ajs-10 Reviews

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

I'm on the side of the critics with this one (I'm afraid)...

[4/10 · 19 May 2012]

The opening sequence of the film is very well done (IMO); it sets up the story very well and leaves enough mystery to keep the audience guessing. Unfortunately the film cannot sustain this level for long and pretty soon we're back to the usual 'big robots hitting each other in the streets of America' scenario that (personally) I've seen enough of.

On the plus side, there were some nice comic moments mainly provided by John Turturro and Alan Tudyk. I will also give a nod to the guys that did the CGI, it's all top-notch stuff and some of it is quite spectacular. On the downside I found many of the human characters irritating, in particular Sam Witwicky. He comes over as a bit of a petulant kid when he doesn't get the job he wants. Carly; well I guess she was just there to show off her curves, but as we all know, Michael Bay likes curves. I guess the whole franchise doesn't quite work for me because the filmmakers are so insistent on putting human traits on alien beings. Every robot, whether it be Autobot or Decepticon has to have a character and most of the time and in a lot of cases, it just makes them look stupid. Over all, not one I'll be watching again but I guess there will be a lot of fifteen year old boys out there that'll love it!... NOT RECOMMENDED.

My score: 4.2/10 IMDb Score: 6.3/10 (based on 141,806 votes at the time of going to press).

MetaScore: 42/100: (Based on 37 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 35/100 (based on 235 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 67/100 (based on 124,673 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Town (2010)

A very enjoyable multi-layered crime drama...

[8/10 · 18 March 2012]

Made in a very realistic style which, as with his directorial debut, 'Gone Baby Gone' (2007), matches the mood of the piece really well. All the performances were excellent, but I particularly liked Rebecca Hall as Claire Keesey, Jeremy Renner as James Coughlin and Blake Lively as his sister, Krista Coughlin; all three put in sterling performances. Of course, Ben Affleck proved once again what a fine actor he is as Doug MacRay. Also worthy of note were; Jon Hamm as FBI S.A. Adam Frawley, Slaine as Albert 'Gloansy' Magloan, Owen Burke as Desmond Elden, Titus Welliver as Dino Ciampa and finally a mention for Pete Postlethwaite as 'The Florist', Fergus 'Fergie' Colm in one of his last roles.

A complicated plot that's quite heavy on dialogue in places, but there are some very nicely put together action scenes in there too. There are several threads to the story that all tie up in the end, although the poignant ending does leave the audience guessing to some extent. I must say I did enjoy this film with its multi-layered plot and, at times, edgy style. It's certainly one I would give another viewing to at some point in the future… Recommended.

My score: 8.3/10.

IMDb Score: 7.6/10 (based on 118,712 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 94/100 (based on 210 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 83/100 (based on 110,251 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Fast Five (2011)

A return to form for the 'Fast & Furious' franchise

[7/10 · 17 March 2012]

Very well shot with some truly spectacular driving stunts and special effects; the driving in this film is really excellent; hats off to all those involved in the stunt work! As for performances, well everybody did a decent job; Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto and Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner, reprising roles from previous instalments were just as good as they were in the first film. Jordana Brewster as Mia Toretto did a decent job, as did Dwayne Johnson as the no-nonsense cop, Luke Hobbs. Also worthy of note were; Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce, Ludicrous as Tej Parker, Matt Schulze as Vince and Joaquim de Almeida as Hernen Reyes.

You'd have thought a film about big men driving fast cars wouldn't be all that appealing, but this one does have a bit of something about it. No, it's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it is entertaining in its own way and I can't knock it for that. The stunt work is excellent and the plot isn't all that bad as either. It does, however, require some knowledge of at least some of the previous films involving the main characters though. It works quite well as a caper/heist movie with a bit of an edge to it, although I did find a little too much time was spent with the 'good guys'. The city of Rio features very prominently and, for me, was also a bit of a star of the show. Over all, although it's not a great film, it's an entertaining film and one I have no problem in deeming… Recommended.

My Score: 7.2/10 IMDb Score: 7.3/10 (based on 105,098 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 78/100 (based on 180 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 83/100 (based on 104,318 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Paul (2011)

Not the funniest thing I've ever seen, but not all that bad either

[7/10 · 11 March 2012]

Very well made with some nice CGI work and effects; I also very much liked the choice of music, but if you open with 'Another Girl, Another Planet' by The Only Ones you've got me right there! All the performances were pretty good, although I particularly liked Kristen Wiig as Ruth Buggs, she really stood out for me performance-wise. Of the others, well, Simon Pegg as Graeme Willy and Nick Frost as Clive Gollings pretty much did what they usually do and Seth Rogen as the voice of Paul was just about what I expected. I'll give honourable mentions to; Jason Bateman as Agent Zoil, Bill Hader as Haggard, Joe Lo Truglio as O'Reilly and, not forgetting, Sigourney Weaver as The Big Guy.

A film littered with nods and homage's to many classic sci-fi movies; you could spend hours going through it and noting them all. This could be distracting, but, as it's a comedy, I'll let it slide (this time). I thought the theological question was handled quite well, although I can see it not going down too well in certain quarters. It's a well scripted piece although I did get the feeling it had been very much 'tweaked' towards the American market; although a couple of 'Brit' in-jokes did squeak through. I must say I did enjoy it though and, at the end of the day, it did what it said on the tin. I was afraid it would go off in a certain direction at one point, but in the end they managed to steer it home! Would I watch it again?... Yes!... Recommended.

My score: 7.0/10.

IMDb Score: 7.1/10 (based on 75,553 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 71/100 (based on 189 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 70/100 (based on 80,163 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Hard Candy (2005)

Brutal and uncompromising but strangely compelling

[8/10 · 4 March 2012]

This is a pretty tough watch; uncompromising and brutal, where the action on the screen is only half the story. It's the bits you don't see that stay with you, not just the physical things but the way Haley uses the psychological to persuade Jeff to do her bidding. It's not one I could watch again, well not for a very long time anyway. I must admit that I was very impressed with both Ellen Page and Patrick Wilson; the whole film hung on their performances and they delivered in spades! It's certainly a film that will make you think twice about meeting an online acquaintance face to face… Recommended.

My score: 7.6/10.

IMDb Score: 7.2/10 (based on 67,324 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 68/100 (based on 136 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 76/100 (based on 99,662 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Hanna (2011)

Good without being great... Still worth a look though...

[7/10 · 4 March 2012]

Really well made with some excellent fight scenes and action sequences; hats off to the stunt guys (& gals). I thought all the performances were very good, although I do have to single out Cate Blanchett as Marissa; she played the cold-hearted baddie very well indeed.

Although I quite enjoyed this film I felt it suffered, as many do these days, from the target audience it was aimed at and hence it's certification. To tell this story with any conviction, I believe, a much tougher edge needed to be given to it. However, it did what it said on the tin and I cannot knock it for that. One thing I did like, amongst others, was the fact that the narrative did not fall into the trap of being so predictable that it became a chore to watch. Over all, quite enjoyable without being great… Even so… Recommended.

My score: 6.8/10.

IMDb Score: 6.9/10 (based on 68,330 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 71/100 (based on 203 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 66/100 (based on 60,901 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Woman in Black (2012)

Atmospheric and creepy... Definitely not one for the youngsters...

[7/10 · 3 March 2012]

This film has quite a slow deliberate pace that adds to the atmosphere and suspense of the storyline. It also heightens the effect of the shocks that hit you every now and then. The plot is quite grown up and I have heard it said that when they set the certificate here in the UK at 12A, it should mean 12 and no younger and I entirely agree. There were a few younger than 12 in the audience with me today and I can almost guarantee most of them will be having nightmares tonight. On a personal level, I enjoyed it very much. It has be criticised for there not being enough scares in it, but for me there was just enough (given its certification). Over all, if you're over 12 and like being scared… Recommended.

My score: 7.3/10.

IMDb Score: 7.0/10 (based on 15,376 votes when this review was written).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 65/100 (based on 161 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 63/100 (based on 36,665 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Barton Fink (1991)

One of the Coen's finest Excellent all round and definitely recommended!

[9/10 · 3 March 2012]

Great performances and a great script are the main features of this rather excellent movie. You never quite know just which direction it's going to go; all the characters appear to be larger than life and without that the film would fall flat on its face. Even the slightly timid and reserved writer, Barton Fink, reveals the passion he has for his work in a conversation he had with his hotel neighbour, Charlie Meadows. All the best lines are reserved for the studio head, Jack Lipnick, they really go to town with him! It does finish a little open-ended, something the Coen's have been using a lot recently to varying effect (IMO), but in this case it actually works. There are many unanswered questions and, for me, that just adds to the enjoyment. Definitely worth a look and most definitely… Recommended.

My score: 9.2/10.

IMDb Score: 7.8/10 (based on 44,983 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 91/100 (based on 53 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 71/100 (based on 39,630 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Beautifully animated... Worth a look!...

[7/10 · 26 February 2012]

One thing I cannot get over is the beautiful clarity of the animation. Studio Ghibli has a very particular style and I must admit to being a great fan of the way their films look; at times they can be quite breathtaking. I also love the imagination of the people that designed things like the Castle, it's quite fantastic. Putting aside the visuals for a moment, I have to say that, sadly, I did find this one a little too long at nearly two hours. Although I did find the story quite enthralling at times, there wasn't quite enough (for me) to enthral me for quite that long. Having said that it's still an excellent piece of work and one I have no problem in deeming… Recommended.

My score: 7.1/10.

IMDb Score: 8.1/10 (based on 73,040 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 86/100 (based on 147 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 93/100 (based on 220,543 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Company Men (2010)

A complicated plot but worth persevering with An interesting commentary on the effects of redundancy

[7/10 · 26 February 2012]

Having been made redundant twice in my lifetime I know just what these characters were going through. Although I did find it a little hard, at first, to empathise with a Porsche driving, golf playing executive; I work in a lab calibrating moisture measuring equipment when I'm not reviewing movies. However, when I saw the impact his predicament had on his family life I began to understand. It is a film of two halves, I found. The first dealing with the initial shock of events and the second dealing with how they're going to cope with it and the impact it has on their lives. It's not a particularly easy watch with quite a complicated plot and several threads to follow, but well worth a look if you stick it out to the end… Recommended.

My score: 6.7/10.

IMDb Score: 6.8/10 (based on 15,101 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 67/100 (based on 156 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 55/100 (based on 30,577 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Eagle (2011)

Didn't quite live up to expectations, sadly Some nice fight scenes though

[5/10 · 25 February 2012]

Although it is well shot I did find the landscape and most of the settings did look quite depressing. Maybe that's deliberate to make it more menacing, but if that was the case it didn't really work (for me). There were some nicely choreographed fights scenes though.

I saw a version of this that was cut for TV, giving it a 12, rather than a 12A (as the theatrical release) certificate. Four minutes were cut and, I'm guessing, these were the more gruesome scenes. The trouble is this made the film so tame that, quite frankly, I got bored while watching it. Maybe I've become hardened to it over the years, but I found this was toned down a little too far for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I would have no complaint if the narrative kept my interest, but even that kind of lost the plot (excuse the pun) in a few places. I guess the bond between Marcus and Esca was never sealed to any degree and so I found it all a little unconvincing in the end. It's a shame because I really wanted to like this film, but I felt sadly let down by it… NOT recommended.

My score: 5.4/10.

IMDb Score: 6.2/10 (based on 23,201 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 38/100 (based on 143 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 43/100 (based on 37,533 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Black Death (2010)

Asks some interesting questions...

[6/10 · 19 February 2012]

Although it's never going to win any prizes as a great piece of filmmaking, I still found this an interesting film that asks some intriguing questions about religion and human nature. I could go off on a long diatribe about how organised religions cause more harm than good in the world but I will resist; this is not the place for that. Needless to say I enjoyed aspects of this film, if not the thing was a whole. There is a section at the end that I don't believe is needed; it paints Osmund in a very bad light and I found it superfluous. Over all I guess it's worth a look for the questions it raises, but it does get a little bogged down in places and can seem a little slow. Even so… Recommended (just).

My score: 6.4/10.

IMDb Score: 6.5/10 (based on 16,166 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 68/100 (based on 56 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 50/100 (based on 15,726 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Artist (I) (2011)

A breath of fresh air!...Well worth a look...

[9/10 · 19 February 2012]

Very well made with a beautiful musical score by Ludovic Bource, it really set the tone and held the film together brilliantly. I found this film a breath of fresh air; it took me back to Saturday morning TV when they used to show the odd silent movie. A simple love story with some great acting and a brilliant musical score really hit the mark (for me). I did find, though, that George's decline went on a little too long, just when you thought he'd hit bottom there was a little further to go. But that's the only criticism I have, it's beautifully made in the style of the time and, although it may not be for everyone, it's still one I have no problem in deeming… Recommended.

My score: 8.6/10.

IMDb Score: 8.4/10 (based on 28,029 votes when this review was written).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 97/100 (based on 191 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 91/100 (based on 24,406 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Tomorrow, When the War Began (2010)

Entertaining enough, but slightly flawed...

[6/10 · 18 February 2012]

Although I enjoyed this film I was kind of left a little deflated. It felt like I was watching a pilot for a TV series aimed at teenagers. I have since found out that a sequel is in the pipeline and due for release in 2012, so that will please fans of this one. There are many good things I take away from it though, the quality of the acting and the music were two things that immediately struck me. The action sequences and the effects were also pretty well done and so there was enough to keep me entertained. I really got into the drama as well and even found myself shouting at the screen at one point! But as I say, at the end of the day it didn't quite hit the mark I was expecting. I guess, in summary, I could say it's good without being great but even so it's worth a look… Recommended (just).

My score: 6.4/10.

IMDb Score: 6.2/10 (based on 9,667 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 64/100 (based on 45 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 63/100 (based on 7,378 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

Maybe not the greatest ever made, but a worthy effort with a pretty strong cast

[7/10 · 12 February 2012]

I enjoyed this film very much, it's not quite up there with the best crime dramas, but it's not that far off. I know that the writer of the novel on which it is based, Michael Connelly, is very popular and so I'm not surprised to find a well thought out plot with many twists and turns in it. The problem with many films of this type is that you can only really watch (and enjoy) them once but I feel I could enjoy this one if I watched it again even with knowing the eventual outcome. That's testament to the writing, the acting and the whole production of it. You'll not be surprised that I therefore deem it… Recommended.

My score: 6.7/10.

IMDb Score: 7.4/10 (based on 52,496 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 84/100 (based on 159 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 82/100 (based on 56,525 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

If.... (1968)

Interesting...

[6/10 · 12 February 2012]

Unfortunately, apart from a few scenes, including the crazy ending, I found this film quite dull. There seems to be no narrative that could be easily followed; you kind of pick up little pieces here and there. The cutting between colour and black and white also made no sense (to me). Over all, I found it quite disappointing but I feel it's one of those you don't 'get' until you've seen it a few times. Sadly I don't feel inspired enough to give it another look right now. I guess it does have something to say, but I couldn't see it… Not recommended.

My score: 5.6/10.

IMDb Score: 7.7/10 (based on 9,504 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes: NO LISTING.

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Battle Los Angeles (2011)

So much better than I had feared

[7/10 · 11 February 2012]

The filmmakers begin with a section that, not only, sets the scene, but also introduces and gives a little back-story to some of the characters. I quite liked this because it gave the audience a little something extra that they might draw upon when these characters were in danger. And, believe me, there's an awful lot of danger out there! The film does suffer a little from, what I call, 'First Person Shooter Syndrome' during some of the action sequences. That is, it's kind of like watching someone else playing a First Person Shooter video game. The use of hand-held cameras during these sequences just adds to the effect I'm afraid. As a whole, though, I quite enjoyed this film; not entirely original, I could see many parallels with 'Independence Day' here, but then again, that's not so bad. I could easily see myself watching this one again someday… Recommended.

My score: 6.8/10.

IMDb Score: 5.9/10 (based on 73,299 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 35/100 (based on 193 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 49/100 (based on 81,598 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Treasure Planet (2002)

Worth a look...

[5/10 · 11 February 2012]

I am very familiar with the story and I found that so much of it was either changed or left out that I really didn't enjoy this film as much as I thought I would. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for updating the classics and I think there have been some excellent modern adaptations of classic novels but this one didn't hit the mark (for me) I'm afraid. There were bits I did like though, the humour for one; some very nice and subtle jokes in there. I also liked the way they portrayed the relationship between Jim and John Silver; I had never seen it that way before (sorry, no spoilers). Over all though, it didn't quite have enough for me to recommend it, but I'm sure there are many out there who will love it nonetheless.

My score: 5.2/10.

IMDb Score: 6.7/10 (based on 20,835 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 70/100 (based on 143 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 64/100 (based on 62,586 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

The Lion King (1994)

Waited 18 years to see it... Worth the wait?...

[8/10 · 8 February 2012]

Although it was good, and great for younger viewers, I guess I was expecting something a little more epic. Not that I was particularly disappointed, I suppose all those rave reviews I read maybe upped my expectations a tad. At the end of the day it does what it says on the tin and you really cannot ask for more. It does stand out as one of the better Disney animated films its era, that's a given, but I must say I have seen later films that are equally as good, or even better. Even so, it will still delight, amuse and entertain and I cannot knock it for that… Recommended.

My score: 8.2/10.

IMDb Score: 8.3/10 (based on 220,746 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 89/100 (based on 92 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 89/100 (based on 1,177,009 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughts of a SteelMonster.

Taxi Driver (1976)

De Niro and Scorsese at their very best

[9/10 · 5 February 2012]

A really well made film with all the hard edges you'd expect from a gritty 1970's drama. I love the look and feel of it and it's all nicely knitted together with a hauntingly melodic musical score by Bernard Herrmann.

This is a film that many have given high praise to and I can see why. It has everything you would want from a drama; not only is a story that sucks you in, but the performances are so good they make you believe in the characters. It does seem a little flat here and there, but you never really know just what's going to happen next and I loved every minute of it!... This one comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

My score: 9.2/10.

IMDb Score: 8.5/10 (based on 217,939 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 98/100 (based on 60 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 93/100 (based on 207,339 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

You can find an expanded version of this review on my blog: Thoughtsofasteelmonster.

Priest (2011)

Better (IMO) than many would have you believe

[7/10 · 5 February 2012]

There is a very good animated sequence at the beginning of the film that nicely sets up the history behind the storyline. I thought it was very well done and saved a lot of time in the narrative of the film itself. Talking of time, I thought the length of the film was just right; at just under 90 minutes there's not enough time to get bored as the action does move along at a decent pace. One thing it did suffer from though was its 12 (or 12A in cinemas) certificate, I don't see how you can make a half-decent action movie and keep the violence down to that level. For me it tamed it down a little too much and I would have liked to have seen at least a 15 certificate version. I watched it in 2D, 3D is lost on me… I don't see the point of it I'm afraid. I have no religious affiliations and so was not offended by references made to the church. I know some might be, so please bear this in mind if you feel inclined to watch it. Over all, despite a few niggles; I quite enjoyed this film and would happily watch it again at some point. For me, it's recommended, but I know there are many out there who may disagree.

My score: 6.8/10.

IMDb Score: 5.7/10 (based on 39,510 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 17/100 (based on 90 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 37/100 (based on 48,431 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

A longer version of this review is available on my blog: Thoughtsofasteelmonster.

Man on the Moon (1999)

Controversial... but I loved it!

[9/10 · 4 February 2012]

This is a film I have seen three times now and I must admit I love it! Apart from his portrayal of Ladka (hope I spelt that right) on the TV show 'Taxi', I knew very little about Andy Kaufman. Of course much of his work was focused on the US and so we didn't really hear much about it here in the UK. He was quite a character who had a very controversial career, some of it worked and was brilliant and some of it was a bit too wide of the mark for many. Either way, I found it a very interesting and entertaining film with a stand-out performance from Jim Carrey. I will tell you more after this brief summary.

We begin with a very young Andy Kaufman putting on shows for his kid sister. Moving on, he's doing stand-up in a club when an agent, George Shapiro, sees him and offers to represent him. This leads to him landing the role of Ladka in 'Taxi', a role which, we are lead to believe, he didn't really want to do. Another character, Tony Clifton, puts in an appearance at this point. He is a cabaret singer and a very good friend of Andy's; in fact, Andy would only agree to play the part of Ladka if Tony could also appear in the show. Moving on, Andy and his writing partner, Bob Zmuda, turn their attention to wrestling and Andy begins to play the bad guy, wrestling women. One of the top wrestlers in the country, Jerry Lawler, doesn't like it and challenges Kaufman to a fight! It all comes to a head when they come to blows live on the David Letterman chat show. Little did people realise, but it was all staged and Kaufman and Lawler were really good friends. Andy eventually meets Lynne Marguiles who becomes his partner and they move in together. Sadly, it's not long after that he is diagnosed with cancer. Whilst fighting it he fulfils his lifetime ambition and puts on a show at Carnegie Hall in New York. I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police (Biopics Division) will be making my biopic a little shorter.

A well made film with many people playing themselves which is either a testament to Andy Kaufman… or they needed the work (that's a joke by the way). For me, the stand-out performance came from Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman; his best performance to date (IMO)! Danny DeVito did a great job as George Shapiro, as did Courtney Love as Lynne Marguiles and Paul Giamatti as Bob Zmuda. But, for me, a film that can bring together the likes of; Marilu Henner from 'Taxi', Judd Hirsch from 'Taxi', Carol Kane from 'Taxi', David Letterman and Christopher Lloyd from 'Taxi' has to have something special.

I think the reason I like Jim Carrey in this so much is that it gives him the opportunity to play the crazy zany stuff he's famous for while at the same time giving him the chance to show the audience what a fine dramatic actor he is as well. The title comes from the REM song about Andy of the same name, refrains of which can be heard throughout the film, which I thought was a nice touch. As I said at the beginning this is the third time I've watched this film and it's the third time it's touched me emotionally. Not many films do that these days and so I have no problem in giving it a higher score than many and also deeming it 'highly recommended'.

My score: 8.6/10.

IMDb Score: 7.4/10 (based on 59,843 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 62/100 (based on 117 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 74/100 (based on 89,423 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK (2006)

A charming love story with a twist...

[8/10 · 31 January 2012]

I had never heard of this South Korean film before and I was pleasantly surprised by it. I found it very charming with some great subtle use of CGI to illustrate the inner thoughts of the main characters. I know there are a few out there that fear the subtitle and for those I'm afraid your worst fears may be realised… It does have subtitles. For me, not usually a problem, but I did struggle to follow the plot at the beginning, it soon settled down though and easy reading from then on. I'll give you my thoughts after this brief summary.

Young woman, Cha Young-goon has been sent to a mental institution. Her grandmother had been sent into care sometime earlier and, it seems, this had tipped her over the edge. She keeps it a secret, but she believes she is a Cyborg and she has to rescue her grandmother. In order to do that though, she must relieve herself of all thoughtfulness, sympathy…etc. She is befriended by Park Il-sun, another patient who has a habit of stealing things. The staff becomes worried about Young-goon when she refuses to eat. They lock her away but Il-sun has fallen in love with her and may be able to help her. I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police will be fitting cybernetic implants to me (again).

I love the subtle use of CGI in this film, you can tell a lot of hard work and imagination has been applied to make it look so good. It's a film full of interesting characters and great performances, but the two that stood out were Su-jeong Lim as Cha Young-goon and Rain as Park Il-sun. Both were really excellent, particularly Su-jeong Lim, her performance was quite stunning.

This is a very engaging and charming film with lots of subtle plot twists that keep the audience guessing. It is essentially a love story, but one with a difference and one that (I hope) others will enjoy as much as I did. Great acting, great direction and great production, although it's not altogether perfect; I've already mentioned the slightly confusing beginning; I still enjoyed it very much though. It's another of a growing number of South Korean films I am discovering and long may it continue… Recommended.

My score: 7.7/10.

IMDb Score: 7.0/10 (based on 8,808 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 90/100 (based on 10 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 80/100 (based on 11,824 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Quirky and quite bizarre in places, but also quite unique...

[9/10 · 31 January 2012]

This is a film I saw several years ago and immediately fell in love with. I thought it would be interesting to give it another viewing just to see how well it's stood up in the intervening years. Well I'm pleased to report, it does pretty well; if anything, I like it slightly more after this most recent viewing. I will tell you more after this brief summary.

We begin with a couple meeting on a train for the first time. They are Joel Barish and Clementine Kruczynski. Everything seems to be going very well and then the mood suddenly changes. Joel is in his car banging his head against the steering wheel; very upset, almost inconsolable. He eventually finds out that Clementine has undergone a procedure to erase him from her memory. Unable to live with that, he decides to do the same. It is through this process that we see their entire relationship from the end to the beginning. Will it be successful, or is Joel doomed to live with his grief? Well obviously I can't tell you that or the Spoiler Police will be erasing my memory (some say they already have!).

Beautifully made with some outstanding (& very subtle) CGI; I really love the way small things are erased as a scene progresses, or they go out of focus so you get the impression of memories being lost. The performances are all excellent too; especially Jim Carrey as Joel Barish (I really wish he would take more parts like this, he's very good at it) and Kate Winslet who played Clementine Kruczynski perfectly; in fact she got an Oscar for it! Honourable mentions go to; Elijah Wood as Patrick, Mark Ruffalo as Stan, Kirsten Dunst as Mary and Tom Wilkinson as Dr. Mierzwiak.

There are several sub-plots that I have not included in the main summary that serve to show the imperfections in the process Joel and Clementine have undergone. This takes the film to a higher lever for me, it illustrates that no matter what, there may be a person you are supposed to be with. I don't know whether that's true or not, but it's a concept that (I know) many cling to. But back to the film… It's really well made with some excellent performances; very well written (another Oscar for that), one that's quirky and quite bizarre in places, but also one that's quite unique and one I have no problem in deeming 'Highly Recommended'.

My score: 9.1/10.

IMDb Score: 8.5/10 (based on 297,486 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 93/100 (based on 218 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 93/100 (based on 503,889 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).

44 Inch Chest (2009)

Fails to hit the mark despite some great performances...

[6/10 · 29 January 2012]

This is one of those films I have wanted to see for some time now. From the writers of 'Sexy Beast' (a film I very much enjoyed) I was really looking forward to more of the same. I can see where they were going with it, but it didn't quite have the same impact as their previous effort. I think the idea was solid enough, but what they did with it really didn't quite work out (for me). I will tell you more after this brief summary.

When Colin Diamond's wife, Liz, tells him she's leaving him for another, he is devastated. He gets her to give him the name of the other man and he, and some friends, take him to a room for a talk. It is here where the majority of the action takes place. Even before the man is brought out of the cupboard they have him stashed in we have some quite explicit dialogue and flashbacks of what had transpired in the previous 24 hours. Colin's 'colleagues', Meredith, Old Man Peanut, Archie and Mal have already softened 'Loverboy' up for him, but now it's up to him to decide what's to be done. Asking the others to leave the room, he talks through the various options open to him. I will leave it there or the Spoiler Police will be looking into the disappearance of that waiter a few months back.

A very well made film with some very colourful characters and some great dialogue, but it does have the look and feel of a stage play. I guess this is because the majority of the action takes place in one room. One thing I cannot fault is the performances; everyone was superb! And so special mentions go to; Ray Winstone as Colin Diamond, Ian McShane as Meredith, John Hurt as Old Man Peanut, Tom Wilkinson as Archie and Stephen Dillane as Mal.

There is an awful lot of dialogue in this film and much of it contains extreme swearing, but much of it I found was quite philosophical. I think the trouble is, there's far too much of it and, at times, it doesn't help the story move along very smoothly. I found the 'hallucination' scenes very confusing and they got more bizarre the longer they went on! It ended up being quite a strange film in the end that left me kind of flat. I can't really recommend it for that reason, but if anyone out there feels like giving it a look I'd be interested to hear what you made of it.

My score: 5.7/10 IMDb Score: 5.8/10 (based on 3,175 votes at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer' Score: 40/100 (based on 77 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes 'Audience' Score: 36/100 (based on 13,005 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).