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James Mottram

James Mottram

Agrees with the Tomatometer 70% of the time.

Publications:
Film4 , Filmstar Magazine , The List , Time Out , Total Film
Total Reviews:
110

Best Reviewed Films

Showing 1 - 50 of 108
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Rating T-Meter Title | Year Add Date
5/5 98% An American in Paris (1951) " It's up there with the very best of Hollywood hoofers." — Total Film
Posted Oct 28, 2011
4/5 —— Ill Manors () " Jarring, grimy and a searing indictment of Broken Britain." — The List
Posted May 11, 2012
4/5 25% Wrath of the Titans (2012) " From top-grade 3D to a multitude of monsters and a welcome influx of acting talent, this is pure popcorn pleasure." — Total Film
Posted Mar 29, 2012
4/5 79% The Grey (2012) " Supremely led by Liam Neeson, The Grey may be a wilderness tale, pure and simple, but it's as compelling as they come." — Total Film
Posted Jan 26, 2012
4/5 73% Like Crazy (2011) " With stellar turns, particularly from Jones, this is your Valentine's Day date sorted." — Total Film
Posted Jan 23, 2012
4/5 77% War Horse (2011) " Wholesome with a capital W, it's the sort of film you can take your mother, aunt, grandmother - hell, even your great-grandmother - to, without fear of offending delicate ears." — Total Film
Posted Jan 4, 2012
4/5 71% Hanna (2011) " If the trajectory of Atonement director Joe Wright's career went a little off course with his last film, touchy-feely US debut The Soloist, it's now firmly back on track with Hanna." — Total Film
Posted Apr 27, 2011
4/5 73% Machete (2010) " Inventive, assured and absurdly entertaining, Rodriguez's latest retro-exploitation movie is a gloriously gratuitous ride." — Total Film
Posted Nov 29, 2010
4/5 79% Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 (2010) " Your appetite will be whetted for what promises to be an almighty showdown before the curtain comes down on Harry Potter for good." — Independent
Posted Nov 11, 2010
4/5 53% I'm Still Here (2010) " Whatever the truth, Affleck's film makes for a sharp critique of celebrity culture, as vicious vloggers lead a tirade of abuse against Phoenix, only serving to increase his angst." — Total Film
Posted Sep 16, 2010
4/5 52% The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) " A competent, polished outing for Heslov and his cast. But despite its undoubted qualities, its slightly smug attitude means it never quite matches the bite of earlier military satires." — Film4
Posted Nov 6, 2009
4/5 90% Army of Crime (L'Armée du Crime) (2010) " Complex and striking, Guédiguian's film is an impressive new spin on a topic that has been oft explored." — Film4
Posted Oct 4, 2009
4/5 90% Army of Crime (L'Armée du Crime) (2010) " As a tribute to these fearless freedom fighters, it's a worthy effort - and as a welcome, and sobering, antidote to the knockabout silliness of Inglourious Basterds, you couldn't really get any better." — Filmstar Magazine
Posted Oct 4, 2009
4/5 56% The Soloist (2009) " The Soloist brings to life its story with genuine compassion, neatly avoiding many of the traps that afflict Hollywood films about mental illness. And Jamie Foxx's transformation will simply astound." — Film4
Posted Sep 25, 2009
4/5 64% Adam (2009) " A charming, quietly satisfying work, Adam is a commendable film. Sensitively written and directed by Mayer, it's given shape and dimensionality by Dancy, who delivers a tremendous performance that lends the film genuine humanity." — Film4
Posted Aug 7, 2009
4/5 89% Red Cliff (Chi Bi) (2009) " A highly impressive historical epic, Red Cliff shows just how John Woo got his mojo back after a bumpy ride in Hollywood. Full of stunning action sequences, the only shame is how the international version leaves westerners wanting more." — Film4
Posted Jun 12, 2009
4/5 78% The Hangover (2009) " Consistently funny, The Hangover proves you don't need a big-name Hollywood cast to get big laughs. Destined to appeal to the lads everywhere, that the film doesn't only resort to gross-out gags means female audiences should give it a go." — Film4
Posted Jun 12, 2009
4/5 85% Looking for Eric (2010) " With less of the grit but still plenty of the earthy humour Loach is renowned for, this walks the indie/ commercial line with assurance." — Total Film
Posted Jun 12, 2009
4/5 78% Doubt (2008) " Intelligent and incisive, Doubt is a credible attempt by Shanley and his cast to adapt his play for the screen. Powered by finely tuned dialogue and performances, the result, while never explosive, is a gripping and engaging." — Film4
Posted Feb 5, 2009
4/5 94% Milk (2008) " As a portrait of Harvey Milk, Van Sant's film is a sincere work, bolstered by an unquestionably outstanding turn by Sean Penn. While some of the other actors don't match up, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise impressive piece." — Film4
Posted Jan 23, 2009
4/5 79% Bushi no Ichibun (Love and Honor) (2007) " Intricate, artfully constructed and utterly assured, Love And Honour is essential viewing for anyone who has seen Yamada's earlier samurai films. If you haven't, don't miss the chance to see what is a finely tuned example of the genre." — Film4
Posted Dec 12, 2008
4/5 91% Gomorrah (Gomorra) (2008) " If you want to see a gangster film that isn't all about stylized violence, then Gomorrah is for you. More thoughtful than most gangland films, its attempt to show how organized crime has infiltrated every level of society is impressive." — Film4
Posted Oct 10, 2008
4/5 51% CJ7 (2008) " With its fast action, cute critters and schoolyard antics, children and fans of Kung Fu Hustle should enjoy Stephen Chow's CJ7, which further cements his reputation as a commercially gifted director." — Film4
Posted Aug 8, 2008
4/5 61% The New World (2005) " An epic retelling of the Pocahontas story that, despite its flaws, leaves you slack-jawed with wonder at times." — Film4
Posted Apr 28, 2008
4/5 60% Lonesome Jim (2006) " Minimalist, moody and morose, Lonesome Jim is a minor gem." — Film4
Posted Apr 11, 2008
4/5 86% Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) " Gruesomely satisfying, fans of both Burton and Sondheim are equally liable to be pleased with this marvelous meeting of minds. If the film sags a little at times, its technical prowess and superlative cast ensure we don't dwell on this for too long." — Film4
Posted Jan 24, 2008
4/5 79% American Gangster (2007) " A film that deserves attention, if not your full respect." — Film4
Posted Nov 15, 2007
4/5 57% Interview (2007) " Snappy exchanges, smart acting and slick directing go to make up a wickedly entertaining work that's hugely enjoyable. A deft story about modern-day celebrity culture, it also proves what a talent Buscemi is as a director." — Film4
Posted Nov 2, 2007
4/5 43% The Brave One (2007) " Led by Jodie Foster, The Brave One is an adult Hollywood thriller a notch above most vigilante movies. Powerful and provocative, it will keep you thinking long after you've left the cinema." — Film4
Posted Sep 28, 2007
4/5 88% 3:10 to Yuma (2007) " Revolving around two very different but equally impressive performances from its leads, James Mangold's remake is everything you want from a western: stunning vistas, gripping shoot-outs and a morally complex core that is compelling to the end." — Film4
Posted Sep 14, 2007
4/5 83% Atonement (2007) " An early contender for the 2008 Oscars." — Film4
Posted Sep 7, 2007
4/5 70% Year of the Dog (2007) " As you would expect from a writer like Mike White, Year Of The Dog is a smartly scripted, darkly funny work. But from Molly Shannon's performance to White's own ability as a director of actors, there are plenty of pleasant surprises here." — Film4
Posted Aug 31, 2007
4/5 75% Lady Chatterley (2007) " Unhurried in its pacing, Ferran's film is gentle in its nature, allowing the narrative to unfold as gradually as the feelings between Constance Chatterley and her lover. An intimate expression of love and sexuality, it's a triumphant piece of work." — Film4
Posted Aug 24, 2007
4/5 89% Zodiac (2007) " Encouraging the audience to draw their own conclusions, this moody masterpiece is up there with David Fincher's best." — Film4
Posted Aug 8, 2007
4/5 66% The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) " Bonding convincingly (as you might expect) with his own son on screen, Smith delivers his most compelling performance since Ali." — Film4
Posted Jan 14, 2007
4/5 60% The Dreamers (2004) " Bertolucci's best film for a long time." — Film4
Posted Sep 9, 2003
4/5 100% Alice in den Städten (Alice in the Cities) (1974) " An important film for Wenders and New German Cinema, Alice In The Cities is compulsive viewing for any fan of the director. A freewheeling look at friendship, loneliness and life, the only thing black and white about it is the film stock." — Film4
Posted May 24, 2003
84% Aliens of the Deep (2005) " A fascinating science lesson for anyone interested in either deep-sea -- or outer space -- exploration." — Film4
Posted Dec 11, 2009
72% Syriana (2005) " A film that treats its audience as adults, this is an extremely rewarding work that handsomely pays off the concentration required to watch it." — Film4
Posted Mar 30, 2009
44% National Treasure (2004) " Turteltaub manages to stitch it all together well enough so that the ludicrous nature of the characters' quest doesn't hit you until the final credits roll." — Film4
Posted Jul 23, 2008
88% Metropolitan (1990) " As low-budget as the film looks, Stillman overcomes financial limitations by providing a learned script and eliciting polished performances." — Film4
Posted Jul 18, 2008
90% The Magdalene Sisters (2003) " A damning indictment of the Catholic Church that lingers in the mind long after if ends. Angry, compassionate but never hysterical, this a true cinematic achievement." — Film4
Posted Mar 11, 2008
92% Million Dollar Baby (2004) " After the somewhat hysterical Mystic River - a flawed work dominated by a powerhouse performance from Sean Penn - this is a far more balanced piece, anchored by three terrific turns and some lean direction from Eastwood." — Film4
Posted Feb 20, 2008
71% Cold Mountain (2003) " A stunning drama." — Film4
Posted Sep 16, 2003
75% Intolerable Cruelty (2003) " Slick romantic comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen." — Film4
Posted Aug 19, 2003
62% Comandante (2003) " Stone should be justifiably proud, for he has crafted a compulsive piece of cinema." — Film4
Posted May 24, 2003
3.5/5 95% Lost In Translation (2003) " Transcends its initial culture clash comic riffs to evolve into something altogether more moving by the end. As a result, it's a work of considerable power and pathos." — Film4
Posted Oct 5, 2008
3.5/5 70% Dodgeball - A True Underdog Story (2004) " Stiller gives one of his broadest and best performances to date, and the jokes ping around the screen as fast as the balls on the court." — Film4
Posted Aug 5, 2008
3/5 97% Moonrise Kingdom (2012) " Wes Anderson's seventh film feels like a Greatest Hits package. Which if you're a Wes fan will make you very happy." — The List
Posted May 17, 2012
3/5 —— A Fantastic Fear of Everything () " While the wheels start spinning in the film's overly drawn-out launderette sequence, they pretty much come off by the final act, when the pacing sags like an old mattress." — The List
Posted May 11, 2012
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