New Reviews

In Bruges

This is truly one of the funniest films I've ever seen, and even though the year is young, it is also the best of the bunch at this point. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson play two hitmen taking refuge in the Belgian city while they await word from their boss, fellow Harry Potter co-star Ralph Finnes. Gleeson has always been a warm character actor, and he shines very well in a sweet hearted role. Farrell, who has never really been the most gifted actor, has finally found the right role for him. It's just him being Irish, basically. However, since we can find him convincing in those everyday moments, when the role demands more drama, we can buy it (unlike Alexander). Writer-director Martin McDonagh has made a great film rich with uproarious jokes and fine characters. I do believe a story line involving a distraught dwarf, plus the continuing overuse of the now popular ambiguous ending, did hinder it a bit, but it is still the the best thing I've seen. ***1/2; GRADE: A-.


The Bank Job

I was entertained during this film from beginning to end. From the first sex crazed moments down in the Bahamas to the great conclusion in the halls of English streets, the film is filled with the type exhilarating and pent-up energy that one would find in heist films. Jason Statham (Transporter, The Italian Job) has built his career as the new Bruce Willis for action films, and while his trademark moves are restrained here, it's still damn good to watch him. The film will occasionally drag into it's usual heist film cliches (convenient coincidences, untrusting alliances), they are easy to overcome in a film that truly fulfills its purpose. ***1/2; GRADE: B+.

10,000 BC

Roland Emmerich used to be the master at this type of film. It's hard to imagine that the director of Independence Day and The Patriot has reminded us that he's also the director of Godzilla and The Day After Tomorrow. It's a wildly inept, historically inaccurate tale that was already told two years ago with Mel Gibson's bloody Apocalypto. In fact, one would almost wish that Gibson, or even Zack Snyder (director of 300) would have come on the set and tell Emmerich how you shoot an action picture these days. The cast is made up of mostly unknowns, but the best type of unknowns: the mildy talented but very attractive kind. Be that as it may, the "Blue-Eyed One" has a bit too much eye-liner on for the time. Plus, the insane inaccuracies (mammoths building the pyramids, tropics next door to an ice age) overpower the good looks from the cast and special effects. Mr. Emmerich, it's time to look at your peers and think to yourself: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. **; GRADE: C.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Every once in a while, all you want from a film is to fill you with a bubbly sense of attachment. All it gives you is the knowledge that once it's over, it doesn't have a strong barring on you but there is some twinkle in its eye that will stick with you for a while. You get that with this film, which, despite a rough beginning with terrible over actors, finishes off smoothly. Frances McDormand and Amy Adams shine in their respective roles as a poor governess to the flimsy American socialite. Once they tone down the playing for the stage act, both settle to an even tone. This is also helped by a tender performance from Ciaran Hinds, who is a love interest of Miss Pettigrew, and Lee Pace, who brings that level or reality to the film that is very much appreciated. All in all, a good time at the show. ***; GRADE: B.