Film Reviews by BE

Thoroughly engrossing movie, superb camera work and wonderful acting. I couldn't take my eyes off the drama unrolling on the screen. Loved it.

The movie covers only part of the life of Yves Saint Laurent, going from a shy individual to being dependent on drugs and alcohol. His fashion designs are shown to great effect but the movie itself is disappointingly bland. He surely could not have been the shallow individual depicted in this movie.

A very well crafted movie around the harsh realities for Mexican migrants trying to cross over to America. Very natural acting by those in the lead roles. The absence of background music was also appreciated. Check out the director's articulate observations in 'special features' after the movie.

This fly on the wall docu movie from 2002 presents a time of serene and technology free childhood of a small group of children attending a school in very rural France. How lucky they were. I wonder if it still exists.

If you've watched the trailer, you've almost watched the movie! A long time to spend in a truck with three people but captivating non the less. More an observation on the dynamics (or not) between two people and a five month old baby. When the baby is on screen, she steals the show every time. Action and drama it ain't but a very enjoyable quiet movie.

A seamless presentation of how an untruth from a child's mouth can bring emotional chaos and upheaval to village folk and the supposed perpetrator in particular. The child is not malevolent but unfortunately, believed by her family, friends and kindergarten staff alike. Mads Mikkelsen mesmerisingly plays the lead role and appears in almost every scene. There are no goodies or baddies as it is clear that the perspective of all those involved respond in their own tunnel vision way to what could have been a bona fide accusation.

Although he mellowed somewhat towards the end, the main character originally presented as hedonistic and with very little charm. I admired his application in seeking out appropriate pharmaceuticals for his illness to help himself and others but apart from that, he was not very likeable. For all that, it was a good production with Jared Leto excelling in his supporting role. One to watch.

A stark movie with a strange outcome and which I found difficult to relate to. Good acting but really a movie I could have avoided

Superb performances from Christopher Walken (top marks for avoiding the Botox) and Philip Seymour Hoffman (what a terrible loss to the movie industry) in this adult presentation of the dynamics and personal intrigues between a group of musicians. Excellent.

A young Adonis he ain't but full marks to Gerard Depardieu in his middle years for unashamedly exposing himself as a man with an unrequited sex drive. The first part of the movie appears to lend itself to soft porn. This depicts his character and sets the scene for the ensuing trauma that enters his life through an act performed on an unwilling individual. The acting from GD is faultless and there appears to be quite a lot of ad lib dialogue throughout. The best movie GD has done for a quite while. Although he plays what on the surface appears to be an obnoxious individual, he has an underlying charisma and I was enthralled.

Unsure about this one. I feel I ought to watch it again but I can't be bothered. I am never enamoured with Tilda Swinton's acting style but can appreciate she was good in this. Overall, I found the movie a depressing experience

A well crafted serious movie but too long. Excellent acting by all the cast with Tom Hanks excelling in the final scene. Pleased to have seen it but would not watch it again

Lost patience with this one after half an hour as could not engage. Nicholas Cage's slurred diction didn't help.

Given the main story line, no ending was going to be fulfilling. Movie set the question of what one would do in the same situation. A lot of courage would be needed to do the right thing as it would affect yourself as well as your nearest and dearest. A thoughtful movie with excellent acting but palled a bit in places.

Superior movie, excellently acted and directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman with a stella cast. A plain storyline but the intricacies and subtleties of relationships woven in make it engrossing. This movie reinforces the demise of PSH being such a sad loss to the movie world.