Film Reviews by BE

Strangely beguiling and even more strange seeing Elijah Wood was one of the executive producers in this Iranian movie. A movie with a difference plus an adorable moggie (who remains safe)! The male lead, Arash Marandi, presents as an Iranian James Dean with real acting potential but then all the cast are good. Not too grisly as in black and white, which well suits the movie. If you like something different, you'll enjoy this.

Apart from the dialogue being laden with expletives, I was unable to understand the thick black American accent. No subtitles available so gave up after half an hour.

I generally enjoy movies that are different from the norm - but not this one. I should like to know who classed it as a comedy as I found it bleak and depressing beyond words. Animal lovers also need to be warned that there are some very upsetting scenes in it. Extremely disappointing movie with no redeeming qualities.

Pleasantly surprised by this American comedy which is a notch above their usual crass comedy presentations. It's worth sitting through to see the laugh out loud denouement towards the end of the movie. It's really hilarious.

Not all that enamoured with the writings of Jane Austen. This film did nothing to enhance my opinion. Difficulty in relating to the historic life of the idle rich with their arrogant and unreal perspective of life in those times. Not for me.

Just about about holds the attention but expected more from this Woody Allen movie. Unfortunately, Joaquin Phoenix - usually turning in sterling performances - only as good as his script and character, which weren't up to much.

What a silly film. Contains gratuitous sex and with very little storyline until near the end. Tilda Swinton as an unlikely pop star wearing unattractive clothes, two sizes too big for her. Apart from Ralph Feinnes, all characters bland and annoying. What a waste of time and money.

Ricky Gervais again acting as his David Brent character, who doesn't improve with age. He learns nothing and continues to unmindfully trash PC perspectives with impunity. The movie contains the usual DB cringe making moments and a few really funny ones. DB elicits laughs along with empathy for his social isolation. His smart office suit hides one of life's losers but he never gives up trying to make things better for himself. Unfortunately, being DB, he never will. A lot of the songs were written by Ricky Gervais and although no vocal acknowledgements were given to him as the credits rolled, they were presumably sung by him. Herein lies an anomaly - the band, music and the voice are all very good - were the subject matter and the lyrics changed, RG could have some hits on his hands!! It brings to mind an unknown Anthony Newley being cast in his first movie 'Idol on Parade' way back when, which was supposed to be a skit on pop stars and the music of the day. Paradoxically, it had the reverse affect and AN was propelled to fame as a singer. As such, he then went on the achieve a substantial fan base as a vocal artist! What d'you reckon, Ricky?

Recently sitting thru over a gruelling ten hours of the 1985 tv documentary Shoah (holocaust), must have dulled my senses. Whilst this film depicts the mechanics of the atrocious mass slaughter of the Jews, I did not find myself unable to watch it (as I thought I might, having read several reviews). Whilst it was very well crafted, it was ultimately a very sad piece of cinema with an ending left to ones own interpretation.

Quite enjoyed this movie although at times, having displayed excellent acting skills in 'Breaking Bad', Bryan Cranston looked at times as though he was acting and his characterisation looked laboured. Original historic footage around the time of McArthy mingled well with the movie scenario of the 1950s. I was well aware of the McArthy witch hunts and this film is probably a good representation of that era for those who need enlightening. My only other reservation is that whilst Trumbo aged as the film progressed thru the years, his wife must have taken the elixir of youth as she didn't age one dot! Not good.

A very well thought out storyline, script and movie. Superb acting throughout. Somewhat complicated to begin with but the story and characters unravel as the film progresses. Brings home what a very sad loss to the film world the demise of Philip Seymour Hoffman was. Can't fault this one.

A very average movie, taking on the stance of one from the fifties. Plods along a bit but saved by the acting ability of Tom Wilkinson and Emily Watson. Rupert Everett was a bit wooden but maybe he was meant to be.

What a very clever film. A bleak tale told with the characters portrayed by exceptional and seamless acting. It stays with you. Although the opening scenes give an indication of things to come, as the film rolled, I forgot about this until the end. Full credit also to the director, Joachim Lafosse. A rare occasion for me - I shall watch it again in the near future.

One star for Leonardo's acting. A thoroughly boring three hours of foul language, gratuitous sex and drug taking. The Narsistic characters had no redeeming features, just hellbent on satisfying their own lust for money and base pleasures. Awful.

Rather a sad and lonely little movie but holds the attention. Mark Rylance gives a good performance, parts of which are indicative of the Oscar winner to come (Bridge of Spies). You've also never seen him like this before (Last Tango in Paris, eat your heart out)!!