leereddy Reviews

Billions (2016–2023)

Could've been really good but misses the mark, despite it's stellar cast.

[6/10 · 6 February 2016]

Having just recently watched The Big Short, an excellent yet somewhat convoluted look into the world of finance, I decided to give Billions a go. I was hoping for a slightly more accessible take on the subject of banking, billionaires and those intent on taking them to task.

Briefly put, the U.S Attorney General has had just about enough of wannabe philanthropist billionaire Bobby Axelrod and his shifty shenanigans and is intent on exposing the illicit methods he employs.

Enticed by the prospect of seeing the oft outstanding Paul Giamatti, not to mention a raft of familiar faces from some of TV's finest shows, I quickly realised that Billions was going to be a lot less nuanced than the aforementioned Big Short.

To say that this show telegraphs it's punches is an understatement. Set ups are painfully deliberate and the characters may as well break the fourth wall and expound themselves.

That said, there are some positives. It's a typically well shot show and the pace moves along nicely. The premise is familiar enough, good man seeks to unhinge not so good man and it's this plot thread that kept me watching. Plus, the incestuous tangled web of characters with conflicting interests is always appealing.

The big problem for me was the hackneyed way it's characters are written. Many of them are borderline caricatures and lack any subtlety which is a shame because I think the actors are capable of inferring ample information without the trite dialogue.

Overall, a very flawed show that is just slick enough to keep me tuning in...maybe.

Blunt Force Trauma (2015)

Guns a gorgeous woman.

[4/10 · 24 September 2015]

This is not a very good film. Straight to the point, eh? It's about people who stand in a small circle clad in bulletproof vests who then proceed to draw guns and shoot each other in an underground gunfighter/duel type thingy. Bets are placed, money exchanged etc, etc.

It's at one of these bizarre events we met John and Colt, our films leads, who hit it off an embark on a road trip of sorts.

The film tries hard to aspire to some kind of gunslinger noir but with little plot and thinly drawn characters it all feels a bit contrived. On the plus side one of the films leads, Colt is played by the stunningly beautiful Freida Pinto so there's that at least, and it's cinematography is pretty tidy too. There's also a late appearance from Mickey Rourke,a truly gifted actor but his appearance now a days must surely frighten children and his cameo is rather naff. On the whole this picture is attempting to be cool and moody but it just all feels a bit hackneyed and trite.

Christiane F. (1981)

Childhood? What childhood?

[8/10 · 3 January 2013]

Christiane F - We The Children Of Bahnhof Zoo is a 1981 film directed by Ulrich Edel based on the torrid accounts of a young girl living in West Berlin during the 1970's and her addiction to heroin and subsequent descent into prostitution.

Based on the accounts of her non-fiction book of the same name the film details the period in which she began experimenting with drugs, such as cannabis and L.S.D, to her initial foray into heroin use and ending with her complete abasement.

Shot with a low budget and employing a large number of first time actors, many of whom chose never to further a career in film, as well as a large number of extras sourced by the production team who were in fact real life junkies and down and outs. These factors alone contribute to the films startling sense of realism and authenticity.

Also, many of the films locations such as the club where Christiane hung out and the nefarious "Zoo" station where young addicts would prostitute themselves are the original locations in which the characters experiences are based, adding further to the films genuine portrayal of the seedy drug scene of West Berlin in the 70's.

The cinematography is bleak and unforgiving and brilliantly captures the barbarous nature of the scene and subject matter. Edels sparse and careful approach gives the piece an almost documentary style and no doubt this unflinching depiction, along with the graphic, perfunctory portrayal of teenage drug abuse contributed to its controversy.

Natja Brunckhorst provides the role of Chritiane and turns an astonishing debut as the heart breaking girl whose life debases to unimaginable depths within such a short space of time. Showing many audiences across Europe that the looming Heroin epidemic was not just confined to older people but also its ruthless and savage affects and how immediate its ravages take place.

This film pulls no punches. Its gritty, no nonsense representation of heroin, and its consequences, are shocking and tragic. The director also manages to take these dissolute children and allow us to view them free of judgement and witness first hand the terrible conditions in which some youths find themselves living within the confines of a so called civilised society. Many a question will arise when watching this film; how, why etc. But its principal aim is to simply allow us a front row seat to a window into a world most of us are hitherto unaccustomed - the nefarious, cruel and grievous life of a teenage addict who ambulates the inevitable path toward prostitution and ultimately burnout.

A great film with fantastic performances and above else, a great soundtrack provided by David Bowie. If you thought Trainspotting back in the late 90's was a shocking film about heroin abuse then this piece will hit you hard because despite its cult status this film is as real and as heart breaking as it gets.

Arrow (2012–2020)

Camp, swashbuckling action with a superhero without tights! Awesome.

[8/10 · 9 November 2012]

Based on the DC comic book character Green Arrow, the show is an adventure/action series developed by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim and Andrew Kreisberg.

Billionaire playboy Oliver Queen (portrayed by the obscenely handsome Stephen Amell)returns home having spent the last five years stranded on an uncharted island to find his city in all manner of criminal disarray and wanton corruption. This will never do. And so, the once irresponsible lothario sets about on a campaign of righting the wrongs of the nefarious town that was once his playground, targeting the key miscreants that are responsible. Using a mixture of Parkour, practical martial arts and a exceptional talent for the bow and arrow - not to mention of course his limitless flow of disposable funds, he begins to target the shady figures he deems accountable and subjects them to some vigilante style justice.

This show is great! The story is fantastic, and the layers are deep and plentiful - from the ongoing flashback sequences detailing Olivers time spent as a castaway to the clandestine figures and the obligatory love interest with whom he must redeem himself. The production values are incredible, the show runs at a breakneck pace and boredom would only be a problem for those suffering from the most crippling form of ADHD. The action is superbly choreographed - as indeed are the fight scenes that are indicative of our desire to see a more believable style of on screen fisticuffs. The tone of the show is rather camp, but that's to be expected, as is the acting but not to the degree of overkill. The first episode left me very eager to see the next and so much is set up within the first show - without becoming convoluted, that I couldn't wait to see how it all pans out. Such good fun - lighthearted yet dark in places, this shows appeal will stretch far beyond that of a comic nerd demographic and thankfully has been picked up for a full season.

Cold Weather (2010)

Mumble-Mystery Indie Flick

[7/10 · 6 November 2012]

Cold Weather is an American mystery drama written and directed by Adam Katz, with Ben Stambler and Brendan McFadden co-writing and producing.

The film is set in Portland, Oregon where the piece is set with additional scenes shot at Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Beginning with an introduction to the main protagonists, Doug (Cris Lankenau), a forensic science dropout and his sister Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn)with whom he has recently taken up residence with.

Doug soon begins work at an ice factory, working the night shift where he meets Carlos (Raul Castillo), a part time DJ of rare 60's tunes and avid Star Trek fan, a peculiar dichotomy granted, but why not?

A friendship ensues, with a little help from Sherlock Holmes novels that Doug turns Carlos on to, and then we meet Dougs ex girlfriend Rachel (Robin Rykoon), who is in town on business. The aforementioned group proceed to hang out, play cards and share milkshakes.

Then the film takes a left turn, switching from what I assumed was to be a fairly pedestrian Indie flick about life, relationships, aspiration etc into a odd little mystery movie.

What makes this film interesting is the subtle way in which the plot develops, as well as really good acting from all involved that is at all times sincere and believable. The slightly unorthodox story line, as well as precise, well crafted dialogue affords the film some comedic moments, too. The tone of the flick is quite characteristic of Indie films, with long shots and mood enhancing settings and scenes.

I really enjoyed this film, in large part due to it's great writing and sublime performances. The plot almost takes a back seat to the characters and their nuances. In fact the film as a whole feels like it's more about two siblings bonding than it's story arc.

Solid production values see this film at a thoroughly decent 96 mins worth of viewing.

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

Almost too good for words...but I'll try.

[10/10 · 19 October 2012]

Safety Not Guaranteed is an American comedy/romance directed by Colin Trevorrow. The film was inspired by a classified ad that appeared in a 1997 edition of Backwoods Home Magazine wherein John Silveira wrote a joke filler asking for a time travel companion.

Darius Britt, played by Aubrey Plaza, is a young intern at a Seattle based magazine, what we quickly learn about her is that she an acerbic and no nonsense lady, though somewhat disillusioned. At a staff writers meeting one of her colleagues, Jeff, proposes a story about a guy who has posted an ad seeking a companion for time travel. Darius' interest is piqued instantly and volunteers herself to join Jeff (portrayed by Jack M. Johnson) on a venture to write a story about the seemingly crazy chap who filled out the ad. And so the pair, along with Arnau (Karan Soni), head off to a seaside community in Washington named Ocean View with virtually no clue about the guy they intend to write about other that he claims to have travelled time once before and that he cannot "guarantee their safety".

What follows is one the sweetest, most tender and delicately handled comedies I've ever seen. Firstly, despite being classed a comedy it is also certainly a romance, but under no circumstance could one ever consider this a "RomCom". The comedy is subtle and perhaps of an acquired taste and owes much of its effectiveness to the confluence of Derek Connolly's superb writing and the comedic brilliance of Plaza, for whom he specifically wrote the part. But what really made this picture stand out for me was the absolutely masterful turn by Mark Duplass who provides the role of Kenneth Calloway, the man who turns in the ad seeking a partner to travel time with. Duplass is simply astonishing in this film, managing somehow to take this eccentric loner and portray him as someone with whom the audience can sympathise. It is a testament to Duplass' incredible talents as an actor that he is able to take this absurd character and emote such sincerity and the manner in which he does allows for the humour to flourish.

Jake M. Johnson, who plays the cocky and jaded Jeff, is also outstanding. Showing his ability to take what at first appears to be a bit of a clown and develop him into a much more deep and likable character.

The film explores the themes of nostalgia, the desire to regress and the sense of melancholy one feels as they feel their youth disappearing. It also looks at how ones preconceptions can be overturned if they are prepared to have an open mind.

I am reluctant to divulge much more of the plot as the less you know the better. I knew virtually nothing about this film before seeing it, other than the fact I loved the actors involved, and as such found the whole piece to be deeply rewarding. The performances all round are fantastic and the production value of this low budget flick are second to none. The music throughout the film is also worthy of note, provided by Ryan Miller it serves as a perfect soundtrack managing to accompany the films benign and tender nature.

Screened at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, it picked up the Waldo Salt Screen writing Award and rightly so, though I suspect that it won't be the last accolade bestowed upon this utterly brilliant picture.

If you're looking for a truly heart warming film with awesome performances and excellent writing then I cannot recommend this enough. One the best films I've seen all year, if not ever.

My Summer of Love (2004)

Two girls from different worlds meet for a summer of love.

[8/10 · 4 October 2012]

My Summer of Love is a 2004 British film directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, who co-wrote the script with Michael Wynne and is based on Helen Cross' novel of the same name.

Set in West Yorkshire it deals with themes of love, confusion, belonging and the pernicious affects of lust and enigma. The picture opens by introducing Mona, a forlorn girl who lives with her older brother in a converted pub. Disenchanted by her brothers conversion to Christianity, a development that transpired during his incarceration, she lives day to day with little purpose or aim until a chance meeting with Tamsin. Elegant, capricious and mysterious, Tamsin enters Mona's life like some kind of epiphany. Quickly the pair bond and this fascinating dichotomy of a working class girl and a upper class boarding school rich kid begins to play out. Mona, engrossed by her new friend, is introduced to a world that she has hitherto been unaware of. Tamsin, perhaps due to boredom or whimsy, is equally as charmed and the pair embark on a summer of mischief that includes drinking, smoking, psychodelics and vandalism aided by the use of a garden gnome.

Delicate, dark and beautifully shot, this film tackles it's subject with grace and skill. The director sourced his films leads from an eight month search of Schools, Universities, and theater groups and found two massive talents in Natalie Press - Mona, and Emily Blunt - Tamsin. The role of Mona's brother is played by Paddy Considine, whom Pawlikowski knew from an earlier collaboration. All three of the aforementioned actors give incredible performances. Press and Blunts on screen chemistry is amazing and completely believable and the always excellent Considine gives the role a patented eeriness that simmers below the surface at all times. The script is great and the story arc is gripping, managing all at once be tender and wistful and also arcane and tragic.

An all round high level of production sees this film at a fairly short 86 minutes deliver a superbly crafted work that film enthusiasts should strongly consider. Top stuff.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

The purity of young love is a wonderful thing

[9/10 · 3 October 2012]

Moonrise Kingdom is an American film directed by Wes Anderson, who co-wrote the the script with Roman Coppola. It's set on a pastoral Island of New England called New Penzance in the year 1965.

Incorporating Anderson's signature style of deliberate, methodical cinematography and lush tones the film explores the theme of young love set against the backdrop of an eccentric cast of characters and Arcadian locations.

Twelve year old orphan Sam Shakusky disappears from the "Khaki Scout" summer camp, much to the chagrin of its leader, Scout Master Ward, and less so of his peers who find him to be a capricious sort and a Island wide search is put into place. Suzy Bishop, a deeply stoical young lady who lives with her parents and three siblings is the Juliet to Sams Romeo. The previous summer the pair met an subsequently became pen pals, through their correspondence they hatch a plan to reunite the following summer and run away together. Utilizing Sam's keen skills learnt as a scout they ambulate the Islands country side with the aim of reaching a secluded cove that they wistfully name Moonrise Kingdom.

The film is headed by an ensemble cast of veritable A-listers including Bruce Willis, as the Islands police captain, Ed Norton, who plays the fastidious scout master, as well as Bill Murray and Frances McDormand who play Suzy's lawyer parents. The list goes on, Harvey Keitel crops up, Jason Schwartzman appears for a hilarious turn, but it's the films protagonists Sam and Suzy, played by Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward that quite literally steal the show. Their controlled performances are mature far beyond their years, and the pathos they bring to the roles are simply astonishing. Wes Anderson manages to extract an incredible enactment of young love and precocious sentiments from the two fledgling actors. Fans of Anderson will not be disappointed, this film incorporates all the trademark quirkiness and whimsy that have made him popular amidst film lovers. From the excellent script and funny dialogue, to the wistful setting and outstanding cinematography, as well as fine turns from all actors involved, this film is a joy to watch and an incredibly sweet tale of burgeoning love between two adolescent outcasts who find solace in one anothers company.

It also demonstrates the power of empathy and the need to belong and the importance of learning to overlook ones prejudices and preconception in others. A truly delightful piece with virtually zero flaws. See it now!

In Good Company (2004)

Very good film with very strong performances

[7/10 · 1 October 2012]

In Good Company is an American comedy/drama written and directed by Paul Weitz. It explores themes of love, career, family, ambition and numerous other life issues such as where one belongs in this crazy world.

Headed by a fine cast including Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Scarlett Johansson and many more, it tells the story of Dan Foreman (played brilliantly by Quaid), a veteran advertisement sales executive who finds himself at the mercy of a corporate shake up and subsequently winds up with a new boss, Carter Duryea (played by Topher Grace), who happens to be literally half his age. Carter is the epitome of the young ambitious go-getter and from the off set discovers some of the pitfalls to inhabiting such a role in life.

This is really fantastic little film. Superbly written, great performances across the board and manages to avoid many cleches in the process. Quaids turn as the loyal and seasoned ad exec is brilliant and equalled by Topher Grace who is all at once cringe worthy as well as someone the audience can sympathise with, which is no mean feat when occupying the role of a corporate suck up who forces sushi on you at every opportunity. Scarlett Johansson also puts in a top showing as Foremans daughter and conveys a real sweetness to the character and delivers some sublime moments.

There's very little to criticize here, an all round great quality piece with no fat, very believable characters and a ending that avoids being trite and conceited. The soundtrack is well suited and the overall production of this film high level and will left me feeling uplifted and content that I'd seen a cracking picture.

The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

Lovely little flick that's not just for chicks!

[7/10 · 19 September 2012]

Written, produced and directed by Nicholas Stoller, The Five Year Engagement is an American romantic comedy that revolves around the rocky relationship of it primary characters - Tom Solomon, played by Jason Segal and Violet Barnes, by the beautiful Emily Blunt.

Tom, an experienced sous chef, begins our story with a chivalrous attempt at proposing to his lovely girlfriend of one year, Violet. She accepts (no spoilers here, hence the title) and the two wistfully schmaltz over how they met.

However, Violet, a psychology PhD graduate, finds herself with an opportunity to undertake a two year post-doctorate at Michigan University. A chance of a lifetime scenario, she and Tom mutually agree that two years is a pinch when planning to spend the rest of your life together and so begins a series of circumstances and cataclysmic events that cause the engagement to, well, you know - last for five years.

Many reviews have criticized this flick for being too long, much like it's sister-genre release, Bridesmaids. And though I agree the aforementioned title was far too lengthy, and indeed that a jolly Rom- Com should really only take up about 100 minutes of your time at the most, I have to say that Five Year didn't feel like it was outstretched. Sure, you could make the argument that fat could be trimmed here and there but I didn't get impatient or feel certain scenes were dragged out.

As for the the films lead actors, I thought Segal was fantastic. His affable style and earnest nature is something movie goers have come to love over the last few years. It's important to note also, Segal is listed first in the credits, along with director Stoller, as writer. He also had a hand in the films production and so forth. And as for Ms. Blunt, well she is just an absolute delight in this film. I'm fast becoming a huge fan of her work and in this piece she is superbly charming and her comedic mannerisms are subtle but quite brilliant. The supporting cast are all great, too. Chris Pratt, of Parks and Recreation fame, is too himself carving out a nice little niche as the benign, lovable idiot. And Alison Brie, who portrays Blunts sister, will no doubt be the character people quote and reference endlessly as a standout from the films most memorable scenes.

I suppose with all the wedding related pictures around at the moment this film could get swept under the rug by those weary of this current ilk. To those souls such jaded I'd say "check it out", it's a really sweet film and any one who's a fan of Van Morrison will not be disappointed. I would recommend this to all movie lovers, not just those of the so called Rom-Com genre, or indeed this hot new wedding fad genre, but to anyone who enjoys a well acted and well crafted film that'll make you laugh - possible cry, and certainly make you a fan of Segal, Blunt, Pratt and Brie alike. Top stuff!!

Wrong Turn (I) (2003)

Original? No...Scary? Not really...Fun? Quite a bit actually.

[6/10 · 17 September 2012]

Wrong Turn is a American horror film directed by Rob Schmidt. The first of numerous installments (and the only one with any familiar faces on board)with three sequels, all of which were direct to DVD releases.

The story starts as it means to go on - with young, attractive folk being pointlessly and savagely murdered by some hill billy freaks that appear to have nothing better to do.

Then, after the opening title sequence, we meet the films main players - yet more gorgeous types, the first of which is redirected en route to a job interview before accidentally happening upon the other characters. Now this may come as a shock but they too are all brimming with youthful exuberance and one or two of them ain't so rough on the peepers, either.

And so, for reasons that will become clear, these sassy young "kids" end up stuck in the middle of nowhere, armed with little more than their callow world view and a blatant disregard for the first rule of survival - stay where you are and stay together.

Anyway, as is the standard with these capers, they're systematically hunted by psychotic and inexplicably cruel archfiends that seem to derive massive amounts of pleasure from killing puerile, innocent people in the most creatively sick fashion possible.

Blah, blah, blah - gory stuff, girls screaming, guys acting brave and unfathomably altruistic, some impressive deaths and all the while an inescapable feeling that Wes Craven saw this and said, "Hey, you stole my movie, grrr!"

Pay no mind to my jaded and somewhat facetious tone, this film is good fun, especially of a Sunday afternoon when nursing a vulgar hangover. Silly, inane, gratuitous, crass maybe? Sure, but that's why we love these kind of movies.

Winter's Bone (2010)

Life should not be this hard for a seventeen year old girl.

[8/10 · 17 September 2012]

Winters Bone is an American independent film adapted from Daniel Woodrell's 2006 novel of the same. The film is set in the unforgiving mountain range of the Ozarks in central America.

In the opening scene we are introduced to the films central character, Ree Dolly, as well as her two young siblings. Their sparse, poverty stricken existence is apparent from their humble, ramshackle dwellings that are to be pivotal to the films story.

Along with her brother and sister, Ree is the custodian for her mentally ill mother who we learn very little about other than she has abdicated the upkeep and care of the family to her 17 year old daughter.

Life for the Dolly family is arduous in a way few of us can relate to. How many 17 year old girls for example find themselves having to teach their siblings the necessary skills required to survive that include hunting squirrels, along the subsequent skinning and gutting of said woodland creature.

And as if life isn't already difficult enough, we soon learn that the absentee father figure is a meth dealer who has skipped bail after having put the family residents up as collateral. Ree is suddenly face with the egregious news that unless her father can be located and forced to appear for his bail hearing, the family will effectively find themselves homeless.

What ensues is Ree's quest to track her father down in a community ravaged by both poverty and drug abuse. He ordeal is made all the more onerous by the fact that most of the people she is forced to confront are dangerous, tight lipped junkies with whom she has some convoluted relation to. As she ambulates her way around town she is met with much encumbrance, usually with the caveat that any further enquiries will be met with violence.

The films lead, Ree, is portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence who puts forth one of the most incredible performances from a young actress I have ever seen. Her effortless turn is both sublime and heartbreaking. John Hakes, who plays her terrifying uncle - Teardrop Dolly, also puts in an amazing effort as the brother of the missing father. Within this role we see a fascinating story arc evolve.

Little more can really be said of this picture other than it is a must see for all serious film lovers. The acting is superb and the directorial skills of Debra Granik are exceptional. The way the cinematography somehow takes this bleak and dejected setting and make it look stunning, in a melancholy fashion, is further testament their skills as film makers.

The film has some shocking and fairly disturbing moments, to say the least, yet afterwards I felt uplifted by both the story and the outstanding piece of work I'd just seen.

Double Indemnity (1944)

Timeless classic, perfect film.

[10/10 · 30 August 2012]

Now entrenched deeply in the echelons of cinema history, Double Indemnity is a Film Noir classic and a must see for any avid film enthusiast.

Directed by Billy Wilder, who co wrote the screenplay with Raymond Chandler, the film is based on James M. Cains novella of the same name that originally appeared as an eight part serial in Liberty Magazine.

Walter Neff, played by Fred MacMurray, is an experienced insurance salesman who meets a sultry young broad by the name of Phyillis Dietrichson who wishes her husband dead. She uses her lascivious charms to convince him to enter into a macabre scheme where she can cash in on her husbands death. Neff quickly succumbs to her toxic allure and before long is conspiring with her to do away with the husband and assist her in claiming twice the amount, in a policy clause that pays double in the event of a death arriving by accidental means. Hence, Double Indemnity.

Drawing upon his vast knowledge from years in the business, Neff steers Dietrichson through the potential pitfalls of making such a claim, and the convoluted plan needed to outsmart the astute claims adjuster, Barton Keys, whose job it is to sniff out any bogus claims.

Throughout the film we see how the nefarious arrangement begins to erode Neffs conscience as the film regularly cuts to the protagonist in flashback as he archives a dicta-phonic confession to his mentor Keyes.

Apart from the meritorious plot and brilliant directorial skills of Wilder, this picture boasts some of the finest dialogue and exchanges in any film I've seen. The sublime and effortless performance by MacMurray and his perfunctory deliverance is matched perfectly by the leading lady Dietrichson, played by Barbara Stanwyck. It's easy to see why critics and film buffs wax lyrical about classics such as this. Everything about this piece is perfect, from the acting, the plot, the cinematography, and perfect economy of scene time that keeps the viewer gripped at every turn.

This film was also a trailblazer for what followed, paradigmatic in its conception and style, it set the tone and standard for many Film Noir classics that succeeded it. Chosen in 1992 by the U.S Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry it cements its worthwhile place as one the all time greats.

Flawless from start to finish and comprehensively agreeable, Double Indemnity is a film any serious film lover should see.

Safe (I) (2012)

Action, unintentional comedy and kid whose really good at maths.

[6/10 · 27 August 2012]

Safe is the latest instalment from Jason Stathams index of high octane action flicks that feature the Brit actor kicking butt and struggling copiously with a trans Atlantic accent.

The story tells of an ex NYC cop turned cage fighter, Luke Wright (played by Statham), who is known for ability to take unruly thrashings in the cage and the fight where he chose not to take a dive that subsequently lands him in all manner of bother with the Russian mafia. Never a good thing. The story also opens with a young girl known simply as Mei (Catherine Chan) who is a precocious child genius with an uncanny ability to retain numbers and perform Good Will Hunting standards of mathematical calculus. It soon becomes apparent that her gifts are sought after by the Triads and her life becomes a whirlwind of chaos. Adopted as a maths slave she is exposed to reprehensible levels of violence with the knowledge that her services are payment for her mothers life. Rough times, especially for a ten year old.

And so, back to our hero, after the fallout from his botched cage fight Luke is a veritable down and out. His life was spared by the mob with the caveat that he simply cease to exist in any meaning full sense.

Then Luke and Mei's paths cross and somehow he finds himself as her guardian of sorts. A lot of people get beaten severely at the hands of our hero and a lot corrupt officials behave in a very immoral fashion.

It's "safe" to say that this films script is void of any real gems and the acting for the most part is shockingly bad. That is why I chose to view this flick as a sort of comedy/parody, and as such I actually quite enjoyed it. As you'd expect from a Statham movie the fight scenes are well choreographed and the action in general is pretty decent. Though to be fair, it's not all that easy to be creative with shoot out scenes and all round calamity now a days.

On the whole this film is a bit of fun and is definitely worth seeing if you're a fan of Mr. Statham, though I'd advise him to either get a really top notch voice coach or abandon the American accent altogether as his attempts at a rugged New York drawl are pretty abysmal.

In brief, good action movie that boasts little in the way of originality and decent acting chops but delivers some fairly respectable action sequences.

Martyrs (2008)

Revenge film gone bad

[7/10 · 23 August 2012]

Martyrs is a hell of a shock to the system. Starting off as what appears to be a straight forward revenge film, it morphs into a nihilistic nightmare that leaves the viewer - this viewer, at least - feeling utterly drained. Seriously, after watching Martyrs I literally couldn't speak for about half an hour.

This French Canadian production has been linked to what has been described as New French Extremity, and after seeing it you'll be left with no questions as to why. Apparently an American rework is in the pipes and Lord knows they'll have to tone down some of the films themes, if not necessarily the violence, for it to do well at the box office. And that's the interesting thing about Martyrs, it's not really the violence that is so alarming but the overall theme and tone of the piece - IE: the motives for the violence that is perpetrated through the latter portion of the film. The earlier sequences are much easier to empathise with - a girl subjecting who she believes to be responsible for the abhorrent treatment she underwent as a child in an abandoned abattoir to a dish of best served cold. It's when the film takes a bizarre turn midway through that the audience is made to suffer some truly bizarre and corrupt concepts. And suffering is what Martyrs is really all about, that and some eccentric and clandestine organisation whose motives are very difficult for us sane folk to wrap our heads around.

Aside from all the torrid carnage and mind bending subject matter there are some terribly poignant scenes between the films lead actors. Lucie played by Mylene Jampanoi turns in a breath taking performance, as does her co star Morjana Alaoui, who portrays her childhood friend Anna.

I'm still unclear as to what the films overall message is, I've got some theories but divulging them would be tantamount to "spoiling". You'll have to surmise for yourself as to what message this film is attempting to convey.

And although I did not enjoy this film, in terms of deriving pleasure from seeing it, I have to tip my cap to the films director (Pascal Laugier) for creating something that left me reeling and actually altered my physical state of being. It certainly stays with you, for good or ill, and it's with that caveat I suggest that you consider whether you wish to view something akin to the Hostel torture porn genre, or something that is far more disturbing mentally. Because this film, as superbly acted, directed and produced as it is, will blow your mind. You have been warned.

Accepted (2006)

Feel good comedy that's lacking in laughs.

[6/10 · 21 August 2012]

Accepted is a fun, coming of age comedy about a wisecracking kid named Bartleby who gets rejected from every institute of higher learning he applies to. He then embarks on a ridiculous campaign of deception that basically involves duping his parents into believing that he has been "accepted" at a small, fictitious sister college, which incidentally becomes known as the South Harmon Institute of Technology - a facetious little bit of wordplay resulting in the acronym S.H.I.T.

All manner of hi jinx ensue once the ball begins to roll and B's naive master plan begins to spiral out of control. The film inevitably journeys through a standard paint by numbers arc and at no point do you question the outcome, though you may question many of the films very flimsy plot holes. But alas, if you're watching this film for daring originality and surprise story lines then you should probably watch something else.

In all it's a film that, demographically speaking, would appeal most to those whose age is close to that of the films characters. And, despite its fatuous story line and lack of any real laugh out loud moments, it still left me smiling. Oh, and a young Blake Lively cropping up at regular intervals certainly helped matters. That said, this film does little to show the potential of Jonah Hill, who seemed yet to have found his comedic feet, so to speak.

I'm reluctant to delve too deeply into the films general ethos of "be yourself" and "follow your dreams" etc, because let's face it - it's a PG 13 comedy about a kid who starts his own college.

Overall, a benign little film with lots of flaws but still worth a look.

Detachment (2011)

An unnerving yet brilliant account of the education system and its teachers

[9/10 · 4 May 2012]

As classroom dramas go this may well be one the finest I have ever seen. A compelling insight into Americas failing education system and the beleaguered teachers that inhabit it.

The story centres around Henry Barthes, a substitute teacher who spends three weeks at a high school where the students are as troubled as their teachers. Barthes, portrayed brilliantly by Adrien Brody, finds himself surrounded by individuals who have become jaded to the point of breaking.

His tale becomes even more complex when a chance encounter with a teenage prostitute, Erica, develops into an unconventional friendship. It's within this custodial dynamic that we see some of the films most poignant and heartbreaking moments, as well as some outstanding acting from Sami Gayle, who plays the vulnerable young girl that society has abandoned.

The film employs a three part cutaway technique with Henry Barthes providing a narrative in the form an interview, as well as flashbacks to his childhood - which allows us an insight into why he such a brooding and melancholic character. The flashbacks are often juxtaposed with scenes involving Barthes grandfather with whom he visits in hospital through out the film. The third cutaway is an animated chalkboard sequence which I felt conveyed a sense of culpability and lost innocence.

The film also boasts an extraordinary supporting cast; including James Caan, Marcia Gay Harden and a very brief appearance from Bryan Cranston, as well as a surprisingly fine turn from Lucy Liu- the schools doctor. The staffs sense of disillusionment and frustration, due to the students perpetual indifference to their own fate, is vented brilliantly by Liu in a scene that begs the question; "where, and when, did it all go wrong?"

Though dealing with very bleak subjects and despite the characters ceaseless sense of defeat and abject loathing for their profession, there are still some heart warming moments in the film. And though it offers no suggestion as to how we can amend such failings in our education system, and that parenting has in so many avenues of society become bereft of any moral guidance and adequacy, it still left me reassured that there are those who are still prepared to undertake such a daunting and thankless task.

If you're looking for an entertaining piece then I suggest you look elsewhere, but if you wish to see a brilliantly thought provoking film that raises more questions than it provides answers, and you're prepared for some uncomfortable moments, then you'll be rewarded with a film that is excellently written and directed and has some outstanding performances. A great film!

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

An exciting courtroom drama with great acting and great script

[8/10 · 2 May 2012]

Adapted from the book of the same name, this film stands out from most "courtroom dramas". It's pace is exciting and despite the plot revolving around a court case there are very few scenes set in the courtroom. As such, it manages to avoid many of those weary scenes where prosecutors look incredibly clever and witnesses trip up over their own stupidity and an endless parade of cuts to the jury conveying all manner of emotive responses.

Instead, we get a fast moving, sexy thriller that relies heavily on the films lead - McConaughey, who is fantastic as the young upstart lawyer Mickey Haller. Initially portrayed as a hustler with a law degree, the protagonist quickly develops into a more conscionable character as the case he undertakes shapes up to be more than he expected. McConaughey turns in a very solid performance and his growing sense of guilt and turmoil are convincing and subtle. Tomei, always excellent, plays the leads ex-wife - Maggie, a prosecutor who no longer had the stomach for her husbands ability to defend guilty clients. Phillippe puts in a great performance also, as Louis Roulet, the defendant in the films twisty-turny case, giving a certain eeriness to role of the spoilt rich kid. The supporting cast too, are great,especially the state prosecutor played by Josh Lucas.

And despite the ending becoming a little bit convoluted it still manages to leave you feeling that all the pieces fell into the right places. In all, a great film with superb acting, perfect direction and a killer script. Highly recommended!