Film Reviews by BE

Robert de Niro is very good in parts but outshone by Philip Seymour Hoffman in his role as a very convincing drag queen. A bit claustrophobic as mainly subdued indoor camera work but nevertheless, not a dull moment. It wears well with time and I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.

I should have known better as subject matter apart, I found the relentless quest for blood on the part of the zombies boring in the extreme. Given three stars as I'm not the best one to judge this genre and am sure most people into zombie movies will enjoy it.

I saw this movie when it first came out back in the early 70s. I didn't particularly like it. I had difficulty understanding who all the characters were, found Don Corleone's speech very unclear and had difficulty relating to the Mafia. I saw it many years later but still felt very muddled by the storyline and the characters. I have just watched it again, over forty years later, with subtitles on and the synopsis to hand on the iPad. These were a great help with the story and being able to identify all the characters. Viewed from a wider perspective, I found it thoroughly engrossing The main draw this time, as well as the forever brilliant Marlon Brando, was Al Pacino. I now appreciate him for the really great actor he has matured into. I am now well looking forward to seeing Godfather II and trust it will be as flawless a production as this one.

I'm not sure that Al Pacino's style of acting suited the role of Shylock but ten out of ten for trying. I understand the works of Shakespeare are difficult for actors to undertake and require appropriate training. Overall, a nicely presented production with authentic scenery and adherence to the text.

A slow and well crafted movie, albeit quite a long sit. I felt Lucas Hedges' acting was on a par with that of the Oscar winning performance given by Casey Affleck. It also came to mind that had James Dean been alive and in his youth, he would have also been ideal for the role of the bereaved brother. As well as the obligatory angst, he would have brought more of a sense of endearment to the role. Nevertheless, it was two and a quarter hours well spent. It stayed with me well after I had left it behind, so to speak.

After the demise of his foster mother, child and querrellous foster dad try to overcome adversity after leaving the homestead. Quite a few scrapes along the way cause anxiety and merriment in turn, leading to a bonding of souls. Very natural acting which takes place in glorious NZ scenery. Julian Dennison excels as the foster child in a lead role.

A refreshingly different movie from actor/director, Matt Ross. It is about a family who have been living a bohemian lifestyle out in the wilds and is very well acted, especially by the six children with not a precocious one amongst them. George MacKay gives an outstanding performance as Bodevan and the movie is thoroughly entertaining all the way through. Beware - the consumption of food whilst watching the first ten minutes is definitely not recommended!!

Philip Seymour Hoffman giving a very understated performance as a compulsive gambler in what was apparently a true story. He turned in a terrific performance as did John Hurt as a casino boss. I'm surprised JH travelled to the USA for this movie as he had more of a supporting role. I'm not sure the movie would have held the interest with any other actor than PHS taking the lead role but he did and it did!

I am somewhat sceptical as to whether or not Owen Suskind (the autistic subject of the film) could only have been 'enabled to communicate' by the remembered dialogue from a host of characters from Disney films or whether at some point, something else could have triggered his power of communication. We shall never know as Owen is now in his twenties and still reliant on these Disney films - usually aimed at the limited intellect of children - to support his mental anguish and guide his way forward. It's all very sad as whilst he is now living semi-independently in an 'assisted living' environment, he remains of great concern to his aging parents and Walter, his older brother. Walter appears to feel a natural and overwhelming obligation to do the right thing by his younger brother for as long as he is able to. This must clearly impact on his Walter's lifestyle - he does indeed look burdened throughout most of the film. Whilst Owen graduated and is living as independently as he can away from the family home (and now working in a cinema), his autism causes him to be insular and tunnel visioned around his own wellbeing, with little or no empathy for anything or anybody else around him. Given his disability it is, of course, totally understandable to those who can empathise with his plight and his inability to verbally interact with other people to any degree. Unfortunately, not everybody he meets during the course of his ongoing life will have the wherewithal to understand or accommodate his mental needs. His persona, therefore, may not promote kindness and goodwill in others towards this very vulnerable individual.

A most wonderfully entertaining presentation of Oscar Wilde's extremely witty and very funny play. I think it even surpasses the 1952 original, apart from Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell - Dame Edith Evans' portrayal could never be bettered - no more could Margaret Rutherford's Miss Prism. The film is a pure joy and delight and total escapism from the stresses of every day living.

This movie does not live up to it award winning predecessor A Great Beauty. Nice try but fails miserably. It is shallow, has moments of surrealism and could be renamed Old Age to go with its lethargic pace. One star for the opulent settings and some lovely scenery.

A very well crafted movie from Ken Loach. Not so much a story but more an indictment of our benefit system and its derogatory effect on the bona fide claimants that have a need to access it. Some funny moments but overall, a serious piece of film work. Seamless acting throughout and an empathetic representation of intransigent bureaucracy.

A good presentation of Dostoyevsky's great novel but in my opinion, does not match the 1979 television interpretation starring John Hurt as Ruskolnikov and Timothy West as Petrovich - both master craftsmen In their field

Seen at the cinema. I found the movie really boring and with Ryan Gosling still presenting as one of the most bland actors ever to have come out of Hollywood. There is total lack of chemistry betwixt himself and Emma Stone and I've no idea why it was nominated for an Oscar - good job it was snatched back after 8 seconds! One star for effort but what a waste of time.

A nicely crafted little film about a middle aged teacher of philosophy (Isabella Huppert) coping with her rapidly changing life. She has a quiet elegance and embraces her new found freedom and all that it has to offer. A French film doing what the French do best - portraying everyday scenarios with skill and aplomb. Lovely acting and enjoyed.