I've Seen It

Great British flim of greed, jealousy and dark secrets against the idyllic backdrop of rural countryside life. Tension is built up slowly through the first half at such a pace that you really feel a sense of loss as things turn out not so rosy. The three female leads are very good with a decent script to back them up. Main guy looks like a slighty out of shape Gerard Butler, his performance is spot on in this film. An enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

Probably the flakiest excuse for a storyline I have ever come across. Plot holes galore but it was executed with enthusiasm. Some humorous moments but for me the gaps in the story interrupted enjoying the film. It was kinda all over the place but I suppose kidnapping, incest and rape and torture is a tall order.

This film and director completely passed me by when released in 2006. I’ve seen it now and it’s certainly up there with the best of British displaying all of the power and vitality I expect from productions in this country. The story is of a guy at UNI working the night shift at the local supermarket to stave off insomnia and the breakup of a relationship. It is a great nostalgic piece for those 30 somethings and certainly worth a watch for those who missed it first time round.

Following on from the excellent showing of The Guard by lovefilm and Prince Charles Cinema there was a Q&A with the film’s writer/director John Michael McDonagh. He gave a very candid interview where he takes of the industry, sibling rivalry and future plans. Here are some audio files taken of the session:

Entertaining little film joining up several genres but buddy flick front and centre with a perfect odd couple pairing of Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle. On track to becoming one of the biggest hits to out of Ireland this brings in influences from Father Ted with small town rural humor. Some witty interchanges between several characters. The script is strong and the humor will shock. Tagline is that this is Father Ted meets the Bad Lieutenant and it doesn’t disappoint. Go on give it a watch, oh go on, go on, go on, go on, go on, go on….

With the UK premiere of Scandinavian horror Let the Right One In, so film4′s frightfest season begins. I will be attending some of the actual festival – please add any recommendations for the Friday, Sunday, Monday in the comments. I will add my thoughts and reviews to this site from the films I do take in. Hoping for a good mix of psychological and straight up slasher flick!

Scandanavian entry into the Vampire genre is an intriguing story. The central character stands out strikingly with his pale complexion and blonde hair. He plays a troubled loner at school who begins an innocent friendship with disastrous consequences for those around him. It is quite poignant in a macabre way watching the dependency in friendship grow between the central characters. The remoteness and cold of the environment upon which the story is set really adds to the feeling of unease the viewer has throughout the story. This is a haunting tale certainly worth watching.

It stars Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. A sordid tale of sex, fights and ham. A Sapnish film brimming with passion, there’s nothing else that needs saying. Absolute winner!