Movie reviews - 2008

Things We Lost in the Fire (2007)
Fantastic acting make this a very good movie, especially Del Toro's brilliant performance. Simple plot doesn't fall for the predictable.


No Reservations (2007)
Fun for foodies, but mix of serious plot with silly romance doesn't really work.


American Gangster (2007)
Well made movie around interesting story, a little slow at times.


The Bank Job (2008)
Great, hard to believe, true-life caper, nice change of pace for Statham. Think of a true Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels set in the early 70's


Shoot 'Em Up (2007)
Ridiculous and very silly, but how can you not like Clive O as mister smooth gunslinger and Paul G as the ultimate black hat.


Dan in Real Life (2007)
Unusual casting and mixed moods, but it actually works.


Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Captivating. Fantastic acting all around, with only one small silly moment that seemed to take away a little from the otherwise brilliant story. More comments on the blog.


Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
Based on a video and looked like it. Pretty violent stuff, Jovovich like a runway model with guns.


The Invasion (2007)
Not a bad remake of the Bodysnatchers, good amount of suspense and great performance by Kidman, but as commented on in IMDB, Hollywoodization seems to fragmented the film's flow.


The Kingdom (2007)
A great portrayal of Middle East tension - very real performances and complex topics are explored.


Superbad (2007)
Go ahead, revisit your teen years for a couple of hours - very funny.


Cloverfield (2008)
Brilliant movie making, very real even with the subject matter, a really good scare.


National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007)
A little disappointing, interesting historical connections, but a bit of a stretch.


Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
Timely documentary on complex topic.


Invincible (2006)
I loved this simple, well made sports story. Amazing drama for a G rated movie. Loved the use of Ted Nugent's Stranglehold at the climax !


I Am Legend (2007)
Even with the thin plot, the special effects and really scary creatures pushed it to 3 1/2 stars. Tons of extras on BD.


1408 (2007)
A really good scare.


Kinky Boots (2005)
Yes, a little kinky. Yes, a fun, well made dramatic comedy.


Mr. Brooks (2007)
Very spooky and complex thriller, pretty well acted (few a few exceptions). I thought the plot was a little bit of a stretch.


Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Horrible acting, dialog and plot. Some cool special fx provide only stars.


P.S. I Love You (2007)
Yes, pretty mushy and definitely chic flick, but interesting story and some nice casting surprises. Decent soundtrack and cinematography too.


The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Nothing special, but the 3 beautiful actresses bring it up to 3 stars.


The Last Casino (2004)
Good small Canadian movie, well acted by Katharine Isabelle. A little rough around the edges, but altogether, an enjoyable 90 minutes.


The Guardian (2006)
Office and a Gentleman meets the Perfect Storm (kinda). Lots of intense action in the water, but a bit too Hollywood.


The Reaping (2007)
One look spooky scene with fair share of shockers.


The Hoax (2007)
Complex characters, interesting story, great acting. Amazing true life tale.


Reign Over Me (2007)
Fantastic movie, brilliantly acted, esp. by Sandler. Moving story with traces of humour that takes helps soften the edge of the tragedy. Beautifully shot and classic soundtrack. I'm struggling to find any faults, hence - highly recommended 5/5.


Down in the Valley (2005)
Complex characters, beautiful acting (especially Norton), thoughtful movie making.


Sicko (2007)


On a Clear Day (2005)
Quality pic with simple, great story.




Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! (2008)
Much better than I expected, great voices from Rogen, Carell and Carey. Some geat laughs - lots of fun for the family.


Disturbia (2007)
Smart, modern thriller with some great young actors.


Fido (2006)
Lots of fun for satirical zombie movie fans - cult classic material.


Next (2007)
I really liked the concept, but the storlyline and dialogue were spoiled. Biel was simply beautiful and Cage, his typical clever self. Horrible performance by Moore.


Cast Away (2000)
After viewing this beautiful movie the second time, I think the messages it leaves behind is subtly different than I expected. Great movie.


Fracture (2007)
Sleek thriller but it needed to be a little more clever.


No Country for Old Men (2007)
Simply great movie making; stellar performance by Bardem; great and often humourous dialogue.


Death Proof (2007)
I think I may have liked this one even more than part one of the Grindhouse doubel feature. Very different style, lots more great dialogue (from Tarantino). Amazing stunt work and very unusual and subtle pacing - I was glued.


Planet Terror (Grindhouse Presents: Robert Rodriguez's Planet Terror) (2007)
Perfect zombie horror camp retro gag flick. Way, way over the top made it a riot. Part of Grindhouse double feature.


Flushed Away (2006)
Lots of laughs for kids and grownups alike (especially with funny Brit gangsta lingo - like Rats doing Snatch). Some decent soundtrack choices too.


Becoming Jane (2007)
Decent period piece, but rather predictable.


U2 3D (2007)
A must see for any U2 fan - brilliant 3D film work, perfect sound.