Wednesday, 28 September 2011

City of Men (2007)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870090/

The two leads draw us expertly into the lifelong friendship that forms the crux of the story, bumbling through their (mainly paternity-related) issues to a backdrop of gang war.  Less violent than its older brother City of God, but just as atmospheric and with the same beautiful cinematography.

Four stars 

Monday, 26 September 2011

Green Lantern (2011)


WEAK! The bucketloads of CGI might have looked cool in a cinema but with such an insubstantial plot and virtually no action I doubt it would have redeemed this crock of shit.  Had I a green lantern, I would conjure something huge to smack Ryan Reynolds in his gormless face.

One star

Monday, 19 September 2011

Arrietty (2010)


Another fantastic anime offering from Studio Ghibli, if a little gentler than some of their others.  As enchanting as any version of the Borrowers story should be (nothing like the 1997 John Goodman abomination), it looks great and has a lovely delicate soundtrack.  Perfect for a hungover Sunday.

Four stars

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)


This actually worked - hooray! Fantastically entertaining from start to finish despite the ludicrous premise.  Quite a bit of violence for a 12A (in a good way) and hilariously moody performances from Indy and Bond.  A traditional blockbuster story arc but really good fun if that floats your boat.

Three stars

Unstoppable (2010)


Runaway train hurtling towards populated area requires Denzel Washington and young, attractive chap to save the day.  Entirely predictable in every respect.  But let's face it, who doesn't want to see DW running on top of a 70mph train? Great three-star action.

Three stars

Monday, 12 September 2011

Limitless (2011)

 
As with so many 'concept' movies, the first half is fantastic (here characterised by cool effects shots and impressive drug-fuelled dialogue), but believability and interest wane rapidly.  The protagonist is initially likeable, but gets so many ridiculously fortuitous chances that it’s easy to start hoping for the worst.

Three stars

Saturday, 10 September 2011

City Island (2009)


A funny and feel-good portrayal of a screwed up family from The Bronx, headed by Andy Garcia’s (excellent) patriarch. Glaring imperfections in the form of a strong whiff of cheddar in parts, but consistent quirky humour (yay for fat fetishes!) and a cleverly constructed plot hold it together.

Three stars