Reviews in a nutshell
This may well be a remake of the classic 1972 Michael Winner film that had the rather grander US title of ‘Killer of Killers’, and starred mean machine Charles Bronson, but when The Mechanic has Jason Statham in the lead, it’s another Transporter film, whichever way you (cynically) look at it. Good news for Statham …
Thankfully, Paul Giamatti won Best Actor Golden Globe for Barney’s Version, considering the shameful overlook at the Oscar nominations. ‘Best Achievement in Makeup’ nod for Adrien Morot perhaps, but Giamatti is pure dramedy gold as impulsive, self-depreciating and sarcastic love saboteur, Barney Panofsky. This film touches all the right notes and offers some highly animated …
The story of Rapunzel is a time-old tale about a girl with lengthy golden hair who is imprisoned in a tower by a wicked sorceress, until a passing prince hears her singing and rescues her. Once upon a time, Disney would have kept firmly to the original script. But times have changed, and like many …
Javier Bardem receiving a Best Actor Oscar nod for Alejandro González Iñárritu’s haunting Biutiful, after his Cannes Film Festival Best Actor triumph was hardly a great revelation to most. The haunting film in true woeful Iñárritu style, and one set for the first time in his native Spain, is a definite awards contender by any …
When a film as been lauded about so much, and its star is on the road to picking up every top acting accolade going, it’s hard to get an subjective view on whether the film itself is exceptional. Natalie Portman is definitely worthy of Academy Award recognition for her portrayal as a dancer spiralling out …
Let me tell you how to avoid this dilemma: Swiftly bypass the inviting blurb in your box office listing on (yet) another Vince Vaughn relationship comedy, and don’t be fooled by the promise of co-stars of Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connelly, Queen Latifah and Channing Tatum who admittedly attract interest. Astonishingly, the above title …
If perkiness is an annoying attribute in a person, you well may be floored by Rachel McAdams’ ultra-enthusiastic TV producer character, Becky Fuller, from the start, and begin gnawing at the cinema seat in demented despair. But fear not; our Becky wins you over in the end because her bubblegum cheeriness turns to hardcore ball …
By our very human nature we are fascinated by folklore, especially where wrongdoing or a supernatural element are involved. Our curiosity grows when there is an unresolved factor to the tale, and even a presence or being in the frame. Debut feature maker Aaron Schneider’s Get Low is based on one such Southern yarn about …
It would be very easy to dismiss Steven R. Monroe’s 2010 remake of one of the most controversial thrillers of all time, I Spit on Your Grave, as a tasteless and unimaginative money-spinner by those who have not yet seen it – or the original, for that matter. Hearsay is a powerful publicity tool, and …
