are too many scenes that contribute nothing to the plot and the humour is just your basic slapstick. It's not terrible by any means, in fact, it is watchable, but I would never recommend it.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
Saw this a bit earlier today. Quite a hilariously offensive and enjoyably silly movie. Sacha Baron Cohen really does steal the show in this picture.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Stephen King prevails as usual. This is great filmmaking. Plenty of thrills, suspense to the max with delighful characters put in as well.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Simply a very good, run of the mill superhero film. Not quite as good as Captain America, or Iron Man, but nonetheless very entertaining.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It simply doesn't work as well as it should. Nice idea for a movie, but you can never properly translate a short picture book to a feature length film.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Howard's remake of the Dr Seuss classic is certainly amibtious, but faulted from the beginning. Seuss shorts simply can't be properly converted to feature length films, meaning that this one really dragged on with irrelevant, pointless material. A good watch, but it's hard to say if The Grinch really was worth it.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Total garbage. This doesn't even feel like a Friday the 13th movie. The horrible production values, script and acting certainly are no help. Just don't bother!
(Don't bother!) - review by Josh
As a big fan of this series, I will say that this is one of the very worst of the series. There are very few likable things about it, no imagination in the kills, relentless stupidity and it has a misleading title. On top of that, it has a misleading title. 'Jason Takes Manhatten'? More like 'Jason Takes The Boat'.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
Essentially "Jason meets Carrie" as others have noted. The film hasn't got as many interesting kills as the others, has no likable characters and it is fairly dull. Is it the worst Friday the 13th? No, but it could have been a LOT better.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Awesome premise and execution. Very reminiscent of The Matrix and personally I think this is actually a superior film. Christian Bale is fantastic.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Great American remake and better than I expected it would be. It's not really that creepy, but the mystery factor makes for one truly engaging show.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Zero character development, low production values and corny as heck, but still a fairly entertaining film on the basis of the senseless violence.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A powerhouse performance by Meryl Streep, but the convoluted storytelling indicates some really sloppy writing. This could have been a fantastic film, but just falls short.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very original and charming science fiction film. The balance between genres is outstanding and Matt Damon delivers a swell performance. Not the best sci-fi movie ever, but pretty underrated nonetheless.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A truly disturbing and intense horror film. Definitely one of the better ones in this age of less great horror movies. This one is a must see for genre fans.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I wish it had more relevance to Kevin Smith's Clerks films, but nonetheless it is a quite enjoyable romantic comedy.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Lots of fun. Lots of laughs. Rick Moranis may very well be the most entertaining thing about it. Outside of some outdated effects, this is a great family film that many youngsters today will love.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A really great story about family and relationships. Depp is excellent as you'd expect, but the show is stolen by a young Leonardo DiCaprio who gives us one of the most realistic portrayals of a person with mental disabilities.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Enjoyable, but too much of an exercise in style over substance. Brandon Lee delivers a great performance though.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
I watched this one a lot as a kid and after 10 years it was really nice to revisit. Despite some plot holes and some ridiculous moments it's a heck of a fun movie that could definitely be rewatched regardless of your age.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Not perfect. It has some cliches that could have been avoided easily and doesn't really stand out too much from the average 80s teen film when you get over the fact that Michael J Fox is a werewolf, but for what it's worth it is great entertainment.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Excellent animation and full of wonder. Although it is a bit short, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a great example of both a Halloween and Christmas movie and really shows off Burton's creative genius despite his not being in the director's chair.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It has major problems such as issues with character development and a lack of explanation in many scenes, but the childhood scenes are very entertaining and the movie thankfully doesn't feel overlong to me. It's a good movie, but could have been much better.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A very strong and engaging story. This is one that really would make you wish more people like Fossey were around and there were less cruel poachers.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great movie. It's good to see Spike Lee not have his obsession with race in this particular film. It allows everything to feel a lot more natural. On top of that, the story is brilliant, the ending rocks and all the actors, notably Ed Norton, deliver terrific performances.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A powerful film that really shows off how bad things are in Afghanistan from the point of view of one character whom the audiences become quite attached to. It's probably not everyone's movie, but I must say that I enjoyed it quite a bit.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Fairly far fetched and somewhat unbelievable, but the direction is fantastic, acting quite good and the story does a good job at capturing the tensions between North and South Korea. Admittedly, I was a bit dissappointed, but it is still a pretty good viewing.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
One of those cool movies that when you watch it it feels as though you are with these characters and hanging out with them like they're your friends. This one is very joyful.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Quite a nice collection of short films. If you're a fan of Chaplin then definitely watch it. If not, this may be a good way to be introduced to his genius.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very fun zombie film and a great companion piece to "Death Proof". The experience of watching this in the theater as part of "Grindhouse" would have been really fascinating.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Amazing film. Very disturbing, extremely thrilling, melodramatic (but in an effective kind of way) and full of violence that feels real. Battle Royale is a very unique film that isn't praised by the general public quite as much as I would wish. Highly recommended to everyone except the kids and the squemish.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A great surf and police film. This is one of the great action films of the warly 1990s. A shame though that Keanu Reeves isn't all that great an actor.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great debut for Sofia Coppola. This is one very haunting and informative movie dealing with the issues of teen suicide as well as their relationships with each other and their families. If you want a different kind of teen film then this'd be one to check out.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very interesting film. It seems simple on the surface, but is quite deep when you really think about it. This is simply just another great Coen brothers work.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Very odd in some areas, but very moving in others. "Red Dog" is a highly engaging story with real Australian spirit. I'd definitely watch this again. Great job, filmmakers!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A brilliant British film. It features a great insight into the Thatcher years in the United Kingdom, a look at the Falklands War and provides an understanding of how skinheads came to be and what they stood for all from the point of view of an impressionable young boy. Two massive thumbs up from me and a big seal of approval!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
The second film in the cult "Mexico" trilogy and probably the best one as well. Much higher in budget, more professional cast and crew involved and more mature writing and direction by Rodriguez. This is one fantastic action film that's worth watching back to back with El Mariachi.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
If I recall correctly this film was shot on a budget of 7000 dollars. When you consider the outcome, that is very impressive. It has low production values, but the script and direction are both very good and make for a very good action movie.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
This is a wonderful piece of fun. A great monster movie filled with its fair share of both imagination and enjoyable cliches.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A bit convoluted, barely related to the actual murder and the character development isn't very good, but despite this the stylish directions and eventual outcomes of the story make it quite a joy to watch. This movie is far from perfect, but it isn't quite as bad as many other people make it out to be. Give it a chance.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
One of the great family films of the 70s. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory really does take you out of your place to a world filled with magic and wonder. Plus, Gene Wilder is fantastic.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A true classic and one of the best films of the 1930s. James Stewart is outstanding in his role and the direction of Frank Capra is real evidence that he was one of the greatest of the early film visionaries.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A pretty good movie, but the sociopathy of most of the characters is a real turn off. However, Russell Crowe delivers an excellent performance as he usually does. It's pretty short too. Overall, this isn't what I describe as brilliant cinema, but I'd say it is worth one watch.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great story about police corruption. This is definitely better than your standard police film. One of the best performances from Sylvester Stallone I've seen and Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro and Harvey Keitel are all great too.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I watched this one quite a bit as a kid. It was nice to revisit my childhood. Overall, a good film, but the nostalgic value was what mattered the most to me.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A very surprising addition to the superhero genre. Kick-Ass is highly inventive and original movie. For fans of the genre, this one is definitely worth checking out.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A fantastic epic. Kirk Douglas is great in his role as Spartacus and it really makes you wish that these clearly phoney yet lovable old sets would still be recreated in modern films, simply for the aesthetic appeal. The ending is excellent too. Despite it's goodness, this has nothing on many of Kubrick's other films and if you aren't familiar with his work then you have something to be excited for.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
One of the best films that Kurosawa ever made. Not quite as good as Seven Samurai, but nonetheless excellent. I could definitely see why Sergio Leone felt motivated to direct this in the form of "A Fistful Of Dollars".
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Utterly fantastic film. Not only do I consider this to be Paul Thomas Anderson's best work, but I also regard it to be one of the best films of the 2000s. The scenery is breathtaking, the recreation of the period is perfected, the performances (namely Daniel Day Lewis) are outstanding and the story of Daniel Plainview is compelling. The slow pace and demand for constant focus will turn off many people (particularly the younger ones) but once you have that "There Will Be Blood" is an exhilirating experience.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Sure, this movie isn't outstanding and it doesn't rival some of the better Marvel films (Spider-Man, X-Men etc), but it does succeed in being a really good Blockbuster despite its few problems. Just a fun superhero movie and nothing more. I look forward to the sequel.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great 50s science fiction film with a positive message against war. I'd say that you should definitely watch this film. A classic for its time and still relevant today.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I watched this one quite a lot growing up and still enjoy it today. It's not the most intelligent thing to ever grace the screen, but it is one heck of a fun horror movie. Humans in a small town have to hold up against a horde of giant spiders. That's just awesome!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Coming from the perspective of a person who hasn't seen the first three films yet, this was quite a surprising movie. The screenplay is intelligent, the acting and direction are both fantastic and it keeps you anticipating the outcomes from beginning till end. This is what I think of when it comes to great action movies.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Quite a fun 80s flashback and a good John Hughes work. It isn't anything particularly great, but it does achieve what it set out to do so in that regard it should be commended. Good movie, but there are much better teen films.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An absolutely moving and artful masterpiece. It's one of those very few films that left me absolutely spellbound by the time I finished watching it. Since then, I've viewed it numerous times and I consider it an all time favourite. "The Green Mile" is mandatory viewing for any fan of cinema and deserves the status of a classic when the time comes.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
One of the best films Robin Williams has starred in. I've seen it a few times already and will definitely be pleased to view it again in the future. Very good family oriented comedy.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Well, they've reached the final film and it payed off too well. An outstanding conclusion to an excellent film series. Thank you, filmmakers, this franchise has been a ton of fun.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
It feels too much like the prelude that it is and I really wish they just combined the last 2 films into one, but regardless this is a very different Potter film that stands out. They were executing the near ending very well.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Excellent Potter film. More character exploration, more story and more balanced amount of action to maintain the interest of its younger and less mature fans. Gotta love the fantastic ending and the bleak cinematography. One of the best.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A little too much reliance on effects and a massive emphasis on the more teenage qualities, but nothing unforgivable. This isn't a perfect Harry Potter film, but at least it gave us David Yates, potentially the best director who has worked on these films. Great movie, but not the best.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Yet another very good Potter sequel. I really admire how this one pretty much set the stage for how the remaining films will follow as opposed to relying on the episodic qualities of the first three. A very fun, dark fantasy film. Excellent.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
The first of the darker, more mature Harry Potter films. It has a great mystery that keeps you anticipating how it will unravel in the end. One of the very best of the franchise in my opinion.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
It still has the same negatives of the first film, but thankfully it has the same positives too and they're done to an even higher standard. Overall, it isn't a perfect film, but it's a much better movie than the first and the direction of Chris Columbus was history after this. I'm glad he made these two films what they were and then stopped there.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An imaginative and fun family adventure. The acting is a little bit wooden and the screenplay has a lot of cheesy lines, but at least they improved on this in the later films. A great start to a great franchise.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
While it is very emotionally forced, I don't view it as the insult to the real man that critics made it out to be. I simply regard "Patch Adams" as a flawed, but very enlightening story of one man's struggle to go against the system and just help people.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Both of these are classic films. Great Mexican cinema by a director who really loves cinema. Desperado was my favourite.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Dark, disturbing and completely terrifying. Se7en does a wonderful job at depicting a world that's absolutely gone down the gutter and the mystery keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the amazing climax. Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt are excellent together. One of the best thrillers of all time for sure. A must see film.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
While I do think it can be a little slow, this is one great Cold War film. John McTiernan directing a high budget action film starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin and Sam Neill, what more can you ask for? Great film, check it out.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Was something enjoyable too much to ask for? This film is empty. Dull performances, weak script and it relies on effects that are pretty bad anyway. Just don't bother with this.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
Quite an underrated Christopher Nolan flick. Beautiful scenery, great script and wonderful performances by Al Pacino, Hilary Swank and Robin Williams. This is one damn good thriller and I think most people should check it out.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Cool story concept, but pretty bland in its execution. I have to admit, I don't get the hype behind this at all.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
Very much a watered down version of Inception and in that sense it is very good. The film plays with your mind to a reasonable extent, but thrills you at the same time. With a film like this on his catalogue, Duncan Jones has shown the film industry that he is a new force to be reckoned with.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Quite a funny early Tom Hanks film. It really makes you wish he did more movies like this or wish that these kind of comedies were still made in general.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Heavy reliance on formula and very predictable, but regardless it is one very well paced thriller that really works. You root for Neeson the whole way and for that reason alone there's evidence that this film really really works. "Taken" may not be the smartest movie ever, but it's one heck of an entertaining time.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Horrific title for a sequel, but once you get past that this is probably the most professionally made Rambo film since the original. It doesn't have the over-the-top action qualities of the second and third, but instead works as a convincing anti-war film filled with absolute mayhem. Still not the best (not that I expected it to be) but this one has a lot more merit over some of the previous films. It's very graphic so approach with caution.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Like the second, this is a crazy sequel and basically just a popcorn flick. However, this one has a LOT more propaganda and is even less believable. Not to imply that it is a bad movie to watch, it isn't, but the shortcomings are even more obvious. Still, as a Rambo fan I have to love it.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Although it has lost the great drama of the first film, this sequel proves to be one real fun time despite how over the top and ridiculous it can be. There are reasons not to like it, but I think that it succeeds in enough places to be enjoyable to fans.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
One of my absolute favourite films. First Blood is an intense, character driven thriller with brilliant action sequences, heart wrenching suspense and a real human story. Sylvester Stallone delivers one of the finest performances of his career here. If you like 80s action films or films dealing with the harsh effects of the Vietnam war then "First Blood" is an absolute must-see.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Potentially Steven Spielberg's best film in almost ten years. It is a little bit too sentimental at times, but besides that the film does a wonderful job at recreating the horrors of the First World War and presenting the intense friendship between one young man and his horse. One of the best films of 2011, a must see.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
This is one hilarious film. Fun for the whole family and a great Christmas classic.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great Spielberg work. His touch really does show. As his first animated feature I must say that he's done a very impressive job. It's full of adventure, humour and imagination.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A strong script, terrific performances and beautiful cinematography. With this film, Alexander Payne has reinforced why he is one of the best directors of the last 10 years. When Quickflix gets around to releasing this film, definitely watch it. It's a fantastic drama and one of my favourite films of 2011.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Man, do I love this film! It's just such a fun movie. A little kid wishes to be a grown up and realizes the responsibilities of being an adult. Tom Hanks steals the show.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
I got to see this one in theaters. Chronicle is an interesting new take on both the 'found footage' and superhero genres. It succeeds highly in both ways however does come off as a bit of a teenager's movie. Nonetheless, I recommend it.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A highly underrated film. I mainly saw it since John Carpenter directed it and it didn't dissapoint. An awesome horror movie for car aficionados with 70s style. Great film!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A somewhat corny, but highly enjoyable 80s teen film. This is definitely a must see for fans of the genre.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
As odd as this film is, I have to admit that I do find it really enjoyable. Yes, Arnold gets pregnant and immediately you can't take it seriously, but it has a fair few laughs and Arnold's chemistry with Danny DeVito is quite good. Ironically the director's son went on to make an even better comedy involving pregnancy called "Juno".
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A true masterpiece. I consider Taxi Driver to not only be Martin Scorsese's greatest directorial achievement and one of Robert De Niro's best performances, but one of the best films ever made. It's thought provoking, dark, original and disturbing and all of these things led to it being one of the most powerful experiences I've had watching a film.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
This is one excellent portrayal of Johnny Cash's rise to fame and fortune and the ups and downs that he went through. It's actually quite sad watching this now knowing that this iconic musical legend has now passed on. Excellent film and well worth watching.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A classic for a very good reason. Wilder's film provides a great perspective of the silent era and in this day allows us to understand the industry as of the 1950s. The story of an ageing film star is also quite engaging. Great noir film. Recommended.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
This is a truly gripping story. It has the right balance of depressing, happy and completely disturbing material. When you add a great cast and a very underrated director to the mix you can't expect anything less than a good show. Might be a bit intense for some people, but I'm telling you that this is great storytelling.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A disappointing Tarantino flick. It just doesn't have the memorability of his other films and it just makes you want to watch "Pulp Fiction" instead. This is a good movie, but by the standards of one of the best filmmakers alive it is a big letdown (at least for me).
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
I find director Spike Lee's huge emphasis on race relations to be very biased and exaggerated, but despite that I think this movie captures tensions amongst different people in the film pretty well. It places them in a not so great situation and you know things aren't gonna turn out well. Not one of the best films out there, but well worth the viewing.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Despite this being an absolute rip-off of Rear Window (one of the best films ever made), it does keep you on the edge of your seat pretty well. Not perfect, but not a bad film either, just very unoriginal.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Quite a smart movie that has a fairly strong impact. This is definitely one for drama fans. If you like Pacino or Crowe then there's even more to like.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Drive is a very good film. It's not quite the masterpiece that many people made it out to be, but the direction is incredible and you really get inside the character's mind. Recommended stuff. Go see it.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Very silly, but a reasonably harmless kids film. Brad Garrett is probably the best thing about it.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A likable, but somewhat irritating film. The gothic imagery is quite nice, but the plot holes and over the top acting by Jim Carrey really hurt it. A nice flick to watch, but certainly nothing I'd ever recommend buying.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
This film requires a LOT of suspension of disbelief, but once you acquire that I see no reason why you shouldn't like this. It's a very imaginative prequel/reboot to the original classic from the late 1960s. Nice action and effects, a reasonable screenplay and a fair tribute. Regardless if you're an Apes fan, this film stands on its own.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It has outstanding makeup effects and a few memorable scenes, but a pretty weak script and forgettable characters. It's good for a little bit of fun, but don't expect too much from this film.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Pretty trashy, but nonetheless a fairly likable horror film. Wouldn't go so far as calling it a classic though.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A great examination of a side of war that isn't looked at very often. This one certainly stands out from other war films. The Messenger is great stuff.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I really liked the balance of moving adult material and the fun kids stuff. This is definitely one that I'd recommend to people of all ages. Plus, the main character reminds me of Scorsese!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Nothing spectacular, but the crime thriller aspects mixed with a recreation of life in Moscow in the 1980s is quite fresh. Plus, Brian Dennehy rocks. Certainly worth more than the 3/5 I've given it, but I'm uncertain if I'd deem it worthy of a 4/5.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
I will admit, I'm not hugely impressed with the few Tarkovsky films that I've seen, but as a film aficionado I'm delighted to say that this is very atmospheric and thought provoking. Definitely deserving of a title like 'The Soviet Union's response to 2001: A Space Odyssey'. Not for the casual viewer, but a true cinema lover should definitely take a look.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Yes, we get it. War is futile now please move on to some other themes. The level of realism enhanced by the cinematography is admirable and the near end scene is very tense (I'm sure you'd know which one I'm referring to if you've seen it) but this movie really does drag on with nothing. A slightly above average film. Why the Academy selected this for Best Picture surprises me.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A very funny comedy that sadly has had its reputation somewhat soiled by two substandard sequels. I'm not a Ben Stiller fan, but he's just awesome in this and seeing him star alongside the great De Niro is interesting. These kinds of movies typically fall flat, but this one really does work well.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An underwhelming movie with a lot of problems, but still an okay watch. Don't expect Ed Wood standard Tim Burton, but instead just something really flawed that should have been better. Alright film. Nothing to get too excited about.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Been a little while since I've seen it, but I recall that it was a dark, but goofy comedy with a classic performance by Keaton. A classic Tim Burton movie that I recommend to those just looking for a good time.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Cage and Travolta have both made some bad choices regarding movies to star in, but Face/Off, despite some implausibilities, is an action packed thrillride that I do believe demands more than one viewing. I gladly bought the DVD.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Can't say I quite understand why this movie won Best Picture, but it still is a pretty good watch. Never boring, nice story and great acting and direction. Recommended, but don't expect too much.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A classic Spielberg film and a nice piece of science fiction and 80s nostalgia. E.T. is a family film that I'd recommend to just about anyone!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Certainly not Hitchcock's best work by a long shot, but it is still a Hitchcock and therefore demands you take a look. Very thrilling as you would expect.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Certainly not one of Tim Burton's best movies, but it beats a lot of the stuff he's done lately away. Gotta love Christopher Walken's performance where all he does is yell "NYARR!!" and Johnny Depp is great as usual. No Edward Scissorhands, Batman or even Beetlejuice, but a nice Burton movie to say the least.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
One of the best films in the Halloween franchise next to the original, the second and the fourth. It's nice to see Jamie Lee Curtis return as an older Laurie and have the franchise return to the roots of the original. This is probably the last great film of the series.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A really good film. Regardless if you're a fan of Tom Hanks, there's a lot to like here. Good script, great acting and wonderful cinematography. If you have any interest in the Soviet war in Afghanistan and want to see an American point of view on it then I'd say give Charlie Wilson's War a watch.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Easily on my top 20 favourite horror films of all time. Damien is one creepy kid and Gregory Peck is phenomenal in his leading role (still no Atticus Finch though). It's definitely not up everyone's alley, but I do think that everyone should at least give it a go. This movie is great!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Perhaps it is a little bit overrated, but I still like to think of Romero's 1978 zombie film as genre defining and a classic that all horror fans should see. It's not for everyone, but if you like zombie movies then this is the quintessential film of this category.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Dare I say it that this one just isn't all that good. Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead are both fantastic Romero zombie flicks, but this one doesn't hold up. However it does have some likeable qualities and is probably worth the one viewing if you have nothing better to do.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
An outstanding horror/drama film. Sissy Spacek is incredibly as Carrie as is Piper Laurie as her mother. The balance between scares, character development and plot really is impeccable and it succeeds highly in all departments. Brilliant ending too. John Travolta's presence was also a nice touch. Carrie is one of the best horror films around. A must see.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Fantastic direction combined with a great screenplay. Often the cinematography is flat out amazing. It's not one of my favourites, but there is a lot to appreciate in here.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
This movie was exactly what I needed. When feeling a bit down, it wouldn't be a bad idea to give this one a watch. Mel Gibson is lovable in his role and Jodie Foster deserves credit for both her acting ability and skilled direction. The teenage subplot wasn't interesting, but the story of the adult characters really is moving. Awesome movie, check it out!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very quirky and occasionally offensive road trip film. Pegg and Frost are awesome, but the CGI Alien, Paul really steals the show here. Gotta love the anti-Christian message!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I had the misfortune of seeing this one in theaters. I like to see people use their subscriptions wisely and I'd advise anyone reading not to rent this. It's just bland writing and showing off how many ways a person can be cut in half. A very bad movie, rent something else.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
A good film for sure, but often very drawn out and borrows a lot from The Fighter (which I think is a much better movie). Overrated in my eyes, but still a nice watch. Nick Nolte is indeed excellent.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
As far as remakes go, I oppose them, but if they are to be done then they should be done differently and thankfully this film succeeds in that department. Rather than being the chilling story about the unknown that the original was, this is full of backstory and heavy violence. An opposite essentially. It's no horror masterpiece like the original, but I think some people kinda miss the point. This is not meant to be an imitator of Carpenter's classic, but another director's vision on this story.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great film and a story that needed to be told, but I don't think bringing it to life was executed in the best of ways. Regardless, war crimes like the Katyn massacre committed by the Soviet NKVD must not go unnoticed and its important that films are made to expose the truth to as many people as possible.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A classic film and a wonderful piece of 70s nostalgia. It's a shame to see John Travolta's career have so many ups and downs when he gives the silver screen such lovable performances. Whether or not you're into disco, dance, John Travolta or the 70s, I think that seeing this film should be a priority.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I find it brilliant that Chaplin was able to make a parody of Hitler and the Nazis whilst they were still in power that was both hilarious and sentimental enough to realise the sufferings of the Jewish population by the cruelty of the Nazi regime. It's not my favorite of Chaplin's films, but it could very well be his most important.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An interesting study of how Germans fell under Hitler's spell, but not really effective as propaganda today or as entertainment. For history buffs or film aficionados, yes. For everyone else, there isn't really anything here worth looking at. A revolutionary film relic, but that's it.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A very stylish and heartfelt film with the right mix of fun and emotion. Juno rocks and is certainly a teen film that I think defines the modern era. Highly recommended.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
By no means is True Grit one of the greatest westerns ever or even one of the Coen brothers' greatest films, but this little throwback to a genre that has had its day is certainly an admirable one. Again, not up to the standard of some Western classics, but certainly indicates enough that Hollywood needs to make more movies like this.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Is this film by any means excellent? Nah, but "Unknown" has its fair share of story twists and action spectacles that make it easy for you to forgive its few shortcomings. Certainly one for the science fiction buffs.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The first 20 minutes are great, but after that it becomes very uninteresting since it completely moves away from what was introduced at the beginning. This film could have been a great classic had it been an extended version of what it started off as but the way it completely changes from being a chilling horror film to a police thriller by the time the audience is engaged was a HUGE mistake. I guess it's alright, but I personally liked the 2006 remake a lot more.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Kinda on par with the first two sequels. Still a fun movie that's somewhat inventive, but it will never be as good as the original. Considering they've had 10 years to work on this one it is slightly disappointing to see a sequel that doesn't really stand out. I'd recommend it if you're a Scream fan like me, but if you aren't familar with the series then check out the original from 1996. That movie is a classic!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Even though I agree with critics 99% of the time, I have to say that I oppose what they've said about this movie. It's no Kubrick masterpiece, but it has a cool premise, lovable characters and great jokes. Even if there are cliches, they are enjoyable cliches. Just go in expecting a funny movie and hopefully you'll get just that.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The first ever James Bond film remains a classic spy thriller. I recommend it to Sean Connery fans especially.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very original, but somewhat forgotten horror film. Very disturbing despite the fact that there isn't really any material that's extreme. Probably evidence of good direction and a great screenplay. It's definitely one for horror buffs.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It's silly stuff, but if you enjoyed the original (and superior) Johnny English then I don't see any reason why you wouldn't like this. Acceptable mediocrity.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
In a time where mainstream cinema has really fallen in quality due to a lack of original ideas and interference by greedy corporations I find it amazing that so recently the superhero genre has just found its quintessential film. The Dark Knight exceeds every other superhero film out there in all ways possible. An amazing superhero film. Nolan should be praised!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A flawed, but still very enjoyable X-Men movie. Certainly not on equal grounds with X-Men 2, but definitely a lot better than X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Xavier and Magneto are probably the only truly engaging characters here. The fictional take on the Cuban Missile Crisis really stands out the most, at least in my eyes.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A vile, but enjoyable film that is clearly a Tarantino knock-off. Despite what critics said I would recommend watching this. It's nothing outstanding of course, but it is a good watch.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very grim film dealing with the hardships of drug addiction. This film will keep you off them for sure. Recommended viewing, but be wary of the dark content.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A highly compelling coming-of-age story dealing with friendship and loss. The imagination involved is also quite great and the execution allows it to be brought to life on the silver screen in the most magnificent manner. A family film that I'd recommend to all. Bridge To Terabithia rocks!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
If you have a fascination with communism or fascism then I think it'd be interesting to take a look at this one. The set decoration is beautiful and Robert De Niro and Gerard Depardieu deliver brilliant performances. This film is also multi-language so I'd recommend you watch it in English (despite it being an Italian film) because it has the least dubbing. Also know that this is a very long movie and it requires patience. Overall, very enjoyable.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Really admirable for the artistic integrity and full of photographic beauty, but not really something I can recommend to the casual viewer. I did enjoy the movie, but I can't say that it left me spellbound like many others have said. I preferred Tarkovsky's later film 'Solaris'.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
I will admit, my respect and admiration for this film certainly exceeds my actual enjoyment of watching it, but regardless Kubrick's film is atmospheric and full of meaning that can be interpreted from person to person. There's no other film like it and I don't expect another film like it anytime soon.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A movie-loving-movie is one of the best ways of describing it. It's B-grade on purpose and pays homage to exploitative grindhouse films from the 1970s. If you aren't familiar with them then there isn't really anything here that stands out from your average horror flick (besides Tarantino's written dialogue and Kurt Russell). If you are a fan of those kinds of films then Death Proof is a near guaranteed good time.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
If you're easily offended or looking for an accurate WWII film, stay away from this. Tarantino's film is a piece of historical fiction that depicts many aspects of the war from the point of view of civilians whilst being totally bad*** and is knowingly plays with the truth of real events. If you want to see an awesome, well written and original war film then watch this one. It's not everyone's type of movie, but I LOVE it!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A great film that presents an effective anti-war message and depicts the famous Christmas truce during the First World War. A must see film that deserves admiration.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A fascinating exploration of media and how it effects people in the most humorous manner. Might be outdated for some people, but I personally really liked it and can admire it for a variety of reasons. Will always be relevant and will always be a classic Sidney Lumet movie. Rest in peace.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very important anti-war film that showed the futility of the Vietnam war and the suffering it caused to the men who went and their families. It is a little bit shocking, but it's probably the most accurate Vietnam movie ever made alongside Platoon. Oliver Stone is the man!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A happy and very meaningful movie made by a great director with two of the greatest actors ever. This is one of the very few times where I'm gonna have to disagree with the critics. This is an excellent movie and I will stand by that. Worth watching more than once!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The only Saw film that isn't relying on the imagionation in the traps or the violence they cause. It's a very original horror film with a great mystery. Watch this one and hopefully enjoy it. The rest are basically overkill and an attempt on cashing in on this one's success.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Probably more reknowned for its historical signifigance/contribution to the slasher genre than being a really high quality film, but I still consider to be a real classic. It's really fun to watch, filled with enjoyable characters and the atmosphere is just terrific. If you're a horror fan, I wouldn't say it's a must see like Psycho, Halloween or The Shining, but it is one that I urge you to check out.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Sure, it has its problems, but when you excuse them I do feel that this is the essential haunted house movie. Recreating the most famous ghost story of all time was a great decision. Avoid the 2005 remake, this is the real Amityville Horror film.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Tim Burton's classic vision of Batman still remains a classic superhero film. Very dark and feels exactly like a comic book (ironically though it's completely inaccurate to the old Batman stories). Michael Keaton is certainly the best Batman and Jack Nicholson is unforgettable as The Joker. Check it out, it's a ton of fun.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
If you love car chases, go for it. If you don't, then skip it. The script is okay at best and the production values are very bad, but I can excuse it for being a low budget independent film from the early 70s. Don't expect an excellent movie, but be aware that the car chases are just plain fun.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
While I don't agree with the massive hype behind this movie completely, I can say that it is quite a good movie. The characters are all intriguing, the performances are equally great and the ending is just excellent. The overall message the film is trying to promote is certainly one that people need to understand. Worth seeing for sure.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
So suspenseful that you'd think the master himself, Alfred Hitchcock directed it. As one of his earliest films, Steven Spielberg proved that he was born to make movies. A truly thrilling classic that can be enjoyed again and again.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
An enjoyable, but needlessly slow paced film. Paul Thomas Anderson definitely improved as a director with his later films.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Problematic? Sure, but as far as these kinds of films go this is definitely on the good side. The characters are quite likable and the gross-out style of the humor stands out and the editing is really good. It's cliche, but it isn't anything to get too upset about. Bridesmaids is a pretty well done movie and I'd say you should check it out.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An original and very enjoyable film full of imagination. Bill Murray really makes the movie, but Wes Anderson's excellent direction gave the movie its style. Not recommended for everyone, but I can say that I liked it quite a bit.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A cool premise makes for a potentially cool movie, but how it gets executed is very important and this film needed to improve on that. The film takes far too long to become interesting, and when it does it has difficulty maintaining it as a result of poor editing, pace and lighting. All of these factors are vital in the making of a motion picture and these issues make it a bit more difficult to enjoy. It's still a likable movie, but I definitely don't expect it to be the essential Body Snatchers movie. Quickflix needs to get around to putting the original version from the 50s on this site.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A great cinematic recreation on the attempted assassination of Adolf Hitler. Tom Cruise among the others deliver some very good performances and the ending has real meaning. It's good to see this story put on the big screen.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
An excellent Great Depression era movie with a wonderful story about a boxer, his family and their struggles. Crowe's performance is awesome and the direction by Ron Howard should definitely be commended.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A horror classic to say the least. Vincent Price was a real king of horror. Great mystery and suspense. A good example of a remake (to a film made in the 1930s). Avoid the more recent version because unlike that film this is not a waste of time.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
If you want creepy, this is creepy. Stephen King proves once again why he's such a great writer. It's a film filled with originality, scares and twists all over. Highly recommended stuff to all horror hounds.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
What a great teen film! All the characters are a lot of fun, the feel of the era is cool and the movie generally makes you feel young and think positively of youth. Phoebe Cates in a bikini is a bonus!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Sofia Coppola may not be able to act, but she sure can direct. I love all the perspectives portrayed in the movie. The setting comes off as both alienating and welcoming at times (both are which are complemented by the film's deliberate slow pace) and the two leads played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson have wonderful chemistry. You really do establish a connection with these characters. Could Sofia have inherited her directorial talent from her father, Francis? or was it just coincidence? Either way, this is a wonderful drama that stands out from most others.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A very interesting idea for a film. The pacing is quite slow and the film doubles back on itself quite a lot. The performances are great and the execution is quite good. I do wish that it followed the events it was based off of more closely, but besides that Gus Van Sant has given us a very artful film that sadly won't be for everyone.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
They really missed the mark with this remake. The original (although clearly untrue) tale of The Amityville Horror was fascinating and the original film from 1979 did a good job at recreating it for the big screen despite it not being perfect, but the creators of this remake have no idea what the purpose of the original film was outside of scaring the audience. There's no attempt at recreating that infamous haunted house story and within no time it just descends into your typical Hollywood horror territory. There's nothing here that you won't find in any other Hollywood ghost movie. Watch the original, skip this.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
Not true to the originals at all. They really didn't seem to be aware of what made the early Friday the 13th films so lovable. This one takes itself awfully seriously and all the flaws therefore hurt it ALOT more. Few of the human characters are even remotely likable either. The movie does have some interesting kills, but other than that it just feels like a failed attempt at making a more serious sequel. I do like this movie, but as a Friday the 13th fan I am pretty sad that this reboot didn't turn out better. Friday fans, don't get too excited. Regular viewers, don't expect anything that you won't get in any other horror movie.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Extremely Hollywood, full of inaccuracies and it doesn't have the guts to overstep many boundaries, Enemy At The Gates still remains a great screen story based off true events and has one of the best recreations of one of the most intense battles in history, Stalingrad.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Let me make this clear, I cannot stand Shakespeare, but Kurosawa's adaptation of "King Lear" is brought to life in a totally different fashion than one would expect. There's a huge emphasis on the creation of the fictional world through atmosphere and set design and the dialogue (with English subtitles that is) isn't in Old English like Shakespeare's plays. Kurosawa proves once again why he was a cinematic genius by taking something that many may not be into, making appropriate changes and releasing it with his distinctive directorial touch. One of his many masterpieces.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
I will admit, I do find this movie to be quite overrated. There are Stanley Kubrick movies that aren't talked about nearly as much that I like a lot more (Barry Lyndon, Eyes Wide Shut) but even still this is a very good war movie. It's directed well and the first 45 or so minutes of the movie are completely unforgettable, I just wish it would maintain that greatness for the full two hours. Not perfect by Kubrick's standards, but a really good movie without a doubt.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The attention to historical detail is impeccable, but the serious drama is put together just as well as Robert Carlyle's performance is just incredible. A highly recommended miniseries, definitely watch it.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
I don't often say this, but I consider this film to be amazing. Fun characters, awesome premise, great performances and a delightful screenplay brought to life through Spielberg's masterful direction. It really is a nice return to the escapism that made him one of the world's most popular filmmakers. One of the best films of the 2000s without any doubt. Highly recommended.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Some of the comments regarding the requirement to watch it in subtitles are nauseating. You honestly can't appreciate something just because it isn't in your native language? So sad....
Anyways, this is a great film. Interesting premise, great actors and a very artful execution. If you want to see something different then this is the way to go
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Sure, the director made one of the worst films I've ever seen, but this one isn't too bad. Lives up to the 2003 remake, has plenty of suspense and enough violence for any gorehound. Nothing amazing by any means, but it's certainly worth a watch in my book.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A really great story about old age and dissappointment. Jack Nicholson is absolutely moving in his role. Alexander Payne is clearly one of the best writers and directors in today's film industry. About Schmidt just rocks!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Luhrmann has done better, but he's done worse as well. Strictly Ballroom is a good film with a bit of style. Not much else to say.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Fairly ridiculous, but if you like the creative side of filmmaking and 50s culture then I'd recommend this. Personally I prefer the 1988 remake a lot more, but even then I have to admit that nobody in that movie beats Steve McQueen in this one. A nice little classic, but not for everyone.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
I thought the first Mad Max was okay. I thought The Road Warrior was a classic. Like the first, I still only think this is okay. The film is badly paced and has a lot of very stupid material. It's forgettable, but not that bad.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
Not only is it the essential Mad Max movie, it's one of the most essential post-apocalyptic science fiction films period. Pretty much every flaw in "Mad Max" is absent here. The film is fast paced like it should be, is filled with lots of likable characters, plenty of atmosphere and is from an obviously creative mind. If you like car chases, this is also one to check out. A classic of Australian cinema and one of Mel Gibson's most notable acting efforts.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A nice movie, but the pacing is just terrible. The film's plot doesn't begin until the last 20 minutes and makes the 88 minute runtime feel like a full two hours. "Mad Max" isn't really anything more than build up to the far superior sequel.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
What a suprising horror film! As a sequel to a movie that I didn't even think was that good, I didn't have high expectations for this film, but it completely improved on what had been wrong with the original (House of 1000 Corpses). In a time where horror films no longer rely on atmosphere, suspense or imagination this is really refreshing. It may have qualities that resemble modern horror movies, but they're mixed in with more traditional elements really well. The result is a truly twisted but memorable horror movie of the modern era. Rob Zombie's best film for sure.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Talk about an awesome movie. Martin Scorsese has given us a different kind of movie that although not on par with his greatest works like Raging Bull, Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, but Shutter Island is a great throwback to the classic thrillers of his time. Wonderful direction, great acting and an awesome script with an unbelievable twist.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Suspense to the absolute max. If you're looking for a 'characters with a story' film then this wouldn't be the way to go, but if you want likable protagonists and a despicable antagonist putting people in a tense situation that never lets the audience go till the end credits, "Speed" is a must see film for you. I loved it.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Man, is this movie awesome! Stallone and Russell have great chemistry and they make for a good buddy movie. Pretty simple stuff that doesn't require any thinking. It's just a really fun time and makes me wish that action films were still made this way.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very bleak and depressing movie enlightened by a strong feeling of hope. If you ever feel like your life is in the gutter I'd recommend giving it a watch. Seeing how some people in the developed world have to live would probably make you appreciate what you have a lot more. All the actors are fantastic, the script is very smart and the direction was great. It just goes to show what the independent sector is capable of and sure indicate to Hollywood what they should be trying to achieve.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
I'm suprised about this film. It's pretty unknown for a Clint Eastwood film and in my eyes is better than some of his more well known ones. I'd recommend Bronco Billy. It's a really nice treat and something that I wish didn't become so forgotten.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very smart contemporary teen film that mocks everything that's wrong with high school and tributes the classic teen films of the past. I'm sure both your average teenager and your dedicated film enthusiast will find something to like in this. Easy A is sure to be a classic with time.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
I never really understood the massive hype behind this film, but it is still quite a good film. Perfect balance between drama and thriller, great premise, lots of imagination and creative characters have been brought to life well by the actors. Hugo Weaving is excellent!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
As a fan of writer John Hughes, I was a bit underwhelmed by this film. It's no Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but even so it comes off as occassionally unengaging. Worth a watch for sure, but it isn't anything special.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A truly captivating coming-of-age story with an unforgettable Robin Williams performance. Worth owning on DVD without a doubt!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A fairly good movie. Nothing too spectacular, pretty uneventful and not really what you'd want if you're a history buff. Peter Weir has done way better movies, but this is still a good watch.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A horror classic for all the right reasons. Memorable scenes, suspense, mystery and brilliant atmosphere. It's sad to see that modern audiences can't use their imaginations anymore to create a scary experience and rely off of cheap 'jump scares'. This is horror filmmaking in its best form and I wish they were still made like this.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The Fighter is an excellent story about boxing, family and ambitions. Wahlberg is fantastic, but Christian Bale is even more excellent. The direction and writing also shines. Highly recommended.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A truly captivating tale about one unlucky man's struggle to survive. The drama is incredible and the events depicted through most of the movie are like few other films. It certainly isn't everyone's cup of tea. It demands patience, understanding of the character and a fairly high knowledge of cinema to really appreciate, but if you approach with an open mind I could only hope you have the same positive experience of watching Cast Away that I did. Brilliant film.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
David Lean's 1962 WWI epic is one of those films which is inarguably perfect. Everything about it is done to the highest possible standard and the story of T.E. Lawrence makes for one of the most fascinating biographical films ever. Some younger people may be turned off by its age and length, but if you're grown up and got the time then this is one movie you must see during your life. Lawrence Of Arabia is a masterpiece!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Not a serious movie in any way. It's just a fun little comedy from the late 70s with Steve Martin being funny. If that's what you're looking for then check this out. If you aren't familar with Martin, this be a good movie to start off with. It beats a lot of the trashy comedies that come out nowadays.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A classic 80s horror movie. Chucky is an icon for a good reason.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It's silly, it's over the top and it's dumb, but Commando basically has everything you would ever want in the 'ideal action movie'. Lots of guns, explosions and Arnold spouting off corny but hilarious one-liners. Check out this movie. It's a good time.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It's not smart stuff and you have to turn off your brain, but this is a really fun movie. If you like 80s action movies or Stallone then this is highly recommended to you.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Admittedly, while I do really hate the concept of a remake I have actually enjoyed many remakes of classic horror movies even though they don't have anything on the original movies, but this movie is rubbish regardless if you're a fan of the earlier Nightmare on Elm Street movies. There are no likable characters, Jackie Earle Haley can't play Freddy for his life, there's plenty of plagiarism of the original and almost no imagination. The creators of this film clearly didn't understand why people loved the original 1984 classic.
(Maybe) - review by Josh
This is a fan service. If you aren't a fan of either the "Nightmare on Elm Street" or "Friday the 13th" horror franchises, there isn't really anything here that you won't find in any other horror movie, but if you are a fan then this is essential viewing. Seeing Freddy and Jason have a go at each other in one movie whilst maintaining the qualities that made their stand-alone franchises so lovable is a horror fan's dream.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Wonderful movie. A great premise that's brought to life through a great screenplay filled with lovable characters, fun humour, a good mystery and some suspense. If you like 80s movies or have any nostalgia for that time or you just like good teen/horror films then "The Lost Boys" is one you can't miss!
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Great horror film with excellent use of pre-CGI effects and a high fun factor. Recommended to all horror fans.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great science fiction film. A shocking look at the implementation of the ideal totalitarian society.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Definitely not up everyone's alley and hugely misunderstood, Baz Luhrmann's contemporary musical classic is a great period piece with a memorable soundtrack, lovable characters and a style of direction like very few other films. Like I said, this is not for everyone, but I'd say it's worth a look if you're curious. There is a lot to love about this movie, it's just that some people don't really see it.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Without a doubt one of the best movies that has been released in the past 10 years. In a world where the major sector of the movie industry has really gone downhill, this movie is truly refreshing. It's artful, engaging, respects the intelligence of the audience and treats the topic at hand in the most proper manner. This political thriller from Germany is a true testament to film history that I see being looked at as a classic one day.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
One of the best musicals of all time. John Travolta and Olivia Newton John are captivating in their performances. Endlessly rewatchable and worth owning on DVD for sure! Grease is still the word.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It certainly isn't as memorable as the original classic from 1984, but this remake of The Karate Kid has enough material to stand on its own regardless of how it compares to the original. I'd recommend seeing the original first, but if you like that movie, definitely see this one too. It's not perfect, but it where it works, it works really well.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
What you see is what you get. A pointless Hollywood remake to an amazing horror film. Admittedly, it certainly is enjoyable for its action, but where is all the stuff that made the original so fantastic? It's just not there. Good for a remake, but that's all.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A very charming film full of originality and feel-good material. The quirky nature may feel unusual to inexperienced filmgoers, but I can say that from experience that "Amelie" gets better with repeated viewings. A delightful, funny and happy movie that's good when you've just had a bad day. A must see.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A genre defining film, truly. Tobe Hooper's original classic still remains as shocking and intense today as it did back when it was released in the early 70s. The grainy look of the picture, bleak set design, wonderful pace, buildup and the unforgettable climax all amount to one of the greatest horror films ever made. Forget the remakes, this is the real Texas Chainsaw Massacre film.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Stylishly directed by Guy Ritchie and with a great screenplay full of wit and charm, Sherlock Holmes is a great update to the famous character that is totally adapted to modern audiences, but shouldn't alienate older fans. A really good mystery film that's worth more than one watch.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A really great movie. Well acted, written and directed.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
While it may be a popcorn film, it surpasses the standard of most films of this kind. The characters and story have greater importance than action and you'll find yourself wishing to see even more of them and less of what typically is viewed as 'cool'. The nostalgie value of this film is also quite high and makes one feel younger and I mean that in the best of ways. The sides of this film depicting filmmaking are also a great touch. Abrams and Spielberg have created what I personally regard to be one of the most entertaining movies out. Highly recommended, especially to Goonies fans.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
A complete insult to intelligence. The only thing more humorous than the fact that Hollywood executives believe that this is good entertainment is the fact that many people do view it as good entertainment.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is simply a convoluted and noisy film that has no regard for the bare basics of storytelling and relies too much on flashy lights, explosions, sex and dumb jokes and has no emphasis on anything remotely intellectual.
Don't waste your subscription on this trash.
(Don't bother!) - review by Josh
The real story behind this is inspiring, but this film adaptation shoots all emotional impacts into the ground by drowning the content in absolute cheesiness.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
What more can you expect when you mix Spielberg and Hanks? This movie was AWESOME!
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Terrible. Battle Los Angeles is loud, ugly, confusing and idiotic. The experience is similar to that of watching your friend playing a video game. You sit there, watch things get shot or blown up and you develop no connection to it whatsoever.
(Don't bother!) - review by Josh
A truly chilling classic and one of the best of all horror films. Browning and Lugosi have done wonderfully.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Insultingly stupid, but a very fun movie. It isn't a thinking man's movie, but if you turn the brain off you will have a good time with Maximum Overdrive.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
The bizarre nature hinders its ability to appeal to the mainstream viewer, but the film does have appreciative qualities that make it worthwhile.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
A typical Hollywood action flick. Nothing really special but for what it's worth it was a pretty good experience viewing it.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The direction is actually quite good for a film of this genre and the humour is very well written. It also lightly makes fun of past films from many genres in a way that cinematic aficionados will understand. Well done, Mr Wright.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Certainly not as great as 'The Gold Rush' or 'City Lights', but this particular Chaplin film is still a timeless gem that is worthy of more than one viewing.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Typical Hollywood adventure flick, but this is an excellent one at that. Plenty of action alongside a nice script and a lot of imagination that should satisfy all.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Probably the most quotable movie of all time. 'The Big Lebowski is a must-see comedy for everyone and even has a few aspects of mystery involved that amplify its already undisputed greatness.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
An excellent political thriller with historical accuracy that does not diminish any of the cinematic qualities. If you want to see the Cuban missile crisis on the big screen, 'Thirteen Days' is the way to go.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
It does have some likable qualities, but the film is too demented and without purpose to really be considered solid. It was alright for what it was, but I don't really recommend it if you aren't a horror fan. Go straight to the far superior 'The Devil's Rejects'.
(Worth watching) - review by Josh
It's not written or acted too professionally, but the fun factor is large and it doesn't demand all that much from the audience. It's worth seeing for sure.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A truly great example of a remake and horror filmmaking. The film not only appropriately tributes the terrifying and despicable original, but also pulls a few moves that allow it to stand on its own. This is a very disturbing yet well made film not for the faint hearted.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Don't be mislead by the premise which sounds potentially dull. David Fincher's film has the writing and acting needed when dealing with a story about how a revolution in communication lead to the destruction of many people's personal lives. The Oscar nominations were well deserved, but there were a few better films from 2010.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Cheesy and sometimes strangely homoerotic, 'Top Gun' is a fun early Tom Cruise film and a nice directorial effort by Tony Scott. You should expect flaws, but if you lighten up I think it'd be worth your time.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
The sort of movie that isn't really attempted enough due to the difficulty in getting things right, but Milos Forman's terrific piece of work exemplifies a likable Mozart as well as a first person story dealing with one's battles with religion and their own insanity. This is a wonderful period piece.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
The far superior of Clint Eastwood's Iwo Jima films. It portrays the horrifying nature of the infamous battle from the perspective of Japanese imperial soldiers and has the character development and a relationship with the audience that 'Flags Of Our Fathers' lacked quite often. It also provides a lot more detail than expected. Not Clint Eastwood's best directorial effort, but an excellent film nonetheless.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Some of the characters are unengaging, but the film is worth admiring for its mostly unknown story and the balance of what would normally be considered a confusing narrative structure. Worth watching.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It removes all biases and simply presents these German sailors as nothing more than men fighting for their country, but the attention to detail of submarine life and the frightening experiences that are seen by the viewers make them feel involved and hold their attention for the almost 3.5 hour runtime like any good film should. It provides an essential anti-war message that is always going to be relevant.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
From Scorsese, one could expect brilliance and it delivers. 'Raging Bull' is a beautifully directed biography/character study that is unapologetic and emotionally brutalizing and despite the cruel nature of Jake LaMotta (portrayed by the always great Robert De Niro) his story moves you the whole way through. It crosses many lines established in Hollywood territory which make it unwatchable for some, but to me, 'Raging Bull' is powerful, well written and one of my favourite films of all time.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
The essential feel good movie and probably my favourite film that came out during the 1940s. A must see.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
To an extent, it can drag and lead you to the anticipation of the inevitable climax, but the balance of many entertaining subplots and the great performances by Lancaster and Sinatra make 'From Here To Eternity' a terrific World War II film.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A very important film that educates and moves simultaneously. Kramer's film provides the essential historical information about the lesser known figures responsible for Nazi atrocities.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
Generally a great movie, but the short runtime hinders its ability to provide more detail and the ending is so rushed that it seems as though the screenwriters were in the middle of the second act and gave up. Still, I certainly recommend it despite a few shortcomings.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
It's certainly not one of the greatest movies of all time as many said upon its initial release, but James Cameron's sci-fi epic certainly draws you and holds you for the 150 minute runtime with great ease through a rehashing of already known stories and an appropriate and excellent use of CGI.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Ahead of its time and still relevant today, the original 'All Quiet On The Western Front' presents the uncompromising, soul destroying horror of World War I from the point of view of an average German soldier.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
A great piece of fun and a wonderful parody of the story of Frankenstein. Gene Wilder is enjoyably over-the-top and the contemporary use of black and white serves many purposes.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
Could come off as dull to some due to the technical nature of the dialogue and the frequent references to stocks and whatnot, but Wall Street is an interesting tale about greed and one's desire to move up in the world. Charlie Sheen is great, and Michael Douglas' performance as Gordon Gekko is incredible.
(Excellent) - review by Josh
While it is long, Patton is a brilliant and highly engaging piece of historical fiction that is not only accurate to the events involved, but also provides a vivid exploration (enhanced by George C Scott's performance) of the historical personality the movie is named after.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Josh
It's written in a mediocre manner and can't help but feel like the obvious propaganda that it is, but Red Dawn is a fairly entertaining movie that is worth a watch for the cheesy value alone.
(Excellent) - review by Josh