Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Second time around for this, and I still feel it is Bigelow's masterpiece. A tense and haunting film, with a breathless performance from Jessica Chastain. Once again a Bigelow film exposes the flaws in a very macho, and cold world, but by placing a female in a largely unlikeable central role is able to challenge traditionally gender roles. The script is excellent also, with some great dialogue and detailed research. It does lose something on a smaller screen, but overall the impact of the film is not lost. Should have won best picture last year IMO.

10/10

I didn't like the movie, it was a movie that seemed hellbent on justifying torture as viable means to gather information. Bigelow's masterpiece is still Point Break.

Before Midnight
As a big fan other the other two I was pretty let down by this one. There's still a good bit to like about, the undertone is still pretty strong and Hawk and Deply put on great performances, but with the type of film that it is, when you don't like 1 or 2 scenes you're pretty much not liking the majority of the film. The dinner scene with the other generations of people was overly pretentious to me, and possibly the least engaging scene of the entire series. The last scene also just didn't do it for me either, mostly because I found myself strongly siding with Ethan Hawke during the entire argument. For the most part they're generally equal in their views and beliefs, but in this scene it was too one-sided for me to genuinely enjoy it. Maybe that's just my fault though. And maybe it'd be better if I watched it again, it's one of those films that looks like it could hit its mark second time around, but my first reaction is that of disappointment. 6/10

deezy said:

I didn't like the movie, it was a movie that seemed hellbent on justifying torture as viable means to gather information. Bigelow's masterpiece is still Point Break.

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That school of thought is a product of the lazy media reporting about the film. I don't know how anyone who actually saw the film can believe that. It shows torture as a cold and unforgiving act, and the people carrying it out as smug and unlikeable. Even if it does get results I can't see anyone with common sense justifying it.

Agree on Point Break though, very entertaining film, Swayze never better.

American Splendor

This comic book adaptation follows the life of file clerk/independent comic book writer Harvey Pekar, and his friends, comic book artist, and 70's underground trendsetter Robert Crumb, and MTV VJ Toby "The Genuine Nerd" Radloff. Much like the man, this film takes a very depressing journey through the real life of the average man just trying to find that slice of happiness. Includes tapes from Late Night with Letterman, interviews with the real Harvey, Toby, and his third wife Joyce, animations based on work depicted in the comic of the same name, and a rather awkward moment when Paul Giamotti and Judah Friendlander(who play Harvey & Toby respectively) meet the real Harvey & Toby.

10/10

Reaching For the Moon (2014)

Based on the story of 50's poet Elizabeth Bishop as she moved from New York to Brazil to visit a friend while having problems producing poetry. Things take a turn when she starts a relationship with her friend's lover, and ends up moving in with her. Taking all sorts of twists and turns, the film following Bishop as she develops a drinking problem, as well as showing her up and down career, and relationship, while also showing some of the politics of Brazil at the time. Miranda Otto is really great as Bishop, in fact all three of the lead actresses give powerful performances which make you believe in them even when the story presents them as un-likeable. Visually the film is lavish, with great music, but the story did feel a little contrived in places, and at time the film felt too empty, and maybe it took on too many sub-plots. However it was still a very compelling and emotionally powerful film in places.

6.5/10

Frances Ha (2013)

The directors best since The Squid and the Whale (2006). The humor is very well observed, with a naturalistic feel to the dialouge and atmosphere, its funny enough and Greta Gelwig is once again a credible lead. At times it did feel smug and empty, but a much better effort than his last couple of films.

7/10

Muppets Most Wanted
Kind of lost it's way towards the end, but the majority of this movie was funny, alot of bits I had to rewind because I laughed so hard I missed some other bits, and I think that's a good thing. they poked fun at their personas, their last movie and playing the game of "spot the cameos" is back. Very entertaining.

8/10

ABC's of Death

This movie was rather hit or miss, with 26 directors telling their own stories. Some of them turned out very well, others were campy, and then there was absolute shitty ones. The best thing about the movie was trying to figure out what each letter stands for before the end of the short.

5/10

deezy said:

Muppets Most Wanted
Kind of lost it's way towards the end, but the majority of this movie was funny, alot of bits I had to rewind because I laughed so hard I missed some other bits, and I think that's a good thing. they poked fun at their personas, their last movie and playing the game of "spot the cameos" is back. Very entertaining.

8/10

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Agreed, it wasn't quite as good as the last movie but still excellent. Loved Fey's Russian accent also.

Tracks (2014) 7/10

Mia Wasikowska is excellent as Robyn Davinson, really summing up the her spirit and emotional complex nature. The main problem with this film was that at times there was not enough of a story outside of the characters journey, but as things progress I was more and more gripped by the characters struggles, and found the film really draining and compelling to watch.

Blue Ruin (2014)

Tight little indie thriller, with a plot which smartly unravels detail at a time with the audience being away of the little details through the central character. It is a stylish, and chilling film, with some effective moments of gore, and odd moments of black comedy. I was kept on the edge of my seat until the end. Seeing it in the cinema, espicially an picturehouse is the best way to experience the film.

8/10

A Street Car Named Desire (1951)

Powerful screen version of the classic American stage play, with Vivian Leigh giving a really compelling, and subtly tragic performance. Marion Brando is was again a commending, scary figure (even if he did mumble a bit much for me). The tension carefully creeps up throughout, tight direction, and it captures the melodrama off the stage, while still being very cinematic also. The seductive jazz score is also key to the edgy atmosphere throughout.

8.5/10

Goldfinger (1964)

Second only to From Russia With Love as the best Bond ever IMO. Connery is at his swaggering best, Goldfinger is one the best screen villains of all time. The film is full of stunning set pieces, iconic visuals, stirring music, and brilliant one liners, oh and lets not forget "Miss PUSSY GALORE"!

9/10

Inventing the Abbots (1997)

Very dull period/coming of age drama, with a strong cast who would all go on to better things, and Kathy Baker who was already awesome. There is nothing of note about the story or characters, and the director or style of the film fails to bring the world of the film to life. One to miss.

4/10