Category: Review

Review: Hush (2008)

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As Zakes (Will Ash) and Beth (Christine Bottomley) speed along the M1 late at night, stopping at various service stations to allow him to put posters up, they catch a glimpse of a naked woman in the back of a lorry that stops suddenly in front of them. After an argument about what they’ve seen, bringing to a head their tumultuous relationship, Beth mysteriously vanishes. Believing her disappearance has something to do with the lorry, Zakes embarks on a chase to save the one he loves.

Although the narrative is fairly derivative, Hush is rooted in its ability to create an overwhelming sense of unease, rather than relying on cheap tricks Continue reading “Review: Hush (2008)” →

Review: John Carter (2012)

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Ex-Civil War Captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch) is on the run, looking for a quiet life. Upon being forcibly re-enlisted, he finds himself caught in the crossfire of a skirmish somewhere in the desert of Virginia. Looking for cover, he stumbles upon a strange cave, and before he knows what’s happening he is somehow transported to Mars – known locally as “Barsoom”. Confused, disorientated and struggling to control his strength in such low gravity, Carter makes his escape from the four-armed, insect like “Thark” aboriginal warriors who found and claimed him, only to be set upon by Deja Thoris (Lynn Collins), Princess of Continue reading “Review: John Carter (2012)” →

Review: The Adopted (2011)

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Skeptical musician Lisa (Mélanie Laurent) and wayward bookkeeper Marine (Marie Denarnaud) are sisters. Though not related by blood (Lisa’s mother adopted Marine when her parents died), their bond is like any between two siblings: full of hidden grudges, insecurities, secrets and love. When Marine falls in love with Alex (Denis Ménochet), Lisa feels threatened and pushed aside. But, after a tragic accident lands Marine in a coma, Lisa and Alex slowly begin to grow closer as they come to terms with what’s happened and look towards their futures.

Split into three parts, each focusing on one of the three leads, The Adopted is uneven at the best of times, with the film almost feeling like two separate entities Continue reading “Review: The Adopted (2011)” →

Review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)

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Enticed by the promise of a luxury hotel in the heart of India, seven soul-searching retirees travel half-way around the world in the hopes of a relaxing, less expensive retirement. Unfortunately, when they arrive, not everything matches up to the exuberant brochure. As each of them adapt to their new surroundings (from the culture to the food), their lives start to unravel in interesting, poignant and amusing ways.

Adapted from Deborah Moggach’s novel These Foolish Things, The Best Marigold Hotel is about how, by exposing themselves to a culture as expressive Continue reading “Review: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012)” →

Review: Wanderlust (2012)

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Finding themselves both out of work after investing in a small yet expensive micro-loft located in Manhattan’s West Village, George (Paul Rudd) and Linda (Jennifer Aniston) decide to up sticks. Stumbling upon a hippie commune after an unsuccessful stay with George’s brother, Rick (Ken Marino) and his alcoholic wife, Marissa (a scene-stealing Michaela Watkins), the couple decide to stay on at “Elysium” in the hope of finding themselves.

While they initially embrace this more simple way of life, they soon hit a few stumbling blocks, and are forced to confront issues (such as infidelity) that they Continue reading “Review: Wanderlust (2012)” →

Review: The Vow (2011)

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Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) are happily married and very much in love. When a car accident puts Paige in a coma, she wakes up without any recollection of her relationship with Leo. Doing his best to cope with the unfortunate situation and escalating distance between them, Leo battles obstacles (an ex-boyfriend and possessive parents) to remind her of the love they once shared in a bid to win her back.

Predicated upon the complexities and emotional resonance contained within the extraordinary events, The Vow, for the most part, breaks from the typical Continue reading “Review: The Vow (2011)” →

Review: Babycall (2011)

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Anna (Noomi Rapace) and her eight year old son, Anders (Velte Qvenild Werring), are moved to a modest apartment block on the outskirts of Oslo as part of the witness protection program. Scared to death by the violent past she’s escaped, Anna takes no risks with Anders, protecting him from all elements, even the draft.

As she starts to warm to her surroundings, she purchases a baby monitor from a friendly salesman, Helge (Kristoffer Joner), as a way of allowing Anders Continue reading “Review: Babycall (2011)” →

Blast From The Past #3 – Once (2006)

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Produced on a shoestring budget of £100,000, Once is the definition of an intimate and naturalistic film. Tracking the burgeoning relationship between an Irish busker, Glen Hansard, and a Czech immigrant, Markéta Irglová, filmmaker John Carney’s musical romance is a sweet tale of how the beauty of music has the ability to draw these two unnamed people from dissimilar backgrounds together.

Finding truth in the authentic chemistry shared between Hansard, Irglová and the real-world presence of modern-day Dublin, Carney’s tale is a simple one, but Continue reading “Blast From The Past #3 – Once (2006)” →

Review: Natural Selection (2011)

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Loyal Christian housewife Linda (Rachael Harris) enters into panic mode when her husband, Peter (Jon Gries), suffers a stroke. Discovering that he’s been donating sperm in secret, she sets off to find his eldest “son”, Raymond (Matt O’Leary), a foul-mouthed ex-con. Realising she’s worlds apart from Raymond in terms of beliefs and values, Linda has a mammoth task ahead of her to ensure Raymond is able to reunite with his biological father before it’s too late.

A road film of sorts, Natural Selection bathes in the encumbrances of the clashing of Linda and Raymond’s personalities, pointed out early on when Raymond Continue reading “Review: Natural Selection (2011)” →

Review: Your Sister’s Sister (2011)

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Unable to recover from the untimely death of his brother, Jack (Mark Duplass) is sent to a picturesque cabin on a tiny island by best friend Iris (Emily Blunt). Arriving at the cabin, Jack runs into Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt), Iris’ half-sister, who’s taken shelter there after running out on a seven-year-long relationship.

Nursing their respective troubles over a bottle of tequila, Jack and Hannah find themselves sharing a night of passion, only to be rudely awoken by the unexpected arrival of Iris, who’s come to keep Jack company.

Utilising a part-scripted, part-improvised approach, Your Sister’s Sister boasts a Continue reading “Review: Your Sister’s Sister (2011)” →