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Django Unchained 2012
Tarantino doesn’t need to turn back time, double-down the POVs or slow-dance anything in this film. It’s so clever from beginning to end. Especially the beginning; a series of surprises that lay a foundation I’d sit for several hours while it reached fruition.
The level of violence in the film is a thing. It’s actually well handled, yet it is intense. There are people who I’d like to share this film with, but I don’t think they’d be able to…
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Drive 2011
Drive is the story of a simple man who finds love with a semi-mute simple single mum. Their long silences don't feel awkward, as neither seems aware of what's happening. When it starts to feel like nothing is going to happen they go for a drive and nothing happens. Simple pleasures like finding a pond strewn with rubbish are enjoyed as if words could not and will not describe.
To cement their relationship he carries her son to bed not…
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Argo 2012
This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.
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The Dark Knight 2008
I saw this on an IMAX screen with selected scenes shown in IMAX. That was amazing. The scene that stood out was the skyscrapers in Hong Kong. I didn't realise immediately that the picture had changed to occupy the full screen. Epic.
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The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey 2012
It took me a long time to see the Hobbit. Which is akin to treason, I guess. So I saw it. I wanted to see it in HFR but I settled for 3D — I'll try to see it in HFR if the opportunity presents itself. The 3D was fantastic, and reasonably restrained. However I'm still waiting for the 3D film that doesn't turn theme-park ride and try to make me duck.
Serkis / Gollum was fantastic — hands down…
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Moonrise Kingdom 2012
Anderson is very honest in this film. It is most definitely a Wes Anderson film, and it turns out I'm not a big fan of Wes Anderson films. I quickly tired of the dripping fakeness, and I struggled to be amused by situations and acting so constructed to amuse.
The children were the stars of the film and they played their parts well. However, I didn't feel like I was seeing the child actors in the roles as much as…
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The Hunger Games 2012
I was surprised to enjoy this as much as I did. The lead is pretty good. The politics is shallow, but interesting. The facial hair and eyeliner are excellent - roll on that future.
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The Social Network 2010
Of all of the films I've seen based on contemporary events on the internet I enjoyed this one the most. I especially liked the lead in this role, he seemed to fit it most convincingly. The way they portrayed developers seemed quite true, and silicon valley entrepreneurs quite fun. Being involved in the internet during the period the film is set makes me a little envious of the ride.
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The Shining 1980
Too scary for me. I really like hedge mazes and tiled floors, but they are better enjoyed with a romantic comedy.
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Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2004
A beautiful piece of work, superbly acted and directed. I really enjoy Gondry. But I found myself a little bored and distracted here. After you suspect and then realise the film's conceit, the director is still typically self-indulgent before bringing you to the end.
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The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 2001
The first and my favourite film of the trilogy. The opening scenes in the Shire are beautiful and the transition into the rest of the film, in spite of knowing the story, is magical. The length of each one of these films makes it a two-parter for me these days, especially when watching the extended editions (which I especially recommend for this film for elves++).
