Film Reviews by HM

Pretty grim but realistic. The movie gets better as it goes along. Never hyping the scenario up, you are left with the impression that this 'true story' is actually true. A tale of a drug addict earning a living as a Thai boxer who's life is spiralling out of control and who ends up in a prison you just don't want to be in. A hard watch but rewarding; see this movie. Not for the kids.

A mocking of selfish Hollywood egos turns into a self parody of a film. Aging actress is desperate to get a part in a film about her own mother; or any part for that matter. Squabbling siblings meet again after a tragedy laden family split years before, one of whom is now working for said aging actress. Cue an insiders (Cronenberg) micky take of film people's egos. Probably amused Hollywood actors more than any audience for this 'up its own backside' film. Give it a miss frankly, not particularly entertaining and impossible to like or sympathise with any of the hapless characters

Better stuff form Aardvark usually, an over used plot about winning a football match, but some laugh out-loud moments. Kids will love it but adults may find it a bit hackneyed.

So who is the serial killer? Maybe a girls new boyfriend, but she is suffering metal health issues so maybe it is her? Excellent thriller, twists and turns. Had me edge of seat (and I am not easily pleased or deceived). Definitely a good watch; beats Hercule Poirot any day!

Cage is as charismatic as an actor can get. He lifts a movie, like Bad Lieutenant. But there has to be a decent story to lift. This is a 70's slasher nonsense of B movie credibility. Badly edited, clumsy script. Cage likes an eccentric storyline, which enables him to over act or bring character to the role, make your own mind up. This is amateurish nonsense. No need for the RSPB to get involved in identifying this bird; it's a Turkey!

Not as silly as the by now typical Marvel/DC CGi Mash-ups. A clever premise for a thriller. Once absorbed into the scenario of a defeated humanity stalked by lightning quick monsters, it drew me in to its fast moving action story. The female lead is pregnant, which happens and is the future for the human race; has to be done. Right from the start a feeling of dread descends as an innocent is devoured. Never sure what the enemy is, our heroes battle to preserve their family. Liked it.

Amusing not quite a rom-com tale set in a post war Channel Ilse. Enjoyable but lacking zest. I didn't really warm to the main characters and the ending was hardly a surprise being a stock in trade. OK but a little hum drum.

Two 1960's Prague City people, he a surgeon and she an artist, have a libertarian attitude to life and enjoy an unconditional sexual relationship. Isn't life fun, free and above day to day problems? They both meet people who take a more traditional 'let's get married' attitude to life. Can the sexual relationship survive in the margins of the conventional? The Prague Spring erupts on the streets and the Russians crush it. The two libertarians become 'none people'; can they somehow recreate their freedom to feel good about life regardless of adversity and circumstances now beyond their control; see how it develops. A movie to make you think or just accept it as a romantic adventure, up to you.

Personally I was gripped by the subject matter and felt I understood the underlying philosophical issue. Or maybe I was trying to be too clever for my own good?

First movie great rib tickler and this one is in same vein with a better plot! Marvel films have become CGI mash-ups, no real story just none stop action. Frankly I have had enough of them. This however, is done in the almost naive style of 1960s shows like The Avengers or Man From Uncle. Great stuff, popcorn entertainment at its best.

Liked this movie a lot, which surprised me. Ronan is wonderful and the whole cast are convincing. As a 'comedy' it puts laughs second to drama and works wonderfully. Would like more of the same, thoughtful, insightful drama.

A delight; very much a one-off. An interesting story/plot and attractive on the eye. Maybe not enough gormless glitter and daftness for kids but as an adult I loved it. Do we have to have Johansson again? Her voice is drab (listen to her performance as the snake in Jungle Book) surely there are better actresses and voice actors out there (having said that this wasn't a challenge)? The magic is in the skill of the animators and direction; well done all!

OK so some don't think it is as good as the first film. Well, it isn't a copy of the first film so no need to worry, this is a good thriller with plenty of action and entertainment; just take it as it comes and you won't be disappointed. it kept me interested all the way through. Go for it!

An obsessive male personality (a dress maker to the stars and royalty) recruits a female muse to replace a previous one and relies on his PA who is a mother substitute. He keeps said muse at an emotional platonic distance so he can enjoy companionship but only on his terms. Can she get to him as she loves him dearly etc? Well it took 75 minutes for me to realise that as there are only so many plots in film land, this is actually a version of 50 shades of grey.

Basically the main character is a stereotype of certain homosexual designers of real life to my mind and skilfully played by Lewis. Is he gay? Is he just a psychologically damaged mummy's boy. I found it engaging and fun to find out. Will you? Well if you like psychological dramas you will. Definitely worth a watch.

A true story with the addition of a Jaguar and a good looking hallucinated girl. My impression about 80% through the movie was that being lost in the jungle is boring frankly. I suppose the real life version was even duller, it is just the fact that you are likely to starve to death; they say you can live in the jungle or travel through it with supplies but not both. My interest in the film waned as it became obvious certain events were inserted to liven it up a bit. Radcliffe is good and nobody can say he doesn't pick scripts that are star vehicles. This film certainly isn't.

My first impression as Jazz Music played in the background was that it didn't fit San Francisco in mood. Blanchett's character seemed straight out of a New York luxury apartment with a billionaire husband. Then we meet her sister (both adopted) who came across as a working class New York Jewish girl. In fact the whole film felt like Allen had cut a big chunk out of New York and popped it in SF. It could be I don't know enough about SF though so don't take my word for it!

Watching Blanchett's character disintegrate scene by scene makes for an excruciating experience. She proceeds to damage the lives of those around her and I found myself asking 'why did Woody make this film'? I didn't feel it told me anything that wasn't obvious. However, I did see it through despite squirming I my seat, largely because of the performances which nailed the emotional tidal wave exceedingly well. Like a heavy emotional drama? This is for you: want an evening of entertainment? This isn't for you.