Film Reviews by HM

A film about the gun lobby tackling a bill to Capitol Hill that will be against their interests? Yes. A film about political manoeuvres in the dark? Yes. However, it is mostly about the ruthless character of our heroine, firstly a character of substance and a power for good, but the film analysis the mentality of this character which is the most interesting part by far. She isn't all she seems as you get to know more about her.

Much recommended for viewers who like intelligent movies. No guns or explosions; just psychological ones.

I can see why some would find this low budget movie not to their tastes as it is gritty and not up there with its glossier stablemates of crime/robbery genre. It does, however, have a street level feel to it and a seam of authenticity. Much of crime culture is mundane and populated with fools, not glamorous but seedy and sad. Note the dopes who end up in jail. Not many calculating geniuses amongst them.

I enjoyed it but then I am fed up with far fetched violence films anyway and the general glamorising of gangsters.

Well it is supposed to be about liberty; one of the French revolutions' 3 ideals of equality liberty and fraternity. However, there are issues of equality too as the female character (Binoche) is widowed and struggles to liberate herself from her past. Was she always in the shadow of her husband a famous composer? Was her talent stifled by his? Emotionally intense, the film doesn't let you off the hook as you experience her misery and pain almost to the point of claustrophobia.

I enjoyed it immensely but some may find it too grim to be entertaining. A heavy drama!

Light but deadly; bodies abound. It reminded me of Chinatown as events baffle the viewer and the culprit emerges late in the film. A comedy thriller which worked for me as good entertainment with a light touch. A few beers an a bag of popcorn with this one. Watched with a friend you may be able to work out what the hell is going on! Always intriguing, the lead actors deliver charisma to lift the thing.

A whodunnit detective story revolving around great characters in a naughty Victorian revue Club. Very British, couldn't be from another country. Intriguing mystery unmasking a Jack the Ripper style killer. Detective meets horror really. Worked for me.

Based on a true story, the lid is lifted on the murky world of CIA Latin America involvement in the 80s. Even American law enforcement agencies don't know what they are up to. This film is an education for those open to that possibility; if you see it as a only thriller or judge it as entertainment, you have probably missed the point. It is entertaining, but it does leave you with a lot to think about.

As long as the CIA's recruit (Cruise) delivers what they want to undermine communists in Latin countries by smuggling guns to friendly forces, drug smuggling on the side is turned a blind eye to. Eventually it becomes the main event for Cruise's character as well as America. A lesson in governmental agency skulduggery! Enjoy.

Another tremendous Anime. A thoughtful script with strong characters. A joy to sit through. More please.

An intelligent plot, taking what at first appears to be a personal issues drama to a dark place. It simply becomes a mystery murder adventure with twists along the way. Thoughtful instead of violent for a change. Much recommended for those that don't want their suspense films spoiled by gore and gratuitous violence.

Well it is what it is; entertaining hokum. The movie moves into fight scenes and never leaves that mode. The action is a copy of the 'gritty' James Bond style of Casino Royale. Needless to say this isn't up to that standard in any way whatsoever. However; want to be entertained for 2 hours-ish and not being too distracted from your pop corn? This is the stuff for you.

The 80's music (it is set pre-Berlin wall coming down) is of top order; well done whoever selected this set! It looks great and moves quickly through a plot that doesn't matter. Good fun and God knows what it was about, but it doesn't matter; eye candy people and action. Charlize Theron is lovely as a bonus boys!

I suppose it is another super hero movie for those that can still find something interesting in the concept. The first half where the characters get together is the interesting bit; just about. After that it is one long CGI punch up. As usual, the baddy has a flock of flying warriors who don't seem capable of harming anybody and provide target practice for our heroes.

Apparently if the baddy gets 3 boxes in the same place we are all doomed. I have 3 boxes and nothing happened - 3 boxes? Err, do me a favour. Aqua man? Don't tell me we are going to get a movie about this twit. He spends the entire movie jumping at the baddy and bouncing off. In fact they all do; maybe attack him at the same time?

Total rubbish frankly.

A stand up comedian of Pakistani descent meets white girl. His parents very anti. A moving tale which appears to be based on actual events. A bit weird in places but engaging nonetheless. Worth seeing, fine performances, not least from the male subject himself! The female character (bed ridden for half the film) is a Woody Allen cookie character we would all like to date.

Very Spiral-ish in its setting and atmosphere. Kept me gripped throughout. What a twisting plot; keep your eyes on the sub-titles otherwise you will wonder if you missed something and hang in there until the end for further twists! Much recommended.

Well a good suspenseful watch with thought provoking hints at race tension without really going there. Kept me wondering what it was all about until the end when it spins off as a thriller keeping its hints a secret. A sort of horror movie from the 50s but enjoyable right now.

Another dystopian future to conjure with. It looks fantastic; lighting and general landscapes are an eye pleaser. The story however, limps along without really engaging the viewer to my mind. Performances are so, so. No wonder it took so long to make episode two, the basic Blade Runner story expired itself first time around. I got a little bored after 90 minutes. Shame, the general look and feel needed a better story.

Great fun and a surprise as I had not heard much about it. Steller cast. Witty, light, engaging and suspenseful. Pfeiffer is gorgeous, even if she is an old hag most of the time. Great stuff! Kids will love it and so will adults; hits the fantasy spot!!