Tell No One (2006)

9/10 [Highly Recommended!]

Tell No One is the story of the pediatrician Alexandre Beck who misses his beloved wife Margot Beck, who was brutally murdered. Eight years after the fact he suddenly becomes the prime suspect after two bodies are found.

This film is one of the most engaging, entertaining, beautifully acted, thrilling, mystifying and wonderfully written movie I have seen in some time. It has made it onto my Highly recommended/ Must see movie list.

The synopsis seems simple, but there's more to the story than what's on the surface.

The performance by François Cluzet is absolutely incredible. Every moment of his performance on screen captured my attention. The chemistry between Cluzet and Marie-Josée Croze is very real and well established.


Written, directed and acted (small role) by one of my favourite French filmmakers, Guillaume Canet once again does a fantastic job and has put Tell No One on to my list of favourite films!

The movie is based on the novel with the same name and the script has gone through many alterations from the novel. All these alterations has even won the liking of the author himself (Harlan Coben) who stated in an interview "that the movie's ending was better than his original ending".

I really enjoyed the drama and relationship that is created amongst the characters, succeeding in tying together all the characters in a stylish manner.

The script is strong, powerful, and intense while never being overly cliche and cheesy...a fault that often haunts Hollywood films.

Do yourself a big favour, and watch this film. The cinematography, music, acting and script are brilliantly beautiful! A MUST SEE!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED IT!

Timescape (1992)

5.5/10

Not spectacular, has some enjoyable moments

Timescape revolves around Widower Ben Wilson and daughter Hillary, before finishing renovations of their new inn, are visited by a woman seeking immediate lodging for her strange group of travellers who isn't who they say they are. (imdb)

This film had a lot of potential, but failed to drive it home. The emotions, time-travel and suspense all seem to have been left half-baked.

The film starts off very suspenseful and mysterious but this suspense changes towards the later half of the film. This film is softer and revolves less around the time travelling element than previous time-travelling films I've watched. From watching the trailer I pictured a more sinister outcome, but received a more spectator's perceptive...this felt somewhat disappointing.

Timescape is not a great nor is it a bad film. How much you would like the film depends on what you perceive time-travelling films to be. This film is very different from Back to the Future, 12:01 and Groundhog Day as there are less actual time travelling taking place and a more simple storyline. The film has heavier focus on moments revolving family.

Acting is believable and Jeff Daniels reminds me a lot of Bill Pullman in this film. There are very little special effects and some goofy costumes donned in the movie, but nothing stands out.

Mediocre. If you're looking for some lite entertainment with bits of heartfelt moments, give this a shot. But if you want action, time travel, humor, more knit storyline...check out FAQ of Time Travel, Back to the Future, Groundhog Day or 12:01.

12:01 (1993)

7.5/10

Groundhog Day with action/suspense

12:01 is a TV movie about Barry who witnesses the murder of Lisa and goes to a bar to get drunk. Later that night, there is a storm and Barry gets a shock from a lamp's faulty power wire at exactly 12:01 am. The next morning, he realizes that everything is happening exactly as it did the previous day. The next morning the day is repeated again.

Action, check. Twist, check. Time-travel, check. Romance, check. Comedy, check. Suspense, check.

12:01 moves quickly and is very exciting, following a similar concept as Groundhog Day. 12:01 does a good job of keeping an atmosphere of mystery and suspense while at the same time injecting elements of subtle humor when possible. I was very entertained throughout the film pondering what would occur next and smirking at some subtle of the humor. There are car chases, gun shots and twists knit into the film. I found myself at the edge of my seat for most of the film.

The cast consist of mainly of unknown faces, but they do a great job of driving the story and suspense. The cinematography and sound editing are not bad but are not fancy either.

12:01 is good and well knit TV movie that is very entertaining and definitely worth the watch! If you like Back to the Future and Groundhog Day...then this will definitely be a gem.

Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992)

7.5/10 [Recommended]

Hilarious, very underrated film that has an underlining message!
Memoirs of an Invisible Man is about after a freak accident, an invisible yuppie runs for his life from a treacherous CIA official while trying to cope with his new life.(imdb)

This film sums up those childhood dreams of wanting a superpower...especially the one of wanting to be invisible... it is not all it's cut out to be.

I don't understand why this film received such low ratings. Memoirs of an Invisible Man is a simple and light feel good movie that is made to be funny. It has witty dialogue and many hilarious scenes involving an invisible guy. I felt this movie succeeded in being exactly what it is suppose to be: funny, romantic and goofy with clever dialogue. If you are seeking a complicated storyline with lots of action, then pick a film in that genre.

Chevy Chase does a good job in creating the humorous elements as always.

This is a hilarious and very entertain movie that shouldn't be put off just because of the low ratings. The dialogue isn't cheesy, has the perfect amount of humor and gives you a look at what 'being invisible' actually is like.

Recommended for everyone!

The Thing (1982)

8/10 (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

Thrilling, repulsive and horrifying

The Thing is about scientists in the Antarctic are confronted by a shape-shifting alien that assumes the appearance of the people that it kills.

A great horror/sci-fi/thriller movie with fantastic special effects, especially for its time. The horror element in this film is not only created by the repulsively disturbing graphics of the alien life form but the distrust that is created amongst the people. A shape-shifting creature that can take over human form makes it impossible to discern who is human and who has been infected, generates the horror in The Thing.

The special effects of the alien is mind-blowing, gut wrenching and disturbing. The acting is perfect. And the over idea of the shape-shifting alien is absolutely brilliant. All of these elements together makes The Thing a must see horror film.

Highly recommended to horror fans! Not a film for the weak-stomach and the
squeamish. Warning: try not to watch while eating (trust me, I learn the hard way).

A prequel of The Thing 1982 is currently in production, release date for sometime this year. The prequel will have same title, The Thing 2011, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead. I for one am excited about the prequel because I am a huge fan of Mary Elizabeth Wintead and how the creature was found.

They Live (1988)

7/10

very intriguing and underrated film

They Live is about a drifter who discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth.(imdb)

If the synopsis hasn't grabbed your attention, I don't know what will.

I randomly found this on TV some time ago while channel surfing and saw a bit of it again today. I am very captivated by the cleverness of the story and the underlining messages that this movie carries. Despite some of the goofy graphics, John Carpenter's They Live is a very entertaining, clever and a worth-while movie to watch.

They Live puts focus on the idea of subliminal messages, advertisement and consumerism that is a part of our every day life. Carpenter may have put a bit of a twist on these ideas, but he highlights them perfectly and with humor.

Extremely underrated film! I won't say anymore, rather will leave it up to you to venture through.

and Soon the Darkness (2010)

4.5/10

Suspenseful but forgettable.

And Soon the Darkness revolves around two American girls on a bike trip in a remote part of Argentina split up and one of them goes missing, the other must find her before her worst fears are realized. (imdb)

The beginning of the film was suspenseful and very intriguing that it caught my attention. However, as the movie progressed, it became predictable and the plot slowly fell flat.

This film is labeled 'horror', which I take as sarcasm. Don't get me wrong, And Soon the Darkness is thrilling but if you are hoping for a scare than this is definitely not the movie. It uses the classic intense music accompanied by view of something hiding in the bushes attempting to create the horror element. It was creepy but not so much jumpy scary.

Amber Heard was believable in All The Boys Love Mandy Lane and again does a good job here. She gave a convincing performance in the lead role as the scared but determined best friend. I'm eager to see her future roles :)

The cinematography and landscapes are worth noticing in the film. The beautiful saturated landscapes are used very well in contrast to the desaturated grayish tone of the run-down deserted town in the latter half of the film. The camera angles are also worth noting.

If you are looking for an entertaining mindless Friday night thriller/suspense movie but don't mind the flat storyline...then this film will not disappoint.

Falling Down (1993)

6/10

A film that will make you think


Falling Down is about an unemployed defense worker frustrated with the various flaws he sees in society, begins to psychotically and violently lash out against them.

This film that highlights and exaggerates in a very frank matter the issues in society that people tend to just sweep under the rug and ignore. Falling Down unravels these issues and lay them out in such a way that they cannot be ignored. Michael Douglas plays William Foster, who voices the concern of all consumers but does so violently.

Falling Down is a film that requires some thought as there are many issues and ideas that are hidden behind what is said and shown. It is definitely not a feel good movie but one that takes those thoughts and feelings you would have had as a consumer and puts it on a loud speaker.

Why do we let fast-food joints dictate when our breakfast/lunch should be ate at? Why do we allow corner stores to overcharge us?

A good film that wraps up in a nutshell the angry, hypocritical and violent time that we all fall victim to.

The Fighter (2010)

8/10
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

"You never know what will happen right? Never give up" A fantastic film with superb acting, touching story and great writing.

The Fighter is a look at the early years of boxer "Irish" Micky Ward and his brother who helped train him before going pro in the mid 1980s.(imdb)

The Fighter is absolutely beautiful film based on a true story. The film has the idea of3 the ugly duckling transforming into the beautiful swan, however the way the film is presented makes it a absolute treasure. The performance by the talented is breath-taking and so convincing. The writing and editing emphasizes the beauty of this film.

The Fighter takes on an 80s look in the cinematography with a grayish desaturated overtone. The editing of the short-film within the movie creates a very unique atmosphere, as the characters within the film act also as audience. Also, the film is able to capture the live/replay aspect of watching sports on television. So we see the movie as audience members as well as through the eyes of the characters on screen. A well executed editing technique.

Christian Bale and Amy Adams received nominations for their performance in The Fighter and they both have my vote for the win. Christian Bale gave an amazing and awing performance as Dicky, the crack-head brother of Mickey (Mark Wahlberg). Bale captures Dicky Eklund's personality so well that no matter how hard I tried, I could not picture him as Batman/Bruce Wayne. Amy Adam is also spot-on with her performance as Mickey's girlfriend who has to juggle the responsibility of dealing with Mickey's complicated family as well as staying supportive of Mickey.

Highly Recommend The Fighter. An encouraging story, great editing and fabulous acting makes this film a MUST SEE!!

Manchurian Candidate (2004)

5.5/10

Neat idea but not spectacular

The Manchurian Candidate is a film based on the 1959 novel of the same name by Richard Condon, and a reimagining of the previous 1962 film. It is about , soldiers are kidnapped and brainwashed for sinister purposes in the midst of the Gulf War.

The film really questions reality, dream and how we actually know something. Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep are convincing in their roles, doing a good job in keeping their characters intact. The film stars numerous talented actors Jon Voight, Vera Farmiga, Dean Stockwell and Ted Levine. However, their presence in the film is no more than just a background role, the film fails to use them to its advantage.

The first quarter of the film is not bad, as it succeeded in keeping me intrigued. However, as the film moves forward the storyline and use of dreamlike scenes goes downhill. I felt no connection towards any of the characters or the storyline. This disconnect allowed me to be easily distracted and not focus on the movie. The Manchurian Candidate was adequate but struggled to keep my attention.

Not a good film nor a bad film. It has some redeeming elements, just not enough. The Manchurian Candidate lands in my books as a movie that I will soon forget.

Let the Right One In (2008)

8/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

A classic; perfect mix of horror, romance and stays true to vampires

Let the Right One In is about Oscar, an overlooked and bullied boy, finds love and revenge through Eli, a beautiful but peculiar girl who turns out to be a vampire. (imdb)

Let the Right One In is a fantastic horror film with vampires. During the current vampire fad, every time a vampire movie is mentioned, it is automatically compared to Twilight. Let the Right One is a classic and SHOULD NOT BE COMPARED to Twilight. Let the Right One embraces the horror of vampires, tight focus on forbidden love and stays true to the myth of vampires.

Let the Right One does not rely on the use computer generated effects to create the horror elements. The film is able to capture the atmosphere of fear and horror despite the low budget. Using sound effects, sights of gore and the audience's imagination, Let the Right One succeeds in becoming one of the best vampire horror/romance I have seen in a long time.

The entire movie is desaturated and has a gray overtone, however it is noticeable that the colour red is deeply saturated and brighten to stand out in the gray overtone. This slight colour re-touch has made the gory scenes very frightening. However, the film is not over done with gore scenes, but rather uses the element of silence and sounds to create the fear.

One of the best elements in Let the Right One is the fact that the film steers away from the typical "Hollywood film appeal". It avoids too much CGI, and over use of unnecessary action scenes. The film portrays vampires not to be the perfect, fit and attractive creatures that is of the current belief. The film stays true to vampire myths such as: burns in sunlight and needs to be invited in.

I highly recommend to those who enjoys Underworld and Interview with a Vampire. Let the Right One mixes subtle gore with an in-depth storyline resulting in a sensational and mature film about a vampire and a human.

Falling Skies (2011) TV series

Anticipated New 2011 TV Show

Falling Skies is an upcoming alien invasion science fiction television series created by Robert Rodat and Steven Spielberg for TNT, coming this June! Starring Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood and Will Patton

Goodbye Lenin (2003)

6.5/10

a bittersweet film that re-lives history

Plot: In 1990, to protect his fragile mother from a fatal shock after a long coma; a young man must keep her from learning that her beloved nation of East Germany as she knew it has disappeared. (imdb)

Goodbye Lenin! is a bittersweet and clever German film that re-captures and transform history. The film tells of the history between EAst and West Germany but keeping the politics in the background. The film creates many amusing situations to re-tell the history that occurred.

Alex, while trying to protect his mother from the fatal shock mixes old news footage with his own recordings to create a new realm of history. The clever take on reverse capitalism makes this film fairly interesting.

Overall an interesting film that requires some knowledge of the history between East and West Germany.

8 Femmes (2002)

8/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED]

Brilliantly crafted musical/comedy/mystery/drama

8 Femmes (8 Women) is a French film about one murdered man, eight women, each seeming to be more eager than the others to know the truth. Gimme, gimme, gimme some clues to make up my mind. And eventually enter the truth. (imdb)

8 Femmes is done brilliantly done with music scores, mystery many hilarious moments. Each character is well development and has multiple secrets that further enhances the mystery of the movie. The cast is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

The film contains eight songs, which are performed wonderfully by the cast. The songs are used to express each character's emotions that cannot be described by words.

8 Femmes balances the songs, mysterious atmosphere, humor and the relationship between each woman perfectly. The film also has beautiful cinematography and the colour throughout the entire film is brightly saturated creating a warm environment in contrast to the cold snowy weather in the film. The film focuses heavily on acting and dialogue. It isn't a fast paced film but one for you to enjoy the facial expressions, acting, storyline and conversations. This film has many twists throughout and surprising moments.

The only flaw of 8 Femmes is that I narrowed the ending to two possibilities early in the film. The predictability of the ending may be the result of my large intake of films, thus saw it coming. However, despite this fact I still enjoyed the film to a great extent.

I recommend this film to those who love foreign films with elements of mystery/musical/comedy. Great film LOVED IT and will watch it again! :D

Das Experiment (2001)

7.5/10 [HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!]

A fantastic, gripping and disturbing psychological thriller that shows you the danger that hides behind the dark side of human nature

[warning: this film has violence, nudity and some disturbing situations...]

Das Experiment (The Experiment) is a German film that is based on the infamous "Stanford Prison Experiment" conducted in 1971 and the novel "Black Box". A makeshift prison is set up in a research lab, complete with cells, bars and surveillance cameras. For two weeks 20 male participants are hired to play prisoners and guards. The film is more exaggerated than the actual experiment that took place. (imdb)

Das Experiment captures the brutality, violence and humiliation that occurs when you put people in an evil place. The film is intense and very violent, demonstrating how ordinary people when put into certain situations can change.

The movie starts off with Tarek Fahd (Moritz Bleibtreu) who joins a paid experiment where participants get paid at the end for a 14 day prison experiment. However, as people are assigned their roles and begin the trial the terror and chaos begins. Fahd is assigned to be a "prisoners" and he began by taking the experiment as a game and teased the guards. However, when the guards found ways to restore their authority over the prison rebellion and fear followed.

Das Experiment puts human nature and emotions under the microscope by toying with the themes of trust, conscience, alliance, retaliation, power and the divide between right & wrong. When the roles given to the participants are taken too far, the makeshift prison became real. This film also questions what happens when someone has too much power and their response as a result. It will make you question how you would respond if you were put into the same situation.


The acting is superb! Moritz Bleibtreu is superb in the lead role, taking us along the journey of the 14 days experiment. Every situation is played out perfectly and realistically. I felt myself trying (but at times failing) to understand the mindset of each and every character.

A shocking but amazing thriller! Highly recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers but can withstand the disturbing nature of the film.

Sleuth (2007)

5/10

Strong cast but mediocre remake
Sleuth is about an aging writer on his sprawling country estate, matches wits with the struggling actor who has stolen his wife's heart.

Sleuth is a remake of the 1972 movie Sleuth, which was adopted from the play Sleuth by Anthony Shaffer.

The original play, cast and cinematography of this 2007 film captured my attention but the remake just did not succeed as its predecessor.

I read the synopsis of the play that the 1972 Sleuth was based on and realized that the 2007 version left a lot of the vital story out. The 1972 Sleuth had a much more complicated and detailed cat and mouse game between Tindle and Wyke, where they each try to out do the other again and again. It focused on the 'game' element.

On the other hand, the 2007 version to some extent attempted to do the same, but seemed to have given up half way through. However, the 2007 remake left much of the storyline and the 'games' out. The newer version does have some neat cinematography and two incredible actors, but the lack of the original storyline made the film a flop. I would have prefered the newest version of Sleuth to stick closer to the original plot instead of leaving so much out. ---The play won the Tony Award for Best Play for a reason.

The interesting bit that I found was that Michael Caine, who played Wyke in the 2007 remake was Tiddle in the 1972 version. So if you watch both Sleuth back to back you can see the transition in Caine's performance as Wyke and Tiddle.

Hot Fuzz (2007)

9/10
(HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

Action packed, just the right amount of gore, suspenseful, thrilling and humorous!

Hot Fuzz plot: jealous colleagues conspire to get a top London cop transferred to a small town and paired with a witless new partner. On the beat, the pair stumble upon a series of suspicious accidents and events. (imdb)

I have seen this movie multiple times and loved it with each and every viewing. Hot Fuzz incorporates the brilliant British humor, great performance of Simon Pegg and parodies American action films (Point Break and Bad Boys) perfectly.

Edger Writer and Simon Pegg are the perfect duo in creating Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz (though I love Hot Fuzz way more!). Edger Wright with Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim vs the World has succeeded in getting my attention. I look forward to whatever else he has in store.

Hot Fuzz has succeeded in balancing out elements of many genres perfectly and has wrapped all of them perfectly around an intriguing storyline about a mystery in a small town. Hot Fuzz does not out do itself in any genres...almost like the little bear from the Three Bears....it was just right.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those who love a bit of gore/action/suspense/British humor that is tightly knit around an great storyline and supported by fantastic acting.

Cleaner (2007)

3.5/10

Ok cinematography, good acting but a slow and thin storyline.
Easily forgettable

Cleaner is about a former cop who now earns a wage as a crime scene cleaner unknowingly participates in a cover-up at his latest job. (imdb)

The cinematography is fantastic in this film along with the performance from Samuel L Jackson and Ed Harris, however neither could save the thin plot line.

Cleaner is riddled with cliches and some over dramatic scenes. The ending, though not entirely predictable, was not at all exciting or awing. The story lacked in substance, all the build up to the ending scene seem futile.

The film is worth watching for some of the fantastic cinematography scenes. There was one shot where Samuel L Jackson was sitting on the bed, and we are shown a low shot through the slightly ajar door. This shot was visually appealing. Shots like this as well as the cast saved this film from being a complete flop.

The Cleaner is entertaining, though don't expect anything great. There's a bit of twist in the movie, but nothing mindblowing. If you want an acting, some cinematograhy elements but don't mind the slow pace and a weak storyline...then watch this. Otherwise, don't bother

Blindness (2008)

/10


[warning: this film has strong violence, nudity and disturbing situations]

Intense, gripping and hard to watch at times.

Blindness is an adaptation based on the Nobel Prize for Literature winner by the same name. It is about a city is ravaged by an epidemic of instant "white blindness". Those first afflicted are quarantined by the authorities in an abandoned mental hospital where the newly created "society of the blind" quickly breaks down. (imdb)

Thriller, Drama and Mystery

Blindness puts human nature under the microscope and focuses on the extent to which it can become when left unattended. I saw this movie 2 years ago and the dreadful events that took place still haunts me. Blindness lays out in extreme the weakness, barbaric actions and greed of people when put into desperate situations.

This is not a feel good movie or a movie to watch for some entertainment. Blindness is a movie that you reflect on and to think about. Can make you feel uncomfortable, but does so to make you realize something.

The acting is great and to the point.

Not for everyone, calls for a tough audience. If you have a strong mind and the guts for it, this movie is definitely worth checking out because the content (and the original book) is gripping and deep.

Pandorum (2009)

6/10

Memorizing, scary but flawed

Pandorum revolves around a pair of crew members aboard a spaceship wake up with no knowledge of their mission or their identities. (imdb)

Pandorum revolves around deep-space travel and the madness that entails the long term isolation in space. This madness is expressed in a few ways in this sci-fi/thriller/horror.

Ben Foster has always been one of my favourite B-listers and he gives a spectacular performance in this film as a troubled crew member.

The film succeeds in creating an eerie atmosphere and creating many chilling/scary scenes that I like to forget. Pandorum also has a few plot twists towards the end that is quite captivating.

Not for everyone....Pandorum is for those who like a scary sci-fi film with creatures and madness that revolves around outer-space travel and isolation.