Cindy's Reviews
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Some godawful acting meets an overcooked, messy script. The end result is not exactly a match made in heaven.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Engaging enough without ever being particularly gripping or believable. Firth and Bacon show their class, but the female lead is clearly out of her depth amongst such distinguished company.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Boasting a fantastic cast and an excellent script, this is a smart and delightfully sweet film about love, loneliness and getting by with a little help from our friends.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
If you like your humour pitch black and quirky, then Sightseers will appeal. It's a clever low-key concept, well-written and performed with smart direction from Ben Wheatley, best known for indie faves Down Terrace and Kill List.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Utterly compelling and harrowing. The sheer arrogance of those in the upper echelons of the Catholic Church is breathtaking.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A good cast and a smarter-than-average script make this well worth watching
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
While it's nothing earth-shattering, this is actually better than I thought it was going to be.......
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Terrible acting and a cliched storyline that at times is unintentionally funny = a fairly dire viewing experience
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
I could forgive the slow build-up if there was a fantastic conclusion - but , sadly, it all seems to be much ado about nothing in the end. I enjoyed the depth of characterization (rare in the horror genre) but ultimately the film too sweet to be scary and too slow to be compelling.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Terrific psychological thriller from Spain - recommended
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A beautifully conceived arthouse horror that leaves more questions than answers by its conclusion. Worth a watch for those who enjoy something outside the usual Hollywood crud.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A dull hodge-podge of clichéd ideas stolen from other films, plus a silly ending. One to avoid.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Who would have thought that the lack of a gag reflex could have caused such controversy and made such a lot of money - although sadly not for the Deep Throat "stars" themselves. An interesting slice of American social history viewed through the prism of one of the most infamous porn films of all time; this doco is well worth you time.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Despite some decent performances, there is nothing here that hasn't been seen a million times already.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Meticulously directed and scripted, this is a fine example of a well-crafted film. What it lacks however, is a coherent ending or a real sense of purpose. Disquieting rather than scary, this could have been sensational if only more attention was paid to the narrative and less to the directorial flourishes.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Competent slasher flick which probably suffers from a little over-egging of the storyline, but still manages to keep you interested throughout. Special effects are terrific and particularly gory. One for true horror buffs.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
"Groundhog Day" with kidnapping, knives and a psychopath.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A wonderful ride on the Zany Train courtesy of director Martin Mcdonagh, best know for the cult-classic 'In Bruges'. The wealth of bizarre characters perhaps ultimately works to the film's detriment, but regardless; this is a lovely breath of cinematic fresh air and a lot of fun to boot.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
I absolutely loved this. It's not one of PT Anderson's most narrative-driven films and so is probably not for everyone. But for those who are fans of the director, arthouse in general or who just want to see some spellbinding performances ( Phoenix in particular is outstanding) - this will have plenty of appeal.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A pretentious, frequently laughable concept in search of a plot - or a point, for that matter. Anyone who can sit through the entirety of this film and actually enjoy it must (a) have access to excellent medication or (b) requires urgent access to medication.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Perhaps tries to be too clever for its own good - but a solid cast and competent direction make this worth a watch.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Ultra-violent but well written, with oodles of action and an engaging story that keeps you interested right to the end.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Musicals as unashamedly corny as this one need to be fresh, energetic and utterly charming to succeed, eg: Mamma Mia. Sadly, Rock of Ages is none of the above. Some of the cast try hard, but the few toe-tapping moments are far outweighed by the cringeworthy ones.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
I'm with Robert - this is competently made but oh-so-predictable.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A film without a single shred of originality and very little to recommend it.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
It's not believable for a second, but gee, it's enthralling all the same.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Dark and depressing as hell.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Given the amount of negatives reviews here, I was pleasantly surprised by Backwoods. With a storyline rather reminiscent of Strawdogs, this is an intense, character-based thriller that is worth a watch. Great performances from Oldman and Considine in particular.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
I think Cassie and I are in agreement (although I'd score it a little higher than one star) - this is a really simplistic, clichéd plot trying to disguise itself as something better by setting the film in an attention grabbing setting - ie: male strippers. The performances (and I mean the acting) are fine, but the film lacks depth and all the oiled-up male muscle in the world can't disguise that fact. I'm a little surprised Soderbergh wanted to direct this really - perhaps he was hoping for some more main-stream cred.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Super predictable and pretty cheesy really. Mundane and run-of-the-mill - this is the sort of horror film only really enjoyed by people who don't actually like horror films very much.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A slightly meandering yet endearing little film about the connections in our lives - both the obvious and the not-so-obvious. A good cast does very well with a low-key, smartly written script.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Tries a little too earnestly to be deep and oh-so-meaningful for my tastes, but not a bad film overall. Jude Law does well (and looks suitably pretty) in a difficult role that requires him to be appealing and appalling at the same time - no easy feat.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A film cheaply made and basically incomprehensible thinly disguised as entertainment.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Has some good moments, but is ultimately a little too low-key and slow-burn for its own good. Orlando Bloom plays against type and is suitably icy, but his character is never particularly convincing or all that engaging.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
As Dave S commented earlier, this is not a traditional horror film but more a light-hearted satire on all the clichés and presumptions of the genre. It's not a film that is going to change anyone's life, but I found plenty to enjoy here with quite a few laughs along the way.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Fans of old-school slasher horror will most likely enjoy this blood-soaked trip down memory lane.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A fairly forgettable 'paint by numbers' slasher flick. It's not terrible, but it's not very good either.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Eh, this one passes the time but that's about it. A good cast battle with an increasingly silly storyline that gives up any pretence of making the slightest bit of sense about half-way through the film.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A darkly comic satire on capitalism and the downfall of the American economy ( with it the much lauded American Dream) viewed through the prism of a group of small-time and rather dim-witted gangsters. A terrific cast make the most of a leisurely paced, but slyly engaging story.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A one-joke concept that gets very dreary very quickly.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A quality production with a fabulous cast - riveting from beginning to end.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
There's buckets of blood and lots of enthusiastic self-mutilation in Pelts, but that aside, horror fans won't find too much to get excited about here. Argento shows he still knows a thing or two about framing a horror scene, but sadly, also demonstrates his utter indifference to hiring half-decent actors. This stars MeatLoaf. Enough said really.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Long-winded, pretentious and obviously made on a tiny budget, Exit Humanity is a weird cowboy-meets-zombie mash-up that fails to work on any level. The zombies are dull, the angst-filled protagonist even duller and the whole thing reeks of Film School 101. Perhaps things picked up towards the end - I never made it that far.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A poor man's version of Seven that has a few decent moments but is ultimately let down by a silly as hell ending.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
An average script but excellent performances from a strong cast - Pitt in particular is very good.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
I found this engrossing and was fascinated by the way it pointed out the very often thin line between genius and madness. You don't need to understand chess to enjoy this.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
I'm going to have to go against the tide of opinion thus far to say I thought this was all a bit of a train wreck. It's a film that looks good (in the same way a Vogue fashion spread does) but really has no emotional core. Despite focusing on two women living parallel lives, we never get a real insight into the motivation of either of them and the script offers little opportunity for the viewer to develop any kind of sympathy for their situation. Ultimately, a case of style over substance.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
While I'm normally a fan of characterisation over cheap thrills, Margin Call sacrifices pacing for depth and ends up being a fairly dull examination of the origins of the GFC.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
An interesting exploration of pop culture and the moral ambivalence that it so often displays. If you've ever felt bad about laughing at some poor unsuspecting person being mocked on YouTube, this doco will do absolutely nothing to make you feel any better.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Exceptional and touching. And also proof that; just occasionally, the conspiracy theorists are actually right.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Tries to cover way too much in a limited time - and the result is a very superficial and not at all enlightening look at the history of American horror.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
If coy and whimsy are your thing, you'll probably enjoy this more than me. It's true that Wes Anderson has a 'world" and he is a master at conveying that to a cinema audience. His vision is again expertly conveyed here, but the story is so trite and fleeting that the journey is only just worth the effort.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
There's no doubt that Bergman was the master at framing a shot and creating atmosphere in the most minimal of settings. But goodness me, he could go on a bit, couldn't he? Bergman fans will love this, the rest of us will find it a bit like doing our homework - you know it's good for you but it's really a bit dull.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
There's plenty of blood n' guts here for horror fans, but the pacing and direction are all a bit of mess. The low budget is obvious, but in this type of film and setting, that is not necessarily a disadvantage. Could have been so much better with a little more thought and finesse.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
The sense of ambiguity and some decent performances are enough to keep the viewer engaged throughout, even if the film overall doesn't hit any great heights.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Low-budget zombie flick that takes forever to get going, and when it finally does begin to move along, ends up just fizzling out to nothing. Overtones of the Frankenstein myth and an attempt to offer some depth and background to the main characters makes this is a little more thoughtful than the standard gore-flick, but that's probably the kindest thing I can say about it.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Unsophisticated political satire which has a handful of genuinely funny moments amongst a plethora of pretty lame and very obvious jokes. The two leads try hard, but the material is just not up to the task. An okay time-waster, but nothing more.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Superb adaptation of one of the Bard's lesser known plays. Staging Shakespeare in a contemporary setting is not a new concept, but Fiennes breathes new life into the work with his intelligent modernization. Brilliant performances all round too. And, although I would have thought it was fairly self-evident - don't bother renting a Shakespeare play if you don't enjoy Shakespeare.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
Worthy subject matter and a fine cast can't save this from being a little on the dreary side.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
It gets a little bogged down at some stages, but overall, this is a pretty gripping little Aussie film with some excellent performances. Well worth sticking with it until the end.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Tries to walk that difficult line between black comedy and real scares - and doesn't entirely succeed. Still, it's not the worst horror film you'll ever see.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Came at this with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The script and the tone gets a little messy in parts, but the performances are generally good and there are some strong moments. Worth a watch.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Did someone kidnap Rolf de Heer and replace him with the scriptwriter responsible for Packed to the Rafters? It's the only explanation for why this latest from the Aussie auteur seems totally devoid of the originality and biting social satire that are usually a cornerstone of his work. Dreary and clichéd, this is a major disappointment.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Best described as the disturbed lovechild of David Cronenberg and John Waters, the latter of whom makes a guest appearance along with a whole host of indie regulars. Most assuredly a film that is not for everyone (perhaps not even that many...) you can expect buckets of blood, joyless sex and an abundance of teen angst - all portrayed in a blackly comedic way. The ending is as unsettling as it is memorable.
I found plenty to appreciate here, but it's a really a genre film that will only appeal to lovers of outsider cinema.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
It might be showing its age these days, but Candyman remains one of the more intelligent and multi-layered films of the slasher genre.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Smartly written, keenly observant and very sweet.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An uneven collection (The Gift Shop For People You Hate being the standout for me) but worthy of your time.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Probably very ambitious in its day, but the years have not been kind. More a curiousity than a cult classic methinks.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Moody, slow-paced film noir that requires a little patience but offers some small rewards for those willing to go with the flow.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Unrelentingly grim but very worthy, with finely nuanced performances
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Enjoyable enough flick, once you get used to the non-linear narrative. Good performances, but the whole thing suffers a little from a sense of self-indulgence - much like the lead character himself.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A quirky idea that never really works - despite a good performance from Norton.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
An interesting, if wildly unbelievable, premise that descends into sheer silliness by the end. Still, worth a watch if you're not feeling too fussy.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
There's a fine line between moody and snoozy, and Lake Mungo doesn't quite get the balance right. Too languid to be scary and too repetitive to really engage.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
This remains one of my favourite films ever - witty, gritty and poignant. An all-star ensemble cast, stunning scenery and an innovative script that's as funny as it is quirky. Yes, there is swearing. There are also dwarf jokes, fat jokes and jokes about how boring Belgium is. Be warned - if you a fat Belgian dwarf, you may find In Bruges offensive.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
Given all the accolades this received I was expecting a bit more than a long-winded European version of Law and Order - SVU. It had some worthy moments, but way too much filler and too many characters who come and go without any development or resolution occurring.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Oh my, this is quite an intense and disturbing ride. Based on a stage play (and sticking very close to its theatrical roots) this is an odd, pitch black comedy/noir directed with a deft hand by the legendary William Friedkin. It's certainly not going to appeal to everyone and those who stick with it to the end will probably never want to eat KFC ever again. They might also be surprised at how incredibly good Matthew McConaughey is. I know I was. Avoid if nudity, extreme violence and fried chicken offends.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Interesting enough doco for those interested in the food scene. Its biggest failing is probably that we never really get a sense of Liebrandt as a person - we follow his career ups and downs, but from a distance. The end result is quite watchable but emotionally un-engaging.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Rather disappointing considering the natural talent and considerable charm of both the leads.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Delightfully wicked satire that is simply a (doggie) treat.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
An odd film that seems to lack focus - what starts out as a psychological drama ends up as a weird black comedy. Watchable in a low budget kind of way -, but that's about it.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Take This Waltz flirts with bring an exceptional and insightful film yet is let down by too much indie-twee ( the main characters are a cookbook writer, a wanna-be writer and a rickshaw driver........hmmm, okay) and some heavy-handed metaphors. Polley is a gifted director and the performances here are all very strong - but the film could have been something really special if only she had trusted a little more in the intelligence of the audience. Still worth a watch despite it's flaws.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A gripping and brilliantly acted film that doesn't flinch from exposing the full horror of the Rwandian genocide, including the dreadful inaction of the UN. The film makers obviously had tremendous respect for the survivors, and it shines through in their sensitive portrayal of decent, ordinary people - not so different from any one of us - who find themselves caught up in a nightmare. A must-see.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A sumptuous period drama that's as intelligent and engrossing as it is lavish. Strong performances from all concerned and a really interesting storyline that won't disappoint.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
It's not often you see a boring rape/revenge thriller, but here it is.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A competent if fairly unremarkable film noir
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A wildly off-beat excursion into weirdness that is not really a horror film in the traditional sense at all. Veering between pitch black-comedy, existentialist musings about the nature of punishment and redemption and good ol' gory cannibalism, The Guest Room is pretty much impossible to catergorise. I'm not sure I really liked it, but I didn't hate it either. It's certainly not going to be for everyone, but worth checking out for those with an interest in quirky, low-budget cinema.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Well made, but a little too self-indulgent for my liking.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Solid made- for- TV drama that is enjoyable enough without being anything earth-shattering. Good performances all round.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A surprisingly good low-budget horror/thriller. Some excellent performances, particularly from director/actor la Salle and the intricate plot certainly keeps you guessing. The narrative seems quite random and odd at first - but stick with it and put your thinking cap on. Even when you think you've figured it out....you might well be wrong. A very different film that challenges the viewer a little and is certainly a welcome change from the usual Hollywood cliches.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A gritty and compelling drama about ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events. Michelle Williams is outstanding, although I have to agree with the previous reviewer who pointed out that her waif-like body seemed more Hollywood than working-class council estate. Still, a minor quibble in what is a worthy film.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Sadly compelling. The Bridge treats a highly personal, emotionally raw subject with the proper sensitivity and respect.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Superbly acted and wonderfully thoughtful with a strong ensemble cast. Be warned - the extended scenes version on the DVD is just that - VERY extended; so be prepared for a long yet engrossing trip.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Slightly better than I was expecting, but then again, I wasn't expecting very much at all. A few laugh out loud moments, but the hammy performances and predictable, paint-by-numbers script were a disappointment.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
I think Phil hit the nail on the head - although not a terrible film by any means, this one could have been so much better.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A smart swashbuckler for lovers of historical drama.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
I suppose it would theoretically be possible to make a really scary movie about a 30 year old paperboy (what's that?....a menacing push-bike.....noooooo!!!) but this terrible film certainly isn't up to the task. Dull, repetitive and nonsensical.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
I wanted to like it....I tried to like it......but nope. Spacey injects all his usual sly charm into the role, but his Irish accent is very dodgy, as is the accent of Linda Fiorento. While bad accents can sometimes be forgiven, the forced humour, erratic pacing and, at times, hit and miss direction make this one you could probably live without.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Truly terrible low-budget horror flick from NZ that tries to disguise its splatter-film intent beneath arty-farty pretensions. Avoid unless you enjoy punishing yourself.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Sure, it seems a bit dated and hokey now; but this has survived the years to still pass as a pretty good horror film in any era.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
While it's uneven, predictable and lacks some of the satirical bite of his earlier films, The Dictator is still worth a watch. Just don't expect too much.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Quite riveting UK tele-drama with sensational performances from Emily Watson and (especially) Dominic West. However, it does assume the viewer has a decent knowledge of the crimes of Fred and Rosemary West. Those who aren't familiar with them, may struggle to understand what's going on.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Agree with the previous two reviewers - the film has some pacing problems and is quite slow to start. However, once it gets going, it's worth a watch. Performances are pretty good all round and while the storyline requires an enormous suspension of disbelief, at least it's (eventually) pretty entertaining.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Simply stunning. Part history lesson, part compelling human drama, and yes, a touch of potboiler towards the end I suppose. But given that it's never less than riveting to watch ( and at times, quite confronting to watch)and the performances and direction are excellent throughout; I was happy to accept a little bit of dramatic license . Recommended.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
This is not a movie that's going to appeal to everyone, nor is that the director's intent. It's enthusiastically arthouse and has the sort of existential plot with minimal dialogue and heavy symbolism that you either appreciate or you don't. In this instance, I did find much to appreciate here, particularly Samantha Morton's wonderful performance and some innovative direction from Lynne Ramsay. Yes, it's slow but it's also compelling and very evocative if you give it a chance. I would recommend, but only for lovers of arthouse.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
I wasn't expecting much but this started off with a surprising amount of promise. Sadly though, the wheels fall off about midway through and it quickly descends into repetitive nonsense with bad CGI.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Glacially slow to begin with, but a strong and rather haunting conclusion will reward those prepared to go along for the journey.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
If you enjoy watching a group of second rate actors run around a bush reserve looking unconvincingly spooked by rusting leaves and weird noises, and occasionally running in terror from invisible whatevers; this will an enthralling experience. For the rest of us; not so much. A fairly decent twist at the end offers some slight redemption, but it's not enough to compensate for the previous hour of woeful low budget nonsense.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
More of study of addiction ( of all kinds) than a traditional serial killer flick, this very low budget production gets an extra star for at least trying to be a little creative. The acting is okay, the cinematography is about as bad as you'd expect from something probably funded by a credit card and lots of begging favours from friends. It's far from great but I've seen worse from films with 100 times the budget.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A bit of a hit and miss affair with a low budget but surprisingly quality cast. The nods to the original Hammer studio films are evident and while there is a sense of lost opportunity here, it's worth a watch for horror buffs.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Very slow to get going, but stick with it. The storyline eventually proves to be very engrossing and the acting is superb throughout.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Quirky and very original with a great cast.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
The initial concept is interesting enough, but as the storyline progresses it quickly descends into complete silliness.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
An intelligent and at times, innovative, thriller about the evil that lurks just beneath the surface of dull suburbia.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Quietly charming with wonderful performances from all concerned.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Insipid, silly remake with absolutely no redeeming qualities.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
It's not much more than a collection of tried and true hostage film cliches, but somehow, Mother's Day is better than it probably has a right to be. Fans of the horror/action genre could do worse.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An interesting (if not particularly original concept) that runs out of steam by the half way point. The desire for revenge/retribution underlies almost every horror/slasher film ever made. It's a pity 7 Days couldn't find a single new or innovative angle on this already very overplayed theme.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Engrossing, although it's hard not to start thinking some of the many plot twists and turns are just for the sake of being clever, rather than necessarily adding anything to the narrative. Kirsten Scott Thomas does sensual/snarky so well, and she's the real highlight here.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An unusual (and uneven) black comedy that doesn't entirely. work. Carrey is a standout however and the on-screen romance is surprisingly believable and actually one of the stronger parts of the film. Worth a watch if only to see Carrey stretch himself from some of his more frequent light-weight comedy roles.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
There's a dog in 'Rabies', but it's not rabid. And there is a serial killer too, but he's not exactly centre stage in this innovative take on the slasher genre from Israel. Yes; I said Israel. In fact, nothing is quite what it seems and nobody acts quite the way you expect them to in what I rate as one of the best horror films I've seen this year. It's impossible to discuss the plot in much depth without giving too much away, but rest assured, this is clever, multi-layered film-making that will delight genre buffs.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Very competent direction, a good cast and an initially interesting storyline are let down by the fact that Retribution breaks a cardinal rule of ghost stories - the ghost needs to be scary and the ghost/s here are simply not. That aside, the story has enough twists and turns to maintain interest. I found the director's The Cure a far better film, but this is still quite watchable for J-horror buffs.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Both a very sad story of a chimp betrayed in the name of science and a scathing looking at the many less endearing facets of human nature. Wider issues like animals rights and linguistics are touched upon but not full explored, as the director focuses on a smaller, more intimate story of Nim and the humans in his life. Expertly made and riveting from beginning to end. I loved it.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
A (very) poor man's version of Saw. Clunky dialogue, silly script, zero suspense, zero originality. I would bet serious money that the lead actress is either the director's sister or girlfriend. Either that or she works very cheap. One to avoid unless you are confined to a very small room with nothing but a DVD player and no hope of escape.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
An enjoyable thriller which lags a little in terms of pace midway through the film and then is almost too hurried in its attempt to wrap everything up in the final scenes. I agree with JeffK ; I've seldom seen so many plot twists and red herrings in a film before. Ultimately, there are so many that the narrative's credibility gets stretched to breaking point on more than one occasion - but at least it keeps you guessing.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An interesting, if not particularly successful low-budget attempt to breathe new life into a tired and well tested horror formula - crazy guy seeks revenge on those he blames for his failure/s in life. If reality cooking programs don't already give you nightmares, they just might after you watch Bitter Feast.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
While no stranger to deliberately grossing out his audience, Taskashi Miike, raises (or is that lowers?) the yuck-bar with this rather perverse pitch-black comedy examining, amongst other things; the breakdown of the family unit, reality TV and....oh, I don't know really ; I was too busy keeping my jaw from dropping to the floor to notice the rest. To be fair, Visitor Q is an experimental film, and therefore designed to push boundaries. But when the method is louder than the message, you do end up wondering what the point of the exercise is.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
It falters a little by the end, but overall, Evil is absorbing, well acted and thought-provoking.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
It might be chaotic and lacking focus, but The Devil's Double is undeniably interesting and bursting with manic energy. Plays like an Iraqi version of 'Scarface', but with an extra narrative twist.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Director Nick Murphy is obviously a big fan of that British psychological-horror classic Turn Of The Screw. Unfortunately Henry James is no longer around to write screenplays and Murphy has apparently decided to make do with a convoluted and rather cliched plot - all echoing hallways, stiff upper lips and creepy children. The acting here is fine and the film well made in a technical sense - but the scares are few and far between and the plot gets progressively sillier.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A quality French classic that is as engaging as it is intriguing.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Strangely old-fashioned and seemingly unsure of what genre of film it actually wants to be. Good performances all round, but Rum Diary is messy and ultimately rather unengaging.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A gentle, if very predictable British rom-com that is enjoyable without being particularly memorable. The leads are all terrific, particularly Kirstin Scott Thomas, who steals every scene she appears in.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
While sci-fi fans will discover nothing particularly original in the storyline, Time Crimes does a competent job of holding the viewers attention and keeping the action moving along at a brisk pace.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Based on a popular Japanese manga series, this is an utterly over-the-top gore fest that makes little sense and is not in the least bit frightening. Will probably appeal to fans of the genre but I struggled to make it to the end.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A decidedly quirky road movie that suffers a little from abrupt changes in tone, but is ultimately redeemed by a stellar (and often hilarious) performance from Sean Penn. This Must Be the Place doesn't completely work, but deserves kudos for daring to be very, very different in both subject matter and presentation.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A slow burn ghost story spoiled a little by a predictable and over- the- top ending which contrasts a little too jarringly with the film's otherwise low key approach. The acting is top notch though and the narrative a little more thoughtful than most films in this genre.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Revenge Korean style is always pretty messy and in the case of Bedevilled; plenty of bean paste is involved. Rather too long-winded for its own good, the film is nonetheless well acted and worth a watch for Asian cinema fans.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An atmospheric and tense post-apocalyptic thriller. Slow to start with, the film picks up pace and changes direction quite markedly in its second half. Worth a watch.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Cliched and rather silly - even for a horror film.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A quirky little film noir about three odd-ball neighbours, two pesky cats and a serial killer on the loose. Blackly funny at times and well cast, Good Neighbours is engaging without ever reaching any great heights. Worth a watch.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Three indie short films which each explore themes of sex and death. The quality varies - the first is workmanlike but watchable, the second is just ridiculously bizarre, and in the third and best of the films, director Simon Rumley demonstrates both his unique cinematic style and rather twisted view of the world. Worth a watch for fans of extreme horror only.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Muddled, predictable and a little bit silly. Actually, more than a little bit silly.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Unsettling and original, Cure is part horror film and part detective thriller; with a dash of psychology and a little mysticism thrown into the mix. Some scenes will linger with you long the final credits. Recommended.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A typical David Wain outing - lewd, crude and veering erratically between being hilarious and utterly cringeworthy. The storyline is so slight as to be almost beside the point - the emphasis here is on gags and being gross. Worth a watch if you enjoyed the director's previous films like Role Models and Wet Hot American Summer. If you didn't, best to avoid this one like the plague.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Magic-realism meets the sparse, almost other-worldy beauty of Iceland. An interesting little film while worth your time.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Could have done with more wit, a lot more class and far less of the cheap and easy Adam Sandler-type jokes. Jonah Hill proves yet again he is a comedy one-trick pony, while Channing Tatum displays all the personality and charm of a turnip. This will pass time on a rainy Sunday afternoon, but that's about it.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A compelling, low-key and very realistic film that infuses a tale of quiet despair with subtle moments of humanity and hope. Great performances and some masterfully restrained direction from the Dardennes.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
If cartoonish violence ( it seems all the bad guys in this film are visually impaired based, since none of them can shoot straight) a turgid storyline and stereotypical characters are your thing, you'll love Death Sentence. The rest of us will wonder how lightweight director James Wan ever convinced both Kevin Bacon and John Goodman to lend their considerable talents to this exercise in mediocrity.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
I didn't find this anywhere nearly as compelling as her previous outings, Brothers and the sublime After The Wedding, but still recommended viewing.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
There is probably a point to this surreal and frankly, rather unpleasant film, but I couldn't for the life of me figure out what it was. Depardieu makes the most of his hulking physicality, but the meandering script and puzzling David Lynch- like quality of the supporting characters make Mammuth a rather tedious experience.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A muddled, rather silly plot that abruptly changes direction midway through and makes increasingly less sense as the film progresses. The always-excellent Julianne Moore is the only thing that saves the movie from being utterly abysmal.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Goodness me. I would advice anyone not to watch this film and the newly released "Shame" on the same day. Perhaps not even the same week. The bottomless pit of despair and self-loathing that duo would create might be hard to escape from. This is a carefully crafted Spanish language art-house that, like Shame, is focused on sex as a symptom of a serious underlying mental dysfunction. There's plenty of very explicit nudie bits and an unrelentingly grim mood that becomes increasingly heavy as the film meanders its way towards a frightening finale. Dedicated lovers of arthouse will find much to appreciate here, but nothing to actually enjoy.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A meticulously directed, almost stream-of-consciousness documentary following the trials and tribulation of a poverty-stricken Indonesian family. This is the final doco in a three part series following the family, apparently. I haven't seen the previous two, but despite that, was still able to enjoy this as a stand alone experience.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Iceland's Tourism Board probably didn't give this film a hearty endorsement ( or any kind of endorsement at all, really) although there is a real beauty in the wind-whipped, icy landscapes under leaden skies portrayed. An interesting , low-key thriller directed with real skill and an eye for detail.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A rollercoaster ride of a movie that could teach the Americans a thing or two about how to make smart action thrillers. Sure, the plot has some holes and a few too many amazing coincidences, but that's the nature of this genre. Headhunters doesn't want you to think too hard - it wants you to buckle up and enjoy the ride. And you will.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A solid Scandinavian political thriller which is enjoyable enough without ever reaching any great heights.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A wonderfully elegant-looking film with good performances. The problem lies in the storyline - it's so deliberately obscure and open to myriad interpretations that a certain amount of viewer frustration begins to take hold by about the mid-way mark. Perhaps those who have read the book might find it easier going. Still, an interesting movie as long as you are not expecting a coherent narrative and a clear-cut, logical conclusion.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Despite the terrific performances from all concerned and a bitingly funny script that strips back the myriad pretensions of the middle class, parenting and even of marriage itself, Carnage just seems to be lacking something. Perhaps it's the fact that all four leads are so ultimately unlikable and self-absorbed. Perhaps it's because pillorying "First World Problems" is a bit like shooting fish in a barrel, fun at first but a little too simplistic to sustain long term interest. Still, what Carnage lacks in soul it makes up for in the sheer delight of watching four such talented actors do their stuff.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Overwrought, drenched in blood and ultimately illogical - but hey, this is "extreme" Asian cinema so anything more refined would have been surprising. A film that, funnily enough; explores the limits of revenge and the sometimes strange nature of love, in between bouts of graphic violence. Probably one to avoid if you are pregnant. Definitely one to avoid if you dislike gore or, heaven forbid; don't like to read those dreaded subtitles. Although why anyone in the latter two categories would even bother to rent a Korean film about grisly revenge in the first place is one of the enduring mysteries of Quickflix. All in all, worth a watch if Asian cinema is your thing.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A well constructed film; visually very thoughtful and with an interesting enough storyline. Fans of more obscure Hitchcock films might appreciate this a little more - and get the twist a little earlier.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A decent (albeit pretty unbelievable) storyline is lumbered with a super-low budget, laughable special effects and some fairly ordinary acting.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
If Fellini, David Lynch and Almodovar got together, took a lot of drugs and then tried to write a film script, the end result would probably look a lot like The Last Circus. A surreal visual feast filled with black humour and just plain nuttiness, this is basically an extended metaphor for life under the fascist Franco regime in Spain. Not knowing a lot about that period of history means I probably missed a lot of the context, but the storyline is engaging nonetheless. Not a film for those who enjoy the obvious, but one that should be applauded for being so proudly different and willing to take chances.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Obviously filmed on a very low budget with actors that actually look like normal human beings rather than super-models, Absentia proved to be marginally better than I was expecting. This is not a great film by any standards, but the cast is competent and the storyline fairly engaging until it runs out of steam (and logic) in the final scenes. Verdict : you could do worse on a rainy weekend or boring weeknight.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Oh dear. Underneath the ham-fisted direction, silly plot and a tsunami of red herrings there was probably a half-decent idea for a thriller. Pity it never made it to the surface. Gone and very soon forgotten, methinks.I
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Great acting, well directed and paced.....it's just a pity that the storyline never ventured far from telemovie territory. A lot of films have been made about Monroe. Pretty much all of them portray her as a fragile, "little girl lost", surrounded by greedy sycophants and simply looking for love in a hostile world. So does this one. It might well be accurate, but that the problem is that it has nothing new to say. The result is a film that's quite watchable but ultimately; quite forgettable
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Brilliantly crafted and boasting fine performances from all concerned, this is a sombre, understated and quietly unsettling psychological thriller of the highest order.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A competent, albeit low budget thriller that begins with every slasher cliche in the book before gradually revealing a more original and unexpected narrative. More judicious editing would have made the plot twists less obvious, but there's still enough sting in the tail to please fans of this genre.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A genre-bending film that is never as profound as it hopes to be. Part love story, part 'end of the world' scenario, ' Perfect Sense' ultimately fails because neither of these two key component is particularly believable or engaging. I would give it an extra star for trying to be different - but in truth, it fails in that regard too. Both 'Contagion" and the much under-rated 'Blindness' have already covered similar territory far more effectively.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Further proof that director Sion Sono is great at finding intriguing ideas for films and terrible at actually bringing those ideas to a logical conclusion onscreen. What starts off as a fascinating murder mystery quickly descends into the usual Sion Sono weirdness with lots of unrealistic characters, unpleasant sex and stilted over-acting. The film is way too long, and when it does finally whimper to a (very silly) conclusion one is left wondering what the point of the entire exercise actually was.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A film that doubtless had a multi-million dollar budget and yet somehow managed to emerge with a cheap telemovie-of-the-week feel about it. The actors aren't at fault - but fingers could certainly be pointed at the screenplay, the makeup ( yup, it's bad) and the director. Eastwood has come a long way since the stunning Mystic River - it's just unfortunate that the journey has been progressively downhill.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Mediocre at best, just plain silly at worst. Julie Delpy must have fallen on hard times to find herself cast in this utterly predictable, scare-free 'thriller'.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Michael Haneke is a very polarising director and this is perhaps one of his most polarising films. If you appreciate the director's vision, this is an intense and very graphic examination not only of the influences of the media in our lives but also on the choices that we make to protect our comfortable lives and those people that we love. If you don't, you'll find it ponderous and wholly unlikeable. Recommended for Haneke fans only.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A rather odd film that seems desperate to have something profound to say but never actually manages to fully articulate exactly what that might be. Crazy right wing extremists are kind of crazy, perhaps? Well, duh. I agree with Nicole - the first half an hour had a lot of promise and was quite engrossing. After that, the script started treading water with zero character development, too many repetitive action scenes and a finale that would have surprised no-one.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Funny, smartly written with impeccable performances all round and beautiful west coast of Ireland scenery. It reminded me a little of the equally delightful film 'In Bruges' also starring Brendan Gleeson. Anyone who enjoyed that is sure to love' The Guard'.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A strangely low-key, mainstream horror movie from indie director Lucky McKee. I agree with the previous reviewer who said it would have been a disaster directed by anyone else - McKee's innovative directorial flourishes ( and some good performances from the leads) are its only bright points.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
An intense and bleak character study of a complex brother and sister relationship filled with characters who seem to prefer ennui to Vegemite on their toast every morning . The acting is masterful, the direction extremely focused; but ultimately Shame is a movie to be experienced rather than enjoyed. For art-house aficionados only.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
It's easy to accuse the Dogme movement of pretentiousness and, at least in the case of one of its founders, Lars von Trier ; it's probably a valid point. But Festen, directed by Dogme co-founder Vinterberg, is a surprisingly grounded film that eschews art-house gimmickry for a very raw look at the unraveling of a horribly dysfunctional family. Festen won't appeal to everyone ( but then again, neither does 'Titantic), but for those who appreciate thoughtful cinema, it will impress.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A delightful peek into the decidedly odd world of Joyce McKinney; a woman who provides the term "obsessive love" with new meaning. If you enjoy quality, character-driven documentaries, Tabloid will impress.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
An elegant, finely crafted thriller. Recommended.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Some exuberant action sequences can't disguise a erratic script, a lack of narrative focus and what appears to be some fairly heavy-handed editing with little regard for the film's flow. The key players try hard but 'Hanna' is all a bit of mess really.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Haunting and boldly original with gently nuanced performances from all concerned. The ending is designed to promote discussion and make you think - and it certainly succeeds.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
An intriguing premise that suffers from favouring a frenetically paced narrative at the expense of character development. Not to mention more than a little over-acting from some of the key players. Still, Middle Men is not without its charms and does provide an interesting insight into the early days of online porn.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Although you get the sense there is a far superior lurking somewhere on the cutting room floor, there's plenty to keep you interested throughout this slickly made spy thriller. Mirren and Wilkinson are excellent as always, while Sam Worthington demonstrates yet again why he is heir apparent to the Keanu Reeves "I Can't Really Act, But At Least I Look Handsome" award. I'm not sure whether Sam's dialect coach just gave up or had some sort of nervous breakdown, but his accent (a weird Aussie/German via Hogan's Heroes/MIddle East hybrid) is the most engaging part of his performance. Worthington aside, The Debt is well worth a watch.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
What a wonderfully unexpected surprise After The Wedding proved to be. A gentle, thought-provoking film with a fine cast, an intelligent script and a storyline that keeps you guessing. Those who dismiss non-Anglo films because they won't read subtitles really do themselves a disservice.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Very solid Aussie thriller with a terrific cast and a clever, if not always particularly believable, plot.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An innovative and realistic look at the clash between youthful idealism and the socio-political realities of life in a first world, capitalist society. If that synopsis sounds about as exciting as cleaning the oven, don't be deterred. While there's plenty of intellectual fodder in The Edukators, at its heart is a highly entertaining story about life, love and the sometimes painful process of growing up.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
An interesting little film noir that is part pot-boiler and part domestic drama - with both elements viewed through the maternal prism of Tilda Swinton as a mother fighting to save her family. Sure, it's easy to quibble with the plot, but Swinton makes her character so believable that it's hard not to take her side, even when some of her decisions are downright dopey. It never really reaches the heights it's aiming for, but The Deep End is worth the plunge nonetheless.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Two types of people inhabit Tyrannosaur - really, really angry people (even their dogs are cranky) and desperately sad people slowly suffocating in a mire of quiet desperation. Clearly, this is not a feel-good flick. It's inevitable that Tyrannosaur will be compared to the kitchen-sink dramas of British auteurs Mike Leigh and Ken Loach. And it's a reasonable comparison - although first-time director Considine is clearly a far angrier man than either of his peers. Tyrannosaur is a film about poverty, about injustice and the de-humanising effect both have on the British underclass. It's also a film about forgiveness, and ultimately, an unflinching celebration of the resilience of the human spirit. Incredibly raw and realistic performances, a compelling script and assured direction make Tyrannosaur a memorable viewing experience.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Can a film suffer from an excess of Englishness? That seems to be case with this meticulously constructed spy drama that is so unassuming and well mannered in it's approach that the Cold War almost seems like a problem that gentleman could sort out with a nice cup of tea and a day at the cricket. TTSS has many attributes - it's brilliantly acted, intricately scripted and the look of the film - with its relentlessly drab grey and brown palette - is wonderfully evocative. It is very slowly paced ( glacially at times) but the storyline will reward those who are prepared to pay close attention. The real problem is tone. There are just so many stiff-upper lips in action here, so many thoughts never expressed, so many confrontations that never occur because everyone is just too damn polite. As an intellectual exercise TTSS is a triumph. As an emotionally engaging film - far less so.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A gloriously dark comedy which turns a plethora of accepted movie conventions on their collective heads - Young Adult is one of the finest films I've seen this year, and certainly one of the most original. Charlize Theron is a revelation as the truly awful Mavis Gary - the stereotypical high school "mean girl" who, years after graduation, remains totally self-absorbed and increasingly at odds with reality. Aside from the whip-smart script and excellent cast, the real strength of Young Adult is the way it gleefully eschews the predictable, well-trodden narrative path of most Hollywood films. Instead, we're treated to a quirky, often hilarious and sometimes poignant ride into the unexpected. Buckle up and enjoy.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
With its disorientating dreamscape and unreliable narrator, The Double Hour is an inventive film noir that owes a little to the Adrian Lyne classic "Jacobs Ladder". Nothing is quite what it seems and nobody is exactly who they appear to be when Sonia the chambermaid hooks up with former policeman Guido at a speed dating session. What follows is an intense examination of guilt and grief in the guise of a romantic thriller. Probably a film that needs to be viewed more than once to fully absorb.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
As flinty and enigmatic as its protagonist David Marks, this intense "based on true events" thriller uses a combination of fact and supposition to tell the very strange story of a real estate heir and the events surrounding the disappearance of his wife in the early 80's. Gosling shows yet again why he is one of the stand-out actors of his generation, Dunst projects a believable vulnerability and Langella chews the scenery as a gothically imposing father. While it offers no real insights into Marks' motivations, ( to be fair, only Marks himself can tell that story) All Good Things tackles a difficult subject and handles it with considerable style and aplomb. Engrossing.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
With the exception of the deliciously acerbic Election, I've always put director Payne quite happily in my "over-rated" list. The Descendents did nothing to change my mind, but did prove that a clever cast can often raise a film to a level above what it probably deserves. Despite some cringe-worthy lines, Clooney is in fine form here as the slightly daggy, terribly muddled Dad who slows learns some bitter home-truths under the worst possible circumstances. His two daughters provide the trade-mark Payne snarkiness while the Hawaiian scenery provides plenty of eco-eye candy. The central storyline is never as engaging (or as emotional compelling) as it should be, while the family estate back-story seems like a rather pointless distraction from the main action. The Descendants is not a terrible film,it just could have been so much better. I've given it an extra star for Clooney's performance.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
The Help tries so hard to be appealing that making any sort of criticism of it seems a little like kicking a kitten. Hollywood loves a good historical drama - just so long as they can airbrush the hell out it and take out all the really nasty bits first. The Help proves no exception, presenting a bubblegum view of the American civil rights movement and at times, flirting dangerously with condescension. On the upside, it's very well acted, carefully crafted and moves along at an engaging pace. It's social upheaval with lip gloss - but The Help is hard to dislike all the same.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
A serial killer with major Daddy-issues, a penchant for talking to cattle skulls and clutching the keys to the obligatory abandoned warehouse, kidnaps an odd little boy to keep him company whilst slicing and dicing. Lumbered with a low budget and a script that continually has characters doing utterly implausible things ( who thinks its a good idea to sneak out a serial killer's lair screaming your head off the entire time?) Bereavement does deserve some credit for trying to add a level of emotional depth and a sprinkling of psychology 101 to its storyline. Apparently this film is a prequel, and while you needn't have seen the first to understand this follow-up, I suspect doing so may given Bereavement some much needed context. The gore is quite graphic, the gallons of fake blood utterly unconvincing and everyone screams - a lot. One for dedicated horror fans only.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Almost demure in comparison to some of it's ultra-violent contemporaries in the French new wave movement (eg: Martyrs or High Tension), In Their Sleep is that rare thing - a horror movie with an emotional core. Deliberately dream-like and with a non-linear narrative that asks as many questions as it answers, the film is as much about grief, loneliness and a mother's guilt as it is about a crazed killer on the loose. ITS has its fair share of plotline flaws (why does nobody have a phone being the most glaring) and the twist/s can be spotted fairly early on; but strong performances (especially from a chameleon-like Dupont) and some unsettling scenes that linger in the mind long after the final frame should please fans of art-house horror.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Apparently English-speaking movie-goers are intractably stupid. They can't read subtitles, they only respond to happy endings, and they simply cannot cope with the slightest ambiguity in narrative or tone. This is the only explanation I can think of for the existence of this dull, white-bread remake of a Dutch classic. All the dark edginess of the original film has been carefully removed and what little complexity remains given a big dose of banality. The end result is part psychological thriller, part The Simpsons. Jeff Bridges is engaging in a hammy kind of way, Kiefer Sutherland and Nancy Travis underwhelm and Sandra Bullock, as always, does her best Sandra Bullock impersonation. I can only assume that Sluizer agreed to direct this pap for the same reason Haneke directed the pointless English-langauge remake of Funny Games.....................$$$
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A brilliant performance from Streep is overshadowed by a frankly messy script; with constant lurches in time and narrative resulting in a badly disjointed attempt to examine the rise and fall of Britain's most controversial PM. Thanks to this fragmented structure (meant to echo Thatcher's own fragile state of mind in her twilight years) the film is guilty of the cardinal sin of biopics - we never get a real insight into the woman behind the image. Instead we get glimpses of young Margaret, angry Margaret, mother Margaret, powerful Margaret et al; through a series of vignettes that are generally more style than substance. To add to the muddle, the film also inexplicably undermines its own strongly feminist stance with a completely contradictory closing scene.
Rather like the Iron Lady herself; this is a film of good intentions that ultimately falls victim to its own ambitions.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
I'm normally very forgiving of horror films, particularly low-budget indie fright-flicks. But 'The Man Who Collected Food' was a major disappointment. The director clearly loves his Troma films but his very derivative approach manages to smother any spark of originality from the film - which is quite an achievement given the highly unusual subject matter. There is an energy to the film, but it's more akin to the manic irrationality that occurs when kids drink too much red cordial. The supporting characters are simply annoying ( particularly the alien-obsessed neighbour, gah) and for a horror-comedy, TMWCF gets the balance terribly wrong - lots of gore, zero laughs.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Sam Peckinpah's seminal exploration of instinctive violence is always worth a re-visit. Highly controversial in its day, time has barely dulled the film's ferocity and daring, uncompromising approach. Hoffman's performance as the mild-mannered mathematician driven to confront his inner-animal is quite incredible, the support cast is strong and Peckinpah's no-holds-barred direction keeps the tension mounting. As the insipid 2011 remake showed only too clearly - they don't make 'em like this anymore.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Ahh, the French. Ma Mere is basically the story of a group of highly unlikeable, incredibly self-obsessed people who appear to do nothing more than have unpleasant, kinky sex with one another and complain about being bored. Often at the same time. Given that they all appear to be attractive and wealthy without actually being employed, it's hard to understand why they are all so miserable. But then again, not a lot makes sense in this self-indulgent, boring piece of tosh. No doubt the film is trying to say something profound about the human experience but the sheer silliness of the plot means that anything meaningful gets lost. It's R-rated for a reason; so if explicit nudity and repetitive art-house nihilism offends, avoid this one. And for those who make it that far; the final scene is almost noteworthy for its sheer ridiculousness..
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A decidedly different French- Canadian serial killer flick that is not entirely successful but certainly gets points for daring to think outside the box.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
The always watchable Paul Rudd turns up the Charm-O-Meter to 11 in this delightful comedy. Rudd shines as the naive man-child Ned, whose simplistic, trusting view of the world seems to cause nothing but disaster for his three decidedly more cynical and world-weary sisters. The character of Ned could easily have slipped into caricature, but Rudd is simply too good a comedic actor to fall for that trap. Instead, he instills Ned with abundant quiet dignity and allows the audience to judge who the real "idiots" are. Sure, "Our Idiot Brother" is ultimately a sentimental film, but it avoids the cringe-worthy soppiness that seems to ruin so many American comedies. Like the previous reviewer, I'm giving it an extra star for the Rudd-factor.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Who'd want a career in politics? Well, if all political advisors looked like Ryan Gosling and all candidates like George Clooney - me. But I digress. There's a lot to like about The Ides of March. An (ahem) appealing cast, great script and a well paced narrative that will confirm your worst fears about politicians and what they are prepared to do to win. And yet another impressive turn behind the camera for Clooney, who continues to prove himself a director of real note. Recommended.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A surprisingly restrained film from Pascal Laugier, best known for the compelling and controversial Martyrs; perhaps (unsurprisingly) the only movie ever to combine extreme torture porn with existentialist/religious philosophy. While Martyrs could be accused of being way too frenetic for its own good, St Ange suffers from being a little too understated. It's an artfully composed piece; beautiful to look at and skillfully directed. Its main fault is simply that the story is not particularly compelling, or original, or indeed, even very frightening. It's a film with obvious lofty intentions, but it ends up being puzzling rather than profound.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Clearly influenced by Romero ( the opening scene is the most obvious homage) but using cannibalism rather than zombies as its metaphor of choice, We Are What We Are is an accomplished piece of social satire that puts both family dysfunction and Mexican society as a whole (particularly the Church, the law and the relationship of both to the impoverished masses) under the spotlight. Those who have seen the confronting Greek film Dogtooth will be on familiar ground here - there are distinct parallels between the two.
Not really a horror film in the traditional sense, We Are What We Are ticks a lot of boxes - it's innovative, well acted and manages to give the viewer something to think about while being thoroughly entertaining at the same time.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
A truly engrossing psychological thriller from Spain with a stand-out performance from Dario Grandinetti. If you're bored by the usual mainstream Hollywood films with their paint-by-numbers plots and "surprise" twists that are obvious within the first 10 minutes; then Killing Words might provide a distinct, if rather unsettling, change of pace. The film is so well constructed, and the storyline so original and carefully crafted, that a bland English-language remake (because subtitles are sooooo hard, apparently) is probably inevitable.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
The reviewer who said this was one of the best films of 2011 was spot on. A moody, slow burn classic with some truly innovative flourishes, particularly in terms of lighting, structure and the fabulous soundtrack. Few actors can rival Gosling in the "vunerable but complicated" stakes and he is outstanding here as a man of few words but many secrets. Intelligent, expertly crafted cinema at its finest.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
Dedicated fans of slasher-flicks (particularly of the hillbilly variety) will enjoy this good-natured parody considerably more than those unfamiliar with genre gems like The Hills Have Eyes or the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. While it's very funny in parts, it's hard to sustain what is essentially a one-joke plot, and the film inevitably runs out of stream towards the end.
Still, a pleasant time waster; especially for horror buffs.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
If you were to rely on professional film critics, you could assume Anonymous is a load of rubbish; at least based on a lot of the published reviews. You'd be wrong. Okay, so it's not; you know...Shakespeare. But it is entertaining, visually very impressive and with a storyline that has plenty of dramatic twists and turns. The cast is good and if the constant jumps in time, place and narrative are sometimes a little disconcerting, it's hardly a fatal flaw. I do wonder whether most of the criticism comes from a disagreement with the theory presented by the film, rather than the film itself. Or the fact the the director is best known for CGI-driven guff like Independence Day. So this has to be terrible, right?? Colourful, full of intrigue and occasionally a little bit camp. A bit like the Elizabethans themselves, really.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Oh, come on. If this was a US -made film people would be decrying the lack of originality, ordinary acting and predictable script. The fact that it is Australian (albeit with a couple of rather ordinary pretend American accents, presumably put on to appeal to an international audience) shouldn't excuse its laziness or make it somehow immune from all the aforementioned criticisms. We are capable of making quality films, and Wolf Creek showed we can do the horror genre as well as anyone. But this is an ordinary film on all counts.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
It's the shades of grey and moments of moral ambiguity that provide the real emotional punches in this often intense and highly emotive film. An ensemble vast are all outstanding, with Liana Liberato entirely believable in a very demanding role that could have so easily lapsed into melodrama. Trust takes its cautionary tale role a little too literally on occasions and when it does, the narrative begins to feel more like a lecture we're expected to pay careful attention to for our own good. That aside, this is a mostly intelligent exploration of a very difficult subject.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Can you imagine a film that starts off like a gritty Ken Loach kitchen-sink drama, gradually morphs into a terse Guy Ritchie action flick before finally exploding into a truly scary horror-fest with obvious nods to a classic British horror film from the 70's. While it might sound like a recipe for disaster, Kill List does exactly this. And it actually works. It's a bold film that is prepared to take chances with plot, genre and the audience's expectations. The cast is excellent, the bleak cinematography appropriate and the film is expertly paced - after a deliberately meandering start it picks up speed, almost galloping to the explosive final scenes. So few films these days ever even attempt to think outside the cliched Hollywood box - the Kill List does and better still, manages to be thoroughly enthralling at the same time.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
It's not often that a film surpasses the novel it is based on, but director Lynne Ramsay has turned the tables in this quite stunning version of the best selling novel of the same name. I've read the book and jokingly referred to it as "We Need To Talk About Getting A Better Editor", largely because I found it a fabulous idea weighed down with too much unnecessary guff. Ramsay strips the book back to its bare bones and combines this with an intelligent script and powerhouse performance from Tilda Swinton. Necessarily grim and unrelentingly intense, this is a film that tackles several difficult, even taboo, subjects with brutal honesty and remarkable clarity. If you don't like scary/sad/violent/there is no happy ending -type films, avoid this at all costs and hope that your copy of Burlesque is in the mail.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
Like most films that try to tackle any intricate subject that takes place over a number of years and involves myriad people, Oranges and Sunshine suffers from a rather scatter-gun approach, with the central characters and plot feeling a little under-done. That quibble aside; a remarkable cast, solid direction from Loach and an understated, respectful treatment of a highly emotional issue ensure that this is a film that softly presses all the right emotional buttons. Well worth checking out.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
The languid pace of this slow-burn thriller makes sense given the timelessness and sheer beauty of the Tasmanian landscape; which is perhaps the real star of this thoughtful film. Dafoe, heading a very solid cast, is both entirely believable and suitably rough-hewn as the Hunter in question. If you want a movie to half-watch while you eat dinner or check your Facebook updates - The Hunter is not for you. However, if you're prepared to invest a little time, this is a film with many small, but worthy, rewards.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Fans of Battle Royale 1 expecting a second serving of quirky, tongue-in-cheek Japanese horror from this second installment should prepare for a major disappointment. Or better still, they should probably just avoid this truly terrible film altogether. Torturously long, mostly incoherent and utterly stupid beyond all redemption. You have been warned.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
A quality cast, bone-crunching MMA sequences and a thoughtful script raise Warrior above most of its contemporaries in this genre. Sure, cliches abound, but they generally come with the territory in fight films. My biggest complaint is that Tom Hardy is under-utilised. Anyone who has seen the fantastic "Bronson" will know the raw ferocity and brute strength Hardy is capable of displaying. That same ferocity is glimpsed here and there in Warrior, but never fully realised. A pity, as that could have taken the film to a whole new level.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
At the end of Giallo, I couldn't decide who I felt the most sorry for. Was it Argento for being so far past his prime, Adrien Brody (who probably spent several days curled up in the foetal position, sobbing and clutching his Oscar statuette after seeing the first screening of this) or myself for actually having bothered to watch the whole thing? Woeful.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
The overwrought opening credits complete with Dario Argento-esque theme music was the giveaway - Insidious was not going to a modern horror film but rather a slightly tongue-in-cheek homage to the hokey fright films of the 60 and 70's, hopefully with a few modern twists thrown in. And so it proved to be, with director Wan rounding up all the usual scarey subjects - a supposedly haunted house, cute all-American family, assorted unexplained happenings and a rising sense of dread. The problem for Insidious is that walking the line between smug parody and being a genuine scare-fest is a difficult task. And it's one that neither the director or the solid cast (Wilson is always good, Byrne is good but underwritten here) can ultimately pull off. The end result is an odd mish-mash - a not particularly funny black comedy and a horror film that's not especially frightening.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
A charismatic, hugely likable cast elevate this cliche-riddled production into something significantly more enjoyable than it probably has a right to be. Carrell, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone and ( particularly) Ryan Gosling all shine; but even their combined star power can't quite disguise the paper-thin plot and the film's eventual collapse into mawkish sentimentality. Still, when it works; it's delightful.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
An enjoyable, but uneven, comedy that is ultimately carried by the always-reliable Jason Bateman. The concept is a good, if not particularly original one, and there are laughs to be had, although they are becoming a little scarce by the film's final quarter. Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell are memorable playing almost cartoonishly against type, while Kevin Spacey is suitably deranged. Some tighter writing and a slightly more subtle approach (I know it's a comedy, but Bateman's character is the only one that seems to even remotely resemble a realistic human being) might have elevated this to something out of the ordinary.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
"Uninspired" would perhaps have been a more apt title for this remarkably mediocre production. No cinematic cliche or godawful piece of dialogue goes to waste in what is essentially a second-rate re-hash of every B-grade thriller you've ever seen.
"I know that nobody loves me" the male lead whimpers at one point, with all the raw emotion of a pizza delivery boy who just missed out on a tip. I somehow doubt anyone will love this film either.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
Engrossing storyline, outstanding direction and a star-laden cast that all play it low-key and give wonderfully authentic performances. A worthy attempt to humanise the Hollywood disaster film; Contagion prefers science to CGI and is so much the better for it.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
It's hard to escape the notion that director Vivas was influenced by Haneke's chilling masterwork "Funny Games". Both films are nihilistic in the extreme; revolving around perfectly ordinary families suddenly thrust into a nightmare of violence that is an inexplicable as it is terrifying. But while Haneke's film sought to turn cinematic cliches on their head and ruthlessly poked fun at both the thriller/horror genre and our own fascination with seeing terror on the screen, Kidnapped doesn't aspire to such lofty heights. Instead it seems content to simply pile on the hysteria until it ultimately descends into torture porn.
It's a pity- Viva shows real flair as a director (his split screen technique is particularly effective) and with a better script could be capable of producing something really special.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
McKee is one of the few contemporary directors who can successfully combine the horror genre with an art-house sensibilility and somehow stay true to both concepts simultaneously. His films aren't perfect, but his ability to find innovative story-lines, engage the viewer and consistently cast little-known actors of real quality more than compensates for any such shortcomings.
Reading the outraged accusations of misogyny leveled at this film here is bemusing to say the least. I would have perhaps understood a criticism of the film being anti-male. But anti-female. Really? Were we watching the same film?
This gets an extra star from me for being prepared to take considerable risks in its subject matter and for breathing new ideas into the mind-numbingly cliched horror film scene.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy
Oh dear. Peter Jackson manages to turn an over-hyped book into an even less deserving film. Any film with a narrative like The Lovely Bones should pack an emotional punch, at the very least. Instead we get the cinematic equivalent of fairy-floss with some rather odd depictions of the afterlife and an increasingly dazed looking Mark Wahlberg thrown in for good measure. Some good performances from Tucci and Ronan can't stop this one drowning in it's own syrupy sentimentality.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Obviously made on a low budget with film-student standard cinematography and an ensemble cast which ranges from adequate to utterly woeful in the acting department. The plot is standard slasher film fare - isolated cabin, deranged serial killer lurking in the woods etc, while the ending is sadly predictable. But, for all that, I've seen far worse. And if you're a fan of the horror genre; chances are you have too.
Verdict: a just passable rainy Sunday afternoon time waster
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
I guess the great thing about being a director as revered as Malick is that the studios allow you to be as self-indulgent as you like. Or perhaps that's the worst thing about being Terrence Malick. Self-indulgence is certainly worst thing about The Tree Of Life. Visually stunning? Yes. Intensely personal? Yes? Thought-provoking? Well, occasionally. Pretentious and needlessly long-winded? Oh yes indeedy.
A great performance from Brad Pitt and some lovely cinematography can't overcome the fact that The Tree of Life is a dull, repetitive film that tries to disguise a lack of clarity as intellectual depth.
(Maybe) - review by Cindy
Simply superb. An intensely bleak psychological drama that examines the nature of madness and identity. Most definitely not a popcorn flick but one that will amply reward your close attention.
(Not to be missed!) - review by Cindy
There's nothing here that hasn't been seen a hundred times before in other "based on a true story" legal dramas. Still, the cast is very solid and the pacing of the film ensures there's enough happening to maintain your interest.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Tries to be a hip, tongue-in-cheek black comedy/parody of the original concept, but fails to get there on all counts. It's just not (even blackly) funny, the budget looks depressingly low and Hopper either needed the money or was heavily self-medicated throughout. Worst of all, it's kind of boring. That's inexcusable for a horror film, even one that seeks to poke fun at itself.
(Don't bother!) - review by Cindy
An intriguing 'based on real events' storyline is let down by a lifeless and rather paint-by-numbers script. The performances are terrific though - particularly Evans in the lead role - and there is enough going on to keep you interested throughout. Could have been so much better in the hands of a different director/screenwriter, but still worth watching.
(Worth watching) - review by Cindy
Probably doesn't entirely succeed at being as clever as it wants to be - but still an enjoyable film with good performances all round. Well worth watching.
(Excellent) - review by Cindy