Magic Mike (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1915581/

Strippers! And a story! Channing Tatum is so natural it’s not surprising to find out that Magic Mike is in part autobiographical.  The whole film oozes easy, believable banter which makes it hard not to like most of the characters.  Plus, most of them also strip. Bonus.

Four stars

Let The Bullets Fly (2010)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1533117/


This frankly farcical attempt at a Chinese Western was for the most part incoherent.  The comedy was mostly out of balance, leaving me confused rather than amused, and the ratio of gun-fight to fist-fight was all wrong. A cool hero, but difficult to follow his quest.


Two stars

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1345836/

This had to meet gargantuan expectations using essentially the same premise as its prequels: Batman KICKS SOME ASS and SAVES GOTHAM. A difficult task. The scope of the action is astounding, but the expanded scale left Bane underdeveloped (not scary!), the passage of time poorly represented, and the emotional focus missing.

Four stars

The Dark Knight (2008)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/

Topping its predecessor, this is comic book perfection. The Joker is terrifying, and Nolan successfully builds a sense of inevitable dread that really, the good guys cannot win.  But then, of course, Batman KICKS SOME ASS and SAVES GOTHAM. A darker movie all round, and all the better for it.

Five stars

Batman Begins (2005)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0372784/

A successful and emotional charting of Bruce Wayne’s growth from traumatised child to masked vigilante.  The ninja training, bemused entry into playboy life, and adaptation of Fox’s ‘toys’ all impress. And then, transformation complete, Batman KICKS SOME ASS and SAVES GOTHAM amidst cracking SFX and a sterling supporting cast. Awesome.

Five stars

Killer Joe (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1726669/

Pretty messed up, but not in the ways I was expecting. Obviously based on a play, with its small cast and set, the characters’ interactions are integral. As a trailer-trash family fall apart in their dealings with (Matthew McConaughey’s) Joe, the brutal violence is used to an effective minimum.

Four stars

Jeff, Who Lives At Home (2011)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588334/

Funny, sad, happy, and thought-provoking, this well-cast and well-written story of a stoner searching for his destiny was hugely enjoyable.   All the characters are well-developed and you’d be cold-hearted not to want it to work out well for everyone.  A bit too fantastical later on, but highly recommended.

Four stars

The Amazing Spiderman (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0948470/

Geeky, funny, and gorgeous, Andrew Garfield excels as Peter Parker – bringing warmth and believability to the role.  This is a more grounded and emotional telling of Spidey’s origin story and therefore still feels original.  The suit is great, the baddy mean (and green!), and the action looks stunning.  Delightful!


Five stars

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1611224/

A great fantasy-action piece with plenty of satisfying axe-wielding vamp-bashing. Benjamin Walker (as Benedict Cumberbatch) is convincing as the troubled youngster leading a double life, but why on earth the writer chose to use Abraham Lincoln is beyond me  – completely unnecessary and lets down the second half of the plot.

Three stars