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5/5
|
Che: Part Two
(2008)
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Nikki Baughan
|
[Soderbergh's] direction is flawless; choppy editing, a muddy pallet and a camera that gets up close and personal with every facet of the fight, however small, effectively making the viewer part of the revolution.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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5/5
|
Che: Part One
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Del Toro in the lead role... is an absolutely masterful performance, a tour de force portrayal that gets under the skin of Che without resorting the caricature.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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4/5
|
Fuck (F*ck)
(2005)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[A]n interesting piece of film-making.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
The Wrestler
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
But this is, of course, [Mickey] Rourke's moment. As the increasingly desperate and bewildered Ram he is aggressive and vulnerable, frightening and sympathetic as he struggles to find a place in a world that's leaving him behind.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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5/5
|
Gran Torino
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
As a film, Gran Torino is powerful, moving and entertaining; as a tribute to a living legend, it's deeply, indelibly affecting.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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3/5
|
The Tattooist
(2007)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
The Tattooist is an interesting, neat little thriller that effectively combines ancient customs with modern film-making techniques.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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3/5
|
The Unborn
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
But the film's fundamental flaw is that these solid spooky moments hang on a narrative that's not nearly strong enough to bear their weight.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
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5/5
|
Linha de Passe
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Energetic yet thoughtful, intelligent and provocative, [Walter] Salles and his co-director Daniela Thomas provide another mesmerising snapshot of Brazil as the beating heart of modern South America.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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5/5
|
Watchmen
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
The essence of what made [Alan] Moore's tale a work of genius is up on the screen for all to see, and it looks phenomenal.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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3/5
|
Repo! The Genetic Opera
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Essentially, it's a brave, bold and brash piece of film-making that deserves to find a cult home on DVD.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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5/5
|
Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation!
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
It's a triumph of documentary making, and a truly entertaining movie in its own right.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
W.
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Ultimately this portrayal of Bush as a bumbling buffoon is lacking any real satirical teeth, particularly as it's all played out like a straightforward biopic.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
|
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3/5
|
Paul Blart: Mall Cop
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
But it's not meant to be deep - it's intended as an easy-going laugh-fest and on that front it succeeds thanks exclusively to Kevin James's energetic performance.
Posted Nov 04, 2019
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4/5
|
Bottle Shock
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[A] film that acknowledges the passion, dedication and commitment of those owner/growers who keep our wine cellars, cupboards and fridges stocked and, to that end, it's worth a tipple.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
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4/5
|
Quantum of Solace
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Bond is being further shaped into the character we've always known, and will most definitely be back to fight another day.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Changeling
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Changeling simmers with emotion, tension and that sense of wide-eyed incredulity that comes with such an unbelievable true story.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Kevin Smith's most accessible film, Zack and Miri Makes a Porno is arguably his most toothless, being as it is a rather sweet romantic comedy despite the porn element. But that's not to say it's no fun.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
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4/5
|
Afghan Star
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
It's absolutely fascinating to see such a familiar talent show format - complete with sharp-tongued judges and starry-eyed wannabees - in such a vastly different setting.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Cherry Blossoms
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Indeed, the film may be a thoughtful meditation on the fragility of life, but it's also a celebration on the powerful, enduring strength of love.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Hansel & Gretel
(2007)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
An original take on an age-old story, Hansel & Gretel is a small but powerful addition to the Eastern horror genre.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Gonzo is an intimate portrait of a character who was truly larger than life.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
2/5
|
Max Payne
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[I]t's all looks and no brain.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Inkheart
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
It may not be the most breathlessly exciting film out there, but for the young audience for which it's intended, Inkheart is an intelligent, charming and well-rounded old-school adventure.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Toothy, energetic and wild, X-Men Origins: Wolverine may not live up to high fan expectations, but it's entertaining enough to tempt new viewers to the franchise.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Bedtime Stories
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Bedtime Stories is undoubtedly one for the kids but, with its bright and breezy tone and old-fashioned, inoffensive charm, it may well win over a few of their parents too.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Transporter 3
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
The car chases are exciting, the fight scenes hugely entertaining... and [Jason] Statham even handles Frank's emotional side with a sharp-edged style.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Star Trek
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Star Trek is that very rare beast; an eye-popping summer blockbuster with genuine heart and soul.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
2/5
|
Helen
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Earnest in intent but shaky in delivery, Helen is a film whose execution just can't live up to the strong ideas behind it.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Coraline
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[A] sumptuous, stunning film that will charm audiences young and old.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Delta
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Delta remains a gentle, moving and haunting portrait of human nature.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
2/5
|
Angels & Demons
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[U]nsurprisingly, [Angels & Demons] treads much the same path as its predecessor; it's very long, very melodramatic and very middle-of-the-road.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Synecdoche, New York
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[W]ith Synecdoche, New York Charlie Kaufman has most certainly turned in one of the most beautifully realised, exquisitely made films of the year. Simply put, it's astonishing.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Clever, charming and with enough fire-power to hold the attention and raise a chuckle, Night at the Museum 2 hasn't strayed far from the winning formula of simple story and complex CGI set down by the first film.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
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3/5
|
Bride Wars
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[B]ut luckily the actresses are charming enough to keep it on the right side of funny.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Mulberry Street
(2006)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[An] intelligent, understated and surprising film that crosses outlandish creature feature traditions with post 9/11 paranoia to hugely entertaining effect.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Energetic, dark and satisfying, it does exactly what it says on the tin.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Frost/Nixon
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
As these two men slowly but surely change the face of both television and politics, so Frost/Nixon develops into a beautifully crafted, expertly handled drama of the highest order.
Posted Oct 31, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Awaydays
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[T]his is the tale of Carty and Elvis and, when the focus is on them, the film shines despite the grim feel that permeates every scene.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Tormented
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[T]he energetic performances from the young actors keep the film moving on regardless, and the climax is both bloody and satisfying.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Seven Pounds
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Seven Pounds becomes a mesmerising, powerful piece of film-making that, although not completely perfect... has the courage of its convictions to the end.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Drag Me to Hell
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Drag Me To Hell is pure horror heaven.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Blind Loves
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Although there are moments that do seem scripted - and, indeed, there was most likely a central narrative structure to keep the film on point - [Juraj] Lehotsky's work is at its very heart honest, intimate and revealing.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Terminator Salvation
(2009)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[A]n explosive, exhilarating, entertaining summer blockbuster.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
2/5
|
The Spirit
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
The Spirit is the very definition of style over substance.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
The Reader
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
As such, its strength lies almost solely in [Kate] Winslet's performance; it is an astonishing and compelling portrayal of a complex woman.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Fireflies in the Garden
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
The strength of Fireflies in the Garden undoubtedly lies in its casting, although [Dennis] Lee directs his starry cast with confidence and flair and this should lead on to bigger and better things for the young film-maker.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
5/5
|
Slumdog Millionaire
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
[T]he perfect mix of comedy and drama, love story and thriller to make it enjoyable, thought-provoking and endlessly watchable.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Anything for Her
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Anything For Her is an intelligent, involving and surprising tale of an ordinary man pushed way beyond his limits.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
3/5
|
Valkyrie
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
If you can leave you incredulity at the door, however, Valkyrie isn't all bad. The large ensemble cast are excellent, even if they are speaking in a variety of accents.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
|
4/5
|
Milk
(2008)
|
Nikki Baughan
|
Milk is very much an accessible journey driven by a remarkably charismatic performance from Sean Penn.
Posted Oct 30, 2019
|
