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I Give It A Year 2013
Offensively unfunny.
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The Hunt 2013
[MIFF 2012 - Film #11]
Having been exposed to a decent number of Dogme films and knowing the one line synopsis of this film made me anxious. Films like Breaking the Waves or Dancer in the Dark and seem to be fascinated (with mixed results) by torturing an essentially good protagonist as much and as severely as possible.
The premise of The Hunt was prime for this kind of exercise. And while I agree that it may be interesting from…
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Shadow Dancer 2013
Although I like all the films of Marsh I've seen, I think each one is a little worse than the last. With the first three films I saw (The King, Man on Wire and Project Nim) the gap is not as noticeable, but his latest is perhaps the largest step down.
A craftsman as always, but working with a sub-par script and a half-baked romantic subplot that wasn't developed and a little unnecessary. -
Would You Rather 2013
Twisted, simple and really enjoyable chamber piece horror/thriller featuring a wonderfully camp central performance from Jeffrey Combs. He is sickening and hilarious in equal measure and at times simultaneously.
Not flawless, but if I had to describe it in one word it would be 'effective'. Every aspect (although script and performances - except Combs - are slightly lacking) works really well together to create a tense atmosphere with some truly unsettling scenes and dilemmas.
Once the story kicks in to… -
Arrested Development 2013
Seeing as no one has seen this yet and we're all just pulling ratings out of our ass, I guess I'll go with a 3.5
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Les Misérables 2012
This is the first time I've ever walked out of a movie. Not because of the quality of the film but because I was surrounded by rude, selfish arrogant fuckramp patrons who would not shut the fuck up for one second, always questioning "who's that?", "what's happening?" along with other inane bullshit. How about you shut up, watch the movie, try and concentrate and things will become clear. We've all been watching it for the same length of time as…
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This Is 40 2012
I think Judd Apatow's strength lies in creating simple, relatable characters and casting watchable actors with good chemistry. I've never been too big a fan of his plots, but they are usually strong enough to facilitate humour and bring up certain thoughtful questions about relationships, and in this case, ageing.
I don't think he really knows how to end his films, which is not a insurmountable problem, but when a film is pushing three hours you want the cap on… -
Zero Dark Thirty 2012
Such a disappointment coming off The Hurt Locker which used a real life situation as a backdrop for a taut thriller, not a boring procedural. I'm not against the idea of examining in detail the events that led up to Bin Laden's capture/execution, but there are no characters in this movie. What motivates Maya, Dan, anyone else? The motivations are either non-existant or terribly over-simplified. A film that's pushing 3 hours can't survive on historical accuracy alone. Zero Dark Thirty…
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Tchoupitoulas 2012
I have no words. Will be watching this again very soon (now, if I didn't have to go to school). I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. It appeals to everything I love.
Is it pre-mature to put this in my top 100? -
Killing Them Softly 2012
Not sure how Andrew Dominik is perceived in pop- and cine-culture but his almost Malickian release schedule and insane batting average have secured him as a name that instantly means 'event' cinema for me.
Thankfully, Killing Them Softly doesn't ever mis-step. It is angry, pointed, compelling and extremely well executed. Much like the pretension in The Squid and the Whale, the misogyny in this film isn't ever condoned or encouraged. A film that depicts misogyny isn't necessarily misogynist.
Although the…
