Reviews

This is a really great series with marvellous character development. If you went to school in the UK, Big School is definitely worth a watch since there will no doubt be moments which will spark memories (key the science experiments...)

You end up growing fond of the people and actually hoping things will go well for them. Lots of laughs; a play of human weakness and desire and ineptitude and the show we put up to make up for all our shortcomings.

A slightly lighter, prolonged version of The History Boys - and that is basically as good as it gets in my book.

--------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -------- --------- --------- --------- -------- ----------- --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------- -------- --------- ------- --- (filling up extra IMDb lines - ridiculous rule)

I watched this after skimming the fairly positive UK reviews on IMDb - forgive me, but I simply don't trust the taste of other nationalities, particularly American. Yes, I realise I shall incur much wrath for this honesty.

As for the mind-numbingly unoriginally titled Far From Heaven, quite frankly, notwithstanding the excellent Julianne Moore, along with splendid Patricia Clarkson in a minor-role, the entire film was confoundedly flat. At the start, one has hope: good actors, a well prepared drama, an evidently empty life.... and it never leaves that domain. When something in the nature of controversial or profound is inserted, it seems detached, and just as trivial as the rest of it. Yet the film evokes very interesting themes and has huge potential - but a good theme does not a good film make.

By the end of the maudlin affair the only conclusion possible was that the film had been found wanting in precisely the aspect it tries to portray: a superficial, surface-value-life. My sobering thought was that if enduring two hours of superfluous mediocrity clothed as profundity was irritating, imagine what a lifetime of it must be like... If that was the film's goal: then it is a masterpiece.

Haeven is a spectacular film that can be seen through multiple prisms:

Firstly, it touches upon many realities of the strange contradictory world in which we live: refugees, gratuitous violence and mutilation, bullying at school and in the 'real world', websites DIY for home-made bombs, family relations, love and loss. On all these subjects, Haeven is remarkably non-judgemental, allowing the viewer to think for himself, to see these elements as part of a well-constructed storyline as well as bringing them to light and forcing the viewer to consider them, for better or worse.

Secondly - and, to me, this is the films great forte - that little detail which makes it slip from 'extremely good' into 'exceptional', in the same manner as "A History of Violence" or "Dogville", - it turns on the viewer and says, "Well...what about you? Where do you situate yourself on this platform of morality?" - and forces the viewer to at least consider his (or her) position.

In my case, I was left debating the film for a long time, I was wholly engaged with the characters and, most fascinatingly, I still don't know the answer: how to maintain the integrity of peace in such a violent world? violence breeds violence, but what happens when it becomes clear that sometimes only violence works? how can that be condoned? what is bravery and what is weakness? is the ideal of peace - from the smallest details to the largest wars - really just an ideal? or not?

My point is that this film will make you question yourself, and to my mind, that is the greatest praise I can give any film.

Das Experiment relates the tale of a prison simulation experiment which derails due to the natural psychological trauma and disorders which (an important detail) do not result from - but are inherent to - the subjects under study.

It is fascinating to watch the gradual change in both collective atmosphere and in individuals along the two week period. The conclusions with regard to underlying human tendencies are frightening. The fact that it is based on a true story makes it even more so.

I just finished watching this film and I highly recommend it. It is the sort of film for those who like reflecting on the nature of humanity and human society, in a similar manner to - although not as good as - Dogville (surely the greatest love-it-or-hate-it film ever made). The only aspect of this film which made me not grade it as "exceptional" is a somewhat weak romantic element that feels pushed into the story just because the producers wouldn't fund the film without one, but maybe that's just me.

Whatever your favourite film-genre is, this is one to watch, if only to reflect upon what you would do, under similar conditions.

This is a light film, with good acting and a very clever plot. But that's not what this film's *really* about. It is an amazing portrait of the consumer society in which we live. An excellent critique of the reversal of values in which material objects have become so important to ensure general well-being and the definition of the self.

Many serious issues are dealt with, a lot is subtly analysed and the criticism is heavy. But this is also a film to watch for fun, just for the interesting story. Either way, reading deeply or skimming, it will be enjoyable.

To conclude: this is a clever idea, well-managed and smoothly carried out: definitely worth a watch.

Mystic River starts out with huge potential: a crime thriller, white trash social analysis; serious psychological damage; characters wound together during infancy, which are then, through a series of events, brought together again for the main plot. All of this, plus Clint Eastwood, is enough to make the average viewer anticipate an exceptional cinematographic evening.

Unfortunately, however, the film gets stuck trying to complicate itself and fool the viewer. Much like an Agatha Christie novel, it tries desperately hard to fool the audience in order to produce an extra thrill - and that lack of natural flow really marrs the film.

This feels very much like Eastwood stretching his muscles, getting ready to be great. It is something that would be very good as a mock-up in need of some friendly, but brutal editing. As a nominee for Best Picture, it is just mystifying. Perhaps therein lies the beauty of the title.

There is, however, some excellent acting by Tim Robbins who does a marvellous job portraying psychological damaged. Sean Penn has his moments of brilliance, but all in all nothing out of the ordinary.

All of this said, it is worth giving a go for those who love crime thrillers. In my case, a crime thriller has to be truly brilliant to merit attention, but for those who naturally appreciate the genre and don't mind overlooking a few flaws, it is worth watching.

Seymour-Hoffman's directorial debut is a well-rounded little film about being positive no matter the circumstances; the possibility of a solution at the end of the tunnel and the value of perseverance.

Jack Goes Boating relates the tale of four people whose stories are wound together. The premise is simple: one couple throwing a blind date for the other two parties. From this seemingly basic starting point, the characters undergo transformations, all of which are sprinkled with life-lessons and positive philosophy, all the more poignant for its stark backdrop of lower-middle class life. In this sense, there is a feel of La Vita è Bella about it, although admittedly Jack Goes Boating is not quite in the same league as the former.

Phillip Seymour-Hoffman pulls off some typically sensational acting, as does Amy Ryan, with a complicated emotional role which she executes very well indeed.

All in all, a high-class film, totally worth watching, but not something that leaves you with the feeling it ought to have won Best Picture.

(Please take the time to say whether you found this review useful. Thanks.)

An intelligent film that hits the viewer from the start with fast shots and swift dialogue, asking the audience to pay attention to detail and to look behind the basics of the story. Without this effort, it is simply an average legal thriller which ticks all the boxes of suspense, fast cars, and the natural tension of hope that the party you're cheering on wins at the end of the day.

This said, I personally find George Clooney to be a monotonous actor, cursed by the bane of being forever stuck in similar, emotionally hollow roles. Michael Clayton was not an exception to this: even the opening scene had an aftertaste of Ocean's Eleven, while the story could easily have been a weaker thriller version of Erin Brokovich.

However, Michael Clayton manages to redeem itself by focusing on a very interesting detail of corporate life, which can be applied to most people, regardless of where they work. This is the question which resonates throughout the film, of whether the characters are truly spending their lives doing what they want to do. In this sense, it is a film which invites the viewer to a spot of introspection and self-analysis & it succeeds very well in this area.

Some typically superb acting goes on by Tilda Swinton and the film comes to a clever, if predictable ending. Michael Clayton is worth watching: those who enjoy usual legal thrillers are in for something rather more sophisticated, but all the while not failing in proving all the action necessary; those who prefer the philosophical genre or high-class social critique will be slightly disappointed, but not so much as to warrant giving this film a pass. In sum: good, but not great.

(Please take the time to say whether you found this review useful. Thanks)

How About You is an uplifting little film about human interaction, but shouldn't be taken too seriously.

The film centres on the relationship between a young girl left in charge of an old people's home run by her sister. Sweet, funny moments occur, although many are predictable and overdone. The characters transform themselves far too swiftly, so the film loses in credibility. It is, nonetheless, a pleasant watch and an agreeable alternative to typical American romantic comedies.

Redgrave and Staunton deliver excellent performances as usual, but this film definitely wasn't a challenge to either. Atwell (the younger sister) was very much lacking in subtlety, although the fault may lie with the director or writer rather than the actress.

How About You should be watched as a fun way to wind down the day, but not as an example of Vanessa Redgrave and Imelda Staunton showing what they're truly capable of.

(Please take the time to say whether or not you found this review useful. Thanks.)

I watched this film with high expectations in view of all the academy award nominations and hype. I was not disappointed. I had qualms about this being a film just for people who love the art of boxing, but it definitely goes beyond that, exploring moral values, loyalty and, first and foremost, family.

The Fighter centres on the relationship between two brothers. Drug-addict Dicky, the family superstar, constantly overshadows his younger brother (Christian Bale), who does his best to balance his love for his brother with the fact that Dicky's interference in his life is highly destructive. This is, however, a tale of second chances, priorities and sheer determination. Simultaneously sad and uplifting.

However, no matter how emotionally involving The Fighter is, it falls just short of truly great. It is a very well-constructed film, but also a fairly predictable one. It falls below Million Dollar Baby, whilst exploring a similar area (boxing, emotions and values, low-income families), which is a dangerous thing to do if one doesn't want to be accused of unoriginality.

Bale fully deserved his Oscar and this is a serious film for thinking people, definitely worth watching, but not something that will leave you astounded and rethinking the world.

This magnificent film is at once witty, inventive, original and thought-provoking. It made me laugh aloud more than once and I was glad I was watching the DVD so that I could put the machine on pause so as not to waste precious moments of dialogue.

The performances are all spectacular and very believable. The History Boys are a group of A level students trying for Oxbridge. Their teachers represent the different forms of experiencing and imparting knowledge (with some truly masterful acting) Everything is on the line as they prepare for these fundamental exams. And, when the Headmaster introduces a new teacher, very big questions about education, knowledge and the point of learning are asked.

A film in which true British prejudices are cut apart and displayed in with brilliant wit. If you are not British in blood, birth and breeding then you will not enjoy this film in the same way, although it will also be a pleasant experience. To truly get into the fibre of the subtle exchanges and the multiple double-meanings (so many that you finish watching the film knowing that you have to see it again!) then you must fully understand how Britain works.

This is not a film for people who only like typical Hollywood slapdash comedy, action films or warbling romantic clichés. It is a film for those who enjoy the original, the painful, the provocative and, ultimately, the subtle.

The only reason I did not give this film a 10/10 was the ending (don't worry no spoilers coming up!!!) - watch the film and see if you agree with me - it ought to have ended about five seconds before with the last shot of the motorcycle...

A truly spectacular film with so many visual, psychological and melancholy delights that it is hard to know whom or what to praise more.

Ralph Fiennes executes a stunning performance as the aloof, sarcastic disillusioned aristocrat managing a performance which combines a great deal of emotion and extreme surface passivity; Liv Tyler is at her most beautiful in one of her best performances to date as the poignant Tatiana who, as the film unfolds, evolves from passionate idealism into resignation and honour; and Martha Fiennes proves herself as part and parcel of the elite group of great directors...

The filming is of high quality; a lot of very English wit and charm. A film which will appeal to those who enjoy BBC dramatisations, classics such as Cate Blanchett's performance in Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love, etc.

Enjoy!